There Comes a Time

Masqatch - SO glad you love the story. Of course there is some more drama. It would be too easy. But nothing we can't all get thru together. ;-)
Of course Tezuka is not that shallow.....it's not JUST desire, but hey there is another variable showing up here....

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Ychan - Yes, yes.... of course you caught the Ryoma angst. Ryoma knows it was Tezuka who slapped Fuji. He was the only one who caught on. Remember he confronted Fuji with it twice... the 1st time he said it was a left handed person who did it, Mieko not being left handed. The second time was when Mieko showed up at practice, and he said he knew Mieko hadn't done it, his eyes glanced at Tezuka. The only person he hasn't confronted with that knowledge yet is Tezuka himself.....I don't like too many lose strings, so he will. Mwuaa hahahaha.... you know me too well....

Hope you like this next installment.

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Tezuka awoke to find brilliant blue eyes smiling at him. He rubbed his fingers over his eyes getting the sleep out, then looked into Fuji’s once again, smiling back. “Good morning,” He said. Fuji smiled, “Good Morning, buchou.” Tezuka automatically searched for the clock, but Fuji forestalled him, “It is still early, don’t worry we won’t be late.” Tezuka’s eyebrows creased slightly, “Last night. Did you? Or did I dream that?” Fuji smiled smugly, “Oh I most definitely did, yes. And you did very well too I might add.” Tezuka cocked his head, so he added, “You looked beautiful and you make the most amazing sounds.” Tezuka’s sexy smile returned, “I do?” at Fuji’s emphatic nod he added, “Well, I was inspired.” Fuji gave the firm lips a brief kiss earning himself a cross look, knowing Tezuka was thinking of a toothbrush but he didn’t care, a little morning breath wouldn’t kill him. He had some questions he wanted to ask, but he’d wanted that kiss first. “Tezuka. Forgive this question, but both yesterday and last night, you did some things that surprised me.” Tezuka’s lips curved, “Good. I will strive to keep you on your toes.”

Fuji’s forehead creased, and his face took on a worried look, far more serious than the gentle teasing allowed for. Tezuka raised his eyebrows and encouraged him to continue, “Well…….For instance…. When I used my finger on you….. you immediately relaxed to let me in, you didn’t even flinch. It seemed like a practiced response to me. And….. and….. you also knew how to prepare me when we made love yesterday…..so……” Tezuka calmly watched Fuji’s confused eyes, knowing his team mate was not just simply curious about where his knowledge came from, he could read the jealousy in the blue eyes clearly. Jealousy? Already? There was no reason for the jealousy, and Tezuka had no problem telling Fuji what he wanted to know, but he was slightly concerned about the possessive question so early on in their relationship. On the very first morning, to be exact. Tezuka had dealt with too long a line of jealous and possessive lovers not to see the warning signs almost immediately. To say that Tezuka was ‘head shy’ when it came to this subject, especially after Hanaka’s recent insanity would be an understatement. He kept all this to himself, refusing to believe that Fuji would be like any of the others, and Tezuka calmly asked, “So…..you want to know about where I learned such things?” Fuji at least had the decency to blush slightly, “Well…yes.” Fuji was surprised to see the previously warm hazel eyes had gone briefly cold on him as Tezuka answered, “Although there have not been many, I’ve had anal sex with girls before. They were very careful to teach me what I should do to make it more bearable. So that answers how I knew to prepare you.” Tezuka added silently to himself, “You would be surprised how many girls will attempt to keep you with them by using sex, thinking that the more kinky they were willing to be, the more likely I would be to stay with them. As if ANY kind of sex could bind me unwillingly to someone…… He continued out loud, “As for the other, I trusted Hanaka well enough after being with her for a while to allow her to explore and to try to find my A-spot. She turned out to be quite good at that, and I enjoyed it very much each time, so there was no reason for apprehension when you tried it. That answers your second question. Are there any more?” Fuji shook his head negatively, lips pursed.

Tezuka’s eyes carefully watched the changes on Fuji’s face as he listened to the answers, and making a mental note of the responses. Fuji was not liking very much what he heard. He knew Tezuka had dated plenty of different girls, his beauty and charisma just drew them, but some wild hope had him thinking that maybe Tezuka was just ‘A Natural’, or that he simply trusted Syuusuke that much, or maybe he’d read a bunch of books. The reality of course was that Tezuka had first hand experience. The answers were reasonable, and he had no right to be jealous, but he had thought he would have been the first to find Tezuka’s spot. The fact that he wasn’t the first was very disappointing. Fuji thought that would be one of the things he could ‘hang his hat’ on so to speak. The thing that would completely rock Tezuka’s world and keep him coming back for more. Well he would just have to work harder at it then, or find something else. Tezuka frowned as he watched the play of emotions over the tensai’s face. He saw the disappointment, which he could very well understand. He even thought that was cute. The hazel eyes also registered the jealousy, which he didn’t like, but he could deal with. However, it was the flash of possessive determination in the blue depths that disturbed him most. It was not something he’d ever expected to see from Fuji. Tezuka didn’t want to think about it, so he grasped Fuji’s face and kissed him quickly before pulling himself out of bed and headed for the shower, dragging Syuusuke along behind him.

