It was a surprise of the most pleasant kind when Tachibana spotted Tezuka Kunimitsu outside the small convenience store. A day of hobbling around on crutches had left him frustrated at his situation, but seeing the other teen was promising that things could be looking up.

"Tezuka," he smiled as he limped his way over. "It's good to see you."

Tezuka nodded in greeting. "You look...well."

"I'm healing. As you are." Another nod, as Tezuka subconsciously brought his right hand up to clutch his left shoulder. And then Tachibana lifted his own hand, touching the other teen's fingers. "It's...really good to see you," he said softly.

They were still a moment, and then Tezuka gently pushed his hand away, just as none other than Atobe Keigo came up and stood beside him. The Hyoutei captain looked Tachibana up and down, then pointedly kissed Tezuka on the side of the head. Then he turned to the third, and gave a smug, and somewhat challenging grin. "Hey, it's you. How are you doing?"

Tachibana hobbled a step back. He hadn't known Tezuka and Atobe were an item. Well, ok, he sort of did, and it made odd sense, when he thought about it, but something in his heart didn't want to believe. Somehow...it hurt.

"I'm fine," he responded at last.

"Well, that's good to hear. And it's nice to see you back out on your feet. ... Mostly. Sadly, though, Tezuka and I must get going or we'll be late for our movie." He gave a wave as he walked off passed him, pulling Tezuka along by the arm. The gaze Tezuka and Tachibana shared as they passed went unseen.

Black eyes watched them leave, realizing just how important Tezuka was to him. But when he considered what he was up against, they slowly closed in sorrow.