[Prince of Tennis] Seven Days: The Fifth

[shiraume_fic]

Seven Days: The Fifth

361 words. Rated G. Slice of life with a hint of romance. Originally written 10/10/2011.



Calling It Like It Is

Fuji never called him "captain." Actually, none of the third-years ever did – whereas second-years and first-years, even the ever-insolent Echizen, always referred to him as "captain."

It was inevitable, he supposed. When the batch of current second-years first entered Seigaku, Tezuka had been the team's vice-captain. When Echizen entered, he was the captain. But when the third-years entered Seigaku together, he was just Tezuka Kunimitsu. While being the captain of Seigaku Tennis Club was a privilege and an honor, he was secretly glad the third-years always called him by name and not by his title.

Especially Fuji. Not that he'd admit it aloud; Fuji would take to calling him "captain" just to be contrary.

"Tezuka."

Tezuka slowed down a tiny bit, until Fuji caught up with him. Earlier, he'd seen Fuji cornered by the same girl from the school newspaper right after the practice finished. "What did she want?"

"She wanted to ask me more questions for the profile she's putting together. Apparently, she's planning to title it the 'Tensai Talk.'"

A lot of people called him "Prodigy Fuji Syuusuke" as if the word prodigy was part of his name. For a moment, a sudden realization made Tezuka frown, that he had never once thought of Fuji as "the Prodigy." To him, Fuji was...Fuji.

"She should just use your name."

Fuji hummed thoughtfully, then smiled. "Well. You know how it is. Newspaper articles need catchy titles. 'Fuji Talk' just doesn't have the same impact."

"Then she should call it as it is."

"Just 'Profiles'? Tezuka." Fuji's tone was that of a light admonishment, but his eyes betrayed his merriment.

Tezuka shrugged minutely. "Your name is Fuji."

Fuji flashed him a smile that was smaller but brighter, and said, "Technically, my name is Syuusuke."

Tezuka's mouth quirked briefly. "Only in private."

"So I can call you Kunimitsu?" There was an undercurrent of laughter in Fuji's voice. Tezuka gave him an arch look.

"Don't make me repeat myself."

Fuji's laugh was full and sweet. In answer, Tezuka let his hand brush against Fuji's, savoring the warmth of the lingering contact.

And if their hands kept brushing all the way home, neither minded it.



Note: Despite numerous fanfiction examples to the contrary, none of the third-years call Tezuka "buchou" in canon. I thought that was interesting. And telling. :)