The walk to school was peppered with the normal conversation. Fuji said his parents would be coming back from their trip later on that night. Tezuka asked how late they would be and Fuji already knew what Tezuka was thinking. “Perhaps you could stop by for a short while on the way home?” Fuji smiled sexily, and Tezuka’s eyes smoldered with his one word answer, “Aah.” Hazel eyes widened suddenly with suppressed laughter as Fuji unexpectedly wiggled his butt around during mid-step. Tezuka shook his head with a ‘What-the-heck-was-that?’ look on his face before Fuji jokingly stated that he was just checking to be sure if he would be ‘up’ to the task later. Tezuka closed his eyes and grasped the bridge of his nose under his glasses with one hand while shaking his head in disbelief, a small smile playing around the firm lips. When he dropped his hand to meet Fuji’s broad grin he asked, “Well, what is the consensus, genius?” Fuji chuckled, “No problem. Fully functional.” Tezuka sighed. As they continued their walk in companionable silence, Fuji thought that it was very good that Tezuka was a remarkable lover. He really wasn’t feeling any discomfort at all, but even if he had been, he’d pop some pain pills first before backing off a liaison this afternoon. Once his family came back, it would be a few weeks before they left again, and who knew when they would have another chance to be so relaxed and intimate with each other?

Fuji’s thoughts then turned to Tezuka’s brief confession of his sexual experiences. What else had the brunette done? With who? Fuji was sure he was the first male Tezuka had ever been with, but he had to wonder, had he ever tried bondage? More then one lover at a time? Orgy? He dismissed that one immediately. Tezuka and Orgy just didn’t seem to even fit in the same sentence. Still, how adventurous was his captain? Where would all this lead? Fuji broke out of his reverie to find Tezuka watching him silently, and he smiled at the hazel eyes just as he wondered if Tezuka would ever consent to being uke for him. Just the thought of Tezuka under him gave him shivers. Blue orbs widened when he saw the winged eyebrows draw down, and the firm lips say without hesitation, “No.” … Fuji’s head cocked, “What?” Tezuka’s lips curved slightly, “I said No.” Fuji’s confusion rose, “No what?” Tezuka smiled slightly wider, “No - to whatever you were just thinking.” Fuji chortled in disbelief, “How do you know what I was thinking, Tezuka?” Tezuka shook his head, “I know you too well, and whatever it was - No.” Fuji stuttered, “Well, I was just thinking maybe someday you would let me….” Tezuka’s eyes held him captive and his words skittered to a halt, however Tezuka surprised him by finishing for him, “You would like me to be uke.” Fuji’s mouth gaped. How did he know? The gaze Tezuka leveled at him left no doubt that it was unlikely to happen any time soon. Fuji pouted, and Tezuka eyes became amused. “You look like a child that just had its toy taken away.” Fuji nodded rather cutely, and then lifted flashing blue eyes to the hazel ones. Tezuka saw the challenge in his team mate’s eyes and he sighed. “Fuji. I should warn you that I don’t normally drink, and I am unlikely to lose my presence of mind, so barring drugging me, you certainly will have a tough time if you decide to take up that challenge.” Fuji smiled, “Haven’t you heard? I’m a tensai. I’ll figure out a way.” Tezuka shrugged his shoulders, “Be my guest. I’m certainly looking forward to your efforts.”

They turned the corner into the school gates, headed to morning practice. Fuji suddenly turned, “Tezuka? Do you have the remote control for that little device of yours? I still have the other half.” Tezuka nodded and Fuji continued, “Do you plan on using it again?” Tezuka shook his head, the entire situation and the things he had wrongly done to Fuji made him feel bad enough and he had no desire to re-visit that place between them. Fuji thought it might be fun to use the toy on Tezuka, but he could see the sadness flash across his captain’s face, and he knew Tezuka was beating himself up again. That was the last thing he wanted. “Tezuka, I rather enjoyed that toy, so don’t be upset. But if you don’t want us to use it anymore, may I have it?” Tezuka’s eyes showed surprise, “Just trust me.” Tezuka nodded, and reached into his bag giving Fuji the small box-like device. Fuji shoved it into his own tennis bag.

