A Prince of Tennis fanfic.
SanaYuki pairing a.k.a. alpha pair

Story: Love Symphony - Chapter.2

Rating: M

Disclaimer: Prince of Tennis belongs to Konomi Takeshi.

Author's note: Unlike some of my other stories, this story follows the actual timeline of PoT. Contrary to popular belief, Yukimura was not hospitalised in the winter of his 2nd year (he was in hospital, but probably not for a long time). He was admitted into hospital on July 17th 2008 (in his 3rd year). Evidence of this can be found in chapter 198, pg 1. The date is noted on the calendar.

Thanks to EVERYONE who reviewed last chapter. It was really motivational. Thank you.


2. Affettuoso

Sanada took a long, deep breath and rang the doorbell. The door swung open immediately and Yukimura appeared, a grin lifting the corners of his mouth as he took Sanada's hand in his.

"No one's home yet, but they'll be back by dinner," Yukimura said, leading Sanada into the living room. Contrary to his own house, Yukimura's house was decorated in a western style, with carpeted floors and oil paintings on the walls. The walls were white with the slightest hint of blue, matching the mauve-coloured carpets. On top of the glass coffee table, a bouquet of pink roses was arranged neatly in a delicate china vase. It was in harmony with the long leather couch, which was white and had two cushions on either end.

The house was so grand and beautiful; Sanada could not help but think how suitable this house was for Yukimura.

Yukimura squeezed Sanada's hand to get his attention. "Come," he whispered. Sanada followed Yukimura through the dining room (which had a redwood table able to fit four seats on each side), kitchen (which was as big and equipped as a professional kitchen) and into a corridor. At the end was a plain door, white washed with a thin layer of paint. A sign hung on a nail and Sanada recognised Yukimura's slanted handwriting: Seiichi's room. Private.

Sanada cast Yukimura a questioning glance, wondering why his room was in such a secluded spot. "Welcome," Yukimura grinned at Sanada, excitement radiating, "to my paradise."

He pushed the door open and Sanada immediately realised why his room was there. It was not a room at all. It was... the most beautiful garden Sanada had ever seen. A million colours flashed before him at once; a structured streak of rainbow, not dizzying splotches of colour one would expect when looking at so many colours at once. After his initial shock, Sanada wondered how much money Yukimura had spent to create a garden like this. How rich is he really?

Yukimura took Sanada's hand and led him onto the stone path. Sanada was amazed as they walked through, surrounded by flowers. Who could have thought such an Eden could have existed in a backyard?

As they went deeper into the garden, following the spiralling path, Sanada noticed that the colour palette began to change. At the start of the path, bright orange orchids bloomed vibrantly against vivid red azaleas. After that, delicate buds of golden narcissuses dotted the garden bed. Pink hydrangea and rosy foxgloves followed, and just before they were at the centre, ivory gardenias scented the air with their fresh aroma. Then, taking a sharp turn, they finally reached the centre.

Sanada could not believe his eyes.

There was a pond as well with white lilies and white lotuses, and beside it, a small gazebo stood, surrounded by white roses. Sanada stared, the delicate beauty hard to comprehend. "Wow..." he said, unable to find any other suitable words.

Yukimura chuckled. "I've worked on this since I was... hmm... four."

"FOUR?!"

"I love water painting and on my 4th birthday, my mother gave me a pot plant to draw. After I drew it, I didn't want it to die, so I planted it in our empty backyard. Gardening gradually became my pastime and with my pocket money and prize money, I bought more and more types of plants... until my garden became this." Yukimura took Sanada's hand and led him into the gazebo. "Do you like it?" He asked, sitting down on the huge hammock that was tied to the four poles of the gazebo.

"Of course!" Sanada sat down as well, his eyes still wandering through the garden. "It's absolutely beautiful."

Yukimura beamed and lay back onto the hammock. He pulled Sanada down and said, "Close your eyes. It smells really nice." Sanada shut his eyes and breathed deeply. Indeed, the scent was refreshingly aromatic. "I still haven't thanked you for the pendant," Yukimura suddenly said and Sanada sat up.

"There's no need," Sanada said quickly. "It was your birthday anyway."

"But I still want to thank you." Yukimura smiled gently. He gently lifted Sanada's necklace from beneath his shirt and held the pendant. He picked up his own, and leaning close, he joined their pendants together. "Look, it's a complete heart," he said, smiling warmly. Then, letting go of the pendants, he closed his eyes and tilted his head slightly.

Yukimura parted his lips slightly and leaned closer to Sanada's. Sanada shut his eyes tightly and moved to meet Yukimura's lips.

"Ouch!"

Both of them backed away, rubbing their noses. There was an awkward silence until Yukimura began laughing. Sanada stared into the ground, his face and neck burning with embarrassment.

