A/N: For some reason it feels as if I haven't written in a long time! Maybe because I haven't (sweat drop)
LOLZ
So first off, let me welcome everyone back to the main storyline…I'm sure you're all dying to know what's going to happen to Jun/Ryo pair so Read and Review!!!
Little Silver Kitten- Well the whole point of the side stories was to entertain and introduce the regulars better to everyone XD
Selyn- LOL sorry for the long wait but after finishing school my writing muse refused to inspire me so I went on a little vacation to clear this all up! But think about the good thing! Thanks for the solid support! A review now and then to push me actually gets me writing and thinking! This chapter is long XP As for them all being Gay… I don't think so XD
Maybe only Ryo and Matsuma but as you can tell from the others so far, Aikawa is interested in girls, Fukumachi goes through girls like tissue, Kira and Kitawaru both have a girl, Inui is disturbed by being in that kind of relationship although he knows of Ryo and Jun's. Moritaka and Tokinawa…unknown for now
Nyankochan-52- Yeah, I'm pretty sure Inui-junior is scarred for life XD But he was bound to find out sooner or later XP
Cheska- It's okay… that scene constantly haunted me as well XD
Empress Satori- Sorry this chapter took so long… but I found my writing muse escaped, I was lost on where to really go and I needed a break… but at least I'm back right? XD
bLoodY vEngEfUl sOul- I'm sure he'll get over this trauma and move on XD there's other traumas to deal with this chapter so that one will just have to wait XD
XoHakugei- Well I hope your glad we're back on track now! And we will be for this and next chapter! XD
Sweet Obsidian Rain- It's great to have new readers join the group because it's more fun for me to create the story and get feedback from everyone! That's why Fanfic writers live for reviews XD As for the twits and plots… it's something I like to play around with in all my stories if you've read other ones…I like to make the readers go one way while it's really headed in another direction…It's no fun if I stick to only one problem because my other characters won't stand out and won't have a purpose So I like to incorporate multiple problems and twists to connect everyone XD I'm an evil author!
A sequel to this story? I'm not sure if I may or not…because the sequel would have to focus on another couple besides my thrill pair…I don't know if I should write on a couple years later…but we'll see… by then I'd probably be filled with different ideas though XP
Playgirl Eugene- Ah trust me! Atobe is NOT weak in this story… he's a bit relenting to Tezuka because he loves him but there will be no weakness besides that! He'll re-appear soon to show everyone nothing will hold Ore-sama down! It seems everyone hates Tezuka in this story XP probably because he's so indecisive until he knows he's losing out. But what can you do about a stoic guy like him who shows so little expression XP
LadyHiwatari1412- Yes you were reviewer 300 XP
I can see I've come a long way since I first started this fanfic XP
I'm glad to see a lot of people sticking through this story although it's still on-going XD As for the side stories… I'm glad you enjoy them…I've never done side stories in any of my stories before and this was actually experimental XD I'm glad it was so successful in opening the door to hidden scenes that wasn't in the main story…as for the other regulars…I'd love everyone to see their personalities and character besides a regular who plays a game for Seigaku or one who speaks three sentences in a scene. Hopefully the stories will open the gap to see how they actually are XD I'm glad you've favored Matsuma… he was one of my favorite regulars to work with because he becomes so unpredictable XD I'm sure you'll enjoy the last few chapters because he DEFINITELY is prominent towards the end with Ryo!
The Risks We Take
Chapter 16: The Strength of Your Soul
Recap
"You can't do that!" Aikawa said incredulously that this puny girl was going to take their Tensai to the enemy.
"I can!" Kimiko declared. " Your buchou wouldn't care!"
"Buchou!" Kitawaru said facing Ryo.
"Do as you wish." Ryo said to Matsuma and turned back to his conversation with Inui-sensei.
Aikawa and Kitawaru's mouth fell open.
'WHAT'S HAPPENING!' was the only though running in their heads.
"Buchou!" Aikawa voiced once more in protest only to see Ryo continue his talk with Inui-sensei and ignore him completely.
"Do your laps!" Ryoma's voice bit through their confusion. The regulars didn't dare disobey but they took their sweet time getting to their laps…
"30" Ryoma finally bit out to have them move it.
"Ryo…you do 35," Ryoma said and only received a curt nod before he finished his talk with Inui-sensei.
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" You okay Matsuma?" Aikawa asked after they finished their first lap. He didn't need a vocal confirmation since Matsuma's glare was telling enough…it seemed there was definitely tension!
Aikawa fell back a little to run with Kitawaru and Moritaka instead.
"How is he?" Kitawaru asked.
"If glares could kill…" Aikawa said and left it at that. The rest didn't seem to be to enthusiastic about talking either.
Moritaka on the other hand was quite awed at the group's problem…he didn't seem to think this new development would hinder any of them. After all it merely meant the Buchou and Fukubuchou wouldn't be getting along for a while…
"Shouldn't we just let it be?" Moritaka asked Kira when he caught up.
"This situation could get out of hand," Kira stated with a frown. " We should help them solve it soon… or else nothing will be the same again!"