Up ahead of them Momoshiro and Echizen were just turning into the campus, Momo pushing his bike Echizen walking beside him, the 2 friends talking quietly. Fuji got that shiver up his spine yet again, and his eyes slid sideways to see a shadow come across Tezuka’s eyes. As they drew near to their team mates, Echizen glanced up at them. He nodded, his eyes acknowledging Fuji, but the golden bronze gaze coldly slid past Tezuka’s searching hazel eyes. Momoshiro said, “Hoi! Fuji-senpai! How are you feeling? You look better. Will you be working out in practices today?” Fuji smiled as the two fell in to walk in front of them. Fuji’s eyes narrowed and the words tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop them, “Oh I feel much better. I will start practices today. Plus, Tezuka slept over my house last night to keep me company while my parents were away in case I got a relapse. Luckily I feel terrific this morning.” Blue eyes focused on Echizen’s back as he said the words, watching as the boy’s back muscles tightened. Momo answered blithely, “That’s good! How terrific. Tezuka buchou is always so responsible.” Tezuka’s face froze with Fuji’s words. His eyes saw Echizen’s spine straighten and his hands clench. Tezuka’s gaze flicked quickly from Echizen’s back to Fuji’s narrowed eyes, then straight forward again, processing what he saw. Tezuka didn’t care if anyone knew he had slept over Fuji’s house. Fuji could tell the whole school for all he cared. He’d slept over many times before, so it wouldn’t be anything new. But Tezuka knew without a doubt that Fuji had said that sentence on purpose for Echizen’s ears, and he had watched for Echizen’s response. Why would he do that? What games was Fuji playing now?

As they approached the door to the clubhouse Fuji went in, Momoshiro went to park his bike, locking it up in the bike rack. Echizen paused, waiting for him, then he saw Tezuka standing in the doorway. Rather than pass his captain, he turned to Momo, “I’ll see you later, I’m not going to practice.” “Why?” Tezuka heard what Echizen said, and he called out, “Echizen.” Echizen paused in his retreat, then the bronze eyes finally turned to meet his own, sparkling and hard. Tezuka hadn’t thought such warm colored eyes could look so cold. “Why aren’t you coming to practice, Echizen?” a slight pause followed. The finally granted eye contact allowed Tezuka to know that Echizen was searching for the truest but shortest verbal response. There was so much Echizen left unsaid, but it was plainly written there for Tezuka to see. Bronze eyes drilled into his, his voice was low and quivering, “Because I am SICK to my stomach.” Tezuka gasped. His face paled. Echizen took a deep breath as if to say more, decided against it and turned instead to walk away. Tezuka’s eyes blinked several times, his belly felt as if the 1st grader had punched him. He walked blindly into the locker rooms and sat down on his bench, putting his face in his hands.

The captain’s mind raced back to that day weeks before. They were on the tennis courts in the park, Echizen had been challenged by the USA’s team captain, and Tezuka had forbidden Echizen from playing the unofficial match, knowing he had put Echizen’s name on the reserve list, but he had not told the boy about it yet, hoping for a turn around in his performance. Echizen had ignored his order to not play the match, he had ignored Tezuka calling his name several times. This was more than simple defiance of his captain. Finally Tezuka had reached forward and grabbed his arm to stop him from taking the court. It was the first time he had ever physically touched him, and Echizen had stopped as if frozen, his eyes widening at the contact. Echizen had not met his eyes that day, he had closed them tightly with his back to his captain, his words said out loud for Tezuka to release him. There was more to it than that. Echizen had been hurt. He was hurt that Tezuka did not choose him for the team. Hurt that Tezuka hadn’t discussed it with him or told him why. Echizen had felt betrayed. He thought Tezuka had broken their special bond, and in return he had not only told his captain to let go. The unspoken message told Tezuka that more than the spoken words, Echizen was walking away from him personally and all that the captain meant to him. That was when Tezuka had hit him. He had hit him not for disobeying him, but because of the pain of Echizen’s unfair alienation. Echizen had no idea of all the trouble and thought and care that Tezuka put into him from behind the scenes. He had no clue that furthest from betraying him, Tezuka was trying his hardest to help him. When he sought Tezuka out at his home late at night, Echizen never brought up the slap. He knew he had been wrong for doing that to Tezuka. Echizen never questioned why he had hit him, he had not asked Tezuka for an apology, and Tezuka had never given one.

Now it was happening again. Echizen’s words today were few, but the meaning was so much more. He was sick to his stomach….. That’s what his voice said. His eyes said he was sick at Fuji’s words- meant specifically for him. He was sick over Tezuka’s relationship with Fuji, at what Echizen had seen between them, what had obviously been going on. He was sick because he somehow felt hurt and betrayed - again. This was not a response to a gay relationship. Tezuka didn’t think Echizen really gave a crap about that kind of thing. This was a response to Tezuka personally. What was he supposed to say to Echizen? No one in their right mind would ever think he should have told Echizen about what he was doing in his personal life. He certainly hadn’t before now. Besides, at the time, HE didn’t even know what he was doing. Normally he would not consider explaining himself to anyone. Yet in one way or another, as bizarre as it was, Tezuka understood. His other relationships were inconsequential. They had never infringed on their bond, but this one did. Somehow he felt like he HAD betrayed Echizen this time. It was deeper as well as more complicated then that, and would require a closer self inspection, but not now. When he was at home with time to think he would pull it apart.

