Title: Looking Too Closely

Summary: Coach Ryuzaki has to have surgery, and will be out for the rest of the season. Coach Ryuzaki sets up a replacement coach, things seem to go well, but are they really? Ryoma seems more distant as the weeks goes by, even missing practice. Can Captain Tezuka find out why?

Pairings: Pillar Pair (Tezuka/Ryoma)

Warnings: This story will deal with dark themes. I don't want to give much away. It won't be anything too explicit.

Setting: AU

Disclaimer: I Do Not Own Prince of Tennis, but I Do Own this fanfic. DO NOT REPOST

A/N: I just started watching Prince of Tennis again, I apologize if they seem OOC.

"Alright, everyone up front! Team meeting!" Coach Ryuzaki called. Ryoma, looked up, expressionless, Ryoma just wanted to start practice already.

"I have an important announcement to make. Tomorrow, I'm going to the hospital to have surgery, recovery will take a while, and I'll be out. I've asked someone special to replace me. A former student of mine is moving back to the area, he's retiring from professional tennis, he'll also take over my duties as the math teacher."

"A professional player? Could be interesting," Ryoma wondered what kind of playstyle the man had.

"Now, that's out of the way, we can begin practice, I'll turn it over to you Tezuka," the Coach stated.

"First, we'll start with stretches, then laps. After, that I'll pair everyone up for doubles, including the regulars. Let's get started," Tezuka ordered calmly.

Ryoma suppressed a groan. He hated doubles.

Although there was one person, Ryoma would be more than willing to play doubles with.

Ryoma pushed those thoughts away for the moment, focusing on warming up. Luckily, Ryoma didn't finish in the last place, escaping the punishment of having to drink one of Inui's special drinks.

"Echizen, you're with Kaidoh for doubles, you'll be playing Inui and I," Tezuka stated.

The rest of practice was a disaster, the only good part was that Ryoma got to play against the Captain.

It was an exhausting match, and Ryoma was happy to start the walk home.

"What do you have planned for the rest of the day?" Momo questioned.

"I think I just want to go home and take a nap," Ryoma replied, letting out a yawn.

"I have a date with An, tonight, we're going to see a movie," Momo boasted, staring off dreamily.

"You should get a girlfriend! Then we can double date!" Momo added.

"I'm really not interested in dating anyone," Ryoma lied.

"Not even Sakuno?" Momo questioned.

Ryoma shook his head, "She just a friend."

"You'll change your mind, someday, Ryoma"

Ryoma shrugged and turned down the street home.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Momo," Ryoma said, waving a goodbye.

"I'm home," Ryoma called.

Karupin greeted Ryoma with a Meow and a leg rub.

"Hey, Karupin! Guess it's just you and me huh?"

Ryoma picked up Karupin and carried the cat into his bedroom, setting Karupin down

as Ryoma started with his homework.

Ryoma opened his math book and started on his equations, struggling to focus. Karupin

came over and starting to playing with Ryoma's pen.

"I think I like some Karupin, I mean I really like someone."

Karupin meowed and rubbed against his owner.

"It's Captain Tezuka, I lied to Momo," Ryoma went on.

"I don't know what to do about it. I'm so confused. This is all new to me," Ryoma stated hugging Karupin close.

"Captain Tezuka, probably won't like me back, and I don't want to ruin our relationship," Ryoma laid back onto his bed with Karupin on his chest.

"Love sure is confusing," Ryoma let out a sigh and closed his eyes.

Ryoma's Cousin came in a little later, letting him know that dinner was ready. His mother had to stay late, and his Father was still out. Ryoma ate his dinner and finally got all his homework done.

After finishing his work, Ryoma got ready for bed, looking forward to practicing tomorrow.