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Darkepheonix - Thanks so much for your review! It kept me going, I’ve read some of your stuff, and I’m a fan!!!

Somehow the bolds and italics I've been using don't show up here, so from now on, single quotes will show a character's inner thoughts.
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The metropolitan tournament was well under way, and Ryoma was on-deck to play Akutsu from Yamabuki. The whole team seemed worried about their little prince facing the psychopath, yet Ryoma was looking forward to it. Eiji had helpfully stated that this time if anything should happen to Ryoma, the whole team would be there to back him up and that Eiji had always wanted to participate in a ‘rumble’. Tezuka frowned fiercely, “Kikumaru!” “It was a joke, captain!” and that brought the whole rumble talk to a halt, but it hadn’t quieted Tezuka’s private fears. Akutsu was a loose canon, just looking for a way to unleash his rage on the world, and Echizen was in his sites. Tezuka might have reprimanded Kikumaru for his comments, but in his heart he knew that if Akutsu tried to actually hurt Ryoma, someone (coach Ryuzaki more likely then not) would have to bodily tear Tezuka himself off of the lunatic.
He couldn’t take his eyes off Ryoma, but he didn’t try to stop himself, because this time he had good reason. The match between Akutsu and Ryoma had just started. After Akutsu had tried posturing and provoking Ryoma, Tezuka’s hands clenched into fists inside his Tennis jacket, but Ryoma answered the bully with no fear. Then play started and Siegaku’s captain settled into his normal role, watching with the sharp eyes of both a captain and a top player, as Echizen hit a soft serve, 'Well that was pretty unexpected, What’s Echizen doing?' Akutsu returned it easily and started to come into the net, then Ryoma followed that with a soft lob, Tezuka’s eyes widened 'Oh no. He’s luring him into the net on purpose. What’s Echizen going to do?' Akutsu reached the short shot exactly as Echizen wanted him to, bringing the lunatic closer still. Then with a sarcastic voice Echizen said “Drive A.” as he literally slammed the ball into Akutsu’s face knocking him flat on his back. Tezuka squeezed his eyes shut momentarily. 'I should have known he would do that. It’s just like him, he fears nothing.' He heard the point count, opened his eyes, and then Ryoma stated dripping with sarcasm, “Oops. So sorry.” Eiji next to Tezuka shouted “Yeah!” so did half the team, and Tezuka could not help the slight upturn of his lips. This kid just made him want to smile no matter how hard Tezuka tried to keep his composure. The team captain smiling at his player knocking an opponent down was just not acceptable. Schooling his face back into its normal serene gaze, Tezuka studied the match, watching it progress and Echizen struggle. Akutsu was a good opponent for Ryoma, he made him stretch beyond his abilities. Made him dig deep. It was truly an amazing match, watching his little genius change his split step mid-game, and push past the wall Akutsu had erected before him. Tezuka was proud to be Echizen’s captain, and wary as a possible future opponent. That day would come, he knew, but it was a while off yet, and he wanted, no he needed, to enjoy Echizen as he was now. That thought brought a whole host of images and desires washing through his mind as he watched the graceful body do battle on the tennis court.
He had had much time to think over this weekend. The talk with Ryoma in the locker room replayed over and over in his mind’s eye. The kiss the golden-eyed boy had initiated and Tezuka had given himself over to, played a prominent part. It was magical really. They fit together perfectly, after having done that only once before, they complemented each other almost too well. The fact that Ryoma used talking to coach Ryuzaki about her granddaughter’s slutty behavior as leverage to keep Tezuka compliant, had surprised him at first, but it didn’t anymore. It excited him. Frankly, he could see himself using similar tactics. However, Ryoma would be the one surprised if he thought Tezuka would be a push over in this thing between them. A faint flush stained his cheeks and an upward tug of the lips threatened again as he realized there would probably be a constant battle of wills between the two of them. Tezuka found he was looking forward to it. Some ground rules would have to be laid. That was mandatory. Nothing could jeopardize the team, or his ability to remain effective as team captain both to the other members, as well as to Ryoma himself. They would have to discuss all this tonight, before things went any further between them. Tezuka had made up his mind, and hoped his traitorous body would be able to hold fast until they came to an agreement, because he knew that if he got lost in Ryoma too fast, the little tensai would run rough shod all over him, after that, regaining control would be almost next to impossible. Case in point, Ryoma had called his home during the weekend, speaking to his mother and asking if Tezuka could spend the night following the tournament at his house so that his family could thank his trusted captain for the kindness and care he had extended to Ryoma last week, and perhaps Tezuka could also give him instruction on his tournament performance, as the temple grounds had it’s own tennis court. This pleased Tezuka’s mother to no end, and she readily agreed. When Tezuka had come down the steps to see what his mother wanted she informed him of Ryoma’s phone call and that she told Ryoma it would be fine with her if he spent the night at the temple with the Echizen family, effectively cutting off any necessity for Tezuka to phone Echizen back. Tezuka had to give Echizen credit. He had outmaneuvered him once again; never having expected Ryoma would call and speak directly with his mom, gaining permission as if they had already made these plans when Tezuka had actually been clueless about the whole thing. He knew without a doubt that the Echizen family had not extended the invitation, yet as he closed the door to his room, it made Tezuka smile at how crafty Ryoma was. A true, full blown smile……. He would have to keep close reins on the boy. Only one other person was as foxy as this. Still, he had to admit that if he had been asked first instead of being circumvented by his mom, he probably would have made some excuse. In spite of himself, the entire day Sunday, Tezuka found himself looking forward to time alone with Ryoma more then to the tournament itself, he had not actually spoken to Echizen since seeing his evil grin as he walked out the door to the locker room.
When the team had gathered the morning of the Metropolitans, Tezuka walked to stand before Ryoma discreetly. They gazed at each other for a few seconds, each drinking in the other’s presence, no words were exchanged, yet there was a whole world of meaning as Echizen’s soft lips curved upwards and the corners of Tezuka’s did as well for the briefest of an instant, then he gave a soft nod to his head before walking away to stand beside Oishi and Ryuzaki. Echizen pulled the brim of his cap further down on his head, hiding the huge and blissful grin from anyone close enough to see. Had anyone even noticed the brief exchange, they could never have imagined the meaning, the promise; of time together later. This first path of acceptance between them would set the tone for the rest of their relationship. What was theirs; was theirs alone, and the business of no one else. Tezuka knew they had silently both agreed to that much.
