(no subject)
And for the second chapter of that longish TakaFuji fic for shiun , here it is ^_~
Title: Fields of gold.
Part: 2/???
Central Characters: Fuji, Kawamura. Also cameos by the rest of the third year regulars.
Genre: Drama (light), fluff
Wordcount: ~2650
Summary: Seigaku's third year students take a study trip to a remote village. All is well until Tezuka has an accident.
AN: First chapter is here
Fields of Gold
Chapter 2
"What?" Kawamura asked and paled dramatically. "What happened to Tezuka?"
"Hit by a car, according to popular rumour." Inui grimly replied. "Nobody of us actually saw anything, we were merely notified Tezuka had been taken to a clinic."
"How is he?" Fuji asked and his voice sounded far calmer than he felt. Dread coiled in his stomach.
Inui shrugged, glancing away. "There's been no statement concerning his condition yet, so ...."
He let the sentence trail of and ominous silence descended over the small group. Kawamura swallowed hard. While he logically knew accidents happened - could happen to everybody - none of them had ever imagined their captain to encounter one.
Even now he had troubles believing Inui’s words - or maybe he was too afraid of the alternatives he’d have to consider if he accepted this. Cold sweat covered his forehead.
"Can we go and visit him?" he inquired, trying to appear composed. He wanted to walk over to one of the tables and sit down - the world was spinning too fast - but he couldn’t, not as long as Fuji leant heavily on him, that swollen ankle apparently forgotten.
Inui tilted his head. “I doubt it. As a matter of fact, nobody here officially knows about the accident yet. I merely overheard Tamako-sensei receiving the call.”
“That means…” Fuji trailed of, his eyes wide and unconsciously his hand clutched Kawamura’s arm a little tighter. “His condition…”
“As I said, we don’t know anything. I already tried calling there myself, but couldn’t get any information.”
“That’s strange. I mean, they could at least tell you if everything was okay…” Kawamura stopped speaking. Ice filled his heart when he realized what his words implied for the opposite case.
“But Inui…” he added, “It couldn’t have been….”
“That bad?” Inui finished for him. “I hope not. But…”
Fuji contemplatively tilted his head. “Do you think we could find something out if we went there?”
“The probability is indeed higher. Also, seeing as this village has no hospital but obviously a very advanced and well-staffed private clinic, we might have a good chance, actually. Though I doubt we’ll get news if we just show up at the reception.”
With a cynical smile Fuji pointed to his swollen ankle. “Is that enough of a reason?”
+ + +
Lunch, after everything that had happened, was a subdued affair of silent glances, unvoiced questions and an atmosphere filled with tension. Everybody appeared to be waiting for a phone to ring, for one of their teachers to speak - but nothing happened.
Thus, in spite of the good weather, most students returned to their rooms afterwards in order to do what they had come for - study.
+ + +
"Inui, can I come in?"
"Fuji?" Inui opened the door. "What do you need? And do you think it’s a good idea to … hop around before you’ve gotten your ankle looked at?"
"Nothing special." The smaller boy shrugged his shoulders and used the old crutch he’d borrowed from the Inn’s owner to close the door behind him. "I just thought I'd take some magazines when we go to the clinic. Tezuka said he brought some tennis magazines with him."
"Good idea." Inui commented, smiling slyly and turning back to his own travel back that he systematically had started unpacking. "Tezuka's bag is beside his bed."
After sensing Fuji hesitate slightly, Inui added: "I doubt he'll mind if you look through his things. But tell me if you find something interesting."
After twenty minutes Fuji decisively rezipped the black bag and set it back into its original place. Inui turned away from the closet he'd been inspecting.
"I just can't find them." Fuji muttered, feeling rather pathetic. "You wouldn't per chance have seen him take out a couple of tennis magazines, would you?"
As expected, Inui shook his head. "Then I guess those magazines are in the same place as my biology book."
+ + +
“Fuji, are you ready?” Kawamura turned to glance at his room mate, who was busy looking through his bag while precariously balanced on a crutch. Three steps were all Kawamura needed to cross over and snatch the heavy bag out of Fuji’s fingers.