Echizen wasn’t coming to practice this morning. He couldn’t even give the rookie laps for this, since he had used the exact same excuse that Fuji had for the last week. He was ‘sick’. Only Tezuka knew the whole truth of it, and only thru unspoken words. How long would this last? Of all the possible problems his involvement with Fuji could have caused, he had not expected this. This could be one of the few that would hurt him the most. His team was most important to him. No matter what, the team would not suffer. Or at least that was what he told himself. The other dilemma demanded his attention, and that was Fuji. Fuji knew what he had said and how he phrased it. He did it on purpose, but why? He had seen Fuji’s eyes watching Echizen for reaction. Tezuka decided he wasn’t going to ask. He was sure he didn’t want to know. Fuji’s reasons for doing things were often convoluted at best, and Tezuka was too upset right now to hear the answer, even if Fuji admitted to having a reason. Things were going well between them and he didn’t want to ruin it. He truly cared about the tensai, and Tezuka was frightened. He was frightened that whatever reasons Fuji might have for wanting to hurt Echizen, those reasons would change Tezuka’s feelings towards the tensai irrevocably. So simply put, for now, he just didn’t want to know. Tezuka changed into practice gear, and joined the team. Fuji’s smiling face showed no evidence of duplicity, but as Tezuka jogged past the happy mask dropped and blue eyes flashed. So what if Echizen is upset. He’ll get over it, and now he knows Tezuka is mine. Fuji continued jogging, satisfied that ‘staking his claim’ would simplify things in the end. His perception couldn’t be more off.

The practice went off without a hitch. Fuji kept up well enough, given his recent illness and the week off. Everyone changed and started out for their classes, Fuji waving goodbye with a smile to Tezuka and Oishi, while he and Eiji slipped off to classes. Oishi studied his friend’s face carefully, seeing the unhappiness written clearly. Oishi didn’t get it. Tezuka had slept over Fuji’s house last night, and he was sure things had gone well, since Fuji gushed about it to Eiji. Oh he hadn’t said anything specific- that wasn’t Fuji’s style. But he had left no doubt that it had been a wonderful evening. So why was Tezuka upset? Certainly the prospect of all day in classes absent from his new lover wasn’t the cause. He could not see that happening. Suddenly Oishi had it. Echizen missed practice. He should have known, since Tezuka’s usual thought processes revolved around the rookie at least half the time. Oishi said, “Tezuka. Why did Echizen beg out of practice?” Tezuka jumped as if he had been caught stealing a cookie. “He said his stomach was sick.” Oishi ran that thru his head, knowing that if that were the truth, Tezuka wouldn’t be upset. “I see. So, what is the real reason he didn’t come?” Sharp hazel eyes cut to Oishi’s kindly face, seeing no sarcasm there, only concern. Warring within him was the need to keep everyone out of it, against the need for a friendly ear. The last week’s toll on his psyche caused Tezuka to blurt, “He is upset with me.” Oishi nodded, taking a few moments to work out why the rookie might be mad at his buchou, but the reason wasn’t all that hard to find. It was obviously the relationship with Fuji. What was it about the relationship that upset the boy? Was it the boy/boy thing? He didn’t think so. Echizen knew about him and Eiji, and he was just fine with it. Echizen was as coolly unreadable as Tezuka was, so it could be almost anything, although Oishi had a sneaking suspicion. He kept that to himself. “Aah. Well don’t worry Tezuka, he will do what he always does.” Tezuka looked to him waiting for an explanation. “Whenever he strays, he works things out on his own and then seeks you out if he needs more help.” Tezuka nodded absently realizing he hadn’t seen the pattern before now. He does always seek me out…. Tezuka pursed his lips, “I hope you are right.” Tezuka suddenly thought that if Echizen did seek him out, he had no idea what he would say to him. He’d have to cross that bridge when he got to it.

The day passed without event, the team showed up for practice after classes, Echizen still absent. Tezuka sought out Momoshiro and asked him where Echizen was but the purple eyes glanced to the floor saying he had left school early, claiming a sick stomach. It was obvious that Momoshiro didn’t buy the explanation, but he offered no further comment so Tezuka thanked him and returned to planning out the training menu with Ryuzaki and Inui. Tezuka changed quickly after practice, not bothering with a shower, Fuji did the same. He turned the corner of his locker, seeking out the tensai for the trip home. As soon as the tall form entered the room, Fuji noticed him. He turned and smiled a greeting, finished laughing with Eiji about something, and handed over a bag to the red head. Fuji whispered something to him which made Eiji jump up and hug him, then he turned and joined Tezuka for the walk home. Tezuka smiled, “What was that about?” Fuji gave a secretive smile of his own, “Oh you’ll see.” Tezuka nodded without further comment knowing if Fuji said something like that, then he could just sit and wait for the fireworks. The conversation on the way home centered around the new training menu Inui was working on. Echizen was not brought up by either of them. They entered the Fuji household, and Fuji went immediately to the freezer to get out a carton of ice cream and 2 spoons. They sat at the center island sharing some of the tasty treat, talking companionably. Fuji sighed as they finished the last of the ice cream, “It’s always gone too fast….” Tezuka kissed his lips, “Aah.” He grabbed the fine fingered hand and gently pulled Fuji out of the kitchen. “Tezuka? Where are we going?” The golden brown head turned to glance at him, “I need a shower.” Fuji smiled, then his face lit up, “Oh! Follow me.” He tugged Tezuka’s hand, leading him away from Fuji’s private bathroom into his parent’s bedroom and beyond to the master bath. This one had a much larger shower space, with lots of marble in shades of champagne and beige.

