TENDERNESS IN THE RAIN

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN PRINCE OF TENNIS

Chapter 10: His Confession, Her Faith

Sakuno never thought she would be reduced to such a miserable state, of which she was even beginning to get scared by her own shadow. But her fear of going outside and picking up the phone originated from none other than the prince himself. There were a few times when she picked up her cell phone and came that bittersweet voice in the ever slight mocking tone. She had hung up upon hearing his voice out of nerves. Even worse, without Yuka here, Sakuno was afraid to answer the door. She kept herself hidden inside the house, away from the door, and away from life.

Life suddenly felt empty without those she has always leaned on. Besides her parents and her grandmother, there were only three she trusted. Yuka and Atobe were still busy with their own lives and Sakuno did not wish to disturb them with her problems. This left only one person she could call upon, Sanada Genichirou.

Of course, Sanada was busy as well, being the heir to a family of large fortune. But the former vice captain of Rikkai Dai chose to become a lawyer instead of taking over his father's business, a freedom he has earned after a long battle with his parents. He also taught kendo on his spare time as a part time job. Sakuno learned about it from her parents. She never knew her parents were good friends with the Sanada family, which surprised her.

Without others here, she left him a voice mail asking him to call her back.

Her cell phone rang to capture her attention. Sakuno bit her lips and reached over hesitantly. As the phone vibrated endlessly, she contemplated if she should answer it. If it was Ryoma again, she doubt she had the heart or nerves to hang him up for the third time.

It's as if luck was against her, the phone refused to leave her alone. Gulping, she picked up.

"Sakuno, are you busy?" Sanada's steady voice answered.

"Sanada…" Came a wave of relief.

"What is it?" He asked quickly, hearing the relief in her voice "Is something wrong?"

"I…" Sakuno told him briefly on what has happened to her.

"I'll be over right away." He hung up.

Thirty minutes later, her cell rang again. "Sakuno, I'm at your door."

She rushed to the door to let in a very stern man.

"You can tell me all about it after you get something to eat." He said seriously, noticing her paleness. He put bags of grocery down on her counter and went to her fridge.

Sakuno smiled a little and walked over, "Here, let me. It's the least I can do."

Sanada didn't object. He let Sakuno took over the kitchen and busily started preparing their meals. After a while, a deliciously hot meal was served for them at the dining table.

"He came to see you." He started.

"How did you know?" Sakuno gasped.

"Atobe told him where to find you." Sanada answered simply, taking bites at his food.

"…" Sakuno toying with her vegetables.

"When are you going to face him? There's nothing standing between you two." He said softly.

"Yes, there is." Sakuno smiled sadly, reaching up to cover her dead eyes.

"Sakuno, you can't bury your entire life just because of one misfortune. You've always wanted to be with him. Now that he has reached out to you, don't push him away. You'll both suffer."

"He's a world class athlete." Sakuno said calmly, "I'm not the one that should be standing beside him. Mari is a bright and handsome girl. The world adores the perfect couple."

"You rather let him keep hating you over a misunderstanding? Echizen will understand if you explain it to him."

Sakuno kept silent. If she explained it to Ryoma, then he will never leave her alone. If he accepted her explanation of why she did what she did, then he would try to stay by her side.

"No." She finally said.

"Sakuno!" Sanada stood up, a bit angry.

"…I'm sorry." She said guiltily. Sanada's anger was to be expected. "I didn't mean to remind you of her."

Sanada sat down slowly, "…Don't make the same mistake I've made. I was a fool to let her go without realizing what I would be losing. If only I…"

He shook his head in defeat, "No, let's not go there. This is about you. I can't force you to go against your decision, but at least promise to treat yourself better, alright? Don't let your parents and me worry about you."

Sakuno nodded obediently and gave him a dazzling smile.

Sanada gave her head a rub, knowing she has a tough road ahead of her. From what he remembered, Echizen Ryoma has always been a persistent one. He thought back to the time to when he handed Ryoma an embarrassing defeat, only to have the prince return the favour with full blast. He mentally chuckled at the memory from long ago, wishing Sakuno all the best on her struggle against Echizen.

Ryoma slipped his cell inside his pouch in frustration. Sakuno refused to take his call again. After hanging up on his a few times, he decided to call her on different intervals, hoping he could catch her off guard. But she has either stopped taking calls or she chose to abandon her cell phone.

Ryoma gave a soft 'chi' and looked at his own reflection in the mirror. A pair of cat-like golden eyes glared back at him.

"What are you looking at?" He reprimanded him reflection, then shook his head at his own foolishness.

Suddenly, his cell phone rang. He picked up eagerly and answered, "Hello? Sakuno?"

"Ryoma? It's me Max." Came his agent's cheery voice.

"Max? What do you want?" Ryoma suppressed his disappointment and answered in an even tone.

"I'm calling to remind you about the charity ball tonight. Don't be late and dress in style."

Ryoma narrowed his eyes, "I thought I was on vacation."

