I LOVE YOU TWICE

Disclaimer: I don't own prince of tennis.

It's been a while since I updated the last chapter. Sorry for that. And by the way, thanks for all those who answered my query regarding Eiji's female name. I have many names to choose from, all thanks to you…

Yes! Perfect pair is finally official! (Looks at other POT characters and sticks out tongue) Bleee! You loose! You can't have Tezuka or Fuji by yourself!!! hahaha…

Here goes nothing…oh, by the way I apologize for the errors in my previous chapters and for this one.

,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,

Chapter 8: A typical or not so typical kind of day.

Dinner was uncomfortable between the two. he had asked earlier for Fuji to join him for dinner but no words were spoken between them. it was a matter of minutes after they finished the silent meal. Tezuka retired to his room while Fuji cleaned the table and washed the dishes.

Tezuka tried to study the documents about the company's progress but to no avail. every time he would try, images of Fuji and what happened earlier where playing in his mind.

He sighed, pinched the bridge of his nose and placed the documents on his bedside drawer. he laid on his bed and tried to sleep but he couldn't. He shifted his position, making his tousled hair even messier. he settled himself in a side lying position, facing the empty space beside him. The empty space that usually held Syuzumi's warmth. he placed a hand on the empty space and caress it. 'I'm sorry, Syuzumi. I'm very confused right now. Every time I see him, I could see you. Every time I felt him, I feel you. God, what am I going to do?'

,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,

Fuji locked himself inside his room. He leaned on the door. A dazed expression governed his features. He unconsciously placed his finger on his lips. 'The kiss… it feels nice and good. Like our lips fit each other.' Fuji's eyes suddenly widened and shook his head vigorously. 'But no! I mustn't think about those things! I should know my place. Tezuka-sama has a wife and never the less, I'm a guy…'

He took a shower and changed into clean pair of shorts and a blank tank top. He swore he would never wear those seductive nightdress that Seiichi bought him. He went to his bed with the same thought that lingers in his mind. He tried to sleep but he couldn't. he found himself touching his lips again as series of thoughts haunts his head.

'Do I like him? Is that the reason why I allowed him to kiss me? And the worst is I kissed him back! How stupid can I be?!?!' his heart beats faster. A wave of uneasiness coupled of fear engrossed his chest as a sudden realization hit him. 'I… I… I lo-ve him. I knew it was love at first sight.' Fuji bit his lip as tears were threatening to fall on his delicate cheek as he bitterly thought, 'He just saw his wife in me that's why he kissed me. He doesn't have any feelings for me…'

Fuji hugged his pillow for his own comfort. 'I wish I'm your wife, Tezuka, not Fuji Syusuke…' were the last sentence that occurred in his mind before sleep consumed him.

,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,

Tezuka walked towards the dinning hall, fully dressed for today's work, carrying his laptop and briefcase with him. He sat at his chair and placed his things on one of the chairs beside him as he waited for breakfast to be served.

Fuji walked out of the kitchen carrying the dishes that he made. He abruptly stopped when he saw Tezuka looking at him intently. He could feel his face flush as he looks down on the ground. His heart pounding as his memories brought back yesterday's events and his night musings. Words were stuttered as he spoke, "O-ohayo gozaimasu Te-tezu-tezuka-sama."

"Ohayo." Tezuka greeted bluntly. He eyed Fuji's choice of clothes. "I see, still wearing feminine clothes."

Fuji's blush deepened. "This is all Seiichi nee-san's idea. I've never thought that she would do this prank on me." He placed the viand on the table and placed food on Tezuka's plate.

"Yudan sezu ni ikou, Fuji. Especially when you're with Nee-san. But still, it looks good on you." 'You're beautiful.'

Fuji did not know whether to take that as an insult or as a compliment. After all he is still a guy even though wearing a printed off-shoulder top paired with a very short denim shorts. He did not reply on Tezuka's comment rather he prepared a tea for him and stood beside him just in case his superior would order him to do something.

"Join me for breakfast."

"Eh?" Fuji looked confused at the words that came from his superior's lips.

"I said join me for breakfast."

"Thank you Tezuka-sama but I politely refuse. A housekeeper such as myself should-"

Fuji's words were cut as Tezuka swiftly stood and pulled the other chair beside him. He pushed Fuji towards the chair. He then took a plate, a bowl, a glass and a pair of chopsticks and placed it in Fuji's front.

"Tezuka-"

"I insist you eat with me." It was a command, not a mere statement. Tezuka started to put food on his platter. "You need to eat more. You're too thin and delicate for a man."

"A-arigato gozaimasu."

"Hnnn." Tezuka started to eat. Fuji just stared at him, never touching his food.

"What are you thinking and why aren't you touching your food? Do you want me to feed you?" Tezuka's tone was non-offending and has a little bit of malice.

"No, no, no, no." Fuji shook his head. "That's not it."

"Then what is it?"

Fuji contemplated for a moment whether he would tell him the truth that he was thinking about yesterday or not. He settled for a not so close to the truth. "Ano…can I buy some groceries? We're running out of stocks especially food."

"No. I won't allow you. You're not allowed to go outside. And don't worry about that matter. I already asked Nee-san to do it for you since she took a week-long leave from work."

"Arigatou, Tezuka-sama. Ano…can…can I ask another favor?"

"Hnnn.."

"Can I…can I…ano…" Fuji took a deep breath before continuing. "Can I-"

"Buy you men's clothing?" Tezuka supplied, his eyes never wavered on Fuji.

"Hai." Fuji looked down, feeling embarrassed at his request.

"Are you uncomfortable with what you wear?"