A low rumble of approval came from Tezuka’s chest. This would be much better. Fuji adjusted the water and the temperature as they removed their clothes, stepping into the warm spray. He watched as Tezuka removed his glasses last, and stepped under the stream of water. He never tired of watching his captain. He moved with an unconscious feline grace that often astounded him. Tezuka tilted his head back into the spray, his hair darkened and pulled down as the water coursed thru it. Fuji suppressed a sigh of pleasure as he watched the water cascade over the lovely carved column of neck and shoulders, down over the chest, sliding into the long lines of Tezuka’s muscular belly and then lower. His eyes were taking stock of the long legs when he was grabbed none too gently and dragged into the shower, “Were you planning on watching the entire time? Or did you want to join me?” He got no chance to answer as firm lips covered his in an open hungry kiss. Strong arms came around his body, pulling him into the spray. Lips continued the attack on his senses, hungry and open, small tendrils of water occasionally drifting into the open spaces between their mouths. Fuji’s arms found their way around Tezuka’s neck, he groaned lightly as his body was pressed against Tezuka’s torso, feeling them both begin to harden.

They gently kissed each other’s necks, cheeks nuzzling occasionally. Hands ran along each flank, touched, wondered at the texture of each other’s skin. Tezuka was surprised by one particularly hard bite on his neck at the juncture of his shoulder. He jerked in response, then he gasped as Fuji sucked hard on the spot, his fingers digging into Fuji’s hips. When the tensai removed his lips Tezuka remarked jokingly “Are you trying to brand me?” He chuckled but the defiant smile let him know that was exactly what Fuji had done. He shrugged broad shoulders, “If that’s what pleases you. This is what pleases me….” He lifted Fuji’s legs and wrapped them around his hips, pressing the slender back into the shower wall, holding him there. Tezuka continued to love him kissing his neck, and ears, then attacking his mouth as his hardness found its way into Fuji’s channel there against the wall. Fuji cried out loudly in pleasure as he was filled, helplessly suspended off the ground. His hands could feel the muscles of Tezuka’s back strain and flex as his lover pumped into him. Soft gasps and moans filled the shower stall, one bleeding into the other. Then he felt a calloused hand wrap around him, gently stroking in time to the thrusts, bringing them both to a very satisfying climax. Tezuka slowly went soft inside him, as he waited for the feeling to return to Fuji’s legs before trying to get him to stand. Another deep kiss, then Tezuka grabbed the soap and gently washed his lover down before attending to himself. Fuji’s face bore a relaxed and serene smile the entire time. He would miss this now that his family would be coming back. Still, they would get time alone along the way. Somehow they would manage.

They left the shower and Tezuka tossed him a towel from the rack, then toweled himself off. Tezuka’s ability to ‘disconnect’ continued to amaze him. One minute they were lovers, the next they were team mates again. Fuji wanted to keep up the romance long after Tezuka had dispensed with it. Ah well. He reasoned this is just the way Tezuka was, he rarely gave in to emotions. A time and place for everything. Maybe he would be the one to change that. They were opposites in this respect. Fuji was more clingy, Tezuka more cool, its just how they were. They had just gotten dressed and were headed back to the kitchen when Fuji’s family unexpectedly returned home early. Tezuka smiled in greeting, and said he needed to get home, whispering ‘that was close’ to Fuji before he made his escape.

That WAS close, he thought to himself as he walked the rest of the way home. He was actually kind of glad the family had come in when they had. Tezuka had been starting to feel antsy about the situation with Echizen, and he truly did not want to go into it with Fuji. He wanted things to be good between them, and he didn’t want the possibility of an argument. He just needed to go home to think. Standing now before the mirror in his bedroom, hard eyes inspected the ugly mark left by Fuji on the right side of his neck. It was in such a position that his school uniform would easily cover it, but he had never tolerated this kind of thing from any of his girlfriends, he didn’t understand why he had given Fuji that leeway. Scratch that. He knew why. Because he still felt guilty for the pain he had caused him. He shrugged. He would have to speak with him about not doing that again. Tezuka was very family and tradition oriented. He felt no need to push his personal life into his grandfather’s face. It would disappoint him unnecessarily. After he got into his pj’s for the evening he did his homework, thoughts of Echizen floating through everything he did. No matter what pondering he did, Tezuka could come to no conclusions on his own. He would just have to wait for the errant rookie to seek him out as Oishi had said. He hoped his vice captain was right. The next Pillar of Seigaku was too important to him to just allow him to fade into non-existence.

