Author's Note:

Hope you like the revision. Thank you! Don't forget to review okay? Thanks.

Disclaimers

I dont own POT. sad...

Seigaku Series: 15 Ways to Ask your Ideal Seigaku Regulars Out

Story 3: Card Games

The Seigaku team spends the holidays in Tezuka's rest house up in the mountains. Can a simple Card Games bring lonely hearts together? or will the holiday's be a sad memory.

15 Ways to Ask your Ideal Seigaku Regulars Out?

Card Games

The entire Seigaku Tennis team decided to spend their winter vacation away from tennis and away from the city. They end up staying in Tezuka's family rest house in the mountains of Okinawa. The weather no better, snow is falling hard outside while the rest of the household is in silence.

As the entire team sleep in their respected quarters there are some people that cannot seem to sleep no matter how they try. Tezuka gave up trying and got up, he's about to go get something to drink when a figure in the fireplace stopped him. "Reika?" he asked.

The said figure stiffens looking at him. "Gomen… did I wake you up?" she asked. "No, don't worry." He said.

Tezuka sat beside her near the fireplace. "It's late, why are you still awake?" he inquired.

Knowing Reika, she's such a sleepyhead as soon as her head hit a soft comfortable pillow she drifts to wonderland faster than the speed of light. Instead of answering him instantly, she hugged knees tighter. "Nothing" she said after a while.

"I know you Reika, something is bothering you," he said. Reika let out a long sigh. She remained silent for a while then look at something from my behind, Tezuka followed her gaze and it settle with the sleeping tensai. "Sou ka" Tezuka said.

"Kuni-chan, wishes are just wishes they don't come true ne?" she said.

This is the first time Tezuka ever saw Reika this down and he didn't like it one bit. "There are wishes that come true when you work hard for it," Tezuka said.

Reika looked at him she smiled. "Just what Yuuki-niisan could have said if he's here…" she said.

"You miss Yuuki?" Tezuka asked.

"I always miss him… since he and mom died a part of me died with them… I'll never be complete again." Reika said.

"You will… just don't let the past drag you down, move forward, and face the world without regrets." Tezuka assured her.

"Ne, Kuni-chan… have you ever want something you know you'll never have?" Reika asked after a while. He looked at her; she's looking at the fireplace he can see the fire dance in her eyes.

Somehow, he can see sadness and longing in her eyes. Longing not for her brother and mother but, for the sleeping tensai on the other side of the room. Then Tezuka remembered the reason why he can't fall asleep. "Yeah" he answered.

Reika smiled sadly "Raila right?" she said still looking at the fireplace. He closed his eyes to avoid answering her question.

"Reika?" said a sleepy voice. Both Reika and Tezuka froze his eyes snapped open.

Raila walk up to them and flop herself beside Tezuka.

"What are you two talking about?" she asked.

"Nothing out of the ordinary" Tezuka said.

Reika remained silent. Raila had gotten asleep again this time she's leaning against Tezuka. Tezuka let out a sigh. Reika smiled at Tezuka.

"How lucky…" she teased.

"Shut up" he hissed.

"Reika, do you remember the vow the three of us made… including Yuuki" Tezuka asked.

"Yeah" she answered.

"Let's just forget about it." Tezuka said.

"Kuni-chan…" Reika looked at Tezuka with bewildered expression.

"For the first time in my life, I am scared. Scared to be rejected by the one I love" Tezuka said taking a glance at Raila.

"You know what… you are such a BAKA… You'll never know until you have tried it Kunimitsu" Reika said.

"She's out of my league and I know that" Tezuka said.

"Ahou… Heaven and Earth once met… why a man in love can't do so…" she said.

"Hn" he replied. "Cowardice" she said.

"That's what makes men weak. Fear." She said sadness radiating from her.

Tezuka chuckled. "I never heard you speak that way before, brat… nor did we have this kind of conversation before." He said with a weak smile.

