Title: A Cherished Year, a TeniPuri fanfiction.

Author: isumi'kivic'

Pairings: Mainly TezukaFujiTezuka, OishiEijiOishi, MomoRyoumaMomo, and definitely other pairings in later chapters. Just you wait, Khekekekeke….

Rating: T

Summary: Fuji and Tezuka lived together after finishing their High School: Tezuka being a Pro Tennis Player and Fuji being a First-year Todai student who was selected to join a Hosting College Program, and found out that the high schooler he's going to host for a year is… Echizen Ryouma? A TezuFujiRyou family fic. Shounen-ai, yaoi.

Warnings: This fic contains shounen-ai, or yaoi, or BL or slash, or whatever it is you want to call it. OOC-ness is a definite fact. Bad grammar, considering English isn't my native tongue. You've been warned. Read on your own risk.

Disclaimer: Prince of Tennis or Tennis no Oujisama belongs to the mighty Konomi Takeshi, a mangaka I adore so very much for the characterization of TeniPuri and the shounen-ai hints he put in it.. –grins and dodges rotten tomatoes- Gomennasai, Konomi-sensei, for screwing up your characters! It's just too tempting!

A/N: My… very first TeniPuri fic in English.. haha.. so please, be nice and read through this chapter, and leave a review to tell me what you think.

By the way, this fic is dedicated to SheilaLuv, a great friend of mine in this TezukaFuji fandom. If you ever read this, I'm waiting for the fifth chapter of the Photograph, so work it out, girl! Your fic is too beautiful to resist! AKH!

Uhm.. I know this is verrryyy late, but I seriously started working (and that includes researches and rewatching and re-reading TeniPuri) for this fic in February. So, yeah, this chapter is especially for you, Shuusuke-kun! Happy belated Birthday! February 29th just come every four years, and the starting of this fic is my present to you.. –grins-

Saa, ne.. enjoy, minna-san..!!

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"Be thankful to be alive…That is.. the happiness to be here now. Festum."-Minashiro Soushi, Soukyuu no Fafner-

For you, Mousy-chan, because knowing you is one of the best things that ever happened in my life..

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A TeniPuri Fic

A Cherished Year

Chapter One: August—A Little Surprise

August 2

Narita Airport, Tokyo, Japan…

Fuji Shuusuke stood among the myriad crowds filling the ever-busy Japan's international airport, his smile never faltered. Narita Airport was always busy; especially that summer holiday was starting. But no, today, Fuji was not one of those people who were going on the plane, heading for some place for vacation. As a First-year Tokyo Daigakuen student in photography, plus his part-time job as a freelance photographer for a magazine, Fuji barely had the time to enjoy this summer vacation.

Fuji was merely waiting for someone important.

"Shuusuke."

When the deep, mature voice he'd missed for nearly three weeks reached his ear, Fuji's smile widened. He slowly turned around and opened his usually closed eyes, revealing two clear, gleaming blue orbs filled with love and longing for the tall, stoic-faced person who stood before him with a suitcase and a tennis bag.

"Kunimitsu." Fuji's voice was melodious as he moved his hand to encircle the person's neck, drawing him into a tight, yet tender embrace. The person returned the embrace—abandoning the suitcase he was holding—nuzzling the soft, brown strands of Fuji's hair. The stoic expression was instantly replaced by a genuine happiness. Fuji sighed in contentment and softly whispered into the person's ear, "Welcome back, Kunimitsu."

"Aah." Was all Tezuka Kunimitsu gave as an answer. But for Fuji, it was enough. More kisses and hugs could be exchanged in private. Both of them were not fond of public display affection—Fuji thought it was kind of silly, and Tezuka certainly never even thought about it. They were teenagers, but matured ones. They knew when and where to have their private, and this time, in Narita Airport, was surely not in their list.

Smiling, the ever-smiling Tensai broke the embrace. He casually took the abandoned suitcase and carried it, leading Tezuka without any words towards the 'exit' door with Tezuka's right hand in his left.

"Saa, Kunimitsu. Neesan will give us a ride to go home. You still remember our apartemen, don't you?" Fuji said in teasing tone as they strolled down the airport's hall. Tezuka smiled slightly and tightened his hand around Fuji's. Fuji let out an amused chuckle.