The match before him continued its relentless pounding, yet unbelievably Echizen had made a turn around and was going to win against this unorthodox player. He couldn’t believe it when Tezuka saw Echizen perfectly copy Yuuta Fuji’s rising shot. Yuuta had worked endlessly on that shot, yet after playing him only once, Echizen had absorbed it like a sponge. When had he had a chance to practice that super rising shot anyway? Amazing. Next thing he knew, his little bundle of energy pulled out the win and secured Seigaku’s place in the Kanto Regionals. Tezuka himself didn’t even have to play thanks to Echizen’s miraculous abilities. He had wanted to play, but now he was thankful for the extra energy he would have for this evening. Tezuka set about paperwork that needed completing with coach Ryuzaki; he watched covertly as Echizen cooled down, by himself hitting a ball in the same spot on a wall. Out of the corner of his eye, Tezuka saw Tomoka and Sakuno approaching Echizen. The handsome captain’s eyes narrowed, and his spine went ram-rod straight as he observed the situation. He’d kill them if they upset Echizen, no matter how coach Ryuzaki might feel about it. The girls held hands, somehow they seemed to gather up the courage to approach Echizen alone for the first time since his capture last week. Tezuka kept a close eye on things even as he pretended to pay attention to the words of the Tennis Associations director. Tezuka still had not figured out an appropriate response to the girls for what they did, he also had not had the ability to speak to them alone about it, and creating a scene was not what he wanted to accomplish initially, but if they did anything now……. Echizen continued to hit the ball as the girls evidently tried to talk to him, and Tezuka could see the prodigy answer them occasionally, when suddenly Tomo seemed to get very angry, her arms straight down by her sides, hands curled into fists, Sakuno simply went very still. By the time Tezuka had turned fully around, Sakuno had burst into tears and run off with Tomo following her, Echizen shrugged…..then he continued to hit the ball as if nothing had happened. Furrows carved themselves between Tezuka’s eyes. That would be yet another thing for them to discuss. Broad shoulders rolled backwards in a conscious effort to relax them as Tezuka returned to his paperwork for the regional trials.
The team did not go to Kawamura’s Sushi Restaurant this time, since they ate so much the last time. They were granted off the next day from school, as well as morning practice because of the tournament, having only Tennis practice in the afternoon to start preparing for the Kanto Regional Tournament, so there was no rush for anything this evening other then getting home to a hot dinner. The team said their goodnight’s and congratulations to each other, the Golden Pair heading off to their favorite spot to sit and talk for a while, the team dispersed, each separating to head home, while Tezuka and Ryoma headed to the train station. Everyone was so busy with picking their own way home, no one even noticed the pair leaving together. Once clear of the others, Echizen smiled largely at his captain, and Tezuka couldn’t miss the “I won.” Look on his face. He was no fool, he knew full well the look was not meant for the match with Akutsu, but for the silent match between Echizen and himself. Tezuka studied him as they boarded the train for the short 2 stop ride to the temple. “You are quite proud of yourself, aren’t you?” Tezuka asked. “Yes, I am buchou.” As Echizen grinned some more, “Who else could have figured out a way to outsmart you like this?” Without a second’s hesitation Tezuka answered, “Fuji.” That shut him up. Not only did it shut the little tensai up, but the grin faded. Tezuka gazed down at him from beneath winged brows, carefully holding his face in a bland expression. Echizen seemed unhappy with this news, “Fuji…..... Fuji would have been able to think of this?” His handsome captain nodded. Golden bronze eyes narrowed perceptibly, “HAS Fuji thought of this?” Tezuka’s eyes watched the play of emotions on Echizen’s face, 'Well, well….feeling a bit insecure, are we?' His answer was brief, “He has. What did you say to Tomoka and Sakuno earlier? I saw her run off, so I gather you confronted them with what they did to you.” Echizen’s face seemed to curl in on itself, “What do you mean yes he has? Are you….. you and Fuji?” Tezuka wanted to laugh but held it in, he needed to teach Echizen a lesson right from the start. However it would be much easier if he didn’t want to grab him and kiss him fiercely right in front of the whole world. Instead, Tezuka calmly interrupted him, “I would prefer it if you answered my question first.” Echizen gazed at the hazel eyes, now mostly golden in the afternoon sun, and no matter that he SAID Tezuka was not his captain when they were not engaged in tennis, he still felt his powerful personality, his inner strength, and it made him shiver with desire, but this was important! The idea that Tezuka might also have had something, maybe still HAS something with Fuji made Ryoma’s heart skip a beat. They both stepped off the train, Echizen nearly glared at his buchou, Tezuka calmly gazing back, holding tightly to the upper hand he currently had over Echizen. Echizen gave in, though very ungraciously. “Whatever. No I didn’t confront them directly, I just took my own piece of flesh, that’s all. Now tell me about Fuji, Are you with him?” not so much as a pause, “No, Echizen, I am not.” Ryoma however did pause. Slowly his eyes ran over his captain, noting the straight and powerful stance, the calm almost serene exterior, the setting sun had golden highlights glinting off his hair, and Echizen wondered how anyone managed to keep their hands off this guy, much less the cunning Fuji, “Were you?” Tezuka smiled slightly, “You have many questions tonight. No I was not.” Just as they were approaching the Echizen household and temple complex, Ryoma said, “But you said he has tried to use this trick on you to get you to sleep over his house. Did it work?” A simple answer followed him up to the house doors. “Yes.” Ryoma blinked. “??????”