"No. its not-"

"Then why are you pressing over that matter when you're not uncomfortable with it?" Tezuka asked again. In truth, he did want Fuji to wear those clothes because he looks good in them and besides… Seiichi blackmailed him last night, saying not to interfere with her choice of clothing for Fuji or Tezuka would regret it.

Fuji continued to be interested on the ground. He would never admit to anyone that he doesn't care wearing those even the nightdress because he felt somewhere in his past, he wore those clothes like the way he does today. It's his "man's pride" that tells him that these things are not for him to wear those especially the nightdress.

Then, a sudden idea came into his mind. "Did nee-san blackmail you last night?"

Tezuka did not confirm or denied his question. He merely stared at him.

"Can I take your silence as a yes?"

No answer came from Tezuka's mouth.

Fuji sighed. He knew this was leading on nowhere. He took his chopsticks and began to eat the food that Tezuka placed on his plate.

"I'm sorry." 'I couldn't help you with this.'

Fuji looked up. "Pardon me but did you just say something?"

"Betsuni. Continue on eating."

Fuji shrugged then ate his food, muttering the words, "You're forgiven."

Tezuka heard him but never bothered to press on with it but rather started a different discussion. "Fuji, I will eat lunch here every time I have work so you better make it delicious." '…like Syuzumi's cooking.'

Fuji nodded.

After Tezuka finished his breakfast, he took something from his briefcase. He handed the item to Fuji. "Here, take this. You need this so that you can contact me and I can contact you."

"But Tezuka-sama, your house has a phone. I don't need to have something like that." Fuji declined and handed the celphone back.

"No. you need this. And for your information, I won't let you answer any phone calls." Tezuka simply stated, shoving the phone back to him.

Fuji shot him a questioning stare.

"Mizuki calls here very often because she knew that I stay here mostly on weekdays and I don't want you to answer any unfortunate calls from her. it would be safe not to answer the phone since the caller would assume that no one's home. You understood?"

"Hai." Fuji finally answered, accepting the phone.

"Good. The phone has just two contacts. Mine and Nee-san's number. I'll call you ahead of time whenever I will stay here fort he night and also to check on you. Be sure to answer my every call."

"I understood. Thank you once again, Tezuka-sama." Fuji bowed.

Tezuka stood and walked towards the main door, ready to go to work. Although he and his wife grew in a wealthy family, they were taught to be responsible and independent for their own actions and do personal and easy things in their own accord, without the help of servants.

Tezuka clutched the hinge with his free hand and turned it making the door open ajar.

"Tezuka-sama, wait!" Fuji's voice range from the kitchen. Tezuka turned around and saw Fuji hurrying towards him with a bento in his hand.

Fuji stopped. He was just inches away from Tezuka. He looked down, seems to find the floor interesting as his face turned crimson.

"Uhm…ano…I…I… made some snacks for you." Fuji handed the bento to him, still looking at the ground. "I-it's not that…not that much… just… just so-some sushi and o-other things. I-I just thought that… ano… that you're very busy and…and you might skip lunch and…starve you-yourself… oh, just take it will you?!"

Tezuka inwardly chuckled. 'This fellow seems to be interesting.' He placed his fingers on Fuji's chin and tilted his head so Fuji was facing him. When Fuji averted his eyes from the floor and looked directly at him, a thoughtful smile graced his lips. He leaned and kissed his cheek, which earned him a small blush from Fuji. He muttered his soft "thanks" before taking the bento from Fuji's hands.

The action made Fuji shiver and his mouth gaping. He could feel Tezuka's breathe linger on his skin as the words of gratitude were spoken gently on his ear.

Tezuka smirked in his mind. Oh how he love and hate the sadistic side that he suppressed a long time ago. The side of him that only his wife knew very well… since he only showed this to his wife. But why show it now? He definitely has no idea why.

He placed his belongings and the bento unto a chair beside the door before he inched closer, narrowing his eyes when Fuji stepped back. Before Fuji could go further, he scooped Fuji into his arms, lifting him in the process and held him on his chest.

"Te-"

"Shhhh…" Tezuka looked straight into his eyes. He saw fear and at the same time, a complete and willing submission unto his will. "I already knew that the bento you gave me contains delicious food. So I will return the favor by giving you a delicious and very addictive treat." He said in a gentle yet seductive manner.

"Te-"

His word was never finished as Tezuka captured his lips in a slow, passionate and entrancing kiss. Tezuka entered his tongue and explore Fuji's crevices. Fuji returned the kiss, intertwining his arms on Tezuka's nape.

They broke the kiss after a few moments. Both were panting, gasping for air and cheeks were tainted with crimson. Tezuka tenderly placed him on the ground.

Fuji stared at him for a couple of minutes. His hands were still on Tezuka's nape and Tezuka's were still on his waist. The flush in Tezuka's cheeks were slowly disappearing as he stared at him with pure desire, need and something akin to…love?

Fuji looked away, unable to look straight at Tezuka's penetrating gaze, showing a good amount of his already visible neck.

Tezuka's sight landed on his neck. He bends forward and nuzzled his neck, much to Fuji's surprise.

'Oh my God!' Fuji fought hard to suppress a moan as nuzzles became kisses. He couldn't contain it any longer when Tezuka's hands loiter on his body, caressing his stomach up to his chest. Fuji felt something similar to his touches, like his body remembered something and began to act in its own sagacity.

"Mitsu…" escaped Fuji's mouth as Tezuka started to bite his skin.

A tear escaped his eye as Fuji's thoughts last night went back to him. 'He only sees his wife on me. I'm just his outlet, nothing more. The emotions I see earlier after he kissed me are for his wife… and not for me.'