“That’s not a good idea.” He stated before Fuji could protest. “You’re putting too much strain on your ankle. At least put the bag down.”
Fuji’s frown softened into a smile. “I was just looking for something, but …. Thanks.”
Kawamura swallowed. Gathered his courage and spoke. "Actually ... I ... well, I'm certain walking must hurt - at least it hurt me to even lift my arm when I sprained my wrist, remember?"
He drew a deep breath. Fuji hadn't cut him off yet - his eyes had opened and Kawamura felt almost uncomfortable under that intense look. But now was the moment to cross that barrier Fuji's pride usually presented.
"Anyhow, I just want to say, you don't need to pretend you're fine. At least not with me." He paused. "You don't need to smile if your ankle is aching."
“It’s a habit.” Fuji admitted.
“Probably not a good one.” Kawamura continued, sharper than he had intended. Fuji’s head jerked up and he stared at him with wide eyes.
“I mean, I can see that it’s handy not to let people see how you’re feeling sometimes. But not all of the time. Especially when it’s something like this.” He gestured at Fuji’s foot. “There’s no need to cover that up. At least not in front of me.”
Fuji swallowed. “I ... I guess you’re right.”
Kawamura took a step toward the other. “It’s just that you so rarely ever tell anybody anything. You smile and people naturally believe everything is okay. But ... the thing is...”
He gently put a hand on Fuji’s shoulder and smiled. “I’d like to think we’re friends and that you’ll tell me if something isn’t right.”
In response Fuji placed his hand on top of Kawamura’s. “Only if you tell me when something is bothering you in return.”
“Agreed.” Kawamura replied instantly and then turned away when he felt his face grow warm. “And now we should go and get your ankle looked at. I’ll go downstairs and organize a cab.”
+ + +
The Inn’s proprietor offered to drive them to the clinic and while politeness willed Kawamura to decline, one look at Fuji trying to climb down the staircase made him gratefully nod his head. With a silent sigh he turned back to his friend who clung to the banister like a lifeline - obviously Fuji hadn’t taken his injury seriously enough.
Though he too ought to have been more insistent on leaving straight after lunch.
Shaking his head as to chase those thoughts away, Kawamura approached the staircase. “Do you need help?” He inquired, not wanting to damage Fuji’s pride.
“This is a little more difficult than anticipated.” Fuji admitted dryly, but Kawamura didn’t miss how pale his face was. “Though I will manage.”
And that said he proceeded to hop down the rest of the staircase on one leg. While it looked effortless - graceful even - Fuji’s lips were firmly pressed together and that small gesture betrayed a good amount of pain to the schooled observer.
“Take care, Fujiko!” Eiji yelled from upstairs. “And say hi to buchou if you see him!”
“Please tell him we hope he gets well soon.” Oishi added and Fuji dutifully nodded.
Kawamura carfully wrapped an arm around Fuji’s shoulder and they made their way to the front hall. The Inn’s proprietor was already waiting for them. “Does it hurt much?” He asked Fuji.
“As much as any sprain does.” Fuji replied and the man nodded sympathetically. “Those aren’t very nice, I know. But you guys certainly have a weird kind of luck. First your teacher and…”
“Tezuka may appear older than the rest of us, but I assure you he is a student like I am.” A new voice cut in and Inui appeared in a doorway leading to the room where they’d had breakfast. Obviously, the room hadn’t changed since earlier, but to Kawamura it felt like ages had past since he had sat at the table with everybody. Now Tezuka’s condition was unknown and Fuji might have broken his ankle.
“Is he? Well, I apologize.” The Inn’s proprietor was shaking his head and Fuji smiled. “A lot of people make that mistake.”
“As I was saying, it’s bad. First him and now your ankle…”
“At least it was no hunting accident.” Inui chimed in. “I heard those had occurred around here.”
The older man sighed. “Regrettably, they do. But we should go before your ankle swells any more.”
Kawamura couldn’t have agreed more.
