Acknowledgements: Ikyutakei, Cheeseburger of Doom, featherlight, Regatto, SIB, firefly, Sano, thiel, mabaroshi16, Nekocin, sharl

* huggles reviewers for kind words * Love you guys and hope you'll continue to support this poor writer.

Am so very sorry for late update. Got project deadlines to meet. School's tuff, is it not?

= Spanish Guitar =

"My answer is still no, aniki…"

The youth's lids fluttered opened and a pair of hard, brown eyes came into focus. Those eyes regarded Fuji-san indolently before shifting their attention to him and then unexpectedly widened slightly in shock. Out of the corners of his eyes, he could see that Fuji-san's shoulders were quivering slightly, as if suppressing back a chuckle. It was obvious that the smiling man knew what it was that astounded his younger brother.

"Yuuta," Fuji-san drawled, his tone between reproach and glee. "Naa, Tezuka… that's Yuuta, my sweet, little brother. Please excuse his outburst."

"Aniki!" the youth exclaimed, a slight tinge of pink coloring his cheeks, whatever it was that surprised him earlier forgotten. He stood up then and sauntered over to the two, stopping a couple of steps before Tezuka. His expression still serious, he held out a hand to which Tezuka promptly accepted. "Fuji Yuuta," he said curtly. Though he was trying to be subtle, Tezuka was aware that Yuuta-kun's eyes were assessing him from head to toe.

"Tezuka Kunimitsu."

"You're early, Yuuta," Fuji-san piped in once the handshakes were done with.

There was a slight narrowing of the brown eyes. "Whatever," Yuuta-kun said simply as he tucked his hands into the pockets of his jeans. "Aniki, may I have a word with you?" he said then as he slanted a quick gaze to Tezuka.

Tezuka inclined his head to Fuji-san who still had the easy smile on his feminine features, much like how he constantly had the slight frown upon his brows. "I can wait somewhere else—"

"Oh no, that's not necessary…" Fuji-san interrupted as one hand casually placed itself upon Tezuka's shoulder. "Just make yourself comfortable here while Yuuta and I retire to the drawing room." The hand lightly squeezed at his shoulder and Tezuka quickly dismissed the tingling sensation that resulted from the delicate touch. Apparently, there was truth in the expression 'first impression lasts'.

He heard Yuuta-kun issued an uncharacteristic snort and wondered what it was that prompted the youth as such. Without a word, the brown-eyed lad walked off to his right towards a large room with sliding doors. Fuji-san sighed genially and gave Tezuka a polite nod of his head before trailing his younger brother.

Tezuka waited till the two disappeared behind the sliding door before moving forward, choosing to seat himself on the black leather armchair that Yuuta-kun was in previously. His eyes chanced upon the huge family portrait that hung proud on the wall above the cluster of armchairs and he halted to take a look. He spotted Fuji-san immediately, still wearing that ever faithful smile and eyes closed. Idly, Tezuka recalled that he had not yet seen the orbs hidden behind the long-lashed lids.

The complete opposite of his older brother, Yuuta-kun stood unsmiling on Fuji-san's left and the challenging glint in those prominent brown eyes was evident, frozen along with time. Tezuka averted his gaze to the lovely young woman in her mid-twenties with long, lustrous hair on Fuji-san's right, obviously the brothers' onesan. Clearly, good looks run in the family.

Tezuka felt a lump forming at his throat then at the sight of the gentleman and his wife seated on an ornately-designed, 18th century Louis XV period ottoman before the siblings. Treasured memories of when he was small growing up with his parents came flooding through his mind and he immediately stopped the replay, the pain of it all still fresh in his heart though it had been years.

He turned away from the picture-perfect family hastily and settled himself in the chair. He closed his eyes and composed himself, forcing his mind free of the painful past.

"So, Yuuta… what do you want to talk about?"

Yuuta crossed his arms, not at all amused by his brother's amiable act. "My answer is still no!" he spat huffily. "I have much better things to do than learning to play a dumb guitar!"

"Sou ka?" Fuji remarked easily, not at all affronted by what Yuuta had said. "So what do you plan to do during your year-long break?"

