here we go...

***

On Friday, Ryoma woke up well-rested and happy. Happier, at least, than he had been in the last few months. He took his time showering and getting dressed, but as he was eating breakfast his good mood vanished.

Yesterday, he had been eating with Fuji. It had seemed natural at the time, but now he wondered why Fuji had put up with him. Ryoma had basically cheated him out of a decent game and made him pay for breakfast, which in turn meant Fuji was late for practice. He hadn't remembered his senpai being so...selfless.

Doubtless Tezuka had put him up to it. Of course Tezuka wanted him to be successful as captain - as the "Pillar of Seigaku" or something like that.

He was moping over this new conclusion (and the fact he was eating alone), when the phone rang.

"Echizen residence."

"Ryoma," his mother said, sounding very exhausted and very far away. "Are you doing alright?"

"I'm in Japan," Ryoma snapped. "Don't talk in English." He pushed back his chair and stood up, somehow not hungry anymore.

"Of course," his mother said. "I'm so sorry - I thought at least one of us would fly back yesterday, but there was some problem with the blood work. The surgery won't be until tomorrow."

"How is Nanako?"

"Tired. She really wants to get the surgery over with. She's a bit mad at us for leaving you alone."

Ryoma sighed and decided he could drop the whole language issue. It's not like anyone was there to make fun of him, and he knew his mother was stressed out.

"I'm fourteen, Mom. Besides, it's already been a month."

"That long?" his mom said, but she didn't sound surprised. Just sad. "Nanako asked one of her friends from the University to check in on you. Just to make sure everything's alright."

Ryoma didn't answer, wondering if this meant they would be gone another week.

"You can even stay with them if you want. I believe her name is Yumi - she's very nice. And she has two little brothers - oh, was that the doorbell?"

"It's probably just someone with a get-well card. Should I send them on or will you be back soon?" He tried not to sound too eager.

"If you're not too busy," his mom said. She said something else, but Ryoma couldn't make it out through the static. "And you can write something to Nanako - she misses you very much."

The doorbell now rang multiple times, and Ryoma crossed over and yanked the door open. He tried not to let his anxiety show as he waved the older boy in.

"It's only Momo-senpai. It's 7:00 over here and I gotta get to school. Please wish onee-chan good luck and...and tell Dad I miss him. But not too much. And come back soon."

"Ryoma, I'm so sorry."

"Mada mada dane," he said, knowing it would make her feel better. It didn't make him feel any better. He hung up the phone and went back to his breakfast.

"E-Echizen!"

"Don't act stupid, Momo-senpai," Ryoma said, moving his dishes to the sink. He was running late because of the phone call, and he didn't want to give Ryuzaki-sensei anymore reasons to worry.

Momo laughed nervously. "But you speak so quickly! You should be in my English class, or even Fuji-senpai's. He talks just as fast as you."

"Hn. Why are you here?"

"Can't I pick up my kouhai for school?"

"You can, but not when you have to go in the opposite direction. Did Tezuka-buchou ask you to check on me?"

"Wha...what?" Momo stammered, looking highly offended. "I came here because I was worried about you! It's not like you to be so mean to Eiji-senpai."

Ryoma shifted uncomfortably as he locked the door. "Sorry."

Momo looked slightly mollified. "Tell that to Eiji-senpai. He's miserable. And stop assuming that we only do things because Tezuka-buchou asks us too!"

Echizen hopped onto the back of Momo's bike, wavering a little as he adjusted his tennis bag. It had been awhile.

"Fuji-senpai treated me to breakfast," he told his friend. "He wouldn't do that unless buchou asked him - "

"Not true! Buchou made him run laps for skipping."

Ryoma fell silent, wondering...

"Echizen, a friend is still a friend even when you are having an off-day." He tactfully didn't say "off-month" even though he knew Echizen's behavior had been going on for about as long.

"Maybe."

***

Despite Horio's repeated pokes, Ryoma paid even less attention to his teachers than usual. In English he spent more time thinking about Eiji than conjugating verbs. In math he wondered whether Fuji put up with him for sadistic purposes or something else. In science he wondered what that something else could be.

