LOG: Tezuka & Fuji
Who: Tezuka Kunimitsu & Fuji Shuusuke
When: March 14 - White Day
Where: ... Probably Argentina, after they'd landed (since 3-14 was travel day)
Summary: Tezuka goes to leave an anonymous White Day present for Fuji...and gets busted. But everything works out in the end.
Warning/Rating: PG-13? Kissing and awkward teenage hormone moment XD
Player Comments: The softer side of Tezuka... :) He's actually very touchy-feely ^^
Comments/Crits allowed: Sure
White Day was finally here. For the last month, Tezuka had been thinking of doing something for Fuji for White Day - originally just because neither of them had had Valentines, but...the more time he spent with Fuji, the more he knew that wasn't the only reason anymore. He'd grown fond of Fuji, in a way that was completely new for him, and while he didn't know exactly what to do about it, he knew that lack of a Valentine wasn't the only reason he was doing this. He wanted to, for whatever that meant.
So here he was, early in the morning on March 14th, standing outside the door to Fuji's hotel room. He was just going to leave the gift and go, so that later, Fuji would find the anonymous gift...but he was a little nervous about it, for some reason. It was silly, he knew, but... Ah, what was wrong with him? All he had to do was set it down and go, so he crouched down and set the two white-wrapped boxes on the floor by the door, the smaller one on top of the larger. On the smaller box, he put a small white card that simply read "Happy White Day, Fuji".
While Tezuka was outside dithering by his door, Fuji was inside on his bed and talking to his sister, as he had been for the last hour or so, gossiping. Well, he was listening to her gossip while offering little replies and laughter. The truth was he was missing her dearly and any opportunity he had to talk to her was a welcome one. And then she reminded him of what day it was, he laughed and admitted he'd almost forgotten about it. Being away from Japan, things like White Day tended not to apply. Or were easily forgotten.
Sitting up on his bed he swung his legs around and stood himself up. Telling Yumiko that he'd call her back later, he hung up to her laughter and smiled. It was still early so he had time to slip out and buy a few little things. Then maybe he could get away with the fact he'd forgotten. Smiling a bit wider he grabbed a light jacket and went to the door. As he was about to step out he realized someone was crouched there and in his way. Fuji would have asked what they were doing there spying on him except... "... Tezuka? What are you doing there?" He had yet to notice the gifts.
If ever there was a moment in Tezuka Kunimitsu's life that he looked sheepish, this was it. Here he was, caught red-handed - and red-eared, as the case was - when he'd expected to get away before any chance of discovery.
Which meant it was time to improvise.
Unfortunately, at that moment, Tezuka was not as quick at improvisation as he would have liked to be, and there was an awkward, embarrassing moment of silence between them as he stood, gifts still in his hands. Then, finally, he managed to pull himself together. "Well, I was going to surprise you, but... Happy White Day, Fuji," he smiled, extending the gifts towards Fuji gently.
Fuji just stood there openly staring, one hand resting upon the door and the other the frame, a little confused. What in the world was Tezuka doing hiding by his door so early in the morning? And what was that expression on his face? Was he embarrassed about something? Fuji opened his mouth to ask when two packages were held out to them, both wrapped in pretty white paper with a note on the top.
Picking the note up Fuji read the simple message and then looked at Tezuka curiously. "You didn't leave your name," he observed in a quiet, slightly amused tone. "That's the second time you've left me a gift with no name," reaching out for the gifts he smiled and pulled them close, and then pushed open the door with his hip. "Why don't you come inside, the others are out for the day. And... Thank you for these, Tezuka..." He really was touched, and quite despite himself he found his thumb softly stroking the smooth white wrapping of the larger gift.
Tezuka chuckled softly. "I suppose it is, isn't it?" He'd never felt as awkward as he did right then, and it made him smile a little to himself. Looked like those awkward teenage moments hadn't passed him by after all. Too bad those he could do without.
He stepped inside the hotel room, as invited, but...should he just stand? Should he sit? Sit where? "I hope you'll like them. They aren't much, but..." Tezuka shrugged. The small box of wasabi-filled white chocolates he wasn't very sure about. To him, they sounded...bizarre, and not very appealing, but then...so did Inui juice, and Fuji liked that, so....who knew? The photo in the larger box, on the other hand, Tezuka was more sure about.
Closing the door after Tezuka had entered, Fuji walked over to his bed and made himself comfortable near the pillows. He set the packages down and smiled over at his friend before reaching out across the bed and patting it. "Why don't you sit and let me open these, what I am sure will be wonderful, gifts," He waited until the other had sat down before he started on unwrapping his presents.
Strangely he was excited. It wasn't the first time he had received gifts like this, but it was the first time from Tezuka, and it was the first time he was truly happy with getting them. Carefully, he unwrapped the pretty white paper, trying not to rip it too much, until the gift was revealed. He opened the box and his smile widened. White chocolates. Picking one out he popped it into his mouth and chewed happily, humming his enjoyment. "Mmmm... these are very good. Would you like one?" he was smiling still as he held them out to Tezuka. The chocolate was so sweet, and the wasabi was just enough to give it a pleasing kick.
Tezuka sat where Fuji indicated, his ears burning with embarrassment - at being caught, at being here to watch him open them, at the contents of the second present... And being nervous didn't help him any, but he didn't let it show. Maybe not showing the nerves would make him less nervous.
It did help that Fuji seemed happy about it, and that he seemed to like the chocolate. "Ah, no, thank you. They're for you to enjoy, Fuji." And Tezuka wasn't one for wasabi. "I'm glad you like them...I admit I was worried that the mix of flavors wouldn't be good, but...they struck me as something you might like." Fuji and those odd taste buds of his, liking things most other people would find unpalatable.
He gave a small pout that Tezuka refused a chocolate, but then thought, rather selfishly, that it meant more for him, so went back to smiling as he pulled them back and set them at his side. Picking up a second he chewed upon it contentedly as he moved on to the second present. "They are peculiar, I'll admit. But they're very nice," he glanced up for a moment from what he was doing and smiled at Tezuka. "You're very thoughtful," he said, holding the others gaze for a moment before the smile widened and he lowered his eyes back down to the gift.
The paper came off and Fuji lifted the lift off the box... to see himself. A picture of himself, surrounded by snow. He thought back for a moment, trying to place the image... "Oh..." He'd remembered, his cheeks pinked slightly as he reached into the box and delicately lifted the framed picture. "Tezuka... Why..." His gaze moved from the picture to Tezuka and then back again. He looked happy, delighted even, but there was some confusion in his eyes as he finally looked over at his friend. Why had Tezuka taken this picture of him. How had he managed to do it without him fully noticing? And why was he giving it to him like this?
Tezuka chuckled a little at Fuji's pout, a bit surprised to find himself thinking of it as cute. But that's what it was. "I try," he smiled, finding it a little easier to not be so nervous about his gifts....Though when Fuji opened the second, he couldn't help holding his breath a little.
He let out that breath when Fuji seemed to like the photo. He'd been sure he would, honestly, but that didn't make him any more calm about it. "Remember when I showed you the photos I've taken on this tour? Especially the ones from Moscow?" He was sure Fuji did. "I...well. For lack of a better term, I censored some of the photos. There were a few that I did not show you, at the time. That being one of them." He adjusted his glasses a little, which, for Tezuka, was as close as he got to fidgeting. "That day at Statue Park...Watching you take photos inspired me to do the same. I started out taking pictures of the statues and the scenery, but...somehow...the subject matter shifted, and I realized I was taking pictures of you."
At first Fuji concentrated his attention upon Tezuka, but as he spoke he turned that attention back to the picture, remembering that day with a fond smile. "I remember you showing them to me...." He also remembered wondering if that had been all there was too them. His friend had been clicking a lot while in that park and had only shown him a handful of photographs.
Very softly he brushed his thumb over the glass of the photo, still smiling. It was a beautiful picture. He wasn't being vain, it wasn't even because if was him in the centre of the image. It could have been anyone and it would have been beautiful. The snow glistened, fluttered down around the man in the shot, who was caught mid-turn. He looked calm, almost serene, a happy smile upon his lips. Almost child-like in his delight. It was a one in a million shot. Fuji was deeply impressed and deeply touched.
Carefully he set the picture aside and moved the packages. "Tezuka... I am going to do something now. As a thank you. Don't move," he was smiling as he slipped closer, knowing his friend would probably hate this, but Fuji thought it was the best way to thank him. Lifting his arms he leant in and hugged Tezuka, and whispered softly, "Thank you..."
Tezuka watched Fuji admiring the photo and couldn't help feeling a bit proud of himself for managing that shot. He'd thought it was quite a photo from the time he captured it, but the unspoken approval from Fuji was more than enough to tell him that it was a good photo indeed. It eased the nervousness in him...at least until Fuji hugged him.
It was a simple gesture, but for some reason it had Tezuka's heart beating faster than it should've been. He couldn't seem to think of what he should or shouldn't do, so he let his impulses take over. He wrapped his arms around Fuji in return, hugging him back for a moment...and gave him a tiny, quick kiss to the cheek. "I'm glad you like it."