(A/n: Anyone else thinks that Kira's more worried about his situation with Himiko? XD he obviously won't be walking Himiko home alone if Jun isn't going to Ryo's house)
Moritaka raised a brow in surprise…he'd never knew the relationship between the Fukubuchou and the Buchou had to be tight…when he used to play tennis; it never was that hard before!
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Ryo purposely kept a good distance yet knew he had five extra laps…steadily he passed through the group but kept his pace set for passing all of them. In his mind, he wasn't sure if he was madder or hurt that Matsuma had hid this from him…
"But I do like you Ryo…" Matsuma insisted.
'Liar!' Ryo thought angrily…he should've known Jun was only fooling around with him… especially since he had a fiancée this whole time!
'You're a fool Ryo!' Ryo chided himself and forced himself to pass Matsuma and take the lead.
'Good riddance!' Ryo decided, 'Now I don't have to worry about him all over me! Going home with me! Molesting me!'
Ryo adverted his eyes when he passed by Matsuma and kept his gaze leveled at the rest of the scenery in front of him. Pushing a bit of strength into his legs, he sprinted past Matsuma only to feel caught on his left arm. He didn't look back; instead he jerked his arm away only to feel himself and Matsuma moving away from the track to behind a building.
"Ryo…I have to explain…" Matsuma said trying to ignore the fact that Ryo was glaring at him angrily.
"It's enough that you've shown me." Ryo bit out and tried to go around him.
"Wait…" Matsuma said reaching out to grasp Ryo's shoulder once more again.
"For what? I forgot you were rich and had a fiancée…I overlooked that once but I won't make that mistake again Matsuma."
Matsuma flinched when Ryo named him Matsuma once again…It hurt that Ryo was cutting him out but he knew Ryo was hurt more than him right now…his blunt words and angry eyes clearly showed the hurt he was trying to bury.
"I love you Ryo…that's not going to change."
"Love?" Ryo said bitterly, " last time I checked, having a fiancée on the side wasn't love!"
"I was going to tell you!" Matsuma argued.
"When? When I go professional and you drop it on me with a 'by the way'?" Ryo mocked. "Or when I'm 90 years old and dying on my deathbed?"
"Damn it Ryo… I just didn't want to have to tell you this way…we're barely into our relationship! We've only been going out since Kantou!"
"You're right! Thank god it's only been 2 or so week… I shouldn't get attached right!" Ryo said bitterly and went towards the track again.
"We're not through!" Matsuma said jogging up to Ryo again.
"Jun! If you're finished running come sit by me!" Kimiko cried out.
"Go to her!" Ryo said and went running. "Thanks to you, I'm behind on a lap and a half!"
"Kuso…" Matsuma cursed and ran to catch up…sadly Ryo made sure he was always ahead.
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"You think that will help them?" Aikawa asked Kira when they both disappeared.
"Hopefully." Kira said with a sigh. 'It had better help!' Kira added from behind them.
Kitawaru glanced back to where the Fukubuchou and the Buchou disappeared off.
"Kitawaru!" Moritaka called out.
It was too late as Kitawaru ran straight into the pole.
"You okay?" All the regulars stopped to check Kitawaru's head.
"You better be okay!" Aikawa said, " We can't lose another regular!"
Ryoma sighed as he saw Ryo and Jun disappear then the mishap with Kitawaru just now.
"Give it up! They are distracted!" Inui said pushing his glasses up.
" I guess…" Ryoma muttered.
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Later
"How are they doing?"
Ryoma turned around to feel slender hands wrap around him possessively.
"Not so good…"
"What's wrong?" Fuji asked looking at the practice matches. " Even Ryo looks distracted…"
"He's what's wrong." Ryoma said with a frown. " Jun and he just got into a fight."
Fuji frowned slightly. " Over what?"
"See that girl over there." Ryoma asked Fuji. He waited until Fuji nodded before he continued. " Jun's fiancée."
"Ouch!" Fuji said with a smile. "That one would definitely get Ryo over the cliff."
Ryoma nodded, "I think it's best we deal with them right now."
Fuji rested his head onto Ryoma's shoulder and sighed. " I guess we can deal with them now, but in the long run I believe they can figure it out themselves with the strength of their soul."
Ryoma smirked at the cheesiness of Fuji's words but turned to give him a quick kiss anyways. " Come on… let's get them to relieve a bit of stress before they explode."
Fuji nodded and asked Inui for a spare racquet.
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"What's the matter with all of you?" Ryo said for the fifth time as they missed another of his sharp serves. "Shape up for Nationals!"
"I don't think he or Matsuma realizes they are playing very serious and harshly to the point of explosion." Inui said writing their data down.
"No kidding…his smash almost dislocated my wrist!" Aikawa complained.
"Here comes Echizen-san and Fuji-san…they look pretty serious too!" Kitawaru said wearily.
The regulars watched as both passed them and headed to their respective prey.
"Show me what you got Ryo." Ryoma tempted as he went around and replaced Kira.
Ryo smirked. " There will be no mercy on you either aniki!"
