Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis or any of its characters.


It was a terrible curse.

He, who was thought not to understand true passion, was under a constant shadow.

Life for Fuji entailed searching for entertainment, amusement. As it was a year ago, life was much too boring. But now, ever since she became part of the journey, she slowly became more and more significant.

In the beginning, they would meet time to time – he would tutor her, she would by the courts to deliver a message or two. Then slowly, their relationship progressed. He became a brother figure to her then eventually such a role was not enough to describe their bond.

He became her lover, her other half.

She occupied his mind more and more every passing day.

Now, two years later to the day they initially met, all he could see was her.

During class, matches and even in his sleep, Ryuzaki Sakuno was all he saw.

There was not a moment where some other matter occupied his mind. He didn't care for his winning streak in tennis, he didn't sleep properly, and he became much quieter.

The months they spent together was almost a blessing but the months which followed, the months of despair and loneliness, were a nightmare.

She left him for her career and this decision was poison for him.

Who would have thought the confident, smiling and handsome Fuji would fall into despair over a woman. Then again, he was a master of masks so no one would truly know the effect she had on him. No one would ever understand Fuji Syusuke.

The ludicrous web of deceit he created truly was a curse.


A/N: I believe Fuji & Niou are two of the most interesting characters within the original, manga Prince of Tennis world. This was a different take on Fuji although I don't think I was successful in portraying as I imagined. Oh well, I hope at least some enjoyed!