The hug was all he'd intended it to be. It really was. It has been something of a desire within him that came and went, but he'd never had the chance to do. As it was White Day, and as he had just been given some beautiful gifts, Fuji believed that if ever there was a time to hug his Buchou it would be now.
However even doing that, knowing he wanted to do that, didn't fully prepare him for being hugged back. And least of all for that soft kiss upon his cheek. It was there and gone in less than a second, hardly a brush of lips. A friendly thing, had it been anyone else. But Fuji had never seen Tezuka kiss anyone else before, or even hug anyone else before. Only now... as he pulled back and looked at Tezuka... logically he knew he probably shouldn't and he'd probably regret doing it later. But he'd never given Tezuka a Valentine's gift and he'd pretty much forgotten about White Day until a few minutes before his friend had come to his room. All he has to offer... was himself. Smiling gently, Fuji leant in, he moved slow, giving Tezuka time to move if he wanted, and kissed his lips very softly.
As soon as he realized what Fuji was up to, Tezuka only had time to react, no time to think it all through. And so he did, doing what felt right to him. He did not get out of the way or pull back; instead, he moved one hand to cup the side of Fuji's neck and leaned in, meeting the kiss, the soft touch of Fuji's lips. He knew he was probably awkward, this being his first kiss and all, but he also knew that he wanted this. Whatever it was that it meant, he wanted nothing more than to be doing exactly this, and he couldn't help it as his arm, still around Fuji, tightened and pulled him a little bit closer as he kissed back.
There was no time to be surprised. Maybe later when he was left on his own and could think about what had happened he would find he was surprised and laugh. But right then, with that warm hand upon his neck and Tezuka returning his kiss, none of that mattered. Lifting his arms he slipped them loosely about Tezuka's shoulders. The kiss had only supposed to be brief, last a moment and then he would pull away, smile and thank him again before going to look at the picture again. But no, he was holding onto him now and kissing him more, still light, Tezuka was a little hesitant but he hadn't pulled away yet.
Tezuka grew a little bolder, kissed a bit more firmly...despite not really knowing how. It just...seemed like the right thing to do, and it felt too good to ignore the impulse to try. He didn't want the moment to end, but...it was a little hard to breathe, so he pulled back, just enough to break the contact between their mouths and rest their foreheads together instead. After a small moment to catch his breath, Tezuka chuckled softly. "It's been a long time since I felt like I had no idea what I was doing..."
There was no time to be surprised. Maybe later when he was left on his own and could think about what had happened he would find he was surprised and would laugh. But right then, with that warm hand upon his neck and Tezuka returning his kiss, none of that mattered. Lifting his arms he slipped them loosely about Tezuka's shoulders. The kiss had only supposed to be brief, last a moment and then he would pull away, smile and thank him again before going to look at the picture again. But no, he was holding onto him now and kissing him more, still light, Tezuka was a little hesitant but he hadn't pulled away yet.
Oh but he was a quick learner. Fuji was trying to be diplomatic in his kiss, he wasn't trying to push, and he was allowing Tezuka to show him what he wanted. And boy did he show him. He was held closer against his friend’s firm chest and the kiss became more insistent, more passionate. All too soon it was over. Far too soon for Fuji's liking, as he was just getting used to the change in tempo. Though he had to admit, breathing was becoming an issue and when the kiss was broken his breathing was blissfully erratic. It made him grin and laugh breathlessly. "I would argue with that, Tezuka... It felt like you knew exactly what you were doing."
Tezuka smiled, and if he blushed like a normal person, his entire face would've been red. He almost apologized, but managed to stop himself. If he hadn't done anything wrong, there was nothing to apologize for, right? "I must be a talented beginner, then, because this makes you my first." He'd never dated, never kissed, and only barely ever thought about it. He certainly hadn't planned things to take the turn they had...but he wasn't complaining. "So....what comes next?"
"Aah..." His smile widened just a little. Fuji had guessed that might have been the case, but what Tezuka did because closed doors he had no idea. For a split second he almost felt bad for taking his first kiss like that, with no warning. But then, Tezuka didn't look angry with him at all. In fact, he was smiling. With a soft laugh Fuji lifted a hand to brush gentle fingers against the others rather red ear, before bringing it forward to touch his cheek. "What comes next would depend on you. You could take this as a thank you for a lovely gift. Or..." His head tipped to the side as his hand decided, almost all on its own, to lift and brush Tezuka's hair away from his forehead. "... I can't say that I'm not interested in you, Tezuka. If you aren't, that's fine. But the option is there for you, if you're willing."
Tezuka chuckled softly as he leaned in and gave Fuji another small, soft kiss. "There's more to this than a simple thank you, Fuji, no matter how hard either of us might pretend otherwise. But....I think....I wouldn't have been able to take a picture like that if I weren't interested in you." And he certainly wouldn't have kissed Fuji if he wasn't. Tezuka caught Fuji's hand in his and threaded their fingers together. "I feel comfortable around you, as though I can put away my usual defenses and just...be. I want to explore that, and see where this leads us."
Something strange seemed to pull at his stomach when Tezuka laughed and gave him another, lighter kiss. It wasn't an unpleasant feeling, but it was one he wasn't too sure of. Taking a deep breath he let it out on a soft, happy sigh as he looked down at his and Tezuka's now entwined fingers. They looked good like that. But Fuji couldn't help wondering if this was what he wanted. It wasn't that long ago he'd had his heart ripped out of his chest and thrown carelessly in a trash can. He never mentioned it, not even to his brother, but the hurt was still there. However he really couldn't deny his attraction to Tezuka. Over the months it had been getting stronger, so strong he'd been holding himself a hell of a lot, afraid of doing something he would regret.
The one thing that had really kept him together after the breakup was Tezuka. He'd been there, whether he'd meant to or not, and helped him. Their friendship had grown by leaps and bounds. They'd always been friends before, of course, but this had been different. More open. More honest. Fuji found he missed Tezuka when he was not there. And he found that, if he thought about letting him go now, that twinge within his stomach turned into a pain. Lifting his eyes, Fuji smiled at Tezuka, a truly honest smile. "I'm happy you feel that way. Let’s see where this takes us, I'm curious now. I've been attracted to you for some time; I never imagined you would feel remotely the same way. I'm happy you do. And that you feel that comfortable around me. So we should explore this further... I would like to see what can become of it," Slipping closer, Fuji moved to hug the other teen again. Just a simple embrace. "I have to admit, this wasn't what I expected when I opened my door.
Fuji was quiet for a while, and Tezuka let him. He hadn't forgotten that Fuji had gone through a rough breakup not that long ago, and he knew that it could make him hesitant.... Or maybe he was completely wrong, and it had nothing to do with that at all. But whatever the reason, Tezuka was happy to take things slowly - if not for Fuji, then for himself, because despite Fuji's praise about the kiss, he really did feel a bit as though he was flailing around without a clue.
"We're even, then. It wasn't what I expected when I came to your door." He held Fuji close, smiling a little against Fuji's hair. "Just be patient with me if I do stupid things, alright? It's uncharted territory for me."
This really was so strange. Fuji was trying to think of the last time he'd been held so gently and really couldn't. He shifted a little, making himself comfortable against Tezuka and relaxed. Somehow it just felt right to be this way. It really hadn't been what he was expecting to happen, he was glad it did though. "I'll be patient with you. I'm in no mood to rush things with you, Tezuka. You can set the pace. For now." He pulled back and smiled, kissing the corner of his lips. "With that in mind I'm not sure how open you want to be with... whatever this is. And I do hate to do it, I would rather you stay here with me longer. But the longer you stay the higher the risk of getting caught," Fuji honestly didn't mind that at all, but Tezuka was a much more private person.
Tezuka chuckled a little. 'For now'... 'For now' implied that someday, Fuji would set the pace and...Now that he was thinking about it, part of him wondered just exactly what Fuji's pace would be... But then, he supposed, he'd find out eventually. "Mm...Well, I'm not the kind to go shouting anything from the rooftops, but...I'm not going to purposely hide it or deny it if anyone asks, either." He made no move to get up and leave, though. They would get caught doing something eventually, he was sure, and of all the things they could be doing when that moment came, this was harmless.
He wasn't making any move to go. Fuji was rather amused by that, but he wasn't about to push the issue. In fact, if Tezuka was going to stay a little longer... The tensai smiled and let go of the others hand so that he was able to slip both of his arms about his neck. "Then I hope you know the second Eiji hears about this he'll spread it to every person and school he knows? He's been dropping hints for weeks now, have you noticed?" It hadn't escaped Fuji's attention. His bouncy friend wasn't very subtle.
"... Though now I'm wondering, what exactly do you this is happening here, Tezuka? There's obvious attraction, I like you, you like me, Does this mean... you want to be my boyfriend~?" His tone had turned teasing now, as had his smile which was almost a grin. The playful question hid how seriously Fuji wanted to know the answer.
"Hmmm....you're right... Perhaps we should try to hide it from him....just so it doesn't spread quite as quickly..." Tezuka chuckled, teasing a little at Kikumaru's expense as he re-wrapped his arms around Fuji. He had noticed the not-so-subtle comments, especially in that so-called singles ad
Tezuka raised an eyebrow, then smiled softly and kissed Fuji's cheek again, surprising himself at how easy it seemed to be to get used to such gestures. "If that's the proper word for it, then yes, I would like to be your boyfriend. If you'll have me, of course."
