* Valentine 21*

Chapter 6

+Confession 1+

Oishi watched the tensai walked away with a frown. Confession? What does he mean by that?

"What is this, nyaa? I'm so confused! Fuji, oi. . .where are you going!" Eiji hollered, hands placed upon his hips. But Fuji kept on walking, ignoring the redhead. "Mou, what is this, nyaa?" Eiji turned to face Oishi, lips jutting out in a pout. "Oishi, what's going on here? I mean, I thought I was here to surprise you and then the three of us will hang out together. But now Fuji walks away! I'm so confused!"

Though I expected Fuji to have a plan, this is truly beyond me. I can't believe I will have to confess face-to-face. What if Eiji rejects me? The look of disgust on his face will haunt me forever. But then again. . .I wouldn't know until I've tried. I'd rather be free of this burden here and now than to live the rest of my life in regret. At least if things don't work out, I get to see Eiji for the last time. Yes, I see your point, Fuji. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!

"Oishi. . .talk to me," Eiji pleaded as he stepped up closer to Oishi.

Oishi took in a deep breath and stepped back, distancing himself from Eiji. The redhead widened his eyes and started to move forward but was stopped by Oishi's raised right hand. "Don't move, Eiji. Stay there please, and hear me out carefully, alright?"

Though still confused, Eiji nevertheless nodded his head and waited for the man before him to speak. He noticed that Oishi had hung his head and his hands were clenched into tight fists by the side. What was the matter with Oishi? Both he and Fuji were acting real weird and Eiji was beginning to feel uneasy.

"I was truly shocked to see you," Oishi started. "I thought I was dreaming, simply because I didn't expect Fuji to go to such lengths. I started to feel somewhat angry. But then when he said it was the least he could do as a friend, I realized that Fuji wanted this to succeed as much as I do and was not trying to make a fool out of me. And whatever the outcome may be later, I don't care. At least I've been honest with myself and not let the person who believed in me down."

Eiji felt his heart stopped beating when Oishi raised his head then, the beautiful green eyes shining with fierce determination. "Oishi?"

"Have you ever been in love, Eiji?" Not bothering to hear the answer, Oishi continued, "I have and still am. I love this person with all my heart, with every breath I take. But I never dared to tell the person how I feel for I feared it was just a distorted illusion. So I made an oath, that if by the time I'm 21 and I still have this feeling in me, then on Valentine's Day I shall confess. It's been almost eight years now but my love still burns strongly. Today's Valentine's Day, right? Incidentally I'm also 21, which means it's time for me to confess. . ."

Oishi fixed a steady gaze upon the redhead, savoring all he could of the latter's features that had matured with time. It might be the last time he saw of the face. He watched Eiji swallowed slightly, uneasiness clearly written all over him. Uneasy now but disgust later. I guess I will just have to live with that. . . "Kikumaru Eiji. . .aishiteru yo. . ."

Kikumaru Eiji. . .aishiteru yo. . .aishiteru yo. . .aishiteru yo. . . The words echoed repeatedly through his mind, sounding so surreal but Eiji knew that he was not dreaming. Oishi really did said those words; no mistake about it. Eiji's mouth widened into a surprise gasp and his head began shaking slowly from left to right.

"No. . .no, you're joking right, Oishi? Tell me you're joking. . ." Eiji whispered.

He saw the green eyes narrowing sadly and the sculpted lips curved into a pained smile. "I'm not, Eiji. I am serious. You are the one that I've loved these past eight years. But I can no longer carry this burden with me anymore. It hurts too much. Though you may hate me for this, it doesn't matter. At least I've been honest to myself and that is most important."

Eiji swallowed, trying to gain leverage with his voice. "But Oishi. . . this is wrong. You. . .me. . .it's not right. I-I can't. . .I can't!" he wailed helplessly.

Oishi nodded his head calmly, as if Eiji's words were nothing out of the ordinary. "Wakatta. It was nice seeing you again, Eiji. . .and I have Fuji to thank it for. Well, I guess this is it then. I've said what I should."

