Breakfast had gone cold, long since forgotten about in the midst of their conversation that had since elevated into something more. Words became both heated and icy as neither budged an inch from their position.

"I just don't think you should go," Tezuka repeated simply.

"It would be good for my career," was Atobe's response.

"It's too soon. You're not ready for such a big tournament in such a far off place."

"Are you saying I couldn't handle it!?"

"No, just that you'd be better off waiting until next year. Your skills will be more definite then."

"My skills are just fine now!" Atobe was officially insulted. Did Tezuka really have so little faith in him? Did he really think he couldn't take on the best in the world? His eyes narrowed. "You're just mad because I'm better than you." That was it, he was now upset enough to complete battiness.

"You know that's not true."

He stood up then. "Well I'm going, whether you like it or not." And then he stormed out of the room.

"And that's how he left, without another word." Tezuka took a sip of his tea, then set the cup down.

Fuji looked at his friend with downcast eyes. Sadly, he could relate. "It's never good to part angry."

"....I know."

They were at a pleasant outdoor cafe, drinking tea and catching up. The weather was nice and it did wonders to lighten Tezuka's mood, as did the chance to talk about his troubles. It helped clear his mind, and he could look at things with a wider point-of-view, as well as getting input from his genius friend.

"I think.." Fuji started, and waited for Tezuka's raised eyebrow of acknowledgment before continuing. "Perhaps it's something more than you think he was not ready for the tournament." He fixed the other with a gaze. "It's not Atobe you're worried about, is it?"

Tezuka picked up his cup again. "This is the first time he and I have been so far apart since we moved in together." And took another drink. "I'm not sure I like it."

"Ahh, young love," Fuji chuckled.

"Hn."

That only served to make the tensai giggle more, until Tezuka glared at him. "All right," he conceded. "Your secret is safe with me. I won't tell Atobe how much you miss him." The other's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing, and Fuji decided it was time to move the conversation along. "In another few years, Yuuta will probably start traveling for tournaments as well.."

Dark turquoise eyes scanned the crowd, looking for a tall friend. Atobe had asked Kabaji to pick him up from the airport, since he wasn't sure Tezuka would be willing to, given the way he left..

Tezuka....

The truth was, he missed his lover. Even more than he thought he would. He had left without saying goodbye, and didn't call the whole time he was gone. Perhaps it was a bit petty - just a little - but damn it, if he was going to be treated like a child about this, then maybe he would act like it.

So it was a big surprise when he saw Tezuka waiting for him, holding a small bouquet of flowers.

He calmly approached the other man, who gave him a small smile, the bouquet, and a kiss on the cheek, in that order. "Where's Kabaji?"

"At his home, I suspect," Tezuka replied. "He was the one who suggested I come pick you up."

Atobe briefly closed his eyes and smirked. "Ah, that meddler."

They regarded each other silently for a moment, and then Tezuka spoke, saying "I'm sorry. It wasn't you who was not ready for you to go away."

He didn't respond right away. He was quiet for a minute, then replied "I know. And I forgive you." He began walking toward the baggage claim, with Tezuka falling easily in step beside him. "I did bring a trophy back for you."

"Of course."

"Not first place, mind you, but it'll do for now. Perhaps I'll get you first place next year."

He paused, and then smiled.

"My skills will be more definite then."