Hey everyone! Thanks to all of you who reviewed the first couple chapters of my story. I was so surprised and happy to get reviews. Since this is my first fic, I was kind of afraid I wouldn't get very many and the ones I would get would be harsh criticism. So, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! I truly feel loved.

I AM REALLY REALLY SORRY about the late update. I really meant to update sooner, I did, I promise!! I don't like stories that are never finished or have really long times between updates myself, so I will try to not do the same on my own story. It is hard to find the time though as my college classes just started again and I have, like, NO time! Anyways, I will try to update about once every two weeks if not more often. So, keep checking back to continue my story. Thanks for reading it, minna!!

But, before I let you continue to the next chapter, I wanted to clear up something that many of you have mentioned in the reviews: Fuji Syusuke and his name. Well, I DO KNOW FUJI IS HIS LAST NAME and SYUSUKE HIS FIRST NAME. Believe me, I do. But, like most characters in the show, Fuji is the name that is most commonly associated with our innocently-smiling friend. Like Tezuka and Oishi (last names, too), this is how we as the fans think of and recognize them. So, I decided to make Fuji, Tezuka, and Oishi their first names in MY fic. I also know that in the Japanese culture, being on a first-name-basis is an indication of closeness or familiarity. But, I AM AMERICAN and using Fuji and the other's last names as their firsts' suits my story, so deal with it.

- Also, I know Eiji is Kikumaru's real first name and Kikumaru is his last. But, I switched his name around because Oishi calls Kikumaru by his first name, Eiji, in the show. It sounds better this way. I might have done this with other characters as well, so this is fair warning. I mainly have characters call other characters by their most recognized name or the name that that character is normally called by others or a specific person. Also, I may have younger characters call seniors, -senpai, and other Japanese suffixes but that's about it. I hope this clears things up and doesn't distract from the plot or dialogue of the story. Thanks for the comments from devoted viewers of Prince of Tennis.

- One last thing, this story will have pairings in it, but MUCH MUCH later – probably 2 or so more chapters, maybe sooner though depending how this story pans out. I'm not quite sure where it is going, but just to let you know. The pairs did just meet so they need to get to know each other a bit better before they start all the lovin'…

Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis or any of its characters, because if I did, the show would have more open shounen-ai where Fuji and Tezuka were a couple as were other members of the show. hehehe

"blah" = spoken dialogue between characters

blah = unspoken thoughts, also used for emphasis on words or phrases

CHAPTER 3: Lunch Meetings and Tennis Greetings

"That was so great, Fuji." Eji said, still giggling as they walked toward their lockers. "Mr. Han thought he had caught you not paying attention to his lecture. Hahaha…"

"I was listening," Fuji replied, his ever-present smile on his face.

"Yeah, but he didn't know that. He thought you were asleep, your eyes closed and all. So, he decided to call on you, sounding like an affronted bird – 'Fuji, who was Sir Thomas More?'" Eiji imitated, before bursting into laughter again.

"Eiji, don't liken Mr. Han to a bird, you will insult the feathered species." Fuji grinned.

"Haha, and then, you just turned to him and said, 'Sir Thomas More was a sixteenth century English philosopher. He wrote Utopia, a famous novel that describes...' and so on. It was so great – the look on his face! You had him shocked! Hahaha… I don't think he is going to call on you again anytime soon. You made him look like a fool." Eiji laughed again as they stopped at their lockers.

Turning the dials, they opened the doors and put their books away before grabbing their lunches. Then, heading into the cafeteria, they looked for a free table. People swarmed the area, carrying trays of unrecognizable food and some with bentos like their own. They grimaced lightly at the looks they were receiving from girls and decided to head outside. Spotting a nicely shaded area under a large oak tree, they settled down.

"Man, it was crazy in there." Eiji sighed.

"Yeah, I'm surprised they would all want to eat in that stuffy room when it is so nice and peaceful outside today."

"Un, it is pretty today."

Relaxing against the tree, they began to eat their lunches when they heard footsteps. Looking up, they saw Tezuka and Oishi, each carrying their own bentos as well.

"Hello, may we join you?" Oishi asked politely, Tezuka silent by his side.

"Of course!" Eiji replied happily. Fuji just smiled.

Seating themselves next to the two boys, they nodded their thanks.

"So, how has your first day been?" Oishi asked.

"Great!" Eiji said. "You should have seen Fuji last class. He made a fool of the teacher. Hahaha…"

Looking curiously at the now-laughing boy and his silent friend, Oishi and Tezuka asked what had happened.

"It was nothing," Fuji said, speaking up for the first time. "He thought I wasn't paying attention and I just proved that I was."

Dismissing the topic, Oishi said, "Oh, by the way, some of our friends might be joining us if you don't mind."

"Oh?" Eiji stopped laughing at this remark.

"That's alright." Fuji said, already suspecting who they might be.

Just then, they heard loud squabbling behind them and they all turned to look.

"Give that back, Echizen!"

"Yada."