"Ahou" she muttered and stared at the fire. Silence reigns.

"You are right Reika… I was a coward. That if I tell her how I feel she'll just laugh her head off." Tezuka admitted.

"Like I said you'll never know till you have tried it. You might not believe what surprise awaits you." She said knowingly.

"Huh?" Tezuka asked confused. "What the hell are you talking about?" he asked.

"Nothing" Reika answered.

"Baka" he muttered.

"Tezuka, believe me. Ask her out and you might have a chance." Reika said with confidence.

"We'll see." Tezuka replied. "How about you? How long are planning to wait for that oblivious tensai?" He asked.

"And you call him tensai…" Reika answered with a smile. Tezuka remain quiet. "Who knows… maybe, I should give up on him and find a life." she said indifferently.

Tezuka laughed a little. "You should have done that long time ago, before you had fallen for him." He said as-a-matter-of-factly.

"Sou ka" she said with a sigh.

A rustle from behind made Tezuka and Reika look behind them, they find a conscious tensai getting out of his bed. "Oh, minna you're still awake?" he asked wearing his usual smile but this time sleepiness shows as he gaze at them.

Tezuka nodded and Reika just brought her gaze back to the fire as she hides her evident blush.

'How cute' Fuji thought. He approached the trio. "It's very late…" he said.

Tezuka just nodded while shifting Raila in a more comfortable position.

"How about you?" Tezuka asked.

"Me? Oh well, I was trying to sleep but I can't seem to succeed." He said smiling sheepishly.

"I can hear you two talking but I can't seem to catch what you guys are talking about." Fuji said looking at Tezuka and Reika, who visibly stiffen.

"We're just talking about nonsense." Tezuka said.

"That's right" Reika said lowering her eyes even more.

"Oh" Fuji muttered. 'Who are you fooling Reika… I heard everything loud and extremely clear' Fuji thought.

Fuji placed himself on the floor almost beside Reika.

He glanced at Tezuka and Raila sitting on the sofa. "Tezuka, have I ever told you before that you and Raila make a good pair?" Fuji said.

"You haven't" Tezuka said.

"Now I am telling you" he said with his usual smile.

"Hn" Tezuka replied.

"How about you Fuji… have I ever told you what kind of idiot you are?" Tezuka said both Reika and Fuji have shock looks on their faces.

"What?" Tezuka asked.

Fuji recovered smiling "You didn't need to tell me I know."

"Good" Tezuka said.

Reika remained silent but the tension in her body didn't seem to fade away. 'Kuso, Kuni-chan no baka… he might be as clueless as he is but saying that directly at him, Mou! You're not thinking at all.' Reika thought.

'That should give the bastard a clue on why Reika is acting strange around him.' Tezuka thought. He knew Fuji, he exactly knows how Reika feels towards him, but he refuses to acknowledge for whatever reasons. 'Why am I even thinking about their problem…? I have a problem on my own…' he added and glanced at the sleeping Raila.

"Since none of us seems to be getting any sleep tonight, shall we play a game?" Fuji asked easing the rising tension in the air.

"What game?" Tezuka asked.

"This game" Fuji took out a box of playing cards.

"Hn" Tezuka's reply.

"Want to join Reika?" Fuji asked looking at the girl beside him, who seems to be in a different dimension. "Huh?! Ah… Sure" she answered.

Fuji began shuffling the cards. Reika move to stand up.

"I'll just get us something to drink." She said and left the room the four of them shared.

"Fuji…" Tezuka said.

"Hmmm?" Asked the smiling Fuji.

"I thought me aught to let you know, I am watching you" he said.

"I know" Fuji answered.

"Hn".

Reika came back with four mugs of hot chocolate. "So much for caffeine, let's try something sweet." She smiled. "I also prepare one for Raila in case she wakes up." she continued putting the tray of hot chocolate on the floor, as she handed Tezuka his mug.

