The 300 reviews mark was breeched with the last chapter! I am so glad. Thank you everybody. I am so very happy that many are enjoying this story. I have so much fun writing it especially when I know others enjoy it so much.
Despite all the crazy internet things happening lately, I hope we can all relax and continue enjoying this story.
Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN PRINCE OF TENNIS DAMMIT.
Perhaps it had been a bad idea to do such intense kendo exercises before tennis practice, thought Sanada. His arms were already sore, which was not a good thing for the first practice following the Nationals; especially since Yukimura was sure to push them all very hard to make up for the two lost days of no tennis.
But Sanada sucked it up and attended practice. The whole team was there even before Sanada arrived; a never-before-seen occurrence. Akaya was already bouncing around the tennis court, far more energetic than anyone had the right to be.
"Akaya, stop that." barked Sanada. He already felt like he was getting a headache. He definitely should have re-thought that decision to do a lot of kendo before coming here.
Akaya pouted for a second before seeing Yukimura walk out of the changing rooms, his jacket draped majestically over his shoulders and the same serious captain-like expression on his face. Before Akaya even had the chance to jump to Yukimura, the bluenette was already ordering laps, shouting that if they had time to be staring at him with stupidly relieved expressions on their faces, then they had the time to be running laps.
Sanada voiced no complaints. His arms might be sore, but his legs weren't too bad. And besides, it's not like he was the type to complain about practice of all things. He began running his laps, shouting at all the underclassmen to get a move on. From now on, the underclassmen were the priority and all the regulars would be helping them train for next year. Although none of the first or second years looked too thrilled to have Sanada shouting at them, they sped up and tried their hardest. Soon, they would all be able to see who were the serious players and who weren't fit for the team.
It was once the warm-up laps were finished that Yukimura called them all over. The regulars lined up in the front with the underclassmen standing in straight rows behind them. Yukimura stood before them. Everyone's attention was drawn to the captain.
He paced forward. "You've all worked well over the course of the year." began Yukimura. "We've all had our hardships and obstacles, but by helping each other out and training hard, we have surmounted them. Although we did not emerge as winners for the third consecutive year, I believe we have all grown considerably. I don't think our efforts were in vain because we've all become stronger with this loss. The only thing we can do now is move past that point and continue advancing forward."
Yukimura's eyes roamed the row of regulars in front of him, crossing Akaya's excited eyes, Yanagi's nod and smirk, and lingering on Sanada's face for a second.
"I know I haven't been captain for very long this year." said Yukimura. Sanada had been more of a captain than him. Yukimura only had two weeks at the beginning of the year and another couple of weeks before the Nationals to be a true captain to the team. Sanada had taken over in the months in between, doing even more than was required by making sure to constantly keep Yukimura updated. "And that's why I wish to thank all of you for your hard work. All you second-years and first-years have a great team to live up to so I expect to have your best effort put into the team practices and activities from here on out."
Yukimura focussed on the regulars. But instead of scolding them, he had something far more important to say. He turned to the first in line, the data master, and said, "Yanagi, thank you for keeping everyone under control." No doubt Akaya, Niou and perhaps even Sanada had become out of control a few times while he was in the hospital and Yanagi was one of the few mature team members that could keep everything running smoothly. Yanagi nodded, accepting the thanks.
The bluenette moved on the the next person in line. "Akaya, you've grown so much this year and even achieved the State of Self Actualization. I'm counting on you to continue your growth into becoming an even better captain." said Yukimura.
Akaya beamed. "Of course, captain! Leave it to me."
Yukimura smiled, continuing down the line. "Jackal, your stamina and defence is truly impressive, as is the way you manage to look after Akaya and Marui, so thank you." Jackal scratched his head, muttering a thanks and looking a little embarrassed. "Marui, your volleys are second to none, as is the bright and cheerful atmosphere you bring to the team. You did well." said Yukimura. Marui popped a bubble with his gum, nodding happily.