Nanjiro Echizen opened the front door to welcome the boys home, asking about their tournament (as if he hadn’t been there to see what happened himself) and if they had each managed to pick up any cute girls. “Dad! You crazy old man, stop it!” However Echizen’s mind had not stopped spinning the Fuji issue around, if he hadn’t been lovers with Fuji, then why would he need to pull such a trick on Tezuka? Had Fuji been trying to seduce him? The questions plagued the boy’s mind thru dinner. Mrs. Echizen was very pleased to have Tezuka in their home, and made a very delicious meal, saying thank you to him and bowing personally for taking such good care of her son, making Tezuka blush furiously. He had no idea that the family had indeed issued the invite after all. Echizen merely grinned at the obvious state of discomfort Tezuka was in. With his head on his hands, Ryoma made no secret of enjoying himself, a huge grin spread across his face, noting he had never seen Tezuka blush before. Had any of the other regulars ever seen such a sight? Tezuka glared at him for good measure, but Ryoma only chuckled in response. As the dishes were being cleared for the second course by Echizen’s cousin and his mother, Nanjiro ran out to the temple to ring the bell for the last time that night leaving them alone briefly. As soon as the coast was clear Echizen burst into fits of deep throated chuckles, “Did you think I hadn’t asked my family to invite you? I simply used the same story on my own mom as yours, saying it would be nice to have you here to thank you. She was completely for it.” Tezuka turned on him, “Oh you think this is so amusing do you?” Echizen grinned, “Yes! You should see how red your face is.” The sounds of the family returning reached their ears. Tezuka’s eyes narrowed, “Oh really?” as he calculated the time it would take for the first footfalls to pass into the dining room door, leaning forward, with one hand he grasped Ryoma’s unsuspecting face, pulled it towards him he planted a deep kiss on his lips, before quickly releasing him, leaving Ryoma gasping into thin air, while Tezuka sat folding his napkin in his lap, looking absolutely innocent by the time both Nanjiro and Echizen’s mother reentered the room. Even though Tezuka made a great show of folding his napkin, Echizen could see the devious little smile that played around Tezuka’s lips, while he himself sat there with a burning red face. “Ryoma?” his mother asked, “Are you alright?” Tezuka turned humor laden eyes on him, “Yes Echizen, you do look rather flushed.” Ryoma choked, “Yes, I just swallowed the wrong way.” “Oh, okay honey.” Echizen glared daggers at Tezuka’s head. Tezuka suddenly realized he was enjoying the Echizen family household immensely. Nanjiro said “Well that’s the last bell for the night. But I’ve had a rough day, so I’m going to turn in early. You boys won’t mind locking up the gates to the temple will you, Ryoma?” his son answered, “Yeah, we’ll lock them. Captain Tezuka has never seen the temple so I will show it to him, and the tennis courts.” Tezuka agreed he would like that very much, and the rest of the dinner passed with much animated conversation about the Metros, and their team’s chances in the Kanto tournament.
After dinner, Ryoma brought Tezuka upstairs, trailed by his cousin who couldn’t seem to stop staring at his captain, and showed him Ryoma’s bedroom which they would be sharing for the night. Thank gods he had a large bed. Not having a single moment alone yet, Ryoma had to scream at his cousin to get lost for her to finally take the hint, then each of the boys took quick showers and changed into comfortable clothes for the rest of the evening. Tezuka emerged from the shower with the tips of his hair still dark and damp, towel dried, yet falling around his face in an unbelievably sexy way. Echizen’s breathing quickened, as he took in the rest of him. Tezuka stood bare foot, in a pair of plain faded jeans and a short sleeved white gauze button down shirt. Echizen realized he’d never seen him so casually dressed, and while in his mind Tezuka was always his captain, in a strange way this casual attire suited him very well. Their eyes locked, Tezuka took a breath. Swallowing, Ryoma slowly crossed the room. He reached out tentatively to run his hand up Tezuka’s arm, loving the smooth silky skin, devoid of hair, the strong toned muscles beneath. Tezuka stood still, watching his teammate calmly thru hazel orbs, as the boy leaned up to seek his lips. Tezuka’s head bent down to meet him, wanting to taste him more then he could have imagined when Echizen’s cousin suddenly banged on the door to his room. “Tezuka-senpai! You okay in there? Do you need anything? I’ll be happy to get it for you!” Both boys jumped before their lips had a chance to touch. Ryoma literally growled, making Tezuka chuckle softly. He ripped the door to his room open and shouted loud enough for the whole house to hear that she should leave his captain alone, that he was spoken for, and they would be locking the door to Ryoma’s room tonight. His cousin stuck out her tongue at him and ran off, complaining that Ryoma was mean to her. The boys headed out to take a look at the tennis courts. Ryoma explained the court had a well lit night function, but neither had the urge to play, just being around each other seemed to be enough for now. Together, they locked the gates to the compound before they headed up the prettily manicured path to see the temple itself. All through dinner Tezuka had really enjoyed himself talking with the family, and watching Ryoma interact with them, especially with his father. Nanjiro was a character alright. And to think he was the world famous Nanjiro Echizen…. But underlying it all, the tension in his belly stayed at a perfect pitch, waiting for time alone with his new partner. Wondering what would happen, wanting to touch him and taste him so badly it practically hurt, yet needing to make sure absolutely none of that showed to his family was like a sweet balancing act. Tezuka gazed around at the compound in wonder. Ryoma lived in such a nice place. Tezuka could see himself being very relaxed here. The place really was very pretty and serene. Tezuka could also see now why Ryoma was such an excellent player. Not only did he have Nanjiro as his dad, but the constant availability of a tennis court in one’s own backyard made for consistent practice. The light from the moon lit the stone pathway pretty clearly, and the scent of night jasmine filled the air. They passed the large bell that was rung each day, mounted high in the front of the temple. They talked about the upcoming intra school ranking tournament for Seigaku and the different player’s styles they saw at the Metros, but mostly they enjoyed each other’s company. Tezuka found he could let his walls down around Echizen easier then around most, possibly even Fuji. As if reading his mind, Echizen brought Fuji up again as they entered thru the ornate temple doors. They kicked off their sandals and padded barefooted inside. The dark carved walls, and the beautiful highly polished dark wood floors reflected the light from large pillar candles in the altar. A huge carved bronze bell was suspended in a dimly lit corner at the back of the temple, a very long deep red cloth artistically gathered and draped on the floor below it had a large wooden cylinder shaped ringer for the bell placed upon it. “Tell me why Fuji tried to trick you into spending a night at his house.” Tezuka ignored the question. “This is really beautiful Echizen. Do you come in here often?” “No, not really.” “Why not? It’s so pretty and peaceful in here.” Ryoma blinked and looked around as if for the first time, “Yeah, I guess so.” He padded over to the huge bell at the back of the temple, hung in a dimly lit corner, it overlooked the entire bare temple floor and altar, the bottom of it stood suspended about 5 feet off the floor. 3 or 4 men could have sat inside the bell it was so large . Reaching up, Ryoma drew his fingers lightly over it’s curve as he said, “I guess when you live with something so long, sometimes you forget to see it.” A sudden wave of heat swept over Tezuka that he could not ignore as he watched the boy and heard the truth in his words. Echizen gasped as a strong hand clasped his wrist, and pulled him away from the bell. He suddenly found his back against the nearest wall, Tezuka’s knee was between his legs pressing him more firmly into the wall, one hand buried itself in his black hair, the other at the base of his neck. “When the hell did you become so sexy?” Tezuka’s voice was rough, sensual, as his eyes freely roamed Echizen’s face. Ryoma gazed back at him, loving how he looked by candle light, “After you kissed me.” Tezuka drank him in for a moment more, candle light dancing off the dark blue-black waves of his hair, and into the amber, suddenly lust filled eyes. Tezuka took another deep, shuddering breath, --and then he was leaning forward, crushing his lips to the other's.
