Warning: ooc on my part? Additional pairing: let's put in OishiKiku. Yeah, why not. Everyone likes that.

Disclaimer: Please, I'm poor...

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Earth?

The word reverberated at the back of his mind. As in the motherplanet? He remembered reading several books on other advanced life forms. They were all praised for their achievements, their strengths and their advancements, but the books also all pointed to the same reference over and over again.

The people of Earth.

The very civilization that first reached out to the vast void of space, the adventurous ones—these human beings.

How in hell did he get here!

Ryoma shot up from the bed despite the pounding headache and looked around in desperation. This was definitely a dream. His gaze traveled about the room before landing it on the individual before him...only to feel his lips twist into a frown. Was he laughing at him? He quickly turned the other way in annoyance.

Fuji leaned over the bed and tilted his head to catch the displeased expression on Ryoma's face. "I'm sorry Ryoma. I didn't mean to make fun of you. Please accept my apology."

It would have been more believable if only he didn't smile that way. Ah well, too late now.

Fuji took a silent moment to observe the youth before him. Those bruised cheeks had regained most of its peachy color and those deep olive eyes had cleared considerably. He spotted a frail shoulder peeking out from the slightly oversized hospital gown but suppressed himself from reaching out a curious finger to touch that creamy skin. After all, there was only so much Ryoma can tolerate...for the moment. His eyes traveled down to his arm and noted with satisfaction that those swollen red cuts were gone. He remembered how angry he was when he first saw them.

There was no need to worry now. Ryoma will recover to full health.

He raised his head to look at Ryoma. Now, that wouldn't do, he thought with a growing smile. Holding a grudge over such a small thing! He'd better catch his attention again.

Fuji quietly scooted closer and leaned in...

---

Inui Sadaharu had always thought that any sensible person would listen to the doctor. Wasn't it common knowledge to know that a doctor only had the patient's health in mind? Unfortunately, that didn't apply to everyone.

He turned into another brightly lit hallway and resumed his brisk walk. Gah, just remembering how he handled these people granted his nerves. All that whining and yelling and finger pointing...

But of course, he always had backups to... convince them. And after that, they were often much, much more cooperative. He crackled silently, fondly recalling the time Eiji broke his leg and had to stay in bed for a month. Sure Eiji wasn't happy, but then again, neither was anyone else who was watching over him. After two days, Inui decided that he had enough and pulled out his secret weapon. Heck, even Oishi couldn't stand it anymore. And that spoke volumes.

But he was good. And difficult. Not only did he defy his orders to rest more, but he also was woefully immune to his Inui juices.

And only he would dare to wake him up at 6 in the morning.

Inui's glasses glinted dangerously as he lifted his head to catch those strangled yelps coming from the end of the hallway.

Note to self: attempt another Golden Deluxe Penal Tea version for Fuji.

But then again, he didn't really mind the troubles Fuji caused... as long as it didn't involve him. And if that happened, it was rare, because they both shared the common pleasure to torture others.

Heh. It felt great to find someone of similar interest—

"Ah—ahhhhhhhhhhh!"

—and there was also the deep sorrow reserved for those caught in their plans.

He laid a hand on the doorknob and listened as more sounds emitted from those heavily closed doors.

"Wha—what are you doing! You...you!" The voice was in hysterics. That would he the boy, Inui thought.

Then came that sweet patient voice. "You? Ryoma-kun, where are your manners? My name is Fuji Syusuke. Say Fuji." (A/N: ^.^ )

There was a slight pause before the other tried again. "I don't care what your name is, just stop coming closer!"

"Now, is that any way to treat someone who had toiled day and night just to watch over you? I deserve some recognition from you at least."

"Hmmm? I'm waiting."

"...Fuji..."

"That's it?" Fuji sounded disappointed enough.

"What else were you expecting!" Ack, exasperation. That was not something that should be shown to one such as Fuji Syusuke.

"Saa...I was hoping that you'll add something to the end of my name. I'm older than you..." The voice trailed off.

"...Fuji-senpai." The last part sounded quite strained.

"That's better." was the smug reply.

Inui rolled his eyes. All right, it was time to bust in there before Fuji could inflict any more trauma than necessary. He straightened his white jacket, turned the doorknob, proceeded to walk in and nearly fell over from the scene.

