A/N- It's not exactly a flashback, just so you know. It's more like a recollection as Ryoma's mind wanders. So during that time, Ryo isn't thinking like any normal eight year old. He has been enduring training for about a year and it was fast progressing. So he was perfectly capable to do the things depicted in this chapter. And Syuu and Yumi, have slight sadistic streaks while Yutta's had been non-existent at first.

Oooo also I have three new fics. One is a POT fic titled 'Prodigy'. The second is a Naruto fic titled 'Hidden Strength'. The third will be a crossover of the two previously mentioned titled 'Journey'. Full details are in my profile as well as a poll for 'Home' that I need input on. So if you would kindly checkout my profile page. 8D

Fuji Syuusuke

Ryoma POV

It's hot. It's not exactly unbearable... it just makes you breath a little harder, and think a little longer. Like now for instance. My mind reverted back to my years as an eight year old.

I had had a hard time adjusting to the new life given to me, and I often snuck back to japan if only to get a glimpse of my parents.

I was on mission nearby when I noticed the three Fuji heirs. They had been stalked by three crazed men.

The first chose to attack the three heirs at once. A very stupid mistake if you asked me and I was curious. My intense state of ever lasting curiosity always failed me in my stealth. I was insatiably curious. I sat in a nearby tree as the man lunged at the three seemingly defenceless children.

One seemed incredibly bored. A girl of eleven years of age, stood her ground against a full grown man, and didn't so much as flinch. It was fascinating to watch. She seemed immovable. Like thee ocean. He hair seemed to billow in the wind. In that moment, I felt my heart swell in pride. I wanted to influence her. To take her under my wing, to protect her.

I was tempted to help, and as I prepared to spring from the tree. The eldest son decided to take matters into his own hands. Where he was until that point seemed irrelevant. All that mattered now was what he planned to do. He stood with an air of non-chalance, that rivaled my own, as he intercepted a kick meant for his sister that I had prepared to take upon myself. His foot, swiped the mans leg away, forcing the angry man to back up a few paces.

My heart had raced as those hidden eyes were revealed. Blue irises so beautifully crafted, parraleled the intensity of his stare.

At first glance he seemed like a bright, wimpy girl-boy. But I had soon come to realize he was anything but that. His smile changed from peaceful to utterly frightening. I remember how my stomach coiled in fear. Even now the remembrance of such a face, sets me on edge.

His arms struck the man in a painful uppercut to his midsection and I feared for the blue man's wrist. I wondered if such a powerful punch hurt his own hand. I remember scrutinizing his face for any sense of discomfort, and yet he maintained his frighteningly cheerful smile with his vibrant blue eyes. It became obvious fairly quickly that he was anything but wimpy. His frail hands, became steel manacles around the older mans wrists. Pinning them behind his back. The ten year old male broke the man down bit by bit, weedling down the killers meek pride.

The third child was nowhere in sight, and I felt a momentary shock of fear. I searched the empty expanse save the quarelling three, and my observant self. Until finally the white of his saucer like eyes were seen from beneath a bench. He was hiding. Of the three, I could see he had no training. He was utterly defenceless while his other two siblings seemed strong, and I feared for him. Even though he was a year my senior, I knew unequivocably that I could easily incapacitate him with a simple flick of my wrist.

So out of my fear for his safety, I had asked him if he wanted to accompany me. I told him who I was, and if he didn't believe the weight of my name (when I asked for his trust). Well, then he chose to believe me after the first attack, in which his siblings were no where to be seen, and he looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

I shudder to think of what would of happened had I not been nearby. I knew assasination groups ran in groups of three. So I knew one assassin remained, and of the three Fuji siblings. I found Yutta to be the most vulnerable.

So I asked him once more to join me. I would help make him become stronger, so he would not have to rely on others. So he could become an individual. Not Fuji Syuusuke's little brother.

I knew he loved his family and would eventually return. He solemnly agreed and we devised a plan of escape.

I've known him since his 'switch' to Saint Rudolph. Supposedly he had switched when he was nine but in actuality, he had been recruited.

He had 'attended' a seperate branch of that prestigious school named Saint Rudolph in America. His family didn't come after him, and even his brother didn't come looking for him.

I still flinch at the things Yutta had said to his brother. Words that should have never left a mouth as innocent as his, things so terrible that his Syuu-nii had no choice but to let him go.

Only his sister knew something was wrong. She followed her brother, and me being his recruiter, met with him. Only to end up almost killing his sister.

Hmm, *shaking my head* honestly, what that woman was thinking truly astounds me.

