Title: The Missives
Pairing: TezukaFuji
Rating: PG 13
Genre: Fluff, Angst
Wordcount: ~2,290
Warning: AU
Summary: Fuji is rich, popular, born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Tezuka has heard a lot about him but is not impressed. Fuji, however, turns out to be someone really unexpected.
Disclaimer: They are not mine. For the nth time, I say that they belong to each other.

A/N: Second part of my fic for lafuego and ThinK. Some fluff in this one. Comments will be loved!

Chapter One

Fresh from a bath, Tezuka emerged from the bathroom and frowned at his door. He glanced at his watch: the short silver hand pointed to six and the longer silver hand was between two and three. It couldn't be Oishi who probably went back to the dorm way past midnight and must be dozing right now. It couldn't be his mother either who usually called before visiting… Unless there was an emergency? His apprehension suddenly shot up. He took quick strides to the door and pulled it ajar. He certainly did not expect the person who smiled and greeted him "Good morning."

"Fuji," Tezuka said. His tone reflected his surprise.

"I've been jogging," Fuji explained briefly as he stepped inside. His eyes roved around for a few seconds, lingering on Tezuka's neat bed and then on Tezuka's organized study desk. "I thought I'd drop by and invite you to breakfast."

Tezuka blinked. "I have to send a letter," he said dismissively, not caring a bit if he sounded rude.

However, Fuji stood unshaken. His smile remained calm and pleasant. "Well, we can jog to the post office and then have breakfast." He eyed Tezuka cap-á-pie, taking in the blue sweatshirt and jogging pants Tezuka wore. "You're dressed for a bit of exercise anyway."

This was something Tezuka couldn't deny. But he had intended to jog alone. He did not want any fallback in his daily routine. Nor did he want any intrusion to his personal space. He just about opened his mount to say so when Fuji opened his eyes and asked, "Why are you so keen on getting rid of me?" Curiosity filled his bright eyes.

The realization that he had no sensible answer to provide and that Fuji read him so accurately took Tezuka aback.

Probably sensing this, Fuji smiled kindly. "Just breakfast," he said. "It's not like I'm asking for a night in the hotel room." He tilted his head up and showed a pair of gleaming eyes for a split second. "Unless you'd rather have that?"

Tezuka sighed deeply. Using a cold tone to state that he wasn't up to any of Fuji's games, he said, "Just breakfast."

The jog that he had meant to take turned into a brisk walk instead, no thanks to Fuji who appeared to be acquainted with every person they came across with. Thus, they had to slow down or stop every now and then just so Fuji could chat with whoever said, "Hello, Fuji. Out for some exercise?" It did occur to Tezuka to leave and continue jogging alone, but when he tried, Fuji abandoned his friend to catch up, earning Tezuka a suspicious frown from the said friend. It seemed that overnight, the school had heard of his supposed date with Fuji and was prepared to judge his every action. The wisest move, he decided, would be to stay as inconspicuous as possible and to stand a few yards away while he waited for Fuji.

In all those inopportune moments, Tezuka couldn't help noticing the level of courtesy Fuji showed all his friends, which probably accounted for his popularity. Fuji was polite in so many ways – smile, words, gestures, everything – that Tezuka rather hoped Fuji would treat him in the same manner. After all, politeness was something he could handle. Flirtation was entirely something else.

"Ah, we've finally reached the post office," Fuji said after breaking off with the tall blonde European student he had been talking to and after coming up to Tezuka. "We can eat right there too." He jerked his head toward the café that stood next to the post office. The name Dionysean was embossed in the sign board.

Tezuka nodded despite his disapproval. The café looked expensive. Maybe one order would already cost as much as three simple meals. But Fuji smiled in a way that told Tezuka he had no say in the matter.

Once they had dropped the letter, Fuji led Tezuka to Dionysean and beckoned him to one glass table beneath a black umbrella. "Ah, I'm so hungry," he said cheerfully as soon as they were settled on the wooden armchairs. The waiter approached at once and greeted Fuji with familiarity before he handed out the menu. "Order whichever you want, Tezuka," Fuji said over the carte du jour. "Breakfast is on me."

"It doesn't have to be," Tezuka said coolly.