"The ball starts at 7pm. Don't be late! I've already arranged to have your suit sent to your place. You should get it in an hour or two."

"Max…" Ryoma warned in a low voice.

"I know I'm the best," Max sighed, "Take care of yourself and talk to you soo….wait, Mari…" The phone suddenly changed to a high pitch voice, "Ryoma! I miss you, baby! Love you…"

Ryoma hung up in a hurry and threw his phone on the bed.

He sighed and got busy with the preparations for tonight's ball. His suit came just as Max had told him. Ryoma's vein almost popped when he saw the suit.

"Max!" He gritted his teeth, mentally cursing his agent for not telling him it's a masquerade he will be attending. He stared at the elegantly tailored caped tuxedo with a twitching brow and sighed in defeat before reaching for the suit. After readjusting his entire wear, he grudgingly admitted the fabric felt good against his skin.

Sighing once again, he ran his hand over his hair once more and stepped out of the door.

"How entirely boring…" The prince muttered to himself in a small voice. He didn't see the point of the ball. Through his successful years, he has already donated tons of dollars to various charities, thus never seeing the need to attend these functions. Ryoma never understood why rich people have the need of gathering and prancing around each other when it was obviously more productive to actually be with those in need.

He suppressed the need of leaving right away and glanced at the mirror behind him, noticing the large mask that covered half of his face, his golden eyes staring back at him.

"Echizen, just the man I was looking for. My, what a great game you played a few months back in France…" A man came congratulating him.

"Mr. Pools." Ryoma inclined his head to one of the media giants of the sports industry.

"How's the sly fox?" Mr. Pools chuckled.

"Max's having a great time with me being out of his hands." Ryoma smiled. Mr. Pools was one of the very few media sources he trusted. He was an old friend of Max's and like Max said; it never hurt to have a friend who has huge control over the press.

"Yeah right, I bet he's already trying to squeeze some kind of multi million deals with some advertising company. Hope you still have breathing space once you get back to the states, kiddo." The older man laughed.

Ryoma chuckled as he continued his conversation. However, on the other side of the room, a familiar couple was also deep in discussion.

"Are you sure it's alright for me to be here?" Sakuno said uneasily.

"Don't worry. No one will know who you really are, as long as you wish to keep it a secret." Sanada put a reassuring hand on his partner for tonight.

Sakuno nodded and held on to her friend for support. She dressed up in an image of a goddess. With her hair let loose and cascading down her back, the beautifully tailored white garment hugged her body to perfection. As a touch up, fresh flowers of sorts were placed as a crown on her head.

"Let me get you a drink. I'll be right back." Sanada gave her a brotherly pat and walked away. Sakuno stood alone on the side, rubbing her hands on her bare arms uncomfortably.

"Hi, I don't believe I've seen you before, what's your name?" Came an unfamiliar voice.

Sakuno turned to the direction of the voice in surprise and back up against the wall.

"What's the hurry? All I wanted was to know your name." The stranger pressed closer.

"My partner is coming back soon. He gets pretty jealous when he sees me with someone else. I don't think it's a good idea to get so close." Sakuno said nervously, hoping to keep the stranger away. But instead, the voice came closer.

"Ha, I don't scare easily. But I do agree with him. You're a cute one, alright." He laughed.

Sakuno was beginning to panic. Where's Sanada? He should be back already!

"Say, why don't you come on a stroll with me? It's quite boring here and－" Before he could finish, a iron grip caught him on the shoulder and gave him a hard squeeze.

"I see you've met my partner tonight, Shingen." Sanada said to the young man.

"Sanada…I...I didn't know she was with you. Hey, ease up on the grip!" Shingen yelled.

"Sakuno, are you alright?" Sanada went to her side.

"Yes, I'm fine." She said in a hurry.

Sanada nodded, eying the nervous man in front of him, "This prankster is Kasai Shingen, one of my students at the dojo. He's a bit of a big talker, but quite harmless."

"Hey!" Shingen protested, "At least leave me a good impression in front of the lady."

Sakuno giggled at his theatrics and began to relax in front of them. Sanada frowned at his student.

"Well, since you have so much time, why don't you stay with Sakuno while I attend to some business?" Sanada said forcibly, noticing how Sakuno felt more comfortable now with Shingen.

"Fine, fine," Shingen put his hands up, "Leave it to me." Sanada nodded and left.

"Sigh~"

"Why the big sigh, Shingen?" Sakuno asked with concern.

"There's so many pretty girls here tonight, but not enough of me to share with them." Shingen said in pity.

Sakuno couldn't help herself as she laughed out loud.

"At least I'm with the belle of the ball. Say, let's get some free air." Shingen took her hand carefully and led her out onto the marble patio.

They both lean against the marble fence in a quiet conversation.

"Hey Shingen," Sakuno asked after a while, "What does the sky look like at night?"

Shingen looked over at her graceful face, "Like any other night. Why do you ask?"

Sakuno sighed, "It's been so long…I think I've already forgotten the sight."

