Twelve years later 5

Author’s notes: The last chapter. Hope you enjoyed the story and hope the ending was ok! Last plea for reviews: I hope to see more reviews on the fic, please? Quite sad to see low numbers every time I write... haiz...

Well, just to ramble on a bit more. This fic is really quite short I guess? But my initial intention was just to write about the reunion and then full stop :P Never occurred to me to write about OCs either, so sorry if that disappointed you. I don't do well with OCs nor female characters :P (cos Tezuka and Eiji belongs to me! like real...) Will I write a sequel? Hmm, I don't know! Haven't got any ideas yet. The only fic I want to write a sequel for is "When it bends". Heh, trying to stop myself from doing it though.

I am supposed to do a FujixEiji fic, but I don't have any ideas just yet... Hmm, what should I do?!

OK enough of rambling. Thanks for reading!

“Eiji senpai, what are you going to write about next?” Satisfied with his upcoming treat, Momoshiro’s mood became even better. “The cat series was interesting.”

“Of course it was interesting, Karupin was in one of the articles,” stated Echizen with a hint of pride in his voice. Karupin was his pride and joy. Though the cat was now very old, its playful nature still revealed itself from time to time - usually through sudden attacks on Echizen Nanjiroh’s foot.

Eiji looked thoughtful and then grinned at his ex team mates. “I am thinking about writing something more human-based, and though I didn’t have any idea now, I’m sure I will come up with something soon.”

Fuji glanced curiously at his friend. That grin wasn’t that simple. Eiji definitely had something up his sleeves.

The redhead caught Fuji’s glance and grinned even wider. Fuji was sharp enough to detect that he was lying. Eiji did have an idea about what to write, but he needed some time to prepare and wanted it to be a surprise to his ex team mates.

“We look forward to your new articles, Eiji,” Oishi smiled and gave him a thumbs-up.

“Thank you! I hope I won’t disappoint you all.”

A glint of light flashed from the side, and then, Inui spoke. “There is no chance that you will disappoint us. I’m sure that it is going to be a pleasant surprise.”

The slightly eerie smile on Inui’s face spooked the juniors, but Eiji didn’t miss the encouragement in his speech. Flashing a grateful smile at the data man, the redhead nodded and thanked him.

Some more idle chatter followed as the night continued. The number of customers in the sushi restaurant started to dwindle, and soon, only the ex Seigaku regulars remained. The empty plates piled up neatly at one side, and Taka-san started removing some of the bottles from the counter and placed them on the floor to clear some space. It was already getting very late, and though all of them were tired, no one wanted to be the first to suggest that it was time to go. Getting together again took so much effort and everyone wanted it to last as long as it could.

But Eiji knew that all good things had to come to an end. When no conversation flowed for a few minutes, the redhead spoke up.

“It’s late, time to go. We’ll all miss the last train if we stay any longer.”

Everyone looked at Eiji. The young man was still wearing a cheerful smile though all could see that he was just as sad to see the party end.

“Let’s go. Taka-san needs to tidy up the place as well.” Oishi was the first to stand up and collect his belongings from the floor. His rapport and silent support for his partner was still as strong, thought the rest of the group as they saw Eiji's appreciative smile directed at Oishi.

Tezuka and Inui were the next to stand, and soon, everyone followed.

“When will we all meet again?’ Despite his efforts to sound cheerful, Momoshiro found himself sounding a little sad.

The redhead placed an arm over his junior’s shoulders. "I’ll call you again for burgers. And we’ll probably all meet again when Fuji, Inui and Kaidou come back.”

“We may come back during the New Year. In the meantime, keep in contact.” Inui smiled a little.

“I’ll contact you when I am in Japan too.” Echizen was the next to speak up.

“You better call, or I’ll hound you like the paparazzi,” joked his favourite spiky haired senior as he ruffled Echizen’s hair playfully.

“Che…”

Everyone broke out in laughter at the familiar scene.

“Come by anytime for sushi,” said Taka-san in his gentle voice. “My shop is always open for all of you.”