Fuji turned to the waiter and gave his order before telling Tezuka, "I invited you to breakfast so I can treat you," he said, smiling simply.

"Why are you doing this?" Tezuka asked between pressed lips.

"Tezuka, Hiroshi-san is waiting for your order," Fuji reminded. His knowing smile and obvious attempt to digress made Tezuka feel annoyed.

Glaring at Fuji at the corner of his eyes, Tezuka ordered a cup of Earl Grey, and some garlic toast to go with spaghetti al pesto. "Why are you doing this?" he asked again as soon as the waiter had gone.

"I'm interested in you. I thought I made that clear last night?" Fuji said casually.

"I'm not interested," Tezuka said flatly. He was sure he made that clear last night.

Fuji leaned forward to peer closely at Tezuka. "But I said I won't give up unless you can tell me that you don't like me at all," Fuji said calmly.

"Will you give up if you suddenly found that I disappoint your expectations?" Tezuka asked succinctly.

Fuji arched his brows. "I don't think you will," he said. His eyes filled with glints of a challenge.

Tezuka sighed.

"Does this mean you'll give it a try?" Fuji asked expectantly.

"The food's here," Tezuka said, ignoring the question the moment he caught sight of the waiter.

Fuji beamed in delight. "Great!" He said, giving Tezuka a meaningful smile.

oOo

Though Tezuka felt tempted to just give an excuse and cancel the supposed date, he knew that it wouldn't prove his point. Besides, Fuji didn't seem like the kind to give up easily. In fact, cancelling the date would probably give Fuji license to bother him even more. He realized that if he wanted to get his peace soon, he should get on with the date as soon as possible. He just hoped that Fuji would find him a bore and stop his nonsense.

Tezuka prepared with the minimum effort that his obsessive-compulsive nature allowed. He fixed his hair in the usual unkempt fashion and pulled on a white button-down shirt that he tucked beneath the black slacks he wore. He did not much else except add on a bit of cologne, which was routine for him.

Five minutes later, his mobile phone rang, an unregistered number flashed on its blinking screen. When he picked up the call, Fuji answered and told him that he was waiting near the dormitory entrance. Feeling like he was nearing his own doom, he went out of the room, descended the stairs and found Fuji standing against a silver convertible, waving jovially at him.

"Hmm…" Fuji said pensively as Tezuka approached him. He rubbed his chin with his fingers and studied Tezuka. When the latter came close, Fuji reached out a hand and started undoing the first two buttons of Tezuka's shirt, revealing a fair amount of chest. He also un-tucked Tezuka's shirt before declaring, "Much better."

Looking and feeling terribly harassed, Tezuka glared at Fuji who brushed it off by saying, "I found a nice spot and I can take pictures too."

"Pictures?" Tezuka asked quietly.

Fuji nodded cheerfully. "Yes," he said, indicating the SLR camera that hung on a lace around his neck. "I like taking pictures." He opened the car door. "Shall we go?"

"Ah," Tezuka said, following Fuji inside the car.

Silence dawned on them for the first few minutes of the ride. Fuji played some of the mp3s on his collection and Tezuka found himself agreeing with Fuji's taste in music. The moment Fuji pressed the play button, Tezuka had feared the boisterous songs that topped the charts these days. He was surprised when Fuji's collection – or at least this particular playlist – comprised of jazz and classics.

"Are you always this quiet?" Fuji asked, eyeing Tezuka askance.

"I've been told so," Tezuka said. "Does it bother you?" He sounded hopeful.

"No," Fuji said sincerely. "All the other people I've dated always liked to talk about themselves. This is a change." Tezuka frowned, causing him to chuckle.

Five minutes of silence later, Fuji pulled up in an open area within the city park. Since it was a Sunday and dusk was drawing near, the place was understandably filled with families on picnics. Some children ran across well-mowed lawns and some hid behind the trees while their playmates yelled their names, apparently trying to find them.

"I hope this is all right," Fuji said, stooping over the trunk while trying to bring out a basket made of weaved rattan. "I've never been on a picnic date before," he informed.

They chose a spot beneath a tree, which was fortunately surrounded by less people. Tezuka felt uncomfortable, though, when they passed two other couples who were… enjoying each other more than the scenery. Fuji had seen his discomfort and cajoled, "Next time, we'll find a place for us alone."

