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LOVE TESTAMENT CHAPTER 11 - LOVE REVELATION

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Fuji felt his whole self stiffened, unable to think or process what was going on as Tezuka came closer and closer.

When Tezuka's breath touched his lips, Fuji spurned from a daze and turned his face to the side. He was surprised by Tezuka's bold advancement. No one had ever come this close to him before, and not even Shiraishi.

Tezuka momentarily closed his eyes before pulling back quite disappointedly with Fuji's disinterest shift. He moved to sit on the grass beside Fuji's body.

As both showed no initiative to speak, Fuji sat up and drew his legs close to his chest. He stole a glance at Tezuka's indifference face and mumbled. "Thank you."

Tezuka turned his face to look at Fuji, who looked away quickly out of embarrassment. "Hn. Its getting late." He looked at the sun, which was almost at its zenith.

Fuji nodded.

Tezuka stood up and offered a hand to pull Fuji up, who took it a little hesitantly.

"My horse ran away." Fuji said the obvious, knowing nothing else to say.

"It seems so." Tezuka whistled and seconds later, his black stallion galloped toward him. "We can ride together."

"Are you sure?" Fuji shuffled his feet uncomfortably with the idea of riding together with Tezuka although it wasn't the first time. "I might be too heavy."

Tezuka chuckled deeply and Fuji looked up at Tezuka with confusion. "He's strong, and I doubt you'd be heavier than 5 iron axes." It was in no doubt that Fuji was trying to find an excuse to worm his way out with the idea of riding together.

Fuji flushed, having been caught with a false rationale. "What about the white horse?" He asked with genuine concern for the animal.

"He'll be fine. He'll return to the stables by nightfall. They're all trained to know their way home." Tezuka replied.

"Come, I'll give you a boost." Tezuka moved by the stallion's side and linked his hands together.

"Hm!" Fuji smiled and stepped on Tezuka's hands to get boosted up on the horse's back.

Right after, Tezuka jumped up to sit behind Fuji and took the reign.

They moved through the meadow in quick horse strides in silence.

Instead of letting his thoughts lingered on the warmth pressed against his back, Fuji dwelled on the feeling on the breeze hitting his face. The air of fresh trees and grass filled his nostrils.

Tezuka smiled, feeling satisfied with the feeling of Fuji relaxing against his chest.

Once they returned to the stable, the groom came over to take the horse back to its place.

"Thank you. I had a good time today." Fuji linked his hands behind his back and smiled gently with his eyes opened.

"You're welcome. And thank you for coming with me." Tezuka returned the polite gesture, gazing deeply into the mesmerizing blue eyes.

"And you're welcome too." Somehow, Fuji also felt the force that held his eyes in their place, not able to look away from the brown eyes.

Slowly, Tezuka closed the distance in between them. The soft pliant lips of Fuji looked inviting for a sweet kiss. Tezuka stretched his hand out to touch Fuji's cheek, but before it happened, someone interrupted them and Tezuka pulled his hand back.

Both turned to the side to see Shiraishi approaching with a stern face.

"Shiraishi." Fuji regarded and moved by his friend's side. Once again Fuji was not aware of Tezuka's bold advancement. He was too fixed on Tezuka's enigmatic eyes.

"I was looking for you." Shiraishi frowned in concern.

Fuji thinned his lips and looked to the ground feeling a little bit guilty. "I'm sorry. I went with Lord Tezuka to a nearby village."

"Ah." Shiraishi's sharp eyes habitually roamed Fuji's body to see if there was anything out of place. Catching onto a few green dirty spots on Fuji's bright clothing, he immediately asked. "What happened?"

Fuji spontaneously blushed as he remembered the part with Tezuka on top of him. "I fell off the horse."

"Is that all?" Shiraishi looked at the red spots on Fuji's cheeks with suspicion.

Fuji nodded meekly.

"Then, are you injured?"

Fuji shook his head. "I just got my clothes dirty."

"Alright. You should go take a bath and change your clothes before lunch." Shiraishi sighed.

"Hm. I'll be going then." Fuji was just about to walk off, but he remembered Tezuka was still there, so he turned around and gave an incline nod to Tezuka before he left the area.