"I have something important to tell you, but it can wait. How was England?" Fuji continued.

"It was good." Tezuka replied. "There were some notable matches from the tournament I'd like to discuss with you. I've recorded them in videos." He paused for a moment, and then added, "But maybe not tonight." There was a hint of slyness in his voice.

Fuji chuckled. "Yes. Definitely not tonight."

Because tonight, they would talk about many things about themselves.

He had missed Tezuka, badly. This was the first time Tezuka had left him in Japan to go abroad for a tennis tournament. They had decided to live together once they graduated from Seishuun Gakuen High. Tezuka—as everybody had expected—had chosen a path to be a Pro tennis player. On the other hand, Fuji had decided to follow another path, looking for new things he could entertain himself with—other than tennis, of course. He decided to attend a college, choosing photography major, and—being a Tensai he was—was accepted easily to one of the best university in Japan itself, Tokyo Daigakuen.

Tezuka climbed up his career very quickly. He was soon invited to many tournaments and matches, both in and out of Japan. The ex-captain of Seigaku Tennis Club was also famous for his huge rivalry with the other Japan's two best Pro tennis player; Atobe Keigo and Sanada Genichirou. Last month, Tezuka and Atobe was invited to join a friendly match between tennis Pros in England. It was the first time he had left Fuji for more than a week, and also abroad.

"Okaeri, Kunimitsu-kun!" Fuji Yumiko chirped happily when she saw his brother approached him with Tezuka. "Good to see you back safely. Come on, jump in the car, or we're going to be late for the dinner! Okaasan wouldn't be pleased if we were late, now would she?"

"Yumiko-neesan." Tezuka nodded respectively, giving her a small smile. "It's good to be back."

Fuji's family had all come to acknowledge him as Fuji's soul mate—heck, Tezuka even dared to say that Fuji's family saw him as Fuji's fiancé, if not husband. He was rather surprised at their ease about his and Fuji's relationship, but he was grateful for the smooth reaction. His family, on the other side, had quite hard time to understand, but he was glad that in the end, they gave him their consents.

For Tezuka, life couldn't be much better.

"Ne, Shuusuke, don't you have something to tell Kunimitsu-kun?" Yumiko said after fifteen minutes of contented silence since they left the airport. "You might as well tell him now. Okaasan will surely tell him everything about it once she see him."

"Oh, that's right," Fuji smiled up to Tezuka. "I told you I have something important to tell you, didn't I?"

Tezuka nodded, waiting for the brown-haired boy to continue.

"Well, two weeks ago, I got a notice from the university. Apparently, there is this program named Hosting College Program for the First-years. The program had been going on since the last two years, and Todai always selects some of the best students to join."

"And you got selected." It was a statement, not a question. Tezuka could easily guess, of course, knowing that Fuji is, however, a genius in almost every subject possible.

The simple statement made Fuji's smile widened. "Saa.. you really know me, Tezuka." He chuckled.

"What is this program about?" Tezuka asked. He really didn't mind Fuji joining any program the university had to offer, but he just hoped that this one in particular wouldn't be one of those silly programs Fuji found amusing and had joined for the sake of his entertainment only.

"Well, to make it easy, it's a program where a college student would host a high-schooler for a year. In other words, this Friday afternoon, there would be a high-schooler come to our apartment and stay with us for a year."

Tezuka's eyes widened. "This Friday?!"

Fuji shrugged. "Well, I can't do anything to change the program, can I?"

Rubbing his forehead slowly, Tezuka could feel the familiar headache coming. "And?" he asked, giving a sign for Fuji to continue.

Fuji grinned. "The main aim of this program is, for the high-schooler, to learn the way a college student live and study, preparing them for their college year later on. For the college students, they are to learn about being responsible of.. having a family."

Tezuka felt like slapping his forehead.

"In other words, you—no, we have full responsibilities of the high-schooler who is going to come?"

"Yes. The high-schooler would continue his or her daily routines, though. They would still attend the same high school, and so do the college students. But the high-schoolers aren't allowed to meet their biological family." Fuji went on. "See, for them, it's like changing family. They have to adapt and follow the college student's household rules, routines, et cetera."