Ryoma’s lips felt the other’s on his and he gasped in delight. Tezuka seized the opportunity and slid his tongue quickly within, searching, seeking, exploring every inch that was Echizen, leaving the boy trembling weakly until he deftly sought out Echizen’s tongue with his own, Echizen’s answering it, giving as well as taking, sliding gracefully along each other, tasting, teasing. Both broke the kiss, overcome by the force of what they felt. Their lips hovering a hair’s breadth away from each other, slightly parted, and simultaneously they each drew in a deep breath, breathing each other in. Surprised by the mutual action, they groaned slightly and sought each other out again. When the kiss became so heated neither could catch their breath, Tezuka pulled away, running his hands up and down Ryoma’s sides. Gathering the boy up, with his legs wrapped around his hips, he turned from the wall and dropped them down to the floor beneath the great bell. Still clasping a dizzy Ryoma to his chest, Tezuka forcefully rolled the wooden ringer off its red cloth, then placed Ryoma down on it instead. Tezuka didn’t think he’d ever see anything like this. Ryoma with his lips swollen, eyes wide and needy, spread out on the floor, a deep red cloth for his only his bed, and wanting him. Tezuka closed his eyes, and shuddered briefly, pulling his composure around him. This was far better then any of the shower images had ever been. He leaned down burying his hand in that thick black hair, attached his lips to the soft neck, then pressed his whole body down into Ryoma’s -both hissing as their erections ground together. Ryoma watched Tezuka’s head tilt back, his eyes close and lips part as they pressed their bodies together. 'Look at him. Oh god, he feels so good.' Ryoma watched him as the candle light dancing off his hair in golden sparkles, jasmine in the air, and Tezuka’s face seemed so finely formed, that he couldn’t resist himself. Echizen reached up to gently take off the glasses, placing them to the side. Heart clenching in response as those incredible hazel eyes opened and found his own, “Can you see without them? You …….. are beautiful.” Tezuka smiled, “The feeling is mutual. Yes, I can, close up, it is only slightly fuzzy.” Tezuka reached down, grabbed the hem of Ryoma’s shirt, and started to pull it off, so he sat up slightly, assisting with the effort, baring his torso. Tezuka’s slight intake of breath forestalled any embarrassment Ryoma might have thought to have. Laying back down beside him, leaning on one elbow, Tezuka’s fingers reached out to slowly sketch a lazy pattern down the center of Ryoma’s chest across to his hip, and down one leg, which he lifted carefully and wrapped around his own waist, using it to pull Ryoma tight against him, Tezuka crushed his lips to his again, making the golden eyed boy’s head swim with desire. Breaking the kiss, Tezuka suddenly sat up, talented hands making short work of the button on Ryoma’s shorts, pulling them down and off, tossing them to the side. His eyes took in every inch of the lovely hard little body spread out wantonly on the red cloth before him. Ryoma watched Tezuka’s eyes darken as they ran over his body, taking in the tight black boxer briefs that Ryoma still wore, an obvious bulge forming in the front of them, making him quiver in response to those hot eyes on his flesh. Then, eyes locked with his, Tezuka’s fingers started to work on the buttons to his own white shirt. Ryoma knew he would never forget this as long as he lived. Tezuka outlined by the gleaming dark floors, candle light behind him as he removed his shirt, revealing broad shapely shoulders, smooth alabaster skin, and an artistically carved chest and abdomen. He stayed kneeling up for just a second, each absorbing the other, before Tezuka returned to him and covered his body with his own again, bare chests finally touching, skin to skin, lips devouring, seeking. Ryoma’s hands clasped his bare back to him, reveling in the smooth skin, sleek muscles, sliding wantonly over as much of his captain as he could reach. Tezuka’s denim-clad hips rubbed against Ryoma’s exposed skin. There was no denying it now... Ryoma was fully erect, his body betraying him as he strained, arching his back into his lover. Tezuka’s lips left his neck to travel downward, A groan tore itself from Ryoma’s throat as they closed over his nipple, biting and licking roughly before moving to the other side to deliver the same treatment. Ryoma wondered, 'Was this what it was like to truly have a lover? Sharing every part of you until the lines that separate you both become blurred?' Squeezing his eyes shut, his chest heaving, Ryoma tried to reject the sensations coursing through his body, He doesn’t even have to touch me there! He’s gonna make me come just like this. If he didn’t check his own raging desire, he would go too fast, and he’d embarrass himself, but it was no use. The waves of pain-tinged pleasure swept through him uncontrollably as the other man slid down his body, roughly biting and licking his skin, the warm tongue dipping into Ryoma’s navel as it passed. Silky golden brown hair brushing his body as lips did the same. When Tezuka encountered his boxer briefs, his hand lightly rubbed the bulging sex, Ryoma’s hips tilted up toward the palm of their own accord. There was only a slight pause, as he felt the briefs pulled from his body gently, leaving him completely naked and vulnerable. He might have tried to cover himself up, but soft kisses were placed on his hips, and thighs. A fingertip gently traced the leaking head of his swollen member, swirling the slippery fluid around the tip, Ryoma shuddered and gripped the cloth beneath him, somewhere above him, he dimly heard Tezuka say “You are so lovely here as well.” an involuntary moan escaped him as he felt moist lips close around the head of his erection, and he bit his lip hard enough to draw blood. Then Tezuka was above him again, lips seeking, finding each other. Tezuka knew this was Ryoma’s first time, and wanted it to be perfect for him, wanted him to feel free to explore and try things without fear. A soft squeeze on his hip pulled Ryoma up from the depths of his swirling pleasure, to find Tezuka poised above him, offering his neck and chest for Ryoma’s exploration. Unable to resist the offer, Ryoma leaned up to kiss Tezuka’s neck, then to nibble and suck gently on the willing flesh that joined his chest to his collar bone. He heard a soft sound of masculine pleasure fall from Tezuka’s mouth. That sound more then anything made Ryoma’s heart beat faster. 'Oh god, he’s so sexy. That sound…. I can barely breathe….' That he could elicit this kind of pleasure from Tezuka excited him. He wanted more. Instinctively reacting Ryoma clasped the only thing within his reach, a well shaped arm. The skin was silken, smooth, yet hard beneath the surface. Amazed, Ryoma now purposefully sought a slightly higher place, at the pulse of the neck, a more sensitive location. As he attached his lips to the warm skin and gently bit, he felt Tezuka tense, but when Ryoma gently began to suckle, using his tongue to create swirling patterns, Tezuka’s breath caught in his throat and Ryoma felt the captain’s body shudder. It was intoxicating. When a soft moan escaped the man above him, it was Ryoma’s undoing. He pressed his hips up into Tezuka’s belly, allowing him to feel how hard Ryoma had become. Tezuka groaned, then pulled Ryoma’s mouth roughly away from his neck, holding his face he kissed him fiercely. Tezuka’s shortness of breath excited Ryoma so much, he boldly thrust his tongue into Tezuka’s mouth exploring, tasting, dancing with each other in an ageless ritual. The pad of Tezuka’s thumb teasingly circled one of Ryoma’s nipples and left him shaking with need, responding to that need, Tezuka dropped his head and replaced the thumb with his mouth, sucking and rolling the hardened bud until Ryoma could contain his reactions no longer, “Aaahh!” smiling to himself, that was what Tezuka wanted to hear. That sexy primal voice. He didn’t think anyone would hear them all the way out here, he wondered for a split second what anyone would think of the young lovers intertwined on the red cloth under the bell, in the candle lit temple. 'Would they think it blasphemy or beauty? Beauty. Definitely.'