Shingen dropped his smile as he saw the beautifully sad smile touching Sakuno's face. The woman in front of him was a temptation…so serene…so heartbreaking…He couldn't help himself as he reached out his hand, if only to comfort her a little. Just before his hand touched her cheeks, Sakuno sneezed and shivered in the midnight cold.

Shingen snapped from the trance and blushed in embarrassment. He cleared his throat and said quickly, "It's getting chilly. I'll get your coat and see what's taking Sanada so long."

He left before Sakuno could stop him.

She shook her head and smiled ever gently. Turning around, she put her hands on the cold marble and let the wind gently carry her long hair back. She closed her eyes and stopped thinking for a second, when a pair of hands reached out behind her and pulled her into a warm embrace.

Before she could scream, a soft whisper that had always disturbed her dreams came once again. "Sakuno…"

Looking over at ' shoulder, Ryoma noticed an old acquaintance of his. He was about to head over to say hello before seeing Sanada's partner turn around.

Ryoma swore he stopped breathing when he saw the face of a goddess. Sakuno looked…He couldn't find the right words to describe her.

After seeing her, all he could think about was why she was here and why she was with Sanada.

He continued his conversation with half-heartedly as he glanced constantly at the other side of the room. When Sanada finally left, Ryoma bid goodbye to his friend and was about to approach her, but stopped when he saw a curious man talking to her. Seeing her discomfort, he was about to play the knight in shiny armour when Sanada came back to her side. Ryoma quickly retreated to a corner to observe her in the dark.

Even though it has only been days when he last saw her, Ryoma finally admitted that he missed her. She had fled after being with him at the beach, but Ryoma did not forget his promise. He still blamed her for turning him away, but he was beginning to realize that he did not want to lose her again.

Ryoma's eyes followed her everywhere. He secretly went after her when she stepped outside. His costume protected his presence in the shadow as he listened to their conversation. Bitterness filled him when he heard what she said about the night. But just as bitterness claimed him, anger flashed through his entire body when the stranger tried to lay his hand on her! His eyes glared dangerously just as he was about to step out. Sakuno's reaction came just in time to direct that man away from them. As the stranger left, he walked behind her and pulled her into his arms and into his heart.

"Ryoma!" Sakuno gasped.

"Were you expecting someone else?" He said softly with a hint of warning.

"No…" Sakuno said honestly.

Ryoma smirked in satisfaction and pulled his cape around her slim body.

"You've been avoiding me, Sakuno."

Sakuno gulped in nervousness. It was too unexpected to meet him here. If she had known, she would never have accepted Sanada's invitation to be his partner.

"Ryoma, don't…" She said as she tried to pull herself out of his embrace. Ryoma kept his arms locked and frowned at her struggle.

"Please let me go…" She almost begged.

Keeping one arm around her waist, he pulled his other arm out and tilted her face up to his, "I missed you, Sakuno."

Sakuno's eyes widen and a deep blush surfaced.

The prince felt that this was as good a time as ever to let her know how he felt.

"I like you, perhaps it's even deeper than that. The feelings I have…I've never felt for anyone…" He confessed.

Sakuno opened her mouth, but too shocked to speak. His words reminded her of her teenage self that very night when she confessed to him. Was this a dream?

"I…I…" Sakuno stuttered.

"Come with me." He said lastly.

Sakuno's mind was a mess. She didn't know what to think. All she could do was shake her head repeatedly, refusing to believe what has transpired.

She pushed at him hard several times before knocking him away. With her back against the fence, she put her hands up to her head as her tears gathered.

Finally, after finding her voice, she said without looking at him, "How can I believe you? You hate me for what I've done, for what I've said! Now you're telling me you want to be with me?"

Ryoma looked at her steadily, "I don't hate you, Sakuno. I blamed you…I still do. But more importantly, I have never forgotten about you."

"You should have," Sakuno said in an outburst, then sagged as her energy left her and whispered, "You should have…"

Ryoma took one step closer to her when she heard him, "Don't!"

Ryoma paused, but continued his advance. Sakuno scattered to her feet and tried to get away. But the prince caught her before she could.

"Enough!" A booming voice came from the door, Sanada stepped through the door.

"Leave her alone." Sanada said as he tried to take Sakuno away. Ryoma kept his grip on her and poor Sakuno was stuck between them.

"This is none of your business." Ryoma warned his former opponent.

"You're hurting her…again…"

Ryoma refuse to let go, but flashed a quick glance at her teary face.

"Please, Ryoma," Sakuno said in a hollow voice, "Please unhand me."

Hearing her sorrow, he dropped his hand reluctantly.

"Why won't you believe me?" He ask finally.

With Sanada helping her, she said before walking away, "I have already lost the faith to believe."

Finally, another chapter done! I've added some kind of back story to Sanada. His story actually came to me first, before Ryoma x Sakuno. I just might get to that one someday. Next up, Ryoma must somehow find a way to restore Sakuno's confidence. What will he do? Please stay tuned and thanks to all those that RxR!