The covers were in a disarray. Half of them were on the floor while the other half were used as a hopeless attempt for a fort to hold off the light brown haired individual. The pillows had bunched up into a little hill behind the boy's back, preventing him from any further (if possible) efforts at shrinking away. The boy was already irreversibly scarred, from what Inui can see, being cornered and all. He was tightly squished between the headboard/pillows and Fuji, who had gleefully climbed onto the bed.

Both heads whipped around to look at the newcomer; one had a pair of wide, panicked eyes and the other with closed and happy ones.

"Ah, Inui! Come take a look at Ryoma!" Fuji cheerfully slid off the bed to greet him.

"Quite forward, aren't you? Whatever happened to that prince charming attitude?" Inui spoke rather dryly as he gestured vaguely with his head towards the bed.

A smile and a helpless shrug. "Oh well. At least I'm not asking him to marry me like that time with Yuuta..."

Both turned to face Ryoma, who snapped back in fear.

"...yet."

Looks like it won't be such a long morning after all, thought Inui with hidden delight.

---

Ryoma scowled at his food. This place is dangerous, he decided. After the doctor came, he was ordered to do a fury of humiliating tasks, from jumping on one foot shirtless to drawing toilet seats to the best of his ability...shirtless. He was certain that half of them weren't even necessary. And when he tried to point this out, that vile doctor—that Inui-senpai, as he was forced to call—pulled out some gruesome bubbling pink liquid out of nowhere and invited him for a taste. Just a drop of that and he nearly gagged. So in the end, he had to endure.

He narrowed his eyes and glared towards his left. Plus the fact that Fuji (he seethed at the name) watched him like a vulture— no, make that a smirking vulture— throughout the episode didn't make the situation any better.

And when the evil doctor finally left, (but not before leaving a string of threats about how the both of them should stay in bed and not wander around like mindless zombies,) people began to drop by. One or two he could handle, but when it escalated to five, that was already pushing the limit. He was unused to the noise and it made his headache worse. But he would rather be damned before admitting that out loud, least that doctor came back.

He didn't care how much they were praised or glorified, human beings were scary things.

He took a deep calming breath and turned back to his food. He shouldn't get so worked up. They had saved him. He should be grateful; he should be relieved. At least he didn't end up like a pile of rotted flesh and bones only to be devoured by those beastly scavengers. He looked at his hands. They took care of him too. Out of kindness or some ulterior motive? It was hard to tell.

Then came the questions. Exactly why did they rescue him? Why did a nobody like him deserve a second chance? Why was he on Earth of all planets? How did they know his name?

He looked at the people gathered round the room. They had all come up and introduced themselves. It was awkward. He didn't know what to say to them. The three people who rescued him from Maho deserved more than his silence and mute nods. He owed them his life. And as for the rest of them, even if they didn't actively participate in the rescue, he knew they had some part in it. They acted so friendly to him, like they had known him for a long time.

It scared him that they were so friendly.

He bowed his head in shame. He really was worthless. He couldn't even muster out a simple 'thank you'. Ryoma fisted the covers in vexation. The orphanage had taught him well: anger, scorn, hostility, he had mastered them all...but that did not mean that he had forgotten kindness, appreciation or sincerity.

He jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and found himself face to face with Fuji. "Don't be so harsh on yourself," he said quietly.

Ryoma stared with open bewilderment. What—?

"Ochibi, nya, you don't like your chicken?" The redhead known as Kikumaru Eiji leaped over and took a seat on the bed. He lifted his own tray of food and pointed to his cabbage casserole. "You should've chosen something with more vegetables. You know how skinny and weak you already are. Here," Eiji began cutting half of his share, "try some."

"That's alright, Kikumaru-senpai. I'm not hung—"

"No, no! He should try my ravioli! Pasta equals carbohydrates, and carbohydrates equals energy!" Kawamura began to shout while swishing a fork around.

"What? Uso! Everyone knows that vegetables has vitamins! Isn't that right, Oishi?" Eiji stood up and began to pace towards the foot of the bed.

"...I suppose so—"

"You've all got it wrong! He needs meat, dammit!" cried Momo. "I'm a scholar so I should know!"

...and the chaos went on.

Ryoma groaned as he watched the three of them bicker. He then looked further beyond them and rested his eyes on the individual who had introduced himself as Tezuka Kunimitsu. He was seated on the sofa at the far side of the room typing away at his laptop. There was no indication given on whether or not he had noticed the argument in front of him. Ryoma frowned as he scrutinized the tall youth. He was different from the rest of them. He was reserved in a way that reminded him oddly of himself. Tezuka was proud, as Ryoma could easily tell, and held a type of stern air that demanded unconditional respect.