Or he could tell him himself and try to limit the damage before it even started. Perhaps having a quiet word with him away from everyone else and detailing that they don't want anyone else to know, not just yet. Maybe even calling it a 'big secret' that he and his Buchou was entrusting to Eiji. Fuji smiled to himself. That would probably work, and to their advantage as well, if he worked it and worded it just right.
Fuji gave a soft, happy hum when Tezuka's arms slipped about him. It did feel very good. Those arms were quite slim, but there were strong and wrapped about him as if they always had. "I believe that's the correct term, unless you want to remain friends who kiss and hug from time to time?" he gave a low laugh and leant in himself, only he kissed Tezuka on the lips. Just a soft touch, nothing more. "I'm glad you chose boyfriend. I would be only too happy to have you~"
Tezuka could tell Fuji's mind was working, and it made him smile. Maybe he'd just let Fuji handle Kikumaru...they were good friends, after all, and Fuji probably knew what would work better than Tezuka did.
"I don't think 'just friends' is good enough, even if we do kiss occasionally. This is different." He kissed Fuji back, just as softly. "And you know, my grandmother is going to want to meet you. I leave for a tournament and come back with a boyfriend? She's going to have a lot of questions..." He chuckled a little at the thought.
It was months ago now, that Fuji had seen his first glimpse of the mysterious 'grandmother' as she'd practically dragged Tezuka inside their home. She'd seemed sweet though, and from what Tezuka had had told him about her he'd wanted to meet the woman long before now. Just to see if it was all true.
And Tezuka was right. This was different. Only a relationship would do. And Fuji would settle for nothing less. "I'd love to meet her. If she's anything like how you've described her to me, I'm looking forward to it," Winning her over would be priority, she was the one who held the most hold over Tezuka, she was the one to impress.
"I wish I could warn you for her. She might try to make you feel like you're being interrogated...but she's just as likely to give you a hug and start treating you like a second grandson, or anything in between." The more Tezuka thought about it, he had absolutely no idea how she'd react to the news. It was disconcerting... But there wasn't anything they could do. She would behave how she would behave, and either she would like Fuji or she wouldn't. "I suppose the best thing you can do is simply be yourself."
Fuji started to laugh. Tezuka almost sounded worried. It was very cute. For a moment he lent in and gave him a happy little hug before pulling back again. "I don't intend to be anyone but myself. If she likes me then I'll be happy. If she doesn't then..." Then he hoped that Tezuka wouldn't allow that to sway his feelings. "... I'll just have to try harder to win her over," More worrying to Fuji's mind was Tezuka's parents. His own wouldn't be too bothered, his sister would be happy. It wasn't as if he wasn't known to have boyfriends. His father would be aggravated, but he truly didn't care.
"Just don't try too hard. She can spot that from a mile away, and she tends not to like it much." Tezuka wasn't worried about her. Whatever method his grandmother used to decide her opinion about Fuji, Tezuka was confident she would like him. He wasn't even going to think about the rest of his family yet, though he knew they'd be less accepting. That's just the way they were. "I'm not worried, though. You remind me of her, a bit...enough that I'm sure she'll like you. ...As long as being with you is what makes me happy, at least," he chuckled.
And that was the question, really. Would being with him make Tezuka happy? Fuji was tempted to ask, but held back knowing how insecure it would make him sound. The truth was he actually was feeling nervous. And worried. Whatever was going on here, whatever had been started, he wanted to do it right. No mistakes like last time. Tezuka didn't seem like the type to cheat anyway, so that was one thing he could put out of his mind. Just the idea made him laugh softly and shakes his head. "Then I hope I can make you happy. If not for her to like me... then for you to stay with me. Now I have you, I find I want to keep you."
Tezuka couldn't help a soft chuckle at how slightly possessive Fuji sounded just then. "Don't worry. If I wasn't confident you could make me happy, I wouldn't be here right now." Admittedly, it was hard to tell how long it would all last, but Tezuka was not the type to give up easily. If things between them started to fall apart, he would work as hard as he could to fix them. "I promise, if I'm ever unhappy with you, I'll tell you, and if it's something we can fix, we'll fix it."
Those simple words went a hell of a long way to settling some of the worries in Fuji's mind. The rest settled on their own once he started telling them that nothing was set in stone, and it was just the first day. He would see how things progressed from here on before he started to think about worrying. For now he was content to sit happily within the circle of his new boyfriends arms. "You're really very sweet, Tezuka. Were you always like that or am I now just noticing?"
Tezuka smiled. "I like to think I've always been like this...though I have changed in the last few years since junior high, so perhaps I was less so, then, than I am now." One of his hands slowly began to rub along Fuji's back, kind of just reveling in being able to touch like this. "Grandmother once told me I was like an oyster. Hard and cold on the inside and difficult to open, but once opened I'm warm and soft on the inside, and someday, some lucky person will find a pearl." Weird woman, his grandmother.
Fuji was thinking quite the opposite, he was thinking his grandmother was a very smart woman indeed. But then again, it was hard to tell what he was thinking when a warm, strong hand was running along his back like that, just slow enough to be both soothing and, somewhat of a tease. It was making him want to push Tezuka down on to the bed and curl up at his side. "I think... I would like to think, she is right. You do come off as cold, Tezuka. But..." he smiled warmly at the other, "... I'm seeing a whole different side to you right now. And I like it." Fuji wanted to learn everything about Tezuka. He wanted to know all sides to him. He wanted to see him angry, afraid, passionate, and maybe, one day, in love. He was curious, he was also very demanding, and his Buchou had always been something of a mystery to him. Fuji was going to have a lot of fun unlocking all of his secrets.
"Mm. What you're seeing now is what she calls the warm, soft inside, I guess," he chuckled, shrugging a little. The shell was probably that he'd had to be so defensive towards his father for so long that it had become ingrained in him, something he showed everyone, and opening up to anyone was almost a conscious effort. He tended to keep everything bottled up inside... He knew it wasn't really the right way to deal with things, and he was working on that, but for now... "What I wonder is whether I'm going to see new sides of you...or if I've already seen them all." With Fuji, it was hard to tell.
Cocking his head to the side, he regarded the other seriously for a moment. There was a lot more to himself than met the eye, just as there was with Tezuka. But while Tezuka seemed to find it easy to show that side to him, Fuji had a harder time. It was getting easier, of course. Mainly due to his brother more than anyone. He'd wanted to change for him. After their heart-to-heart months ago he'd been trying his best. Not even with his ex did he try too hard. But maybe... His smile softened as he searched Tezuka's eyes. "There are sides to me few see... Are you sure you're ready to see them?" he asked quietly, curiously.
Tezuka's brow furrowed a little at the tone in Fuji's voice. He sounded so unsure, just then, that it worried him a little. Fuji was pretty unpredictable, after all....which meant that technically, in getting to know him, Tezuka might come across things he didn't want to know. But the same was true with anyone, and Fuji wasn't just anybody. "I want to know you, beyond what I know now. Whether I'm ready or not, I want to see those sides of you, but only when you are ready to show them to me." His hand continued its motion along Fuji's back, fingertips running gently over his spine.
Fuji was unsure. At least when it came to romantic interactions. He'd thought he'd had it down the first time and look how well that had turned out. So he imagined that, until he worked out Tezuka, then he was going to be rather nervous and not as sure of himself as he would normally be. However... He was also certain of another thing. He liked Tezuka far more.
Maybe a part of him has always liked his buchou but he'd always been unattainable... Or maybe he hadn't tried hard enough? And maybe it was time he got over himself and made an effort. Fuji kissed him, softly, tenderly, and as he pulled back he whispered, "This scares me a little bit, Tezuka. I hadn't planned to do this. I hadn't planned to kiss you or for you to kiss me back. But now it has I don't want to change a thing. Which scares me a little more. I'm not sure I'm completely over what happened to me... before. I'm willing to try though. I want to be with you... Now I know what I could have from you I don't think I could possibly ever go back..."
Tezuka smiled a little, even though to words like that it probably seemed inappropriate. He was glad Fuji was confiding in him, telling him his insecurities, and that was why he smiled. "Fuji. Try not to be scared. I'm not like your last boyfriend, and I won't cheat..." Just like he wouldn't stand for being cheated on, but Fuji didn't strike him as the type. "Should there come a time when I find myself wanting to be with someone else more than I want to be with you, I will do the decent thing and end it with you before starting anything with them."
He gently pulled Fuji close and kissed him again, soft, but lingering a little this time. "But that's not anything we're going to have to worry about anytime soon. The only one I want right now is you, and for now, we'll take it slow. You, so you can regain whatever footing you've lost and be your usual, confident self again, and me, so I can learn what to do and what not to do."
He couldn't help it, at the kiss he gave a low, happily little moan while kissing him back. He could really get used to this. Tezuka was so sweet, telling him all those lovely things he needed to hear, the promises. With a promise like that, Fuji was hard pressed to stay scared.