+ + +
The clinic was a modern building held entirely in white with a lot of large windows and felt a little out of place in such a remote village. The sight made Kawamura release a breath he hadn’t noticed he’d been holding - at least he could hope for competent staff and modern equipment.
And that probably meant well for Tezuka, too.
The car drove right up to the entrance and Fuji pushed the door open. Kawamura hurried to get out on the other side and just made it around the car before Fuji could fall. Obviously he had problems balancing even with the help of one crutch.
The Inn's proprietor couldn't help smiling slightly at the display.
"Thank you very much for driving us." Kawamura said, while making sure his arm stayed securly wrapped around Fuji's shoulders. "Thank you."
"It's not a problem." the older man replied. "I'll come by in an hour to pick you up. If you take longer I'll be in that small bakery on the other side of the street."
"Thank you very much, but that isn't necessary. We will just catch a cab and ..."
"Oh no, it's no problem really. And there aren't any cabs around here, so either you wait for me or you’ll have to walk."
Instinctively clutching Fuji’s shoulders a little tighter - before Fuji could suggest that they were perfectly capable of walking and the weather was nice for a walk - Kawamura gratefully accepted the offer and proceeded to drag his smaller friend toward the building.
They were greeted by a young woman dressed in completely in white and the outfit appeared to be designer’s take on a surgical coat. If not for her dark hair, she might have blended in with her just as white surroundings.
“How can I help you?” she politely inquired.
Fuji responded with his most charming smile. “I had a little accident this morning and would like to have my ankle looked at."
She stood and headed toward another door. "Please come along in that case."
Fuji had a hard time keeping up with her brisk pace, even if Kawamura was supporting him. Luckily the long hallway was straight and she waited for them at another white door.
"Doctor Kotoba will come by soon. Please sit down and take off your shoe until then.”
After she left Fuji manoevered into the room and thoughtfully stopped in front of the examination table. Before he could even set aside his crutch and embark on any hazardous climbing adventure, Kawamura stepped up behind him, bend down and picked him up.
He had sat him down on the examination table before Fuji could even protest, and then there was a warm smile on his face. “Thank you.”
Kawamura felt the heat creep up in his cheeks. “It’s nothing. I told you before, just ask for help when it’s necessary.”
“It might take me some time to get used to it.” Fuji sheepishly admitted.
They shared a long glance and a silent understanding passed between them. It made Kawamura glad to see Fuji discard his facade, and his heart beat a little faster.
Then Fuji’s expression turned solemn. “Taka-san, while I’d like you to stay, I’m afraid of what is going to happen to any innocent bystander the moment I remove that shoe.”
Before Kawamura could protest, Fuji’s glance grew more intense. “And furthermore, there’s that other matter.”
+ + +
Kawamura swallowed.
He ought to go back to the waiting room. Sit down, leaf through a magazine and wait until Fuji reappeared. Acting so was only reasonable; neither would it include the possibility of breaking any rules.
Then again, the look Fuji had given him ...
Going to wait in the waiting room would mean disappointing Fuji. As well as the rest of the team. And he too, wanted to know what had happened to Tezuka.
There were not too many rooms along this corridor.
And ...
He hadn't been to the waiting room previously.
Kawamura squared his shoulders and decided, he might just get lost on his way.
He was about ready to give up, when he eventually discovered the room. There was nothing hidden or unusual about it - not in the slightest - there was even a name plate reading "Tezuka Kunimitsu" in clear black lettering.
Kawamura drew a breath, knocked first and opened the door two seconds later. There had been no reply, but who knew whether Tezuka was actually capable of answering. Forcing down the rising unsettlement, he closed the door behind him before turning to Tezuka.
The sight made his heart stop for a moment.
Machines, tubes - and he almost had missed his captain's pale form underneath the sheets. But as he looked closer he realised Tezuka's condition wasn't as severe as he first had feared. The machines weren't actually connected. Only one sole infusion, and a lot of bandages - the rumour of it having been a car accident was probably true.