"He's our captain," came Fuji's voice.

"Is that why you all call him Tezuka-buchou?"

"Yes."

They turned back to watch the fight.

"Was he the one who arranged my rescue?"

"Now, Ryoma-kun, didn't we go through this before? I already told you that Eiji's ship happened to pass by Maho from a mission, and you were the only survivor he found."

"Then how did you know my name?"

That smile again. "I don't work in the department of intelligence for nothing."

"Then why were you looking after me?"

"To satisfy my curiosity." Fuji answered patiently. Those closed eyes weren't giving anything away.

"Then what about that bald guy who was so hell bent on taking me away back in Maho?"

"Hmm? A bald guy? Eiji never told me that." Fuji's face tilted upward in thought and put a finger against his cheek.

Ryoma jerked his head to look at the floor, defeated. "...liar," he whispered.

He turned back to Ryoma. "But what about you? Are you not happy to be here?" The voice sounded distant and uneasy, but it could just be his imagination.

"I'm not happy when people lie to me." Ryoma looked at his lap. "But I will accept Earth as my home."

I have nowhere else.

"Then that is answer enough." came the soft reply.

---

Ryoma looked about the room. It was Saturday, as he was told, and that meant no one had work. Momo and Eiji had pulled up chairs next to him to discuss on which ice cream flavor was the best; Kawamura had left for the local corner store for some food; Tezuka had planted himself in front of a desk; Oishi was alternating between talking quietly into a mobile phone and calming the growing argument between Momo and Eiji...and Fuji was reading a newspaper next to the balcony.

Just like another typical day.

In the two weeks after Ryoma woke up, they continued to visit. He found it to be a strange experience, finding people who he didn't know coming up to ask about him. They were kind and considerate, finding time to at least drop by to say hello, only to rush out again some minutes later. He felt glad and deeply fortunate. Yet at the same time, he was insecure and cynical and had often unintentionally snapped at them. But they were understanding and forgiving, and for that, he was thankful.

Ryoma knew these visiting days were drawing to a close. He had regained most of his strength and had no more of those splitting headaches. Fuji, too, even though Ryoma was never told why he was hospitalized, had drastic changes. His voice no longer had that breathless quality and his blue eyes had sharpened to a cloudless azure.

Ryoma bit his lower lip. He was acutely aware of those signs. He was ready to leave the hospital— but then what? Where will he stay? In an orphanage again?

He shook his head to clear that sinking feeling. If he was fated to stay in an orphanage, then he guessed that was where he belonged. And anyway, he couldn't possibility ask for anything more out of them. It wasn't in his right or capability.

"Echizen? Something wrong?"

Ryoma raised his head and realized that everyone had their eyes on him. Had he spaced out for a long time? He turned and noted that even Kawamura- senpai had returned from shopping.

"No."

"Don't say that and still have such a long face. You're going to be out of this cramped hospital soon, aren't you happy? Just think of your nice warm –ooohh." Momo realized his mistake too late, but at least he had the decency to look embarrassed.

The room went deadly silent.

"...that's all right, senpais, I can do well in an orphanage. That was where I stayed in Maho, so I'm used to—"

"You won't be going to any orphanage." Fuji cut in suddenly, his voice hard. Ryoma whipped his head around and stared at those blue eyes.

"Eh...that's right!" Even Eiji was surprised. "We're not so heartless to throw Ochibi out to some smelly, rotten orphanage!"

But where?

"It will have to be at someone's place." Tezuka's voice rang out like a beacon. Ryoma blinked. What?

"Ah, is that it? I would offer my place, but I live in a dorm, along with Eiji and Momo," said Oishi, his green eyes sympathizing.

"Yea, and if we do have an extra room, Momo would fill it up with his arcade games and stink it up with his favorite cheeseballs!" Eiji slung an arm over Oishi's shoulder and made a helpless wave in the air.

"Eiji-senpai, that was mean! It's not like you won't be fighting over that space to put your precious teddy bear collection!"

"Hey! Who was the one who sacrificed half of his closet space for your ridiculous fad for purple shirts?"

"It was all Mizuki-senpai's fault!"