"Domo" Tezuka replied.

"Here's yours Fuji-sempai" Reika said and handed a mug to Fuji, before accepting the mug Fuji smiled at Reika making the girl blush crimson.

'She'll never get over that blush' Tezuka thought.

Before the game started the three of them agreed on game rules and punishments. The game consists of three rounds. First round losers would ran 50 laps around the house (Tezuka's idea); second round losers would spend a good amount of time inside the closet (Fuji's idea); third round losers buys the winner a band new pair of rubber shoes (Reika's idea).

They are about to start the game when Raila stirred and opened her eyes.

"What are you guys doing?" she asked still in her sleepy state.

"Card Games" Fuji said.

"Oh… can I join?" she asked

"Of course" they agreed.

Fuji reshuffled the cards and Raila added one more penalty for the looser, fourth round losers would treat the winner as they add another round.

The game began. Tezuka relaxed himself on the floor beside him is Raila whose eyebrows are twitching violently. On the other hand, Reika continuously shifting from one position to another her expression is complete annoyance while Fuji sat straight smiling.

"Next"

"Next"

"Next"

"Pass"

"Next"

"Pass"

"Next"

"Pass" so on…

"Show your cards" Fuji said laying his cards a full house.

Reika and Raila groaned. Then Tezuka lay his card Royal Flash.

"Mou! 50 laps around the house! Kuni-chan, you are a sadist." Reika complained.

"Next game" Tezuka's only reply. This time Tezuka is the one who shuffled the cards. The Second Game begins.

A good 30 minutes had gone; Reika is cursing so much, Raila glaring daggers at the cards, Tezuka still impassive while Fuji is still wearing his permanent smile.

"Lay the cards" Tezuka said. Everyone except Fuji laid his or her cards Reika cursed loudly.

"Kuso! Not the CLOSET!!" Reika glared at Fuji who just smiled at her, she pouted cutely and looks away

"Fuji you haven't laid your cards…" Tezuka said.

"Sou ka" he said laying his cards.

"Huh? You lost?!" Raila asked bewildered.

"It seems so…" he said still smiling.

For some odd reason Raila and Tezuka's cards are dangerously the same for that grounds both Fuji and Reika lost and will spend a generous amount of time INSIDE the closet TOGETHER. Fuji's ever-present smile obviously widens.

Tezuka can't help but raise an eyebrow at the smiling tensai while glancing at the furiously blushing brat beside him. 'This two is impossible' he thought miserably.

The third round began. Reika muttered a 'must win… must get new pair of shoes' chant. Tezuka stared at her as if she'd gone mad while Raila shuffled the cards and Fuji watching with a smile on his handsome lips, his ever-close eyes seems to be enjoying the game.

As the third game began, their concentrations visibly intensify. The game lasted for an hour.

Reika and Tezuka won, Reika roared with laughter. "Ayt! I won!" she said happily.

"About time brat…" Tezuka said.

"Shut up!" Reika hissed. Raila shook her head.

"Then both of you will get a new pair of rubber shoes." She said.

"Of course." Tezuka said.

"Then whose gonna buy for which?" Raila asked.

"I'll be the one to buy Reika's, that's alright with you, right?" Fuji volunteered. Reika blushed and nodded.

Having no choice left Raila agreed. Tezuka chuckled, "You should be thanking Fuji, because he saved your ass… believe me Reika is a shopping freak"

Reika threw a pillow at Tezuka "I'm not!" she defended.

"And that serves a warning for you" regarding Fuji.

"No problem" Fuji said with his smile.

On the forth game miraculously Reika and Raila won, earning them a treat from both boys! Reika yawned. "I think we overdid it… I'm extremely tired it's almost past midnight, we should get to bed and sleep." Reika said.

Raila and Tezuka had an evil glimmer in their eyes "Sleep?"

"What are you saying Reika… the punishments should be done after the game." Raila said.