Yuuta shrugged. He had not given it much thought. After graduating from Harvard Business School a month ago with an MBA, he decided that he needed a year break before plunging into any business ventures. It was a decision that displeased their father as he was counting on Yuuta to join his company since aniki had pursued his own business career. "I'll think of something. But learning the guitar is definitely not one of them," he stressed again.

"I'm sure you'll master the basics quickly enough."

The youth grunted sarcastically. The prodigy in the family was Fuji Syusuke, not Fuji Yuuta. Aniki most definitely would be able to master the basics in a month or two but it was unfortunate that he was right-handed. "Come on, aniki… can't you get him yourself?" he sighed exasperatedly. "Surely there are other ways than using me as a pawn?"

Blue eyes the color of a warm summer sky flashed upon the comment. "Yuuta… don't say that. I am not using you as a pawn. I admit I needed your help but you are not a pawn." There was a trace of melancholy in his voice and Yuuta knew that his brother meant what he said. "I won't force you again. I'm sorry. Let's just forget the whole thing."

That did it. His conscience was pricked and whether aniki had been planning so was another issue. He knew his brother would always put him above anyone else—it had been that way since they were young. Those times burned in his mind and he realized not once had he done anything for his brother. Gazing at Fuji, he saw the man named Tezuka Kunimitsu. He had known, of course, about his brother's perverted preferences and knew how his brother worked. When aniki called him up three days ago, he was surprised that despite only having met the guitarist for less than a week and clearly smitten, the usually debonair 'hunter' was rushing into things and had even sought his help. Though Yuuta had been adamant about not wanting to learn, he could not help but gave in to Fuji's plea to at least come down and judge the guitarist for himself.

Indeed, Tezuka-san was good-looking, but so were some of aniki's previous toy boys. That quiet, authoritative air was not foreign either but yet, there was this X-factor that Yuuta, and possibly even Fuji, could not pinpoint exactly. Yuuta sighed heavily, realizing that even he was undoubtedly taken in by the guitarist. "No, it's ok," he muttered. "I will help you, but just this once! And I can't guarantee that I won't steal him away from you."

The warning caught Fuji momentarily by surprise but the smile soon returned to its site. As far as he was concerned, Yuuta had never had a girlfriend before, let alone be interested in his own kind. Could it be that his little brother was influenced by his way of life? He honestly hoped not but if that made Yuuta happy, he saw no reason to object. "If that is how it was meant to be, I can't do anything about it."

Yuuta frowned, annoyed at his brother's typical answer. As if he had not known about his brother's soft spot for him. "Hmph," he grunted as he stared at his brother. "We'll see."

When the siblings emerged from the drawing room, Tezuka rose to his feet, hazel eyes watching the differing expressions etched upon their faces. Earlier on, Yuuta-kun had said that his answer was still no and judging by the defiant look, Tezuka concluded that Fuji-san had probably failed to persuade his little brother. If so…

"Ready to go, Tezuka?"

His brows converged into a questioning frown. "Excuse me?"

Fuji-san's smile widened as he closed the gap between them and as if habitual, perched his hand once again on the broad shoulders. "We need to get a guitar for your new student," he said easily.

The said youth leveled a mediocre genteel gaze upon him and with well-bred comportment, spoke as he took a slight bow. "Please give me your guidance." Though still surprised, Tezuka nevertheless replied the gesture with a similar bow of his own.

A light-hearted chuckle escaped Fuji-san. "You will find Yuuta a delightful student to teach, Tezuka. He's really smart and—"

"Can we leave now?" Yuuta-kun interrupted, clearly not interested in the praises showered upon him.

"Hai, hai…" Fuji-san answered cheerfully. "Get the Peugeot running then. The key's still in the ignition."

"Hood up?"

"Yes, please. It's hot today."

Yuuta-kun said nothing, merely nodding his head before striding off to the entrance. Tezuka moved forward himself, only to be stopped by Fuji-san's grip upon his wrist. "Where are you going?" the other man asked.

For the fourth time that day, he was electrified by Fuji-san's mere touch. Clearing his throat slightly, Tezuka answered, "I have to go get my scooter ready."

Fuji-san tilted his head to one side and Tezuka silently thanked the heavens when the grip upon him was released. "Get your scooter ready? There's no need to, Tezuka. You're coming with us in the Peugeot."

