[PoT] Making History
Title: Making History
Rating: PG-13 overall, but G in this chapter
Genre: drama, romance, humor, angst
Pairing: TeFu with side (and minor) servings of TezukaxOC and FujixOC
Chapter: 5/8
Summary: February 14 is the most special day of the year. This was the story of Tezuka and Fuji's Valentine's Days, showing how they began and how they never ended.
part 1 ~ part 2 ~ part 3 ~ part 4
A/N: More angst in this chapter. Apparently I missed torturing Fuji XD
Standard disclaimer apply.
Making History
Wednesday, February 14 2007
Fuji called him just when sleep was about to claim him. Tezuka yawned, checked the time, then picked up the phone. He hoped this was important. He had a meeting early in the morning and he really wanted to get promoted. After all, his rivals were all married men, those were generally more favored by bosses. Tezuka only had his hard work and loyalty to back him up.
“Hello?”
“I’m engaged.”
Tezuka was jolted into full wakefulness at the announcement. He couldn’t lie. He had seen it coming. Fuji was very serious with Hana and had even gone so far as to plan their future. Tezuka had told him to slow down. It’s too early for that, seeing that they had only been together for half a year. It’s not that he thought Hana was a bad person or doubted that she made Fuji happy. He just didn’t want his friend to rush into something as life-changing as marriage. Apparently, his advice fell to deaf ears.
Fuji smiled while looking lovingly at the sleeping woman in his bed. He could tell that Tezuka didn’t really approve his decision. Fuji had counted on that, in fact. Tezuka was always logical and logically it was a terrible idea to get engaged to someone you had only known for half six months. But he was in love. He was sure of it. He loved Hana and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. To his joy and relief she felt the same way.
“I proposed when we were on our date earlier in the evening. You should’ve seen her face. She was really shocked. It really was the ultimate Valentine’s Day date!” Fuji said with a laugh. He only wished that he could give her a fancier ring. But he didn’t have enough money to buy the ring he thought she deserved and he couldn’t wait until he did. Hana did that to him. She made him too excited, too optimistic. Fuji sometimes felt he was losing his grip on reality when he was with her, but it wasn’t a bad feeling. He just had to learn to slow down a little. He’s sure Tezuka would gladly help as always. “I know you told me to wait, but I can’t. Please don’t be angry.” He begged when he realized that Tezuka’s silence stretched a little too long.
Tezuka slowly sat up on the edge of his bed. “I’m not angry.” He denied. No, he wasn’t angry. He was just… What? Surprised? Amused? Annoyed? Disappointed? Jealous? The last one seemed to be the closest to the truth if the stinging pain in his heart was any indication. Tezuka looked around his quiet room, thought of how uninviting it was. The only decoration here was the folders containing his work. There wasn’t a even a single picture to remind him or a special moment or person, like he had no personality and no life. This was his life; lonely, tedious, impersonal. The complete opposite of Fuji’s life. “I’m just surprised.”
“You are angry.” Fuji said, frowning now. Something seemed off with Tezuka. He didn’t know what exactly, but he could tell that his friend wasn’t very happy for him. It’s not that he expected Tezuka to be very excited to hear the news, because that would be so out of character of Tezuka. But he sounded… hollow. Pained, even. “Are you okay?” He sat up, ready to go to Tezuka’s apartment now if needed.
“I’m fine Fuji. It’s just…” Tezuka stopped to sigh, trying to control his feelings. “It’s nearly midnight. I was just about to sleep.” He lied even though he knew Fuji wouldn’t fully believe him. He just didn’t -no, couldn’t tell him what he was going through right now. Tezuka himself still didn’t fully understand the unexpected insight of his life. He just knew one thing: he was lonely. And honestly, it was his own fault. It’s not like there was no one interested in being with him. He was the one who chose to focus solely on his work. He was the one who isolated himself. “Congratulation. I’m happy for you.”
Are you? Fuji wanted to ask but thought better of it. He knew Tezuka well enough to know that when he’s like this, he wouldn’t talk. There were topics they barely spoke of and emotions was one of those. Fuji could only hope that one day, his friend would let him understand him better. “Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
The call ended after Tezuka gave his acquiescence. But his sleepiness was lost although he felt more weary. His mind kept turning to Fuji and Hana and the life they both would live together. Tezuka knew he would never have that -not in Japan, at least. But maybe he could try. Maybe he shouldn’t easily give up and resigned himself to a lonely life. It’s a big risk, but it’s might be a risk worth taking. Yes, he definitely should try. He would call Hiro tomorrow, and then maybe he wouldn’t be so jealous of Fuji.