But I never actually had the intention of killing her, even if at first(since I couldn't see her face) I had believed her to be a psychotic possible pedophile in search of the virgin Yutta. Hahaha! I had realized she (the follower of Yutta and I) was being followed herself. I had turned around and threw a pocket knife at the jugular of the stalker.

Yumi-chan had squeeked in fear as Yutta ran to her, suprisingly she didn't cry. That squeek was the only sound of fear that ever left her mouth in my presence.

So I recruited them both, and trained them both.

Akaya joined shortly after, and because of my troja-*Aherm* wonderful training methods. That in no way pained your body. Heh! He trained with Ryoga, Kevin, Yutta, Yumi, Saku, Oshi and I.

When I became captain at age thirteen, they left. Yumi, Saku,Yutta, Aka, and Oshi. They all left me. For a long time it pained me to think about them, but I realized they like me have families. Families that waited for all of us.

I had heard from Yumi that Yutta couldn't find the strength to face his brother. He felt the things he had said five years prior, had left to much of a stain on their relationship. So three years later. Yutta had still been attending St. Rudolph.

Once more I recruited him. Only this time, he would go to Seigaku. He needed to rectify things with his brother. It was my christmas gift to him. He needed to know that if anyone was to blame for his leaving it was me and not his fault. I had told Yutta what to say to his overprotective brother, bcause if he didn't say those things than he would have never let Yu go. He would've never been able to reach that independent stage in his life, the one he's at now. So I have to intervene. The Yutta I trained was not a coward.

So back to this unbearable heat. The one that leaves me lost in thought.

It wasn't a heat caused by the weather, but a certain gaze. The one that rocked me to my core eight years ago. A stare that isn't directed at me but the very stoic Yutta-nii. And how he could stand that gaze? Well my surrogate brother always did have a knack for surprising me.

We stood at the gates of Seigaku, waiting for Yumi, Sia, and Saku. Yutta and I had been waiting with our tennis bags in hand.

When five shadows loomed over us.

"So it's true the brat chose Seigaku over the magnificent Hyotei." I smirked facing the pompous silver haired man.

I smiled hearing the slight quiver in his voice. "Now Saru-sama it's not nice to speak to Yuu-nii like that. It's not his fault he's stubborn, it was a learned trait after so many years with me." I chided lightly wagging my finger.

I watched confusion flit across all of their features and knew Syuusuke's sudden showing of blue was caused by my apparent closeness to his brother and not at the allusion that his brother is a brat.

He seemed to think over my words before turning to his brother. "You didn't tell me you were returning to Seigaku." His voice was decievingly soft, and Yutta remained lax beside me. He was unperturbed by his brother. I could feel the anger just below the surface, and I was reminded almost painfully of just how efficient the Fuji heir could be if provoked but I also knew Yutta.

"It was a last minute decision." He spoke sternly absentmindedly rubbing the scar on his head.

I chose to remain quiet as my curiosity overwhelmed me, and I was reminded of the fact that I had been the cause of this rift. A rift between brothers. Yutta had once assured me that the tension has always existed, and that I had just given him a means to act on them.

I found no solace in the thought, because it was still my fault. I stared at the dubbed genius, and frowned as his smile dropped, shifting his gaze to meet mine. I felt Yutta shift closer to me. I internally smiled remmembering his subconcious habit. Innocent as it was I watched Syuusuke take a step backward.

"May I ask why?" He spoke almost fearful of the answer.

Yutta's gaze shifted to meet my eyes, and I turned my head. Tilting it upward to the man I love like a brother. "Because I asked him to." I watched him as he almost breathed a sigh of relief, but his happiness was cut short at his brothers reaction.

The hurt that flit through his eyes scared me. And in that moment I wanted to cry. It was odd to feel this way, but I suddenly knew, without a doubt, that my plan would be seen through.

His eyes closed, hands ramming into his pockets. His frown morphing into a cheerful smile that crinkles his eyes, and his lovers shifted uneasily.

I felt the sudden need to ease his pain. So I continued, "Afterall he's been my best friend for the past eight years", turning away from them all and looking back at the distant figures of three women. I didn't want to pretend to be with them. It felt wrong. After years of lying, it felt wrong to lie about the one thing tht should always remain true. My heart would never lie. I loved them all and I can innuendo enough to keep them out of my way but I would not lie.

"Are you saying you've known Yutta-kun since you've been away?"

I turned back to Seichii and smiled softly. "Yes." Syuusuke seemed to be a frozen block of ice. His mind whirring at a hundred miles an hour.

"Do you know Yumiko?" Yutta stared at his brother curiously, confused at how he made this assumption. But I knew, perhaps my christmas card was a little too revealing, or was it just right?