"I see.." Tezuka nodded. He frowned a little when a thought crossed his mind. Catching the frown, Fuji softly squeezed his hand and looked up, eyes asking.

"Shuusuke.." Tezuka hesitated. "Do you think.. the high-schooler who will come… would be okay staying with us? I mean.. you know… what if he.. has certain fears of the kind of our relationship?"

Fuji sighed. "Saa.. you mean, homophobic?"

Tezuka twitched slightly. Fuji might be able to say it out loud clearly, but he certainly couldn't.

Noticing the slight twitch, Fuji chuckled. "Maa, Kunimitsu," he said in a low, teasing voice. "It wouldn't matter, really. If the high-schooler wasn't a homophobic, that's good, he'll adapt easier. But if he was, then, well, tough luck."

A simple, but straight answer. An uncaring one, definitely. So very Fuji.

But still, Tezuka wished with all his heart that the high-schooler who would come to stay with them for a year was not a homophobic.

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The small, black Honda Civic gracefully made a turn to Tokyo Daigakuen's gate. The passenger door opened, revealing a slender figure of a smiling, brown-haired boy, with his books in his hand and his camera dangling on his chest.

"I'll see you at home for dinner, then," Fuji muttered softly, his left hand rested on the door, keeping it open despite his body hadn't moved an inch.

Beside him, on the driver seat, Tezuka nodded. "I'll be waiting."

Smiling, Fuji leaned closer, letting the door slowly swung back closed. He lifted his right hand to caress Tezuka's smooth cheek softly, and then leaned in to capture the taller boy's lips in a chaste kiss. Chuckling, he once again opened the door and got out, but not before Tezuka seizing his right arm.

"Have I your time tonight, Shuusuke?" Fuji smiled at the subtle hint in Tezuka's tone. It was their way to express their needs, their desires of each other.

"Always, Kunimitsu." He replied, smiling widely. "See you."

As the black Honda Civic left the gate, Fuji let his gaze fixed upon the car. His thought was still set upon the driver, not the car. Tezuka's face filled every single inch of his mind, giving him flashes of Tezuka's eyes, Tezuka's smiles, Tezuka's faintest blushes, Tezuka's soft, silky hair—and the feeling of the strands on Fuji's tips of fingers, Tezuka's tender gaze..

"Hoi hoiii!! Fujikooo!!!"

…and then there was Kikumaru Eiji, hugging him from behind like there was no tomorrow. Instantly chuckling, Fuji greeted, "Ohayou, Eiji."

"O-ha-yo-u!!" Eiji replied cheerfully. "Buchou is back, nya? I ran from the parking lot when I see his car, thought I'll be able to see him after a month, but I'm late, aren't I? Nyaa.."

Fuji smiled. "You know you can always come to our apartment," he turned his head slightly to catch the sight of a familiar figure with friendly smile. "Ohayou, Oishi. You guys are a bit early today."

Not far from him, walking at his direction, Oishi Shuichirou smiled.

Oishi had been accepted in Todai with medical as his major. He had worked very hard to pass the test, and Fuji was glad he made it. Not only because that meant they would still be able to hang out together, but also because Oishi's hard work had influenced Eiji somehow. Eiji apparently didn't have the slightest intention to be separated from his doubles pair slash lover, and the redhead had studied hard so he could also make it into Todai, choosing history as his major. In the end, Eiji succeeded and was accepted into Todai, something he was really proud of after all his efforts.

Oishi moved closer to Fuji. "I see that Tezuka's back," he said. "How is he? Everything's okay?"

Fuji smiled. Oishi would never change, always worrying like a mother hen.

"Everything is fine, don't worry. Eiji, you can let go of me, now. We have to go to the class very soon."

"Nyaa.." Eiji obediently released Fuji from his hug, but his hand quickly found Oishi's arm to cling on. "Nee, Fujiko, have you got any information about the high-schooler who will come this Friday?"

Ah, right, Fuji reminded himself. Just like him, Oishi had also been selected to join the Hosting College Program. Such a coincidence, but seeing at how hard Oishi had worked since he was accepted here, Fuji knew he deserved the best he could gain.