"Tezuka-sama, please stop…please…"

Tezuka stopped, not because of his words but because of Fuji's tone- a hint of hopelessness, hurt and unwanted realization. He felt Fuji's arms slide out of his neck. The emotions that he heard on his tone were now visible in his features. Tezuka felt guilty not because what his prank turned out to but because it scarred the person in front of him. To think that he would be one of the few who could help him recover from Habashira's harassment and not doing what that bastard did.

"I'm sorry."

Fuji didn't look at him. "It's okay… like… like what I said yesterday… I consented this…"

"Even though you gave your permission it doesn't guarantee me that i'm in the right place of doing so. I promised myself that I won't hurt you and I already did. I am guilty about that. I'm sorry I acted out of impulse. I'm really sorry."

Fuji stared at him and gave him a weak smile. "It's okay. I understand. I know that you only did it because you saw your wife in me. I know you love her and you longed for her that's why I gave in willingly to your needs."

Tezuka looked guiltier than ever. He knew there's a truth in what Fuji said. He didn't know what to say except for, "I'm very, very sorry."

"Now, now don't overuse such words, Tezuka-sama. And don't mind me too much. Like I said, I'm okay." Fuji forced his ever serene smile on his face that both of them knew was a fake one, his mask that hides his vulnerability. "Right now, you should focus yourself to your family and to your work. Speaking of which, you are already 15 minutes late."

Fuji handed him his belongings and he led Tezuka outside the door. Tezuka allowed him, feeling Fuji shiver as he gently pushed him outside the door.

"Good luck to your work, Tezuka-sama. Goodbye." He heard Fuji said before the door closed. Tezuka slowly walked to his car and drive himself to work.

,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,

Seiichi woke up with a smile on her face. Indeed, she had a good night's sleep. She stretched and yawned for a few minutes. She looked at the wall clock hanging in her room. It was already 9 in the morning. She glanced at the figure beside her. 'Hmmm… bratty princess is still asleep.'

Since Syuzumi's sudden disappearance, it has been a habit that every time Ryoma would stay over their manor, the two would sleep in Syuzumi's room. And when Ryoma is around, it has been a custom for her to…

"Wake up bratty princess. It's time to start the day. Seiichi shouted as she shook Ryoma's form. However, Ryoma didn't bulge. "So you still pretend to be asleep, eh." Seiichi suddenly tickled her.

Ryoma suddenly grasped and laughed so hard while struggling to get away from Seiichi. "Aunt Seiichi, stop it! Onegai!!"

Seiichi, however, did not listen to her plea and continued to tickle her.

Ryoma finally managed to get away from her. She took a pillow and threw it at Seiichi. Thus a pillow fight began in the midst of the morning.

Finally exhausted, the two ended the fight with a smug grin on their faces.

"Ne Ryo-chan, I beat you again." Seiichi teased. She laughed when Ryoma glared at her and then pouted.

"It's because you're a grown up and I'm just a poor, poor innocent little girl."

"Hey! Where does innocent takes in?"

Ryoma shrugged. "I don't know. Just feel like saying the word innocent. But really Aunt Seiichi, how inconsiderate of you not to let me win."

"Don't worry; someday you'll win over me…when I'm already in my late seventies."

Ryoma gave her an indignant look that made Seiichi laugh at her more. Ryoma ignored it then came to her aunt and seated herself in her lap. "By the way, Aunt Seiichi, how did you know that I'm pretending to be asleep?"

Seiichi embraced her then said in a playful manner, poking her nose at the same time, "It's because you're already up at 8 am but wouldn't get out of your bed until someone wakes you up in… let's say… a fun manner or in case you are in your mansion, you wake up early so that you could kiss your parents before they leave for work. I know that little routine of yours because you happen to inherit that from my not so innocent sister. Honestly, if the looks were excluded, I would say that you make a good copy of your Mom. You've got all your traits from her well…except for the smugness. You got it from your Dad."

"Hey! Daddy is not smug! Take back what you said!" Ryoma demanded, crossing her arms on her chest.

Seiichi chuckled. "Hmmm… alright. I'll take back what I said and rephrase what I said. Your Dad is not a smug. YOU are the only smug person in the family."

Ryoma pouted, but still her glare remained. "Funny, Aunt Seiichi. Really." She said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Why thank you that you found it funny. It's not even a joke to begin with." Seiichi said in a mocking tone.

Ryoma sighed heavily. 'When will my aunt really grow up?'

"Ano…Aunt Seiichi, how is my Mommy's childhood?" Ryoma suddenly asked.

Seiichi's eyes flickered dangerously before she grinned as she remembered those times that they were still at their younger years. "You wouldn't want to know, little princess."

"Oh, but I do want to know Aunt Seiichi. Pleeeeaaaassseeeee…" Ryoma looked at her with a hurt puppy's eyes.

"Well, I'll just give you a background of it, okay?"

Ryoma nodded.

"Well, when we were young, our parents were not strict with us and let us do what we want. They didn't force us to be formal except when we are at formal gatherings and your mother used that to her advantage. She was involved in most troubles in the school records. She was bullied by the guys that were bigger than her. They didn't know that she's one of the daughters of the richest family in Japan and not to mention she looks weak and submissive, they thought that she would never take reprisal of their actions. But they were wrong. The first time that someone bullied her, she gave them her sweet revenge right away. After that, there are succeeding fights between her and the bullies. Until the time that she had enough and made sure that the bullies were expelled. Well, she made sure that the teachers and everyone will saw that it was all the bullies' fault and she'll be seen as their innocent little victim when in reality it was mostly her fault. She had fooled anyone except for her family. Mom and Dad reprimanded her for that but she shove it off by acting childishly sweet to out parents."

"How old is she when that happened?"

"Six years old."

"Wow! That was cool. I never thought Mommy would be that vicious at such a young age. I would like to do that too! How about you, Auntie? What did you do?"

"I'm her accomplish." Seiichi grinned widely.