"She's a girl-friend." I spoke softly not enjoying the taste of false sincerity as it left my tongue. I felt like I had just abused my mouth. Some might call it lying but I prefer clever word play. The assumptions they make are purely their own. But that didn't make it feel like I wasn't lying.

The heat is becoming strifing. The beads of sweat, making my skin crawl. I force my rigid pose as the sweat stings the wound in my stomach. I can't tell if the liquid I'm feeling now is blood or sweat. Either way it's becoming painful. I just want to play tennis.

I felt the girls getting closer. Yutta spoke quietly and I knew the words tore at his heart as he spoke them. "I'm sorry."

A steely gaze, stole my breath away. It wasn't Yutta's fault. "Sorry isn't good enough Yutta." I ground my teeth as I felt Yutta's first flinch since the confrontation began.

"It should be." Syuusuke gave me an incredulous look.

"This is a family matter, and doesn't concern you." He steeped forward forcing Yutta to try to take a step back. But I held my ground, grabbing Yutta's wrist holding his quaking form firm against my side. "He called me a-a." It was the first time I had heard him be at a loss for words. His mask was cracking. A mask I had secretly vowed to protect. I clenched my jaw as his hands balled in fists. He was shaking, his eyes open and staring at his hands. He was like this, because I told Yutta to leave. I told Yutta to say whatever he had to, to get his brother to leave him alone. "You were gone for five years. You and Yumiko both, and when you come back you don't even want to see me. You avoid me and you come back for him. Why didn't you come and talk to me Yutta."

Yutta's head snapped up as he listened to his brother, and I released him. Knowing he wouldn't leave, that he wouldn't run. He had to do this, he had to talk to him. "You were right. I did smother you. I never let you grow as a person, but what you didn't understand is that I didn't want you to get hurt. I wanted to protect you. I understood your need to break away, even though it hurt, but I thought you would come back. And when you did, you didn't come back to me. In fact you've stayed as far away from me as possible. That christmas party was the longest time I had seen you in the last eight years." He bit his tongue forcing his flood of emotions in check. Sanada stepped forward placing his hand on the tensai's shoulder. His eyes closing as he began schooloing his emotions.

Yutta needed to speak now. I nudged him, and it snapped him out of his thoughts. Silent tears fell from his eyes as he hugged Syuusuke. "I'm so sorry...I was scared. I thought you hated me for leaving." I smiled knowing it was almost over.

"Syuusuke, Yutta?" I turned to the women I had trained with, grown with and loved.

"Yumi-chan." Syuusuke spoke cheerfully closing his teary eyes. The mask was back, and I never wanted to see it break because the day it did would be the day he changed.

I swallowed shifting the bag. I can't go through with the plan. The three girls turned to me happily and I shook my head minutely. As my gun-wound throbbed uncomfortably. Not that it ever throbbed comfortably.

"I should get going now that I fixed the mess I made. Sorry Yu-nii." I nodded, ignoring the 'wtf' looks.

Yumi grabbed my wrist. "Where are you going Ryo-chan?" I smiled at her gripping her chin. Pulling her face closer to mine. I kissed her cheek as I whispered into her ear. "I can't lie to your brother. I'm sorry, that I pulled you into this." I pulled away swiftly. "I guess the reunion would have to wait." I tilted my head around Yumi to the two girls behind her. " Bye Sia, Saku. I don't feel well." I turned on my heel leaving. Silently wishing for painkillers.

-Time skip- a/n- I hope I didn't confuse any of you with what happened ^-^ -

Finally. I was home. Not really. But very close to it. Tennis, it has always been a defining point in my family. The rhythmic bouncing of those neon green balls are like the most beautiful symphony to my ears. The feel of the wind as my arm sails through the air. I could feel the medicine.

It was soothing and relaxing. The throbbing becoming a soft pounding keeping pace of my heart. I wonder how much of a gasket they would blow if they saw me out her.

I sighed placing the headphones in my ears. I closed my eyes listening to the ball. With the distraction of the music, it was perfect. A little test on my senses.

Now that I think about it they would probably think I lost it. Lose it. Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah! Heh. Now that's a good song.

"Now everyone report to the dance floor
To the dance floor, to the dance floor
Now everyone report to the dance floor
Alright Stop!...Pajama time"

I spoke softly. Swinging my racket. continuously hitting the ball against the wall. My eyes comfortably closed. Things like thes would always be effortless. It was easy to discern the difference in the pounds of the bass and the bounces of the ball.