Tezuka appeared asleep so Kawamura hestitated for a moment before stepping closer.
Even if his face was pale, it was a relief to see him merely sleeping. No life-threatening condition. Nothing that implied grave, permanent damage.
Luck, after all, apparently still had been on their side.
"... Kawamura?" A hoarse voice cut through his thoughts and Kawamura found Tezuka looking up at him.
"Ah..." It took him a moment to regain his bearings. "How are you feeling?"
Tezuka onpfvn made it obvious that he felt as if he'd been run over by a train, however Seigaku's captain had never been a person to admit to any discomfort and merely grunted in reply.
"We all hope you get better soon. But, uhm, if you don't mind, we're all wondering what actually happened. Nobody told ..."
For a second a strange expression flickered over Tezuka's face and disappeared before Kawamura could read it. An unconscious movement might just have hurt more than anticipated - and seeing all those bandadges and bruises peeking out from underneath told Kawamura that he ought to let Tezuka rest.
"... I don't remember very much of it." Tezuka replied. "But do you know if Fuji found the tennis magazines? That article on Nick Carraway ought to be of interest to him."
Kawamura swallowed.
Tezuka had idea that Fuji currently was only a few rooms farther down the corridor getting his ankle treated. He wondered whether telling him was a good idea, but lying had never been his forte either.
"I don't know." Kawamura honestly replied. Just as he made decided to tell Tezuka what happened, the door opened and a dark-haired nurse stepped in.
Her eyes widened at seeing Kawamura, but surprise was quickly replaced by displeasure. "The patient isn't supposed to receive visitors." She stated. "I'm very sorry, but I must ask you to leave immediately."
Kawamura swallowed. "I apologize." He wondered whether he ought to comment on their team not having received a word concerning their captain's condition - the nurse's glare however stopped him from saying anything else.
He turned to the door and just had put his hand on the handle, when Tezuka's voice reached him once again. "Tell Fuji he must read that article.
tbc
AN: Hope it was nice to read and I'd be very happy to get the one or other opinion ^_~ And cookies to anybody who figures just where the plot is headed. ^__^
Title: Fields of gold.
Part: 2/???
Central Characters: Fuji, Kawamura. Also cameos by the rest of the third year regulars.
Genre: Drama (light), fluff
Wordcount: ~2650
Summary: Seigaku's third year students take a study trip to a remote village. All is well until Tezuka has an accident.
AN: First chapter is here
Fields of Gold
Chapter 2
"What?" Kawamura asked and paled dramatically. "What happened to Tezuka?"
"Hit by a car, according to popular rumour." Inui grimly replied. "Nobody of us actually saw anything, we were merely notified Tezuka had been taken to a clinic."
"How is he?" Fuji asked and his voice sounded far calmer than he felt. Dread coiled in his stomach.
Inui shrugged, glancing away. "There's been no statement concerning his condition yet, so ...."
He let the sentence trail of and ominous silence descended over the small group. Kawamura swallowed hard. While he logically knew accidents happened - could happen to everybody - none of them had ever imagined their captain to encounter one.
Even now he had troubles believing Inui’s words - or maybe he was too afraid of the alternatives he’d have to consider if he accepted this. Cold sweat covered his forehead.
"Can we go and visit him?" he inquired, trying to appear composed. He wanted to walk over to one of the tables and sit down - the world was spinning too fast - but he couldn’t, not as long as Fuji leant heavily on him, that swollen ankle apparently forgotten.
Inui tilted his head. “I doubt it. As a matter of fact, nobody here officially knows about the accident yet. I merely overheard Tamako-sensei receiving the call.”
“That means…” Fuji trailed of, his eyes wide and unconsciously his hand clutched Kawamura’s arm a little tighter. “His condition…”
“As I said, we don’t know anything. I already tried calling there myself, but couldn’t get any information.”
“That’s strange. I mean, they could at least tell you if everything was okay…” Kawamura stopped speaking. Ice filled his heart when he realized what his words implied for the opposite case.
“But Inui…” he added, “It couldn’t have been….”