"Don't need it." Ryoma said with his own smirk and looked at Ryo with challenge written eyes.
"Come at me!"
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On the other side, Fuji was fighting just as hard with Matsuma. Fuji felt a tinge of thrill as he saw the limit Matsuma and his anger was pushing him. Fuji hit the ball back with a smooth path pinpointed for the centerline. Matsuma caught the path and returned it with sheer anger.
'Mada mada' Fuji thought as he returned it easily back.
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Afterwards
"Practice is over!" Kimiko complained. " Can we go yet?" she asked tugging on Jun's shirt one more.
"Uresai! (Shut-up)" Matsuma bit out angrily before stalking off. He had more than enough of his Fiancée at the moment. She'd done nothing but complain the whole day and the whole practice! Besides that point, he wanted to talk to Ryo again. He admitted he was wrong for hiding the fact that he had Kimiko…but he had to make Ryo understand. He didn't want to be 'Matsuma' again…he wanted to be Jun…
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"Think they'll be okay?" Fuji asked watching Matsuma leave his angry fiancée and head towards Ryo who was talking to Kira.
"Yeah…I think I wore him down." Ryoma said with a smile.
"Yeah…you did a pretty good job…Inui was impressed he stayed in SOSA for the full hour the set with you took.
"Didn't you have fun pushing Jun into SOSA mode as well?" Ryoma asked with a smirk.
"He barely stayed in that mode," Fuji teased, "It was barely 10 minutes before he lost control of it…but his split step he learned from Ryo is getting very good…you'll have to watch out soon!"
"Che!" Ryoma said and reached up to pull his cap down only to find it missing.
"Syuusuke!"
Fuji chuckled and placed his cap back on his head. " I saw you seal Ryo's Disappearing Drive he created."
Ryoma nodded. " It's still mada mada… he needs to perfect it."
Fuji didn't answer as he watch Ryoma stare at Ryo from afar. The worry was in his eyes but Ryoma was, as usual, too proud to tell Ryo.
'Kawaii' Fuji decided and pulled out his digital camera to snap a quick picture before Ryoma noticed.
"Syuusuke! I'm not blind!" Ryoma said irritated at his lover.
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"Ryo!" Matsuma said when he reached where Kira and Ryo were talking. Ryo completely ignored him and continued conversing with Kira but Kira knew better when he saw Matsuma's glare and decided he was in the way. Breaking the conversation off shortly afterwards Kira turned and wandered away.
Ryo, on the other hand didn't look like he was going to stick around either since Kira left and he was following.
" Matte!" Matsuma said and pulled him into the shadows of a few nearby trees and secluded area.
"What is it now?" Ryo asked exasperatedly.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you…" Matsuma said looking at the ground. " I was scared…scared it'd give you a reason to leave me…because we'll never be like your aniki and Fuji-san…"
Ryo stared at the top of Matsuma's head for a long moment as he saw Matsuma's clenched hand. The way it shook told Ryo that it was hard for Matsuma to admit this.
Ryo didn't think anymore but reacted instead. Ryo sighed and drew Matsuma roughly into his embrace to comfort him.
"It's okay Jun…"
Matsuma looked up at Ryo with watery eyes. The tears threatened to spill but Ryo wiped them before they fell.
"You girl!" Ryo accused lightly as Matsuma threw himself back into Ryo's warm arms.
"I don't care…" Matsuma muttered into Ryo's chest. " I'll be anything for you…"
Ryo smiled lightly as his hand dug into Matsuma's black hair to stroke lovingly.
" I'm so scared you'll leave me behind when you go pro…" Matsuma said softly and felt Ryo jerk him away so their eyes met.
"Baka!" Ryo said poking him hard on the forehead. " It's not like it's forever! So you're saying you won't wait?"
Matsuma eyes widened and he shook his head. "Iie… you know I would…"
Ryo scowling face broke into a smile. "Then why are you worried?"
Jun was stunned for a while but slowly; a smile touched his own lips…he had nothing to fear…
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Elsewhere
"Hajimoto-san?" A woman said pushing up her glasses. " I have everything ready!"
"When can I get my son then?" Hajimoto asked wearily.
"Patience… the lawyers are working with the courts…"
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Moritaka Household
"I'd like to ask your permission to have your son attend the US Open with his tennis team." Ryoma said politely to Moritaka's mother and father.
"Thank you for offering but we decline… our son has quit Tennis." The father spoke firmly.
Ryoma frowned a bit. "He has talent to become a professional, why won't you two support him?"
"It won't get him anywhere." His father said harshly looking towards Moritaka who sat quietly. " He shall go to school and become a decent salary man who can support his future family and us."
" He isn't cut out for that." Ryoma argued. " He deserves a chance to take his dream higher!"
"He needs to grow up!" His father insisted. " I'm unable to work now and his mother is sickly so he needs to be responsible for his sister and his sake!"
"As a professional Tennis player he can make double the amount." Ryoma said firmly back to the stubborn old man.
"How would you know!" He said back
"I know because I WAS one!" Ryoma said.
"Then how much did you make?" the old man asked stubbornly.