"But—"

"Aa, don't worry. We will come back here after we get the guitar. We will discuss about the schedule and fees over lunch. Let's get your scooter inside the garage then. Wouldn't want it to be sitting in the hot sun," the light-haired man continued amicably as he took a step forward.

Any form of protest was futile, he knew it. It was strange as he considered himself to be a stanch individual, not easily persuaded to do things that he did not want to. Even his teachers and lecturers could vouch for his resoluteness. But somehow, Tezuka found himself unable to turn down Fuji-san's offers. Not when that beguiling smile, often seen coming from the fairer sex, was directed at him, seemingly innocent yet with a degree of seduction glazed upon it…

He had to remind himself that Fuji Syusuke was not a woman.

"Ah, you've got a beauty here, Tezuka…" Fuji-san drawled as he skimmed a hand lightly over the black leather seat of the blue Piaggio. "Too bad there are three of us. Otherwise, you and I could just go on this. I've never ride on a scooter before."

Tezuka said nothing, merely focused on the task of pushing his scooter up the driveway and into the large garage, with Fuji-san trailing along on the other side, still gazing at his Piaggio. The scooter may be second-hand but he took great pains caring for it and the fact that Fuji-san had praised its beauty proved his assiduousness. Other than his precious Cashimira, the Piaggio was the only other thing he held dear to his heart.

Once the scooter was safely put away and the garage door closed, they headed towards the revved-up Peugeot, the driver within looking impatient. Fuji-san immediately reached for the backseats' door handle and Tezuka assumed his seat was beside the grim-faced youth. Just as he was about to walk round to the other side, the smiling man called out his name.

"Saa, Tezuka… come here and sit with me at the back. Yuuta doesn't like to have his personal space intrude upon," Fuji-san informed.

"Aa, sure." Tezuka waited till Fuji-san had slid inside before easing himself in. The delicate scent of pine blending deftly with the cool air from the air-conditioner greeted his senses then and upon closing the door, realized the slightly awkward situation he was in. Since the Peugeot was a four-seater, the backseats were relatively compact and as a result, his shoulder, arm, hip and thigh were literally glued to Fuji-san. Suddenly the air around him was getting relatively heavier, not to mention warmer.

"Are you comfortable?" the light-haired man inquired as he reached for his seatbelt.

"Aa," Tezuka answered simply as he twisted slightly in his seat to reach for his own seatbelt. Soon after the Peugeot started moving, backing down the driveway smoothly. "May I know where are we heading to?"

A light chuckle flowed from the one beside him. "We should be asking you that question. So where can we get a good guitar for my brother?"

The rearview mirror revealed the rolling of a pair of brown eyes and Tezuka wondered what kind of animosity ran between the two brothers. "There are a few good musical stores I can think of," he answered, ignoring the brushing of his bare arm against Fuji-san's, the slight friction between their hips, the warmth emanating from the other man's thigh seeping through the thin fabric of his pants and that delightful vanilla and coffee scent which wafted subtly over the pine fragrance, temptingly inviting like a piping-hot chocolate chip cookie. "Though my specific suggestion would be Chordz."

Fuji-san nodded in acknowledgement. Silence ensued soon after directions were given, to which Tezuka welcomed gladly. He averted his attention to the world whizzing past the barrier of glass and steel, savoring the leisure he was usually deprived off when he was on the Piaggio. Much like riding his scooter, life had always been a straight road ahead for him; seldom had he the chance to stop and absorb his environs. Drudgery was easily synonymous with him, ever since he was young. Juggling studies, home and work had never been easy but the one passion embedded within was his gluing factor. And for that passion, he had toiled and sweated and by the heavens, no force on earth could stop him from achieving his dream.

"A penny for your thoughts."

Not the slightest bit startled, Tezuka calmly turned to face the one who broke his reverie. "Sumimasen."

"Betsuni!" the light-haired man chirped brightly. "Thinking of someone special?"

A strident cough, almost forced, escaped Yuuta-kun, causing Tezuka to shift his eyes to the rearview mirror once again and found his gaze held steadily by the brown orbs. He felt the slight shuddering of Fuji-san's shoulder against his and knew the other man was stifling a chuckle. The Fuji brothers were an enigma indeed. "Iie."

Apparently, the short answer was not satisfactory. "So do you have someone special then?"

