A/N: Ok, I am in a Prince of Tennis mode right now, so I'm going to update Whoo hoo! First off sorry it took so long for this chapter. I had a convention I attended and that sucked up a majority of my time. But it's over and I'm back! This chapter takes place about 2 weeks after Ryoma was released from the hospital. Also, I'm going to have a little thing happen between Ryoma and Eiji but keep in mind neither of them is cheating. You'll see what I mean when you read. Some of the other people from the other schools will appear now, that I've seen more of the show! Also, I don't know how good Tezuka's English is but in this story he struggles a little…you'll see what I mean.

Disclaimer: I don't own Prince of tennis, end of story….

Chapter 21: Kisses Sketches and Confusion

Ryoma looked over his newest sketch and smiled. It had taken him most of the evening to finish a work of art requested by Fuji-senpai. All he had to do now was make another copy so both Yuuta and Shusuke would have a copy. It was only fitting seeing as how the requested sketch was of the Fuji brothers themselves. As Ryoma set to work on sketching the second copy, he thought back as to why he had drawn the sketch in the first place.

FLASHBACK

"Ryoma someone is on the phone for you."

Ryoma glanced up from the book he was reading to see his cousin standing in the doorway holding out the phone. He slid off the bed and took the phone, "Moshi-moshi?"

"Echizen, I hope I'm not calling at bad time."

Ryoma was surprised by the sound of the voice on the phone, but answered nonetheless, "Fuji-senpai, did you want something?"

"As a matter of fact, yes Echizen I have a favor to ask of you. Can you meet me at Kawamura Sushi in about an hour?"

Ryoma bit his lip unsure of how to answer. He had already made plans with Kikumaru-senpai and Momo-senpai to meet up for burgers in less than two hours. It would be his first official outing with his two senpais since he was released from the hospital. Sure he had seen them during school and practice, but hadn't had a chance to really spend quality time with them. Something would always come up. After that he planned on going over to Tezuka's to engage in an English tutoring session. When Tezuka had asked him for assistance he was surprised to learn there was something Tezuka struggled with.

But he had agreed to the offer his help. If it meant spending more time with his boyfriend, Ryoma would have been a fool to refuse, "Well I guess I can meet you." He answered after deciding it would help past time until he had to get to his other engagements."

"Arigato, Echizen, I will see you soon."

Ryoma handed the phone back to his cousin, "Nanako, don't set a place for me for supper tonight. I won't be home." He plopped back down on his bed and picked his book back up, "Now where was I?" it was a book assigned by his English teacher, but he had already read it, but it was a good one so he didn't mind reading it again, if only to refresh his memory. Horio had practically begged him to tell him what the book was about, seeing as how the entire book was printed in English and the result of using a translator, was a failing grade. Ryoma agreed to tell Horio if he bought him as many Pontas as he wanted until the end of the school year. No surprise, Horio refused.

Once he finished with the chapter he was on, Ryoma marked the page and slid off his bed. Once he was dressed he grabbed his sketchbook. It had become a habit for him to carry it around. For now and until his arm was completely healed, Ryoma saw his pencil as his tennis racquet and the pencil as the ball. Once the sketch book was in his hand he headed downstairs to put his shoes on, "I will be home later tonight," he called over his shoulder as he walked down the steps and headed towards Kawamura sushi. On his way he spotted some street courts with matches taking place. Considering he didn't have to be at the sushi restaurant for another 20 minutes he stopped for a moment to observe the matches. For a moment he found himself feeling envious of the other players. Just watching them chase after the ball was enough to make him want to run out on the courts and play himself. He was about to continue on his way towards the restaurant when he was stopped by a familiar voice.

"It's true then. You did hurt your arm."

Ryoma turned around and held back a groan, "What do you want Mizuki?" The last time he had seen the St. Rudolph manager had been over two months ago.

"I only want to confirm the rumor about you."

Rumor what rumor? True he wasn't surprised that most of the other schools may be wondering about his absence but that didn't necessarily mean that it would start some big rumor, "Exactly what rumor are you talking about?" If Mizuki was talking about his arm injury then the evidence of the rumor was practically staring him in the face. If it was something completely different he would want to put a stop to it.