"Enough to never have to work again." Ryoma shot back. He had the strongest urge to say 'mada mada' to this Oyaji right now, but he knew better than to use his bad language to convince Moritaka's parents.
"How much would he make immediately then?" Moritaka's father questioned.
"Depending on good he is and how many tournaments he participates in." Ryoma said.
"I don't think he needs it-"
"And I think you should support your son in what he wants to do." Ryoma cut in with a bit of cockiness.
The old man turned away and looked at Moritaka.
"Soujirou… what are you going to say? What about your duty to this family?
"I'd like to try father!" Moritaka said. " I enjoy playing tennis…"
Moritaka's father jaw tightened in defiance and stubbornness but his wife put her hand on top of her "Do as you wish!" His father finally said after a long time.
"Thank you for allowing him to." Ryoma said with a slight bow of respect towards Moritaka's father. "You both don't have to worry about expenses, I will take care of everything."
Moritaka's father didn't reply as he got up to leave without acknowledging Ryoma any further but his mother smiled.
"Thank you…I've always wanted Soujirou to be happy but it seems that we've met our own problems…"
"Don't worry…I just want the best for Soujirou and if I have to help out˜ then I will." Ryoma promised before getting up to go.
As Moritaka walked him to the door, Ryoma turned around and ruffled the boy's head.
"Prove to your old man that you can make it!"
"Aa" Soujirou said with a smile, " Thank you Echizen-san…"
"Don't worry about it, just get ready to go with us…perhaps I'll even give you a match!"
"Hontou? (Really)" Soujirou asked looking excitedly up.
Ryoma nodded before slipping on his shoes to leave.
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" How'd it go with his parents?" Fuji asked.
"His father let him go… although it'll take some solid proof to have his father believing he can make it through this path!" Ryoma said with a sigh.
Fuji smiled and pressed his lips against Ryoma's forehead gently.
"I knew you could do it."
"Like hell I could," Ryoma scowled. " You had no idea how much I wanted to tell his father "mada mada" Syuusuke!"
Fuji chuckled and held Ryoma close. " I think it got an idea how hard it was to act mature and not cocky."
"Che!" Ryoma muttered.
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Weeks Later
New York City, New York
" Sugoi!!!" The group of students said in awe at the giant skyscrapers and people walking around.
"It's like another Tokyo!" Aikawa said looking around the streets.
"Ike!" Ryo said irritated at the group. He was feeling embarrassed as many Americans were staring at them as a group of tourists.
Ryoma smiled as he walked in the back with Fuji.
"So you lived here for a time?" Fuji asked.
"Somewhat… we have a big town house here and a house in California." Ryoma said. " The family came here most of the time when I participated in the US Open or was training specially."
Fuji nodded and noted the people staring at them.
"Don't mind it." Ryoma said.
Fuji leaned over and pressed a kiss on Ryoma's lips before taking his hand in his with a smile. " Whoever said anything about minding?"
Ryoma frowned as he pulled his cap lower in embarrassment at Fuji's display of affection. Taking his attention away from that he watched Ryo as Ryo led the way towards their town house. It seemed Ryo gaze was glued on the school with students leaving though. Directing his gaze towards where Ryo stared off to he suddenly realized this was where Ryo would've attended Middle school.
Ryo smiled as he saw the school he would've attended if Auntie Rinko didn't get so sick. He stopped and didn't realize that all the others had stopped as well. Watching a few kids exit the school he checked his watch to find that it was time for school to end here…
"What school is this?" Matsuma asked.
"Brearley Private Middle School" Ryo said. " This is where I would've gone if my aniki was still a professional." Ryo stated staring at the kids walking by.
"Oh!" They all said and watched as students were coming out into cars waiting for them or walking with a group of friends home.
"RYO?!"
Everyone turned and saw a few guys and girls come up to Ryo.
"It IS you!" They exclaimed and took turns hugging him.
"It's good to see all of you." Ryo said in perfect English back to them.
"Why are you back? I thought you moved overseas!" A girl asked.
"US Open…my brother is participating as a representative from Japan." Ryo said with a smile. " How have you all been?"
"What is Ryo saying?" Fukumachi asked Matsuma who was next to him.
"If you pain attention in English class maybe you would've picked up the fact that he greeted them and they are asking questions." Inui said from behind them.
"Is it?" Fukumachi asked Matsuma who nodded.
"These are my friends as well!" Ryo said indicating Matsuma and them.
"This is Shun Aikawa, Naota Tokinawa, Koichi Fukumachi, Jun Matsuma, Shiro Kira, Soujirou Moritaka, Sano Inui, Syuusuke Fuji and, of course, my brother, Ryoma." Ryo announced.
"Pleased to meet you all!" The 2 boys and 3 girls said.
Everyone awkwardly shook hands with him or her as Ryo explained that the tennis team he was captain for was observing his brother.
"Well, have fun!" Ryo's friends said as they waved goodbye. Ryo waved back and stood there for a while before he turned to face all of them.
"Why did Buchou introduce out name before our last name?" Fukumachi asked innocently.