Though his heart was aching badly, Oishi summoned all he could of his strength to bestow a sincere smile. He was not about to crumble at that moment. No, he still had to maintain what was left of his dignity. He could always do his brooding elsewhere, just not in front of Eiji. The poor redhead looked horrified, one hand covering his mouth and head shaking still. Oishi began moving forward, each step he took bringing him closer to the one he loved but only to just brush past him then. "Sayonara, Eiji. . ." he whispered as he passed the redhead.

He closed his eyes and felt his legs turning to jelly, threatening to buckle under him. The years in Seigaku and Kyushou flashed through his mind, trying to taunt him but he was not about to feel regretful. He clenched his fists as he prepared to break into a run, eager to soothe his broken yet relieved heart.

Just then something came crashing against him from behind and encircled his waist, stopping his movement. Oishi then felt something firm and warm pressing tightly against him from behind and immediately opened his eyes. Masaka?

"Aishiteru yo. . .Oishi. Aishiteru yo. . ." a breathless whisper reached his ear, echoing throughout the length of him. This is not happening, right? This is just a cruel illusion, is it not?

"Eiji?" Oishi croaked, hope and uncertainty lacing his voice.

"I'm sorry. . .I'm so sorry for saying what I said. It was my mind speaking, not my heart. But I was scared. . .scared that you're only teasing me. I didn't want to get my hopes up too high but when you said goodbye. . .I cannot just let you walk away. I've loved you for these past eight years too and like you, I didn't want to tell. I didn't want our friendship to end. I'm a coward, Oishi. . .unlike you. Will you forgive me, Oishi? Say you'll forgive me?"

Eiji. . ."There's nothing for me to forgive, Eiji." Oishi said as he pried Eiji's arm from his waist and turned. A dash of pink tainted the redhead's cheeks, the blue eyes looking up shyly. The corners of his lips tugged into a slow smile then as he ran his knuckles lightly down one flushed cheek. "Eiji. . . " he murmured.

The redhead granted a soft smile to the man before him as he snaked his arms around the latter's lean waist. "Oishi. . ."

Oishi shook his head as he lowered his face towards Eiji. "Shuichi. . .call me Shuichi. . ." he breathed as his lips lightly brushed the redhead's.

"Hmmm. . .Shuichi it is then. . ." Eiji assented before immersing himself into a long, slow kiss.

They both pulled back for air a couple of blissful minutes later. Oishi licked his upper lip as he tilted his head to one side, gazing at Eiji. "Is this the new strawberry and mint flavored toothpaste you just bought a couple of weeks ago?"

Eiji's eyes widened. "You can taste it, Oish — er, Shuichi?"

The black-haired man smiled teasingly. "It's kinda obvious how I can taste it, right?" Seeing Eiji blushed, Oishi chuckled. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you. This is a really memorable first kiss, don't you think?"

Eiji raised an eyebrow, the blue eyes regaining their mischievous fire and all shyness evaporated, spelling trouble. It seemed to be Eiji's turn to be on the offensive. Moving his hands deliberately up Oishi's front, it pleased him to feel the latter stiffening. "Let's make more memorable kisses, nyaa. . ." he suggested seductively.

But just as the suggestion was about to take place, a series of ringing startled the two. . .

+Confession 2+

Fuji rummaged through the plastic bag and took out the pens and notepad he had to buy in order to convince Oishi that he was on an errand. He did not really need those stuff so maybe he could sell it off to his classmates or get a rebate from Oishi.

Oishi. . .Fuji was reminded of what he was supposed to do — his confession. He sat down on his chair and reached for his silver Samsung from his pocket. His smile disappaered as he stared at the screen, looking at the foreign number that was the only thing he had to get in contact with Tezuka. I've got to do this! I know he probably has someone else right now but I don't care. It's time for me to let it out. I don't want to live forever in regret.

His lips eased into a small smile then as he clicked on the number and waited for a familiar deep voice to answer. . .

"Hallo?"