"Let's try again," Yukimura said, "but this time, don't move."

Sanada nodded and closed his eyes, awaiting Yukimura's lips. Yukimura took a deep breath, closing his eyes. He cupped Sanada's face gently and pressed their lips together. They stayed in that position for a few moments before parting. Opening their eyes, they grinned in unison.

"Can I kiss you again?" Sanada asked timidly, hoping his face was not as red as it felt. Yukimura nodded shyly and closed his eyes.

Their lips met again. Yukimura's pliant lips were even softer this time, moulding themselves around Sanada's. Neither of them tried tonguing or any of the techniques their sempai-tachi talked about, but it was already good enough. After all, first kisses were not meant to be perfect, and they still had a long time to practice.

Yukimura opened his eyes and looked at Sanada affectionately, his lips curling slowly into a smile.

"Ready for the new year, Sanada-fukubuchou?"

"Always, Yukimura-buchou."


The regular tryouts were held in the afternoon of the first day.

When Yukimura arrived at the courts, Sanada and Yanagi were already there, stretching while waiting. "How did you two get out of class so quickly?" Yukimura asked as they accompanied him into the change room.

"Genichirou jumped out of the third floor window," Yanagi said, "stairs are too time-consuming for him."

"I didn't!" Sanada said, his face red with – as far as Yukimura could tell – embarrassment. Yukimura wondered if Sanada actually jumped from the third floor; Sanada looked like the type to survive under abnormal circumstances anyway.

Yukimura grinned, "Are we ready?"

"Of course," a small smile lit Yanagi's face.

"Always," Sanada replied, his lips set in a hard line.

Yukimura nodded and draped his jersey around his shoulders, Sanada tugged his cap down and Yanagi's smile widened.


Yukimura looked at the score sheet. The results were expected, with the Sannin Bakemono dominating their respective groups. The rest of the team was expected to be composed of third years, but in Group D, annihilating all his opponents with 6-0 matches, was a first year.

His name was: Kirihara Akaya.

Yukimura passed the score sheet to Sanada and Yanagi. They too, felt the shock when they saw the scores beside Kirihara's name. "Shall I challenge him?" Yukimura asked, wiping his forehead with a towel.

"I want to play him," Sanada said, tightening his grip on his racquet.

"Me too," Yanagi chuckled. "Let's play him tomorrow."

But before they could even walk off the court, a voice interrupted them. "Excuse me," the tone arrogant, "Yukimura-buchou, can I have a match with you?" The three of them turned around. A small first-year kid, with a mop of seaweed-like hair, stood in front of them, grinning antagonistically.

"Kirihara Akaya," Yukimura said, a monstrous aura radiating as his lips curled into a slightly malicious smile.

"Buchou," Kirihara's grin widened, "don't be scared. I'll go easy on you. I promise."

Sanada growled and Yanagi chuckled, but Yukimura was indifferent, bending down to be at Kirihara's eyelevel. "My dear little kouhai, please don't go easy on me," Yukimura laughed, "I can't feel the pleasure of seeing my opponent writhing on the floor if I knew he went easy on me."

Kirihara's eyes narrowed, "I'll beat you." Then, taking a deep breath, he shouted, "I'll beat the three of you!"

Yukimura nodded, his smile now a smirk. "If you beat the three of us, you can be buchou. I promise."


"Damn it!" Kirihara screamed, "I'm definitely going to beat the three of you!"

All the spectators who had gathered to watch the matches were silenced. They all shared the same thought: How could this junior ever beat the Sannin Bakemono? They watched in amusement, mocking the first-year in hushed voices.

"I will be Number One!" Kirihara shouted at the top of his lungs.

The onlookers were shocked. Did he not understand the power of those three?

But Yukimura thought differently; there was potential and determination in this little brat. "What an interesting new member…" Yukimura grinned to himself as Kirihara stomped his feet and waved his arms in air like a madman.

"Is he joking?" Sanada said quietly. He's going to need another hundred years before he can beat us!

Watching Yanagi's secretive little smile and Sanada's irritated expression, Yukimura simply shook his head and let out a hopeless laugh. He wondered how Sanada was going to cope with that little brat on the team.


Yukimura sprawled across Sanada's futon, gazing contentedly as his fukubuchou entered the room after a shower. "Today was great, wasn't it?" Yukimura asked cheerfully as Sanada took off his bathrobe.

"Yes," Sanada said and sighed, "but can you please not stare when I'm changing?"

"Why?" Yukimura asked, pouting. "I see you in the showers everyday."

"But that's different. That's unintentional. This is intentional." Sanada pulled on his pyjama pants. "This is perving."