"Because that's the way it's done here." Matsuma stated simply. " Just like they would refer to Echizen-san here as Mr. Echizen instead."
"Oh…So Fuji-san would have to refer Echizen-san as that as well?"
"No," Matsuma said with a sigh. " He'd refer to Echizen-san as Ryoma."
"Whose Ryoma?" Everyone asked.
Ryo let out a loud Che, Fuji chuckled, Ryoma scowled and Inui-junior flipped out his data book to write the fact that no one knew who Ryoma was down.
Matsuma on the other hand felt like he was teaching a class of clueless people right now.
"That's Echizen-san's name." Matsuma finally said.
"Oh!" the other s chorused and nodded in understanding.
"How do you know this?" Aikawa asked Matsuma suspiciously.
"Because I hear Fuji-san call him that." Matsuma pointed out.
"Then what's Fuji-san's name?" Aikawa asked.
"Do I have to answer that?" Matsuma asked with a sigh.
"Yes!" Fukumachi and Aikawa said at the same time.
"Syuusuke…" Matsuma muttered.
Aikawa grinned and turned to Kitawaru to say, " He'd fit in with the family…"
Matsuma flushed.
"I'll lead." Ryoma said breaking Matsuma's awkwardness and took the lead with Fuji.
"Think he was happy to see his old friends?" Fuji asked.
"Aa" Ryoma said and led the rest of them down the street and around the block before turning towards the townhouse he now owned.
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" Well this is where we used to live." Ryoma announced to everyone as the entered one by one.
"So… can this house actually hold all 11 of us?" Aikawa asked.
"It should." Ryoma said. "The townhouse has 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and a living room."
"There's three bedroom and 2 bathrooms upstairs the other bathroom and two bedrooms are down here." Ryo added.
"Awesome that's two to a bedroom and one extra…"
"Well you kids are going to have to figure out who gets to have 3 to a bed because Ryoma and I are together alone." Fuji announced.
"I'll share!" Tokinawa offered nicely.
"Good, you can have Kitawaru and Aikawa then." Kira said and walked away with Inui to grab themselves a room.
"You can room with me." Fukumachi said to Moritaka who nodded and helped Fukumachi to one of the bedrooms downstairs. Although Fukumachi had gotten rid of his crutches he still needed a knee brace and cast for his healing shoulder.
"Everyone else upstairs!" Fuji said. " Ryoma and I claim the other bedroom down here…Tokinawa, Aikawa and Kitawaru gets the master bedroom upstairs since there's three of them!" Fuji said loudly to the regulars heading upstairs.
"Hai!" they echoed.
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That Night…
Everyone was watching TV and comparing the living style and channels to the ones at home that night. Ryoma and Ryo were outside instead.
"I can't believe Uncle Nanjiroh and Aunt Rinko are actually gone…" Ryo muttered to Ryoma.
"Well… no one lives forever." Ryoma said bluntly pulling off his cap. New York was a cold state but he was used to this…
"True… but they didn't live that long either." Ryo said.
"Ryo…you're going emo on me" Ryoma said with a smirk pulling Ryo's cap down.
"I'm not!" Ryo protested.
"You were!" Ryoma said with a grin and poked Ryo in the cheek.
"Aniki!!" Ryo shouted in irritation. With a wide swoop of his arm he was able to grab Ryoma's cap and pull it over Ryoma's eyes.
"Brat!" Ryoma said teasingly as he backed away only to attack Ryo once more when he had adjusted his own cap.
"Yadda!" Ryo said scooting away to avoid his aniki's attacks while turning his cap so his aniki couldn't pull at it.
"Mada Mada!" Ryoma said coming closer.
"ANIKI!" Ryo shouted in half irritation and amusement.
From the doorway two shadows stood watching the two Echizen's play.
"Cute huh?" Fuji asked Matsuma.
"Aa… I envy you… you get to see this everyday…" Matsuma said watching Ryo closely.
"You should." Fuji said with a smile not bothering to deny it. " But Matsuma… I hope you learned your lesson with keeping secrets…"
Matsuma cringed at the memory of Ryo's cruel reject when he had found out. "Aa…"
"That means… you'll have to tell your parents as well…" Fuji reminded him.
"Shitteru (I Know)"
Fuji smiled. " Ryo's bad words are catching on… you'd better not use such words in the presence of your parents. It's not good for one of your class right?"
"Aa" Matsuma agreed. " Although his words are catching…"
"They are… I've caught my own bad share." Fuji admitted.
A silence passed them as they watched their own lovers laugh and smile freely.
"I wished he'd let go so easily around me…" Matsuma muttered watching Ryo laugh as his brother tackled him.
"It's rarely that we see them like this huh?" Fuji added.
"Aa…"
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2 days later
US Open 1st day
Ryoma never had a greater urge to disappear than at this moment when reporters had caught sight of him getting good front row seats for Fuji and the regulars.
He threw one last look at Fuji who smiled before he weaved through the crowd of reporters to go stand with the rest of the participants.
Ryo had insisted this morning that the regulars wear there school uniform to keep them from getting lost so the were all decked out in white shirts and black slacks.