"Oh! Well, I don't blame you both that you did what you did a long time ago. I would do the same to the bullies if I were you and I'll definitely make it worse to their leader."

"You wouldn't say that if you knew who their leader is." Seiichi giggled.

"Who?"

"Your father."

"What? Daddy?!?! He bullied Mommy?!?!" Ryoma shrieked.

"Yup! That's right. Your parents have the most wonderful love story that I've ever seen."

Ryoma looked enrage and Seiichi thought that she is angry to her Dad which is in fact a miracle is she is. "Hmph! I hate them both!!! They never told me anything about their story!!! No wonder everytime I ask them about it Mommy just stare at Daddy with an innocent cheeky grin while Daddy glared at her!! It's so unfair! They will have a chance to see my love story with Momo-chan or Kaoru-chan but I'll never get to hear theirs!! It's unfair! Unfair! Unfair!!!"

Seiichi laughed at the sudden outburst but her eyes went suddenly wide. "W…wait! You and Momo-chan or Kaoru-chan???"

Ryoma stopped her own rantings and covered her mouth. She gave her aunt a toothy grin. "Did I say something about that?"

"Oh yes you did." It was now Seiichi's turn to glare at her and cross her arms over her chest. "There's no point in denying that, bratty and not oh so innocent princess. I heard everything crystal clear."

"But what I'm saying is from a child's point of view. There's no need to muse over the things that I said." Ryoma really hate it when her aunt acts like that.

"Child's point of view yourself, Ryo-chan. If I knew it better, you understanding of point of view as you call it is that of fourteen years old."

"Ooops, I thought no one would ever notice that." Ryoma said sheepishly.

"What a lame excuse for a child like you." Seiichi rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Just don't you dare involve yourself with that kind of relationship or you'll regret it." Her eyes were glimmering with unspoken thoughts that Ryoma knew to well; her aunt plotting of really awful things that she would do if Ryoma would dare disobey her.

"And she calls Mommy as the ultimate prankster." Ryoma muttered. 'when actually she is the ultimate one.'

"Did you say something, Tezuka Ryoma?"

Gulp! "Nothing, Auntie." Ryoma flashed her her cutest smile.

"Good." She answered. "Now, we better take a bath. I do have some groceries to buy."

"Can you take me with you?" Ryoma asked, her eyes widened like those of a hopeful puppy.

"Oh well…fine. But after some grocery, I'll take you home, right?"

"Nah. Daddy will not stay in the mansion tonight." 'He'll stay with Mommy. I just knew he would. "He have a tight schedule this week and I think I won't see Daddy soon."

"Awwww… you poor, poor thing. How can your Daddy do this to you?" Seiichi said with a mock concern.

"Nah, I understand Daddy. And I know too well that you're happy with this arrangement." Ryoma answered, giving her aunt a look.

"Well, glad you've noticed." Seiichi grinned.

Ryoma rolled her eyes. "Why don'y you and Uncle Gen get married and have kids already so you don't have to borrow and spoil someone else's."

"And lost all your benefits from me, nope, not yet. Gen and I can wait. But for now, you have to take a bath, bratty princess cause you're smelling and we have something to do."

"You're the one who's smelly, Aunt Seiichi and not me." Ryoma pointed out as she was carried by Seiichi towards the bathroom in a bridal fashion.

"Whatever."

,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-

Seiichi looked everywhere within the grocery of the mall. She didn't know that Ryoma had gone somewhere after they picked their first pack of groceries. She is frantic, afraid that she might loose her niece as well.

She had searched every section of the grocery and after searching for almost 30 minutes, the result was still null. Her panic intensified. 'Where are you, Ryoma? Kunimitsu is going to kill me, damnit!'

"Ano…Aunt Seiichi, why are you tense? Did something happen?"

Seiichi spun around and to her relief, Ryoma was standing in front of her with packs of wasabi in her arms.

She immediately flung herself towards the kid and hugged her tight. "Where did you go? I've been worried about you! I thought I lost you too. Don't ever do that again to me, Tezuka Ryoma. Promise me!!!"

"Uhm…errrr… I promise Aunt Seiichi." Ryoma fidgeted uncomfortable under her aunt and at the same time to the stares that other people sent them. Who knew that her aunt's wails were so loud and could attract audience?

"Uhm… I'm… I'm sorry that I left without telling you. I went to get wasabi on the other part of the grocery." At that, she pointed towards the very left corner of the store. "then by the time I got back you were not there where I left you… so I took the initiative to look for you as well."

Seiichi sighed. "I forgive you but next time, please inform me where you will go so I will not worry or you'll be punished. Am I understood, Tezuka Ryoma?

Seiichi released her niece from her grip. Ryoma nodded. She knew it will the the only wise thing to do so.

"By the way, why did you take some effort to pick these?" she asked, pointing at the wasabi that was still in her arms.

"Well these are for Mom- I mean Fuji Syusuke. We're doing this for her- I mean him, right?" Ryoma answered, slightly nervous.

"Oka- hey! I did not even mention that we are doing this for him!" Seiichi gave her niece a stern look.

"Ano… Aunt Seiichi, please don't get mad at me."

"What did you do this time?" Seiichi demanded. She could already feel a headache rising.

"Errr… earlir when…when you were as-asleep I… I read your messages and-"

"That's how you found out." Seiichi completed her sentence, glaring at the child. "Is that the only message that you have read?"

"Uhm…" Ryoma fidgeted at the look that her aunt gave her. "Actually… that's not all. I also read all the messages that came from Uncle Gen."

That was the answer that she feared the most because the messages that she and her fiancé exchanged were mostly sensual.