Tezuka cursed himself for not being assertive enough earlier on, else he would have been riding on his Piaggio and spared from the current situation. "My priorities are elsewhere for the moment," he circumvented.

Clearly, Fuji-san was a simple man despite his enthralling features and bearing. "The answer's no then. That's good."

Another cough rang out from the front and a warning bell went off somewhere in the deep recesses of Tezuka's mind. "Excuse me?"

"I didn't mean anything by that," Fuji-san assured breezily.

"Don't mind him, Tezuka-san," Yuuta-kun spoke up. "Aniki's got a twisted sense of humor."

The man beside him laughed good-naturedly. "Tsk, tsk… Yuuta. You're embarrassing me."

A snort. "Careful, aniki."

Light laughter filled the air once again, a succinct prelude to another round of silence. Not wasting the chance given by the heavens, Tezuka looked out of the window once more, studiously watching the outside world. He hoped his act was convincing enough and that it would help him take his mind off his somewhat uncomfortable predicament.

Chordz was no bigger than Date and it was obvious why Tezuka had suggested it in the first place. The shop was lined with a wide variety of guitars, obviously a heaven for any guitarist. Fuji shot a sidelong glance to his brother, who was seemingly looking at the guitars apathetically but he knew that Yuuta was in awe as well. Turning back to Tezuka, he noted that the taller man was still conversing with the owner of the store who was apparently an acquaintance.

"Not alone today, I see?" the friend asked with a quick glance at Fuji and Yuuta.

Tezuka turned slightly. "Fuji-san, Yuuta-kun… this is Nagase Akizawa. Nagase, meet Fuji Syusuke-san and his brother Yuuta-kun."

"Nice to meet you, Nagase-san," Fuji said with a quick bow. "We are here to get a guitar for my brother, Yuuta. Tezuka has been so kind as to be his instructor."

Nagase chuckled. "Oh, a wise choice indeed, Fuji-san. Tezuka's a fantastic player. Have you heard him play?"

Fuji shook his head. "My friend recommended Tezuka to me, actually, so I have yet to hear him play." He could feel Yuuta's eyes fixed pointedly upon him.

"Ah, perhaps Tezuka could treat us to a short piece later? It's been quite a while, eh, Tezuka?" A jingle sounded then and their heads turned simultaneously to the couple who had just entered the store. "Well, I won't be in your way, for now. Make yourselves at home." With a big grin, Nagase bowed his retreat and strode over to the two.

Fuji observed Tezuka who was already assessing a Spanish guitar with a dark body. His smile stretching slightly, he left Yuuta's side and approached the bespectacled man. "Beautiful guitar. Is it like yours?" he inquired politely. As if he did not know!

The guitarist inclined his head and Fuji was positive he could just drown in the twin hazel pools. "Iie. This is an Admira. Mine's a Cashimira."

"Aa, sou ka?" Fuji took a step closer, savoring the proximity. The journey to Chordz had been relatively quiet after Yuuta made that last comment but he did not mind. He could sense that Tezuka was uncomfortable despite the polite cover-up. Then again, even before getting into the Peugeot, the guitarist was already somewhat tensed. But Fuji could not help but indulge in those 'innocent' gestures. It was the least he could do to suppress his greedy desire.

Tezuka held his gaze a second longer before averting those eyes to his brother. "Yuuta-kun, this guitar is perfect for a newbie. I would like you to hold it please," the guitarist instructed as he reached for the guitar and gingerly lifted it off the display rack.

Yuuta approached them and Fuji issued an encouraging smile when Tezuka handed the guitar over. Yuuta gazed tentatively at the guitar and then slowly shook his head, as if afraid he would break the guitar. "It's alright, Tezuka-san. I trust your judgment." The look on Yuuta's face was amusing indeed and Fuji had to resist the urge to tease his brother.

Tezuka impelled the guitar forward gently, a mere inch between it and Yuuta. "Do not be fooled by its gentle curves, Yuuta-kun. The guitar is a manipulative creature. When it is in your arms, you will feel the impulsive urge to protect it, to cherish it. Your body will respond and you will want the guitar to be as close as possible to you."