"There won't be a next time," Tezuka reminded firmly.

Fuji sighed. But his lips curved up with amusement. "I thought I'm the one to decide that?" he said as he laid out the checkered picnic blanket. He plopped down and opened the picnic basket. "I brought food and some tea." He took out a few sandwiches, a couple of bento boxes, a bowl of fruits, a thermos, and a couple of mugs. He poured the tea into the cups and handed one to Tezuka. "I've heard that you're on scholarship at the university?"

Tezuka blinked. "Who told you?"

"Eiji did during one of his attempts to get to agree to go on a blind date with you," Fuji replied. "Fifty percent or was it seventy-five percent financial assistance?"

"Fifty," Tezuka said, sipping his tea and avoiding eye contact with Fuji.

"You must have gotten a really high score in the entrance exam," Fuji said, sounding impressed. He picked one of the sandwiches and gave it to Tezuka. "Try it. I made that myself."

Tezuka took it and muttered his thanks. He took a cautious bite, aware that Fuji watched him and swallowed.

"How is it?" Fuji asked.

"It's good," Tezuka answered, which was the truth. In fact, he rather liked the quick kick of wasabi that mingled well with the tuna.

Fuji laughed and helped himself to a sandwich as well. He munched happily, watching a boy run before them. He quickly rose when the child stumbled and began bawling his lungs out. He took another sandwich and offered it while patting the boy's crown. When he came back to join Tezuka, he said, "He reminds me of Yuuta."

Trying to remember why the name rang a bell, Tezuka asked, "Your brother?"

"Yes," Fuji said. "He used to run around like and stumbled a lot. He wasn't a weakling, but he was really an enthusiastic child." A fond look crossed his face as he probably recalled a scene from his childhood. But then a slight shadow cast over his face. "I hope he joins us in the university next year."

Tezuka did not say anything. He has heard of rumors that the Fuji brothers did not get on well with each other. Some people said that the younger Fuji hated the older one's popularity and natural talents. He thought that could be possible, especially for someone as well-known and well-liked as Fuji.

"Do you have a brother too?" Fuji asked suddenly.

Tezuka shook his head. "I'm an only child."

"But you act like you're the eldest of ten."

Tezuka stared at Fuji, who laughed and patted his back.

"So… that letter you sent this morning was for your family?" Fuji inquired curiously.

"No," Tezuka went.

"Whom did you send it to, then?" Fuji asked. But he saw the deepening lines on Tezuka's forehead so he added, "You don't have to answer that question."

But Tezuka, feeling that Fuji had showed him something personal, realized that he did not mind sharing a few things about himself. "It's for an anonymous benefactor. He's the one who pays for the rest of my school expenses."

"You have no idea who this person is?" Fuji asked.

"No," Tezuka replied. "He's a generous person, though. But it seems his generosity is in excess."

Fuji's head perked up in question. "How so?"

"He sends money in addition to my tuition. It's money I don't need," Tezuka said in slow, heavy words. "I can work for my own expenses."

Fuji paused to consider and then he shrugged. "Maybe he just doesn't want you to lose focus on your studies by working part-time somewhere?"

Tezuka frowned. "Even so – " His words got interrupted when he heard a click and a whirr. He raised his head and saw Fuji, camera poised and smile broader. "Fuji – "

"I told you," Fuji said happily, "I like taking pictures."

They spent an hour or so more at the park, finishing the food that Fuji claimed he prepared. Tezuka also watched as Fuji took pictures of the scenery, the families, the sunset and of him. They only drove back to the university when the night had completely crawled in.

Once parked near the residence hall where Tezuka stayed, the engine of his convertible roaring, Fuji said, "We should end this date properly."

Tezuka frowned. "I'm not sure I understand."

Fuji smiled cryptically in response. Giving Tezuka no time to think, he leaned forward and claimed Tezuka's lips for a brief kiss. Probably for the first time since he met Fuji, Tezuka raised no objection and kissed back.

-tbc-

A/N: I don't think I'll write a dating fic/chapter in the near future. My lack of dating experience made me break my brain for this update. I hope you enjoyed nonetheless. *grips brain*