And, since Oishi and Eiji practically lived together in an apartment near Fuji and Tezuka's, Eiji would also have to share the apartment with the high-schooler. Not that Eiji mind at all, the acrobatic player was actually ecstatic at the thought of having a high-schooler staying at their apartment for a year.

"I honestly can't wait for Friday to come, nya!" Eiji chirped as they strolled down the campus hallway. "Ne, nee.. Shuichirou, you said earlier that they also selected Yukimura?"

Fuji raised is head in surprise. "Is that true, Oishi?"

Oishi smiled and nodded. "He refused to join the program, though," he said thoughtfully. "I have no idea why he refused."

"Right!" Eiji piped in. "I mean, why wouldn't you want to join in that program? It'll be a good experience, really! And it'll be fun to have someone younger in your house! Everything would be much more fun! Yukimura shouldn't have refused to join, especially with Sanada live with him, he'd need to have more fun because Sanada is way too serious for-…"

Fuji chuckled. Eiji was too naïve for his own good.

"Ne, Kikumaru, I don't think you should talk about other people here, where everybody can hear you clearly, especially with your loud voice," the familiar gentle tone cut Eiji's statement. Fuji, Oishi and Eiji quickly turned to see Yukimura stood not far from them, smiling in amusement.

Eiji flushed an interesting shade of red. "Nya! Yu-Yukimura! I don't mean any-…"

Yukimura waved his hand, dismissing the subject. "It's okay, Kikumaru." He smiled kindly. "Ohayou gozaimasu, Oishi. Fuji."

"Ohayou, Yukimura," Fuji and Oishi replied at the same time. Fuji's eyes strayed for a moment, looking for another tall, strong figure that was usually accompanying Yukimura until the classes started. Noticing Fuji once again observing with his seemingly closed eyes, Yukimura said, "He's in Hokkaido now. There's a fundraising tournament there. Surely Saeki-san told you? He's the one who invited Sanada."

"Saa.. he did tell me about the tournament, but he didn't say anything about Sanada." Fuji smiled, and continued, "So, it's true that you are selected for the program?"

Yukimura nodded. Fuji didn't wait to continue. "And you refused? May I know why?"

The smile Yukimura gave them told Fuji that he was being honest. "My health. Sanada had refused the invitation to England because of my health, too. This is my time to turn down an offer for my own good." He turned his eyes to Fuji. "I see Tezuka has come back from England?"

Fuji merely nodded.

Oishi's eyebrows knitted in concern. "Has your health been going down again?"

Chuckling at Oishi's concern, Yukimura shook his head. "No, not really. Sanada is just too worried, that's all. And I have to think more about my condition. There's no need to worry about me, Oishi, but thank you for your concern. I'll make sure to contact you if I had problems with my health. You're the best student in medical, after all."

"Nyaa.. it's just that Shuichirou is always worried about everybody saves himself." Eiji muttered clearly enough to be heard, making both Fuji and Yukimura chuckled in understanding and amusement, and left Oishi blushed slightly.

Yukimura smiled to Oishi. "That means you are a very gentle person, Oishi."

The blush deepened. Fuji watched his friend, amused, his hand itched to reach for his camera and clicked the shutter to capture the blushing Oishi, but he refrained himself because he had already had numerous pictures of blushing Oishi.

"Ah, that's right." Yukimura stated suddenly. "I was wondering if Fuji could help me with my next article for my journalism org. Would you mind doing the photojournalism for me, Fuji?"

"My pleasure, Yukimura." Fuji's face lit up with joy. He had always enjoyed doing photojournalism, and Yukimura, having chosen journalism as his major in Todai, had always asked him to help him whenever he needed help to include a photograph in his article. Photojournalism is different, Fuji had told Eiji once when the latter asked about the mutual study-relationship that had brought Fuji and Yukimura closer. In photojournalism, you had to be able to capture not only the element of photography, but also the 'story' of the article. And Fuji loved doing that.

Yukimura smiled. "Very well, then. I'll call you later."

As they went their own way to classes, Fuji wondered idly about Yukimura and Sanada. He liked to think that the relationship of the two alumni of RikkaiDai were almost like his and Tezuka's. Like Tezuka, Sanada is the tough, cold, stern and strict one, while Yukimura, like him, was the type of person who likes to go with the flowing time, even though Yukimura could be very frightening in certain times.