Fuji turned to make sure they were all seated and observed the amazement in all their eyes. Ryo, who was very use to watching Ryoma, was perfectly calm waiting for the first match. Matsuma was staring at Ryo, Inui had pulled out a notebook to take data, and Kira was talking to Aikawa. Moritaka, Tokinawa and Fukumachi were chatting about their own topic and Kitawaru was observing the crowd.
"Kitawaru-kin?" Fuji said jolting him out of his stupor.
"What?" Kitawaru asked.
"Want to go with me to buy some snacks and drinks?" Fuji asked with a smile.
To Kitawaru though, it was a smile that told him he was going whether he wanted to or not.
"Okay." Kitawaru agreed and stood.
"We'll be back kids…do any of you want something special?"
"Fanta." Ryo said.
"Fanta?" Everyone asked looking at Ryo in surprise.
"Aa" Ryo said as if that was the most normal thing to him.
"It must be what they call his Ponta over here." Kitawaru said.
"Oh!" the group echoed before giving Fuji their own orders.
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"Mr. Echizen…after your retirement, almost a year ago, what made you resurface here?" Reporters asked.
"Nothing much…just doing Japan a last favor." Ryoma announced and turned away before any more questions could be caught from him.
When his first match was called, Fuji realized how many people Ryoma actually had as fans here in the stadium. There were signs held up for him and shouts of his name but Fuji smiled when Ryoma ignored all of that and looked at Fuji instead. He nodded quickly at Fuji and smirked at Ryo before stepping into the court to shake his opponents hand.
"Ganbatte Echizen-san!" Aikawa shouted.
Ryoma merely adjusted his cap in acknowledgement.
"Which?" Ryoma asked.
"Smooth…"
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By the end of the day everyone was in frenzy at Ryoma's flawless plays. He had won flawlessly winning 6-0 in the first match and 6-2 in the 2nd.
"Sugoi!" Aikawa exclaimed in excitement when Ryoma rejoined them.
"Mada mada su" Ryo said with a grin.
Ryoma merely grinned back before reached for Fuji's hand and held it tightly.
"Mr. Echizen! Who are these people? A fan club of yours?" reporters asked swarming the group.
"This is a group of tennis players from Japan who is observing me." Ryoma said.
"They followed you this far?" Another reporter asked.
"My brother is their Captain." Ryoma stated before pushing Ryo through an opening.
"Can you comment on how well you're doing first?" a reporter asked following the escaping group.
"No more questions!" Ryoma stated and pushed everyone along more quickly.
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"You're like a celebrity here!" Fuji whispered and Ryoma scowled.
"It's annoying!" Ryoma finally muttered.
Fuji chuckled and picked up a racquet. " Since the kids are here, why don't we go to a local tennis club and practice?"
Ryoma nodded, "Sure…I have to practice for tomorrow's match."
"After tomorrow's match you'll be in Semi-finals right?"
Ryoma nodded and downed the rest of his water. "Let's go…"
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Japan
"Did you finish the plans?" Atobe asked.
"I did." The woman smiled. " I've mailed the letter to Echizen-san as you suggested and Hajimoto is ready to get his son as soon as he comes back from the U.S."
"That's good Sylvie" Atobe said to his private secretary and looked out the window. " After all, Ore-sama did say he'll do something for Tezuka." Atobe added haughtily. It wasn't until Sylvie left the room that Atobe sighed and felt disappointed that Tezuka couldn't think about him that way.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
At the Local Tennis Courts
Everyone stopped to watch in various states of shock as the Seigaku regulars practice heavily with Ryoma and Fuji's supervision. Fuji was currently trying to teach Matsuma how to perfect his counters while Ryoma was teaching Kitawaru and Aikawa a service dash that will help them. The others were perfecting their own techniques with Ryoma's advice and Ryo's supervision.
After a couple of hours Ryoma talked about what he was trying to do for them before Nationals.
"I want you all to be strong on your own and not rely on anyone else. Because our only doubles pair that is good together is Kira and Inui, we rely heavily on this pair to win a doubles match." Ryoma stated. "But Nationals is different…that's where they analyze our lineups and try to match theirs with ours…we've got to be smarter, we have to try different pairings and different play styles. So I hope all of you will be able to adapt to at least one person and be ready, if necessary to play in Nationals together!"
They all nodded in understanding.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Back at the townhouse
Ryoma smiled a bit as the regulars complained about being worked so hard on vacation. They happily ate takeout that Fuji and Ryo had ordered while allowing Ryoma to rest a bit for his match tomorrow. Ryoma walked passed a table and saw some mail. He flipped through the mail until he reached one that came from Japan recently.
"Hm?" Ryoma muttered. Opening the envelope he skimmed the contents and frowned.
Echizen Ryoma,
We are writing this letter to you to inform you that Hajimoto Sasaki would like full custody of his son because he feels he is better suited to raise Echizen Ryo. On behalf of Hajimoto, Sanotoku Law Firm has gained rights to allow Hajimoto to keep Echizen Ryo upon arrival back to Japan with him until further notice.
