Hey guys, Mitsukai here again for another installment of To Be a Sanada. I'm so sorry for the late delay, as I've told you, our computer crashed, and I had to made this out of scratch again. And also because of the demands of university life that I've put this off for as long as possible, but because of the request of Jessy-star-punk-pop that I update this story (and she even translated her request to me in English so I would be able to understand it) I've kicked my ass in gear and managed to cover most that I've written before and added some into it.

On another note, To Be a Sanada is approaching its 1st year anniversary, and I sincerely thank you guys for your understanding and continuing to read this story. it's close to a hundred reviews, and I hope that I'll reach the hundred mark on the day this was posted, which I would have another chapter ready by then.

Warnings and Disclaimers: First chapter.


Spinoff III-G: Suspicions and Vague Jealousy

Tezuka kept his stare steady at their eventual opponents, never breaking eye contact with Sanada Genichirou as he rallied his teammates to fix up so they could leave and celebrate, unwittingly turning it again into another one of their unofficial matches as the Rikkaidai vice-captain did likewise, never leaving his gaze at his rival. It seemed it would never end, this impromptu tiff between them, if not for Yukimura and Fuji who had noticed and had restrained their respective spouses discreetly, with Yukimura placing a hand on Sanada's arm, and with Fuji grasping Tezuka's hand as they both gave mutual looks of exasperation and apology to each other before forcing them to pay attention to much more important matters.

"Mitsu." The tensai's voice was soft, and yet held a degree of reprimand and a tinge of amusement when he had jerked his spouse back to reality. "Don't worry; you'll meet each other at the courts soon."

Tezuka nodded his acquiesce, though his actions showed a bit of sheepishness, the first to turn away and bark our orders, aware of the intense stare at his back until he was sure that Yukimura had managed to tug his team away from their sight. With Rikkaidai gone, Tezuka exhaled a breath he didn't know he was holding, shaking wayward thoughts out of his mind. He shouldn't be tense, especially since he had just finished his match right now and hasn't sufficiently rested yet.

The touch of cloth against his skin startled him, and his eyes flickered up, seeing the most beautiful person he had ever laid eyes on taking care of him gently and tenderly, a towel pressed against his cheek and neck, soaking up the sweat that clung to his body. Fuji smiled at him, a more reserved, but more brilliant and definitely more special smile that had Tezuka smiling back, a small one, yes, but it was enough to confirm what everybody else knew. The Seigaku regulars knew well when not to interrupt a moment between them, only giving them a smile of their own and trying to finish up the packing as long and as quietly as they could, in a considerable distance, of course, out of consideration to their friends.

Tezuka leaned into the touch, letting Fuji take care of him, a rare moment of vulnerability, one that had Fuji gazing at him affectionately. To the outsiders watching them, they looked like the perfect, happy couple, though both male, and even the most homophobic and oblivious person can't deny on how well they fit each other, and that the deep love that was shared between them was almost tangible to the senses.

But even in complete contentment in their intimacy, they both knew that there was someone missing; the ultimate proof of their love for one another, one that had bore fruit during their second year that left them with an irreplaceable hole in their chest as they both agreed to pay the price of their forbidden relationship.

Their son.

"Ryoma's very frustrated that he didn't get to play." Fuji's voice was full of mirth, looking pointedly at the taller brunet as he tried to stifle his chuckles. "It reminded me of someone who's very similar…"

Tezuka refused to rise to the bait, already used to his spouse's light teasing, though he can't help the very light shade of pink that appeared on his face as he was reminded of his younger days. "He needs to learn that he can't always have his way. And it will ensure that he will be in top form in our match against Rikkaidai."

"Rikkaidai… huh…" Fuji looked a little lost in thought at that, and immediately Tezuka understood. Sighing a little, he leaned down and pressed their foreheads together, his brown eyes looking deep into lost-looking blue orbs. Fuji eventually focused on him, and Tezuka chose that moment to comfort his spouse in the only way he could, devoid of words but almost overflowing in emotion with action, not caring if they were in public, or that they were being seen by others. Fuji smiled in to the kiss, gently pressing back, washed away by the warmth he felt, knowing that he was loved and taken care of by this wonderful man he never expected to love as deeply and as passionately as this.