Suddenly it seemed like the air-conditioner was not working, to Fuji at least. Those words, spoken in a gentle recital despite the rich baritone of Tezuka's voice, invoked a familiar tremor and warmth within him. Perhaps Inui had been right—he did crave for companionship. Unconsciously, his hidden eyes settled upon the guitarist's lips and he recalled that fateful night a week ago when he first laid eyes on the man, convinced that those lips were the most mesmeric feature crafted upon the fine face. Ah, the rein he had to place upon himself from lunging forward and seized those ruby jewels.

Yuuta, meanwhile, was equally captivated and his hand reached out almost robotically to acquire the guitar from Tezuka. The Admira soon found itself nestled awkwardly but firmly in Yuuta's embrace. Tezuka gave a slight nod and turned round to reach for another, this time one with a cream body, almost like that of his Cashimira. Without another word, he positioned the guitar adeptly in his arms, right hand holding the long graceful neck and the body, reminiscent of a female torso, pressed closed to his belly and enveloped by the left hand. Tezuka motioned with his eyes for Yuuta to follow his act.

The blessed guitar did not realize how fortunate it was to be in such strong yet compassionate hands. Fuji would do almost anything to be the one in Tezuka's arms. He forced his attention to Yuuta, who had mimicked his instructor perfectly and was now clearly more interested. The grip upon the Admira was almost possessive, proof that the guitar was indeed a manipulative being. Out of the corners of his eyes, he noticed that Tezuka had seated himself on one of the cushioned stools positioned for comfort and was beckoning Yuuta to join him.

Rather than be covetous, Fuji could not help but smirk when Yuuta moved forward, compliant. Gone was the insolent youth from before. Fuji remained where he was, merely watching the seated two. He saw Tezuka darting a quick glance at him before focusing on Yuuta and he instantly felt like a silly schoolgirl whose crush had acknowledged her existence when he looked her way.

I am going crazy.

Tezuka was saying something to his brother then. "Are you comfortable holding it?" The guitars were now at ease upon their laps.

"Aa."

The bespectacled man gave a satisfied nod. "Getting a comfortable guitar is very important if you want to play it at its best. You can bring home the guitar right now but I want you to explore its contours first, to understand its beauty and to familiarize yourself with it." Seeing the comprehension flashed across Yuuta's face, Tezuka then proceeded to lift his right hand off the body and positioned one finger on the curved tip of the guitar's head. Gently, he ran the finger down one side of the head, up and over the three white tuning pegs. "These are called tuning pegs," he explained in a quiet drone. "By tightening them, you increase the string's tension which results in a higher pitch. Vice-versa if you want a lower pitch."

The excursion resumed with Tezuka explaining and trailing the various parts of the guitar. When the finger traced the smooth side, Fuji envisioned the same finger on his own curves and the prior tremor he experienced uncoiled back to life. He could feel the slight strain in maintaining his smiling façade then. Dear heavens, this is getting out of hand. To be easily triggered as such… I've experienced nothing like this before!

Fuji realized he had been holding his breath. He exhaled slowly then and resumed his interest on Tezuka and Yuuta, only to note that the little lesson was over and they were now engaged in a quiet conversation. He took a step closer and just then, Nagase-san appeared out of nowhere and stood beside him.

"Saa, Tezuka… how about a little demonstration on the guitar for your student?" the store keeper suggested with a quick wink to Fuji.

"An excellent idea, Nagase-san. I want to hear for myself this talent that you and my friend keep talking about. You too, right, Yuuta?"

Yuuta answered the question with that infamous stare of his. Tezuka was looking reluctant but nevertheless obliged. "Just a short piece," he relented.

After a few testing strums, Tezuka began his exquisite magic, the song played was one Fuji had never heard before. Amidst the musical pampering, Fuji did not miss the chance to observe his brother who was clearly enraptured and hanging on to every note that echoed. His smile widened then upon realizing that the first phase of his plan was duly accomplished.

I'm one step closer to you now, Tezuka…

Yes, it's finally completed! Phew…

Now, in case verse 4 have in some ways displeased you guys, please refrain from flaming me too much ne. Bear in mind that I'm battling writer's block as well as school just to bring this long-delayed chapter to life. Poor me… hehe ^_^;

p/s: Sorry for long chappie! And about Chordz's owner, I wanted to use someone from the canon series initially but decided that no one seemed to be perfect for the role. So in the end, I made use of an OC instead—Nagase Akizawa.