Enjoy~~ ^_^

Chapter 7

Tezuka shook one last hand at the cloud,finishing the talk on the progress of the Emergency Management Department and the need for more volunteers. He'd been well received and the lunch meeting had given him an escape from his office. He felt like he's going crazy. The urge to be outside's crawling in his insides.

A week had passed since he's been out there in the mountain. A week since he'd last seen Fuji.

He was making progress without him, but Tezuka didn't like the fact that he was working alone anymore than he like being stack in the office for so long. He shouldn't hike alone on the mountain wilderness alone and as his employer, he was responsible if something happened to him on the job. Never mind that the actually lived and worked alone all the time. But not under his watch.

He stepped out in the parking lot. A light snow fell down from the sky. Yesterday, it had rained. Such a spring.

He wondered if Fuji was out today. He told him not to take chances. And he just laugh at him. (T_T) but he figured that the injury ti his since of command was worth it since he's getting hear that laugh of him.

Okay, so he missed him. If missing a porcupine was possible.

Nah, that wasn't fair. (T_T) Fuji could be bristly, but he'd been in the military with men more sharp-edged and intense than Fuji.

But he feel that underneath those those thorns was a complicated person with the capacity for great tenderness. That's why he'd intrigued him so much. To his way of thinking, Fuji was a buried treasure.

What would he be like if he let go of the rigid control?

Fascinating question.

He's also discovered another interesting part of Fuji Syusuke.

On the telephone, he was different, as if the distance allowed him to be more relaxed.

On his order, Fuji checked in every night with the dog's progress. And if the conversations lasted far longer than usual, so what? There was the recuperating dog the discuss. And his job. Fuji always ask about his work, always listened with pithy comment. He was witty. Smart too. And he was a smart enough to listen to his mountain wisdom.

They were partners too. They had the project in common. Fuji was useful to him. And he was a man, alive and well. And long without any woman. Maybe that's all there was to missing him. He needed more of a social life.

In the army, he had learned to keep his urges. But he wasn't in the army anymore.

But still, there was no one in this place who had stirred his interest.(or so he think). Right now he was too busy to get involved in a relationship anyway.

Suddenly, Fuji's ski-suit-clad body flashed in his mind. He snorted and shook away the image.

Eager to get out of the town,he started his 4X4 and headed for the store for some supplies. Once inside,he gathered some goods and made a beeline for the checkout counter

He thumped a pack of his favorite snacks,some butter and crackers along with packs of chocolate mix into the counter next to dog treats. Hunter and Chase likes beef jerky.

While waiting for the cashier to ring up the sale, Tezuka turned for a look at the candy display. His sweet tooth was working overtime lately. He wondered which kind Fuji would like.

The cashier was friendly who chatted him up every time he came in. today was no different.

"So, how's our hero doing?" she asked.

"Not feeling too heroic, but I'll manage."

"That's good. I'd heard things were little rocky for the new department. Sure would hate to lose."

"Rocky? Who told you that?"

"Hmmm." She paused. "Not sure. Someone said you were having trouble keeping up, you'd missed some important meetings, the mayor wasn't happy, I don't remember the details. May be it was the mayor's wife I talked to. I told her a one-man office can't do everything. You need some help."

He appreciated the vote of confidence, from her at least. Apparently not everyone shared the sentiment. "I'm keeping up. And I only missed one meeting. One. Someone forgot to let me know about it."

"Well, I hope someone told you about the happenings in the Shi river."

He tensed. "What about the Shi river?"

"A man was in yesterday, said the creek was really high, nearing flood stage."

This was new to him. "Did you tell him to call my office?"

"Well, I may have told him to call the sheriff's office." She pushed the total key. "Twenty-two, sixty-one is your total. Last time the spring floods hit us, I have six inches of water in my living room. You'll check it out, won't you?"