Thursday, February 14 2008
Fuji had to drag himself to the door to open it for Tezuka. He tried to smile when he saw his friend’s concerned face but failed. He muttered something resembling an invitation and stepped back to allow Tezuka to enter. Despite the fact that he was the one who requested Tezuka’s presence tonight, he found it difficult to look at him, let alone talk to him. But he knew Tezuka would wait until he was ready. If he wouldn’t talk tonight, Tezuka would accompany him quietly and come again when Fuji was finally ready. He had wasted the time and energy of so many people who tried to help him. He should stop doing it. He should get over Hana.
“I’m sorry for calling you. I’m sure you’d rather be with Hiro right now.” Fuji said, voice rough with too many tears shed. He winced. Where had his composure gone to? He had been proud of it. He always knew how to remain calm, and even unreadable, in the most difficult situations. In the rare occasions that he couldn’t do it, it didn’t last very long. That’s how he managed to gain such a huge success in his company. However, Hana always managed to be the exception for him. She always managed to change him, turn him into someone he didn’t recognize. She never stopped doing that even after she left.
“He understands.” Tezuka replied, sitting down close to Fuji. It was obvious to him that Fuji had cried again. It had been over a week since Hana broke their engagement, and yet Fuji still hadn’t recovered. It hurt him to know his friend was hurting so bad and there was little he could do to help.
Tezuka blamed Hana for Fuji’s breakdown. Why did she suddenly change her mind? What on earth did she mean by ‘searching for happiness’? Wasn’t she happy with Fuji? The brunet practically worshipped her, giving her anything she could possibly want and asking very little in return. Were her smiles fake? Were her love confessions nothing but lies? Tezuka believed that Fuji deserved better than her, but he wished he didn’t have to go through so much pain to find that better person.
“I’m sorry.” Fuji apologized again. It seemed like that was all he said lately. He had burdened so many people, and worse, he couldn’t stop it. Fuji closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He really should get a grip. Why was it so hard to get back to his life? “It’s just that…” He stopped, stopping the tears that threatened to fall again. “It’s just that I proposed her on this date last year and I…”
Fuji couldn’t speak anymore, but words weren’t necessary. Tezuka wrapped an arm around his friend’s shoulders to console him. Fuji felt cold in his arms, like all warmth had escaped his body and his soul. Tezuka pulled him a little closer, hoping he could take away some of the pain with mere touch.
“I love her.” Fuji said softly. “I want her to be happy. But I wish she would find her happiness with me.”
“Fuji…”
Fuji smiled bitterly. “I’ve been thinking… I should’ve noticed earlier that something’s wrong. Hana is an impulsive person, but my proposal was too unexpected, even for her. She’s right, of course. This was a huge leap we’re taking. You were right. I should’ve thought of it more carefully.” He denied Tezuka’s protest with a shake of his head. “It’s true. You were right. I was rushing into things, and in the end it made her unhappy. She isn’t ready. She doesn’t want to marry me.”
Tezuka could say nothing. He couldn’t deny that he had thought of that, and Fuji had read him perfectly as always. But what hurt him more than the thought that perhaps his insensitive opinion had played a part in bringing Fuji pain, was the fact that the brunet obviously still put Hana’s happiness before his. Tezuka wanted to say that he deserved someone better than the selfish girl, but that would only make Fuji angry. He still loved her, no matter how undeserving of his love she was.
“You’re lucky.” Fuji suddenly said. He pulled away from Tezuka’s half-hug to smile at his friend. Tezuka’s confused look made him chuckle weakly for the first time in days. “Hiro loves you so much.”
Tezuka lowered his face, a little embarrassed. He knew that well. Hiro said it to him many times a day, kissed him when Tezuka grew tired of words, held him when his doubt crept back into his heart. He was really lucky to find someone who could tolerate him, loved him despite all his flaws. “Aa.”
“Maa… I’m a little jealous.” Fuji joked weakly. He held Tezuka’s hand when the sharp pain brought by memory of being the couple everyone envied returned. “I like the way Hiro looks at you. And how he wants to hold your hand all the time. And do you know that you smile every time you talk about him?”
Tezuka was sure his face was beet red right now, but it made Fuji smile so he didn’t mind so much. He defended himself half-heartedly, silently encouraging the brunet to tease him. Fuji didn’t miss the opportunity, of course, mentioning things that even Tezuka didn’t notice and had thought to be well-hidden. But it’s worth it because Fuji was smiling and even laughing a few times. It’s worth it because now he could see the friend he knew return.
“I want that relationship.” Fuji said when he was sure that Tezuka’s face would never return to its original color. Tezuka said nothing back but his softening eyes told a million things Fuji couldn’t even begin to describe. Fuji close his eyes and sighed happily at the unspoken support, the ‘you will find someone better’ that Tezuka thoughtfully left unsaid. It’s going to take a while before he could believe that, but he was making the first step. He would eventually get there. Fuji smiled at Tezuka and squeezed his hand.
TBC
A/N: One more short angsty chapter and we're back to fluff. I promise!