Tezuka nodded and looked at Fuji's back until the latter disappeared from sight. Giving Shiraishi a quick glance, Tezuka walked pass Shiraishi to get back to the palace when Shiraishi stopped him.

"I don't like your intimacy with Fuji. It'd do you good if you stop advancing your movement on him, and while you're at it, stop any feelings of yours before they grow deeper. And if that happens…you will fall hard." With the snide, Shiraishi turned around and walked ahead, leaving Tezuka behind.

Not sure how to react to the supposed threat, Tezuka shrugged it aside, knowing the threat was quite unreal, as it sounded like it came from jealousy instead of a better off warning.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-

When lunch came around, everyone assembled into the dinning hall. Every Lords and Attendants stood up when their high subjects entered.

Then, the feast began.

Fuji had to sit with Queen Yuki, but wishing he could join his friends at a table nearby. They seemed to have fun and not have to pass up their behaviors with such etiquette Fuji was taught since he was under the care of the Queen.

Anyhow, Fuji smiled his whole lunch around, throwing occasional glances toward Tezuka when the latter wasn't looking as he was conversing with Atobe.

Unknown to Fuji who wasn't the only one stealing glances, Tezuka also cautioned himself to look at the Sage when he was absolutely sure no one was looking.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-

After lunch ended, the Peacean party geared up to leave as soon as everything was checked.

When Fuji had his last word with Queen Yuki, Shiraishi pulled him to the side quietly.

"What is it?" Fuji asked calmly, as he wasn't aware of the problem in Shiraishi's heart.

"I really want to stay with you, but I can't."

Fuji smiled and touched Shraishi's arm assuringly. "I know. I'll relay all the events that will take place in this place to you later when I return, so at least you wouldn't miss out much."

Shiraishi raised an eyebrow and looked at Fuji with a playful scoff. "Sure, but that's not what I want to say."

Fuji regarded Shiraishi with confusion. "Then what is it that you want to say?"

"Its really nothing, but be careful not to be too friendly to anyone here. They may be nice on the outside, but you will never know what they think or do when no one is around." Shiraishi placed a hand on Fuji's shoulder.

Fuji smiled and overlapped the hand on his shoulder with his own. "I will. I'm all grown up now, so you don't need to worry about me." He squeezed the hand on his shoulder. "Thank you. May the wind ride safely with you."

Shiraishi finally cracked a smile and retrieved his hand. "Thank you. I hope to see you back soon."

Fuji nodded and they both walked back to the departing party.

With a final farewell, the party left.

Fuji and the remaining Peaceans followed up on the hill to watch the departing party until it disappeared from sight.

"Let's go back, Fuji." Eiji draped his arms from behind Fuji.

"Hm!" Fuji smiled widely and turned around when his friend disentangled his arms.

"Fuji." Sanada suddenly called him over, signaling for the other 2 and Eiji to walk ahead.

"What is it, Sanada?" Fuji fell into steps with Sanada as they walked behind the trio.

"Lord Yukimura invited you to come into town with him later."

Fuji cranked his head to the side and looked at Sanada. "Just him and us 2?"

Sanada turned to look at Fuji and nodded.

"I don't know. I promised Princess Ayama to allow her to accompany me to the city." Fuji paused to think. "But I guess I can't, ne? Tell him that I thank him for the invite."

"Alright." Sanada nodded. "You should be careful when going to the city. I heard about the last incident in the market from Lord Yukimura, said he overheard it from Lord Atobe."

Fuji looked surprised at Sanada for a moment before a smile resumed on his face. "I will. Besides, Princess Ayame will be there. I doubt anything unfortunate will happen this time."

"I hope that is the case."

"Well, what is going on with you and Lord Yukimura?" Fuji asked, attempted to stir the subject away.

Sanada suddenly blushed for a second, before catching himself and cleared his throat. "We're far behind." And he took up the speed.

Fuji smiled knowingly and followed Sanada back to the place. He was mischievous when coming to knowing others' hearts, but to his own heart, he was blind.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Coming upon the main gate of the palace, Fuji was greeted by Princess Ayame and her personal guards and maid.