"Come here little kiddies, On my lap
Guess who's back with a brand new rap?
And I don't mean rap as in a new case of child molestation accusation
(HA-HA-HA-HA-HA)
No worries, papa's got a brand new bag of toys
What else could I possibly do to make noise?
I done touched on everything, but little boys
That's not a stab at Michael
That's just a metaphor, I'm just psycho
I go a little bit crazy sometimes
I get a little bit out of control with my rhymes
Good God, dip, do a little slide
Bend down, touch your toes and just glide
Up the center of the dance floor
Like TP for my bunghole
And it's cool if you let one go
Nobody's gonna know, who'd hear it?
Give a little "poot poot", it's OK! [Fart Sound]
Oops my CD just skipped
And everyone just heard you let one rip."

I chuckled lightly. Hitting the ball a little harder than I had intended, and I knew it wouldn't bounce. I trained my ears. Guess I'm listening for wind now. A little...whistle! There it is. I pivoted lunging to the right, keeping my eyes firmly shut. Tossing the ball across the net.

"Now I'm gonna make you dance
It's your chance
Yeah boy shake that ass
Oops I mean girl girl girl girl
Girl you know you're my world
Alright now lose it
(HA-HA-HA-HA-HA)
Just lose it
(HA-HA-HA-HA-HA)
Go crazy
(HA-HA-HA-HA-HA)
Oh baby
(HA-HA)
Oh baby, baby
(HA-HA)"

I giggled lightly. Loving the feel of the wind. I can't believe I still remembered the lyrics to this song.

"Well, it's Friday and it's my day
Just to party all the way to Sunday
Maybe 'til Monday, I dunno what day
Everyday's just a holiday
Crusin' on the freeway
Feelin' kinda breezy
Got the top down, lettin' my hair blow
I dunno where I'm goin'
All I know is when I get there
Someone's gonna touch my body"

"Ryoma." I caught the ball in my right hand. Keeping my eyes closed. I knew that voice. Awkward. Considering the only reason I had been here was because I kept thinking about wanting him to 'Touch my body'. Shi*. I put on a cheerful smile, and opened my eyes.

"Do I know you?" I stared purposefully at the easiest to annoy. Oh Keigo. How I enjoy pushing your buttons. My Kei-chan. I had to fight the urge to pinch his reddening cheek.

He flipped his hair arrogantly. "Of course you know the great Keigo." I internally smirked. Blinking innocently. Feigning memory loss.

"I'm sorry. If you didn't make much of an impression, I won't remember you." I turned to the other four as Kei began sputtering. "Kind of indignant, if you ask me. You should close your mouth Saru-sama." I rose a questioning brow staring at the other four.

"You really don't remmember us." Sei spoke quietly his eyes downcast. A blush adorning his perfect cheekbones. Kawaii! (a/n- fangirl is gushing right now.) He looked up with violet eyes. "Seichii."

I internally smiled at his cuteness. As I began bouncing the ball against my racket.

I stared at the capped stoic. I don't know exactly what possessed me to act like I didn't remmember them, but whatever it was...I find myself thankful. "Genichirou."

I turned to the tall stoic. His hands in his pocket. I could see the bandage, well at least the indent against the long sleeved shirt. "Kunimitsu."

So there all going to give me there first names. I turned my head to the brunette. Internally smiling at his smile. "You know us." I chuckled.

"On the contrary, I find us to be strangers." I stepped closer to him. "Would you mind introducing yourself." He tilted his head to the side, my guess is to better take i the mirth in my eyes.

"How do you expect me to give mine. If I haven't had the pleasure of hearing yours." I walked closer, our faces several inches apart.

"I don't think that would be a good idea." His eyes opened a sliver, no doubt due to my closeness. I think it's pretty obvious why his boyfriends haven't pulled me out of their lovers face yet. But Syuusuke seemed pinned to the ground. His wonderful skin held a luminesence that I wanted to stroke, to hold. I wonder if his skin is as soft as it seems.

"Why do you think that?" I placed my hand against his cheek. Carressing his face, cupping his chin. Running my thumb across his sinful lips.

"Fine." I spoke softly smiling similiarly. I backed away and I could breath again. "Echizen Ryoma. Yuroshiko." I could hear them now.

"Kyaa, Ryoma-sama!" I groaned. Turning my head, looking for a place to hide. I grabbed his hand and ran. I jumped into a nearby tree pulling him up with me. I looked at the stunned four.

"Keep them away from this tree." I commanded. Moving further up the tree. With the brunette in tow. I turned my body leaning against the branch. My nose bumped a chest and I felt my face heat up. Listening to the following laughter.