“Taka-san, I will come by again tomorrow to talk to you about the topic we discussed just now.”

“Thanks, Tezuka. I appreciate your help.” The sushi chef smiled warmly at his ex captain.

“Ja,” Eiji’s cheerful voice broke the momentary silence again. “Let’s head for the train station! Thanks for the wonderful sushi, Taka-san! You are the best sushi chef in Japan!”

Everyone nodded and thanked him for the great dinner. Taka-san blushed and placed his hand behind his head shyly and accepted the compliments.

“Good night!”

“Good night, senpai!”

The team stepped out from the restaurant and split up into different groups as they headed home in different directions. Eiji walked a short distance with Momoshiro and Fuji, and then turned northwards when they reached a cross road. He waved goodbye to his friends and continued his journey home alone. The night wind was no longer as strong, and Eiji uncrossed his arms as he strolled along the quiet walkway.

Then, his phone started to buzz continuously, startling the redhead out of his random thoughts. Puzzled by the sudden influx of mails, Eiji quickly reached into his pocket and took out the phone. His eyes widened when he scrolled down the list. All the mails were from his ex team mates, including Tezuka. They had sent messages to thank him for organizing the gathering and wished him well for his upcoming articles.

Eiji read each message carefully, chuckling a little at some of the messages, and then kept the phone in his pocket again. My eyes must be really dry due to the wind nya, thought the redhead as he blinked back some of the warm moisture that were threatening to fall.

That’s why these tears are forming.

When Tezuka returned to his room from his regular morning meetings, he saw the latest copy of Eiji’s magazine placed on his desk. His secretary must have picked it up in the morning knowing that he liked to read this publication. The stoic man sat down and turned to Eiji’s latest article. His brows were raised in surprise when he read the title.

“The road to the Nationals – A story of how we made it through: Part 1.”

Tezuka's interest was piqued and ignoring the flashing message lights on his office phone, he read the entire article from start to finish at one go. Satisfied with the good read, he then stood up and placed the magazine carefully on top of a small stack on one of the shelves. He had kept all the articles Eiji wrote so far, and this new series would most likely end up as his favourite. As he glanced again at the magazine, a thought came to his mind. Perhaps he should call Eiji to offer some of his thoughts on the team as well.

Oishi eagerly picked up the magazine from the newsstand. He was on the way to work, but he could still spare a few minutes to flip through the contents. The dark green eyes widened when he found what he was looking for. So Eiji was writing about the Seigaku team? Oishi quickly scanned through the page and caught a part on himself in the dedications list

After reading the words Eiji dedicated to him, Oishi closed the magazine to calm his emotions. He wasn’t the better half of the Golden Pair; Eiji was. He wondered why the redhead never realized that his tennis skills had already surpassed his partner along the way. Oishi made a mental note to tell Eiji when they next meet.

And then Oishi frowned. What was that "Mother-hen" nickname doing in there?!

Inui and Kaidou looked at each other. Was that how Eiji viewed them?

“Don’t mind it too much, Inui senpai.”

“Ah. Thank you, Kaidou. I probably should send Eiji some of our new samples.” The data man pushed his signature glasses up and the resultant flash of light made even Kaidou hiss and retreat. Never mess with Inui, Eiji senpai…

Taka-san carefully cut the article out from the magazine and framed it up before hanging it prominently on one of the walls. He then mentally noted the next few places to clear on his wall to make space for the subsequent installments. The article was fantastic, and it chronicled their road to one of his greatest prides in life. This story was something that should be shared with everyone.

Momoshiro’s fiancée blinked as she read on.

“Was this how you all were like last time?”

“Well, more or less. Eiji senpai exaggerated a bit at times though,” the red faced tennis coach tried to bluff his way through. Did Eiji senpai have to list down how he extorted treats from his senior and the number of burgers he ate? It wasn’t good for his image at all!

“But you seemed powerful. Dunk smash, was it called?” She giggled at Momoshiro’s embarrassment and decided to let him boast a little.