Yukimura smacked his lips together and began whistling the national anthem. Sanada rolled his eyes and began buttoning his shirt. "Don't roll your eyes at me," Yukimura said, interrupting the tune for a brief moment before continuing on. Sanada sighed and sat on the floor beside Yukimura.

When Yukimura finally finished whistling the out-of-tune anthem, Sanada asked, "Can you please lie on your futon?"

"Is this any way to treat a guest?"

"Fine, I'll sleep on yours then."

"NO!"

"Then where am I supposed to sleep?" Sanada rolled his eyes again.

Yukimura patted on the spot beside him and grinned. "You can share with me."

"Baka. There's a reason why there's two futons."

Yukimura pouted and began slapping Sanada's shoulder, pretending to be upset. The individual slaps did not hurt, but the pain built up gradually. Sanada was sure that there was going to be a bruise tomorrow; perhaps Yukimura was trying to disable him, so he could have an excuse to give him laps for weak racquet swings. Yukimura comprehended Sanada's silence as a lack of response and pinched his cheeks. A surge of stubbornness hit him and Sanada decided that he would not give in to Yukimura's request no matter how much pain he was in.

Unable to have his way, Yukimura stomped out of the room. Sanada shook his head; sometimes Yukimura was such a child.

A few minutes later, Yukimura came back into the room, a wide grin hanging off his lips. Sanada felt a little unsettled by Yukimura's apparent elation. He was a mouse cornered by a prowling cat. Yukimura's eyes gleamed brightly and in one fluid movement, he pinned Sanada on the floor. "Baka," Yukimura sang, "there's no way you can beat me!" He sat on Sanada's stomach, his legs on either side sandwiching Sanada's body. He leaned in and whispered, "You shouldn't try and disobey your buchou's command."

If it wasn't for Yukimura's sudden kiss, Sanada would have flipped Yukimura over. Their lips pressed against each other's and Yukimura gradually spread his body out on top of Sanada's, running his slender fingers through his fukubuchou's wet hair.

"Why the sudden change of mood?" Sanada asked when they parted.

Yukimura chuckled and laid his head on Sanada's chest. "Ah…" he said, snuggling in Sanada's cuddle. "Your brother is a great person."

"Nii-san?!" Sanada asked, but Yukimura did not respond, his body lying on Sanada's like a beached whale. "Seiichi! What about nii-san?!"

Yukimura shut his eyes tightly and let out a little – intentional – snore. Sanada sighed and closed his eyes. "Good night," he muttered. As Sanada's breathing slowed and steadied, Yukimura rolled off Sanada and into his own futon. Then, after kissing Sanada lightly on the cheek, he slipped his hand into Sanada's and closed his eyes.

"Good night, baka."


As the new captain, Yukimura had wanted to flaunt his power, especially to the sempai-tachi who talked behind his back when he was selected as captain. He hated those who talked behind people's back – avec tout son cœur. He had the week's regimen planned and since Rikkai did not have a coach, he had the chance to scream at slackers as much as he wanted to.

But it was impossible now.

That morning, he had been awakened by his phone alarm at 6:00a.m. as usual. When he realised that Sanada was not in his futon, he left the room in search of his fukubuchou. They must not be late; their first official practice started at 7:00a.m. and as buchou and fukubuchou, they needed to be there early to ensure everything ran smoothly. Yukimura found Sanada in the dojo, packing up his sword. "Good morning," Sanada said, smiling slightly.

Yukimura grinned and licked his lips. Genichirou wearing a hakama is sexy, he thought and hugged Sanada.

"Good morning," Yukimura said. And was shocked by his hoarse voice.

It was distorted. Croaky like a frog's.


For the rest of the month, Yukimura avoided speaking and left punishment duties to Sanada. But there were times when Sanada could barely control the team (especially Kirihara) and seeing him on the verge of crying, Yukimura would always smile encouragingly before pulling the troublemakers off the courts for a talk.

Sanada had no idea what Yukimura said to them, but whatever it was, it was definitely effective – no one would dare to disobey orders for the rest of the week. He admired Yukimura's power and wished he could do the same. And not only did Yukimura have control over first and second years, but also their sempai-tachi. Unlike their disapproving attitude towards Sanada, they treated Yukimura with the utmost respect and admiration.

"20 laps for warm-up!" Sanada shouted when most of the club members arrived. Everyone – including Yukimura – began the laps immediately, except for a few third years who were talking to members from the baseball club. "Sempai, practice has started," Sanada walked up to the group of third years.

"Don't interrupt us, brat!" One of the baseball club member shoved Sanada away.

"Sorry, but please leave the court if you're not in the tennis club," Sanada said bravely, "practice has started."

"Don't tell us what to do!" Another grabbed Sanada's collars and lifted him up.