They parted, oblivious to the gazes upon them as Fuji smiled, more tenderly this time, before finishing up and turning back to the team who had everything ready and was only waiting for them.

"Sorry. We got held up." Fuji's ever ethereal expression was back on his face. "So where are we celebrating?"

As Eiji and Momoshiro fired off suggestions, their good spirits raising the team morale, Fuji left Tezuka to his devices, opting to join the others to leave the care of their son to his capable spouse; Ryoma was pouting and was letting off some steam by hitting the wall again and again, trying not to feel disappointed and hurt at the captain for not letting him play.

The capped teenager was oblivious to the third year coming into the courts, his concentration broken when the captain's usual cool, stoic voice intruded his thoughts.

"Echizen."

Ryoma stopped and looked up, the piercing stare making him look down, feeling as if he had been caught doing something wrong, though he really wasn't doing anything… save for sulking a little bit.

"Buchou." He put down his racket immediately unconsciously, turning his attention to the other teen. "What is it?"

"Let's go. Everyone is waiting." Tezuka made to turn back, but a voice stopped him from doing so.

"Buchou, why… why didn't you let me play?" Ryoma's tone was hurt but at the same time angry. Why? Why wasn't he able to play? He's already proved himself to be strong, hadn't he? He made it to the regulars after all. Does this mean that, despite the training he had gone though, his buchou hadn't acknowledged his tennis skills? The thought brought a sting of hurt in his pride and in his heart.

Tezuka didn't fully face his son, but instead tilted his head, indicating that he was listening, but was unwilling to talk about it.

"I have my own reasons." With Fuji in such a slump, Tezuka thought it better to make his son interact with his mother more often, as much as possible without telling their secret outright, hoping that that would make it more bearable for his brunet spouse. He worried for his family terribly, and was willing to sacrifice the win of his team for it, never mind that it made him look selfish. "And it will ensure that you're in top form for the semi-finals. Don't question my decision on this, Echizen." He continued more sternly when it showed that his son wasn't going to let it down. "It was for the good of the team."

Ryoma stubbornly opened his mouth again to protest, but something inside him won't let the words out, and just moodily followed his captain out into the parking lot, half angry, half-wondering why he couldn't answer the other teen back as rudely as he wanted to.

As they passed the tennis courts, Ryoma saw another vending machine, and, having told the older teen that he wanted a drink, immediately went for it, getting the grape Ponta and taking a good long gulp, trying to arrange his thoughts, and just was he turned back to his team, he was immediately face-to-face with a person he hadn't expected to see until the day after tomorrow.

"Yukimura-san." He said, stunned.

"Echizen-kun." The Rikkai captain smiled at him, gentle and kind and none of the bloodlust that was usually present during tennis matches. "Aren't Seigaku heading out already?" He asked with interest, gesturing to his tennis bag. "We are also getting some rest for our match on the semi-finals."

"Ah… yes." Ryoma really didn't know what to say to him. The only time he saw the older teen was on the courts, and the show of friendliness was completely unexpected, as he was known to be ruthless on the courts. Instinctively Ryoma wanted a match with him, but it was neither the time nor the place. "Buchou and the others are waiting for me." He said rather lamely when the silence became longer than usual.

"Ah, I see." Depthless blue eyes looked at him, so deep and soul-searching, but it was gone as quickly as it came, his eyes returning to the friendly depth.

"Echizen-kun, sometimes we cannot see the truth because it is right in front of our eyes. So take a few steps back to see it clearly." Yukimura raised his hand to pat his head briefly, before heading out again.

"I'll see you and your team on the courts then, Echizen-kun."

"W-What…?" Surprised, Ryoma went up to touch his hair, feeling the warmth when the older teen had touched it just moments before.