Ryoma crumpled the letter with a curse. He skimmed the paper behind it and felt like killing Hajimoto.
He was giving him two choices. To give up Ryo and pay a monthly sum to keep Ryo and Hajimoto from starving or break up with Fuji and raise Ryo 'right'.
"What the hell am I going to do?" Ryoma muttered tossing both papers into the trash. He ran his hand threw his hair in frustration. He had no idea what he could do now… they were making him choose over two he loved very dearly. Slowly he looked up and suppressed the tears that pricked his eyes as he glanced into the kitchen where Ryo was drinking Fanta and Fuji was listening to Aikawa happily.
"Aniki…don't leave me…ever…okay?"
Ryoma looked at Ryo who was hidden in the shadows.
" I can't promise to never leave you Ryo… one day I'm going to have to go too…"
"But until then, we'll be together right?" Ryo asked hesitantly.
Knowing how hard it was for Ryo to express that Ryoma reached over and pushed Ryo's cap down over his eyes.
"Zutto (always)" Ryoma said with a small smile and stood.
"Zutto…" Ryoma muttered in memory. "I promised didn't I Ryo…" Ryoma muttered sadly.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
The Next Day
Ryoma wasn't in the mood to joke or talk. He was miserable with the sickening dread that filled him…better yet he was angry, lost and everything else…he had no idea what he was going to do with the problem that now weighed his mind to the fact that he was extremely tired.
" Aniki, you okay?" Ryo asked.
"Fine" Ryoma bit out and closed his eyes momentarily. He hadn't stopped snapping at anyone since this morning! His temper was shorter than ever today and he was very distant…he had so much to think about.
"Ryoma… you're obviously…" Fuji started.
"Don't!" Ryoma snapped. " I'm perfectly fine so leave me alone before I really snap!"
"You already did." Fuji said with a frown.
"Leave me alone Syuusuke!" Ryoma muttered trying to restrain himself.
"Ryoma…" Fuji reached out only to have Ryoma fling his hand away.
"Leave me alone! Just quit bothering me, when I want to see you I will!" Ryoma yelled and walked to join the other participants leaving the group and Fuji confused.
"I don't think he got enough sleep." Kira said
"Maybe…" Ryo said softly and led the way to their seats. "Just concentrate on learning something today though."
"Aa…" They all echoed.
The match with Ryoma was over so fast; it didn't even last 15 minutes. He had beaten his opponent ruthlessly without any playing around. His expression was emotionless as he throttled his opponent thoroughly until the referee had called the set to him. As Ryoma walked off the courts he looked lost to his surrounding. Fuji frowned…what was wrong with him?
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Later
"Ryoma we have to talk about this… everyone is worried that-"
"You shouldn't be." Ryoma cut Fuji's sentence short.
"Ryoma, I think-"
"It doesn't matter what you think!" Ryoma said with a scowl and got up to walk away.
"You need to clear your head!" Fuji said whipping Ryoma around to face him.
"I don't need to clear anything but your annoying voice at the moment!" Ryoma growled out.
"You do!" Fuji insisted with just as much stubbornness as Ryoma was displaying.
"Let's break up!" Ryoma said bluntly, "That's what I want…let's break up!"
Fuji was quiet as Ryoma pulled away.
"You're confused." Fuji said softly.
"I know exactly what I just requested Fuji-senpai…I'd like to go my own way…I'm through playing with you." Ryoma said harshly never looking at him.
"You're just being rash right now-"
"I'm perfectly sane!" Ryoma yelled. " Just go home…just leave me alone… it's your presence that's killing me! Now that you aren't crying over Tezuka anymore I have no more need to use you as entertainment!"
"You don't mean that!" Fuji said raising his own voice.
"I do!" Ryoma challenged in a deadly voice.
Fuji felt the words cut him deeply. He hated this Ryoma…he hated it so much, he knew this couldn't be Ryoma… it just couldn't be…
"Fine…"Fuji said. " I'll go home… and I'll wait there for you to come home…"
"Don't bother!" Ryoma said angrily.
Fuji didn't answer. He merely went back inside and packed as he called the airline for the next flight to Tokyo.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Ryoma couldn't stop the tears that ran down his face as he cursed himself for hurting Syuusuke so much. The words he spoke had hurt him twice as much to say…everything he said felt like he was killing himself instead…
He looked at the clock and tried to compose himself enough to go home. He'd been out here long enough wallowing in self-pity.
'I'm sorry…I have to sacrifice you…'Ryoma thought sadly as he stared at the picture of Syuusuke he carried in his wallet. Tracing his lover's face he wiped the splash of his tear away when it landed on the covering and face of Syuusuke.
"This is for the better…"Ryoma whispered as he clung his wallet close and bowed his head in despair once more. Syuusuke deserved someone who could protect him…
He wasn't happy at all…he was miserable beyond belief…all because of that greedy bastard who dared to call Ryo his son after 13 years…
………………………………………………………………………………………..