His mind flew back to Tezuka's question about the high-schooler, and he mentally noted to discuss that with Oishi later.

----------o0o------------

Friday, August 5.

Tezuka's head raised up from the newspaper he was reading when he heard their apartment bell rang. He stood up quickly, placing the now folded newspaper neatly on the table and approached the door.

Fuji Yumiko's bright smiling face appeared the second he opened the door. "Kunimitsu-kun!" she greeted him happily. Tezuka offered her a small smile, barely muttering "Yumiko-neesan," while Yumiko let herself in. Fuji walked towards them from the kitchen, a cheerful smile on his face.

"Shuusuke!" Yumiko gave her younger brother a hug. "I'm sorry I'm late. Now, we don't have much time before the high-schooler comes, so let's get the ball rolling!"

Watching her sister moved quickly in a lively motion, Fuji smiled in amusement. "Maa, Neechan, we still have plenty of time.." he glanced at the clock on the wall. "Two hours before the high-schooler comes, that is."

"Yes, but this would take some time!" Yumiko yelled before disappearing into a small room next to the kitchen, across Fuji and Tezuka's bedroom. The room used to be Fuji's before he and Tezuka decided to just share the bed together, and the high-schooler would be using that room for his or her stay. Fuji had called Yumiko earlier today, asking if she could help him and Tezuka to prepare the abandoned room for the high-schooler.

And Yumiko—having missing the good old days when she got to prepare or decorate Shuusuke's or Yuuta's bedroom—had been ecstatic.

And all Tezuka could do was watch—and help. Yumiko had insisted to give the room neutral decoration, for they hadn't known whether the high-schooler was a boy or girl, much to Fuji's disappointment because he had wanted to put up decoration he had planned, which involved some frilly curtains and pink wallpapers with flowers printed everywhere on it and fluffy carpets and weird-looking table lamp that Yumiko and Tezuka couldn't tell whether it shaped like a fox or a bear. Tezuka couldn't help but thought that the high-schooler was lucky because Yumiko had come to help.

They put a navy blue sheet with white stripes on it on the bed, and Fuji dragged out a warm, fluffy white blanket out of the closet to put on there. Yumiko brought her old small bookshelf with her in the car, and Tezuka and Fuji had to get it out of the car and carried it inside, putting it on the small study table near the window. Fuji had thoughtfully placed a cactus on the windowsill, saying that Capella (Tezuka guessed that it wa the cactus' name) was harmless. They emptied the small wardrobe—which mostly contained of Fuji's old outfits and collections—placing them in a basket so Yumiko could bring them home with her. Yumiko had cleaned every single corner she could reach—and that was practically every corner—in the room.

By the time they were finished, the once slightly dusty, abandoned room transformed into a clean, comfortable, and neat room. Yumiko smiled in satisfaction.

"What a work!" she chirped, making her way to the kitchen to have a glass of water, followed by the two late teenagers. "Well, it'll worth it. What time did you say the high-schooler is going to come, Shuusuke?"

Fuji briefly glanced at the clock. Five o' clock in the afternoon. "He should come anytime now, Neesan." He smiled as he filled two glasses with water and offered one to Tezuka, who nodded to him in gratitude.

Yumiko hummed. "But I have an appointment to attend. I guess I can't stay long enough to see the high-schooler, huh? I have to go now."

"Can't you stay a bit longer, Yumiko-neesan?" Tezuka politely asked. Yumiko chuckled as she shook her head. "No, no. My client would be angry. Besides, wouldn't you two like some peaceful time for two now before the high-schooler comes?" she smirked.

Tezuka's cheeks gained a faint pink shade, and Fuji's face turned red despite his effort to return his older sister's smirk. "Ah, I see that you psychic ability has improved to being able to read someone's mind, Neesan."

Yumiko giggled. "I was just kidding, Shuusuke. Kunimitsu-kun is cute when he's blushing."

"I am not." Tezuka protested softly, feeling like a childish seven years old boy under Yumiko's teasing eyes.

Yumiko let out a heartily laugh. "Well, I have to go, anyway, or I'll be late for the appointment. Kunimitsu, please take care of Shuusuke, ne? And Shuusuke, don't torture the high-schooler too much." she winked.

