Shifting sands
Chapter 5
"It's sunrise, Oishi-senpai," said Echizen Ryoma.
"Sunrise! We did it! It's sunrise!" came the resounding cheers.
The warm light washed over Tezuka's upturned face. Morning always bring new counsels. In that moment and in that time, Tezuka knew anything was possible, as long as they had each other. Tezuka-sized hole would allow everyone to grow a little more. It was so natural how they fill it, a little bit from each, in turn, in their own individual way.
"It's great that you came," said Fuji quietly, seeing the subtle change in Tezuka. "This is what we wanted to say, Tezuka. In the way only you would understand."
Inui smiled a self-satisfied smile. He wrote in his Tezuka notebook: Tezuka frown lines reduced by 2.73%. Eyebrow angles flatten by 4.9 degrees. Shoulders raised by 2.3 mm.
Fshuuuu … Buchou, we had learned to speak your language of silence like it's common-sense. It is the most concise and sincere language.
Let's beat up the other schools, buchou. It will be fun, yes it will be.
Hoi! Hoi! We want to push you higher too, Tezuka. Let's fly together!
Tezuka-buchou, losing to you is bad enough. I won't lose to anyone else until I defeat you!
We had all leaned on you. Because you are always there, supporting us, we could the play our individual tennis. This is my last year, playing tennis. Let us play to our hearts' content.
Oishi eyes shone in the sunlight as he gave Tezuka a private smile and determined nod. Tezuka, you have led us so far, for so long on this path. You shown us what is possible, taught us how much further we can go. Now let us show you how far we have come. Let us support you, Tezuka. Please lean on us too. We will not break.
"Tezuka, hurry up, hurry up!" Kikumaru called.
You have given us wings, now let us show you how well we can fly.
"Aah."
He knew now, Oishi's way was not Tezuka's. That was all right. Seigaku's Tennis Club would do well with Oishi at the centre. All the third years would support and help Oishi, because he was Oishi. They would look out for each other, as Tezuka and Oishi had done for them. They would look after the juniors and guide them in Tezuka's absence. He could leave them with a clear conscience. Together, everyone had found a way for Tezuka.
"Have you found your answer, Tezuka-kun?"
"Yes, Yamato-buchou."
~ The End ~
Author's Note: This started as a one-shot scene between Ryuzaki-sensei and Tezuka, which would have ended with just one line change at the end of chapter one. But I was intrigued by Tezuka and Inui's conversation, which dragged it this far. Tezuka is a character with deep thoughts and few words. I hope I've captured part of the subtext that underlies Tezuka's demeanour.
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