"Please leave," Sanada repeated, his words loud and firm despite his fears.

"You're too stubborn!" One of them pulled his fist back and Sanada winced, anticipating the pain.

"Is anything the matter?" Yukimura voice suddenly sounded and Sanada was dropped to the ground. Opening his eyes, he saw Yukimura standing in front of him, smiling calmly in spite of the murderous aura his body exuded. Those from the baseball club cast Sanada a hostile glance before walking off and those from the tennis club quickly ran off to begin their laps. When all of them were out of hearing distance, Yukimura pulled Sanada from the ground and brushed the dirt off his shirt. "Don't do that again. I've heard rumours about some of the people from the baseball club. Anyway, are you hurt?"

"No."


When the afternoon session finished, Sanada rushed off to buy new grip tape – practising "Ka" wore it away quicker than usual. Hopefully, when he perfected FuuRinKaInZanRai, he would be able to hold his racquet tighter and would not need to change grip tape so often.

The sun had set – the sky the colour between sapphire and black – when he began walking home. He inspected the grip tape he bought happily. After much deliberation, he chose the one that Yukimura was currently using; it was the best after all.

"OI!" Sanada's attention was occupied by his new tape and was not aware of his surroundings until he bumped into someone. "Watch where you're going!" A pair of hands seized Sanada's collars and lifted him into the air. Sanada looked up. It was his sempai-tachi from the baseball club who had almost punched him this morning.

There were five of them. And they all grinned menacingly when they recognised Sanada.

"Sorry," Sanada said, trying to wiggle himself free.

"Sorry's not enough," his sempai – whom Sanada identified as Igarashi – hissed. "Kneel on the ground and apologise properly."

Sanada shook his head. There was no way he was going to compromise his pride and degrade himself into a coward.

"I'll give you another chance." Igarashi said and Sanada could smell cigarettes.

"Sempai, you can't smoke. You're underage." Sanada said, hoping his voice was not trembling with the terror he was feeling. "You're not allowed to drink either," he added bravely, looking at the cans his sempai-tachi were holding.

Igarashi pulled his fist back. "Stop," a chilling voice stopped the punch in mid-air. "Move back," the voice commanded and Igarashi released his grip. Smoking a cigarette, a boy with bleached white hair and multiple piercing walked up to Sanada and pulled him up from the ground.

"Kurowa-sempai..." Sanada stammered as a pair of fierce eyes met his.

"Kouhai-tachi should never disobey their sempai-tachi. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!" Kurowa shouted and grabbed Sanada by the hair, shaking him violently as if he was a string puppet. When Sanada gave no answer, Kurowa punched him in the face, smashing him onto the ground. Sanada crawled up and wiped the blood from his cracked lips. "Take him with us," Kurowa said and without warning, two of them propped him up by the arm, dragging him along.

They stopped when they arrived at a park, which was deserted at this late time. When they released him, Sanada tried to run, but two of them held him back, gripping his arms tightly as Kurowa struck him again and again. When he was finally dropped to the ground, Sanada tried to crawl away, but a powerful kick to the stomach smashed him against the wall, unable to move anymore.

"Don't try to escape," Kurowa growled and took out his baseball bat.

Sanada covered his head with his hands and curled into a ball, sputtering blood when the bat struck his back. He was dragged onto the slide, before more fists landed on him with loud thumps. With every belt, Sanada could taste more and more blood. The pain was unbearable; it felt as if all his bones were broken, his tendons ripped and his organs punctured.

When the violent beating had finally ended, Sanada could no longer see. The world in front of him was pitch black. Every inch of his body was tortured, bruised and bleeding.

A cruel voice whispered beside his ear, "Don't cross paths with us ever again." A burning pain stung his cheek suddenly, the smell of cigarette overwhelming his senses. He was smouldered – engulfed – by the sharp pain. He could feel his flesh burning until the cigarette went out. But even then, the flaming pain did not stop.

One last kick to the stomach and Sanada slipped into unconsciousness.


Sanada woke up surrounded by white. His eyes wandered around the room and identified his location as the hospital. What happened?

His mother beside him – asleep – with her head rested on the bed. When Sanada sat up, her eyes sprung open. "Gen-chan?" She looked at him with great concern. "Are you okay? Does it still hurt? Do you need anything?"

"I'm fine," Sanada grunted and winced when he touched his bruised lips. "What happened?"

"Seiichi-kun found you in the park," his mother said, stroking his hand, "luckily there are no broken bones."

"Yukimura?" Sanada said just as the door slid open. Yukimura was there, his expression clouded with worry and anxiousness. "Yukimura..."