A stampede of girls. Ran through the tennis court. I could hear them scouring the area, but they wouldn't think to look this high. I think...

"Quite the fanclub. Wasn't today your first day?" I rubbed the back of my head.

"Heh! About that, I might have felt hot and taken off my shirt. So I was kind of made into some sort of .." I gulped.

"God." I stared at him, confused. How did he know?

"I've been at the mercy of your abs too." I blushed deeply. Something about when he says it is just... I can't explain it.

"You've seen me naked before?" The pills! It will be my excuse for the kitchen tryst.

"Shirtless and pantless. Don't worry you had boxers on." He's speaking too cheerfully. -_-

"I must have been very drugged when this happened."

"I think so." He grinned at my face palm.

"So?"

"So, What?" I frowned.

"Your name?" He leaned back against a branch and I squinted my eyes. He wasn't the same boy from eight years ago, and yet he still was. That purposeful nonchalance.

"Fuji Syuusuke."

"Hahhhhh." (a/n attempt at crowd cheering. XD) I spoke softly as a smile fell on my lips. He blinked at me, and I shrugged. "The way you said your name."

"What?" He leaned closer to me. Hovering above me. So the ever present sliver was seen more easily. I looked up at him. Our chests touching in our limited space. I gripped the branch behind me.

"I thought it deserved a cheer."

He chuckled, shaking his head lightly. "Only you would."

"Nope, I think you have a fanclub too." I spoke brightly. Feeling my golden eyes widening.

"Are you saying your a fan of mine?" I think if I blush anymore, I'm going to come down with a fever.

"You must enjoy seeing my cheeks red." I slapped my hands over my mouth. I just said that aloud. His hand fell against my cheek. It was cooling, but the heat beneath his hand sizzled. How can I feel like this from a simple touch?

"Actually I do." I gulped, pulling away as he did.

I looked around the tree. Crouching down on the branch, leaning my back against the trunk of the tree. "So we meet here again." I spoke just above a whisper, lost in my own thoughts. Recognizing the area from eight years ago.

"Ryoma?" He stared at me confused. "They're gone Ryoma." His eyes averting mine. I blinked back the tears at the memories of this single area. This was the tree where my curiosity, speared my heart.

He jumped down from the tree. I was going to follow when I felt a rip in my stitching. I froze. Clenching my jaw. "I think I'm going to stay up here a little while longer." He stared at me worriedly. After years of reading the Fuji faces, I found Syuusuke's easier. I smiled reassuringly. "I just like the quiet. You should go. Your lovers are waiting."

He gave me one last glance, before leaving. Fuji Syuusuke. I watched his retreating back. You still make me curious.

The vibration in my pocket nearly toppled me. "Moshi moshi." I blinked as Yutta screamed into the phone. I had to move it away, arms length, and I could still hear his voice.

"Ryoma! Thank Kami. What happened?"

"Fangirls chased your brother and me into a tree." I listened as he relayed the message.

"Tell chibisuke to stop kissing in a tree, cause after that comes a baby!" Stupid Ryoga. -_- I don't understand, it's like instead of hearing the words chased he heard kissed. Baka.

"I think you missed marriage. And besides he's gone and I'm stuck in a tree." I waited, and waited. Laughter. -_- They lasted three seconds. Damn.

I held my stomach as a red liquid began pooling on the bandage. I felt my breathing becoming labored as a few smack sounded through the phone and three soft voices rose through the phone. I felt tears gathering in my eyes. It hurt.

"Ryoma." I sniffled, and the other side of the phone grew very quiet.

"Yumi-chan." I spoke softly.

"Ryoma whats wrong?" Sakuno. Hmm her voice is soothing.

"I ...think I ..ripped.. my stitches." I heard a ton of rustling.

"Ryoma where are you?" Sia. Her voice quivered. Always such a scaredy cat.

"Tree." I blanked as a growl filled the phone.

"We know that brat. We meant where."

"Aka-chan? Where I met Yu-nii." I drawled as I fought to keep the blood in my body. It began to sift through my fingers. Making my hands look like they belonged to a kindergartner that loves to finger paint. Ughh! Red. I hate the color.

"I hate red." I could hear Aka talking into a phone urgently. 'You're closer than us. Hurry.'

"Ryoma?"

"Don't worry Kev. I just need to get out of this tree." I flipped my body, and I was falling.

"Captain." But I didn't hit the ground. There was no pain. I blinked my eyes open and smiled.

His glasses were removed. He never really needed them anyway. I ran my fingers through his hair. Snuggling my head into his chest. I sniffled as the pain racked through every nerve in my body. My stomach and left arm felt inflamed. "Oshi."