Ryoma’s intoxicating scent surrounded Siegaku’s captain and it was all he could do to keep his composure, much less remember to set those ground rules he had sworn he would set before this type of thing happened, still he had to try. Ryoma moaned loudly. Suddenly Tezuka pulled back, and gazed deeply into Ryoma’s eyes. “We need some ground rules if we want to be together.” Ryoma couldn’t think straight. 'What was he saying? He wants to talk about this now?' Tezuka smiled evilly, Ryoma shook his head, he couldn’t seem to grasp what was happening. He pulled away again, “The team comes first, we both understand that, correct?” Ryoma nodded. “If I take you as a lover do not think that you can control me as your captain, or as anything else.” Ryoma’s eyes came back into focus for an instant “Control you?” “Yes, as you did by tricking me into coming here. We are both here because we want to be, but there must be some rules.” “What rules?” Ryoma’s breathing was heavy, and that was exactly the way Tezuka wanted it. Tezuka nibbled his jaw line, and then his earlobe, making the boy squirm, while his hands slid around his waist and up Ryoma’s back. He punctuated his statement with a nip to his collarbone, Tezuka loved his body, Ryoma had an incredibly sculpted body, with smooth lovely skin and tight pink nubs, and a sweet slightly curved member, nicely sized, just begging to be tasted. He bent and buried his face in his chest, nipping and licking each spare inch of flesh he could reach until Echizen was breathing even heavier, occasional sounds like music to Tezuka’s ears, “Mmmm!…..Aahhh”. ….. those incredible eyes glazed over with lust, his fingers buried in Tezuka’s golden brown locks. But Tezuka’s legendary composure was being put to the test right now, “Answer me.” Echizen had to fight to pull himself up out of the swirling pleasure he said, “If I didn’t do that, how would I get you to be with me?” Tezuka answered, “You ask.” Large tilted golden eyes focused on him, “You would have said no. You were trying to say no.” Tezuka had to hand it to him, he was putting up a fight. Tezuka pulled away leaving the tensai bereft of his touch. “We are together now. If I say no in the future it means no.” Echizen gathered his thoughts together and tried to hedge his bets, “Alls fair in love and war, isn’t it buchou? It seems like this will be a bit of both.” Tezuka’s eyes narrowed, suddenly Echizen had a vision of Siegaku’s Captain standing before him. “You will not cleverly trick me into things like this without my knowledge, and you won’t hold things over my head like talking to coach Ryuzaki about Sakuno, or threatening to inform any of the team. You will not use my relationship with you to get around me as your captain. Your performance on the team will not suffer either, or this thing between us will be the first to go. Those are my rules, take them or leave them.” Echizen studied Tezuka’s face and could find no weak spot, however his powerful captain did. “I will win this one Echizen.” Tezuka attacked his body yet again, as Tezuka slid lower, leaving a wet trail down Ryoma’s muscled belly, teasing his little lover, using tantalizingly light touches instead of the firm ones that Ryoma had come to think were so like Tezuka, these on the other hand were very much like what he had received from the girls in the shed that afternoon before Tezuka had found him. Ryoma raised his head “Tezuka.” Tezuka smiled up at him, waiting, Echizen knew what he wanted, and Tezuka waited for him to admit defeat, and give his promise freely. Ryoma shut his mouth and allowed his head to fall back to the floor as he felt warm moist kisses everywhere but his cock. It was not long before Ryoma was shuddering and moaning softly, but the sensations suddenly stopped and Ryoma was left to wonder why, when he opened his eyes, his breath caught in his throat, the sight that greeted him was overwhelming. Tezuka was standing over him, magnificent chest glistening with a fine sheen of sweat, he reached into his pocket and tossed something onto the red cloth, then he was unzipping his jeans. Suddenly they were gone, freeing Tezuka’s private parts. Erect, straight and beautifully shaped, Tezuka’s cock was substantial, but not obscene, his balls tight and in perfect proportion, it seemed to Ryoma that a master sculptor might have formed his lover. Tezuka lay back down and held himself invitingly over Ryoma so that his chest was accessible to Ryoma’s face. Raising up, Ryoma nibbled Tezuka’s bare chest, then seized a nipple and sucked it. Tezuka moaned loudly and pressed his cock into Ryoma’s, sending wave after wave of desire thru the younger male. Echizen’s cock gave off clear drops of crystal and he ached so much. 'It’s just like the night he found me. I ache so much, I wish he would just touch me.' In desperation Echizen whispered into Tezuka’s ear as he pressed his length up into a hard belly “Please touch me.” But Tezuka wouldn’t give in until Ryoma accepted defeat on Tezuka’s terms, “Promise me.” Tezuka kissed his lips deeply, then sucked hard on his neck, branding him as his own in places no one would normally see, yet Tezuka simply would not touch him there any longer. Ryoma would give in, he had no choice. They would be together completely on this, or not at all. He looked at Ryoma waiting for him to give in, but Ryoma would not. Tezuka solemnly reminded him, “This may be our only night together, we should not waste it.” Ryoma’s belly clenched, the sudden urgency and helplessness that Ryoma felt increased to almost unbearable pressure. He wanted to cry. Tezuka upped the anty as he sat up straddling Ryoma’s hips, and wrapped his own hands around his cock, and one around Ryoma’s as well, stroking them together gently. Ryoma caught his breath as Tezuka tossed his hair back from his face, his golden brown strands catching the light and gleaming with gold and red highlights. His eyes couldn’t get enough of seeing Tezuka touch himself. The feelings from his