Sanada's mother retreated out of the room, leaving the two alone. Yukimura sat on the chair where Sanada's mother originally sat. He did not speak, simply looking at Sanada with red-rimmed eyes. Sanada sighed and stared at the ceiling. A warm hand slid under the blanket and held his. Sanada turned to look at Yukimura and saw teardrops rolling down his cheeks silently.

"Don't cry," Sanada muttered, barely able to speak because of the pain. "Don't be upset, Seiichi."

At the sound of his name, Yukimura cried harder, burying his head in the blankets. Sanada lifted his hand and stroked Yukimura's hair, comforting both Yukimura and himself. It was assuring to feel Yukimura; when he was assaulted cruelly by his sempai-tachi, he almost felt as if he was going to be separated from Yukimura forever. It was comforting to know that he did not die. And that Yukimura was still there beside him.

After such an event, they would surely be together forever...


Sanada returned to the courts just before the Kantou finals, but he was not allowed to play, placed instead as a substitute. He knew he was fully recovered, and he knew Yukimura knew as well. But he did not argue, because one, he did not have a choice and two, he understood Yukimura's concern.

Yukimura had faced Atobe in Singles 1 – the clash between the captains. Sanada was sure that Yukimura would win. And he was right. In 24 minutes, Yukimura annihilated Atobe in a game of 6-2.

It was another step closer towards their dream of three consecutive Nationals titles.


For the next month, Sanada did nothing but training. Despite his hard work, however, he could not help but feel extremely nervous when he stepped onto the court, facing the Shitenhouji team.

"Losses are not accepted," Yukimura said when the team returned to the side-benches. "Sanada, take Singles 3 quickly, and let us ride the momentum to victory!"

Sanada nodded, tightening the grip on his racquet. He understood that this match held the key to Rikkai's victory because it determined the flow of the following matches. He was grateful to Yukimura for entrusting him with such an important match. He knew he must not lose.

For the sake of Rikkai, himself and above all – Yukimura.


Yukimura jumped and smashed the lob. The ball landed just inside the court, winning the point and the match. With Singles 3, Doubles 2 and Singles 2 taken, Rikkai had become the champions once again.

The win was flawless. Perfect. One step closer to their dream.


The day began with an overcast sky, thunder rumbling despite no rain. Sanada woke to his 4:00 a.m. alarm as usual, but stayed in bed when he remembered that tennis practice was off today; the seniors were busy with mock exams and most of the first years were off on excursions.

Yukimura was beside him, snuggled up in his arms, still sleeping peacefully. Sanada watched and admired Yukimura's sleeping face. It was so charming. He raised a hand and ran his fingers through Yukimura's silky hair.

"It's time to wake up," Sanada said when the clock struck seven. Yukimura turned over and continued to sleep. Sanada sighed and shook Yukimura's shoulders lightly, but was smacked in the face instead. "Seiichi!"

"Shut up..." Yukimura mumbled, pulling the blanket over his head. "It's Sunday..."

Sanada went under the blankets as well. He put his hands to Yukimura's waist and began tickling him. Yukimura yelped and fell off the bed. He rubbed his head before falling asleep on the floor. Sanada rolled his eyes; sometimes Yukimura was simply helpless.

Sanada picked Yukimura up bridal style and placed him back onto the bed. Yesterday's finals must have drained him both physically and mentally. He kissed the back of Yukimura's neck softly and licked his jaw.

"Are you a dog?!" Yukimura finally woke up, scowling as he whacked Sanada with the pillow. Sanada simply smiled and hugged Yukimura, which seemed to subdue his anger quite a bit. "Why did you wake me up?" Yukimura grumbled, scratching his head as he yawned. Sanada had no idea why, so he stayed silent and watched Yukimura. "What are you looking at, baka?!" Yukimura's temper was horrible in the morning, especially when the previous day was so tiring.

"Sorry," Sanada finally said, "go back to sleep then."

"No." Yukimura pouted. He sat in between Sanada's legs, placing Sanada's arms around his waist. "I'll just sit here. You can be my seat."

"There's a chair over there," Sanada pointed out, but nevertheless rested his chin on Yukimura's shoulder and hugged him tighter.

"Humph." Yukimura twisted his head around and kissed Sanada. Then, taking Sanada's thumb, he wrapped his mouth around it and began sucking it. Yukimura's breath was warm and moist and Sanada blushed. His body was hot. He was getting harder and harder as he watched Yukimura pulling his thumb in and out of his mouth. Sanada closed his eyes, biting his lips.

"It's hard and it's sticking into me." Yukimura suddenly stopped, turning around to look at Sanada. Then seeing the pained expression, he asked, "What's wrong?"

"Sorry," Sanada pulled his hips away, looking away.