"Uhm… Aunt Seiichi, why did Uncle Gen…"

"Save your questions in the future, Ryoma!" Seiichi snapped, giving her niece an intimidating glare. she doesn't want to start any conversation about the matter knowing that Ryoma would ask her very personal not to mention adult themed questions.

"H…hai." Ryoma answered. she looked at her feet, afraid to meet her aunt's gaze. "Sumimasen…. I won't do it again." she added in a whisper.

Seiichi sighed. She squatted her knees and pet Ryoma's hair. "it's okay… but the moment you put another finger out of line, I'm going to punish you."

Ryoma looked at her and gave her a smile. "Deal."

Seiichi chuckled. she gave Ryoma's hair another pat and helped her put the wasabi inside the cart.

"Once we finished buying the stuffs I'm going to take you to your Dad."

"Hmmm… okay!" her cheerful face was replaced by a frown. "When am I going to meet Momm- I mean Fuji-chan? You'll drop me at Daddy's office so that you can go towards Fuji-chan and tease he- I mean him there, am I right?"

Seiichi gave her a look before answering, "Yes, that's the plan I have in mind. you'll have to wait longer until you can see Syusuke-chan…" 'maybe after I have proven my suspicions.'

"O…okay… I won't argue with that." Ryoma said solemnly.

"Cheer up! oh come on, bratty princess. it's not like you're not going to see our new friend." Seiichi chided upon seeing her niece' faltered face.

Ryoma gave her a small smile while Seiichi gave her a grin in return.

"Now, we just need to pick a few more items before we can take a detour to your Dad's office. shall we finish the task at hand?"

"Yup! then I can see Daddy again! What a great day!!" Ryoma shouted attracting nearby customers.

"You two can sure attract an audience with your silly blabbing and such." a voice drawled from the corner. "It amazes me that you two were the richest upper class in Japan but yet act not accordingly to your standards may it be in private or in public."

Both looked at the corner and saw Sanada leaning in one of the shelves, arms crossed and a lazy expression on his face. He smirked at them the moment they recognized his presence.

The two didn't retort, instead both of them stuck their tongue at him.

"The people's standards according to their views are not my choice of principles, Gen, but the freedom to do things in my own way." Seiichi chided, giving him a mock glare.

"So do I." Ryoma seconded the notion childishly.

"I know." Gen answered, chuckling. He went towards the girls and helped them with the groceries. "Your family is well known to have ah …let's say, have good sense of living life in a more common and independent way."

"We are lacking the sense of being an aristocrat like the others, if that's what you mean." Seiichi muttered. "So what, at least we're happy with what we do and how we chose to act unlike them who probably have stiffer bodies since they were brought up in what they call as "aristocratic posture" and such. I saw it as like Heck, most of them can't even tie their own shoe lace nor how to know how to wash their own lingerie's since they are very dependent on housemaids." Seiichi made a face at her last comment. "It's a good thing Dad doesn't care about that part of the reputation."

"Hmmm…good analysis, Seiichi." Gen told her. "I agree with your father's decision. I wouldn't want my future wife to be in the same boat as the others."

"What do you mean?" Seiichi looked at him curiously, "You love me because of that?"

Both of them stopped walking. Gen looked at her and took her hands. He gave her a loving smile and said, "No. I love you in every aspect that you are. To me, you are the rarest gem than one can ever find. You are very beautiful, loving and exquisite. You are everything that I ever want. Honestly, I never love you out of plain reasons such as your physical aspects. I just woke up in the morning and found out that I'm in love with you… that I want to be with you…to share the rest of my life with you…be bonded to you. I'll say this to you once." Gen lifted his hand and cupped her cheek. "My love for you is unconditional and unwavering. I love you just because I do. And I can't wait to share the rest of my life with you." He kissed her lips passionately.

Seiichi gazed at him. Her smile became a smirk, "What about my characteristics, then?"

Gen chuckled once more before answering, "It's just that I don't want you to be like them, that's all. And besides, you never fail to amaze me with that kind of personality. And so thus our little princess over there." he pointed at Ryoma who was now gathering some milk products in front of them.

Ryoma sensed that there were people watching at her. She turned towards her aunt and uncle and gave them a confused stare. "What? Did I do something wrong?"

The soon to be wed couple exchanged some looks and then chuckled. "No, Ryo-chan. you did nothing."

Ryoma rolled her eyes and focused on the dairy in front of her, "Whatever."

,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,

Mizuki Haruko continued to pace at her study. She can't believe that her torturous menu for Syuzumi had ended last night and that she will face the danger of the consequences of her actions once Yumiko would seek the government's help. Habashira sat on the couch lazily watching her. "Mi-"

A vase with flowers went flying towards him, making him stop what he's going to say. He managed to duck, avoiding the vase by nearly 3 centimeters.

"Damn you, you idiot!!!" Mizuki growled, approaching him. "It's your entire fault they have escaped!!! If you just make sure to check on the two of them before fucking him out this wouldn't happen!"

She stopped in front of him and slapped him five times on the cheek while Habashira tried to protect himself but to no avail.

"Okay! Okay! It's my fault! Stop beating me into pieces!!"

"That's all that you will say?!?! What do you think will happen now?!?! They were probably heading for the bitch's family and told them the truth!" Mizuki shouted, giving him another slap on his cheek.

"Stop it, damnit!" Habashira growled. he stood and courageously faced the raging woman, giving her the glare that matches her own. "I told you already that Yumiko is dead! Stop being a paranoid and process that piece of information in that brain of yours!"

"And why is it that there's not a trace of where her corpse is?" Mizuki retorted. "We should have seen it where the scene of the crime is. And if she's dead, why are there no police coming towards you? The bitch would surely report that to the authorities."