Ok, this is getting stupid, thought Ryoma. They don't need to make fun of him like this. Just say that no one has any room and everything will be fine.

"I live in a one room apartment," said Tezuka rather gruffly.

"Sorry Echizen, but I live with my father above a sushi restaurant and already, we have so little space to spare." Kawamura offered a sad smile.

Ryoma felt his head drop lower in defeat and false hopes.

"Soooo," Eiji spun around from his argument with Momo. "That only leaves...Fuji!"

Fuji tilted his head in amusement. "Me?"

Whoa, whoa. Ryoma felt his heart stop. This was already too much. If only he could say something that would stop them from going down this senseless train of thought and make them reconsider...

"Wait, Kikumaru-senpai—!"

"It would be perfect, Fuji! Your house has so much space! I honestly don't know why you would own such a spacey place if you only use only one room...eh, wait, make that two counting the bathroom. So what do you say? For Ochibi?"

"Saa, that doesn't sound like a bad idea at all."

Ryoma's eyes widened even more. Already he couldn't stand that infernal teasing and now he had to live under the same roof as him?

"But Kikumaru-senpai, I —!"

"I knew that you'll see reason, Fuji! What do you think, Tezuka?"

"Permission granted."

"Excellent!" Eiji clapped his hands together. "Oh, this is going to be fun. Ochibi's going to need a new wardrobe too. I remember seeing the cutest sailor uniform in the store next to the coffee shop the other day."

"Ah, Eiji, I don't think that's very suitable."

"Nyaa, Oishi! Don't worry, it's not for girls."

"That was not what I was getting at..."

The conversation faded into one dull lull. Ryoma was numb from shock. How could something go so terribly wrong? Fuji was polite, but he was subtly blunt at the same time. And when he kicked into his teasing mode, it was enough to drive him up the walls. Living with him would be like caging himself to a panther. Talk about jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire...

He felt the bed dip from an extra weight and wordlessly faced Fuji.

"Well Ryoma-kun, I guess we can't get out of this one, ne?" said Fuji with a helpless smile.

Oh dear God.

---

Fuji looked up from the book he was reading. The knocks came again. He pulled himself from the warm comfort of the bed and cracked opened the door. "Tezuka," he exclaimed with mild surprise, "I wasn't expecting you." He stepped back to allow the taller individual in and offered him a chair.

"Sorry. I had to finish some business with the department. But I want to talk to you before I go home." He put his bag on a nearby counter and sat down.

"Something so pressing that would make you come at the dead middle of the night? Really, I'm flattered." Fuji knotted the nightgown he had on to ward off the chill.

"Don't talk rubbish. I know you don't sleep yet. I want to talk to you about Echizen Ryoma."

Fuji immediately stiffened. "I should be talking to you about that. I didn't know you had a such soft spot for him, Buchou."

Tezuka turned to face Fuji. "And I didn't know you were so generous."

"Ah. Point taken." Fuji sat down on the bed.

"Fuji, you need to answer his questions soon enough. And exactly how you do it is up to you. "

"Alright."

"He is already getting restless. And the more time he is given to ponder upon the endless possibilities on why he was brought here, the more likely he will ultimately be pulled away from us."

"I know, Tezuka."

"I thought that if he was under our direct care, we would be able to keep a better eye on him and study that potential further —do you understand what I am saying?" Tezuka watched as Fuji stood up and walked to the window.

Not good, thought Fuji as he peered out to the darkness. It was time to draw out that hidden talent, and in the process, lay all his doubts to rest. Because it was already hard enough to face Ryoma everytime with those accusing eyes. It made him feel uneasy, untrustworthy and dirty. It threw him off balance and muddled his judgment. And Fuji needed things to be in his favor.

"I will handle things from here on, Tezuka. So don't worry."

-----to be continued

A/N: Hmm. It looks like late updates are the way to go. Actually, this chapter would have rolled out earlier if it weren't for further story planning (yes! there's a plot now!) and some hacker who deleted a good portion of the stuff in my computer. (stabs hacker) Just to make sure, though, don't expect an update for at least a week and a half. Anyway, going on with the story, I think there's going to be some fantasy involved, and not just only sci-fi. Ah, I feel like I have failed myself or something. Well, to justify myself, think of it this way: Star Wars won't be Star Wars without the Force. (sweatdrops and tries to talk above the 'boos') I hope people still enjoy this...

On to Chapter 5!!