2 Days later.
The regulars were a bit happy that Ryoma was acting the same again…the loneliness though…was definitely there. Fuji had returned to Japan yesterday morning and during the time that he was still here, neither he nor Ryoma spoke once to each other. Everyone had enough sense not to ask what it was about either. They suspected something was wrong when Fuji had told them with a smile that he was going back due to business…everyone knew he cleared 2 weeks to be here with Ryoma…everyone knew he didn't have any urgent business at all. That meant there was something wrong between the two of them
Ryo watched his aniki wearily. It was bothering him that his aniki and Fuji were like this.
"I guess…we'll just have to wait it out?" Matsuma asked from behind him.
"Aa…" Ryo said. Although his brother was putting a lot more stress on the team during practices, he felt it was at this tension that the team would do their best. Ryo looked at his regulars with a slight smile. Although they had complained for the whole week, they had improved a lot over the span of this week thanks to his Aniki and the tension.
"What are you smiling about?" Matsuma asked looking at Ryo.
"Nandemonai…"
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Ryo frowned…. even as the crowd cheered when Echizen Ryoma won the US Open. One look at his aniki and he could tell there was no joy in winning this tournament… only the emptiness that reflected out of his aniki's golden eyes.
"Something wrong?" Matsuma asked Ryo.
"Aa…with Aniki…" Ryo whispered.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
"Kampai! Omedetou Echizen-san!" The regulars shouted in happiness…they had a day to tour tomorrow and then they'd leave the following morning back to Japan. Everyone was happy when Ryoma announced no tennis until the got back home.
"Aniki… where's the joy in winning?" Ryo teased lightly trying to get his brother's spirit up.
" To dominate is the best!" Ryoma said with a smirk before turning away.
Ryo suppressed his frown as he concentrated on his Fanta instead. That was by far, the fakest smirk he'd seen on his aniki's face since the day Fuji went back.
"Dissapointed?" Matsuma whispered.
"Aa-" Ryo flushed when he felt Matsuma capture his lips so off guard like that.
"Baka! What if they saw?" Ryo looked at the other regulars who were busy recollecting other things to even notice.
"They didn't…besides, you weren't looking too good yourself." Matsuma said with a grin.
"Pervert…" Ryo muttered.
Despite that though, Ryo still held onto Matsuma hand underneath the table.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Tokyo, Japan
Ryo watched his brother in silence. Nationals was only a few days away for them and Ryoma had stressed that to all the regulars before they all spilt at the airport to go home with their respective family. It wasn't that his aniki wasn't polite as he talked to all the regulars family about the trip and took their congratulations with bows and quick smiles…it was the fact that now that they were going home in the taxi that his brother stared out the window in sadness and emptiness.
Ryo fidgeted in his seat once more as he bit down the urge to ask his aniki if he was all right… He was almost glad when they reached the house and unbuckled his seatbelt. They'd been sitting way too long on the plane and ride home. Ryo just wanted to play tennis to work his muscles, take a shower and go to sleep. Looking up, Ryo frowned at the dark clouds covering the sky. It was going to rain.
SPLAT!
Ryo blinked rapidly as the drop of rain blurred his vision momentarily.
'Make that now!' Ryo thought sadly as he went to drag his luggage out while his aniki paid the driver.
"Omedetou Echizen-san…" The cad driver said with a smile and Ryoma nodded.
Ryoma exited the cab and frowned at the weather…he wanted to hit a couple balls with Ryo before settling in for the night but since the storm had started already they'd better not. He wanted Ryo at his best for Nationals and a cold wasn't what he needed. Grabbing the rest of their luggage he closed the trunk and followed Ryo through the gate and home…
He swallowed a lump of pain and tried not to think about Syuusuke.
'You made your decision Ryoma! Stick to it!' Ryoma chided himself as he unlocked the front door and stepped in to find Syuusuke's and someone else's shoe next to Ryo and his slippers. Ryoma frowned slightly and heard footsteps coming from upstairs. Ryoma glanced at Ryo who was setting his bags down before he glanced up the stairs to see Tezuka coming downstairs with Syuusuke half undressed behind him.
No one said anything as both Tezuka and Fuji froze while Ryoma's eyes never left theirs.
"Ryoma…" Fuji said breaking the silence first when he saw Ryoma's emotionless face as he set his bags down next to Ryo's.
Ryoma didn't say anything as he turned and walked back out of the house and into the pouring rain with only what he was wearing.
Ryo looked up to see the man with glasses descend all the way and Fuji rush down with anguish apparent all over his face as he slid on his shoes and went running after Ryoma past both Ryo and the man.
Ryo didn't say anything as he slid into his slippers and watched the man slide his own pair of shoes on quietly.
"Oi…" Ryo finally said when the man turned to leave out of the open door. "Did you two actually do what I thought or not?"
The man only stood there for a second as if contemplating whether to answer or not before leaving.
Ryo sighed and shut the door. Something was going on and he had no idea what!
A/N: Okay… that ends this chapter and look forward to the next chapter… I'm not going to lie to anyone, this story is coming to a close and I'm going to miss them a lot but…stories do end! XP
Please review even though I made everyone wait so long XD