Rating: PG-13 overall, but G in this chapter
Genre: drama, romance, humor, angst
Pairing: TeFu with side (and minor) servings of TezukaxOC and FujixOC
Chapter: 5/8
Summary: February 14 is the most special day of the year. This was the story of Tezuka and Fuji's Valentine's Days, showing how they began and how they never ended.
part 1 ~ part 2 ~ part 3 ~ part 4
A/N: More angst in this chapter. Apparently I missed torturing Fuji XD
Standard disclaimer apply.
Making History
Wednesday, February 14 2007
Fuji called him just when sleep was about to claim him. Tezuka yawned, checked the time, then picked up the phone. He hoped this was important. He had a meeting early in the morning and he really wanted to get promoted. After all, his rivals were all married men, those were generally more favored by bosses. Tezuka only had his hard work and loyalty to back him up.
“Hello?”
“I’m engaged.”
Tezuka was jolted into full wakefulness at the announcement. He couldn’t lie. He had seen it coming. Fuji was very serious with Hana and had even gone so far as to plan their future. Tezuka had told him to slow down. It’s too early for that, seeing that they had only been together for half a year. It’s not that he thought Hana was a bad person or doubted that she made Fuji happy. He just didn’t want his friend to rush into something as life-changing as marriage. Apparently, his advice fell to deaf ears.
Fuji smiled while looking lovingly at the sleeping woman in his bed. He could tell that Tezuka didn’t really approve his decision. Fuji had counted on that, in fact. Tezuka was always logical and logically it was a terrible idea to get engaged to someone you had only known for half six months. But he was in love. He was sure of it. He loved Hana and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. To his joy and relief she felt the same way.
“I proposed when we were on our date earlier in the evening. You should’ve seen her face. She was really shocked. It really was the ultimate Valentine’s Day date!” Fuji said with a laugh. He only wished that he could give her a fancier ring. But he didn’t have enough money to buy the ring he thought she deserved and he couldn’t wait until he did. Hana did that to him. She made him too excited, too optimistic. Fuji sometimes felt he was losing his grip on reality when he was with her, but it wasn’t a bad feeling. He just had to learn to slow down a little. He’s sure Tezuka would gladly help as always. “I know you told me to wait, but I can’t. Please don’t be angry.” He begged when he realized that Tezuka’s silence stretched a little too long.
Tezuka slowly sat up on the edge of his bed. “I’m not angry.” He denied. No, he wasn’t angry. He was just… What? Surprised? Amused? Annoyed? Disappointed? Jealous? The last one seemed to be the closest to the truth if the stinging pain in his heart was any indication. Tezuka looked around his quiet room, thought of how uninviting it was. The only decoration here was the folders containing his work. There wasn’t a even a single picture to remind him or a special moment or person, like he had no personality and no life. This was his life; lonely, tedious, impersonal. The complete opposite of Fuji’s life. “I’m just surprised.”
“You are angry.” Fuji said, frowning now. Something seemed off with Tezuka. He didn’t know what exactly, but he could tell that his friend wasn’t very happy for him. It’s not that he expected Tezuka to be very excited to hear the news, because that would be so out of character of Tezuka. But he sounded… hollow. Pained, even. “Are you okay?” He sat up, ready to go to Tezuka’s apartment now if needed.
“I’m fine Fuji. It’s just…” Tezuka stopped to sigh, trying to control his feelings. “It’s nearly midnight. I was just about to sleep.” He lied even though he knew Fuji wouldn’t fully believe him. He just didn’t -no, couldn’t tell him what he was going through right now. Tezuka himself still didn’t fully understand the unexpected insight of his life. He just knew one thing: he was lonely. And honestly, it was his own fault. It’s not like there was no one interested in being with him. He was the one who chose to focus solely on his work. He was the one who isolated himself. “Congratulation. I’m happy for you.”
Are you? Fuji wanted to ask but thought better of it. He knew Tezuka well enough to know that when he’s like this, he wouldn’t talk. There were topics they barely spoke of and emotions was one of those. Fuji could only hope that one day, his friend would let him understand him better. “Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
The call ended after Tezuka gave his acquiescence. But his sleepiness was lost although he felt more weary. His mind kept turning to Fuji and Hana and the life they both would live together. Tezuka knew he would never have that -not in Japan, at least. But maybe he could try. Maybe he shouldn’t easily give up and resigned himself to a lonely life. It’s a big risk, but it’s might be a risk worth taking. Yes, he definitely should try. He would call Hiro tomorrow, and then maybe he wouldn’t be so jealous of Fuji.
