Author's Note: Hey sorry for the delay guys! Got tied up with a meeting today so didn't update earlier. Really sorry. So anyways here's the tenth chappie. Enjoy reading and thanks for the reviews!

Picture 10: Happy

"If I was blind, you would make me see. If I was deaf, you would make me hear; and if I was dumb, a word would come out of the boundaries of my lips." - Unknown

Today was the tournament event. It was about to start at around 10:00 am. Both the photographer and the tennis player were already dressed up in the appropriate clothing, one carrying the infamous duffel bag full of extra clothes, towels, and tennis equipment while the other one had already the camera equipment case and a sling bag on her left shoulder. Even though it wasn't the starting time, the two women need to get there much earlier to get ready, especially Himeko since she wasn't the only one who had the privilege to get a VIP spot.

8:30 am right now, they were at Himeko's doorstep trying to check everything needed for the tournament.

"So everything is in place?" Chikane asked, as she began to eye the things on the floor.

"Yes. I think so." Himeko said as she too eyed the things.

"Well then, let us get going." Chikane winked at her as she slung the duffel bag on her shoulder and grabbed the camera equipment case. Himeko was taken aback by the sudden yet sincere actions by the beautiful tennis player.

"Chikane-chan, you don't need to carry that. I can do it you know." The cute photographer assured Chikane. The tennis player just shook her head, not budging even a little bit.

"I don't want you to stress your back or any part of your body Himeko. You'll just be standing all day just trying to take pictures of me." She replied, sounding as sincere as possible as they began to walk towards the service lift.

Himeko was seriously, completely flattered by that and eventually blushed. She tried to argue though. "I don't want you to stress your body too Chikane-chan, you're going to play tennis non-stop!"

Chikane smiled in amusement and appreciation as well. It really warmed her heart that Himeko too was concerned about her. Still, she didn't budge. They arrived at the lift, the camera equipment case was still under Chikane's hand and was still argued by.

"Chikane-chan..." Her amethyst eyes pleaded toward her, peering up at the tennis player so adorably. She really didn't want the tennis player to carry such a heavy thing. Himemiya Chikane just shook her head lightly while smiling at her. Kurusugawa Himeko sighed. The photographer eventually gave up her begging and pleading when they were at the taxi stand. Himeko sighed outwardly that made Chikane look at her, the tennis player's face softening at the gesture. The graceful woman then took Himeko's right hand with her left tugging her a bit to face the tennis player. Chikane then gave a peck on her already blushing cheek and whispered softly in her ear. This had caught many glances from both soon-to-be passengers and the waiting taxi drivers. Many were gaping, others raising eyebrows, a few were holding their breaths from that gesture.

"Look, I really do not care about carrying this ok? This case is quite heavy, and I do not want you to feel the aches again." Referring to Himeko's temporary pains from last night and the night before that. Himeko just nodded, really shy from this kind of public display of affection although she didn't mind that a lot. What she minded a lot was the kiss on the cheek that was still lingering, teasing, and haunting her all the while. After she blinked, Chikane was already standing up straight, now half a head taller again, much to the Himeko's dismay.

Then a finger tapped on Himeko's shoulder, she resisted to jump. She then looked behind her back and saw a woman smiling at the both of them. Himeko immediately blushed while Chikane was already having a cool look and demeanor in her.

The woman, with her red hair, her left eye brown and her right eye hazel-obviously suffering from heterochromia but gave her a original look-gave a cough and opened the car door for them. "Your taxi is here."

Both nodded-one shyly and the other coldly-and both went in.

Tokyo, Japan 6:50 am

Tsubasa, Oogami Souma's biological older brother, was at Hoshi Park sitting on a bench waiting for someone. He took out a cigarette and a lighter, the someone has not yet arrived. When the cigarette was now lighted, he then took a drag and sighed, which in turn made a puff of white smoke coming both from his nostrils and mouth. Then his cell phone rang. He quickly flipped it and greeted in his usual style.

"Yeah?" He said after he took another sip on his cigarette.

"Hey, it's me. It's Miyako." She said in a rather excited yet respectful way.