Reika stiffened. 'Oh no! The penalty! I almost forgot about that! Oh my! Inside the closet with Fuji-sempai for god knows how long! This will be a VERY long night.' She thought and laughed nervously.

Fuji was already at the closet's entrance. "Let's go Reika…" Fuji said smiling. The way he looks made it seem as if they're going to some place fancy rather an extremely cramped and dark closet.

It's too late to back out. She's about to make an excuse when Tezuka shove her into Fuji's arms and lock them inside the closet.

"You have 15 minutes; time starts now, have fun you two!" Raila said.

"Itai! Mou! I can't believe that bastard practically shove me in here." Reika complained angrily.

"It's alright. I'm with you so you didn't need to worry." Said Fuji smiling at her.

Even in the darkness of the closet Reika felt, her cheeks redden. "Gomen ne Fuji-sempai." She muttered and tried to hide her blush. 'Kuso, why am I in this situation. This is extremely embarrassing.'

"Betsu ni" Fuji replied as the two of them make their position comfortable for each other. Fuji has his back rested on the wall while Reika's in his arms.

"Since we're stuck here for quite a while, why don't we play a game to let the time pass?" Fuji suggested.

"What kind of game? We can't even see clearly in here how are we supposed to play a game?" Reika asked still blushing.

"But we can still hear and speak ne? The game is called 20 questions, I'll ask you a question, and then after you answered it's your turn to ask. We'll do it until one of us can no longer answer the question the other asked. Call?" he asked.

"Alright, I guess, it'll do no harm… who'll ask first?" Reika asked.

"Lady's first." Fuji said.

"What's your favorite food?" Reika asked.

"Wasabi Sushi" Fuji answered.

"Do all girls blush around men?" Fuji asked.

Reika laughed nervously blushing harder "

No" she answered

"Then why--" Fuji was cut of by Reika

"It's my turn to ask Fuji-sempai." "Oh, Sou… go on." Fuji said.

"Are all boys dense?" she asked.

"Define Dense." he asked.

"Fuji-sempai, you are supposed to answer the question not throw another question back at me," she said.

"Sou ka, sumimasen… I don't think all boys are dense." Fuji answered, he felt Reika sigh. "Do all girls like boys with good-looks?" Fuji asked.

Reika laughed a little. "Who would want a ugly boyfriend?! Of course, we girls want someone presentable if not handsome, but that doesn't mean we only look for a man's physical appearance. Inner beauty is also a main qualification." She answered truthfully.

"Is it true that guys go crazy over a girl's smile?" she asked.

"Yes, guys love it when girls smile at them, especially if that girl is special." Fuji answered smiling.

"What are your standards in looking for in a guy?" Fuji asked Reika stiffens in the dark. 'Kuso, I'm not hearing this… nor am I answering this… god knows all the qualities I've been looking for a man is present in him.'

Reika let out a sigh. "I want a guy who'll love for me, play the same kind of game I play, share my happiness and sadness, understands me even if I am the hardest person to deal with, can make me smile when I am down, has good looks, high-quality thinking and wisdom, first-class attitude towards mine and his family and friends, and most of all god-fearing" she narrated.

"That sounds too perfect." Fuji commented.

'Baka! All I did is describe you!' Reika thought.

"You think?" she asked. Fuji smirked.

"Yes, I do, nevertheless, I think such guy exist." He said.

"Yeah right, next time you're gonna say I had just described Eiji-sempai." She said, she meant it as a joke but when Fuji tensed up Reika was no longer sure.

"My turn to ask, what kind of woman do you like?" she asked.

Fuji laughed. "Wrong! It's my turn to ask Reika, but since you've asked me that, I'll have to answer then you'll have to double answer alright?" Fuji said. Reika just nodded eager to hear Fuji's ideal girl.

"I want her to be cute and bubbly; she's got to be a good cook, plays tennis, intelligent, family-oriented and most of all god-fearing." Fuji answered.