"There is a rumor going around that Seigaku has been invited to participate in the Liberty Court tennis Convention. But they say you cheated your way by making some 'promises' to the chairman." Mizuki answered just as Yuuta approached the two of them.

For a split second Ryoma was speechless. Who in the world would start a rumor like that? Better yet, what type of promises did they say were made? At first he slapped the blame on Atobe, but then he remembered the conversation he and the monkey king had shared. So that eliminated one possible candidate. But the list was still too long for his liking. After hearing Seigaku was invited to LCTC Ryoma wouldn't be surprised in the least if the other schools started certain rumors to try and ruin Seigaku's reputation. But this was going too far.

LCTC wasn't as big as most of the major tournaments, but it wasn't small either. LCTC was almost considered a stepping stone for some of the best famous players on the courts today, including Nanjiroh himself.

Ryoma turned to the St. Rudolph manager, "Who in the world would start a ridiculous rumor like that?" he asked then smirked, "Of course I don't' blame someone as ridiculous as you for believing in it though."

"Well Echizen, it seems I should consider that a challenge." Mizuki glared, "But alas it seems the game would hold no interested to me since I would easily defeat you."

Ryoma had a feeling he would regret his next words later but decided he would enjoy the reaction now, "You mean you could only win against me with a handicap." If it was physically possible form to play with one hand Ryoma would have led the way to the courts. Considering he was ambidextrous it would be easy just to use his right hand. But he wouldn't be able to serve and his cast would easily throw him off balance. Above all that he had made a promise to Tezuka. He had promised not to play until he was completely healed. Tezuka didn't want Seigaku's pillar of support making the same mistake he had.

Mizuki took a step forward but was stopped when he felt Yuuta's hand on his shoulder, "What is it Yuuta?"

"Mizuki-senpai it's that foreigner talking to Miamichi."

Ryoma felt his body grow tense. Miamichi. He knew that name anywhere now. He placed a hand on his cast as he turned around to see Hisako Miamichi talking with Jackson Stolkholmz. Well actually it seemed more like they were arguing. Ryoma was never one for spying unless he was dragged into it by one of his senpai, but this time he would an acceptation. As he moved closer he made sure to pick up the magazine that just happened to hit his leg. Perhaps luck was going to be kind to him for once. As he flipped it open and pretended to read, he leaned against the nearest tree available. He glanced up only once to receive a look of confusion from both Mizuki and Yuuta. He motioned for them to get closer so they could hear the conversation as well.

"So have you sent the little brat round here or not?"

"Why do you need to know? It's not like you could play a match against him. I made sure to put the little punk in traction a few weeks ago."

"So you're the one who broke his arm. It seems you got to him before I did. What the hell is your beef with the kid anyway?"

"He humiliated me in front of my gang so I taught him a lesson. What about you? What do you have against the brat?"

"For certain reasons that are none of your business, I want revenge. That brat cheated somehow in our match. So I set it up so he as well as his teammates at Seigaku will be the most pathetic school ever to be put in the spotlight. I'm going to humiliate them so badly, none of them will even think of looking at a tennis racquet again. Ryoma Echizen is going to pay if it's the last thing I do!"

Ryoma closed the magazine and walked right in between the two guys, throwing them completely off balance, "You know it's very impolite to stand right in the middle of the sidewalk." Before the two boys could register who he was Ryoma took off running. As he rounded the corner he looked behind him to see he was being followed by Mizuki and Yuuta

"Echizen wait up!"

Ryoma didn't stop; not until Kawamura sushi came into view. By then considering he had been bedridden for quite a few weeks he was out of breath, panting hard. As he placed his right hand on his chest in hopes to settle his speeding heart, he looked over to see Yuuta and Mizuki approaching him.

"Echizen what is going on with you and those two?" Yuuta asked.

At first Ryoma didn't want to answer. As far as he knew Hyotei was the only school who know about Seigaku's situation and he aimed to keep it that way, "Sorry Yuuta, but that's confidential information. Now if you will excuse me I have a meeting with your brother." Without waiting for an answer Ryoma stepped into the restaurant.

"Ah, Echizen welcome! Kawamura-senpai greeted from behind the counter, "May I get you anything?"

"No thanks, Kawamura-senpai. Fuji-senpai asked me to meet him here. He should be here soon I hope." As soon as the words left his lips, Fuji entered the restaurant.