Fuji joined the Princess into the city.

"Since the festival is approaching soon, tailors and seamstresses get busy fixing up clothes for the occasion." Ayame pointed to the crowding fabric stores with women and young misses picking out the best fabrics.

"What do women usually wear?" Fuji asked curiously, seeing no man prepping up. "And what about the men?"

"Well, women usually wear embroidered kimonos if they have more money, if not, they will have to settle with plain printed kimonos. As for men, they let the women decide on their attire while they take no time off from work. Its traditional to let the women decide on what they wear." Ayame explained as they got back on the road.

Walking along, they countered many street vendors selling candles of different forms and scents as well as lanterns.

"These are beautiful. The design is intricately done." Fuji commented, carefully twirling a green lantern in his hands.

"Hai. All of these came from the best lantern maker in our Kingdom." Ayame took the green lantern from Fuji into her hands. "These are very expensive because they're hand-crafted and because there are only a few. Not many are able to purchase them."

A bright smile lit up on his face. "Then shall we purchase them?"

Ayame's elegant eyebrow shifted upward in amusement. "We had them pre-ordered."

"Really?" A pretty frown adorned on Fuji's snowy face.

The princess nodded. She hated to disappoint Fuji.

"Hmm…In that case, I'd still want these." He smiled pleasantly.

"Alright." Ayame nodded to her personal maid by her side to make the purchase.

The royal group walked away. Fuji held 2 lanterns of blue and purple in his hands.

Fuji suddenly splinted ahead of the group looking happy.

"Fuji-san!?" Ayama called out. "Hurry and follow." She quipped to her subordinates before going after Fuji in elegant quick strides.

When she found Fuji, he was crouching down to little beggar kids. "What is he…?" She murmured as she approached him slowly with confusion.

As if knowing, Fuji turned around and pardoned Ayame to come closer. He stood up, depositing the 2 lanterns into 2 of the children's hands, when she stood right behind him in bewilderment of his action.

"You ran away so suddenly. I thought we'd lost you." Ayame said with a worried frown, albeit a smile on her face.

"I am sorry." Fuji inclined his head gently before he diverted his eyes to Ayame's subordinates. "Please give one to each of them." He politely requested.

The beggar children jumped in joy and surrounded them, each having a beautiful lantern with happiness of an orphan who found his parents.

"Thank you, Mister!" The children rang and buffet Fuji with hugs.

"I get to make a wish this year!"

"You're all welcome." Fuji returned in similar delight.

Ayame was touched by Fuji's thoughtfulness and kindness.

-o-o-o-

Behind a flower cart, Tezuka let out a smile before he turned away and left.

-o-o-o-

From an alley hidden by the darkest shadow, a smile glowed in the murk and the lustful eyes stalked the Peacean Sage's every move.

The figure commented before retreated further in. "You will be mine soon."

-o-o-o-

"Fuji-san, I heard you will become a high priest soon."

They'd returned to the palace just a second ago, and Ayama insisted on escorting Fuji back to his room.

Fuji nodded, feeling a little surprised at the topic, but he didn't show it.

"It must be great."

Fuji chuckled with sadness tinted in his voice. "Ah."

"But that means you will be alone forever."

Fuji stopped in mid-steps.

He'd never thought about that before. Alone? How could he be alone when there are Queen Yuki, Eiji, Shiraishi, Sanada…and everyone else?

It confused him, but he didn't know what was confusing him. "No. There are a lot of people around me. I don't think I'll be alone."

Seeing the confused look on Fuji's face, Ayame let out a soft giggle hidden behind the backside of her hand. "I didn't mean that kind of alone."

"No?" Fuji's eyebrow quirked up.

Ayame shook her head. "What I meant…is there anyone you love? Or have strong feeling for?"

Fuji thought for a while. I love…who? "…mhm…" Strong feelings? He then remembered the strange interactions at the meadow. Tezuka?

"Fuji-san?"

"A-ah. I'm sorry." Fuji touched his left arm with his right hand.

"You must be tired. Please take a good rest for tonight."

