Disclaimer: I don't own the Prince of Tennis.

Broken Pieces

He had always heard that feelings were stronger when the person or thing that held them was no longer there, but he had never realized how true that was. The ache in his heart hurt more than anything he had ever felt, but what hurt most was knowing that he would never have a second chance at love. He had blown it; thrown it away for someone whose name he hadn't even known.

"Niou-kun?" Niou jerked back in shock, the words on his notebook staring up at him.

"Niou-kun, are you alright?" the writing teacher asked, looking down at his student in worry. It was not like Niou to have sat silently all through class, not even, making a single snide or sarcastic comment. Although the teacher never let on, he really like Niou, and thought he had talent as a writer.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine." But the teacher could see the dullness in Niou's usually quick, flashing eyes.

"Are you sure?" From where he was standing over Niou's desk, he could make out the words written in his notebook.

"Yeah. I'm fine."

Before the teacher could say anything else, the bell rang, signaling the end of the day. Laughing and talking sprang up, and students grabbing their things rose to go out the doors. It was Friday, and people were anxious to begin the weekend.

"Niou-kun, can I see you after you gather your things please?"

As Niou had been looking for an excuse to miss tennis practice, he merely nodded at the teacher before exiting the classroom, leaving his notebook unattended to on his desk.

A little while later, Niou was back in the classroom, his books under his arms. "Yes, sensei?"

"Have a seat, Niou-kun." Watching Niou sit down, the teacher opened up the notebook, carefully reading the section Niou had written out loud. "That is very good writing. Extremely advanced, especially for someone your age."

"Thank you." Even Niou could be polite, especially when he was up to being rude.

"But, let's get straight to the point. Niou you haven't been acting like your normal self all week. You've been quieter than normal, haven't played any pranks on anyone, and your writing- you seem to have an obsession with the broken hearted lately."

Niou waited a couple seconds after his teacher was done speaking to respond. "And?"

"And, while I know you and many of your classmates think otherwise, we are here to help." Upon seeing that Niou wasn't about to say anything soon, the teacher added," and I want to help you."

"Well. I don't need help." Niou pulled himself up; he had been with the teacher long enough to have qualified this as a 'conference' and be a perfect excuse when Sanada asked him where he was when he missed practice. Because he couldn't go to practice; not for a few more days, at least.

"Are you sure?" What before had been mild concern shown by the teacher now became extreme concern - and pity. Niou recognized it instantly. It had been in Marui's eyes when he heard the news, Yagyuu's voice when Niou had talked to him - hell, even Sanada (who never showed expression) had pity drenched in his voice when Niou had told him. And pity was something Niou despised - and something he knew he did not deserve.

"Yes. I'm sure." With that said coldly, Niou left the classroom.

But later that night, wandering the empty streets alone, Niou knew that what he had said earlier wasn't true: he did need help. Help convincing the one who he had fallen in love with that he was in love. But Niou knew that Kirihara Akaya would never forgive him for what had happened: hooking up with some girl he didn't even know. Just because he was drunk and someone dared him to. Niou closed his eyes, but the tears fell out beneath the closed lids…his heart was broken in pieces, and no matter what tape or glue he uses, they would never be whole again.

Please review!

LoveableDuck