The bluenette went further down the row, stopping at his friend. "Niou, your pranks may annoy some, but the team would definitely have no laughs if it weren't for you. The fact that you took your impersonation skill and used it in tennis never ceases to amaze me."
Niou gave a crooked grin. "Aww, you're embarrassing me, captain." he said before Yukimura continued to his partner.
"Yagyuu, you may have been a spare player in the Nationals, but you are just as valuable to the team. Your fast learning pace is truly admirable. If you keep on practicing, I think you will become quite a brilliant player. Thank you for joining the team." said Yukimura. Yagyuu nodded politely.
Finally, he reached the last person in line. Yukimura's breath caught when his eyes found Sanada's warm brown ones. For a second, he didn't know what to say. No words could possibly do any justice to the gratitude he felt towards Sanada. The vice-captain had taken such good care of the team, pushing them all so hard. Sanada had always visited Yukimura, encouraging him and putting up with him when he was feeling down. Sanada had lost, yet gotten back up. And he had never left Yukimura's side while doing so. Yukimura recalled every single happy, exhilarated and frustrated moment they spent together.
"Sanada…" said Yukimura, the thoughts running through his mind in a circle. He wanted to say everything at once, but his mouth couldn't find the words. Yukimura knew he couldn't stay there forever; they had practice to get to.
He faced Sanada and then bent into a perfect 90 degree angle bow, looking at the floor when he said, "Thank you for everything, Sanada."
Yukimura stayed in that position for a few more seconds before standing straight up again. He hoped Sanada had gotten the message correctly, knowing that Yukimura felt nothing but deep gratitude towards the vice-captain. One look to Sanada's face was enough to answer his question and make his stomach flutter in happiness. Sanada pulled down the rim of his cap, turning his face away, but not before Yukimura was able to see the hint of a smile on his lips.
"It's no problem, Yukimura. I was glad to do it." said Sanada. Yukimura's chest swelled with the rising giddiness within him, smiling brightly back at Sanada, so glad that even if he had loss, Sanada still liked him and still remained by his side.
And then a loud snort erupted through the air.
"Oh, just kiss already." said Niou, rolling his eyes at them.
It took three second-year students, Yanagi, Yagyuu and Jackal combined to stop Sanada from tackling Niou down and slapping him senseless. Yanagi and Jackal sighed in exasperation, holding Sanada's arms so that he couldn't hurt the trickster. Niou pranced away, laughing. Yukimura smiled, shaking his head.
He wouldn't change his team for any other.
Practice went relatively well. Some first and second years were not too shabby, although nothing compared to the regulars. With the rest of the year to practice, Yukimura was determined to shape them all into better players and find the best ones for next year's team. Akaya couldn't win the Nationals by himself.
Yukimura even let Akaya take charge today and decide on punishments for those who were slacking off. Akaya was ecstatic and quickly ordered a plain looking second-year to do a hundred million push-ups. But Yukimura told Akaya to choose a more realistic number and so Akaya pouted and reduced the number to fifty.
Besides the slackers and Akaya's first experience at having authority, everything ran smoothly. They practiced long and hard, until the sun was very low on the horizon. Yukimura seemed to be trying to cram the two missed days of practice into one day, but it wasn't quite working too well since they would all need to go home for supper eventually.
Sanada himself was not too keen on a long practice. His arms were past soreness and were now painful to move, let alone hold a racket. He made a mental note to himself to never do close to 2000 kendo sword thrusts before tennis practice ever again.
The practice came to a close when Yanagi told the captain that he had to be home in half an hour. Yukimura certainly had no control over the regular's parents wanting them home on time, so he couldn't argue against it. They run back to the locker rooms after picking up all the balls and nets.
The shower felt like heaven on Sanada's skin, soothing his aching limbs. He yawned, long and hard. The day had been nothing but exercise for him and he was exhausted. He didn't need to be home right away so he thought about taking a nap before heading back to his house; that way his grandfather wouldn't patronize him about being a lazy ass.