Fuji and Tezuka followed her as she moved to the door gracefully. "Thank you for coming, Neesan," Fuji said. "It was very helpful."

"Oh, yes, I know. Men really couldn't go anywhere without women." Yumiko rolled her eyes. "Saa, I'll be going. Take care, you two. See you later!"

"Bye, Neesan."

Yumiko reached the door knob, turned it and opened it…

..only to be hit right in the face by a white ball of fur. Yumiko let out a shocked yell, stumbled back and fell on her back, barely managed to prevent her head from colliding with the hard floor by putting her hands on both her side to support her body. A cute, loud, soundly excited mew and two licks on her nose shook her out of her shocked state.

Yumiko's eyes widened at the sight of the white ball—no, a chubby white Himalayan cat, Yumiko corrected herself as she started to laugh and pet the cat lovingly.

Fuji and Tezuka blinked as they looked down on the cat. The cat was.. achingly familiar..

"Karupin!!"

Three heads belonged to Fuji, Tezuka and Yumiko quickly raised at the familiar voice. Tezuka's eyes widened slightly, Fuji's eyes snapped open, and Yumiko let her jaw dropped ungracefully.

There, in front of Fuji and Tezuka's apartment door, gasping slightly from the running he must had had from chasing the cat, with a middle-sized suitcase and a backpack, and of course, a tennis bag, stood Echizen Ryouma, whose expression had changed swiftly from panic and concern into a dumbstruck and shocked one.

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"Moshi moshi, Tokyo Daigakuen. Can I help you?"

"Aah.. excuse me, may I speak with the one responsible for Hosting College Program, please?"

"Ahaha. You're lucky, I'm one of those responsible people. This is Yukimura Shiina. May I know whom I speak to please?"

"Shiina-san? This is Fuji. Fuji Shuusuke."

"Ah, Fuji-kun! Is there anything you need help with? Is your high-schooler there yet?"

"Saa.. hai. I just want to confirm that this is the right person I will host for a year."

"Umm.. wait a minute, let me get your files. Okay, here it is. The high-schooler you'll be hosting… the name is Echizen Ryouma. He is in the second year of Seigaku High. Eh? Seigaku? Wahh.. Fuji-kun, he came from the same school you used to attend.."

"Aah. So, he's the one I'll be hosting for?"

"Hai."

"Are you positive there is no mistake or something along that line, Shiina-san?"

"Hai. I think they paired you up with him because, in your files, it is written that both of you enjoyed playing tennis. Why? Is there any problem, Fuji-kun?"

"Saa… no, not at all. I'm sorry for bothering you, Shiina-san. Arigatou. Jaa, na."

"It's no problem, Fuji-kun. See you tomorrow at class."

Fuji's hand brought the phone down from his ear and put it back on its place. He turned and walked to the kitchen table, pulling the chair next to Tezuka and sat down.

"They said that Echizen is, indeed, going to stay here for a year."

Tezuka's eyes twitched, eyeing the nonchalant boy who sat on the chair across him, hands idly stroking Karupin's fur while the cat purred loudly.

Fuji smiled. "It's good to see you again, Echizen. It's been quite a long time since our last meeting. When was it? A month ago?"

Ryouma looked at Fuji and shrugged, his brain still trying to process the fact that, in this Hosting College program he had been selected to join, he ended up staying with his two senpais who had just graduated. Not just ordinary senpai, he ended up staying with Tezuka Kunimitsu and Fuji Shuusuke.

Mentally, Ryouma wondered whether this was actually a good thing or not.

"You look well," Tezuka commented, eyes fixed sternly at Ryouma like he used to look at him when he was still Seigaku tennis club's captain. Ryouma raised his eyes to meet his gaze, and then turned to meet Fuji's seemingly closed eyes.

He sneered. His senpais didn't change at all. "You both look well too, Tezuka-buchou. Fuji-senpai."

Fuji smiled. Again. "Well, since you're going to stay here for a year, onegaishimasu, ne."

Ryouma raised his eyebrows. Tezuka cleared his throat, clearly feeling uneasy.