"Ah, good, Echizen, you're here." Would you like anything too eat? My treat." "Fuji offered as he took a seat next to his kouhai.

"No thank you. Before you called I had already made plans to meet with Momo-senpai and Kikumaru-senpai for burgers in about an hour." Ryoma said, now what was it you wanted to ask me?"

Fuji gripped his chin for a moment indicating he was deep in thought, "Tezuka was kind enough to show us the sketch of the regulars that you did and I must say I was quite impressed." He praised, "You see, Echizen my younger brothers' birthday is coming up and I want to give him something special. So I was hoping you could do me a favor and make a sketch of my brother and me. I will pay."

Ryoma didn't answer his senpai for several moments seeing as how a picture was starting to form in his mind, "I will do it for you on one condition Fuji-senpai. All I want is for you to win your match at LCTC."

Fuji's eyes opened, "Then you can consider the payment already made." He stated then relaxed again, "so do you need a picture of Yuuta for reference or anything?"

"No I think I'm ok," Ryoma answered. After that the two of them bid farewell to Kawamura and headed towards the burger joint, "Fuji-senpai, when will you need this drawing?" he asked.

"Well Yuuta's birthday is next Friday. Is that going to be enough time?" Fuji asked concerned.

"Yeah, more then enough time senpai." Ryoma said smiling, "Speaking of time, do you know what time it is?" he had forgotten his cell phone on the charger.

Fuji pulled out his own cell phone and flipped it open, "It's just about 3:45. What time are you planning to meet up with Momo and Kikumaru?"

"Well we made plans to meet at 4:00. Kikumaru-senpai, actually agreed to pay for the burgers himself. He wanted it to be just us for some reason but Momo-senpai had insisted he come too.' Ryoma answered, "The requested image of Fuji's drawing was becoming clearer as they continued to walk. "Well I think I can have that sketch done by Wednesday. It should give me something to do during practice."

Fuji looked down at his Kouhai and sighed, "It must be pretty hard not being able to play. The only others who have had to quit playing as long as you have is Tezuka and Tachibana (going from memory of the episodes I've seen so bear with me). I myself can't say I know how you're feeling but keep in mind you are strong and you'll make it through this."

Ryoma felt a slight smile dance at his lips from his senpai's praising, "Arigato Fuji-senpai." He looked up to see they had already arrived at the burger joint, "Well, would you like to join us?"

Fuji chuckled, "Paying for you and Momo is hard enough on Kikumaru's wallet. I don't think he'll be able to handle me as well."

"Well, then I guess you and I can have a dinner of our own sometime then. How about Wednesday? That way I can give you the picture?" Ryoma suggested as he felt his stomach starting to grumble.

"Sound's good, now I guess I will see at morning practice on Monday." Fuji said as he slowly let go of the other boy's hand and walked around the corner.

Ryoma smiled. Fuji always had a way of making him smile. He snapped out of his trance when he felt someone jump on his back.

"Ochibi!" Kikumaru exclaimed as he nearly knocked over his black green-haired Kouhai, "I didn't think you would come!"

"And miss a chance to get free burgers? What kind of Kouahi would I be if I did that?" Ryoma smirked allowing his senpai to hug him for a few moments longer, "Say where is Momo-senpai?"

Kikuamru let go, "Oh, that's right Momo just called me when I was on my way here. Turns out he has to babysit his sisters this weekend, so it's just you and me!"

Ryoma couldn't help but smile at his senpai's cheerfulness, "Well I'm sure your wallet is smiling as well. I figured you would invite someone else then so you wouldn't have to put up with me." He was startled when he felt Kikumaru release him, "Senpai is something wrong?"

"Ryoma-kun I want to spend more time with you. Is that too much to ask?" Kikumaru spoke in a surprisingly quiet tone.

Ryoma turned and was surprised to see a faint blush on his senpai's cheeks, "Gomen Kikumaru-senpai. I didn't mean to offend you."

The smile returned, "Oh, you didn't offend me, Ochibi, but if you are really sorry you'll take a walk with me after we are done eating."

Ryoma chuckled, "Well I am planning on meeting with Buchou in a little over two hours. Since Momo-senpai isn't here to take forever to eat his burgers, I don't see why we can't take a walk."

Kikumaru beamed as he led Ryoma into the burger shop, "Well go ahead and order. I have more then enough money for both of us."