There weren't many people left in the locker room when Sanada came out of the showers. Yanagi and Akaya had left the earliest, as did Niou and Marui, saying something about getting Jackal to buy them food. Yagyuu was straightening out his tie and closing his locker as Sanada got dressed.
There were still a few second years loitering around here and there, but they knew better than to bother the mighty Emperor of Rikkai, especially when he had dark circles under his eyes and looked irritable. Sanada ignored them and made his way to one of the corners of the locker rooms, sitting down on the lumpy armchair that was next to the small wooden table.
Back in the showers, Yukimura was humming happily to himself, rinsing the soap out of his skin before closing all the water sprays. He was the last to leave so he closed the lights and locked the door as well. He hoped Sanada was still around. Sanada had not left the showers too long before he had, so the vice-captain should still be around the locker room. Yukimura got dressed in a rush and ran to the furthest row of lockers.
To Yukimura's disappointment, the area in front of Sanada's locker was empty. The vice-captain was nowhere to be seen. Yukimura felt his smile leaving his face. Damn it. He should have left the showers earlier. Sanada had already left.
The last of the second-years were leaving. Yukimura walked around the locker area and saw Yagyuu shouldering his bag; he was the last one left besides Yukimura.
The blue-haired captain patted him on the shoulder. "Good work today, Yagyuu. Keep it up." he said.
Yagyuu nodded politely as usual, looking pleased. Then he saw the key in Yukimura's hands, ready to lock up the room.
"Oh, made sure you don't lock up just yet. Sanada looks ready to stay for a while longer."
Sanada? Sanada was still here? Sanada was staying longer? "Where's Sanada?" asked the bluenette.
Yagyuu nodded towards the entrance. "He's resting on the armchair in the corner." Yagyuu shook his head, not understanding why Sanada would actually try to nap on that armchair. It was old and smelly and Yagyuu was pretty sure it hadn't been cleaned in at least 23 years. The gentleman said good-bye to Yukimura and took his leave as well.
When the door slammed shut, leaving the room in a still silence, Yukimura left the locker area and sprinted to the far corner where there were chairs, a table and an old armchair. Yukimura and Sanada had done paperwork there in the past. Now when he turned around the last row of lockers, Yukimura was greeted with the sight of his vice-captain, sinking into the armchair with his eyes closed.
Sanada looked tired. Surely only one tennis practice didn't make him this exhausted. Looks like Sanada had trained hard in kendo even after Yukimura had left that morning. But despite the exhausted look, Sanada looked so peaceful there, no frowning, scowling or yelling at anyone.
The bluenette smiled and approached Sanada's still figure. Sanada didn't move, his head lulled to the side, apparently in the mist of a nap.
It was too perfect, thought Yukimura, to have his vice-captain laid out in front of him, tempting him like this. Yukimura would be a fool not to take advantage of having his love interest this defenceless in front of him.
That's why nothing stopped Yukimura from crouching down just enough in front of Sanada, making sure not to wake or jostle him. Yukimura looked under Sanada's cap brim, making sure his eyes were still deeply closed, showing no signs of waking. When Yukimura concluded that Sanada would not be waking up soon, he put his hand on the armrest on Sanada's right, leaning closer and feeling his heart thumping wildly.
His body didn't touch the vice-captain's. Yukimura merely brought his face close to Sanada's, hearing the deep, even breathing pass through the barely open lips. Yukimura took a moment, observing the handsome face before him. He might never get to observe Sanada from this close again, seeing his strongly set jaw and raven black hair sprayed out on his forehead.
The black cap was grabbed and slowly taken off Sanada's head before being carelessly tossed to the side, ensuring that there would be no obstacle between them. Yukimura's eyes looked at Sanada's lips for a brief instant before making up his mind.
And slowly, so very slowly, Yukimura's own mouth came closer to Sanada's. He could smell the forest scent emitting from Sanada. Yukimura opened his mouth only a fraction and he could practically taste the delectable treat that was awaiting him.
"I thought you said you wouldn't kiss me unless I asked?" whispered Sanada.