Ayame then excused herself.

-o-o-o-

When Tezuka arrived in front of the palace grand entrance, everyone was there except for Fuji's party.

Just when Tezuka thought about the Sage, he showed up in garments that entranced everyone.

"Fuji-kun, it looks stunning on you." King Kutei commented.

Fuji instantly blushed and murmured a humble 'thank you'.

Sanada, who stood beside Fuji, frowned. He knew there was something wrong with Fuji's outfit when the Sage left his room, and now Sanada absolutely disapproved it.

"Let's go, Fuji-kun."

Fuji was about to walk with the King out when Sanada held him back. "Please go ahead. We will be following behind."

Without further arguments, King Kutei left with everyone. Tezuka deftly stayed behind and hid at the back of a tree.

"What is it?" Fuji enquired patiently.

"I don't like what you're wearing." Sanada stated with an expressionless face.

"Why?"

"Because…" Sanada sighed. "Because Shiraishi would've disapproved of it."

"But he is not here." Fuji pouted.

"Just go change."

Fuji huffed before using his power to speed his way back to his room to change like Sanada requested.

Sanada stood looking at the faint trail Fuji left behind. He murmured to himself. "His ignorance is going to kill him one day." By 'ignorance', he meant Fuji's beauty.

When Fuji came back, they both left the palace ground along with Tezuka unknowingly following behind.

-o-o-o-

The river was fully crowded with people in their best dresses. Each had a lantern lit up brightly.

Moving in between hordes of people, Fuji somehow got lost from Sanada on their way to find their party on the festive street.

"Sanada?" Fuji called out as he twirled around. His eyes moved rapidly in all directions as if he was scared of being lost in a strange land.

Unexpectingly, a hand was placed on his shoulder and he jerked back with a startled disclosure. He blinked rapidly before realizing who touched him. "Tezuka-san."

"I'm sorry. Did I scare you?" Tezuka immediately apologized seeing the almost afraid expression on Fuji's face.

"Its alright." Fuji breathed out evenly, but softly.

"Are you lost?"

"N-no." How could he be lost? "What about you?"

Tezuka was about to answered when the crowd surged and they were almost separated if not for Tezuka's quick hand, which grabbed Fuji's and he pulled them aside.

"We got separated." He lied.

"Ah." Fuji nodded in understanding. The awkward silence passed them and without anything to say, Fuji's eyes roamed and ended up at their held hands. "…Uhm…Tezuka-san?"

"Hm?" Tezuka looked at Fuji's blushed face, not noticing Fuji's cause of shyness. A happy thought fleet across his mind. Fuji was too cute with the blush.

"…Your hand…" Fuji tucked his hand away in the strong grip to emphasize his words.

"Oh." Tezuka immediately released the pale smooth hand and received a soft 'thank you.'

Deciding to make the mood comfortable for the Sage, Tezuka asked. "What happened to your clothes?"

"Eh!?" He noticed! Fuji's face twisted in surprise before he masked it with a nervous smile. "It got ripped."

"Ah. Is that so?" Tezuka responded in an unconvincing tone.

Fuji looked up and shrugged. It wasn't as if Tezuka was going to pursue what really happened.

"Can I show you around?" Tezuka offered and Fuji was all too happy to agree.

They came to a koi fish pond to see the fireworks. Walking away from the scene, they entered the food stands area.

Fuji insisted on trying everything in the area to know the taste of the inland kingdom delicacies.

"You have a big appetite."

Fuji held a satisfied smile on his face. "As I was told."

Tezuka chuckled deeply. "It's a mystery."

Fuji looked confuse. "What's a mystery."

"You're small and you eat enough for 3."

"Tch!" Fuji playfully punched Tezuka's arm and walked off.

They were standing under a giant tree. He didn't know what that tree was, but it looked beautiful with multi-colored charms willowing down from the branches. Some reflected lights from lit lanterns and street lights.

Tezuka came up from behind Fuji and handed the Sage a bamboo plaque with some colorful ribbons attached. "Here."

Fuji took the plaque with a clueless expression. "What is it for? Do I just throw it up?"

