A/N For AquaJet, someone who's always made me smile. Here's my pitiful attempt at RyoSaku, in an entirely new and different format for me. I hope it's up to par. Sorry for the belated happy birthday, but maybe this'll make up for it? Have a great one, dear. =D

Disclaimer: Let's be reasonable now, shall we?

She was too clumsy.

He was too stubborn.

Her hair was too long.

His mouth was too blunt.

She never had confidence in herself.

He had enough for the both of them.

"Ryoma-kun…" A blush appeared and then fingers fidgeted on the hem of a shirt.

"Yes?" A dull stare punctured the air and a cap was adjusted.

"I know that I'm not the first one to say this but… Congratulations on winning Nationals." Eyes were cast downwards and hands smoothed down a tiny fold in the green skirt that had been worn far too many times.

The rustling of clothes was heard as the left foot shifted the weight of the body to the right. "It's a bit late, isn't it?"

Cheeks bloomed from pink to crimson. "I-I was a bit too shy to say it to you at first, and then you went to America…"

"So?" A lazy drawl coupled with a raised eyebrow shot through the tension.

"I'm just glad that you're back, Ryoma-kun." The innocent eyes were finally raised to meet the others'.

The mouth half-smirked. "I came back for a special reason."

A small gasp was muffled and the fidgeting began again. "I- uh, what- ah… W-why?"

"Tennis."

The small, forced smile did not hide the wetness in the eyes. "…I see."

"Hn."

Deep breaths, in and out. "It's not fair, Ryoma-kun."

Golden eyes sharpened at their target. "What are you talking about?"

Fidgeting. A gulp. "Why does everything always come second to tennis?"

"Tennis is my life."

"So there's nothing in your life that would rival it?" The cheeks started to lose their redness.

"No." A quick, blunt syllable caused a moment of silence.

A small, glint of hope entered the wet eyes before being shadowed with doubt. "Will there ever be?"

Silence.

Hands gripped tightly at each other and eyes stared at the ground, dark and clouded.

Nothing but air whistled through the gap between the bodies.

A heavy intake of air. The downward cast eyes rose once again, searching and searching.

Hard, stubborn ones revealed nothing.

Eyelids were shut tight and shoulders shook with one last exhale.

Two golden eyes blinked.

Feet succumbed to the urge to turn around and a droplet of water rested at one of the eyelids, barely being blinked back.

"Maybe."

The droplet hit the ground and the eyes that were shut tightly were opened wide.

"Maybe, one day."

A soft smile, more water droplets. A glance over the shoulder at the oh-so-still and silent other body.

A tiny hint of a smirk and two mischievous eyes danced in the glowing rays of the setting sun.

The body moved slowly back to its formal position. "When it happens… If it happens…"

An inclination of the head signalling a nod of some kind was given.

A blissful smile. "Thank you."

A heavy bag shifted from one shoulder to the other, causing a small clack sound. The body turned around to walk in the other direction, leaving nothing but the smile on the other's face.

One last droplet. "I'll wait forever."

She loved him.

He loved tennis.

She waited.

He played.

She smiled.

He smirked.

They kissed.