Yukimura flipped over and lay on top of Sanada. "Did I do something wrong?" He asked concernedly. Sanada shook his head, trying to ignore his erection. But it proved to be hard when Yukimura lay on top of him, rubbing their bodies together. Sanada cursed the thin fabric of their pyjamas. He could practically feel everything.

"I'm taking a shower," Sanada said, pushing Yukimura off him before racing to the bathroom.

When he returned, Yukimura and his brother were sitting on the floor talking. "Gen-chan," his brother grinned.

"Get out!" Sanada flung his slipper at his brother.

"Is this any way to treat your nii-sama?" His brother laughed, catching the slipper effortlessly. "It seems that you have forgotten that I'm the catcher of the high school baseball team."

"Why are you in here?!" Sanada shouted.

"I was just talking to Sei-chan."

"It's Yukimura, not Sei-chan!"

His brother shrugged and walked out of the room. Then, as if he remembered something, he turned around. "Gen-chan, the condoms are in the second drawer," he said before shutting the door. "Don't be too rough with Sei-chan!" He shouted as he went downstairs, laughing uncontrollably.

"Sorry about my brother," Sanada said, checking the second drawer.

"He's quite a nice brother," Yukimura commented lightly.

Sanada did not reply. He had found the condoms. Staring at the packages, he was surprised to see so many different types: Strawberry flavoured, chocolate flavoured, extra-sensitivity, no-allergy, spermicide-lubricated...

What was nii-san thinking? Sanada thought, not knowing what he should be feeling. Yukimura and I weren't going to...

"Genichirou," Yukimura interrupted his train of thought, "let's try the chocolate flavoured one."

Sanada froze as Yukimura took the chocolate-flavoured condom from his hand. He ripped opened the package and smelt it. Then, shrugging, he passed it to Sanada. "It doesn't smell like chocolate," Yukimura said. "Do you think the strawberry-flavoured one would smell like strawberry?"

"I don't know!" Sanada said, his face as red as Yukimura's red Yonex.

Yukimura chuckled and switched topics. "Anyway, are you going on the overseas study trip?" Sanada shrugged. He was not entirely sure if he wanted to go to China. After all, all he could say in Chinese was "ni hao". Which would be so useful if he had gotten lost. "I'm going," Yukimura said. "You should come too."

"I'll ask my parents," Sanada said. Maybe he could sit next to Yukimura on the plane and share a bunk bed at the hotel.


Autumn arrived quicker than Sanada had expected. He was at the airport, with another forty or so students, waiting to board the plane. But Yukimura was not there. Two days before the trip, he had fallen down the stairs. It was not anything serious, no broken bones or even strained muscles, but he decided to stay in Japan anyway. "Sorry," he had said, "remember to send me a postcard."

Yanagi sat next to Sanada on the plane. They did not talk; Yanagi was reading a "learn-Chinese" book while Sanada was refraining from screaming at Kirihara, who was sitting behind him. The first year brat was constantly kicking his seat, complaining loudly that he was bored. He even spilled water over Sanada's head when he was testing whether his bottle lid was screwed on properly or not. Apparently not. Sanada had the mind to rip that mop of seaweed-like hair off his head.

They had dim-sims and pork buns for a late lunch when they arrived. Tiananmen Square was the first attraction they visited, followed by a guided tour through the Forbidden City. Sanada did not take much notice when the guide explained the celestial references embedded in the architectures. His head hurt from breathing the smoggy air. He looked around, but no one seemed to have the same problem as him. Kirihara and Niou were playing tag and Yanagi was fully absorbed in the tour.

Sanada was glad when they returned to the hotel. But to his dismay, besides than Yanagi, Niou and Kirihara were his room mates as well. When the two noise-makers finally sneaked out of the room after midnight (to buy snacks), Sanada grasped the chance to call Yukimura. As the phone rang, he wondered if Yukimura would still be awake, since it was already past 1 at night.

"GENICHIROU!" As soon as the phone connected, Yukimura's voice blasted through. Sanada held the phone as far from himself as possible. When Yukimura seemed to have finished shouting, Sanada placed the phone beside his ear again. "Why did you call me so late?! I've been waiting for you call since eight!"

"Sorry," Sanada said, "Niou and Akaya were too noisy. And I didn't want them to hear our conversation."

Yukimura chuckled on the other side of the line. "What are we going to talk about that you don't want them to hear?"

Sanada grinned to himself. "I don't know."

"Tell me about your day," Yukimura said, sounding happy.

Sanada recounted his day briefly with Yukimura going "ah" and "oh" occasionally. "What about yours?"

"I'm in hospital." Yukimura's voice was suddenly sobered and dark.

"Why?" Sanada almost dropped the phone.