The next morning’s practice came and went. Tezuka did not bother to ask Momo about Echizen again, but his belly clenched uncomfortably with the knowledge that this was getting out of hand. It had been days now. Fuji noticed the absent Echizen, and a small smile of triumph crossed his face before feeling slightly bad about the missing rookie. He liked Echizen. He liked him a lot. He just didn’t want him to get any wrong ideas concerning Tezuka, that’s all. The team went on their way to classes, Tezuka and Oishi had a test first period, and he was grateful for the distraction. There was a general assembly next and Fuji sought him out as usual to take his seat. Tezuka’s eyes searched the crowd behind him amongst the first years to find Echizen, but to no avail. A tug on his sleeve alerted him to Fuji’s attempt to gain his attention. When he found blue eyes filled with mirth, they sharply turned to the right, directing Tezuka’s gaze to follow. When he raised his eyes to the indicated direction he could see Oishi and Eiji sitting 2 rows ahead of them, several seats down. Tezuka’s eyebrows creased momentarily in question not seeing whatever it was that Fuji wanted him to see. Suddenly his entire face went blank, hazel eyes widened in shock as he watched. Eiji’s eyes closed, his head tilting back, arching his neck with parted lips as he slid down in the auditorium seat. Even from this distance Tezuka could hear the low throaty moan that Eiji made, it raised the hairs on Tezuka’s arm. His eyes blinked several times in disbelief, then settled on Oishi who was blushing furiously and fumbling with the remote control. Eiji was now arching his chest up into the air, keening as if he was going to come any second. Tezuka’s mouth dropped open as he stared in incredulity while Oishi finally dialed down the remote. Eiji was soon slouching down in relief into the seat and panting heavily.

Fuji was laughing very hard with his hands over his mouth until his eyes looked like they were going to tear. Tezuka turned accusing eyes on him. “You didn’t.” Fuji laughed some more, almost unable to get the words out. “Oh yes I did.” Tezuka shook his head several times before chuckling himself. “You are rotten, you know that?” Fuji laughed some more. “Oh come now. They were both very happy about it, no one forced anything on them. Say Tezuka, did I look like that when you did that to me?” Tezuka glanced at the flushed and aroused Eiji once again, his lips curving, “Yes, actually you did.” They both chuckled some more until Tezuka called out, “Oishi!” When he had snagged his vice captain’s attention he waved him over. Oishi was blushing fiercely, and somehow this embarrassed Tezuka to no end. The captain reached into his pocket as he closed his eyes and tilted his head down refusing to meet Oishi’s eyes, he held out the keys to the clubhouse. Oishi looked at them perplexed for a second. Tezuka’s next words solidified it for him, “Oishi. Get that out before next class.” He handed the keys over, as realization dawned on Oishi’s face he blushed a deeper shade of scarlet. “Thank you Tezuka!” They watched as Oishi went to Eiji’s side and helped him up, escorting him out of the auditorium. The 2 laughed together as they watched their friends leave. “I can’t believe you gave them the bullet.” Fuji grinned unabashedly, “Tell me that wasn’t one of the funniest things you’ve ever seen.” Tezuka nodded, admitting it was pretty damned amusing before returning his attention to the seminar.

Tezuka walked down the corridor during the middle of the next period. He rifled thru the Student Council Papers he was currently working on when a classroom door slid opened on his left. A brief glance revealed Echizen had been the one opening the door, probably on his way to the boys bathroom. Echizen stopped short in the doorway as Tezuka did the same in the middle of the hallway. Before any words were exchanged, or Tezuka was granted any sort of real eye contact, Echizen closed his eyes, dipping his head, then wordlessly slid the door closed in his captain’s face. He heard Echizen say on the other side of the door that he’d changed his mind Sensei, he’d go later. Tezuka stood stock still in the corridor where the rookie had left him, his eyes closed against the sudden pain in his chest. Echizen had closed the door in his face. It’s not like he should be surprised, Echizen had done that before, in fact he had a habit of doing it. Before, it had been an amusing quirk. But this time it hurt. Now Tezuka knew Echizen was in school, and could not claim a sick belly. He also knew with a sinking heart that this was becoming much worse then he thought it would ever get, and he knew in his heart that he would not see the golden cat eyes at practice this afternoon. He might have lost him. His feet started walking of their own accord taking him on his way, seemingly on autopilot. He attended his next class in silence, his mind absent.