"Thank you, Tezuka..." he whispered against his lips, smiling and placing a gentle kiss there.”You're the only one for me, and going slow will be perfect for now...And... I will help you as much as you need. There will be little you can get wrong with this. But I'll be happy to teach you what I know."
Tezuka smiled at the little sound Fuji made, but he ended up having to shake his head to clear it before his imagination started running wild. Stupid teenage hormones, kicking in at the most inappropriate moments.
"You have such confidence in me...I'm not sure if I should be flattered or worried," he chuckled, brushing the backs of his fingers gently against Fuji's cheek. "The last thing I want to do is let you down."
"I've always had confidence in your abilities, Buchou," he practically grinned, giving him a wink to show he was mostly teasing. The whole team had the utmost confidence in Tezuka; they would follow him to the ends of the world if he asked them to. And Fuji would too, standing by his side always. Fuji was amused at where his thoughts were leading him, but quieted them down some so he was able to enjoy the gentle touch of his new boyfriend.
"I don't think you will let me down, Tezuka. You never could. But don't be worried. Nothing can go wrong now..." Nothing would go wrong because Fuji wouldn't allow it. He could be a stubborn man when he wanted to be. And he wanted.
Tezuka chuckled, his hand sliding to rest at the small of Fuji's back. "Fuji. Right now, I am not your captain. Leave the title on the courts where it belongs." To emphasize the point, he leaned in and kissed Fuji, soft at first, but gradually more firm... It was a little strange. Before today, he'd never given much thought to kissing anyone...but now... He truly enjoyed it, and the way Fuji tended to react.
He had only been teasing, but if this was how Tezuka was going to punish him for calling him Buchou, then did he really expect him to not do it again? Pressing himself gently against the other, Fuji brought a hand up to bury within Tezuka's hair as he kissed him back. It started almost innocent, tame, at first... but as the seconds ticked by it became firmer and deeper and Fuji was lost to it. Quietly he uttered a soft moan as he held his boyfriend close, not wanting the moment to end.
Tezuka's conscious mind had no real idea what he was doing...but his subconscious didn't let that stop him. He purred at the feel of Fuji's hand in his hair and decided he liked the way that felt. As the kiss deepened, Tezuka grew a little bolder and tentatively touched the tip of his tongue against Fuji's lower lip. It was an interesting sensation, new, but not unpleasant...and probably the kind of thing he'd grow to enjoy the more he got used to it.
Had Tezuka just purred? Fuji wanted to laugh at that, but he was far too busy. Even more busy when that inquisitive little tongue of his boyfriends decided to venture out and play against his lips. Fuji opened his eyes for a moment, looking at the other to find Tezuka's eyes were closed too. Smiling inwardly, Fuji parted his lips, his own tongue moved to copy his boyfriend’s movements, but he didn't stop there. Now he was able to deepen the kiss in a whole new direction. Carefully, aware that this might not be something Tezuka was neither ready for nor would like, Fuji slipped his tongue past those warm lips kissing his, clutching him closer as he did so.
Tezuka gasped in surprise at that, but instead of pulling away he leaned into it a little, lightly touching their tongues together and exploring the sensation. It was a little strange, but it was intimate somehow, and he liked the feeling. He curled his arms around Fuji, holding him so that if Fuji got any closer, he would end up in Tezuka's lap. The thought of that was tempting, in a way Tezuka really didn't need to be thinking about right now, so he tried to shift his focus, letting Fuji teach him how to kiss.
Getting into Tezuka's lap hadn't been on the agenda, nothing that was happening right then. But he was held so close, and no matter what Fuji did he couldn't seem to get any closer without pushing the other down onto the bed. That might have been a bit too much though, so with his boyfriend pulling him in just the right way, Fuji made the move from bed to lap with ease. Arms still about those strong shoulders, he straddled Tezuka, his knees at either side of him, their chests pressed together. In this position Fuji was a little taller than his boyfriend, and that made him grin as he continued to kiss him. He pulled back for a moment to breath, to nibble at Tezuka's lower lip, before he went straight back to kissing him again. Unable to get enough of it.
Tezuka was again surprised when Fuji settled into his lap like that....and yet he couldn't complain. He didn't have the presence of mind to complain, he was so focused elsewhere. That little nibbling, the closeness of their bodies... Tezuka's hands slid down Fuji's sides to settle on his hips...and the instant Tezuka's conscious caught up with his subconscious and realized what he was about to do, Tezuka gently broke the kiss and rested his forehead against Fuji's shoulder as he panted to catch his breath. There were....other things going on with his body, things that Tezuka wasn't used to yet, wasn't ready to deal with, especially in the presence of someone else, regardless of who the person was.
He chuckled softly at himself. Of course, something like this would happen. It was Fuji, after all...and when Fuji was around, he should know to expect the unexpected. "I think...I'm a little..." turned on. Embarrassed. "...overwhelmed right now..." he managed between breaths, his voice a little husky.
Now why in the world was Tezuka stopping? Surely he didn't have anything better to do? No one had entered the room to disturb them (yet), so what was the problem?
Panting lightly himself, Fuji took his time to open his eyes to look at the boy before him. As he did he settled down upon his lap, relaxing. And that's when he felt it. He'd not been taking too much notice of that part of their anatomy, why would he? He had a good looking man, a fantastic kisser, kissing him like he'd never been kissed before. As strange as it may have seemed, erections had been the last thing on his mind. Until now. Now he understood Tezuka's words and why he'd stopped, and while a part of him would have found it easy to comment on his friend’s predicament and tease him... Fuji just smiled.
"It's alright... We were getting a little... carried away," he said, sounding rather happy. In truth, he was amazingly flattered he'd had that kind of reaction on Tezuka. It was unexpected but... at least he knew now that everything worked fine down there. And he also knew that he was at least a little sexually attractive to his boyfriend. And now he was torn... Should he stay in Tezuka's lap and continue to pretend he didn't notice and hope it went away on its own, or move and risk it being discovered? Tezuka didn't seem inclined to comment on his problem, so Fuji wasn't about to bring it up. He thought about it a moment longer, before he leant in to kiss the other on the cheek. "I hate myself for saying this... But before we get too carried away, maybe you should go? Who knows when that... person will be coming back?"
Tezuka was quiet for a long while, focusing all his energy on calming his body down. He hoped Fuji hadn't noticed...and if he had, Tezuka was grateful that Fuji wasn't mentioning it, but that didn't stop his ears from being bright red.
It felt like it took forever to trust himself again, but when he did he sat up straight again, taking a deep breath to make sure he stayed calm. "Don't hate yourself for saying it. As much as I'd like to argue, you're probably right. I have done what I set out to do...and then some... And if I'm not mistaken, you were heading out somewhere yourself. I...should leave you to that." He could stay there all day and kiss him instead, but...given the way his body was behaving, that wasn't a very good idea. He wasn't ready for...those things, yet.
Fuji let him take his moment, he didn't move, just held him and waited. He was sure that Tezuka would let him know when all was well. And he did. His back straightened and when he spoke he sounded much calmer, more like himself. Fuji couldn't help smiling at him and pressing a kiss to the tip of his nose before he let him go and slipped off of his lap and back onto the bed.
"I had planned to go out but...Hmm... Maybe I still should," Smiling, leaning back on his hands on the bed, one leg dangling over the side, Fuji looked rather pleased with himself. He tried not to, but he'd just gotten a boyfriend for White Day, surely that was something to smile about? "... Will I see you later, Tezuka?"
"You should. Don't cancel your plans on my account." Tezuka stood, trying not to make a scene about making sure there wasn't anything to see, and gave Fuji a soft kiss to the forehead. "And of course you'll see me later. We're staying in the same hotel while traveling for the same tournament. We live in the same city, go to the same school... In fact, I think you'd have to go out of your way to not see me," he teased, smiling.
The kiss was nice. It was sweet and was the only thing that stopped him from poking Tezuka for being silly. "I know all of that. And it isn't what I meant," he was smiling though, as he rolled his eyes and made a shooing gesture with his hand. "Go~ I'll see you around the hotel, or the country, and school and the courts, obviously~" Maybe he'd make a point of going to look for bit later?
Tezuka chuckled and gave Fuji a light kiss on the lips. "You'd better. I'll be rather disappointed to find myself with a boyfriend that's avoiding me." One more light kiss, then Tezuka turned and made his way towards the door. He paused there, hand on the knob, and looked back over his shoulder with a smile. "Happy White Day, Fuji."
The kiss was nice. It was sweet and was the only thing that stopped him from poking Tezuka for being silly. "I know all of that. And it isn't what I meant," he was smiling though, as he rolled his eyes and made a shooing gesture with his hand. "Go~ I'll see you around the hotel, or the country, and school and the courts, obviously~" Maybe he'd make a point of going to look for bit later?
Fuji smiled and returned each of the kisses. He would have to be out of his mind to avoid Tezuka for any reason, and he wasn't quite there yet. "I never feel the need to avoid people, you should know that," he gave a low laugh and watched his back as he walked to the door. His parting words brought a wide and honest smile to Fuji's lips, "Happy White Day, Tezuka... And thank you." He watched him go and the door close behind him. He waited a handful of heartbeats before falling back onto the bed with a laugh. This... was a day to remember.
