Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis.
Ice
Chapter 9
Blue eyes watched as the sun rose above the hills in the distance, slowly staining the sky with red, uneven streaks almost like a drop of ink which had spread through the water. Wishing he had brought his camera, Fuji gazed wistfully through the replica camera he had made with his fingers.
He found himself humming a tune he had heard on the radio as he stood outside of the freshman's home. Shaking his head, the humming stopped. The prodigy had caught himself doing that a lot lately, beginning after the chance meeting with Echizen.
Thinking of the boy, he pictured the appearance that would meet him; heavily-lidded eyes and a pretty little mouth which would open every once in a while to let out an endearing yawn. The fact that the boy was far from a morning person amused him greatly. A true, rare smile touched his lips as he patiently waited.
His eyes lit up as he watched the slim figure crept silently out of the door, his actions mirroring those of a cat. However, an unsettling feeling overcame him as he watched the other walk towards him. Ryoma narrowed his eyes as he stared straight ahead of him with a piercing glare yet still,
"Fuji-senpai, let's go," Ryoma greeted in an unnaturally cheery tone. Even he winced at his obviously fake tone. The smile he gave the prodigy seemed fake enough to crack.
"Ryoma." He placed a hand on his shoulder feeling him flinch underneath. The boy refused to meet his eyes, turning his head away.
"Look at me." With gentle fingers, he tipped the boy's chin towards him and widened his eyes at the sight. His red, blood-shot eyes held a wild and miserable glint in them. His deathly pale face contrasted dramatically with his dark under eye circles.
The freshman let out a soft gasp as he suddenly felt long arms wrap around him and pull him in. He found himself softening his eyes as he relaxed in the embrace. Fuji smiled as he heard the boy make a noise resembling a whine as he pulled away slightly to put his hands on the other's shoulders.
"Can I ask what's troubling you?" he prodded gently, knowing he's treading on a tender subject.
Fuji felt an invisible fist close around his heart as the boy shook his head hastily, as if trying to forget the experience. Known as the sadist, he felt oddly surprised that another person could evoke this fresh, painful feeling inside him.
"Syusuke, I'm sorry," Echizen lifted his head, his eyes conveying his sincere apologies. He quickly covered his hand over his mouth as he realized what he had just said.
"I didn't meant…I'm really…I shouldn't have Fuji-senpai," He stuttered, bowing his head. The tensai smiled at the boy's adorable reaction and decided to help him out.
"It's alright Ryoma-kun. In fact, I'd like it if you called me by my first name." He gave him a small wink and Ryoma smile back at him. It was a small smile but nevertheless a genuine one.
"Come on Syusuke, we're going to be later." Blushing slightly, he clutched the other's hand and pulled him towards their school.
A figure observed the scene with an impassive look on his face. His fists tightened at his side as he walked away in furious strides. The looming darkness followed him and whatever path he chose to mark.
Ryoma poked his head out from behind the wall, checking the hallway. He motioned to the tensai behind him after making sure that it was empty. Fuji followed after him; both breathing a deep sigh of relief.
"I was so sure the guidance counselor was going to hunt me down," Ryoma whispered, afraid that they were being overheard.
"Being your boyfriend hasn't done much for my attendance record." Fuji teased, lightly squeezing the boy's hand which was laying neatly in his for the time being. Their steady steps took them to the outside of the freshman's classroom.
"I've got to go in," he stated unnecessarily. Taking a deep breath, he pulled the other in for a small peck on the lips before disappearing behind the doorway.
A/N: Sorry for the long wait. I promise a new chapter will be up by next Sunday. The ending feels too rushed but I'll just leave it the way it is. So review and tell me how you liked or disliked this chapter.