Tsubasa grimaced. Of all people... "What do you want?" Asked Tsubasa, getting straight to the business. He did not want to talk to Miyako right now.

"I'm just want to remind you that we're all going to Australia tomorrow. Korona's inviting us on some after-party thing on the second of October." Miyako said, deadpanned. She was referring the 'we' to the other five: Girochi, Oota Reiko, Nekoko, herself and of course, Tsubasa. Even though she hated parties, she immediately agreed since the ruby-eyed personal trainer was also invited. She then continued,

"Girochi's pretty excited about this, and he won't tell me why though."

"And why am I going to go to that incoming party?"

Miyako did not reply. She could hear him sigh again. The personal trainer could actually feel Miyako pleading on the other line. He shook his head and rolled his crimson eyes. Tsubasa finally said and reasoned out,

"Fine, I'll go. I guess there are maybe clients there that wants me." Now he could feel Miyako jumping up and down, parading as if she was the queen of the world. Which she was not even close, according to the tall, teal-haired personal trainer.

"Ok then." Miyako said, trying her hardest to contain her joy on the inside.

"Bye." Without waiting for a response, Tsubasa clicked off his cell phone and continued to sip his cigarette as if it was his oxygen. He closed his blood red eyes and leaned his head back on the bench.

When the hell will he come? He cursed on his mind. As if his prayer was answered, a masculine voice called out on him.

"Hey."

The personal trainer then opened and shot his head back up, trying to know where that voice came from. It was Oogami Kazuki's, and with him was his ever loyal assistant, Yukihito.

"Hey yourself."

Oogami Kazuki was famous in Japan, but not in a celebrity way. He was an activist, he wanted peace and justice in this world and he was a priest who could not stay in one place for a long time. That's why he was dubbed the "the running priest". Tsubasa had known him since he was in his childhood years since the personal trainer had asked the running priest to take care of his little brother Oogami Souma because he's going away for a while and try to live out on his own. So it meant that he was the adoptive brother of the journalist and Souma had also been outside Japan during those years. With his green hair and golden eyes, the running priest had caught attention to other women as well, but not by much.

"So how have you been? Still overpricing?" Kazuki joked.

"Fine and yes I still do. Still running?" Tsubasa countered.

"Why yes of course." He gave him a toothy grin and continued,

"So what do you need me for Tsubasa-kun?" The running priest asked as he sat down on the bench beside the personal trainer. Yukihito did not sit, he only leaned on the neighboring tree and looked at the clouds as if they were extraordinary.

"I just want to know that if you're still taking care of my little brother." Taking another drag.

"Yes I still am, we still keep in touch. But I'm not really physically there, and you already know what I mean." Referring to his status right now, he really could not be always there with Souma. Oogami Kazuki then added slyly,

"Although someone took my place right now. A very good person. Souma cares for her deeply."

With that, he sat up straight. Tsubasa's ruby eyes looked directly at his golden ones as if reading his mind and trying to probe it with a sword. Kazuki was not intimidated of course. He was expecting that.

"Replacement? A girl?"

"Yes."

He then leaned back on his bench again, his red gaze averting at one of the dancing trees. "I see. As long as Souma cares for her, then she's enough I guess." His tone showing indifference but deep inside-Kazuki knew-he was deeply concerned for his little brother.

Easy silence came, the air and the rustling of trees were only things that were heard. Oogami Kazuki smiled secretly at Tsubasa's words, a bit inspired at how he cares for his little brother so deeply.

Tsubasa's a great brother. Kazuki thought as he stood up.

"Well I should be going now. And you should know that, I can't stay in one place you know." Said the running priest with one of his smiles as he looked at the personal trainer, waiting for a response.

"I know that. So go and save the world or something like that with your preaches or whatever." Tsubasa said, not really interested.

Oogami Kazuki just smiled, expecting that kind of response from the teal-haired personal trainer. "Ok then, you too. Do your own thing. Come on Yukihito-kun." He motioned with his right hand then both walked away from Tsubasa.

"...Thank you." Tsubasa whispered, it wouldn't be heard if the running priest moved another inch away. His smile turned broader. Oogami Kazuki's head went sideways and looked at the personal trainer at the corner of his golden eye and said,

"You're welcome Tsubasa-kun."