When: March 14 - White Day
Where: ... Probably Argentina, after they'd landed (since 3-14 was travel day)
Summary: Tezuka goes to leave an anonymous White Day present for Fuji...and gets busted. But everything works out in the end.
Warning/Rating: PG-13? Kissing and awkward teenage hormone moment XD
Player Comments: The softer side of Tezuka... :) He's actually very touchy-feely ^^
Comments/Crits allowed: Sure
White Day was finally here. For the last month, Tezuka had been thinking of doing something for Fuji for White Day - originally just because neither of them had had Valentines, but...the more time he spent with Fuji, the more he knew that wasn't the only reason anymore. He'd grown fond of Fuji, in a way that was completely new for him, and while he didn't know exactly what to do about it, he knew that lack of a Valentine wasn't the only reason he was doing this. He wanted to, for whatever that meant.
So here he was, early in the morning on March 14th, standing outside the door to Fuji's hotel room. He was just going to leave the gift and go, so that later, Fuji would find the anonymous gift...but he was a little nervous about it, for some reason. It was silly, he knew, but... Ah, what was wrong with him? All he had to do was set it down and go, so he crouched down and set the two white-wrapped boxes on the floor by the door, the smaller one on top of the larger. On the smaller box, he put a small white card that simply read "Happy White Day, Fuji".
While Tezuka was outside dithering by his door, Fuji was inside on his bed and talking to his sister, as he had been for the last hour or so, gossiping. Well, he was listening to her gossip while offering little replies and laughter. The truth was he was missing her dearly and any opportunity he had to talk to her was a welcome one. And then she reminded him of what day it was, he laughed and admitted he'd almost forgotten about it. Being away from Japan, things like White Day tended not to apply. Or were easily forgotten.
Sitting up on his bed he swung his legs around and stood himself up. Telling Yumiko that he'd call her back later, he hung up to her laughter and smiled. It was still early so he had time to slip out and buy a few little things. Then maybe he could get away with the fact he'd forgotten. Smiling a bit wider he grabbed a light jacket and went to the door. As he was about to step out he realized someone was crouched there and in his way. Fuji would have asked what they were doing there spying on him except... "... Tezuka? What are you doing there?" He had yet to notice the gifts.
If ever there was a moment in Tezuka Kunimitsu's life that he looked sheepish, this was it. Here he was, caught red-handed - and red-eared, as the case was - when he'd expected to get away before any chance of discovery.
Which meant it was time to improvise.
Unfortunately, at that moment, Tezuka was not as quick at improvisation as he would have liked to be, and there was an awkward, embarrassing moment of silence between them as he stood, gifts still in his hands. Then, finally, he managed to pull himself together. "Well, I was going to surprise you, but... Happy White Day, Fuji," he smiled, extending the gifts towards Fuji gently.
Fuji just stood there openly staring, one hand resting upon the door and the other the frame, a little confused. What in the world was Tezuka doing hiding by his door so early in the morning? And what was that expression on his face? Was he embarrassed about something? Fuji opened his mouth to ask when two packages were held out to them, both wrapped in pretty white paper with a note on the top.
Picking the note up Fuji read the simple message and then looked at Tezuka curiously. "You didn't leave your name," he observed in a quiet, slightly amused tone. "That's the second time you've left me a gift with no name," reaching out for the gifts he smiled and pulled them close, and then pushed open the door with his hip. "Why don't you come inside, the others are out for the day. And... Thank you for these, Tezuka..." He really was touched, and quite despite himself he found his thumb softly stroking the smooth white wrapping of the larger gift.
Tezuka chuckled softly. "I suppose it is, isn't it?" He'd never felt as awkward as he did right then, and it made him smile a little to himself. Looked like those awkward teenage moments hadn't passed him by after all. Too bad those he could do without.
He stepped inside the hotel room, as invited, but...should he just stand? Should he sit? Sit where? "I hope you'll like them. They aren't much, but..." Tezuka shrugged. The small box of wasabi-filled white chocolates he wasn't very sure about. To him, they sounded...bizarre, and not very appealing, but then...so did Inui juice, and Fuji liked that, so....who knew? The photo in the larger box, on the other hand, Tezuka was more sure about.
Closing the door after Tezuka had entered, Fuji walked over to his bed and made himself comfortable near the pillows. He set the packages down and smiled over at his friend before reaching out across the bed and patting it. "Why don't you sit and let me open these, what I am sure will be wonderful, gifts," He waited until the other had sat down before he started on unwrapping his presents.
Strangely he was excited. It wasn't the first time he had received gifts like this, but it was the first time from Tezuka, and it was the first time he was truly happy with getting them. Carefully, he unwrapped the pretty white paper, trying not to rip it too much, until the gift was revealed. He opened the box and his smile widened. White chocolates. Picking one out he popped it into his mouth and chewed happily, humming his enjoyment. "Mmmm... these are very good. Would you like one?" he was smiling still as he held them out to Tezuka. The chocolate was so sweet, and the wasabi was just enough to give it a pleasing kick.
Tezuka sat where Fuji indicated, his ears burning with embarrassment - at being caught, at being here to watch him open them, at the contents of the second present... And being nervous didn't help him any, but he didn't let it show. Maybe not showing the nerves would make him less nervous.
It did help that Fuji seemed happy about it, and that he seemed to like the chocolate. "Ah, no, thank you. They're for you to enjoy, Fuji." And Tezuka wasn't one for wasabi. "I'm glad you like them...I admit I was worried that the mix of flavors wouldn't be good, but...they struck me as something you might like." Fuji and those odd taste buds of his, liking things most other people would find unpalatable.
He gave a small pout that Tezuka refused a chocolate, but then thought, rather selfishly, that it meant more for him, so went back to smiling as he pulled them back and set them at his side. Picking up a second he chewed upon it contentedly as he moved on to the second present. "They are peculiar, I'll admit. But they're very nice," he glanced up for a moment from what he was doing and smiled at Tezuka. "You're very thoughtful," he said, holding the others gaze for a moment before the smile widened and he lowered his eyes back down to the gift.
The paper came off and Fuji lifted the lift off the box... to see himself. A picture of himself, surrounded by snow. He thought back for a moment, trying to place the image... "Oh..." He'd remembered, his cheeks pinked slightly as he reached into the box and delicately lifted the framed picture. "Tezuka... Why..." His gaze moved from the picture to Tezuka and then back again. He looked happy, delighted even, but there was some confusion in his eyes as he finally looked over at his friend. Why had Tezuka taken this picture of him. How had he managed to do it without him fully noticing? And why was he giving it to him like this?
Tezuka chuckled a little at Fuji's pout, a bit surprised to find himself thinking of it as cute. But that's what it was. "I try," he smiled, finding it a little easier to not be so nervous about his gifts....Though when Fuji opened the second, he couldn't help holding his breath a little.
He let out that breath when Fuji seemed to like the photo. He'd been sure he would, honestly, but that didn't make him any more calm about it. "Remember when I showed you the photos I've taken on this tour? Especially the ones from Moscow?" He was sure Fuji did. "I...well. For lack of a better term, I censored some of the photos. There were a few that I did not show you, at the time. That being one of them." He adjusted his glasses a little, which, for Tezuka, was as close as he got to fidgeting. "That day at Statue Park...Watching you take photos inspired me to do the same. I started out taking pictures of the statues and the scenery, but...somehow...the subject matter shifted, and I realized I was taking pictures of you."
At first Fuji concentrated his attention upon Tezuka, but as he spoke he turned that attention back to the picture, remembering that day with a fond smile. "I remember you showing them to me...." He also remembered wondering if that had been all there was too them. His friend had been clicking a lot while in that park and had only shown him a handful of photographs.
Very softly he brushed his thumb over the glass of the photo, still smiling. It was a beautiful picture. He wasn't being vain, it wasn't even because if was him in the centre of the image. It could have been anyone and it would have been beautiful. The snow glistened, fluttered down around the man in the shot, who was caught mid-turn. He looked calm, almost serene, a happy smile upon his lips. Almost child-like in his delight. It was a one in a million shot. Fuji was deeply impressed and deeply touched.
Carefully he set the picture aside and moved the packages. "Tezuka... I am going to do something now. As a thank you. Don't move," he was smiling as he slipped closer, knowing his friend would probably hate this, but Fuji thought it was the best way to thank him. Lifting his arms he leant in and hugged Tezuka, and whispered softly, "Thank you..."
Tezuka watched Fuji admiring the photo and couldn't help feeling a bit proud of himself for managing that shot. He'd thought it was quite a photo from the time he captured it, but the unspoken approval from Fuji was more than enough to tell him that it was a good photo indeed. It eased the nervousness in him...at least until Fuji hugged him.
It was a simple gesture, but for some reason it had Tezuka's heart beating faster than it should've been. He couldn't seem to think of what he should or shouldn't do, so he let his impulses take over. He wrapped his arms around Fuji in return, hugging him back for a moment...and gave him a tiny, quick kiss to the cheek. "I'm glad you like it."