Fuji's smile froze. A woman? She sounds young and foreign. "Er. . .Tezuka?" Fuji inquired simply, unsure of the language he should use.

"Tezuka? Tezuka Kunimitsu?"

"Aa. . . "

There was a cluck of the tongue from the other end. "Oh, so sorry. TK not here right now. So very sorry," she replied in halting English.

TK? Had his blood not turned cold and his heart stopped beating, he would have found the name amusing. Fuji struggled to keep his smile. I've anticipated this, right? So why do I still feel pain? "Aa. . .I see. Saankyu," he answered in equally halting English.

"No problem. You want me to tell TK who calling?"

"It's ok, I call back later."

"Ok, bye."

Fuji stared emptily at his phone, smile lost. I wonder how she looks like. She must be very beautiful, tall and slim. Perfect for Tezuka indeed. She sounds friendly too. Aa, that's good. Tezuka's too uptight so I guess she complements him well. Are you happy, Tezuka? You must be. Yes, I recall now that you said you are preparing for Valentine's Day. She must be very special indeed to have you spend time on her. . .

He realized he was mentally babbling away. Fuji opened his eyes and looked out of the window. I'm really happy for you, Tezuka. Really happy. But I can't hide the fact that it hurts. If I told you how I felt that night, would things turned out differently?

A couple of loud raps on the door broke Fuji's reverie. He eased his lids down, hiding the lackluster blues and stood up while forcing his lips into an easy smile.

"Hai. . ." he greeted as he swung the door opened, looking up to the person before him. It was then that he froze, eyes widening. "You?"

"It's been a long time," a familiar deep voice intoned; voice that belonged to none other than Tezuka Kunimitsu.

Is it really him? But how could it be?

"Aren't you going to invite me in?" the vision before Fuji spoke again.

That snapped Fuji out of his trance. "Sumimasen," he apologized, lids easing back down as he stepped to one side. He felt slightly giddy when Tezuka brushed past him.

Door closed, Fuji turned to find the tall man looking around. Inclining his head towards the tidier of the two beds, Tezuka asked. "Yours?" Upon seeing the tensai nodding, Tezuka proceeded to sit down on it. "Sorry but I'm kind of tired. Took a midnight flight," he explained as he ran a hand through his still-disheveled longish hair. He still looked the same, saved for the missing glasses.

"You're wearing contacts now?"

Tezuka looked up, the hazel eyes shining. Definitely much better looking without the glasses. "I'm just following someone's advice."

Fuji's smile did not falter one bit though his heart was pounding for answers. But he knew he should try to play it cool. "How do you know where to find me?"

"Called Oishi," the brown-haired man answered simply.

"But I called you. . ." Fuji quickly stopped but it was too late. Tezuka was already raising a curious eyebrow.

"You called me? Why?"

It was an art really, to be able to smile though the insides were dissolving.

"Why did you called?" Tezuka prodded.

But Fuji was not about to comply. "Shouldn't the question be why are you here and not with her, TK?"

Tezuka's eyes narrowed. "TK? So you've talked to Anna?"

Anna ka?"Aa. . .that's probably her. She sounds very nice. You must be happy with her."

"Chh. . ." Tezuka snorted. "Anna's my roommate's sister. I see her as no more than a sister myself."

She's only like a sister to him?

The tall man heaved a sigh. "Fine, I'll be straight with you, Fuji. I'm here because I need to make a decision, whether to return to Japan or not."

Decision? To return to Japan or not? It was only then that Fuji realized what was actually going on. Taking a midnight flight and flying halfway round the world here, on this particular day and showing up right at the doorstep. . .Fuji recalled the conversation they had a few weeks back.

"Valentine's approaching soon." . . . "Are you busy preparing too?"

"Somewhat."

"Your decision. . .it has something to do with me, doesn't it?" Seeing the tall man remained silent, a sweet rush of hope and relief flooded through him. "Then I shall be straight with you too. I called you because I have a confession to make."

That got Tezuka's attention. The hazel eyes seemingly glazed as they gazed expectantly at the other man. "Confession?"