“That bad?” Inui finished for him. “I hope not. But…”
Fuji contemplatively tilted his head. “Do you think we could find something out if we went there?”
“The probability is indeed higher. Also, seeing as this village has no hospital but obviously a very advanced and well-staffed private clinic, we might have a good chance, actually. Though I doubt we’ll get news if we just show up at the reception.”
With a cynical smile Fuji pointed to his swollen ankle. “Is that enough of a reason?”
+ + +
Lunch, after everything that had happened, was a subdued affair of silent glances, unvoiced questions and an atmosphere filled with tension. Everybody appeared to be waiting for a phone to ring, for one of their teachers to speak - but nothing happened.
Thus, in spite of the good weather, most students returned to their rooms afterwards in order to do what they had come for - study.
+ + +
"Inui, can I come in?"
"Fuji?" Inui opened the door. "What do you need? And do you think it’s a good idea to … hop around before you’ve gotten your ankle looked at?"
"Nothing special." The smaller boy shrugged his shoulders and used the old crutch he’d borrowed from the Inn’s owner to close the door behind him. "I just thought I'd take some magazines when we go to the clinic. Tezuka said he brought some tennis magazines with him."
"Good idea." Inui commented, smiling slyly and turning back to his own travel back that he systematically had started unpacking. "Tezuka's bag is beside his bed."
After sensing Fuji hesitate slightly, Inui added: "I doubt he'll mind if you look through his things. But tell me if you find something interesting."
After twenty minutes Fuji decisively rezipped the black bag and set it back into its original place. Inui turned away from the closet he'd been inspecting.
"I just can't find them." Fuji muttered, feeling rather pathetic. "You wouldn't per chance have seen him take out a couple of tennis magazines, would you?"
As expected, Inui shook his head. "Then I guess those magazines are in the same place as my biology book."
+ + +
“Fuji, are you ready?” Kawamura turned to glance at his room mate, who was busy looking through his bag while precariously balanced on a crutch. Three steps were all Kawamura needed to cross over and snatch the heavy bag out of Fuji’s fingers.
“That’s not a good idea.” He stated before Fuji could protest. “You’re putting too much strain on your ankle. At least put the bag down.”
Fuji’s frown softened into a smile. “I was just looking for something, but …. Thanks.”
Kawamura swallowed. Gathered his courage and spoke. "Actually ... I ... well, I'm certain walking must hurt - at least it hurt me to even lift my arm when I sprained my wrist, remember?"
He drew a deep breath. Fuji hadn't cut him off yet - his eyes had opened and Kawamura felt almost uncomfortable under that intense look. But now was the moment to cross that barrier Fuji's pride usually presented.
"Anyhow, I just want to say, you don't need to pretend you're fine. At least not with me." He paused. "You don't need to smile if your ankle is aching."
“It’s a habit.” Fuji admitted.
“Probably not a good one.” Kawamura continued, sharper than he had intended. Fuji’s head jerked up and he stared at him with wide eyes.
“I mean, I can see that it’s handy not to let people see how you’re feeling sometimes. But not all of the time. Especially when it’s something like this.” He gestured at Fuji’s foot. “There’s no need to cover that up. At least not in front of me.”
Fuji swallowed. “I ... I guess you’re right.”
Kawamura took a step toward the other. “It’s just that you so rarely ever tell anybody anything. You smile and people naturally believe everything is okay. But ... the thing is...”
He gently put a hand on Fuji’s shoulder and smiled. “I’d like to think we’re friends and that you’ll tell me if something isn’t right.”
In response Fuji placed his hand on top of Kawamura’s. “Only if you tell me when something is bothering you in return.”
“Agreed.” Kawamura replied instantly and then turned away when he felt his face grow warm. “And now we should go and get your ankle looked at. I’ll go downstairs and organize a cab.”
+ + +
The Inn’s proprietor offered to drive them to the clinic and while politeness willed Kawamura to decline, one look at Fuji trying to climb down the staircase made him gratefully nod his head. With a silent sigh he turned back to his friend who clung to the banister like a lifeline - obviously Fuji hadn’t taken his injury seriously enough.