"They want to see why I fell off the stairs," Yukimura sounded gloomy, but after a moment of silence, he brightened up again. "I'll be released tomorrow anyway. Have fun! I'll be waiting for my souvenir!"

"Good night."

"Good night. I love you."

"I love you too." Sanada said and hung up, falling back onto his bed, grinning uncontrollably.

"Who was that?" Sanada turned around. Niou was there, staring and grinning. "Your girlfriend?" He laughed and climbed onto his bed. Sanada ignored him and stared at his phone. The wallpaper was a photo of Yukimura serving. Sanada kissed the screen and closed his eyes.

There was less smog the next morning and the day broke with a brilliant sunrise. They climbed the Great Wall after breakfast. Sanada wished Yukimura was there. The trip would have been much more enjoyable. Yanagi asked a sempai to take a photo for the two of them. For Seiichi, he had said. Sanada agreed finally, crossing his arms and staring at the camera blankly while Yanagi smiled and flashed a V.

They stayed in Shanghai for the remaining of the trip. Sanada bought a book of photos of landmarks in China for Yukimura. He was not sure if Yukimura would like it, but Yanagi said he would.

The plane trip back home was absolutely horrible. Niou sat next to him (for no apparent reason other than to annoy Sanada). He stole Sanada's juice and mixed it with the complementary biscuits before spilling it all over Sanada's lap. He kept moving in and out to ask the flight attendants for freebies. He switched the lights on and off. But Sanada said nothing. He felt air-sick, but he did not have the vomit bag. Niou had blown it up and popped it.

When they touched down, the first thing Sanada did was check his phone. There was only one text message from Yukimura.

Welcome home.

Sanada smiled. Indeed, there was nothing better than home.


"Are you going?" Yukimura asked, waving the invitation for the Junior Senbatsu Training Camp in the air.

"Yes," Sanada answered without hesitation. Tezuka and Atobe were going as well. "Are you?"

"Of course!" Yukimura said and turned to Yanagi, who nodded as well. "It's going to be so fun, a whole week of tennis!"

But for Sanada, it turned out instead to be a whole week without Yukimura. Tezuka did not go either and Sengoku Kiyosumi was invited instead. Atobe was as arrogant as usual, annoying Sanada with his "ore-sama". Sanada wished he did not go. Moreover, he wished Yukimura could have come. Yukimura had changed his mind the week before the camp. He said that his knees kept wobbling and his body was shaky, unable to perform its best recently.

It's just fatigue, he had said.

But one month later, Yukimura collapsed.


It had struck out of nowhere.

It was the day when the team for next year had been selected. The team was the best possible, all-rounded and balanced. From volleyers to defenders, everyone was at Nationals level.

They were at the train station, arguing whether to have ramen or yakiniku for dinner.

Ramen is better, Kirihara said. Niou called him cheap and Kirihara whacked him in the face with the scarf. The team laughed as Niou whacked Kirihara back.

The two chased around, hiding behind the other regulars. Sanada frowned and told them to stop. They did not stop and instead, whacked their fukubuchou accidentally with the scarf. Sanada darkened, but continued walking. The team grinned and chased after him and Yukimura.

A mechanical voice said: Please stand back.

The train was arriving.

Yukimura ran onto the platform, waving, telling everyone to hurry.

The next moment... he was on the ground.

The train arrived.


"We'll wait for your return undefeated!" Sanada shouted, although at the time, he did not know that Yukimura's battle against his illness was going to be very long indeed.

The team sat outside the surgery room and soon, Yukimura's parents arrived. They thanked the regulars, but for what, Sanada did not understand. All they could do was call for help and dial 119. Even now, the overwhelming hopelessness he felt nauseated him. He could remember shouting, only for his call for help to be covered by rumbling of the train. No one could hear him for a few seconds.

Those seconds were the longest of his life.

He did not know what had happened to Yukimura. He did not know if Yukimura was breathing. Yukimura's face was drenched with cold sweat. Yukimura's hand was cold. Yukimura's body was hard and unresponsive. Was Yukimura dying? Was he... dead?

Shortly after midnight, a doctor finally came out of the operation room.

"He will live." Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. "But we suspect Yukimura-kun may have Guillain-Barré Syndrome. But since it is discovered in its early stages, he will survive and probably almost completely recover. However, permanent damage is also possible."

"What will happen?" Yukimura's father asked, his arm around his wife's shoulder.

"He might have problems with sensation and coordination, including some cases of severe disability. And even if he is lucky and could recover, there is a 1 in 10 chance of experiencing a relapse because Guillain-Barré Syndrome cannot be cured."

"What do you mean cannot be cured?!" Kirihara grabbed the doctor's collar, his eyes red and teary. Yanagi and Yagyuu restrained him. "Fix him! FIX MY BUCHOU!" Kirihara cried, trying to break away. "PLEASE! FIX YUKIMURA-BUCHOU!" He broke out of his restraint and dropped to the ground, pounding the floor as tears streamed down his face.