"Have you ever thought that Syuusuke might have buried her and left far away from you? And if she did go towards the authorities, who would help her pursue the case against me? She doesn't have any power and influence since she lost her memory. And besides, she's too afraid of you to come out from her hiding place since you… I mean we have her traumatized."

Mizuki stared at him. Her brows knitted into a tight line. "Are you really sure that you killed her?" She asked in a venomous tone.

"Of course, I did." He answered nonchalantly.

"Fine. I'll believe in your words but the moment that you didn't… you have a whole lot to pay. Am I understood?" Mizuki threatened him with her fiercest glare.

"H…hai." Habashira gulped. He did not know that this woman, when provoked, is the devil reincarnate herself.

Mizuki's glare was replaced by a smirk. "Now, all I have to do is to seduce Kunimitsu and make him mine." She walked towards her room and locked herself in.

,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,

Tezuka sat in his office, his arms resting on the table while his thoughts were drifting through the corner of his mind. 'Why did I do those things to him earlier? Am I losing my mind? How could I kiss him like that? It's the second time that I've kissed him and it has a desirable effect on me.' Tezuka sighed. He caught sight of the picture in his table. It was his family photo. He took it and caressed the part where Syuzumi's face is. 'I know that he's telling the truth. He reminded me so much of you, Syuzumi. If I didn't know any better, I could say that you were related.' He pinched the bridge of his nose and then took a deep breath. 'I wish you were here, Syuzumi. I wish you were.'

He placed the photo back to its place and was about to check on the report that was handed by their auditor but stopped when the door pushed open dramatically.

"DAAAADDDDYYYY!!!!!!!" Ryoma bellowed, earning her the amused looks of the employees.

Tezuka help out a chuckle as his daughter ran towards him. She jumped and stretched her arms towards her Dad. Tezuka caught her just in time.

"Slow down, my little princess. Don't make any stupid things that can hurt you." Tezuka said gently pulling his daughter to his lap.

"Daddy, I did jump towards you because I know that you will always catch me. I know that you will. You will not let me get hurt. After all, I'm your spoiled little girl, aren't I? And besides jumping towards my Dad isn't stupid. It's just being…well…never mind!" Ryoma looked at her Dad with a loving smile. "I miss you, you know."

Tezuka motioned for Kazumi to close the door. after the door was closed, he hugged his daughter tight. "I miss you too." He kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry I didn't spend my time to you even though I promised."

"Nah, it's all right. I am not the one who would complain about that." Ryoma waved hi apologvgy. 'Just spend it right now with Mommy.' "I understand that you have many things to do in your list." 'Honestly, I'll be mad at you if you didn't spend it with Mom.'

"You're not angry?" Tezuka asked, staring implausibly at her.

"Nope! Not at all!" Ryoma answered cheerfully.

Tezuka couldn't believe her. Child at her age would cry and get mad at their parents for their lack of attention towards them. But this child seems to be an exception. He thanked God because of that.

He kissed her on her forehead one more time. "Thank you, my little princess."

Ryoma stood at her father's lap and faced him. She put her stubby arms on his neck and smiled cheekily. "You're welcome. Hmmm… come to think of it, I'd rather have your work" 'and especially Mommy' "as my rival on your time and attention than that horrible ogre. I don't like her." She gave him a stern look, "If ever I caught you talking to her or if you have any funny business with her, I'm going to tie you in your bed and lock you in your room until Mommy returns. Is that clear, Tezuka Kunimitsu?"

Tezuka chuckled at her antics. Who would ever thought that Seiichi would rub that on her. "Hai."

"Good." Ryoma smirked.

"Ryoma, where's your aunt? I thought she's with you?" Tezuka asked. He noticed that Seiichi was not with them.

"Aunt Seiichi and Uncle Gen dropped me in your office before they deliver the groceries that you asked her. So whether you like it or not, you'll be stuck with me for the rest of the day."

"Hmmm…" Tezuka pretended as if he was pondering on what she said. "Well, it's better to spend time with you than a mentally damaged ogre."

Ryoma grinned at him. "Oh! I remember something."

"What-?" Tezuka didn't finished his sentence when Ryoma wanked him in the head.

"What was that for?" Tezuka asked, rubbing his head.

"That was for bullying Mommy." Ryoma answered coolly. 'Until now…'

"Nee-san told you?"

"Yup!"

"No wonder…"

There was a knock on the door and the door opened. "Tezuka-sama, the meeting with the board will start within 30 minutes." Kazumi said.

"Hnn…"

The door closed. Tezuka gazed at Ryoma and sighed. "I guess I'll leave you for another hour."

"It's okay Daddy." Ryoma assured him. "Take your time to the meeting while I wait here."

"Are you sure it's okay for you?"

"Yup!"

Tezuka stood and seated her on his chair. he grabbed the documents that were needed at the meeting and kissed his daughter goodbye. "I'll be seeing you after the meeting and NO PRANKS ALLOWED. Am I clear?" Tezuka gave her a stern look.

Ryoma nodded. He was about to go but Ryoma stopped him.

"What?"

"You don't need this in your meeting." Ryoma grabbed hi phone from his pocket. Tezuka raised his brow while Ryoma smiled at her innocently.

"Fine." Tezuka didn't take back his phone. he knew it is futile to argue with her even if he is her father. He turned towards the door and left.

Nearly an hour later, Tezuka's phone rang. Ryoma looked at the caller ID and found out that the number is unregistered. She answered the call and was about to say hello when….

"Kunimitsu darling, I miss you." a sickening seductive voice drawled.

"Sorry but wrong number." Ryoma said and disconnected the call. She glared at the phone and was about to turn it off when it rang for the second time.

"Kunimitsu…how mean of you to hang the phone…" the voice in the other line whined. Ryoma's blood ran cold as she remember who that banshee like voice belongs to. The one and only Mizuki Haruko.