Afternoon practice came and went. No Echizen. The team became unsettled and waspish, even worse then it had become when Momoshiro disappeared after dropping from the regulars. Tezuka’s eyes took into account everything, the one person who seemed blithe fully unconcerned was Fuji. This irritated Tezuka to no end, especially since it was Fuji’s own words that caused this whole thing. The nationals loomed, and just as much as the team needed Echizen, Echizen needed the team. Tezuka sighed as he realized how much he missed the cocky player. They were so much alike, Tezuka and Echizen. The worry lines between Tezuka’s eyebrows dug veritable trenches in his forehead. Fuji glided up beside his captain and asked if he was alright. Hazel eyes continued to study the rallies going on, punctuated with the occasional shouting match. “No, Fuji. I am not. I am worried about Echizen.” The smiling visage faltered. Blue eyes appeared, narrowed and speculative, “Ah…. Echizen again. You worry about him a lot don’t you?” Tezuka rounded on Fuji sharply enough to cause the tensai to take a quick step backwards, his words soft but fierce, “Yes I do, as you well know. I would THINK you would be concerned about him too, since he IS your team mate.” With that he turned on his heel and walked over to the shouting players and gave them 50 laps. Then he gave the players who had been standing around watching the display 50 laps as well for not putting a stop to the disruption. Fuji’s eyes gazed at the ground. He was right. Tezuka was right. He should be concerned. Echizen was his team mate. He had even tried to help and protect Fuji when things were going so wrong for him with Tezuka. But Fuji couldn’t seem to help himself. He’d wanted Tezuka for so long, and now that his dream had been granted he found a fierce need to protect it. He didn’t like how he had acted to Echizen. He didn’t even know why he had done what he did, why he’d been so mean, he’d only acted on instinct. It turned out purely by chance that his instinct was correct judging from the boy’s actions. But really, Echizen had not done anything to deserve what Fuji had done to him, he just couldn’t seem to stop himself. Fuji sighed sadly. He was jealous of the bond Tezuka had always had with the rookie. Fuji didn’t like who he became when faced with that special connection, but he didn’t seem to be able to control it. He blinked tears away, he really did hope Echizen was okay.

Tezuka went into the clubhouse to find some peace, but there was none to be found from the constant yapping in his own head. Oishi had said Echizen would find him, but it seemed more likely now that he would not. Practice ended, most people had gone home, and Fuji came over to him afterwards at the campus gate, tugging his sleeve gently to get his attention. Tezuka sighed not wanting to fight, he listened quietly as Fuji said he was sorry, he really didn’t like that Echizen had gone missing. Tezuka nodded, and said his family was going out to a movie this evening, would he like to come over just for a while? Fuji understood there would be no ‘monkeying’ around in Tezuka’s house, but he was glad for the invitation, and happily accepted.

A movement caught his peripheral vision, sharp blue eyes registered shiny black hair and golden eyes as Echizen came up to them from behind Fuji, obviously seeking out Tezuka. Several things happened all at once. The sly being that dwells within Fuji reared its ugly head, Tezuka’s eyes slid to catch sight of Echizen as he approached, the next thing Tezuka knew Fuji’s open lips were pressed tightly to his own, his hand holding his captain’s face in place right there in the middle of the campus gate. Tezuka barely had time to be shocked by the ludicrous action, his eyes bulging as he stepped back. Echizen stopped in his tracks, his heart seizing as he witnessed the hot kiss Fuji planted on his captain. His breath caught in his throat his eyes going completely round in shock. Tezuka saw Echizen’s reaction, his surprise, his pain, and then unbelievably… something else. Tezuka had had enough. Trusting his own instincts, Tezuka’s left hand whipped out and grasped Fuji by the back of the neck, dragging his lips back to him in a demanding open kiss. Fuji’s eyes closed, but Tezuka’s eyes never left Echizen’s. He had intended the kiss to be a lesson to both Fuji for trying to manipulate him, and to Echizen that his personal life was none of Echizen’s business. But the ramifications of his actions blew his mind away. As his lips kissed Fuji his eyes saw heat and desire rise within the golden bronze ones locked to his. The slender chest heaving with pent up emotion. Much to his surprise, just the action of kissing Fuji while Echizen watched made Tezuka become unreasonably hard. The cat like eyes looking into his own somehow made Echizen a deep part of the kiss, almost as if it was the rookie he was kissing and a fresh wave of desire washed over Tezuka before he pushed Fuji away forcefully. Fuji had no idea what had happened. The kiss was amazing, but he knew in his gut that something had gone horribly wrong. He knew he shouldn’t have kissed Tezuka like that but he just had to….. Echizen put his head down and walked away. Fuji heard Tezuka call, “Echizen! Wait!” to no avail. The rookie took up a jog and disappeared from sight.