To see the truth… what did he mean by that? And… his hand felt so warm…

-/-

Yukimura went back to where his team was waiting, but was startled when a pair of arms suddenly went around his waist and a wild mass of curls obscured his vision.

"Akaya." He petted the curly hair fondly, his smile covering up for the short burst of surprise he felt. "What's wrong?" He asked when he felt his son's arms tighten around his midsection.

"You're my Okaa-san, right?" Green eyes looked up at him, and Akaya was positively pouting, almost clinging to his captain.

Yukimura looked up from his youngest to exchange glances with the rest of the team, who only shrugged in confusion, though his spouse had an inkling of understanding in his features. "Of course I am, sweetheart." Gently he pried off the arms around him without any effort, holding it firmly in his hands as Akaya only pouted more. "Now what's this about, Akaya?"

"Don't become Echizen's Okaa-san!" Suddenly Akaya was hugging him again, jealousy laced in his upset tone. "I saw you patting his head earlier! I won't let him take you away from me! I swear I won't! He has his own Okaa-san, and I won't let him take mine!" He declared fiercely.

"…What on…" Yukimura was extremely baffled, turning to Sanada for some help, and was relieved when the vice-captain seemed to comprehend and peeled the distraught junior off his worried mother. But Akaya stayed stubbornly silent, even as his parents asked him what was wrong, and remained sulking the rest of the way back, and Yanagi assured the worried couple that he'll update them as soon as he knows what's wrong, though he has an idea already.

-/-

Echizen Ryoma had a restless sleep. Despite himself, he found himself thinking about the Rikkaidai captain's words over and over again, and was preoccupied all throughout the morning. Escaping his father's perverted conversation and his attempt to make him do housework, he managed to get out of the house, tennis bag in hand, intent on working off his thoughts in an exhausting tennis match.

What he didn't count on, however, was meeting his senpai on the way to the street courts, and with some coercion, he found himself walking side by side with Fuji Shuusuke to a nearby café.

"It's good that I met you Echizen, otherwise I'd be alone today." The brunet chuckled, smiling in that terribly vague way of his as they sat down and ordered. Unconsciously Ryoma found himself looking at the older teen intently, as if trying to see if he was really okay.

"Fuji-senpai… are you okay now?"

"Hm?" The genius looked up from studying the menu and waved the question away, smiling more genuinely now. "Oh, I feel fine now. Saa, you must be very worried about me." He teased lightly, chuckling when the younger teen looked away and muttered something under his breath, looking at the freshman with an affectionate look. "Do you want to eat something? My treat," he added, winking (how he was able to do that with his eyes closed, Ryoma had no idea).

They were silent for the most part, eating in comfortable silence, with Ryoma once in a while studying his senpai, toying with the idea of telling him what transpired between him and the Rikkaidai captain. While the tensai might be slightly more insane than the rest of his team, he was more understanding, and he had a feeling that out of all the people he knew, Fuji-senpai might be the one to tell him what that cryptic message might mean.

Before he knew it, he told the older brunet everything, and waited as he poked at his parfait, watching the other teen hum thoughtfully.

"So Yukimura told you that…" Internally Fuji thanked the gods for Yukimura Seiichi, his husband-to-be and their son. If not for them, all of them would be in misery and would have to wait longer before finally meeting their children. Truthfully he had been resentful when he realized that they were reunited much earlier than intended, but when he heard Kirihara Akaya's plan, he couldn't help but feel very thankful about it. "Why does it bother you, Echizen?"

Honestly, Ryoma didn't know himself, but it served to irritate him enough to not get enough sleep. "I really don't know, Fuji-senpai." He sighed, feeling more at ease now that he wasn't being teased. Somehow, just sitting like this… it made him feel more comfortable than he should be, considering that this was Fuji-senpai he was talking about. "But it's very annoying."

Internally Fuji sighed. It seemed, like his father, Ryoma lacked the skills needed for deciphering deceptively subtle sentences. He had always said that Ryoma took after his spouse too much and briefly he wondered what qualities Ryoma had gotten from him before turning back to the conversation at hand.