The hug was all he'd intended it to be. It really was. It has been something of a desire within him that came and went, but he'd never had the chance to do. As it was White Day, and as he had just been given some beautiful gifts, Fuji believed that if ever there was a time to hug his Buchou it would be now.
However even doing that, knowing he wanted to do that, didn't fully prepare him for being hugged back. And least of all for that soft kiss upon his cheek. It was there and gone in less than a second, hardly a brush of lips. A friendly thing, had it been anyone else. But Fuji had never seen Tezuka kiss anyone else before, or even hug anyone else before. Only now... as he pulled back and looked at Tezuka... logically he knew he probably shouldn't and he'd probably regret doing it later. But he'd never given Tezuka a Valentine's gift and he'd pretty much forgotten about White Day until a few minutes before his friend had come to his room. All he has to offer... was himself. Smiling gently, Fuji leant in, he moved slow, giving Tezuka time to move if he wanted, and kissed his lips very softly.
As soon as he realized what Fuji was up to, Tezuka only had time to react, no time to think it all through. And so he did, doing what felt right to him. He did not get out of the way or pull back; instead, he moved one hand to cup the side of Fuji's neck and leaned in, meeting the kiss, the soft touch of Fuji's lips. He knew he was probably awkward, this being his first kiss and all, but he also knew that he wanted this. Whatever it was that it meant, he wanted nothing more than to be doing exactly this, and he couldn't help it as his arm, still around Fuji, tightened and pulled him a little bit closer as he kissed back.
There was no time to be surprised. Maybe later when he was left on his own and could think about what had happened he would find he was surprised and laugh. But right then, with that warm hand upon his neck and Tezuka returning his kiss, none of that mattered. Lifting his arms he slipped them loosely about Tezuka's shoulders. The kiss had only supposed to be brief, last a moment and then he would pull away, smile and thank him again before going to look at the picture again. But no, he was holding onto him now and kissing him more, still light, Tezuka was a little hesitant but he hadn't pulled away yet.
Tezuka grew a little bolder, kissed a bit more firmly...despite not really knowing how. It just...seemed like the right thing to do, and it felt too good to ignore the impulse to try. He didn't want the moment to end, but...it was a little hard to breathe, so he pulled back, just enough to break the contact between their mouths and rest their foreheads together instead. After a small moment to catch his breath, Tezuka chuckled softly. "It's been a long time since I felt like I had no idea what I was doing..."
There was no time to be surprised. Maybe later when he was left on his own and could think about what had happened he would find he was surprised and would laugh. But right then, with that warm hand upon his neck and Tezuka returning his kiss, none of that mattered. Lifting his arms he slipped them loosely about Tezuka's shoulders. The kiss had only supposed to be brief, last a moment and then he would pull away, smile and thank him again before going to look at the picture again. But no, he was holding onto him now and kissing him more, still light, Tezuka was a little hesitant but he hadn't pulled away yet.
Oh but he was a quick learner. Fuji was trying to be diplomatic in his kiss, he wasn't trying to push, and he was allowing Tezuka to show him what he wanted. And boy did he show him. He was held closer against his friend’s firm chest and the kiss became more insistent, more passionate. All too soon it was over. Far too soon for Fuji's liking, as he was just getting used to the change in tempo. Though he had to admit, breathing was becoming an issue and when the kiss was broken his breathing was blissfully erratic. It made him grin and laugh breathlessly. "I would argue with that, Tezuka... It felt like you knew exactly what you were doing."
Tezuka smiled, and if he blushed like a normal person, his entire face would've been red. He almost apologized, but managed to stop himself. If he hadn't done anything wrong, there was nothing to apologize for, right? "I must be a talented beginner, then, because this makes you my first." He'd never dated, never kissed, and only barely ever thought about it. He certainly hadn't planned things to take the turn they had...but he wasn't complaining. "So....what comes next?"
"Aah..." His smile widened just a little. Fuji had guessed that might have been the case, but what Tezuka did because closed doors he had no idea. For a split second he almost felt bad for taking his first kiss like that, with no warning. But then, Tezuka didn't look angry with him at all. In fact, he was smiling. With a soft laugh Fuji lifted a hand to brush gentle fingers against the others rather red ear, before bringing it forward to touch his cheek. "What comes next would depend on you. You could take this as a thank you for a lovely gift. Or..." His head tipped to the side as his hand decided, almost all on its own, to lift and brush Tezuka's hair away from his forehead. "... I can't say that I'm not interested in you, Tezuka. If you aren't, that's fine. But the option is there for you, if you're willing."
Tezuka chuckled softly as he leaned in and gave Fuji another small, soft kiss. "There's more to this than a simple thank you, Fuji, no matter how hard either of us might pretend otherwise. But....I think....I wouldn't have been able to take a picture like that if I weren't interested in you." And he certainly wouldn't have kissed Fuji if he wasn't. Tezuka caught Fuji's hand in his and threaded their fingers together. "I feel comfortable around you, as though I can put away my usual defenses and just...be. I want to explore that, and see where this leads us."
Something strange seemed to pull at his stomach when Tezuka laughed and gave him another, lighter kiss. It wasn't an unpleasant feeling, but it was one he wasn't too sure of. Taking a deep breath he let it out on a soft, happy sigh as he looked down at his and Tezuka's now entwined fingers. They looked good like that. But Fuji couldn't help wondering if this was what he wanted. It wasn't that long ago he'd had his heart ripped out of his chest and thrown carelessly in a trash can. He never mentioned it, not even to his brother, but the hurt was still there. However he really couldn't deny his attraction to Tezuka. Over the months it had been getting stronger, so strong he'd been holding himself a hell of a lot, afraid of doing something he would regret.
The one thing that had really kept him together after the breakup was Tezuka. He'd been there, whether he'd meant to or not, and helped him. Their friendship had grown by leaps and bounds. They'd always been friends before, of course, but this had been different. More open. More honest. Fuji found he missed Tezuka when he was not there. And he found that, if he thought about letting him go now, that twinge within his stomach turned into a pain. Lifting his eyes, Fuji smiled at Tezuka, a truly honest smile. "I'm happy you feel that way. Let’s see where this takes us, I'm curious now. I've been attracted to you for some time; I never imagined you would feel remotely the same way. I'm happy you do. And that you feel that comfortable around me. So we should explore this further... I would like to see what can become of it," Slipping closer, Fuji moved to hug the other teen again. Just a simple embrace. "I have to admit, this wasn't what I expected when I opened my door.
Fuji was quiet for a while, and Tezuka let him. He hadn't forgotten that Fuji had gone through a rough breakup not that long ago, and he knew that it could make him hesitant.... Or maybe he was completely wrong, and it had nothing to do with that at all. But whatever the reason, Tezuka was happy to take things slowly - if not for Fuji, then for himself, because despite Fuji's praise about the kiss, he really did feel a bit as though he was flailing around without a clue.
"We're even, then. It wasn't what I expected when I came to your door." He held Fuji close, smiling a little against Fuji's hair. "Just be patient with me if I do stupid things, alright? It's uncharted territory for me."
This really was so strange. Fuji was trying to think of the last time he'd been held so gently and really couldn't. He shifted a little, making himself comfortable against Tezuka and relaxed. Somehow it just felt right to be this way. It really hadn't been what he was expecting to happen, he was glad it did though. "I'll be patient with you. I'm in no mood to rush things with you, Tezuka. You can set the pace. For now." He pulled back and smiled, kissing the corner of his lips. "With that in mind I'm not sure how open you want to be with... whatever this is. And I do hate to do it, I would rather you stay here with me longer. But the longer you stay the higher the risk of getting caught," Fuji honestly didn't mind that at all, but Tezuka was a much more private person.
Tezuka chuckled a little. 'For now'... 'For now' implied that someday, Fuji would set the pace and...Now that he was thinking about it, part of him wondered just exactly what Fuji's pace would be... But then, he supposed, he'd find out eventually. "Mm...Well, I'm not the kind to go shouting anything from the rooftops, but...I'm not going to purposely hide it or deny it if anyone asks, either." He made no move to get up and leave, though. They would get caught doing something eventually, he was sure, and of all the things they could be doing when that moment came, this was harmless.
He wasn't making any move to go. Fuji was rather amused by that, but he wasn't about to push the issue. In fact, if Tezuka was going to stay a little longer... The tensai smiled and let go of the others hand so that he was able to slip both of his arms about his neck. "Then I hope you know the second Eiji hears about this he'll spread it to every person and school he knows? He's been dropping hints for weeks now, have you noticed?" It hadn't escaped Fuji's attention. His bouncy friend wasn't very subtle.
"... Though now I'm wondering, what exactly do you this is happening here, Tezuka? There's obvious attraction, I like you, you like me, Does this mean... you want to be my boyfriend~?" His tone had turned teasing now, as had his smile which was almost a grin. The playful question hid how seriously Fuji wanted to know the answer.
"Hmmm....you're right... Perhaps we should try to hide it from him....just so it doesn't spread quite as quickly..." Tezuka chuckled, teasing a little at Kikumaru's expense as he re-wrapped his arms around Fuji. He had noticed the not-so-subtle comments, especially in that so-called singles ad
Tezuka raised an eyebrow, then smiled softly and kissed Fuji's cheek again, surprising himself at how easy it seemed to be to get used to such gestures. "If that's the proper word for it, then yes, I would like to be your boyfriend. If you'll have me, of course."