Though he too ought to have been more insistent on leaving straight after lunch.
Shaking his head as to chase those thoughts away, Kawamura approached the staircase. “Do you need help?” He inquired, not wanting to damage Fuji’s pride.
“This is a little more difficult than anticipated.” Fuji admitted dryly, but Kawamura didn’t miss how pale his face was. “Though I will manage.”
And that said he proceeded to hop down the rest of the staircase on one leg. While it looked effortless - graceful even - Fuji’s lips were firmly pressed together and that small gesture betrayed a good amount of pain to the schooled observer.
“Take care, Fujiko!” Eiji yelled from upstairs. “And say hi to buchou if you see him!”
“Please tell him we hope he gets well soon.” Oishi added and Fuji dutifully nodded.
Kawamura carfully wrapped an arm around Fuji’s shoulder and they made their way to the front hall. The Inn’s proprietor was already waiting for them. “Does it hurt much?” He asked Fuji.
“As much as any sprain does.” Fuji replied and the man nodded sympathetically. “Those aren’t very nice, I know. But you guys certainly have a weird kind of luck. First your teacher and…”
“Tezuka may appear older than the rest of us, but I assure you he is a student like I am.” A new voice cut in and Inui appeared in a doorway leading to the room where they’d had breakfast. Obviously, the room hadn’t changed since earlier, but to Kawamura it felt like ages had past since he had sat at the table with everybody. Now Tezuka’s condition was unknown and Fuji might have broken his ankle.
“Is he? Well, I apologize.” The Inn’s proprietor was shaking his head and Fuji smiled. “A lot of people make that mistake.”
“As I was saying, it’s bad. First him and now your ankle…”
“At least it was no hunting accident.” Inui chimed in. “I heard those had occurred around here.”
The older man sighed. “Regrettably, they do. But we should go before your ankle swells any more.”
Kawamura couldn’t have agreed more.
+ + +
The clinic was a modern building held entirely in white with a lot of large windows and felt a little out of place in such a remote village. The sight made Kawamura release a breath he hadn’t noticed he’d been holding - at least he could hope for competent staff and modern equipment.
And that probably meant well for Tezuka, too.
The car drove right up to the entrance and Fuji pushed the door open. Kawamura hurried to get out on the other side and just made it around the car before Fuji could fall. Obviously he had problems balancing even with the help of one crutch.
The Inn's proprietor couldn't help smiling slightly at the display.
"Thank you very much for driving us." Kawamura said, while making sure his arm stayed securly wrapped around Fuji's shoulders. "Thank you."
"It's not a problem." the older man replied. "I'll come by in an hour to pick you up. If you take longer I'll be in that small bakery on the other side of the street."
"Thank you very much, but that isn't necessary. We will just catch a cab and ..."
"Oh no, it's no problem really. And there aren't any cabs around here, so either you wait for me or you’ll have to walk."
Instinctively clutching Fuji’s shoulders a little tighter - before Fuji could suggest that they were perfectly capable of walking and the weather was nice for a walk - Kawamura gratefully accepted the offer and proceeded to drag his smaller friend toward the building.
They were greeted by a young woman dressed in completely in white and the outfit appeared to be designer’s take on a surgical coat. If not for her dark hair, she might have blended in with her just as white surroundings.
“How can I help you?” she politely inquired.
Fuji responded with his most charming smile. “I had a little accident this morning and would like to have my ankle looked at."
She stood and headed toward another door. "Please come along in that case."
Fuji had a hard time keeping up with her brisk pace, even if Kawamura was supporting him. Luckily the long hallway was straight and she waited for them at another white door.
"Doctor Kotoba will come by soon. Please sit down and take off your shoe until then.”
After she left Fuji manoevered into the room and thoughtfully stopped in front of the examination table. Before he could even set aside his crutch and embark on any hazardous climbing adventure, Kawamura stepped up behind him, bend down and picked him up.