Thursday, February 14 2008
Fuji had to drag himself to the door to open it for Tezuka. He tried to smile when he saw his friend’s concerned face but failed. He muttered something resembling an invitation and stepped back to allow Tezuka to enter. Despite the fact that he was the one who requested Tezuka’s presence tonight, he found it difficult to look at him, let alone talk to him. But he knew Tezuka would wait until he was ready. If he wouldn’t talk tonight, Tezuka would accompany him quietly and come again when Fuji was finally ready. He had wasted the time and energy of so many people who tried to help him. He should stop doing it. He should get over Hana.
“I’m sorry for calling you. I’m sure you’d rather be with Hiro right now.” Fuji said, voice rough with too many tears shed. He winced. Where had his composure gone to? He had been proud of it. He always knew how to remain calm, and even unreadable, in the most difficult situations. In the rare occasions that he couldn’t do it, it didn’t last very long. That’s how he managed to gain such a huge success in his company. However, Hana always managed to be the exception for him. She always managed to change him, turn him into someone he didn’t recognize. She never stopped doing that even after she left.
“He understands.” Tezuka replied, sitting down close to Fuji. It was obvious to him that Fuji had cried again. It had been over a week since Hana broke their engagement, and yet Fuji still hadn’t recovered. It hurt him to know his friend was hurting so bad and there was little he could do to help.
Tezuka blamed Hana for Fuji’s breakdown. Why did she suddenly change her mind? What on earth did she mean by ‘searching for happiness’? Wasn’t she happy with Fuji? The brunet practically worshipped her, giving her anything she could possibly want and asking very little in return. Were her smiles fake? Were her love confessions nothing but lies? Tezuka believed that Fuji deserved better than her, but he wished he didn’t have to go through so much pain to find that better person.
“I’m sorry.” Fuji apologized again. It seemed like that was all he said lately. He had burdened so many people, and worse, he couldn’t stop it. Fuji closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He really should get a grip. Why was it so hard to get back to his life? “It’s just that…” He stopped, stopping the tears that threatened to fall again. “It’s just that I proposed her on this date last year and I…”
Fuji couldn’t speak anymore, but words weren’t necessary. Tezuka wrapped an arm around his friend’s shoulders to console him. Fuji felt cold in his arms, like all warmth had escaped his body and his soul. Tezuka pulled him a little closer, hoping he could take away some of the pain with mere touch.
“I love her.” Fuji said softly. “I want her to be happy. But I wish she would find her happiness with me.”
“Fuji…”
Fuji smiled bitterly. “I’ve been thinking… I should’ve noticed earlier that something’s wrong. Hana is an impulsive person, but my proposal was too unexpected, even for her. She’s right, of course. This was a huge leap we’re taking. You were right. I should’ve thought of it more carefully.” He denied Tezuka’s protest with a shake of his head. “It’s true. You were right. I was rushing into things, and in the end it made her unhappy. She isn’t ready. She doesn’t want to marry me.”
Tezuka could say nothing. He couldn’t deny that he had thought of that, and Fuji had read him perfectly as always. But what hurt him more than the thought that perhaps his insensitive opinion had played a part in bringing Fuji pain, was the fact that the brunet obviously still put Hana’s happiness before his. Tezuka wanted to say that he deserved someone better than the selfish girl, but that would only make Fuji angry. He still loved her, no matter how undeserving of his love she was.
“You’re lucky.” Fuji suddenly said. He pulled away from Tezuka’s half-hug to smile at his friend. Tezuka’s confused look made him chuckle weakly for the first time in days. “Hiro loves you so much.”
Tezuka lowered his face, a little embarrassed. He knew that well. Hiro said it to him many times a day, kissed him when Tezuka grew tired of words, held him when his doubt crept back into his heart. He was really lucky to find someone who could tolerate him, loved him despite all his flaws. “Aa.”
“Maa… I’m a little jealous.” Fuji joked weakly. He held Tezuka’s hand when the sharp pain brought by memory of being the couple everyone envied returned. “I like the way Hiro looks at you. And how he wants to hold your hand all the time. And do you know that you smile every time you talk about him?”
Tezuka was sure his face was beet red right now, but it made Fuji smile so he didn’t mind so much. He defended himself half-heartedly, silently encouraging the brunet to tease him. Fuji didn’t miss the opportunity, of course, mentioning things that even Tezuka didn’t notice and had thought to be well-hidden. But it’s worth it because Fuji was smiling and even laughing a few times. It’s worth it because now he could see the friend he knew return.
“I want that relationship.” Fuji said when he was sure that Tezuka’s face would never return to its original color. Tezuka said nothing back but his softening eyes told a million things Fuji couldn’t even begin to describe. Fuji close his eyes and sighed happily at the unspoken support, the ‘you will find someone better’ that Tezuka thoughtfully left unsaid. It’s going to take a while before he could believe that, but he was making the first step. He would eventually get there. Fuji smiled at Tezuka and squeezed his hand.
TBC
A/N: One more short angsty chapter and we're back to fluff. I promise!