"Why don't you follow his advice then?" Fuji leaned forward, resting the top of chin on his steepled hands, propping his elbows on the table as he surveyed his son's expression. "What did he say again? To take a few steps back…" He released his hand to briefly touch the younger boy's cheek, whose golden colored eyes widened at the sudden touch.

"So you would be able to see things more clearly." Fuji took his hand back and gave a smile. "You have nothing to lose, after all."

Echizen opened his mouth to say something, and when nothing came out, opted to just shovel the rest of the dessert in his mouth, feeling discomfited, while a pair of glittering blue eyes peeking out from half-lidded eyelids watched on, chuckling softly.

You really are my son, aren't you, Ryoma?

-/-

Spending time with Fuji Shuusuke didn't really put Echizen Ryoma's mind at ease. In fact, he felt almost flustered in the company of the older teen, not because they looked like a couple, but because he felt like a little kid being coddled on by his mother in public, however strange that feeling might be.

"Fuji-senpai…" He muttered for the nth time this day, almost whining as the older brunet ruffled his hair and giggled. "Could you please stop this already? It's annoying."

"But you look so cute~" They were in a costume shop, and suddenly the tensai had this brilliant idea of dressing him up in ridiculous outfits, and he didn't dare say no for fear of angering Fuji Shuusuke, and the results would be catastrophic indeed.

But… seeing him genuinely laughing and smiling (even though it was in his own embarrassing expense) made Ryoma feel better, almost smiling himself as he allowed the brunet to clothe him in the most bizarre of costumes, no matter how uncomfortable it may be for him.

"I wish I brought my camera with me…" Fuji sighed almost regretfully, nostalgia creeping in as he placed the younger teen in a prince costume. He missed playing dress up with his boy, as he always did when he was just a baby, to Tezuka's exasperation at times. "It would be a great addition to his baby pictures…"

"Baby pictures?" Why would Fuji-senpai have his baby pictures? Unless there was something he missed, none of the regulars would have seen his pictures as a kid, unless his pervert of a father had something to do with it.

Realizing that he made a slip, Fuji backtracked quickly, sensing Ryoma's immediate interest and suspicion. "Saa… to add with the others, of course." He smiled wickedly. "I should let you see them all one day."

"No thanks, senpai." It wouldn't surprise him if the team's resident sadist had baby pictures of all of them, but why did having baby pictures of him affect him this much? He wondered as the day ended and he was back in his own room, once again not able to sleep as the words and memories of today haunted him.

Why did it make him feel so happy and sad at the same time?

-/-

Class was over, tennis practice finished, and yet a lone student stayed sitting in the clubroom, a stack of papers on one corner on a coffee table and one piece staying in the middle of the table, the last piece of paperwork needed to be done before the start of the semi-finals the next day. Yukimura Seiichi was trying to stave off the headache that was coming on, exhausted with the last-minute practice he and his team went through in preparation for tomorrow's matches. He only had the line-up to fill up, purposefully leaving it for the last so he could think about it more clearly.

"Seiichi?" The sound of his name made him look up, an apologetic smile gracing his features as he saw how late it was already. He was supposed to be relaxing right now, he promised Sanada, but old habits die hard, especially when this close to winning the competition. He felt the couch dip beside him as Sanada took a seat, feeling the brown eyed gaze burn holes in his neck.

"I'm already finished, I just need to do this," he assured his vice-captain, poring over the sheet at once. But he didn't expect the hand that stopped his hand from writing, and the stern but worried look that crossed his vice-captain's face.

"You promised, now come here."

Yukimura sighed a little and shifted in his seat, letting himself be enveloped in strong arms as he relaxed, closing his eyes as he felt the tension in his body slowly melt away.

"I could use a break." He finally admitted sheepishly.