He had sat him down on the examination table before Fuji could even protest, and then there was a warm smile on his face. “Thank you.”
Kawamura felt the heat creep up in his cheeks. “It’s nothing. I told you before, just ask for help when it’s necessary.”
“It might take me some time to get used to it.” Fuji sheepishly admitted.
They shared a long glance and a silent understanding passed between them. It made Kawamura glad to see Fuji discard his facade, and his heart beat a little faster.
Then Fuji’s expression turned solemn. “Taka-san, while I’d like you to stay, I’m afraid of what is going to happen to any innocent bystander the moment I remove that shoe.”
Before Kawamura could protest, Fuji’s glance grew more intense. “And furthermore, there’s that other matter.”
+ + +
Kawamura swallowed.
He ought to go back to the waiting room. Sit down, leaf through a magazine and wait until Fuji reappeared. Acting so was only reasonable; neither would it include the possibility of breaking any rules.
Then again, the look Fuji had given him ...
Going to wait in the waiting room would mean disappointing Fuji. As well as the rest of the team. And he too, wanted to know what had happened to Tezuka.
There were not too many rooms along this corridor.
And ...
He hadn't been to the waiting room previously.
Kawamura squared his shoulders and decided, he might just get lost on his way.
He was about ready to give up, when he eventually discovered the room. There was nothing hidden or unusual about it - not in the slightest - there was even a name plate reading "Tezuka Kunimitsu" in clear black lettering.
Kawamura drew a breath, knocked first and opened the door two seconds later. There had been no reply, but who knew whether Tezuka was actually capable of answering. Forcing down the rising unsettlement, he closed the door behind him before turning to Tezuka.
The sight made his heart stop for a moment.
Machines, tubes - and he almost had missed his captain's pale form underneath the sheets. But as he looked closer he realised Tezuka's condition wasn't as severe as he first had feared. The machines weren't actually connected. Only one sole infusion, and a lot of bandages - the rumour of it having been a car accident was probably true.
Tezuka appeared asleep so Kawamura hestitated for a moment before stepping closer.
Even if his face was pale, it was a relief to see him merely sleeping. No life-threatening condition. Nothing that implied grave, permanent damage.
Luck, after all, apparently still had been on their side.
"... Kawamura?" A hoarse voice cut through his thoughts and Kawamura found Tezuka looking up at him.
"Ah..." It took him a moment to regain his bearings. "How are you feeling?"
Tezuka onpfvn made it obvious that he felt as if he'd been run over by a train, however Seigaku's captain had never been a person to admit to any discomfort and merely grunted in reply.
"We all hope you get better soon. But, uhm, if you don't mind, we're all wondering what actually happened. Nobody told ..."
For a second a strange expression flickered over Tezuka's face and disappeared before Kawamura could read it. An unconscious movement might just have hurt more than anticipated - and seeing all those bandadges and bruises peeking out from underneath told Kawamura that he ought to let Tezuka rest.
"... I don't remember very much of it." Tezuka replied. "But do you know if Fuji found the tennis magazines? That article on Nick Carraway ought to be of interest to him."
Kawamura swallowed.
Tezuka had idea that Fuji currently was only a few rooms farther down the corridor getting his ankle treated. He wondered whether telling him was a good idea, but lying had never been his forte either.
"I don't know." Kawamura honestly replied. Just as he made decided to tell Tezuka what happened, the door opened and a dark-haired nurse stepped in.
Her eyes widened at seeing Kawamura, but surprise was quickly replaced by displeasure. "The patient isn't supposed to receive visitors." She stated. "I'm very sorry, but I must ask you to leave immediately."
Kawamura swallowed. "I apologize." He wondered whether he ought to comment on their team not having received a word concerning their captain's condition - the nurse's glare however stopped him from saying anything else.
He turned to the door and just had put his hand on the handle, when Tezuka's voice reached him once again. "Tell Fuji he must read that article.
tbc
AN: Hope it was nice to read and I'd be very happy to get the one or other opinion ^_~ And cookies to anybody who figures just where the plot is headed. ^__^