Yukimura nearly jumped back but he managed to hold himself steady in his current position; his own lips only an inch away from Sanada's. The bluenette's could feel warm air tickle his face when Sanada talked. The vice-captain's eyes were just barely open, staring at Yukimura as if not at all concerned that moving his head up only a little bit would crash their lips together.
"I thought you were sleeping." answered Yukimura, smiling sweetly. He remained there, his body bending over Sanada and the armchair, arms on both armrests on either side of the vice-captain to keep himself steady.
"I was taking a short nap." said Sanada, grouchy at the rude awakening. "The next time you try and sneak up on me on me like this, make sure you don't remove my cap. Light in my eyes is not exactly the best way to wake up." The glowing fluorescent light of the locker rooms glared at him.
"That's why I'm here to make your awakening a little better." One of Yukimura's hands snaked down and found Sanada's, entwining their fingers together. "And honestly, I've been growing a little tired of all this tension between us."
"You are so impatient as to break your previous promise? Tarundoru." murmured Sanada. Yukimura's navy eyes met Sanada's. The bluenette was about to pull back, but then Sanada's other hand grabbed the back of his neck. Yukimura's eyes grew wide for a second before returning to normal, his head being kept at such close proximity by Sanada's grasp. He felt the hand moving up his neck, tangling in his semi-wet hair, stroking the wavy strands.
"I'm glad you told me the truth earlier today. When you said you liked me." whispered Yukimura. He felt dizzy. The close proximity made it so that he could practically taste Sanada on his tongue each time he inhaled. The position he was in was not very comfortable and he was tempted to just sit on Sanada's lap, but he remained standing at the bent angle, ready to remain there as long as needed.
He heard Sanada swallow nervously, a hint of a flush on his cheeks. He wondered if Sanada was feeling the same way, as if there was not enough air to breath, his heart thumping maddeningly.
"So, aren't you going to ask me?" said Yukimura, feeling his self-control slipping and fast.
"Ask you what?" said Sanada.
"Ask me to kiss you." replied Yukimura, tone breathy. They were so close, so so close. Only a couple of inches separated them. Yukimura could swear that Sanada was emitting a huge amount of heat, making him feel even hotter with each passing second. The hand in his hair stilled.
"No. I don't think I will." answered Sanada, managing to sound rather nonchalant for their current position.
Yukimura growled lightly. "Don't push my limits, Sanada."
Sanada's mouth quirked, like the way it did the few times he had teased the bluenette in the past. "I said I wouldn't ask, not that I wouldn't kiss you." he said.
Before Yukimura even had the chance to process what Sanada was saying, the hand behind his neck tightened, bringing his head lower. Sanada pushed aside his hesitation, focusing on nothing other than the fact that he had a very willing Yukimura right here before pressing his mouth against Yukimura's.
Sanada savoured it, taking in all the sensations of the kiss and ensuring he wouldn't forget anything about it this time. Yukimura's lips were so soft, warm yet scalding hot on his mouth. Those luscious lips moved, so hesitantly and then increasingly confident as Yukimura made sure Sanada would not be running away this time. It was so much more satisfying than that surprise kiss after their first date. Every movement sent a spark of electricity running through Sanada's whole being, fogging his mind with nothing but hazy desire and god, why had he waited so long to do this?
Sanada didn't know how a simple touch of lips could be so mind-numbing and send such a rush through him. He didn't let Yukimura pull back, nor did the bluenette even try to stop. Sanada's arms wrapped around his captain, bringing the lithe teen over Sanada until Yukimura was sitting on the taller male's lap, their mouths never parting.
Yukimura's lips were feather-light but so demanding, moving with a definite purpose and stealing Sanada every breath. Sanada opened his mouth and took in a deep breath, feeling the lack of air dizzying him. Yukimura stole the breath right back into his own mouth, pressing up against Sanada's chest.
When they pulled back, both their lips were moist, looking more red and swollen than before. Sanada's tongue darted out and licked his bottom lip, still tasting Yukimura's distinctive flavour. Yukimura's eyes followed the movement, looking dazed; very much like Sanada felt himself.