"Now for my double question… among all the regulars, who do you like the most and why?" Fuji asked.

Reika giggled. "Kikumaru Eiji…" she answered. "He's funny and well, Eiji-sempai is Eiji-sempai…" Reika answered.

Fuji stared at Reika; she can feel his eyes on her. She tried to ignore the feeling. "My turn… Do boys cry?" Reika asked.

Fuji smiled before answering, "I believe you have watched my game with Tezuka."

"I did… what I mean to ask is, do boys cry over girls…" Reika said.

"That I believe is another question Reika… and I do believe it's my turn now…" he said.

"Ah! Sou ka, sumimasen Deshita." Reika apologized.

"No need to apologize… alright here's my question… If Eiji asked you out would you go with him?" Reika looked at Fuji, even in the darkness of the closet Reika can see his outline and feel his presence.

"Eiji-sempai?! Asking me out!? Well, I don't see anything wrong with going out with him that is if he ever tried asking me out" Reika said and giggled.

"I see…" Fuji asked.

"Now, my turn, eto… let me see…" Reika place a hand on her chin in thought. Fuji watches her in the darkness… Reika might not see him clearly but he can see her as clear as he can.

"Aha! Is it true that your weakest point is your knees?" Reika asked.

Fuji gasped a little. "Who told you that?!" Fuji asked slightly taken aback.

"Fuji-sempai… I just asked you a question… you are supposed to answer remember…"

"Ah Sou ka… demo, I was just curious how did you find out about that." He stated.

"You are saying that it was really true?!" Reika asked surprised

"Yeah. Anyway, How did you know…?" he asked.

"Just read it in a book… my! I can't believe that book is useful…"

"What kind of book…?" Fuji asked.

"Men's sensuality and more" she said and clasped her mouth at what she said.

Fuji laughed heartily, "So, you are reading stuffs like that… cute" he said.

Reika wants to be swallowed by the floor. 'Did I just say that out loud? Mou! Reika no Baka!' "My turn to ask… ano… ano…" Reika is having trouble asking questions. "How about this… among the girls regulars who do you find attractive." Reika asked. 'Let it be me…' she mentally prayed.

"Attractive… well, I bet everyone will agree if I answered its Raila." He answered.

Reika felt her heart break. 'Kuso, so much for dreaming.' She thought bitterly. 'I should have known… baka…' she's on the brink of tears but she refuse to let it out, she'll not cry in front of Fuji not even in this darkness.

"My turn… Reika, if Eiji kissed you… would you kiss him back?" Fuji's voice is serious.

Reika stiffened, "What?! Kiss me? He would never do such thing, unless he wants to get nailed! He wouldn't dream on it." She said straightforward.

"I'll hold onto your word…" Fuji whispered.

"Huh?" Reika didn't catch what he said.

"Nothing." he answered.

"Alright, let see… Yosh! How about this one, is it true that guys go crazy when a girl touches their hands?" she asked.

Fuji didn't say a word, Reika got worried. "Before I answer that question, do me a favor and answer this question… Would you believe me when I say I am crazy over you…" he asked staring directly in Reika's eyes even it was dark his sea-blue eyes stared back at Reika's green eyes.

Reika can't speak, she tried to move her lips, but no words came out. 'Did he ask, what I think he asked?!' she's in daze. Before she knew it a soft pair of lips captures hers in a tender kiss, warm arms encircle her waist pulling her close. Reika closed her eyes and gave into the kiss. The kiss ended as fast as it began, then Fuji laced his hand with hers. "Yes, we guys go crazy when the girl we like holds our hand." He said eyes on her.

Reika gasped in surprise, then confusion… "You did say Raila is attractive, didn't you?" She asked.

"I did, but that doesn't mean I am attracted to her… I have my eyes on someone else…" he said still not breaking their eye contact.

"You mean…" Reika was going to ask another question when Fuji place a finger on her lips.