She took his payment, at the same time, relating the horrors of the last flood. Tezuka has been concerned about the said river for some time, but this latest information was new. Thankfully, he already have an evacuation plan in place and volunteers ready .

But he'd been in his office all day yesterday. Why hadn't he received the said man's report?

~X~O~X~

It was late afternoon by the time Fuji and Tezuka reached the area above Shi river. Worried above flooding, Tezuka had been adamant about gridding this section today, which was not far from the spot where they'd seen the lion. Fuji had thought long and hard about that episode, still wondering if there had truly been a lion on the ridge. Tezuka had frightened him, no doubt about that. For a minute, he thought he'd lost it. But considering how Tezuka quickly snapped out of his guerrilla mode, and having no other explanation for his behaviour, he'd resolved to believe him.

"We're going to have to make it short day," Tezuka said, casting a glance overhead. The wind was up and gray clouds can be seen above, "Maybe another couple of hours before we start to head back."

They'd parked Tezuka's 4X4 at the trailhead and hiked a good four miles into the dark spruce backcountry. The areas off the beaten track were where visitors could be easily lost.

Fuji studied the sky in silence. A storm was brewing. But in this unpredictable land, the weather might break in the next five minutes or wait until tonight.

His (Fuji's) stupid heart had leaped into his throat when Tezuka 's truck pulled into his yard this afternoon. The emotion was not welcome. Why should he be glad to see him?

Maybe he was starting to like him. Maybe that was the problem. He(Tezuka) made him feel things. Things he didn't want feel.

He (Fuji) begun looking forward to their nightly phone conversations, so much that he spent half the afternoon thinking of things to tell him.

Stupid. Dangerous.

Annoyed, he stabbed the trekking poles hard against the earth and leaned on them while using the tiny computer. The land wad rugged here, treacherous even, and cliffs and ridges numerous. Somewhere ahead was a lake surrounded by towering pine. He hoped to make it there. Staring into the mirrored face of the unnamed lake, surrounded by nothing but nature and quiet, refreshed his spirit.

Tezuka understood that too. Like Fuji, he love mountains. Maybe that's why he (Fuji) sort of like him. Sometimes. (or maybe not ^_^)

"Look up there," Tezuka said, pointing high above to a precipice where the spiked horns of a mountain goat glinted in the sun.

Hunter spotted the animal too, and stood rigidly at attention. Nature made him want to chase. Training kept him under control.

"It's only a goat," Fuji said, more in self-defence than irritation. He loved seeing any nature's creatures, but with his thoughts of Tezuka Kunimitsu going crazy today, he needed to push him away.

Tezuka grinned as though he saw right through him.

How would he combat a man like that?

The goat ambled away as the clouds began to grow even darker. They were around eight thousand feet and the air held a tinge of moisture he recognized. Snow. Rain. Something was coming.

A strong gust of cold air sent Fuji staggering backward. "Whoa!"

Tezuka spun around, his hair blowing straight back from his face. Stalking toward him (Fuji), he looked like a fierce warrior god, able to control the elements.

"Storm's coming," Tezuka said, uselessly. "Head for the truck."

"we wont make it." Fuji no more than said the words when the sky lit up. Thunder crashed, echoing loudly from one mountain to another. A sudden torrent of cold rain sucked the breath from him. As if someone had dumped a tub of water from above, they were drenched in seconds.

"We need to find shelter," Tezuka shouted, taking Fuji's arm. Water ran from his face and clothes. Though he stood directly in front of Fuji, he could barely see him, could barely see him. The sound around them was deafening.

"The cabin we saw yesterday. It's our best bet," Tezuka shouted.

Fuji nodded. Here in the open was the worst place at this moment. More people were killed in the mountains by lightning than anything else.

A jagged bolt of lightning slammed the earth not so far from where they are dirt shot into the air. They both jumped. Tezuka positioned his body in an arch over Fuji.

For a fraction of time, Fuji felt protected.

Tezuka reached for Fuji's backpack, slipped it off his shoulders before he could argue and slung it over his arm. "Run."