"Mm..." Yukimura hummed, laying his head on Sanada's shoulder, feeling Sanada's hands around his waist, keeping him on his lap. Yukimura was reminded of the way Sanada held him back after the Nationals. Sanada was really warm and comfortable.
"I apologize for waking you up." said Yukimura. From up close, he could also see how tired Sanada's eyes were. Without his cap, Sanada's gaze seemed to have intensified. Sanada grunted in response, saying it was no big deal.
They sat there against each other on the old armchair for a while longer. Even if it was getting late, neither felt like leaving. Sanada's arms never slackened their hold around Yukimura's frame. The bluenette in turn had his head pressed against Sanada, his hair tickling the skin around Sanada's neck. A few times, Yukimura leaned forward and planted small pecks on Sanada's neck and jaw. It was so rare to do this and not have Sanada flustered or protesting and Yukimura was going to take it for all it was worth.
"Where's my cap?" Sanada asked eventually after quite some time had passed. His voice sounded loud in the silent room.
Yukimura shrugged. "It probably fell to the floor when I took it off."
Sanada seemed suddenly alarmed at the though of his precious cap lying on the dirty floor. He shifted, ready to look for it. Yukimura proceeded to cling of Sanada like a koala to a tree.
"Yukimura, move." said Sanada.
"No, I was comfortable. Sit back down." said Yukimura. "Your cap's still going to be there later. You don't need to get it now."
"I can't let it get dirty. Move."
"That's not a good enough reason!" said Yukimura, pouting and using his weight to keep Sanada seated on the armchair. He had been so calm and relaxed in a sweet happy glow before. Leave it to Sanada to do something to ruin the mood.
"Your ass is bony and hurts my legs." said Sanada. "Is that a good enough reason?"
Yukimura scoffed, hitting Sanada's arm as if he had been insulted. "Idiot. Is your cap more important than me?" Yukimura demanded to know.
"Yes." Sanada said it with no hesitation whatsoever.
"You are so mean! Is this the type of thing you say to someone you just kissed?" said Yukimura.
Sanada shrugged again, trying to see if he could spot his cap from his sitting position. He could see a flash of black close to the foot of the armchair. "At least I'm not lying… but if it makes you feel better, it was a close match and my cap won by only a slight margin." said the vice-captain
"Nice to see I'm battling an inanimate object for your affection, Sanada." said Yukimura, sarcastic. Then, very suddenly, he leaped off of Sanada and fished the cap off the floor before Sanada even had the chance to stand up.
Yukimura smiled mischievously, holding out the cap to Sanada.
The vice-captain narrowed his eyes, suspicious as he reached for his headwear. Before Sanada could grab it, Yukimura snapped his hand back, putting the cap on his own head. It drooped to the side, a little too big for him.
"I'll be keeping your precious cap for tonight, Sanada." announced Yukimura.
Sanada rose an eyebrow. "And what's that going to accomplish?" He said that while remembering that time Yukimura had stolen his cap and kept it for days at a time. It had been most unpleasant.
"If your cap is not with you, then you won't grow closer to it. Out of sight, out of mind." explained Yukimura.
"Haven't you ever heard of 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder?'" retorted Sanada.
Yukimura grinned. "Good, then I hope you'll be thinking of me tonight when we're not together." He swooped in and kissed Sanada lightly on the cheek before dashing away quickly, holding the cap to his head. He picked up his tennis bag and turned to leave, waving good-bye. "I'll see you tomorrow, Sanada."
Sanada stood there, his cheek tingling, as he watched Yukimura leave with the cap on his head.
Author's Rant:
AHHHHHHH You've all been so patient with the Alpha Pair. I thought I would finally give you all a reward for putting up with them (and me) for this long.
ARE YOU SATISFIED NOW? D;
It's an Alpha Pair party! Wuuuuuu~ Everyone bring your black caps and Rikkai jerseys!