"My turn remember? Between Eiji and me, who would you choose to be with?" he asked.

"Baka! Of course, I'll choose you!" Reika said, tears in her eyes. "How can I not choose you…? I have loved you since the very first time I saw you" she confessed.

Fuji wrapped her in his arms. "I know, and I'm sorry Reika… for ignoring your feelings. I just don't want to hurt you, but I guess I did more damage to the point of loosing you. And I cannot live with that. Hearing that you wanted to give up on me, made me realize that I want you for myself and no one else. Listening to your answers, hearing you say that you just described Eiji made me want to murder the bastard. He can't take you away from me… I'll have to kick his ass, if he ever did." Fuji said sincerely.

Reika hiccupped. "That was meant to be a joke." Reika said.

"What ever." Fuji replied tightening his hold on Reika.

"Then I guess my last question is answered." She said smiling slightly.

"What question?" Fuji asked. "A guy will always find ways to keep you off from getting involve with someone else." She said. Fuji kissed her forehead.

"Yeah… that's right." He said.

"Yes" she whispered

"Huh?!" "You asked me if I would believe you when you said you're crazy over me… my answer is yes. I do believe." Fuji smiled.

"One more thing… If a guy tells you, he loves you once in a lifetime. He really does." He said.

"Honto? I haven't heard you say you love me." Reika said teasingly.

"Not in words maybe… but action speaks louder and clearer than voice…" he said kissing the tip of her nose, to her cheeks. He paused to whisper in her ears.

"I love you" then lift her chin to meet up with his gaze. "I will love only you" he said and close the gap between them. Reika wrapped her arms around his neck and submitted to his love. Few tears escaped her eyes as she closed them 'Finally' she thought.

"Do you think those two are done?! Their time is already up." Raila asked.

"Judging from the silence of the closet. I think they are done." Tezuka answered.

"Shall we give them extension?" she asked.

"Few more minutes. I don't want Fuji going after my head when we interrupt their moment together." He said.

Raila hugged Tezuka tighter "Why is it so hard for you boys to tell us that you love us… when it's too obvious that it's eating you guys up." she asked her head on Tezuka's chest.

"Will you humor me more Rai…" he said giving the girl a kiss on the forehead.

"Baka, all I am saying is… just tell us how you feel and everything will just follow… god, these men are so dense." She muttered.

Tezuka sighed. "It's harder than you think… I haven't been in love and I don't know how to… I'm not even sure we can pull this through." He said honestly.

"We can and we will… trust me… I'm here." Raila said giving the worried man beside him a peck on the lips.

"Hai… Rai, stay with me… I love you." He said and lean down to imprison Raila in his steel arms and give her the best ever kiss she ever experienced. How did this two end up together… well, after hearing Fuji said Raila is attractive Tezuka's jealousy surged and without thinking pinned Raila to the closet door and kissing her fiercely, saying that no other man can have her except him and only him. Raila too stunned to react gave in and kiss Tezuka back.

After that, Tezuka confessed about his feelings and asked for forgiveness for attacking her. His jealousy got the better of him, Raila kissed Tezuka and said she loves him too and only him. That is how the things ended up like this, the two of them sitting comfortably on the couch, arms around each other whispering word of love.

"Maybe. It's time to open the closet, they have been there for quite long enough." Raila said.

"Yeah… after all I don't want Fuji corrupting that annoying brat. Mada Mada Dane…" Tezuka said.

"You sounded like Ryoma…" Raila giggled.

"Hn" Raila laughed harder Tezuka glared at her.

"Hide it all you want, but Reika is like a little sister to you, whether you like it or not, and you know it." She said with a smile.

Tezuka knocked on the closet door announcing that their time is up, he opened the closet door to find Fuji smiling at him a sleeping Reika in his arms, and Tezuka noticed trails of dried tears. He knew everything would be all right from now on for the four of them.

AN:

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