And then, during history, Ryoma flashed back to Eiji's hurt expression. For the hundredth time he wished he had not been so harsh with his words. But he had been stressed, and had only just returned from America - where people were far more likely to lash out and say what they felt.

Ryoma knew he should be explaining himself to Eiji, but there was something that made him hesitate. He could not offer a true apology without going into the reason why he was so upset - and that, he was still unwilling to share. He had not even managed to tell Fuji, although he had gotten close.

But still, he had to make some sort of an effort. With five minutes until lunch, Ryoma gave up on his history notes and wrote down something more important.

***

Kaidoh enjoyed lunch, and he especially enjoyed it alone. It was a time for him to relax, organize his thoughts, and prepare for a second round of classes. He had gotten quite good at tuning out the antics of the high school cafeteria...

...though, apparently not good enough. What was the brat doing here?

He quickly composed himself and then stood up to confirm...yes, it was none other than Ryoma Echizen who had just wandered into the high school cafeteria. Wearing the middle school uniform, no less. Didn't he any sense of self-preservation?

And he could have at least pretended to respect his senpai. One of the seniors stepped forward to question his purpose there, and Ryoma had apparently ignored him. Idiot.

But just as the senior lunged for Echizen...Kaidoh stood up decided that just this once, he could cut Echizen some slack. He was quick enough to grab the senior and haul him off Echizen before any real damage was done.

"Fsshhh..."

Apparently, his anti-freshmen glare also worked on the seniors.

"Aaa...Kaidoh-senpai," Echizen said, bowing slightly. "Arigatou."

"I did it for Tezuka-buchou," Kaidoh growled. Inwardly, he was pleased to see that Echizen was still capable of respect.

A flash of amusement, gone just as quick. "Have you seen Eiji-senpai?"

"Rooftop," Kaidoh said shortly. "Don't be stupid on the way there."

***

If Ryoma had known his friends were going to react this way, he would have brought a camera. As it were, he couldn't help smirking a little when he straightened up from his bow.

After the initial shock, Inui dove for his notebook and Oishi and Taka both stuttered something unintelligible. Even Tezuka looked startled. Fuji seemed more amused than shocked. Eiji bounded forward happily, but then stopped, uncertain.

"Eiji-senpai, I'm - "

Apparently Eiji had seen something in Ryoma's expression, for a split second later Ryoma found himself staggering under an enthusiastic hug.

"Ochibi! I was so worried, nya! But it makes me so happy to see you!"

Eiji squeezed him tightly and let him go, and Ryoma stopped caring about who saw his smile. He felt so much more relaxed, even though he hadn't explained himself.

"It's good to see you, Echizen," Oishi said. "But aren't you supposed to be in school?"

Eiji slung an arm around Ryoma's shoulders, pouting. "He is in school! With us!"

"Saa...it's fine," Fuji said softly. "We hardly get to see you, ne, Echizen?"

Ryoma met the tensai's eyes carefully, still wary of his motives. Fuji seemed to realize this and frowned. He looked hurt, but Ryoma still couldn't be sure.

"There is a 90% chance you walked here. There is a 95% chance you got in trouble on the way." Inui looked at Ryoma for confirmation.

"Yes, I walked. I didn't get in trouble."

"Really?"

"Hn. Kaidoh-senpai...helped."

Inui scribbled something on his notebook, and Oishi now looked more worried than ever. Ryoma ignored him and turned to his former captain. Tezuka had gotten over his shock, and actually showed signs of being happy to see him.

"Will you come to Nationals, buchou?"

Tezuka nodded. "It will be a good opportunity to see what you've accomplished."

"He means to say 'I'm proud of you'," Eiji translated. "We will all come and watch! Even with me and Oishii gone, I hear the doubles team is still strong."

They talked for a few minutes longer the conversation eventually turning to the best classes to take in high school. Ryoma couldn't bring himself to mention he might be transferring. He was afraid Fuji would bring it up for him, but the tensai was strangely silent.

"Echizen, as much as I hate to say this, you really should be going," Oishi broke in.

"I'll walk you downstairs," Fuji offered.

Ryoma was about to refuse, but thought better of it. He knew his other senpai would want to know the reason, and he didn't know how to justify it. Fuji-senpai...scares me? I don't understand him?

