lovefujitez

Title: The Choices He Keeps
Day/Theme: February 22, 2008 / "My heart is hardn'd, I cannot repent"
Characters: Tezuka/Fuji - Konomi owns PoT characters, I just write about them

Rating/Warnings : PG 1092 words.

A/N: AU- Tezuka and Fuji are Tokyo University students and share an apartment together. A snapshot of their life together, sharing moments to make memories.

Memory: ... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.

oOo

One's philosophy is not best expressed in words;
it is expressed in the choices one makes
... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.

He went through the list for the last time, making sure he purchased all the needed supplies before heading home. Tezuka will be staying at his parents’ home for the weekend to prepare for next week’s busy activities. Fuji left for Hongkong as planned. He had no choice but to opt out of the trip and let Fuji’s older sister join him instead, since Atobe was accompanying them for the weekend tour, he made sure Fuji was not alone. The trip was in exchange for the favor they did during the Christmas holiday for Atobe’s fund raising activities, Fuji took pictures of children with Santa and his helper Elf Tezuka. Both men wore Elf costumes and tights for two weeks, which fed Atobe’s amusement.

He parked his SUV at the back entrance of his parents’ home instead of pulling into the garage. Tezuka already had his working area set up when he previously delivered the bigger supplies, setting up a work area for him to use during his weekend sojourn. He began unloading the other stuff from his car, taking boxes and bags of supplies in the garage. Tezuka’s father appeared from the kitchen watching his son set down the stuff from his car. Very much like the son, the older Tezuka dawns his stern demeanor. Tezuka paced towards his father, bowed his respect and they exchange the perfunctory greetings between father and son.

“Thank you for having me this weekend, otosan.” Tezuka respectfully bowed with his greeting.

“Welcome home son.” Tezuka-san replied, “You got everything out from your car?” He queried.

“Yes sir.” Tezuka replied.

“Good, your mother prepared some tea and snacks, you will join us then.” Tezuka-san stated, waiting for his son to walk with him into the house.

Tezuka’s mother greeted the two men as she prepared tea for them. She couldn’t hide her happiness having her son spend the weekend at home. “Your grandfather will be home soon.” She announced.

“Thank you for having me.” Tezuka bowed to greet his mother. Tezuka’s mother welcomed him with a hug and walked with him to the family room.

“How long is Fuji-kun staying in Hong Kong?” His mother asked, handing Tezuka his cup of tea.

“Just for the weekend, okasan.” Tezuka replied, accepting the cup his mother offered.

“Congratulations for winning the semi-finals match. I read the article in the sports section that was quite a picture shot they have of you.” Tezuka’s father stated proudly.

“Fuji took that picture.” Tezuka replied, his eyes gleaming for a moment upon uttering Fuji’s name. He remembered seeing Fuji and the sports journalist talking at the bleachers during the awards ceremony.

“It looks like his career path’s pretty much determined.” Tezuka’s father stated, he sipped his tea and laid the dainty porcelain tea cup on it service plate. “What are you planning to do when you complete you studies, Kunimitsu.”

Tezuka was not surprised about his father’s query. The discussion has been hushed for quite some time, he knew it would eventually be to laid on the table. “I would like to pursue my tennis and work on industrial designs at the same time.” Tezuka eyed his parents waiting for the questions they really wanted to ask him.

“ And Fuji-kun? Where does he fit in this picture?” Tezuka’s father asked. “We pretty much have been open-minded about your choices and we still are. We, well I would like to know what the two of you are planning to do.”

Tezuka carefully thought of his response to the question asked. For a while now, he’s reflected on his relationship with Fuji, although not much have been discussed between the two, he is quite confident about Fuji’s desire to stay with him for the long haul. Tezuka bowed low before his parents to show his deep appreciation for his parents’ open-mindedness.

“I am truly grateful for your understanding and accepting Fuji-kun. I can only speak for myself. I wish to share my life with him and no one else.” Tezuka closed his eyes in relief, thankful he is still facing the tatami covered floor.

There was a prolonged silence. Tezuka hoped his honesty will not strain the good relationship in his family but he is not one to lie.

“Lift your head Kunimitsu and face us.” Tezuka’s father ordered. Tezuka did as he was told, eyeing back to father with the equal sternness. “Your mother and I appreciate your honesty. We do not oppose your choice, it is not what we wish for our only son but we are not going to deny you your happiness. Fuji-kun is a good man.” Tezuka’s father nodded approvingly.

“Have you and Fuji-kun discussed your plans?” Tezuka’s mother inquired.

“The opportunity has not presented itself but I think it will soon.” Tezuka replied smiling. “Thank you very much for your approval. This means so much to Syusuke-kun and me.”

“Kunimitsu your happiness is what your father and I hope for. It will not be easy but we are confident you have thought of your choices carefully.” Tezuka’s mother stated.

“Hai, you have taught me well and I am not one to be careless.” Tezuka reiterated.

The rest of the discussion was spent with Tezuka informing his parents of his plans for Fuji’s birthday and the present he designed to create for him. His parents were excited as well and offered to help with the preparations.

After they finished with their tea, Tezuka and his father headed to the garage and worked on Fuji’s present. Tezuka’s father was amazed at the intricate design Tezuka created. Both father and son began measuring the pieces of wood before cutting it into pieces.

Later in the afternoon, Tezuka’s grandfather joined them and helped out with carving the ivory pieces. Tezuka was busy glueing the pieces together while Tezuka’s father worked on smoothing the surface area of the remaining pieces of wood.

Come dinnertime, Tezuka’s mother called the three men to clean up for dinner. She came to the garage to see the three men hovered around the utility table and admiring the item on the table. Tezuka’s mother joined them and saw the completed piece and admired the beautiful item before her.

“Syusuke-kun will be very happy with his present. It is so beautiful.” Tezuka’s mother proudly stated. “This is truly a gift of love Kunimitsu and a welcome gift as well from the family.”

oOo

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