Ryuzaki's Color

It started when Fuji called up Ryoma to buy his girlfriend something for their anniversary. Now, as poor Ryoma is forced to buy a gift TO Sakuno that's supposed to be FROM Fuji, he's going to learn a whole lot of things he wished he didn't. FxSxR

Chapter One: Favor for a Friend

"She's your girlfriend."

"I know, I know. I planned this entire dinner for her, but alas, through it all I didn't even get her a present."

"It's your own damn fault. Go buy her something then."

"I can't, I have to cook the dinner."

"What's two minutes in Hallmark?"

"Ryoma."

"Fuji senpai."

Fuji sighed, leaning his hand away from the blue cell phone. Oh, how did he get himself into this situation? Sure, yes, it wasn't at all like Fuji to forget these things so easily. However, the dinner was such a big, big deal…

Ryoma, on the other side of the line, wasn't exactly peachy either. He had just gotten back from tennis practice when he looked at his cell's screen to fine fourteen missed calls- all from his idiotic senpai.

So, Ryoma had thought it was an emergency, I mean, why else would you call repeatedly for fourteen times?

But no, Fuji had called so Ryoma could quickly run out and buy something for Fuji's girlfriend,

For their first year anniversary,

For Sakuno Ryuzaki.

"Look," Fuji reasoned, "It's tonight. I've been meaning to get her something but just haven't gotten around to it. Besdies, do you really think it's reasonable to get her a card for our first year anniversary?"

Ryoma inwardly groaned, "Why don't you ask Momosenpai?"

"Because he doesn't know Sakuno chan the way you do."

Ryoma paused at Fuji, the cell phone became loose in his one clutched hand.

Both of them were freshmen now, both him and Sakuno. Surprisingly, Ryoma had excused Sakuno's feelings, seeing her only as an admirer. Sakuno was crushed, but then the two had still found themselves in the same classrooms, running into each other at the mall, and on the Sunday's mornings when Ryoma was forced to train the klutzy girl.

Strange to say, these chains events had led to, dare Ryoma admit it, to them becoming best friends?

"Fine," Ryoma agreed, "But you owe me."

Fuji grinned, even though Ryoma wouldn't be able to see it.

"Good. Drop by the house as soon as you can, I'll give you money to buy the gift with," Fuji said.

"No," Ryoma declined, "I want to get this over with. You can pay me back later."

Without even a good bye, Ryoma closed the cell and slung his bag over his shoulders, strolling out of the locker room.

Something…for Ryuzaki, huh?

To be entirely truthful, Ryoma didn't know the first thing in buying Sakuno a gift. Sure, they were ahem, good friends, but the only thing closest to a present Ryoma had ever presented her was extra .05 lead during a test.

Ryoma sighed.

Well think, he inwardly thought to himself, if it was your one year anniversary, what would you get your girlfriend?

And if Sakuno was your girlfriend?

Ryoma grunted, "Shit," and continued out the school's gate.

This was not going to be easy.

TO BE CONTINUED…

August 2, 2006