UM, WTF MAN. TT Why is this one so crappy? I apologize.


Ten is the time-difference between Japan and Germany; it means the time Ryoma wastes getting up in the middle of the night to think about calling buchou. He never musters up the courage to even dial the number, and always manages to get at least two more hours of sleep

Ten is the number of hours Ryoma spends asleep on a plane flying from Tokyo to Seattle; it means how long he dreamt of going to the nationals with his team-mates. He is in a foul mood when Kevin meets him at the airport, all smiles and promises of coffee that Ryoma doesn't want.

Ten is the age Tezuka is the first time he wins a tennis tournament; it means that his hard work paid off. He always remembers the euphoria of his first victory and believes that will propel him to the top.

Ten is the number of times the ball bounces against the wall before rolling away; it means his shoulder hasn't quite healed yet. He will always worry, even when the pain becomes an ache and then just a memory.

Ten is the number of letters Ryoma writes to his team-mates; it means he won't send any of them. He always scowls when he looks at the letters in his desk drawer, a constant reminder of his own cowardice and irresponsibility.

Ten is the number of opponents Ryom faces in the US Open; it means he played at least 180 games. He doesn't like this number: it is too high, especially when he comes home empty-handed.

Ten is how many days they spend at the nationals; it means they've reached the top. He knows they still have a long way to go.

Ten is the number Seigaku is one short of; it means Echizen is back. Tezuka knows they'll take the championship now.

Ten is how many days following the final Ryoma thinks; it means he is worried, confused. He makes his decision on the eleventh morning, and tells him on the twelvth.

Ten is how many breaths Ryoma takes in the silence; it means buchou hasn't left yet, hasn't said no yet. He thinks this is enough an answer for him.

Ten is the number Tezuka tells himself to count to; it means Echizen is twelve and male. He somehow forgets this when Echizen grins up at him.

Ten is the number of laps he tells himself to run; it means he is being careless. He will run them one day, and most likely with Echizen.

Ten is the number of fingers in the warm mess that is their entwined hands; it means Ryoma thought right. He knows it won't last for very long, but that's okay because holding hands is embarrassing and careless.

Ten is the number of times they walk home together before Echizen kisses him good-night; it means Tezuka won't sleep well that night. He has a feeling Echizen (or Fuji) will tease him.

Ten is the number of calls between them before Tezuka kisses him back; it means Tezuka waits at least until Echizen is a teenager. He is sure thirteen isn't much better than twelve, but it makes all the difference to Echizen.

Ten is the number of non-regular seniors that leave the club in January; it means everyone is reminded of entrance exams and graduation. He knows he doesn't want to say good-bye to anyone or to their club.

Ten is the number of times Tezuka unsuccessfully studies in Ryoma's room; it means he and Karupin are a good team when it comes to distracting buchou. He knows Tezuka is grateful when there is something to distract him from high school.

Ten is how long Ryoma waits before returning to America; it means 'maybe next time'. He is always restless, much like his father, and Tezuka can accept that.