Or he could tell him himself and try to limit the damage before it even started. Perhaps having a quiet word with him away from everyone else and detailing that they don't want anyone else to know, not just yet. Maybe even calling it a 'big secret' that he and his Buchou was entrusting to Eiji. Fuji smiled to himself. That would probably work, and to their advantage as well, if he worked it and worded it just right.
Fuji gave a soft, happy hum when Tezuka's arms slipped about him. It did feel very good. Those arms were quite slim, but there were strong and wrapped about him as if they always had. "I believe that's the correct term, unless you want to remain friends who kiss and hug from time to time?" he gave a low laugh and leant in himself, only he kissed Tezuka on the lips. Just a soft touch, nothing more. "I'm glad you chose boyfriend. I would be only too happy to have you~"
Tezuka could tell Fuji's mind was working, and it made him smile. Maybe he'd just let Fuji handle Kikumaru...they were good friends, after all, and Fuji probably knew what would work better than Tezuka did.
"I don't think 'just friends' is good enough, even if we do kiss occasionally. This is different." He kissed Fuji back, just as softly. "And you know, my grandmother is going to want to meet you. I leave for a tournament and come back with a boyfriend? She's going to have a lot of questions..." He chuckled a little at the thought.
It was months ago now, that Fuji had seen his first glimpse of the mysterious 'grandmother' as she'd practically dragged Tezuka inside their home. She'd seemed sweet though, and from what Tezuka had had told him about her he'd wanted to meet the woman long before now. Just to see if it was all true.
And Tezuka was right. This was different. Only a relationship would do. And Fuji would settle for nothing less. "I'd love to meet her. If she's anything like how you've described her to me, I'm looking forward to it," Winning her over would be priority, she was the one who held the most hold over Tezuka, she was the one to impress.
"I wish I could warn you for her. She might try to make you feel like you're being interrogated...but she's just as likely to give you a hug and start treating you like a second grandson, or anything in between." The more Tezuka thought about it, he had absolutely no idea how she'd react to the news. It was disconcerting... But there wasn't anything they could do. She would behave how she would behave, and either she would like Fuji or she wouldn't. "I suppose the best thing you can do is simply be yourself."
Fuji started to laugh. Tezuka almost sounded worried. It was very cute. For a moment he lent in and gave him a happy little hug before pulling back again. "I don't intend to be anyone but myself. If she likes me then I'll be happy. If she doesn't then..." Then he hoped that Tezuka wouldn't allow that to sway his feelings. "... I'll just have to try harder to win her over," More worrying to Fuji's mind was Tezuka's parents. His own wouldn't be too bothered, his sister would be happy. It wasn't as if he wasn't known to have boyfriends. His father would be aggravated, but he truly didn't care.
"Just don't try too hard. She can spot that from a mile away, and she tends not to like it much." Tezuka wasn't worried about her. Whatever method his grandmother used to decide her opinion about Fuji, Tezuka was confident she would like him. He wasn't even going to think about the rest of his family yet, though he knew they'd be less accepting. That's just the way they were. "I'm not worried, though. You remind me of her, a bit...enough that I'm sure she'll like you. ...As long as being with you is what makes me happy, at least," he chuckled.
And that was the question, really. Would being with him make Tezuka happy? Fuji was tempted to ask, but held back knowing how insecure it would make him sound. The truth was he actually was feeling nervous. And worried. Whatever was going on here, whatever had been started, he wanted to do it right. No mistakes like last time. Tezuka didn't seem like the type to cheat anyway, so that was one thing he could put out of his mind. Just the idea made him laugh softly and shakes his head. "Then I hope I can make you happy. If not for her to like me... then for you to stay with me. Now I have you, I find I want to keep you."
Tezuka couldn't help a soft chuckle at how slightly possessive Fuji sounded just then. "Don't worry. If I wasn't confident you could make me happy, I wouldn't be here right now." Admittedly, it was hard to tell how long it would all last, but Tezuka was not the type to give up easily. If things between them started to fall apart, he would work as hard as he could to fix them. "I promise, if I'm ever unhappy with you, I'll tell you, and if it's something we can fix, we'll fix it."
Those simple words went a hell of a long way to settling some of the worries in Fuji's mind. The rest settled on their own once he started telling them that nothing was set in stone, and it was just the first day. He would see how things progressed from here on before he started to think about worrying. For now he was content to sit happily within the circle of his new boyfriends arms. "You're really very sweet, Tezuka. Were you always like that or am I now just noticing?"
Tezuka smiled. "I like to think I've always been like this...though I have changed in the last few years since junior high, so perhaps I was less so, then, than I am now." One of his hands slowly began to rub along Fuji's back, kind of just reveling in being able to touch like this. "Grandmother once told me I was like an oyster. Hard and cold on the inside and difficult to open, but once opened I'm warm and soft on the inside, and someday, some lucky person will find a pearl." Weird woman, his grandmother.
Fuji was thinking quite the opposite, he was thinking his grandmother was a very smart woman indeed. But then again, it was hard to tell what he was thinking when a warm, strong hand was running along his back like that, just slow enough to be both soothing and, somewhat of a tease. It was making him want to push Tezuka down on to the bed and curl up at his side. "I think... I would like to think, she is right. You do come off as cold, Tezuka. But..." he smiled warmly at the other, "... I'm seeing a whole different side to you right now. And I like it." Fuji wanted to learn everything about Tezuka. He wanted to know all sides to him. He wanted to see him angry, afraid, passionate, and maybe, one day, in love. He was curious, he was also very demanding, and his Buchou had always been something of a mystery to him. Fuji was going to have a lot of fun unlocking all of his secrets.
"Mm. What you're seeing now is what she calls the warm, soft inside, I guess," he chuckled, shrugging a little. The shell was probably that he'd had to be so defensive towards his father for so long that it had become ingrained in him, something he showed everyone, and opening up to anyone was almost a conscious effort. He tended to keep everything bottled up inside... He knew it wasn't really the right way to deal with things, and he was working on that, but for now... "What I wonder is whether I'm going to see new sides of you...or if I've already seen them all." With Fuji, it was hard to tell.
Cocking his head to the side, he regarded the other seriously for a moment. There was a lot more to himself than met the eye, just as there was with Tezuka. But while Tezuka seemed to find it easy to show that side to him, Fuji had a harder time. It was getting easier, of course. Mainly due to his brother more than anyone. He'd wanted to change for him. After their heart-to-heart months ago he'd been trying his best. Not even with his ex did he try too hard. But maybe... His smile softened as he searched Tezuka's eyes. "There are sides to me few see... Are you sure you're ready to see them?" he asked quietly, curiously.
Tezuka's brow furrowed a little at the tone in Fuji's voice. He sounded so unsure, just then, that it worried him a little. Fuji was pretty unpredictable, after all....which meant that technically, in getting to know him, Tezuka might come across things he didn't want to know. But the same was true with anyone, and Fuji wasn't just anybody. "I want to know you, beyond what I know now. Whether I'm ready or not, I want to see those sides of you, but only when you are ready to show them to me." His hand continued its motion along Fuji's back, fingertips running gently over his spine.
Fuji was unsure. At least when it came to romantic interactions. He'd thought he'd had it down the first time and look how well that had turned out. So he imagined that, until he worked out Tezuka, then he was going to be rather nervous and not as sure of himself as he would normally be. However... He was also certain of another thing. He liked Tezuka far more.
Maybe a part of him has always liked his buchou but he'd always been unattainable... Or maybe he hadn't tried hard enough? And maybe it was time he got over himself and made an effort. Fuji kissed him, softly, tenderly, and as he pulled back he whispered, "This scares me a little bit, Tezuka. I hadn't planned to do this. I hadn't planned to kiss you or for you to kiss me back. But now it has I don't want to change a thing. Which scares me a little more. I'm not sure I'm completely over what happened to me... before. I'm willing to try though. I want to be with you... Now I know what I could have from you I don't think I could possibly ever go back..."
Tezuka smiled a little, even though to words like that it probably seemed inappropriate. He was glad Fuji was confiding in him, telling him his insecurities, and that was why he smiled. "Fuji. Try not to be scared. I'm not like your last boyfriend, and I won't cheat..." Just like he wouldn't stand for being cheated on, but Fuji didn't strike him as the type. "Should there come a time when I find myself wanting to be with someone else more than I want to be with you, I will do the decent thing and end it with you before starting anything with them."
He gently pulled Fuji close and kissed him again, soft, but lingering a little this time. "But that's not anything we're going to have to worry about anytime soon. The only one I want right now is you, and for now, we'll take it slow. You, so you can regain whatever footing you've lost and be your usual, confident self again, and me, so I can learn what to do and what not to do."
He couldn't help it, at the kiss he gave a low, happily little moan while kissing him back. He could really get used to this. Tezuka was so sweet, telling him all those lovely things he needed to hear, the promises. With a promise like that, Fuji was hard pressed to stay scared.