Sydney, Australia 9:30 am

After an hour, the two women arrived at the destined court. Even though it was only forty minutes away from their hotel, they got stuck on heavy traffic because of people having the same thought as theirs-going to the tournament. Both the photographer and the tennis player went to the East concourse, avoiding the die-hard fans to meet Himemiya Chikane and the people who were submitting their tickets. As they went through the hallway they began to take another conversation concerning at the current activity they were in.

"Chikane-" Himeko yawned, her arms stretched as far as they go. "-chan..."

The tennis player chuckled, her right hand covering her mouth from amusement. They had only been sleeping for four and a half hours, who couldn't be sleepy with that? "Yes? What is it Himeko?"

"How many times do you have to play today?" The photographer looked at Chikane with innocent, clueless amethyst eyes. Chikane resisted to pinch her and kiss her there.

"I guess I have to play two games today. Right now and at 2:00 pm." The tennis player looked at her apologetically that the photographer could not rest for a long time. Himeko understood that look and shook her head gently and smiled at her filled with acceptance.

"It's alright Chikane-chan. I understand, and to its advantage, I can see you play two times today." She looked at her with a spark on her lavender eyes. Chikane gave a lopsided smile at Himeko.

"I hope you would not be disappointed when I play against my opponent Himeko." She said with all sincerity in her heart as she looped her right arm around Himeko's slim waist, and her forehead touching the photographer's. Their eyes met. Their footsteps stopped, unheard. Himeko blushed a bit. She was getting used to it now, but only a tiny bit.

The tennis player really wanted to impress the photographer, yet she was confused on why did she care if she was impressed or disappointed. She sighed inwardly. What she's feeling now was really all out confusing.

"I would never be disappointed in you...Chikane-chan." The freelance photographer said the truth and nothing but the truth. What's there to be disappointed of? Chikane nodded ever so slightly and both having the same idea, walked again but Chikane's arm and hand never left Himeko's waist. They didn't mind, of course.

As they arrived at the end of the secluded hallway-their moment gone but was already forged in their minds-Japanese fans were screaming for the beautiful tennis player. The two women looked at each other and laughed nervously at how crazy people are when they saw Himemiya Chikane play or just walking around. They were lucky that Australians were tame for the past few weeks. They were luckier that the Japanese didn't come here until the tournament had already approached.

What caught Himeko's eyes and ears the most was three women who were really-and very-die-hard for the tennis player. The t-shirts and the banners said it all. She tapped Chikane on the shoulder, who was still waving and smiling at the other Japanese fans. Chikane looked at Himeko, a questioning yet inviting look on her face.

"Who are those people?" Himeko asked the tennis player, as she looked at them directly. They gave her a jealous glare at the photographer that made her jump a bit and look away. Chikane looked at where Himeko before was watching and she look at them with unmoving gaze, bored.

"They are kind of familiar, but their names escape me though. I have met them a few times I think." Chikane said not leaving her cerulean gaze at them and then looked at Himeko. She gave her a smile and continued,

"I'll go get ready now Himeko. You should too and don't stress too much ok." The tennis player said as she gave the camera equipment case to the photographer. Himeko smiled and nodded, going to the opposite way as she waved a good bye to the tennis player, who quickly returned it as well. With that, Chikane too went to the seating specially for the tennis players.

Kurusugawa Himeko, with her VIP ID card, went to the sideline for her specific VIP spot. As she settled down on her location, she put down carefully the camera equipment case and began assembling like a veteran. Within a few minutes, she was done and then she put down the camera and its connected parts down on the ground. Her lilac gaze then went to the other photographers-who were also getting ready and others talking to one another, getting acquainted-and noticed that she was the youngest one here. She also noticed Chikane already taking her seat a bit far from the umpire and her gaze then went back to the three women. Himeko shuddered when she saw them.

"They're the biggest fans of Himemiya-sama." A voice called behind. Himeko quickly snapped her head back, trying to find the source and immediately, had found a Japanese woman, clearly in her thirties. Her very dark brown eyes were not on Himeko's but on the three fans as she continued to explain and lecture the photographer.