Fuji did. But even with to heavy bags to carry, Tezuka moved quickly ahead.

The storm raged around them, both terrifying and beautiful in its power. Hail started pouring down, a little at first and then like golf balls who'd gone crazy.

Fuji's lung ached, and rain obscured his vision. Hunter stayed at his side, the only dog he'd brought today. Poor guy, he hated lightning.

As he reached the crooked steps of the cabin, a bolt of lightning crashed so near, he yelped and dashed towards the door.

Strong hands yanked him inside.

Fuji collapsed on his knees on the floor, panting and shivering with cold.

Tezuka stood in front of him. Water sluiced from his clothes to his feet. "You okay?"

Fuji pushed a hair from his eyes and grinned, breathless. His adrenaline pulse still thundered like the storm. "Was that fun, or what?"

Tezuka rocked back and laugh. 'You are a unbelievable."

Hunter chose that moment to rid sodden coat of excess water, showering them both. Tezuka tried to duck and tipped sideways in the process. It was Fuji's turn to laugh.

Making a wry face Tezuka righted himself. "we need a fire first. It's too cold to stay wet. We'll be hypothermic in minutes."

Fuji shivered and rubbed his upper arm, "Won't argue that."

The cabin was little more than a hunter's shack with one room, which, lucky for them, held a rough rock fireplace and a few sticks of gathered wood, though not that much, "At least can get dry.'

"This storm may last till night," Tezuka said, his back to Fuji so he didn't see the reaction his declaration caused. "If it does, we're stuck here."

No way was he (Fuji) spending the night in one room with him.

"We'll make it to the truck," he insisted. "This will let up." He hoped.

"I wouldn't count on it." He (Tezuka) was so casual, so unconcerned, while Fuji's insides rioted.

"I'm not staying here."

Tezuka shifted, his wet boots squeaking on the dirty wood floor. His quiet eyes drilled into him, "I'm in charge of this project. For safety's sake, you'll do as I say."

Every cell in Fuji's body reacted. Hair raised on the back of his neck. Goose bumps that had nothing to do with the chill covered his arms.

"Big news, tough guy. I don't do authority well."

Tezuka's look was mildly amused, "Now, why does that not surprise me?"

"So don't tell me what I will or will not do."

Tezuka walked to the door, throwing it open, making Hunter bolted for a corner. "Take off then, Mr. Independence."

A powerful gust whipped through the opening in the wet sheet. Lightning sizzled and cracked, lighting the sky.

Tezuka was right, darn it. No one was safe outside with that. He was only hoping that it will be over soon. Traveling in the dark he can handle but even he, was cautious in thunder storms.

"Shut the door. You made your point."

With that, Tezuka close the door quietly and return to the fireplace.

"Since you don't take orders well, may I politely request you find us something hot to drink?" Tezuka said, just a hint of wicked humor glinting from his brown eyes.

The humor got to him (Fuji). "You may. Would you prefer coffee, hot chocolate or soup?"

"Anything. Just don't poison me."

"Silly me. I forgot to bring my arsenic."

Outside the, the sky had darkened and the meager fire also provided much needed light. But, even with that, the cabin's interior was dim and shadowy.

Fuji's boots squished as he dumped his food supplies on the table, one of the three pieces of furniture in the place, the other two are chairs. He took out his cookware, a spoon and a tin pot with matching cups.

Tezuka come up beside him, adding his backpack. His voice rumbled next to his ears. "Go ahead and take off your clothes."

The tin pot clattered to the floor. Fuji's head jerked toward him.

Tezuka held up his hand but his eyes were dancing with devilment.(1) "Wait. Let me rephrase. May I politely request that you remove your wet clothes? I plan to do the same."

He (Tezuka) was standing next, so close that he could feel the heat from his body even through the wet clothes. A flush heated the back of neck.

Something that wasn't fear, something rather pleasant hummed through his blood. He tamped it down.

