Reception
The world was dropping out from under his feet, leaving him to stand on nothing at all. He stuttered and fumbled for words. “E-Eiji.”
It was some comfort that Eiji seemed just as discomfited by their meeting as he was. “What are you doing here?” he asked, finally.
“I was invited--” Shuichirou spread his hands.
“By Fuji?”
“Yes.” It was peculiar, but he couldn’t read Eiji’s expression. “I should have known better. He only smiles like that when he’s planning something.”
“Yeah.” Eiji looked away.
The words came tumbling out. “I really shouldn’t be here, so I’ll just find Fuji and give him my apologies--”
“I wouldn’t accept them.” Fuji’s hand came down on his shoulder, rather more heavily than was friendly. “Surely you won’t leave so early, Oishi?”
“I don’t think I should stay,” Shuichirou said, with a glance at Eiji.
Eiji finally looked at him again. “Do what you want,” he said, careless. “It doesn’t matter to me.” He turned away and drifted into the crowd, and as far as Shuichirou could tell, he had meant every word.
Fuji released his grip on Shuichirou’s shoulder. “Interesting,” he noted.
“You shouldn’t have done this,” he hissed.
“Shouldn’t have done what?” Fuji’s smile was bland and gave away nothing.
“You tricked me,” he said.
“That,” Fuji said calmly, “is because you wanted to be tricked.” Shuichirou stared at him. “What’s the matter? Don’t you care to deal with the consequences of your own actions?” He patted Shuichirou’s shoulder. “Do enjoy the reception.” He moved off, joining a cluster of guests.
The worst part of this, Shuichirou reflected, lifting a flute of champagne from the tray of a circulating waiter, was that he had earned every bit of this.
It was going to be a long evening.
end
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Prince of Tennis created by: Konomi Takeshi (manga), I.G. Anime (anime). Manga licensed by: Viz Media. Anime licensed by: Cartoon Network. Further information.