"The one on the center is Izumi, she's the leader of Himemiya-sama's fan club. The one on the left is Misaki and the right is Kyoko, they're the followers or some kind of vice presidents of the fan club." Her tone showing positive emotion. Himeko nodded at the unexpected explanation. Her dark brown-almost black-eyes then went to the photographer and smiled apologetically.

"Oh! Sorry for that, couldn't help it since I overheard your conversation a while ago with Himemiya-sama. And I'm sorry for that too. I'm Inoue Tsuzune, also a photographer like you obviously." She giggled nervously. Himeko just smiled.

"I'm Kurusugawa Himeko." Both shook hands formally and began to take a conversation about the game and their jobs.

Himemiya Chikane grabbed a pint size water and took a drink on it, half finishing it. She knew who her opponent was already and the opponent was an Australian, no surprise. Ewings Badeah...Chikane thought as she took out her racket, getting ready for the game. She looked Himeko one last time, who was engrossed with a conversation with another photographer as well.

It was starting soon.

It was now 10:00 am and exactly on time, the commentators went on air announcing the players' names, making everyone fall into instant silence. Kurusugawa Himeko, Inoue Tsuzune, and the other fellow photographers like her went to their specific spots, now concentrating on the best shots. The two waved at each other, as if signaling that this was the last time they would meet and speak again.

"For the first game today, we have Chikane Himemiya. She has a really great record. She already had won three international tournaments and has not yet have a losing streak." The first commentator with an enthusiastic voice said. Himemiya Chikane then stood up and went to the court. She caught three balls from the sideline for her own gaming reasons. A round of applause came, a lot were resisting to shout out loud for the beautiful tennis player. Chikane then went just outside the white line getting ready to serve.

"Her opponent today is Badeah Ewings as she takes the court. She gained a title in 1996 and won the US open in 1998." The second commentator said. Badeah too went to the court as she takes her place, ready to hit the ball. She took a stance, different from Chikane's-Himeko noticed-and had a motion on her that can make her swerve immediately if she wanted too.

The game then started.

"The server, Chikane Himemiya." The voice said on live.

Total silence.

Then Chikane served with power. After that, the two tennis players began to exchange hits using the green ball but eventually Badeah missed, giving Chikane a point. It was now fifteen to zero. Both continued hits as Chikane again served in the middle of the court.

Himeko had this all taken as an ace was executed by the Himemiya princess.

"Wow! You were so awesome a while ago Chikane-chan!" Himeko said, forgetting her mannerisms as she sat beside Chikane, who was wiping her sweat with a towel. They were in one of the stadium's facilities right now-specifically just a sort of waiting room. True, she had seen the tennis player practice and play but this was totally different since she had an opponent that was completely alive and professional.

Chikane obviously had won the two out of three sets without having so much trouble. In that complement, Chikane smiled at Himeko, who was again captivated on the camera screen, its content were her taken photos of the tennis player.

"Thank you Himeko. I'm glad you enjoyed the game."

"Of course I did." It was you. She liked to add but was too shy to say it since they were in a very public place. The tennis player stood up and her sapphire eyes not leaving Himeko as she requested her to stay put for a while.

"I'm going to go change alright? Then we will take lunch and have good lunch since we will be back here for the second game at 2:00 pm."

"Ok Chikane-chan."

With that, Chikane went to the locker room facilities that the tennis stadium had and as if they had a chance, the three-Izumi, Misaki, and Kyoko-then went at Himeko as if she was their prey. They had surrounded her that made her freak out a bit.

How did they get here without a-She didn't finish her thought since it was answered by a few IDs around their necks.

"So I have heard about you. You have been with Himemiya-sama for the past few weeks." Izumi, the leader, asked with a very envious glare. The female photographer was taken aback by this, totally scared.

How did she know about that?

"Yeah, and I've heard that you even spend time with her in clubs and other whatnot." Kyoko added. Now Himeko was having a hard time believing that they were fans. To her, they were now more like stalkers. She grimaced at that thought.