“Ah, that part is true! How many opponents have fallen under my strong attacks! And I had Jack knife, and ...”

“Mada mada dane,” the tennis professional pulled his cap down as he closed the magazine. He had to hide the smirk on his face, else his manager would probably think that he had gone bonkers. Eiji had just made him feel even more motivated. A pillar again, huh? That sounded really good. He'll show his seniors what he could achieve.

Fuji couldn’t stop chuckling at the dedications. Inui and Kaidou weren’t going to be very pleased, but well, that’s where the fun would start.

“Why are you laughing like that, Fuji?” The redhead wasn’t pleased with his friend’s reaction.

“Well, the dedications are very interesting.” Fuji cleared his throat and started reading out loud.

“Dedicated to:

Buchou: The pillar of the team who endured all our rowdiness to accomplish one common dream. Without your vision and perseverance, the dream would never have come true.

Fuku buchou aka Mother-hen: My one and only doubles partner and the better half of the Golden Pair. Your warm smiles still remain in our hearts – useful for cold and dreary days. Don’t stop smiling, nya?”

The Tensai: Pass me some of the photos you secretly took during our practices? I need to refresh my memories. Let me know if you need wasabi rolls sent to you via mail.

Burning-san: I miss your gentle smiles and sudden outbursts of English. Try practicing with your sushi knife! But don’t scare off your customers!

The Mad Scientist: We know you had good intentions, but honestly, you would be much nicer without your bubbling concoctions…

The snake: Don’t hiss so much. You are a grown up boy and a very sweet one too!

The Powerhouse: Don’t eat too many burgers (especially if I am the one paying). I missed the jokes and the good times we had. Don’t stop being you.

And last but not least,

Ochibi: I won’t mention names in case you claim royalty from me. You were a strong pillar in our team (though a little short). Now that you are much taller, be the pillar of Japan’s tennis. We are counting on you to further our dreams.”

“Was it that weird?” Eiji asked worriedly.

“No, I think it’s good.” Fuji smiled widely. “Just let me know if Inui sends you anything in retaliation.”

The eyes on the redhead widened in horror.

“Keep sending me these magazines when I am over there, ok?” Fuji patted his friend’s hands to comfort him. “I am a fan of your story already.”

“Thanks, Fuji.” Eiji beamed at his friend.

“Now, I have a few suggestions on what you can write next…” started Fuji as he opened his eyes slightly.

“I won’t hear anything! Don’t tell me!” Putting his hands to his ears, Eiji grimaced and refused to listen. He just received a mail from Tezuka and Oishi offering him snippets from their own memories. The thing was, though they were talking about the same incident, they sounded as though they were talking about different things. Eiji didn’t want to be confused with a third perspective. They seemed to have forgotten that it was his story based on his memories.

“Ok, don’t listen then. You won’t have anyone to talk to after I leave tomorrow,” sighed the manipulative tensai.

“I’ll hound you!”

“I won’t pick up the phone.”

“I call all your neighbours.”

“Saa, I wonder how you will get their numbers.”

“...”

“I’ll be back soon, let’s all gather again then.” Fuji laughed at his friend’s downcast expression. He was already missing his ex team mates, especially after reading Eiji’s story.

“We’ll be seeing you off tomorrow. Inui, Kaidou, Tezuka and Momo will be there too.”

Fuji looked surprised. “There’s no need…”

Eiji stopped Fuji and spoke first. “There is a need. I want to make sure that you miss us enough to come back.”

Fuji smiled and nodded. “I will. There’s no place like home.”

The redhead was satisfied with his answer and they moved on to discuss the story again despite Eiji's initial protests.

Writing a story to remember his tennis days came up during the gathering. Eiji had thought hard about a way to keep all of them connected, and what better way was there than to record down their road to glory? He hoped that with every installment he wrote, the team would be kept close together as they share in their common memories and thus continue to cherish the bonds they fostered. That was the only thing Eiji could do to keep the Seigaku spirit burning on.

The end