"Vice-captains are here to ensure that their captain doesn't overwork themselves to death." Yukimura had been inside the clubroom ever since practice ended, and too much stress wouldn't be good for him. Sanada was concerned, especially when he saw the amount of paperwork left, and Yukimura had forbidden him to do it for him. "You need to rest. The semi-finals are tomorrow."

"I know." Yukimura snuggled closer, leaning his head on Sanada's chest, the steady beat of his heart lulling him into a deep calm. "I still have to think about the line-up for tomorrow, though."

"Let me see." Sanada's hand left his back to reach for the paper lying innocently on the table, returning back to reclining on the sofa so they could look at it together. "Doubles-1 is Niou and Yagyuu?"

"Seigaku's Doubles-1 would most definitely be their Golden Pair. Niou and Yagyuu's doubles combination is unpredictable compared to Oishi and Kikumaru, so they would have to put up a fight." Yukimura smiled. "I had considered making Marui and Jackal play against them, but Seigaku will be expecting that we put our best doubles combination against theirs. They will be thoroughly researched on."

"So you put Marui and Jackal first, so whoever they play against, it will ensure our win at once, and it will weaken their morale." Sanada nodded, following along the train of thought, his fingers massaging the back of the other teen's neck. "How about Singles?"

"That's the problem, I'm afraid." Completely at ease now, Yukimura raised his finger to tap at the three blanks boxes reserved for the Singles players. "Of course, I'm planning to put you and Akaya in, but I'm not sure if I should go in as well."

This surprised Sanada. "You're playing reserve?"

"I'm thinking about it." Yukimura hummed a little in thought. "I'm trying to place myself in Tezuka's shoes right now. He won't let Fuji play, I'm sure, and I know that he would want to play against you. He would also be entering Echizen in Singles, but I don't know where. What do you think?"

They stayed silent, trying to figure out the best line up against Seigaku, until Sanada spoke up.

"Put me in Singles-3. Tezuka's playing Singles-3. I'm sure of it."

"How can you be sure?" Yukimura looked up at his vice-captain, visibly surprised.

"There's a chance that we might lose one or even both the doubles matches. If that happens, Seigaku will want to bring the momentum to their side by sending their most powerful player in." His hold on Yukimura's waist tightened as his expression darkened visibly. "I'm not going to allow that. By letting me in Singles-3, I could control the flow of the game and stop them from getting too full of themselves."

"Gen…"

"Please, Seiichi. Trust me."

"… All right." Yukimura smiled softly, agreeing to Sanada's wishes. "Singles-3 is filled, and what about the others?"

"I'll leave that to you." Sanada briefly kissed Yukimura's forehead, a sign of gratitude, as they both pondered on other possible combinations. Before long they finally had their line-up for the next day.

"And that's done." The captain breathed a sigh in relief, feeling happier now that he had some company, and whose company could be better than his own husband-to-be's? He raised his chin up and brushed his lips over a strong jaw as they stood up and prepared themselves to go home.

"Gen, what about Akaya? I saw Renji talking to you about him…"

Sanada had to resist the urge to smile when he found out the reason why Akaya was so upset a few hours before. He was being protective of his mother, and Sanada highly approved of it, something that he knew wouldn't sit well with his blue-haired spouse. "Akaya is just going through a phase. He'll be fine tomorrow." It was a talk between men, not that he was saying that his spouse wasn't a man, but it was a talk between father and son about the mutual person they both love, and he intended to keep it that way. "He's just territorial, that's all."

"With what?" Yukimura was puzzled.

Sanada gave a small smile and gave a quick kiss against Yukimura's temple as they exited the clubroom.

"Don't worry about it, Seiichi."

-/-

The day dawned bright and clear, the flags of Rikkaidai Fuzoku and Seishun Gakuen fluttering with the wind as the boy's tennis team faced each other in the tennis courts.

It was time for the semi-finals.


It's time for the Rikkai vs. Seigaku showdown! I've got this all in my mind already, and the only thing I can assure you is that the Seigaku reunion will be soon enough.

Reviews and comments appreciated.

Mitsukai20