"Thank you, Tezuka..." he whispered against his lips, smiling and placing a gentle kiss there.”You're the only one for me, and going slow will be perfect for now...And... I will help you as much as you need. There will be little you can get wrong with this. But I'll be happy to teach you what I know."
Tezuka smiled at the little sound Fuji made, but he ended up having to shake his head to clear it before his imagination started running wild. Stupid teenage hormones, kicking in at the most inappropriate moments.
"You have such confidence in me...I'm not sure if I should be flattered or worried," he chuckled, brushing the backs of his fingers gently against Fuji's cheek. "The last thing I want to do is let you down."
"I've always had confidence in your abilities, Buchou," he practically grinned, giving him a wink to show he was mostly teasing. The whole team had the utmost confidence in Tezuka; they would follow him to the ends of the world if he asked them to. And Fuji would too, standing by his side always. Fuji was amused at where his thoughts were leading him, but quieted them down some so he was able to enjoy the gentle touch of his new boyfriend.
"I don't think you will let me down, Tezuka. You never could. But don't be worried. Nothing can go wrong now..." Nothing would go wrong because Fuji wouldn't allow it. He could be a stubborn man when he wanted to be. And he wanted.
Tezuka chuckled, his hand sliding to rest at the small of Fuji's back. "Fuji. Right now, I am not your captain. Leave the title on the courts where it belongs." To emphasize the point, he leaned in and kissed Fuji, soft at first, but gradually more firm... It was a little strange. Before today, he'd never given much thought to kissing anyone...but now... He truly enjoyed it, and the way Fuji tended to react.
He had only been teasing, but if this was how Tezuka was going to punish him for calling him Buchou, then did he really expect him to not do it again? Pressing himself gently against the other, Fuji brought a hand up to bury within Tezuka's hair as he kissed him back. It started almost innocent, tame, at first... but as the seconds ticked by it became firmer and deeper and Fuji was lost to it. Quietly he uttered a soft moan as he held his boyfriend close, not wanting the moment to end.
Tezuka's conscious mind had no real idea what he was doing...but his subconscious didn't let that stop him. He purred at the feel of Fuji's hand in his hair and decided he liked the way that felt. As the kiss deepened, Tezuka grew a little bolder and tentatively touched the tip of his tongue against Fuji's lower lip. It was an interesting sensation, new, but not unpleasant...and probably the kind of thing he'd grow to enjoy the more he got used to it.
Had Tezuka just purred? Fuji wanted to laugh at that, but he was far too busy. Even more busy when that inquisitive little tongue of his boyfriends decided to venture out and play against his lips. Fuji opened his eyes for a moment, looking at the other to find Tezuka's eyes were closed too. Smiling inwardly, Fuji parted his lips, his own tongue moved to copy his boyfriend’s movements, but he didn't stop there. Now he was able to deepen the kiss in a whole new direction. Carefully, aware that this might not be something Tezuka was neither ready for nor would like, Fuji slipped his tongue past those warm lips kissing his, clutching him closer as he did so.
Tezuka gasped in surprise at that, but instead of pulling away he leaned into it a little, lightly touching their tongues together and exploring the sensation. It was a little strange, but it was intimate somehow, and he liked the feeling. He curled his arms around Fuji, holding him so that if Fuji got any closer, he would end up in Tezuka's lap. The thought of that was tempting, in a way Tezuka really didn't need to be thinking about right now, so he tried to shift his focus, letting Fuji teach him how to kiss.
Getting into Tezuka's lap hadn't been on the agenda, nothing that was happening right then. But he was held so close, and no matter what Fuji did he couldn't seem to get any closer without pushing the other down onto the bed. That might have been a bit too much though, so with his boyfriend pulling him in just the right way, Fuji made the move from bed to lap with ease. Arms still about those strong shoulders, he straddled Tezuka, his knees at either side of him, their chests pressed together. In this position Fuji was a little taller than his boyfriend, and that made him grin as he continued to kiss him. He pulled back for a moment to breath, to nibble at Tezuka's lower lip, before he went straight back to kissing him again. Unable to get enough of it.
Tezuka was again surprised when Fuji settled into his lap like that....and yet he couldn't complain. He didn't have the presence of mind to complain, he was so focused elsewhere. That little nibbling, the closeness of their bodies... Tezuka's hands slid down Fuji's sides to settle on his hips...and the instant Tezuka's conscious caught up with his subconscious and realized what he was about to do, Tezuka gently broke the kiss and rested his forehead against Fuji's shoulder as he panted to catch his breath. There were....other things going on with his body, things that Tezuka wasn't used to yet, wasn't ready to deal with, especially in the presence of someone else, regardless of who the person was.
He chuckled softly at himself. Of course, something like this would happen. It was Fuji, after all...and when Fuji was around, he should know to expect the unexpected. "I think...I'm a little..." turned on. Embarrassed. "...overwhelmed right now..." he managed between breaths, his voice a little husky.
Now why in the world was Tezuka stopping? Surely he didn't have anything better to do? No one had entered the room to disturb them (yet), so what was the problem?
Panting lightly himself, Fuji took his time to open his eyes to look at the boy before him. As he did he settled down upon his lap, relaxing. And that's when he felt it. He'd not been taking too much notice of that part of their anatomy, why would he? He had a good looking man, a fantastic kisser, kissing him like he'd never been kissed before. As strange as it may have seemed, erections had been the last thing on his mind. Until now. Now he understood Tezuka's words and why he'd stopped, and while a part of him would have found it easy to comment on his friend’s predicament and tease him... Fuji just smiled.
"It's alright... We were getting a little... carried away," he said, sounding rather happy. In truth, he was amazingly flattered he'd had that kind of reaction on Tezuka. It was unexpected but... at least he knew now that everything worked fine down there. And he also knew that he was at least a little sexually attractive to his boyfriend. And now he was torn... Should he stay in Tezuka's lap and continue to pretend he didn't notice and hope it went away on its own, or move and risk it being discovered? Tezuka didn't seem inclined to comment on his problem, so Fuji wasn't about to bring it up. He thought about it a moment longer, before he leant in to kiss the other on the cheek. "I hate myself for saying this... But before we get too carried away, maybe you should go? Who knows when that... person will be coming back?"
Tezuka was quiet for a long while, focusing all his energy on calming his body down. He hoped Fuji hadn't noticed...and if he had, Tezuka was grateful that Fuji wasn't mentioning it, but that didn't stop his ears from being bright red.
It felt like it took forever to trust himself again, but when he did he sat up straight again, taking a deep breath to make sure he stayed calm. "Don't hate yourself for saying it. As much as I'd like to argue, you're probably right. I have done what I set out to do...and then some... And if I'm not mistaken, you were heading out somewhere yourself. I...should leave you to that." He could stay there all day and kiss him instead, but...given the way his body was behaving, that wasn't a very good idea. He wasn't ready for...those things, yet.
Fuji let him take his moment, he didn't move, just held him and waited. He was sure that Tezuka would let him know when all was well. And he did. His back straightened and when he spoke he sounded much calmer, more like himself. Fuji couldn't help smiling at him and pressing a kiss to the tip of his nose before he let him go and slipped off of his lap and back onto the bed.
"I had planned to go out but...Hmm... Maybe I still should," Smiling, leaning back on his hands on the bed, one leg dangling over the side, Fuji looked rather pleased with himself. He tried not to, but he'd just gotten a boyfriend for White Day, surely that was something to smile about? "... Will I see you later, Tezuka?"
"You should. Don't cancel your plans on my account." Tezuka stood, trying not to make a scene about making sure there wasn't anything to see, and gave Fuji a soft kiss to the forehead. "And of course you'll see me later. We're staying in the same hotel while traveling for the same tournament. We live in the same city, go to the same school... In fact, I think you'd have to go out of your way to not see me," he teased, smiling.
The kiss was nice. It was sweet and was the only thing that stopped him from poking Tezuka for being silly. "I know all of that. And it isn't what I meant," he was smiling though, as he rolled his eyes and made a shooing gesture with his hand. "Go~ I'll see you around the hotel, or the country, and school and the courts, obviously~" Maybe he'd make a point of going to look for bit later?
Tezuka chuckled and gave Fuji a light kiss on the lips. "You'd better. I'll be rather disappointed to find myself with a boyfriend that's avoiding me." One more light kiss, then Tezuka turned and made his way towards the door. He paused there, hand on the knob, and looked back over his shoulder with a smile. "Happy White Day, Fuji."
The kiss was nice. It was sweet and was the only thing that stopped him from poking Tezuka for being silly. "I know all of that. And it isn't what I meant," he was smiling though, as he rolled his eyes and made a shooing gesture with his hand. "Go~ I'll see you around the hotel, or the country, and school and the courts, obviously~" Maybe he'd make a point of going to look for bit later?
Fuji smiled and returned each of the kisses. He would have to be out of his mind to avoid Tezuka for any reason, and he wasn't quite there yet. "I never feel the need to avoid people, you should know that," he gave a low laugh and watched his back as he walked to the door. His parting words brought a wide and honest smile to Fuji's lips, "Happy White Day, Tezuka... And thank you." He watched him go and the door close behind him. He waited a handful of heartbeats before falling back onto the bed with a laugh. This... was a day to remember.