They were both soaked to the skin. The request was sensible. A little embarrassing, maybe even more, but practical.

"Tell me you have dry clothes in your bag," he muttered around the thickness in his throat.

His mouth twitched, "What if I don't?"

He reached into his bag and yanked out a blanket, "Then your wear this."

He tossed the blanket to him. He caught it one-handed, holding the soft green-and-yellow colored blanket.

"Cactus," he said, the corner of his mouth crinkling into a full-blown grin. "My color too." he waggled his eyebrows. "Wanna share with me?"

"I don't share well,either."

"Life is cruel." Tezuka sighed and sat down on one of the chairs to unlace is boots.

He (Fuji) waited, still wondering if he'd have to spend the next several hours trying not to look at him wrapped in a yellow blanket that wouldn't begin to cover all of him. When he (Fuji) didn't relieve his curiosity, he put water to heat over the fire and then remove hid boots and jacket.

Oh my.

Fuji's fingers froze on his bootlaces. He sucked in a lungful of air.

"Hey, wait a minute. A warning please."

He (Tezuka) tossed the shirt aside.

"Sorry." (but he doesn't sound sorry at all ^_^") "Afraid you'll lose control and want me?"

"I'm beside my self with passion." he shoved the discarded blanket at him.

his (Tezuka's) grin was unrepentant as he held the blanket in his teeth, letting the fleece material form an inverted cone of protection in front of him. But his wide shoulders and most of his naturally tanned and muscled chest remained stunningly visible. Fuji turned away but not before the humming started in his blood again. And also not before he saw the two scars-one on his left shoulder and another on his right side.

"The pants are next," he warned, almost chuckling. "Sure you don't want to watch?"

"I'll try to control myself," he answered, his throat dry. Good heavens. Alone with Tezuka Kunimitsu was bad enough. But alone with a naked, teasing Tezuka Kunimitsu was enough to make him insane.

His (Fuji's) hand stirred two cups of hot chocolate but his mind was acutely of every whisper of fabric, every shift and shuffle behind him. In the tiny room, a man of Tezuka's size and uncomfortable masculinity was overpowering.

"All done."

He almost wilted with relief, "Does that mean you're decent?"

"Depends on you definition."

Fuji rolled his eyes. He was teasing, he kept telling himself. He (Tezuka) was only having fun with him, showing off, flirting the way guys loved to do.

Flirting? At the thought, he jerked. hot water splashed his hand. "Aw!"

He hurriedly set the cup aside and yanked the offended skin to his lips. Instantly, Tezuka was at his side, tugging the hand away from his mouth, studying the rising blister.

A shiver of something really, really nice danced along his (Fuji's) nerve.

"I'm okay," he attempted to extract his hand from his. Tezuka was unrelenting. He held on, ministering to hom as if he was helpless. He wrapped his cold, wet T-shirt around his palm. And the relief was instant.

"Leave that on for a few minutes. It will help draw out the heat." He hovered, scanning his face as if truly concerned.

Fuji didn't know how to react to this man. To a person like him, alone for more than ten years, Tezuka and his kindness was new to him.

"The hot chocolate is ready," he said, uncertain of what else to say. "I see you don't need my blanket after all."

Still, Tezuka didn't move.

"Ah, no fun being naked under the blanket alone." Indeed, he'd changed into a thermal shirt and loose plants. "You better get changed too. You're shivering."

There was more than one cause of those shivers. "promise to turn your back?"

He (Tezuka) emitted a sigh.

"Spoilsport," he said, but turned away and began organizing supplies on the table.

For once, he (Fuji) had no choice. He had to trust him.

Fuji made short work of the wet clothe, but he kept his eye in Tezuka. his mind went crazy. What would he do if he turned around? Was he as curious about his body as he was to his?

At the notion, his fingers fumbled on the zipper of his pants. Okay, so he was curious. He'd admit that much.

true to his words, Tezuka didn't turn around until Fuji announced, "I'm dressed."