Ryouma moved Karupin down to the floor, earning a disappointed mewl from the chubby cat. He stood up, looking around, looking intently at every corner of the room. "So.." he began. "This is where you both live."

"Aah." Fuji replied, the smile still plastered on his face.

He was pleased. Yes, he was really pleased to host Ryouma for a year. It was the best he could get. Not only he had known Ryouma for nearly five years and everything would be much easier because they had known each other well, but also the fact that he could make fun of the younger boy pleased him very much. Oh, yes, he definitely would make this year became an unforgettable year for Ryouma.

"Echizen," Tezuka's voice started Fuji. He looked at the stoic-faced boy next to him, who was looking at Echizen with.. Fuji raised one of his eyebrows. Expectation?

"Hai, Buchou?"

"I assume.." Tezuka cleared his throat once again, uncomfortable to utter the question he had to ask. "I assume you know about what kind of relationship Fuji and I have?"

Ryouma turned his head to look at both of his senpais. Shrugging, he said uninterestedly, "If both of you are still together like you had told us last year, yes, I do know."

Us, Fuji thought in amusement. Us, the word Ryouma used referred to the Seigaku regulars. A certain Seigaku regular team. It was amusing, that for them, the only Seigaku regular team seemed to be always consisted of the same members. The word 'us', for them, never changed at all.Their bond was spesial, strong, indestructible.

Fuji liked that word.

"Then you wouldn't have any problem with it, would you?" Tezuka asked again

"Iya da." Ryouma shook his head, looking suddenly interested when he stepped in front of the door to his bedroom. "Fuji-senpai, is this supposed to be my room?"

"Aah," Fuji replied, rising to his feet, pulling a seemingly relieved Tezuka with him together and moved closer to Ryouma. "This used to be my room for a week when we moved here. Not a big room, but it's comfortable enough, I think."

Ryouma hummed, reaching for the doorknob and opened it.

The neat, comfy room that had been prepared for his arrival greeted him.

Ryouma found himself smiling in both excitement and relief. He quickly stepped into the room, Karupin following his steps, while Tezuka and Fuji stayed in front of the door, observing every single reaction Ryouma showed. The younger boy circled the room once, then moved to examine the small study table near the window. He walked to the bed, casually sat down at its edge as if testing it.

Silently, Fuji regretted the fact that he didn't insist Yumiko on the decorating he had planned. It would be very hilarious to see Ryouma's expression if he had put the decoration, wouldn't it?

Then again, Fuji thought, maybe it was the best. He had all year to 'have fun' with Ryouma, and there was no need for being impatient.

Ryouma moved closer to the window, looking at the good view of the faraway green hills he got. Noticing the cactus that rested on the windowsill, Ryouma couldn't help but smiled slightly and turned to catch Fuji's eyes.

"She's Capella," Fuji said, smiling. "Take a good care of her, will you?"

This time, Ryouma let the smile crept up on his face unsuppressed. "Arigatou, Fuji-senpai." He walked closer to his two senpais. Standing before them, he looked straightly into their eyes, and then bowed.

"For this year, too, onegaishimasu."

Tezuka gave a small "Hn," and nodded. Fuji's smile widened.

"Welcome to your new home, Echizen."

----------o0o-------------

tbc…

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A/N: Yap, they still have a year to go.. –laugh maniacally- I'm just glad I can finally let the idea of this fic out of my head. It's been nagging me ever since I drowned myself for the umpteenth time into TezukaFuji, and yes, Ryouma does fit as their child, doesn't he? Just look at the subtle hints in the anime. Ha. This fic probably will follow the manga plot, though. Or maybe both manga and anime. Nevermind.

I desperately need a beta for this fic, seeing that my English had gotte more horrible and horrible.. –sobs- hiks hiks..

I hope I didn't make any of the character too OOC. Ryouma is really hard to write. Anyway, thank you for reading up to this point, and please, please leave a review for me? Constructive Criticisms are most welcomed. Flame are welcomed, too, since although it's March already, it's still freezing here and I'm pretty sure I can use it for the woodstove..

(Sebuah kado untuk Fuji Shuusuke, karena anata selalu tersenyum setiap kali atashi melihat anata..hahhh..)

Review, nee??

Piasshuuu..

-isumi'kivic' and Ilde-