own body seemed to fade into the background as he watched Tezuka lovingly. Sweat glistened on Tezuka’s face and chest, while one hand stroked his engorged member. Ryoma’s pleasure no longer mattered. He wanted to increase Tezuka’s pleasure, needed to watch him come, to touch him and be the one to make him scream, but he couldn’t. Tezuka wouldn’t allow it. His captain required full compliance with his demands. Head tilted back lips slightly parted, Tezuka stroked himself as Echizen watched, his own member so hard it was ready to burst. He didn’t think he’d ever seen anything so damned sexy. Ryoma was so wound up, he could barely breathe, his whole body started to jerk and twitch, grabbing Tezuka’s attention. Tezuka gazed down on his rebellious little tensai and took some pity on him. Gently, with the lightest touches teasingly stroked his shaft and suckled his nipples until Ryoma thought he would die. Then he slid down Ryoma’s body once more, this time lifting one of Ryoma’s legs and swirling a moistened finger around the tight entrance. Ryoma squirmed as sensations raced thru him. 'What!? Oh God what’s that!?' “Aaaahhh!” smiling, Tezuka said “I love the sounds you make.” Dropping lower still, Tezuka’s tongue found the puckered ring of flesh and licked it circling it, then pushing gently inside. The whole world turned upside for Ryoma. “NNnph, Aaahhh! Tezu….” A strange feeling built within him, just beyond the reach of that tongue, Echizen’s fingers twined into the red cloth, sweat coming freely from his now over sensitized body. Tezuka was kissing him again, suckling his nipples, teasingly exploring behind his balls at the sensitive opening. “Give in Echizen. Let me love you.” Ryoma’s very skin was on fire, his movements became so frenzied and jerky that it drove Tezuka almost beyond baring. Slowly Tezuka inserted his index finger into Ryoma, sliding slickly in, Ryoma cried out and arched into the invasion. Tezuka slowly slid his finger in and out of the prone Echizen, watched as the glazed eyes closed in ecstasy. 'If he doesn’t give in soon, I’m going to come just from doing this to him.' Tezuka felt almost evil for corrupting Echizen’s innocence so completely. Ryoma was obviously adapting quickly, for when he would apply slight pressure, Ryoma would now bear down with his hips and try to press Tezuka’s fingers into him. Tezuka then added another finger, noticing only the slightest of winces from his little love, he curled his fingers to find that secret spot he had read so much about it. It was a surprisingly easy thing to find within the tight walls of Ryoma’s body. Slightly puffy and soft, providing an easy target. As soon as his finger brushed over that spot, Ryoma’s whole body jerked in reaction head tilted back, beautiful neck arching, “Aaaahhh!” 'Shit, what was that? Felt so good, oh god, Tezuka what are you doing to me?' All the while Tezuka softly kissed his lips and neck. In a state of absolute anguish, Ryoma whimpered, chest heaving, he sought relief from the building fire within him. Ryoma tried for the thousandth time to touch his tormentor’s cock, but finally Tezuka had had enough of this battle, he wanted his lover, and he no longer wanted to have to fight for it. He coldly grabbed both of Ryoma's wrists pinning them above his head, looking down on Ryoma his arched brows furrowing. Like flicking a switch Ryoma’s body trembled, he moaned loudly. Echizen knew that if his captain would resort to such measures, he would not win this fight, He finally turned tortured eyes on him. “Please, make love to me. You win.” Letting out a deep sigh of relief, Tezuka released the hand holding his wrists, Ryoma frantically ran his hands over Tezuka’s body, kneading his chest, then burying his hands in his hair and kissing him fiercely. Tezuka began stroking Ryoma’s chest again and Ryoma tossed his head back, lips parted, his hands pulling Tezuka closer into him. Tezuka loved seeing Ryoma like this. Again he sucked a nipple into his mouth, then positioned himself fully between Ryoma’s legs. Gently holding his face he kissed the tender lips. “This may hurt at first. Relax and breathe deeply. Trust me.” Ryoma could feel Tezuka’s slick hot member at his entrance and could think of nothing other then finally being joined with him, as he opened his legs further to encourage him. Slowly he felt Tezuka enter his channel, then a blinding pain like a stake nailing him to the floor. Tezuka’s heart almost broke when a ragged scream was torn from Ryoma’s throat, the whole body beneath him quivered and broke out in a cold sweat. Tezuka stayed very still as he wrapped his arms gently around the boys body nuzzling his neck and kissing him. “Shhh…sshhhh….. relax. This is your body. Control it. Will the muscles to relax, breathe Ryoma. It will pass.” The wonder of the sound of his first name on Tezuka’s lips caused him to pay heed, taking a deep breath, ceasing to clench up in reaction. Slowly the pain eased and all that was left was an incredible feeling of fullness, and the wonderful knowledge that it was Tezuka inside him, holding him gently. Slowly Tezuka started to move his hips, aiming for that spot he had found within Ryoma, his mind’s eye able to judge depth and angle far superior to most. The brunette unerringly found that spot, brushing it with his cock each time he pushed into Ryoma, and now hovering over him, sliding in and out of his vulnerable body, he stroked Ryoma’s manhood in time to his thrusts, as he spoke in soft whispers into the younger male’s ear. Ryoma’s senses ate up that sexy voice, adding to the profound pleasure and Ryoma’s total submission. The heat and tightness that surrounded Tezuka was amazing. How he even held himself together was a sheer miracle. Gazing down at his lover as he pushed into him, Tezuka watched the glazed golden eyes, sweetly parted lips and drank in every perfect sound. 'No, he is the miracle. It’s him.' Ryoma thrust himself up in time with his lover, begging for harder contact.