The corners of his lips quivered at the intensity of Tezuka's gaze. Fuji found himself feeling liberated, the huge rock of regret that had been crushing his heart lifted and hurled. This is it! I won't let my chance at redemption be taken away and I won't give him the satisfaction of being the one to say it first!

"Aaa. . .confession," Fuji drawled as he stepped forward towards the bed. His lids fluttered opened and he savored the surprised look that was permitted to grace the handsome face. "I should have told you that night three years ago but I couldn't find the courage. And I've been miserable ever since."

He stopped an inch before the sitting man. In one languid motion, Fuji got down on his knees, eyes never leaving the other man's face and whispered, "I don't want to be alone anymore."

There was a sharp intake of breath and Fuji watched as a deep frown marred the smooth forehead. "Fuji. . ."

Fuji could feel his smile loosening at the hesitancy he heard in the deep voice. "I don't want to be alone anymore," he repeated firmly as he leaned forward, eyes searching deeply into the hazel orbs.

He saw the hope in the blue eyes, which reflected his own. He could also see the pain, the regret of not having come clean sooner — all of which he was familiar with himself. Everything felt surreal to him — that he was in Japan, in Fuji's room and just a few seconds ago, what he had wanted to say had been said first by the light-haired man before him.

I've been miserable too, Fuji. I couldn't find my courage on that night either. I thought I could forget you but I was wrong. And I'm glad I didn't. . .or rather, couldn't.

"I don't want to be alone anymore either."

Tezuka watched Fuji's features went still for a moment before softening with relief. And he felt his own features softening, his lips edging into a smile.

"You should smile more often," Fuji breathed as he raised one hand and ever so gently, began tracing the firm outline of Tezuka's lips with his index finger.

A delicious draft of shiver coursed through him at the intimate gesture. He suddenly found himself feeling greedy, wanting more than just the teasing touch. Tezuka grabbed Fuji's hand then, earning a questioning look from the latter. But it was not the time for verbal answers. He leaned forward then to capture Fuji's crimson softness tenderly.

The response was immediate, though tentatively at first. But the hunger that had been long suppressed begged for release and their positions proved to be inconvenient. Fuji pulled back then, eyes burning brightly and slowly stood up. Tezuka followed suit, circling his arms around Fuji's waist and tugging the smaller man close to him.

"Have you made your decision then?" Fuji murmured as he tiptoed to nibble on Tezuka's lower lip.

There was a low growl. "So you're coming back to Japan after all. I'm glad," Fuji continued in between nips.

"You talk too much. . .Syusuke," Tezuka muttered before silencing the tensai hungrily.

"Mmm. . .Syusuke ka?" Fuji mused breathlessly a couple of minutes later. "I think I like the way you say my name. What should I call you then? How 'bout Mitsu?"

Tezuka shrugged. At the moment, he was more interested in just gazing at the angelic face and basking in the warmth emanating from the angel. He closed his eyes then as he tightened his hold on Fuji. Never had anything felt so right before.

"Mitsu. . ." he heard Fuji whispered in his ears. "Happy Valentine's Day!"

Tezuka opened his eyes and gazed down at the smiling tensai. He felt a slight prick at his heart, that he — or even Fuji, had not chose to come clean three years ago. But remembering the saying 'absence makes the heart go fonder', Tezuka was somewhat glad that things were written as such.

"Happy Valentine's Day to you too. . ."he whispered softly before sealing the words with a searing kiss.

= owari =

Sorry for extremely long chap! Hope you guys enjoyed it. Thanks for sticking by this debut fic throughout the six parts. Means a lot to me. Love all of you guys who read and reviewed! *muackzz*

Happy Valentine's Day! Let love be your guiding light in life. . .

Signed in sweat, tears and blood,

~ hakkai-san ~

p/s: Please tell me how I did for each confession. I wanna know how I did with the chemistry/kiss scenes between Oishi+Eiji and Tezuka+Fuji. Am still a beginner in this kinda things. Hehe. . .thanks!