A/N:
All characters belong to Konami Takeshi sensei
Seigaku has been changed from a middle school to a high school cos I can't imagine stuff like this happening to kids 13-15 years old…
Scenes may be a little confusing cos I wrote each part corresponding to a specific part of the lyrics
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So this is the way
That I say that I need You
This is the way
This is the way
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"How about a match after this?" Fuji wiped at his non-existent sweat, directing his smiling face at Tezuka.
"Even though you are sitting out the match again Hyotei the following day, don't you think that you're pushing yourself too hard? Haven't you already perfected your fourth counter, Kagerou Zutsumi (Dragonfly Illusion)?"
"Ah, that's true. But I want to try your new move, Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami (The Pinnacle of Hard Work). It seems as though it might be fun to play against." Where most people would be hesitant to challenge Tezuka , Fuji was always unusually excited about test Tezuka's new skills. But then no one knew what went on in the mind of Seigaku's resident prodigy. His train of thought never followed convention.
"I understand. We'll have a one set match after training then." This was a habit between them; to use each other as sounding boards and find out the weakness of each other's styles. There was no sense of competitiveness. - merely the undiluted joy of playing against a skilled opponent.
They waited patiently while the other team members cleared the courts after Ryuzaki-sensi announced that the training was over for the day and nagged at them to remember to drink more fluids and rest well. It was always just the two of them. No prying eyes judging their moves or snide commentaries on perceived playing flaws.
"Syusuke, you have the service." Tezuka threw the fuzzy yellow ball over the net to Fuji.
"Ikou yo. Here I go." Fuji sent his service smashing to the opposite court, to the Tezuka's right. It was a sight to watch Tezuka play. He was never ruffled and never showed signs of panicking even if he was driven to the corner. His play was defined as smooth, calm and refined. Like a Stradivarius violin.
Volleys and smashes went back and forth. The ping pongs of the tennis ball and the warbles and thrills of sparrows returning to their nests the only sounds heard. It was a close match, both players holding nothing back. Fuji had executed his four counters repeatedly in an effort to determine the effectiveness of Tezuka's Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami against each of them and storing that precious information for later.
The score was 6-5 in Fuji's favour. As Tezuka served, a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. It was time to test Tezuka's composure.
"Saa, Kunimitsu, should we decide on a penalty for this game?"
"What do you have in mind?"
"How about the loser abides to a single wish from the winner?"
"That sounds fair," Tezuka agreed as his Zero-Shiki Drop Shot gained a point. "15-0"
"I managed to steal Inui's formula for Iwazushi Mizu (Sardine Water) from the previous penalty game the team played." Fuji remarked casually as he was about to return Tezuka's volley. Those words caused Tezuka to halt as he remembered the greyish green, foul smelling concoction. It had to be one of the worst inventions of Inui by far. It gave Fuji a chance to execute Hakugei before Tezuka could react. "15 all." Fuji murmured as the tennis ball flew back to his fingers.
Fuji began to recite the ingredients and benefits of the drink and it disconcerted Tezuka so much that Tezuka lost the match eventually. "Saa, It seems I have won, Kunimitsu. Let's hit the showers and I'll claim my wish later." Fuji's perpetually closed eyes opened, revealing the hidden glee in its blue depths as Tezuka blanched inwardly, wondering what was laid in store for him. Sometimes, Fuji can be a very scary person indeed.
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Fuji took his time in the showers, savouring the feel of hot water sluicing down his aching muscles and the look of unease he spotted in Tezuka's eyes before they entered their individual shower stalls. It was fun seeing Tezuka squirm. It was not a sight that many, if any, of his team mates saw. Fuji's gaze steeled for a fraction of a second as he decided on the course of action he would take to claim his wish. It was time. There can be no turning back now.
"So Syusuke, what would you like me to do?" Tezuka asked as he started to button his uniform, the water dripping from his still-wet hair turning the top of his white shirt semi translucent.
"I would like a French kiss from you, Kunimitsu," Fuji replied with utter casualness. "A kiss on the mouth, using your tongue."
Tezuka swallowed the surprise he felt, schooling his features to remain calm. So, he was not the only one who felt the tension between them.
Silence stretched between them. Fuji's words sinking into their psyche. Fuji's heart pounded in his chest. Should he say it was a joke and laugh it off? He had never felt Tezuka's importance in his life as keenly as he did in that minute. He refused to back down. This was the final year before they moved on to their respective universities. Tezuka's motto, Yodan sezu ni ikou (No regrets), surfaced in Fuji's mind just as Tezuka's lips fell on his.
Tezuka was unexpectedly skilful with his tongue which he deftly inserted into Fuji's mouth which had parted unconsciously. He probed and prodded, leaving no crevice unexplored as Fuji struggled to connect what was happening with his brain that had suddenly gone into shut down.
"Wa-a –it. Um-mmphhh," It was hard to concentrate on what he wanted to say as Fuji was overwhelmed by Tezuka.
"Wasn't that what you wished for?" Tezuka gasped as the both of them finally broke apart due to the lack of oxygen.
Fuji chuckled. "You took advantage of my surprise. I had no chance to react appropriately. I would like to rephrase my wish." Fuji looked into the other's chocolate brown eyes and softly said, "Once more, Kunimitsu."