As if. He said his goodbyes and, slightly apprehensively, followed Fuji to the stairwell. He trailed behind the older boy for awhile, wondering whether he should try to explain...

And quite suddenly, Ryoma felt someone grab his wrist and sharply pull him into a side hallway. He looked up at Fuji's face, startled to find his eyes wide open and dark.

"Did I do something to upset you?"

Ryoma shuddered and tried to pull away, but Fuji only tightened his grip. Ryoma was loathe to admit it, but in a battle of strength, Fuji might just have the edge. He stopped resisting and forced himself to look Fuji in the eye.

"Maybe."

"You seem fine with everyone else," Fuji said, and this time there was no mistaking the hurt in his voice. "I don't understand."

"Are you playing with me?"

The words slipped out before he could stop them, and yet there were a hundred more behind them, needing to be said.

"I don't understand why you would spend time with me," Ryoma said. "The way I see it, Taka is a much better friend. Oishi and you have lots of classes together, and he gets top grades same as you."

"Echizen - "

"Let me finish. Eiji is more fun to spend time with. He is more open and more friendly than I could ever be. Tezuka can match your skills in tennis, and it would be more convenient to play him. He doesn't force you to show him your counters, either. And - "

Fuji grabbed Ryoma by the shoulders and shoved him back against the wall, and Ryoma was so shocked he swallowed his next words.

"I would never, ever, do anything to hurt you," Fuji said, willing the other boy to understand. "You are a better friend to me than anyone. You are just as intelligent, on and off the courts, as Oishi or Eiji or Taka. If you asked me for match every single day for a year, I would never refuse. I would never get bored. Tezuka is a strong player, yes, but he is not you."

A pause, and Ryoma met Fuji's eyes squarely.

If you asked me for match every single day for a year, I would never refuse. I would never get bored.

There was truth in that statement, for both of them.

"Thank you, Fuji-senpai," he said quietly.

Fuji let him go and smiled, heading for the stairs as though nothing had happened.

"And, as I recall, you've only truly broken three of my counters. I'm not in the least bit worried. Mada mada dane, Echizen."

"...same to you, Fuji-senpai."

***

As Ryuzaki-sensei anxiously hurried across the courts, Ryoma's heart sank. Even though the middle schoolers weren't allowed to leave the campus, he hadn't thought anyone would notice.

"Ryoma! Please come to my office!"

And he really couldn't get in trouble right now. They would undoubtedly need to contact his parents, and that was something nobody needed to mess with...

To his suprise, Ryuzaki pointed to the phone and then left. Ryoma tried not to let his relief show as he cautiously picked it up.

"Moshi moshi?"

"Ryoma! I apologize for calling dur - "

"Mom! Did something happen?"

"No, no, everything is fine. Nothing bad. It's just...well, Nanako's platelet count is still too low. And they are very low on O negative donors."

Ryoma bit back his reply. He didn't want to go...not so soon, not ever. But he knew his family needed him.

"You don't have to go if you don't want to."

It's just that if you don't, your cousin might die.

"I'll get on the next flight. Should I pack anything for the weekend?"

"Ryoma, we miss you so very much. But your finals are so soon and we don't want you to miss out on your studying time."

We don't want to take care of you, too. Just stay home and take care of the house.

He would not cry about this. He would not be selfish. If everything worked out, he would be home by tomorrow night.

"I'll see you soon."

"I love you, Ryoma."

"Love you too. Tell Nanako to hang in there."

He almost ran into Ryuzaki-sensei in the hallway, and immediately ducked his head. If Ryuzaki was surprised by this uncharacteristic show of respect, she said nothing. When Ryoma had composed himself he straightened up and mentally organized his schedule. There was no practice on Fridays, so he did not have to mention anything about his departure.

"Everything is fine," he said calmly. He had gotten so good at lying the past few months. "I'll be here for Monday's practice."

"Hm. Have you talked to the old crowd lately? I know they were looking for you."

Ryoma inwardly rolled his eyes. Ryuzaki was really obvious, sometimes.

"Yes, sensei, I had lunch with them...er...I had dinner with them yesterday."

She smiled in a half-relieved, half-knowing sort of way, and then let him go. He almost wished she hadn't.

