When They Look at Him
Author: Sheepy
Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis. Konomi Takeshi does. If I owned Prince of Tennis, well, it would be unsuitible for children's televison, that's for sure... XD
Pairing: Yanakiri if you squint...
Summary: Kirihara Akaya through the eyes of Sanada, Yukimura, and Yanagi...
A/N: Yay! My first fic to be posted on Maybe I should have picked a longer one, but I really like this one, and Yanakiri is my Rikkai OTP, so, hell, why not? Please R&R, 'tis very much appreciated!!! 3 3 3
When Sanada looks at Kirihara Akaya, he sees a wild animal, an untamable beast. He sees an insufferable little brat. Kirihara shows no respect for his elders, cannot take orders, and has a foul mouth. He thinks of himself, and himself only, and he takes pleasure in hurting others. Sanada thinks that Kirihara should not be allowed to be a regular until he has suffered through some anger management sessions.
When Yukimura looks at Kirihara Akaya, he sees fire and passion. He sees a young man desperately clawing to reach the top, to be the very best. A young man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Yukimura knows Kirihara better than Sanada does, and while he agrees that Kirihara's fire should be tamed, he knows better than to deem Kirihara an animal. Yukimura has seen through the mask, has caught a glimpse of what lies beneath the façade, and Yukimura knows better than Sanada does.
When Yanagi looks at Kirihara Akaya, he sees a confused teenage boy. Yanagi sees Kirihara's everyday struggles, something that the rest of the team has never been privy to, even Yukimura. Yanagi is there to see the real Kirihara. He is there as Kirihara grits his teeth against the oncoming headache that is his math homework, trying to ignore the screaming of his parents in the next room. He is there, is the last one left in the locker room when Kirihara finally snaps, breaks and sinks to the floor, pounding his fists against the lockers. He is the one to gather Kirihara into his arms, is the one that Kirihara clings to as the tears fall.
"'Too-san hit 'Kaa-san last night. I don't want to be like him. I don't want to hurt people anymore Yanagi-sempai. But I don't know how to stop..."
Yanagi knows better than either Sanada or Yukimura. He sees what they do not. Yanagi is there, he sees through the mask, even when no one else can.
Hope y'all liked it! Please R&R! 3