Ryoma turned so Kikumaru would not see the glint in his eye. He was about to turn into a little glutton.

Once the food was ordered and they were sitting at the table Kikumaru's blue eyes widened, "Ochibi are you sure you can eat all that?"

Ryoma looked down at his tray which consisted of two burgers two orders of nuggets, an apple pie and a chocolate shake, "Kikumaru-senpai, I spend about 3 weeks eating hospital food. I'm in heaven right now! Plus my diet doesn't start till next week." He said as he bit into one of the burgers.

Kikumaru only shrugged as he bit into his own burger and took a sip of his strawberry shake, "You know Ochibi, ever since you came back, the entire tennis club has wanted to know what is going on. It's hard to keep secrets from the other players."

Ryoma swallowed his burger, "Well, as I've told you guys before this is really all my burden and you were only dragged into is by force." He looked away, "Kikumaru senpai, please I don't' want to talk about that right now. It's just you and me time right?"

Kikumaru smiled, "Yeah. So, is Buchou treating you well?"

Ryoma nearly choked on his burger, "What?"

"Buchou. I know you two are dating right now and I just want to know if he's treating you right." Kikumaru answered.

"Of course he is. I mean Buchou means so much to me and I know he cares for me." Ryoma answered not being able to ignore the look on his senpai's face, "Kikumaru-senpai, what is wrong?"

Kikumaru took a large bite so he couldn't answer his Kouhai. After chewing for several minutes he finally swallowed, "I'll tell you when we're on our walk." He promised before taking another bite.

Ryoma knew he couldn't argue with his senpai continued to eat his food. Once they both finished Ryoma was almost as green as his air but he went to the bathroom and returned moments later with a smile on his face, "Ok senpai, I'm ready for that walk. Where do you want to go?"

Kikumaru sipped up the last of his shake and threw the tray of garbage away before leading Ryoma out of the burger shop, "I want to show you were Oishi and I like to go. It's a great place to watch the sunset."

Ryoma smiled, "Sounds great Senpai, but it's a little too early for a sunset." He looked down when he felt Kikumaru trying to take his hand. Knowing it was just a friendly gesture, Ryoma took Kikumaru's hand.

"That's true, but if I ever want to watch the sunset with you, you'll know exactly where I'll want to go." Kikumaru explained.

As the two of them walked, Ryoma noticed his senpai, was more quiet then usual. Finally after nearly 15 minutes of torturing silence Ryoma tightened his grip on his senpai's hand, "Kikumaru-senpai, you said you were going to tell me what is on your mind now. Stop stalling."

Kikumaru groaned, "I'm not stalling Ochibi, I'm trying to think of how to word my thoughts."

"Just say what's on your mind." Ryoma suggested.

Kikumaru took a deep breath, "Ryoma, through everything that has happened the past few weeks made me realize just how much I care about you. I mean I know I have Oishi and I love him very deeply, but for some reason I can't get you out of my head. There's nothing I can do since you and I both have a boyfriend. And I know for a fact your boyfriend can assign as many laps as he wants to me."

Ryoma stopped walking, "Kikumaru-senpai, what are you saying?"

Kikumaru turned but didn't look up, "I'm saying I think I've fallen for you Ochibi, and I'm so confused. I love Oishi so much and I know just how much Buchou cares for you. All the regulars can see it. You're the only one who can put a smile on his face. I had to tell you before I lost my mind. I just hope this won't confuse you either."

Ryoma stood back and thought for a moment. It was true over the past few months before he started dating Tezuka he had developed a small crush on the redhead, but he figured it was a puppy love crush, nothing worth brooding over. He loved Tezuka so much it hurt but the fact that Kikumaru was confessing it here and now was starting to make his head hurt, "Kikumaru-senpai, I don't know what to say."

Kikumaru sighed, "Let's just get to my special spot." He requested taking the other boy's hand into his own. As the two of them walked Kikumaru constantly tightened and loosened his grip on his Kouhai's hands, "Here we are." He said several moments later, "This container is where Oishi and I have meetings after we lose a match. It's also where Oishi first kissed me." He let go of Ryoma's hand and hoisted himself up onto the container. He turned around and bent down so he could latch his arms around Ryoma's waist and pulled him up into the container.