"You mean," Sanada asked, his voice oddly calm, "Yukimura will never be able to play tennis again."

"Yes."

Sanada nodded. He turned around and ran out of the hospital. He did not want anyone to see the tears rolling down his cheeks.


The next day, the team visited Yukimura in the hospital. His face was paler than a ghost's and it seemed as if he lost 10kg in one single night. Nevertheless, he was happy when he saw his team, giving them a weary smile as they entered the room.

"Buchou!" Kirihara ran to the bed, kneeling down beside Yukimura. "Are you okay?!"

"I'm fine," Yukimura said, but obviously lying. The purple tinge of his lips and the dark rings under his eyes made it clear how close to death he was. A bandage was wound around his head for the injury he obtained when he fell onto the ground. He looked nothing like he did 24 hours ago. He had been healthy. He had been at the top of Japan's junior tennis world. But now, he was in hospital, half a step away from death.

No one spoke. They all stood in silence, relieved that Yukimura was still alive and praying that he will one day recover. Finally, the nurse chased everyone out after visiting hours ended. Yukimura watched them go, wondering if he would live to see them again. His heart was so weak. Every time he watched the heartbeat rate monitor, he was afraid of seeing a flat line and hearing that beeeeeep.

"Yukimura..." At the call of his name, he looked up. Sanada was at the door. He entered and sat down on the chair beside the bed. "Don't give up..."

Yukimura smiled weakly. "Baka, who said I was giving up?" He said. He wanted to say more, to comfort Sanada, but he simply lacked strength to do so.

Sanada nodded and clasped his hands around Yukimura's small, cold hand. "I will always be with you," he said with a teary smile. He pressed someone small against Yukimura's palm before closing Yukimura's fingers around it. Sanada kissed Yukimura's cheek lightly and left the room quietly.

Yukimura opened his palm. A small crane sat there, wrinkled and badly folded.

It was azure. The colour of the sky that was beyond his reach.


After two weeks in hospital, the doctors diagnosed Yukimura's illness as something else. It was a relief, to hear that it was not Guillain-Barré Syndrome. However, even though this illness could be cured, it needed a surgery. And even if it was cured, disabilities could still occur. Tennis, it seemed, was still impossible.

For his family, his friends and Sanada, it was almost a miracle. But for Yukimura, it was worse than death. Living a life without tennis was meaningless and empty. And the surgery might fail as well. He did not want to hope. He did not want to believe. Because he was scared of disappointment. Of death.

If the surgery went ahead someday, that day would either be the day he was cured... or his death anniversary.

He was released from hospital just after New Year's Day. He remembered crying because he could not see the fireworks. Normally, he did not care to see the fancy celebration, but not having the choice to choose, he realised the value of the small things in life. But it was too late.

After his release, he stayed at home every day. He went to school twice a week to get his homework and to watch his team practise. Tennis was not something he enjoyed watching anymore, but he felt obliged to supervise anyway. Being captain was, perhaps, a privilege he would soon lose.

Going to school usually made him feel better, although sometimes the once-admiring, now-pitiful glances were too much to handle. He just wanted to be normal once more.

Sitting in his bed, playing with the crane Sanada gave him, he stared at the feathery dream-catcher hanging from the ceiling. If only nightmares in reality could be trapped as well.

There was a knock on his door. "Come in," Yukimura said, just loud enough for the person to hear. Sanada entered. Yukimura smiled. He always felt better whenever he saw Sanada. "You came to see me," Yukimura noted, stating the obvious as if he wanted to confirm it. Sanada nodded and sat on the edge of Yukimura's bed.

Yukimura sat up and hooked his arms around Sanada's neck. He kissed Sanada, who immediately pushed him away gently. "Why?" Yukimura asked, clearly upset.

"I don't think we should do this until you've recovered."

"What if I never do?"

"Don't say that. Please."

Yukimura scoffed. "What did you want to tell me?"

Sanada took a deep breath. "You got dropped to 3-C."

Yukimura was silent for a moment. Then, he laughed. It was bitter and full of sadness. "It doesn't matter, does it?"

Sanada looked at Yukimura. His response was calmer than expected. 3-C was, in perspective, not bad at all considering that Yukimura had missed out on all the yearly examinations. "And..." Sanada paused, wondering if Yukimura would be happy or angry with this, "you will continue to be our captain."

A silent slid down Yukimura's cheek.

"Why does anything matter anymore?" he said, "I'm going to die anyway."


Please review! I put a lot of effort into this chapter!!!

Warning: The M-rated stuff starts next chapter.