"Sorry but as I have said earlier, you dialed the wrong number. This number isn't owned but a person named Kunimitsu but owned by the Police Director Sanada Genechirou." Ryoma snapped, imitating her aunt's voice.

"Quit fooling me you, idiot! This Tezuka Kunimitsu's phone." Mizuki growled.

Ryoma smirked as an idea crossed her mind. "Oh no Ma'am… you are mistaken. This is Sanada-san's number. Do you need something from the director? He's currently busy inspecting the body of a dead woman named Fuji Yumiko and created a team that would investigate on her death. I think that the incident happened at least two days ago."

Ryoma could see an image of Mizuki blanching from the other line. "R…really…?"

"Hai. Do you want any information about that matter, Ma'am?"

"Y-yes…"

"Very well then." Ryoma paused and concentrated her thoughts on her dream last, last night. "Oh, it was very terrible; the body was recovered outside Tokyo City far away from the scene of the crime. According to the initial report, the body was found at the forest that is approximately 25 kilometers away from where she is shot. The police have a theory that the girl was running away from her current employer because of abuse. Then her employer's right hand or maybe the employer herself/himself killed her by aiming at her spine. The report said that the woman had enough strength walking away from her employer and that she finally gave in after she reached where her body was found out."

"Is…is that so?"

"Yes, Ma'am." Ryoma answered, controlling herself from laughing. "According to the data gathered, she is not alone that time she escaped." Ryoma smirked when she felt that the person in the other line paled and fell off her seat. "It is said that Fuji Yumiko flee together with her brother and said brother is currently missing. it seems that he's the one that helped her reach where her body was found. The police were searching for him secretly so that he could give his testimony on that matter."

"Oh…" Mizuki said stupidly.

"Do you have any more questions Ma'am?"

"N…no! of course none!!" Mizuki blurted.

"Well if you excuse me, I have to attend to the discussion of the case. Thank you and goodbye." Ryoma hang the phone, laughing her heart out after the call was disconnected. "Serves her right! That baka, I thought she is an attorney. She believed in all the things that I said!! How foolish of her…"

Ryoma was still laughing when Tezuka entered. "Ryoma, what's wrong?"

"Nothing!!!" Ryoma said after calming herself.

Tezuka stared at her and shrugged. 'Oh, well… what could I expect?' He went towards his daughter and asked, "Are you hungry?"

Ryoma nodded at the same time his stomach grumbled loudly.

Tezuka chuckled and gave her an affectionate hug while she flushed with embarrassment. Tezuka took the bento that Fuji gave him and placed it at the top of his desk.

Ryoma opened the bento and her mouth began to water. "Who made this?" 'Silly me, I shouldn't have asked the obvious.'

"Our new housekeeper." Tezuka anwered. he took a pair of chopsticks and began to feed her.

"OISHIIII!!!!" Ryoma squealed in delight. "Ne, ne Daddy she's really a good cook! I hope I could meet her." 'again… My God, I do miss your cooking Mommy….'

"Well, you could meet HIM if you really want too but not now." Tezuka anwered, amused that his daughter grabbed the chopsticks at his hand and began to feed herself and almost finished most of the food.

"Really?!?!?!?!" Ryoma asked hopefully, ignoring the fact that her father emphasized the word him.

Tezuka nodded. Ryoma continued to eat, never looking at the content but then stopped. "Ooops! I forgot they are for you, Daddy. They are made with Love…" Ryoma took the bento and gave it to her.

Tezuka raised his brow. Ryoma looked at the bento and chuckled sheepishly. "Sorry Daddy. I ate it all."

Tezuka poked her nose affectionately before saying, "It's alright, my little princess. I'll just ask Kazumi to call some take out food."

"Thanks Daddy."

,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,

Seiichi and Gen opened the door with her spare key. They went inside. The house gives an aura that no one is at home. No appliances open, windows closed and a pregnant silence surrounds the area.

"Syuusuke?" Seiichi called out softly. No one answered.

"Syuusuke?" She called again. They went towards his room and knocked. "Syuusuke are you in there?"

Sobs were heard thru the room but no response is thrown to their query. Seiichi and Gen stared at each other with confused faces.

"Syuusuke, are there any problems? We can talk about it. please, don't shun yourself from us." Seiichi gently pleaded.

Sounds of movement and soft blowing of the nose were heard before the door was opened. Fuji gave them one of his serene smile. "Ohayo gozaimasu, Seiichi-nee, Sanada-san."

Seiichi gave him a weak smile in return and patted his shoulder while Sanada gave him a curt nod.

"Did Tezuka-sama told you about going to the grocery?" Fuji asked.

"Yes. The groceries were in the living room." Seiichi answered.

"Arigatou gozaimashita, Seiichi-nee, Sanada-san." Fuji gave them a bow.

"It's alright. It's not a big task after all." Seiichi said. She noticed that something was troubling the younger man. "Are you alright, Syuusuke?"

"Hai. Daijobou. Doushite?"

"You don't seem to look well. I know that there's something that's troubling you, Syuusuke. You want to talk about it?"

"Errr…Ano… I will Seiichi-nee but not now. Can you please be patient until I'm ready to open myself to you?"

Seiichi seems to contemplate for a moment. "Well, I assure you that I will be patiently waiting for the right time to open yourself to me." 'But I'm quite sure that this is about Kunimitsu.' Both Seiichi and Sanada thought.

"Arigatou, Nee-san." Fuji gave her a genuine smile. Seiichi, sensing the there is a need to lighten the mood, smirked at Fuji. "Ne, how do you find your clothes? Which of them did you wore first?"

Fuji glared daggers at her.