Tezuka nibbled his ear and commanded him as he pushed into him–SAY YOU ARE MINE. Ryoma couldn’t focus, he stammered “Oh god.” Ryoma shuddered, Tezuka unrepentant, SAY IT. As he slowed down both his thrusts and the movement of his hand, Ryoma whimpered, “I am yours.” YOU BELONG TO ME, NO ONE ELSE WILL TOUCH YOU, “Just you.” Another gentle unrewarding thrust, AGAIN. “Aaahh! Please. I want ……” Ryoma couldn’t catch his breath, stars danced before his eyes each time Tezuka found that spot, “want only you. Please don’t stop…….don’t stop.” He climbed to his impending orgasm with Tezuka tormenting him each step of the way, pleasure inside and out, and when Tezuka knew he could not stand any more, he slowed both motions almost to a complete halt. Ryoma. “no,…no …please.” The sound of Ryoma’s panicked voice made his lover’s belly clench. I LOVE THE SOUND OF YOUR VOICE, SAY MY NAME. “Tezuka…” THE OTHER ONE. Ryoma’s eyes found his… “Kunimitsu.” Tezuka closed his eyes and shuddered... AGAIN. “Kunimitsu…. Please…..make me come. ” Tezuka could stand no more, he bit Ryoma’s shoulder, rocked into him and started stroking Ryoma’s cock rhythmically, it was too much to bear, and Ryoma screamed his pleasure “Kunimitsu!!” raking scratches down Tezuka’s back as he came violently, his whole world exploded into sparkling bits of bright light. I came so hard… so hard…. I think I might have pulled something. Tezuka felt Ryoma’s body clench up around his, the pleasure was blinding, then he was pouring himself into the lithe body beneath him “Ryoma! Aaaah… Aaahhh.!”
Moments later found the two still entwined, Ryoma refusing to unwrap his legs from around his captain, his face buried in the damp strands of Kunimitsu’s hair. Tezuka was quite happy where he was, Ryoma’s body still encasing his own, slowly going soft inside him. This is going to be messy, we have to figure out how to hide it. When he noticed the slight shivers from his partner, and the excess warmth and wetness on his neck, Tezuka’s eyes widened in shock as he realized Ryoma was crying. Leaning back, he gently pried the lovely face from its hiding spot, and gazed into huge golden bronze orbs, as 2 silent tears made trails down his face. What? Tezuka panicked. “Are you hurt? What’s wrong?” Ryoma shook his head, but didn’t answer as another tear coursed down his cheek. Tears welled up in Tezuka’s eyes as well hating to see his fearless tensai so forlorn. “What is it?” Lowering his eyes, Ryoma answered, “Why the rules? Why? So you can get rid of me and ignore me any time you want to?” More tears streamed his face. Tezuka couldn’t believe how things can be misinterpreted. “Don’t be ridiculous. Why did you agree if you thought that Ryoma?” Ryoma sniffled, “I just didn’t want you to throw me away again.” Tezuka froze. He gazed at the tilted golden eyes and saw the misery and the truth written there. Tezuka held Ryoma’s face in his hands as if it was something priceless, precious; he kissed him gently, repeatedly, “Baka. I’m trying to keep you.” Ryoma opened his eyes confusion written in amber, “We need these rules, or it will hurt us both. I do not want to throw you away, I want the rules so I won’t lose you.” Ryoma studied his face for a moment to gauge the truth of it, apparently deciding it was true, he flung himself at Tezuka, kissing first his lips, then attacking his neck, sending shivers down his spine. “What about Fuji? Why’d he trick you?” Tezuka pulled away slightly, wanting to clear this up right now, “We have been friends forever. We had a fight and hadn’t spoken in weeks.” Ryoma searched his eyes, “So Fuji just wanted to make up then?” Tezuka nodded as the information sunk in. “So you’ve never been his lover?” Tezuka chuckled, “Not him, nor anyone else. I’ve had girlfriends, but never actually made love to them. Satisfied?” at Ryoma’s nod he added, “Now you tell me what happened that you sent Sakuno running away crying.”
Ryoma searched his memory, he had been hitting the ball against a wall to cool down. Tomoka and Sakuno apparently thought it was safe to come and talk to him since he had had several days to expose them if he had known it was them in the shed with him. They tentatively said congratulations, Sakuno obviously meaning it from the bottom of her heart, then Tomo broached the subject of all the whispers the team was circulating, about how Ryoma had been tied up by the science club and Tezuka had saved him. That they brought the subject up had surprised him enough that he almost missed the next shot, but he recovered flawlessly. “Yeah. They drugged me and left me in the storage shed.” Tomoka responded, “Oh! That must have been terrible, to be tied up and alone in such a scary place!” Ryoma saw it for what it was. A quest for answers as to how much Ryoma actually knew. “I wasn’t alone.” The 2 girls looked at each other, and Sakuno nodded for Tomo to continue. “You weren’t!? Well who was with you?” Changing his position so they wouldn’t see the evil smirk on his face, Ryoma said, “I was with 2 girls.” “What? 2 girls?” Tomo’s eyes slid to Sakuno’s, “Well why didn’t they help you?” bounce, hit, slam, he never missed a beat, “Oh they helped. They kissed me.” Tomo turned a huge smile on Sakuno, “They did!? Well how’d that help you?” bounce, hit, slam, “By the time captain Tezuka rescued me I knew I had fallen in love.” Sakuno’s eyes grew huge. Tomo bounced up and down, “You did! With one of the girls in the shed with you!? That’s so awesome!” bounce, hit, slam, then a chuckle and a pause for the set up, “No way. They didn’t even know how to kiss. Thanks to them I realized I was in love with someone else, so it worked out for the best.” Tomo’s anger made fists at her sides, “Well how did kissing them help you fall for someone else!?” Ryoma smiled evilly, “Because the person I’m in love with is the most amazing kisser.” Sakuno burst into tears and ran off, with Tomo following closely behind.