"Uhm...uh-"

"If you say yes, we won't believe you. Himemiya-sama would never choose a person like you. You're just a burden to her!" Misaki ended. With that, Himeko's heart was stabbed. Her amethyst eyes began to water a bit but she was trying her hardest not to cry.

"You three." A very cold voice-that if possible it could freeze the whole world-called out. It was Chikane's. The freelance photographer immediately brightened as she saw the tennis player giving them a deathly glare at the three.

"Chikane-chan..." She whispered. Himemiya Chikane smiled at her, then her emotion immediately shut off as she looked back at the three fans.

"Himemiya-sama!" The three shouted in unison, immediately backing out and ran as if their lives depended on it. As their footsteps were not heard and their outlines were not seen, Chikane immediately went to Himeko's side and embraced her around the waist, giving her sincere, comforting words.

"Himeko it's alright. I'm here. I'll never let them hurt you again." Chikane whispered in her ear. She was very angry at herself because she did not save the photographer in time. Chikane leaned back and kissed her forehead then both of her cheeks that were already flooded with salty, silent tears. She kissed it away and went back to embracing her. Himeko was feeling instantly comforted and safe by these gestures. She relaxed, much to the tennis player's relief, but on another beat, she stiffened up again. The female photographer remembered the last words on one of the three. Her tears began to fall again.

"Chikane-chan...am I burden to you?" Himeko asked between sobs. Chikane too stiffened up at that question, very taken aback.

"No! Of course not Himeko. Why do you think of that?" The tennis player answered with all honesty and asked the photographer as her hug tightened around Himeko, whose head was on the tennis player's partially wet neck.

"They told me..."

The tennis player leaned back and kiss her forehead again. "No. Don't believe them Himeko. You are not a burden in my life." You're a blessing to me. You are the only one who made me the happiest. Even my father could not challenge you. Chikane liked to add, but resisted.

"But-" Himeko protested but was stopped by a featherlight touch on her mouth. It was Chikane's finger.

"You are not a burden in my life. Do you trust me?"

"Yes." The female photographer said without hesitation or a second thought.

Chikane raised her right hand as if reciting an oath. "I promise you that you are not a burden to me."

Himeko hesitantly nodded. Chikane then added, that made the tennis player a bit unsure of herself as well. "Perhaps I'm the burden between the two of us."

The freelance photographer's head shot up, amethyst eyes widened. "No Chikane-chan! You're definitely not a burden."

"Are you sure?"

"A hundred percent sure." She said as she too raised her right hand. Chikane nodded too.

Pure silence then a few giggles came. Both agreed that neither were a burden but were a blessing from the Gods. Chikane kissed her left cheek again and leaned back.

"Come on let us go for lunch alright?" She winked at Himeko, who was now happy.

"Ok."

Hand in hand, both went out from the still crowded tennis stadium minus the three die-hard Himemiya Chikane fans.

It was now already 9:00 pm, both were having dinner at the hotel. Seven hours ago, the second match came and hands down, Chikane won again. For the record, Chikane had made another three aces during the match and then it hit her.

Himeko realized that Chikane was the most amazing yet the most sincere person she had ever met. With that thought, she smiled secretly as she swallowed the food.

"What a day huh?" Himeko asked during their dinner. She was referring to the tennis stadium incident.

"Yes...and it was a great start on the tournament." Chikane commented as well, but understood about what the female photographer had meant.

"When is your next match?"

"The day after tomorrow."

"Ok then. I'm sure you'll do great Chikane-chan." Himeko gave a thumbs up and grinned happily. Chikane grinned back as well.

Within a few minutes, they were full and began to take their dishes to kitchen. After that, they both greeted a good night.

"Good night Chikane-chan." Himeko said as she hugged Chikane around the neck, her face on the crook of the tennis player's neck.

"Good night Himeko." Her reaction was simple. She too hugged Himeko around the waist and kissed her golden tresses. As their days grew by, they could not stand anymore of not being in contact even within an hour. And it meant that the tournament was excruciating for them since they were very far from each other.

Yet...it was all worth it in the end, because they had felt the other's soft skin-one pale, the other creamy-under their fingertips and memorized every outline of the other's figure once again.