Ryoma felt himself being pulled up and took a seat next to his senpai, "Wow, you're right this is a good place to watch the sunset." He smiled, "Thank you for showing me this senpai. This is beautiful."

Kikumaru could feel his cheeks rivaling his hair again, "I'm glad you like it Ochibi. You and Oishi are the only ones who really have appreciated it." He looked down at Ryoma and smiled when he saw how the sun was creating somewhat of a halo on the green-haired boy's head, "You know in this light Ochibi you look kind of like an angel."

Ryoma smirked, "Trust me Kikumaru-senpai I'm no angel."

Kikumaru scooted closer to his kouhai, "Ochibi, you don't have to be sweet kind and full of peace to be an angel. You remind me of an angel with black wings."

Ryoma turned to face his senpai confused, "An angel with black wings? What exactly do you mean by that senpai?"

"Well, like an angel you have a soft angelic face that can lure anyone to like you. But your black wings are the way you play tennis. None of your opponents expect an angel like to you be wearing them." Kikumaru explained.

Ryoma cocked an eyebrow, "Um Kikumaru-senpai, I think Fuji-senpai has been rubbing off on you. He's the only other person I know who talks like that. But I suppose I should take it as a compliment."

Kikumaru looked away, "So I didn't offend you then Ochibi?"

Ryoma leaned his head against his senpai's shoulder in means of a friendly gesture, "Of course not Kikumaru-senpai."

The stayed that way for several moments before Kikumaru shifted so Ryoma was forced to lift his head up, "Ochibi, I have been thinking about what I said before and if I'm not too bold to ask, may I have a favor?"

Ryoma thought for a moment before answering, "Depends on the favor senpai."

Kikumaru opened his mouth to speak but stopped, "Never mind it was stupid. Plus I don't want either of us feeling guilty so-"

Ryoma cut off his senpai by leaning in and placing a gentle kiss on Kikumaru's lips.

Kikumaru slightly startled the kiss returned it nonetheless pulling the younger boy closer. After a moment he pulled away, "Ochibi, why?"

"That's what you wanted wasn't it? Kikumaru senpai, it's true I love Buchou so much and I know how much you care for Oishi-senpai, but I had to do that. I can't stand to see you so confused. Besides it throws off your game as well as that smile of yours that I like so much." Ryoma explained feeling his cheeks darken, "Besides I'm going to tell Buchou about this, because I know I can trust him to trust me."

Kikumaru's own cheeks were as dark as his hair, "Ochibi, thank you." He pulled the younger boy closer and the sat that for several moments just enjoying each others company, "Ochibi, would you like me to walk you to Buchou's house?"

Ryoma smiled, "I'd like that, arigato. Come on we better get going." He waited for his senpai to jump down off the container before jumping into is arms, "Arigato."

Kikumaru smiled, "No problem, let's go."

END OF FLASHBACK

"Kunimitsu, how are you doing on that last page?"

Tezuka looked over his shoulder, "I'm just finishing up. What about you and those sketches? Fuji told me he was planning on asking you for a sketch but he never said what he wanted it for."

Ryoma added the last details to the second copy, "It's a birthday present for his brother Yuuta. It's not my best work, but I did my best considering…."

Tezuka turned to face his boyfriend, "Considering what Ryoma?"

Ryoma set aside his sketchbook and drawing utensil and walked up to Tezuka. No hesitation entered his mind as he leaned in and placed the most passionate kiss he could muster on the other boy's lips.

Tezuka startled by the sudden assault on his lips gave in and returned the kiss. After several moments the two of them broke apart panting for breath, "What brought that on Ryoma?"

Ryoma turned away, "That was my apology in advance. Kunimitsu, I did something that I'm afraid you will hate me for."

Tezuka stood up and wrapped his arms around the other boy's waist, "What could you have done to make me hate you?"

"I kissed Kikumaru-senpai…." Ryoma allowed his body to grow tense not knowing what to expect but knowing he would deserve whatever punishment his boyfriend had in store for him…..

A/N: Cliffy and the longest chapter of the whole story. Like I said I was in a Prince of tennis mood so this is the result! If you want me to continue then 3 reviews= chapter 21! Next chapter will consist of Tezuka's reaction and Ryoma's dinner with Fuji. Chapter 22 will be the beginning of the LCTC!