Still blinking at the ground, Fuji’s shoulders flinched as Tezuka tossed his tennis bag forcefully to the floor, and he heard him curse under his breath. “Tezuka?” He got no response, he was afraid to even look at his friend and lover, he could hear his still labored breath, Tezuka finding it difficult to control his breathing because he was so angry. He tried once more, “Kunimitsu???” he heard the voice low and barely audible, “Don’t you call me that right now.” Fuji flinched. He watched as his captain tried to gain control of himself. Finally Tezuka said, “Go home Fuji.” Fuji shook his head in bewilderment. “Go Home?” Tezuka turned on him, fiercely angry, “Go home. I don’t want to see you right now.” Tears quickly gathered in Fuji’s blue eyes, and while it made Tezuka’s heart lurch to see them, he would not be moved. “Don’t cry Fuji. Just go home.” Fuji asked tremulously, “But Why? You just…” he was cut off, “You are acting like a jealous woman. If I had wanted that, I would have gotten myself one.” Fuji gasped. “Well you are aren’t you? Do you think I am blind, or just stupid, TENSAI?” Fuji stepped back a pace as Tezuka ground the words in, “The sentence you said that made Echizen upset. The hickey you branded me with. Your complete lack of concern when he didn’t come back to practices. After all that when you see he has finally come to speak to me, you go and kiss me in front of him? For what possible reason other than to hurt him and manipulate me?” Fuji gasped back a sob knowing Tezuka was correct. “I never expected this from you Fuji.” Now that he was on a tear, Tezuka could not keep the words from spilling out. “Tell me. What difference is there between you and Hanaka right now?” Fuji’s face paled, “That’s unfair! There is a lot of difference!” “Oh really? You tell me what the difference is, because I’d like to hear it. A warm body to make love to? No difference there.” Fuji’s eyes flashed defiantly, “You wanted me more then you ever wanted her, I know that so don’t try to lie Tezuka.” Tezuka’s angry smile punctuated the next words, “Oh yes, that’s true. But then I wanted Hanaka far more than I ever wanted the girl I was seeing before her, so where does that make YOU any different?” Fuji gasped with hurt and shame. Tezuka went on, trying to hammer the point home. Trying to get past the anger now, he wanted Fuji to understand, “You thought you saw a rival and you tried your best to maneuver things to your liking. You took away my freedom of choice. You should have trusted me not to hurt you. Maybe you should have trusted Echizen.” His voice came down an octave as he softly said, “You were my friend. I was always comfortable with you. When you were gone, I missed you. You understood my passion for tennis, you were right there with me. I knew you’d never complain about my duties as captain. I desired you yes, but I enjoyed being around you, I cared for you, and I trusted you. I trusted you. There is where you were so different from all the rest; and you have gone and done this.” When he looked up, the tears were streaming Fuji’s face freely. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I was jealous. I always knew there was something between you and Echizen, I was just afraid. I don’t want to hurt him, I like him. He protected me from you.” Fuji hiccoughed in shame. Tezuka nodded, “Yes he did, didn’t he?” Fuji nodded, “I’m sorry, please forgive me. I just wanted to try to find a way to stop you from loving him.” Tezuka’s face wore a cloud of sadness, “If I was going to love someone, do you really think any sort of machinations by you or anyone else would be able to stop it?” Knowing it was true Fuji shook his head. “Go home Fuji. I need to be alone.” Fuji nodded as he started to walk away. “Tezuka? About Us? About Echizen….?” Tezuka saw that this time Fuji wasn’t trying to force any issues. He shrugged, “I don’t know.” Fuji asked because he had to know, “Do you love him? Could you love him?” Tezuka’s toe scuffed the dirt, “I don’t know the answer to either of those questions. I do think you are jumping the gun a bit don’t you? When I find out, you will be the first to know.” Fuji mutely stared at the ground, Tezuka’s sensual voice spoke, "The team comes first, always. I am not giving up on you and I, Fuji. But there is obviously something between us -Me and Echizen- that hurts him and needs to be worked out. Odd as it sounds, I have found that because it hurts him, it hurts me too. The only way for me to solve it is to work it through with him. With the way things have happened now, you have no place in that. I can not lose him, you need to understand that. I‘d like you to bear that in mind.” Fuji nodded. He understood exactly what Tezuka was telling him. Fuji turned and walked home.

Tezuka thought briefly about trying to find Echizen, but he knew it was no use. Just like a cat, he would be found only when he wanted to be. Tezuka didn’t want to lose Fuji, but he didn’t even know if he could handle the strong willed tensai after what he had pulled. What if he did something similar again? What he had done to Echizen was unacceptable, and that was his own team mate. Didn’t Fuji remember it was supposed to be them against the world? He thought of Echizen. Of the hurt and disbelief he saw in the huge bronze eyes. Of the unexpected desire that washed through him as the rookie watched him kiss Fuji. He didn’t know if he could handle this. It was too much. For once Tezuka felt like he was out of his league, and a horrible thought occurred to him, one that had not occurred to him since his first year. Perhaps He should leave Seigaku.