Ryoma’s eyes came back into focus to see Kunimitsu gazing into them. Then his captin smiled broadly and said, “You’re pretty evil, you know that, right?” Ryoma smiled back as their lips met, Tezuka proving just how right he was about those kisses. As they broke from the gentle kiss, Tezuka saw another single tear slide down Echizen’s face, “What is it now?” Ryoma smiled stupidly, “It’s just…. it’s not just sex is it? I mean, it was awesome, but it felt like so much more to me. I’ve never felt so close to someone before, I’m just happy is all.” He was surprised to see tears gathering in Tezuka’s eyes, one large one slipping over the edge to drop onto Ryoma’s chest. “Me too.” Ryoma chuckled. “Can I call you Kunimitsu when we’re alone?” Tezuka nodded. “And you better call me Ryoma.” Another nod. Candle light glimmered off the floor as Tezuka pressed his body to his lover’s their kisses just as searing as the first. Eyes half closed, Ryoma’s vision barely registered the bell, and the candle light, but he knew it was beautiful. It was beautiful because Tezuka had made it so for him.
“Tezuka-senpai! Ryoma-kun! Are you guys out here?” The annoyingly cloyingly over-sweet voice of Ryoma’s cousin caused them both to jump up, scrambling to grab their clothes and race to a corner of the temple, frantically pulling on shirts, pants, running fingers quickly through their hair, they barely had enough time to dive, sliding across the floor to land in sitting positions well away from the messy scene beneath the bell, just as she came clomping up the steps to the temple door. Ryoma had a split second to register the irritated look on Tezuka’s face, as they both turned to look at the girl, “What do you want? We’re talking.” “I was just out here taking a walk around and thought I’d look for you guys!” Ryoma’s displeased face was ignored, “Oh please. You never come out here at this time of night. What do you want?” Hands on hips she responded, “Well I actually wanted to ask Tezuka-senpai if it’s true what Ryoma said about you being taken.” Ryoma’s flabbergasted face was almost comical to Tezuka, Ryoma just about screeched at her, “You have some nerve asking such personal questions of our guest!” he was about to launch into a tirade when Tezuka’s raised hand silenced him, golden orbs turning to gaze at him, “I am sorry to disappoint you, but I am very much in love.” The girl’s face dropped, then suddenly as if finding a silver lining she brightened, “Well I can at least tell the girls in school, they’ll wanna hear this!” seeing Ryoma about to get up from his place on the floor, she turned and sped off, leaving the 2 of them breathing a sigh of relief. Ryoma turned to him, “So you’re in love, huh?” a small smile, “Well aren’t YOU, Ryoma?” Ryoma inched closer, a brief kiss, “Yeah, Absolutely.” After trying to put the cloth under the bell to rights, hiding the small stain in it’s folds, they replaced the wooden ringer and hoped no one would notice. They headed back to Ryoma’s house for the night, on the way Ryoma kept stealing glances at his lover…..'I have a lover, and it’s Tezuka Kunimitsu. Who’s got it better then me?' “What are you thinking?” Ryoma shrugged, “About you.” “About what?” “How different you are when we’re alone, how much I like it. And how I didn’t get to make you shake the way you make me.” Tezuka actually laughed, “Oh no, huh? You almost made my head pop off. Work any harder at it, and I will need ambulance service.” Both chuckled, “That’s okay, I’m a rookie, I have time to work on it.” Tezuka studied him, “How are you feeling Ryoma? Any discomfort?” He thought about it for a minute, “A little, but really it’s not so bad at all.” 'Thank god.' Tezuka breathed to himself. They went into the house, Ryoma was sure to lock the door to his room from his crazy cousin, they undressed quickly for bed, then piled in and cuddled up - Ryoma’s back pressed firmly to Kunimitsu’s chest his right arm draped possessively over his little love as if they had been made for each other, and almost immediately fell asleep.
A few hours later, Ryoma’s protesting bladder woke him, so he disentangled himself from Tezuka’s arms, padding to the bathroom to relieve himself. Crossing back to his place on the large bed, he gazed at Tezuka’s sleeping form, peaceful and beautiful without the ever-present glasses. The moonlight slanted in over the bed, Tezuka now lying on his back, one arm carelessly above his head. Ryoma stopped and gazed at him, amazed at all that had happened between them in the last week. He crawled as carefully as he could onto the bed and was about to slide under the covers to sleep, when he couldn’t take his eyes from Kunimitsu’s face. He remembered how it looked during their lovemaking, and when he was kissing Ryoma. He wanted to do to Kunimitsu what he had done to Ryoma. He wanted to please him, and touch and taste all of him. To his surprise, Ryoma had given himself a boner just thinking of it. They certainly couldn’t have sex here, someone would hear the bed shaking all over the place. Besides, he looked so peaceful. The memories from the shed flooded his mind, his captain’s lips taking him deep inside….. a sly smile crossed Echizen’s face, his hand reaching to pull the sheet gently, softly, down away from the sleeping boy……


~~~~Author’s Note: Some of you may wonder why I came up with some of the things I’ve said (or will be saying) here. It was something that seemed to keep smashing me in the face during the anime, the small hints and signs the artists seemed to give you, but only if you paid attention enough to pick up on it. While I’m pretty sure there was no yaoi meant (or maybe there was a small nod to fans of the genre) it was subtle. While both Tezuka and Echizen seem to have a lot of interaction with other characters, Momoshiro is obviously Echizen’s best friend, and Fuji is Tezuka’s, you see them with these characters, but they rarely think about these ‘best friends’ if they are not right there with them but Tezuka and Echizen are always glancing at each other, watching where one or the other is going, or what they are doing, obviously obsessed with each other. It leads you to believe there is so much more between them then they want anyone else to know about. Ex: When Tezuka is playing Inui for the intra school ranking, the whole team stands together, and eventually as the game goes on, they let it out how it would be nice for Tezuka to finally lose for once, Echizen stands apart from them and even though he has to once compliment Inui’s point, it is grudgingly, Echizen clearly says his data tennis is sickening, and doesn’t agree with any of the other regulars that Tezuka should lose, Echizen actually breaks into a sweat watching the game. Kawamura confides he was jealous of that regulars team jersey Tezuka had worn since they were freshmen. The artists actually highlight Echizen and Tezuka as if to show they are separate from all the others and they are the same. When Tezuka wins the match, a large drop of sweat falls off Ryoma and his lips smile secretly. Other times you see the image of Ryoma in Tezuka’s eyes, once when he was training by himself at night. They see each other as the same, yet also as future rivals. So I thought I’d play up the behind the scenes nature of their relationship.
Oishi and Kikumaru are coming into this in the next chapter or two, Echizen still has some catching up to do with Tezuka first. Hope you like it!