Seiichi continued to act as if though she's oblivious to the glare continued on rambling. "See! I told you! You are very pretty in that dress! Look at what you arte wearing! It suites you! You even have the good taste in mixing your clothes in style!! Ne, ne did you wear the black nightdress that I bought you last night? It really suites you! Did you let Kunimitsu see you in those nightdress? Did-?"

Her rambling stopped when she noticed Fuji's face flushed bright red. 'Aha! I knew it!'

Seiichi smiled wickedly at him. "Ne, Syuusuke-chan, how do you find Kunimitsu?"

Fuji's eyes widened at the sudden question. "W-w-what?!?!?!" He stammered. He didn't expect such question to be thrown at him. 'W-what are…are…y-you…ta-talking…about…?"

"You see I think you found Kunimitsu attractive…" Seiichi slid her arms around Fuji's neck and continued to blab while Sanada grinned evilly beside them, ploting his way on how to tease Kunimitsu with this sudden topic.

Fuji rolled his eyes, tuning out Seiichi's rambling. 'And she said she's going to wait patiently…'

,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,

Saeki Kojirou sat in his clinic at the hospital, looking at the records that contain Fuji's diagnosis. He frowned. Today is the day that Fuji will be returning to his clinic for his check-up.

'Hmmm…something's strange.' Saeki thought, re-reading Fuji's record. 'First, the reason that Syusuke-kun lost his memories was because of an accident that happened during December last year but… when I did do some physical assessment and have his head operated, there were neither scars healing nor any trace of the said accident. I wonder if this…this medical history is fraud.'

Saeki shook his head. 'Maybe I'm contemplating things too far… but well, it's better to have him assessed all over again.'

The door opened and Sayuri, his secretary, entered. "Ohayo, Saeki-sensei. Fuji-kun and Tezuka-sama is here."

"Let them in, Arigatou, Sayuri." Saeki smiled at her. Sayuri smiled back and went outside. Moments later, Fuji and Tezuka entered the room.

"Ohayo gozaimasu, Saeki-sensei." Fuji greeted, giving him a serene smile. Tezuka stood beside him who gave him a curt nod of recognition.

"Good morning to you too, Syuusuke-kun, Tezuka." He greeted back, gesturing for the two to take their seats.

The two complied. Saeki read his records one more time and looked at Fuji. "So, Syuusuke, how are you feeling? Do you feel any headaches, dizziness or any other things that you consider odd?"

Fuji thought for a moment. "No. I didn't feel anything weird for the last few weeks. I'm perfectly fine. is there anything wrong about my condition?"

"Well, there's none." Saeki answered. "In fact, you're actually having a good and fast prognosis. I'm just asking for any signs and symptoms that could tell me if there is something wrong so we can correct it."

"Oh, okay."

Saeki stood and went towards him. he checked Fuji's head for any signs of healing or deformities. He then placed the stethoscope on his ears and its diapraghm on his chest. He instructed Fuji to breath for a few times.

"Well, nothing seems wrong on your external anatomy but I still suggest you to submit yourself to some diagnostic tests." Saeki sat down on his chair and began scribbling on his prescription pads.

"What are the tests that he needs to do?" Tezuka asked.

"Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to check for his brain and also for his body parts. Then check for the hormone levels particularly the estrogen, oxitocin, progesterone and testosterone levels."

Tezuka raised a questioning brow.

"I requests for those to be taken since according to Syuusuke-kun's history, he has a gynecomastia and I want to sort it out." Saeki answered his unasked question.

"Hnn…"

Saeki handed Tezuka the laboratory request. "Here, take this and present it to the technician when you decided when to take him for the test."

"Couldn't you be the one who will supervise the lab tests and read his results as well?" Tezuka asked, taking the paper from him.

"Hmmm… I could if you can wait for tomorrow where my duty would be at my own clinic. I have the device there and I will personally do the tests."

"Well, it's okay with me." Tezuka answered. he faced Fuji, "Is that okay with you?"

"Hai."

"Well then, it's settled." Saeki exclaimed. "See you tomorrow at my clinic at exactly 10 am."

"Hnn…"

"Arigatou gozaimasu, Saeki-sensei." Fuji bowed.

Saeki waved his apology. "It's okay, really."

Both Tezuka and Fuji stood and exited the clinic.

Saeki watched them leave. 'I better tell Seii-chan about my thoughts. She could be a great accomplish to this case.'

,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,

A/N: Yay!!! Another chapter is finish!!!... hehehe… Sorry for the long wait. I know that this isn't satisfactory but it took me a long time to finish this one out and I blame it on the writer's block. Hehe, I'm also starting another fic but not on POT. It's a harry potter fic. Haha, just tryinh if I could make one.

Thanks for the reviews!!

Vhii1217- yeah, don't worry…

I'll kill Mizuki but not now…

nope, Tezuka doesn't think that they're…

and I agree, Ryoma and Seiichi are cute and Gen is adorable… I like to write about the three's interactions so there would be more, I think…hehe, depends on the flow of the story…

HeAvEn DeStRoYeR- (Hugs back…) don't worry I will not discontinue this fic but I can't promise to update often…hope that cheers you up! Just be patient, okay…

tokyo girl 05- thanks!

Tora Macaw- haha, Tezuka earns another blow…

neh, don't worry cause someone will believe her sooner or later….

Kyeria and Shizune and FallenAngel Sayu - thanks and sorry for the late update…

Nope, Ryoma can't see the future…she can only dream or see the present like she's there actually but she's not.

LovingMystery0927- thanks! Sure, she will meet Syuusuke but not now… I think it would be on chapter 11 or twelve…I do have my drafts/outline but I'm not sure cause I do have the tendency to add another chapter in between.

Thanks for adding my fic to your alerts and fave lists.

Ja ne!