"Darn, and I was hoping to catch you naked."

He threw a wet T-shirt on him. He laughed and went back to his task, but his words echoed in his head for quiet a while. Maybe he was curious. Or maybe he was just a man who liked to tease.

Fuji prepared dinner for Hunter then for him and his troublesome partner. Meanwhile, Tezuka fashioned a clothesline from rappelling rope and spread their wet items out to dry. all the while, Fuji prayed that the storm would be over. It didn't

With the meal over, there was little to do but wait and stay warm. Fuji was acutely aware of the efficient way Tezuka moved around. he was restless, as he was.

"the storm was not letting up," he said, turning from the window. "And it's getting dark."

His heart sank. 'We're stuck here."

"I've been stuck in worse places," Tezuka said. Considering his military career, he imagined that. "And with worse company."

The last word as offered with a smile.

"You can't be too sure about that,' Fuji said. "Maybe I'm as spooky as some people think. Or crazy or whatever they say about me."

"I hope you wont let those stupid remarks get to you."

'I am what I am. No excuses." But the remarks hurts. He pulled a chair and sat. "I hope Chase is okay."

Tezuka pulled the other chair and also sat.

'I haven't thought about your other dogs. Do they have water and food?"

" I feed them this morning and they have water, but Chase will worry." He was healthy enough to let himself in and out of the doggy door. But he didn't like the thought of him being out alone.

"Nothing we can do about it. No signal on the cellphone."

"Doesn't matter. Chase isn't allowed to answer the phone when I'm not there anyway."

Tezuka tilted his head in appreciation of the joke. Cute."But you know what I mean. We can't inform anyone of our whereabouts."

"That's the reason I don't own cellphone. They never work when you need them."

"So here we are,stuck in this storm," Tezuka said. "Might as well talk."

"About what?"

"Whatever. Let's start with you. Any family out there worrying about you?"

"No."

"Nobody?"

The images flickered behind his eyes, far back in the dark place of his memory.

"Not a living soul."

"That's crappy. Everyone needs a family. It's tough to lose people yo care about."

"I guess you've been there too."

"Soldiers get close. The band of brothers is real."

The conversation was getting heavy. He brushed his bangs aside, fingers skimming the scar. Tezuka had scars too.

"I saw your scars. Did you got wounded in combat?"

"A few times. No big deal."

"You really are a hero." The words are bitter on tongue."Your family must be proud."

"I guess. Mostly, they want me to be safe and happy." his jaw softened as he spoke. Fuji realized he'd been days with this man and hours on the phone but he knew little about personal life.

"How often do you get to see them?"

"Not often enough. I miss them a lot."

Then they talked about geography, mountains and the troublesome rumors about the Emergency Management Department.

After some time, the shadows deepened and the fire burned.

"That's the last wood." Tezuka said while dusting his hand. "And the storm hadn't stopped yet."

Fuji by the last couple of hours of pleasant talk, his response was more of a joke tan a complement. "We may be trapped here until we starve."

"nah. We won't starve on my watch. A great hunter can bring home the bacon." he made a pistol with his fingers and pulled the invisible trigger.

The action sent trickles of anxiety racing over his nerve endings. "You don't have gun."

"Hmm.. I thought this-" he reached into a jacket hanging over the back of his chair and pulled out a black pistol "-was called a gun."

The blood drained out of his head so fast, he felt dizzy. His heart stopped, then started again, thundering like the storm out side.

He had a gun. They were alone...

And far,very far for help.

~X~O~X~

1 = sorry for the word "DEVILMENT", I just thought of using that.

Done..done..done...I hope you enjoyed reading :)

and sorry for the late update, I've been very busy lately and I guess I wont be able to update the next chappy anytime soon. But I'll do my best to update as soon as possibly...

Again,thanks for reading...

please leave some review :))))

thanks!