Tezuka smiled and shook his head before signaling to the tree. "Its called the Fate tree. People write their wishes on the plaques before they throw them on the tree. The plaques that stayed on the tree branches mean that their wishes will come true."

"Oh." Fuji turned side way and surprised Tezuka by giving back the plaque. "I don't have a wish. You make it."

Tezuka blinked at Fuji.

"You are never given a wish without being given the power to make it true." Fuji whispered against the zephyr.

Tezuka looked up at the tree. "A wish is like a promise. You have to work for it, not sitting around waiting for it to come true."

"Hm…" Fuji agreed with a poignant nod. "I don't have a promise…but a duty."

"A duty that is like the world burden being placed on your back." Tezuka commented.

"It feels like that sometimes."

They fell silent.

"Aren't you going to make one?"

"…" Tezuka stared at Fuji's peaceful face for a moment before slipping a smile with a nod before he pulled out an ink pen to write on the plaque.

Fuji looked away to give Tezuka the privacy.

"I'm done." Tezuka declared after a moment.

When Fuji looked back at him, he threw the plaque over the tree and both waited in anticipation to see if it would fall to the ground.

"Looks like your wish will come true."

"I know. I intend to make it comes true." My promise.

-o-o-o-

I will take you away.

A promise written in neat handwriting inscribed into a plaque dangling off the highest branch.

-o-o-o-

The fun days came and gone in a flash and Fuji was ready to go back home, where many were waiting for him.

Everyone was there to see Fuji and his party off. With one last glance lingering a little longer on Tezuka than the rest, Fuji left after a nod.

The horses ran across the meadow toward the rising sun.

-o-o-o-

They got back before the sun set.

"Its good to see you so soon." Shiraishi smiled at Fuji.

Fuji nodded. "We all missed you too."

"Hm. You must be tired. Go rest." Shiraishi suggested.

"Alright."

Fuji made his own way back to his room.

Shiraishi stared at Fuji's retreating back. There was something different about Fuji that he couldn't decipher at the moment. It was as if Fuji was…in love.

Lying on his familiar bed, he remembered the day after the festival.

"I hope we can meet again soon after tomorrow."

Fuji smiled wistfully while his fingers busied making a grasshopper from grass slits. They both were sitting side by side on a grassy hill behind the horse stable.

Tezuka waited for a reply, but Fuji gave him none, so he waited until Fuji would speak.

"…for you." Fuji held the grasshopper in front of Tezuka.

Tezuka nimbly took it into his large hand. "Thank you."

"My sister taught me how to make it before she left." Fuji smiled sadly, his hand rested on the grass spot beside him.

Fuji was inwardly glad that Tezuka didn't say a thing because he would've broken into tears. His sister was all he had left, and Yuuta.

After a moment of silence flying by, Tezuka tentatively reached out to the lone hand on the grass.

As if touched by hot water, Fuji flinched away from Tezuka's touch and brought his hand close to his chest, his eyes with startled revelation.

The incident on the outskirt of the palace wall was an accident, but this…what was it?

"I-I have to go." Fuji stuttered quickly and stood up to run away, but Tezuka was quicker. His body was getting heat up for no apparent reason to him and it felt strange. He didn't like it.

The Lord captured Fuji's fleeting wrist into his grip. "Please don't go…I-I think I love you."

Fuji's eyes flew wide opened. "…"

Since the time Ayame mentioned about someone he loved, Fuji had been thinking deeply. He could never fall in love with someone. Because…because Queen Yuki said his duty could not entwined with love.

Fuji flung his wrist out of Tezuka's grip and stepped a distance away without giving a glance at the Lord. "I have to go." And he ran away.

"He loves me. Te-zu-ka loves me." Fuji murmured.

He let out a frustrating sigh before pushing the matter aside and succumbed to sleep.

But in his dream, he dreamt of their times together.

-o-o-o-

Tezuka hung the grasshopper on end of his bed, both waiting for the maker to return.

TBC

AN: Back with LT, and it feels like I'm loosing the touch. Something like a writer's block. I'm thinking of discontinue this story, but I feel bad leaving it like this. Oh well, let's see what you all want.