***

Atobe had actually listened to the first half of Shishido's rant, but by the third stop his focus had completely vanished.

It wasn't the chatter of the commuters (honestly, they could have been a little more considerate when whipping out their cell phones) or the grunge of the subway car (which probably hadn't been cleaned in weeks and was really and truly disgusting). Okay. So there were a thousand other insignificant things that were pissing him off.

But what truly caught his attention was the small, dark-haired boy curled up near the end of the compartment. His cap was pulled down low over his face and he was not dressed in blue and white, but his identity was unmistakable. Seigaku Middle School's captain, Echizen Ryoma, was currently sleeping his way through eastbound route number 3.

Atobe's initial instinct was to go over and demand an explanation, but he knew Ryoma would not be forthcoming. Especially when the other Hyotei players realized who it was, and started asking their own questions. Put simply, it would be chaos.

Instead, he remained sitting as the train reached its fourth stop. The rest of his team piled off, preparing for the 10 km run back to Hyotei.

"Oi, Atobe, aren't you coming?"

Atobe quickly refocused on his team. "Ore-sama needs more of a workout. I will be waiting until the fifth stop."

"Are you kidding, Atobe? That's suicidal!"

Atobe shrugged, inwardly dreading the extra 7 km. But some things were more important.

***

"Training without your team, brat?"

Ryoma groaned as he realized who it was. This was his last chance to sleep for the next twenty-something hours, and he did not need Atobe ruining it for him.

But then again, he did not need Atobe running to Tezuka and starting up a gossip circle. Reluctantly, Ryoma opened his eyes and prepared to cut down Atobe's suspicions.

"Monkey King. Also training without your team?"

Atobe didn't answer, instead looking pointedly at Ryoma's tennis bag. With a change of clothes, some get-well cards, and his passport, it looked oddly misshapen.

Stupid observant Monkey King. He picked up the bag and set it on his lap, not willing to take any chances.

"Have you talked to your captain? Or that annoying friend of his?"

"You mean Tezuka-buchou or Fuji-senpai? Hn."

Ryoma tipped his head back and closed his eyes. He could get to sleep once Atobe got off, which had to be soon.

"So they would know why you're going to airport on a Friday afternoon?"

With that, Ryoma's eyes flew open, and he turned to meet Atobe's satisfied expression. Fucking stupid Monkey King.

"It's the only likely destination on this route. Unless you plan to run the 30 km back to Seigaku. In which case I would settle for your company."

Ryoma wanted to punch that smirk right off Atobe's face, but he didn't need anymore trouble right now. He settled for a diplomatic approach instead.

"Please, don't tell them."

And here he sounded pathetic, anxious and pleading all at once. Even Atobe looked surprised at his tone.

"Why don't you tell Fuji?"

"I don't want anyone to know."

A pause, and Ryoma thought of all the ways he could persuade Atobe not to tell. He had nothing, though. No threats, no blackmail. He was screwed.

"Hm," Atobe said thoughtfully. "Why is taking a vacation a weakness?"

"Because, damn it, it's not a vacation," Ryoma snapped. Like he would schedule a vacation so close to Nationals? "It's a fucking nine hour flight, then the flight back right after, and I spend most of my time in the fucking airport, anyway. Stupid security and people wanting to know where my parents are...oh, and assuming I don't speak English? The hell?"

"Sounds like you've done this before."

"Only a thousand times," he snapped, then flushed. Stupid manipulative Monkey King.

Atobe was looking at him calculatingly, and Ryoma really couldn't stand much more of this. Shouldn't he have left at the last stop, anyway?

"You going to run back 40 km now?"

Atobe smirked slightly and stood up to leave, apparently realizing he would get no more out of his dark-haired companion. Ryoma watched him go, wondering if the boy cared enough to go to Tezuka. Or to Fuji.

"Atobe-senpai!"

Atobe turned, and Ryoma shouted to make his words heard over the creek of the subway.

"Please don't tell! Please!"

And maybe it was because respected the boy, because he wanted those gold eyes to look a little less worried. Whatever the reason, Atobe said the words.

"I promise."

And Ryoma was gone.

***

kekekekekeke.....there is one tiny hint as to what will happen later. did anyone catch it? it's in one of the phonecalls.

see you soon!