"Echizeeennnn!" A tall boy whined.

Behind them, a boy walked quietly and a taller one with a notebook in his hand was writing quickly into it.

Coming upon Tezuka and Oishi, they settled down, making their group into an even larger circle. They had yet to notice Fuji and Eiji.

"Buchou, Echizen took my drink." Momoshiro complained, while Ryoma just ignored him.

"Calm down, Momo." Oishi tried to placate him. He knew the two were good friends, but he didn't like fighting.

"But, Oishi-senpai…"

"What's wrong?"

Turning at the new voice, they all finally noticed the two boys. Eiji was looking on curiously, waiting for an answer to his question. Fuji, on the other hand, was quietly eating his food, not seeming to pay attention at all.

"Aaaahhh! It's them!" Momo cried.

Ryoma looked up from his Ponta juice, calmly observing the two.

Kaido ignored them, continuing to prepare his meal.

Takashi watched quietly while Inui opened his notebook to a new page and held his hand poised in preparation for new data.

Oishi and Tezuka both sweatdropped at their reactions.

"Us?" Eiji questioned, looking adorably confused in Oishi's opinion.

"They were also at the tennis courts this morning, Eiji." Fuji said quietly.

"Really? Oh, wait, you were the one that was beating the tall guy there." Eiji said pointing first at Ryoma then Momo.

Ryoma smirked as Momo wailed.

"Calm down, Momo." Oishi tried again. Turning to Eiji and Fuji, he said, "Yes, these are our friends. We are all on the tennis team here at Seigaku. Actually, this is basically the whole regular team, without substitutes."

Seeing Eiji and Fuji looking at the others curiously, Oishi started with introductions: "Next to me here is Momoshiro Takeshi, he's a second year player; next to him is Ryoma Echizen, our freshman prodigy – don't underestimate him; next to him is Takashi Kawamura, he's shy, but watch out when he gets a racket in his hands; next to him is Kaido Kaoru, he can be a bit volatile so don't bug him; and finally next to Tezuka is Inui Sadaharu, the team's data manager, he knows everything about everyone."

"Hello," Eiji said, Fuji just nodded.

"And, this everyone, is Eiji Kikumaru" Oishi said, pointing to the boy in question "and next to him is Fuji Syusuke. They both just transferred to our school today."

"No wonder we didn't know them." Takashi said. "They're new. Welcome to our school. It's nice to meet you."

"Thanks!" Eiji chirped.
All digging into their lunches, they chatted about their various classes and other interests. Finally, Momo turned to the two new boys and asked, "So, you two play tennis?"

Hearing this question, everyone quieted down and looked at Eiji and Fuji. The two boys glanced at each other quickly before replying, "Hai."

"I knew it!" Momo cried.

"Baka." Ryoma sighed. "Of course they play. They were at the courts this morning and they are carrying tennis bags."

"Don't call me 'baka.'"

Seeing another squabble in the making, Fuji and Eiji sweatdropped.

"Are they always like this?" Eiji asked, hesitantly.

"Aah. Don't mind them." Tezuka replied for once. "They will be punished later."

This remark made Momo and Ryoma blanch and quiet down, both thinking of the laps they would have to run later.

"So, are you any good?" Momo asked again.

Fuji just smiled serenely.

Seeing that he wasn't getting a response from the strangely beautiful but quiet boy with closed eyes, Momo turned to Eiji. "Ne, ne?"

"Well…" Eiji said, "I guess were okay. Fuji's the one who's never lost. We've been playing since we were children but he always seems a step ahead of everyone."

"What high school did you previously play for?" Inui asked.

"None."

Looking up, he seemed shocked.

"You haven't played on a team before?" Takashi asked.

"No." Eiji replied, quietly. He looked down and even Fuji's benign smile had dimmed a bit.

Unsure how to react to this response, the regulars continued eating, their thoughts reeling.

How can they not have wanted to play on a team? It seems like they both love tennis judging by the way Eiji's eyes light up every time it is mentioned or discussed. This morning he seemed so happy at the courts, watching us play. I want to see him that happy again… I don't want him sad… what am I saying?!? I just met him. Oishi thought.

Tezuka's own thoughts ran in a similar path, but with a different boy in mind. He seems so quiet and sad all of a sudden. I can't see his eyes but I know that their brilliant color would have dimmed if they had been visible. What is it about tennis that they haven't played on a team? I want to know…

"Hey, why don't you join our tennis club then?" Momo asked brightly.

Looking up at this, the two boys stared at Momo.

"Of course. That is a great idea! Why don't you two come by the courts after school and play a few games. We can see what you're like." Oishi said.

"Well…" Eiji pondered, fiddling with his thumbs.

"Ne, Tezuka?"

"Aah, that's fine." I am curious on how they play. They said they were good, but how good is 'good?' Tezuka wondered.

"Great! So, you'll come?" Oishi said excitedly.

"Fuji?" Eiji questioned.

"Hmmm…" Fuji said, bringing his fingers to his chin while he thought it over.

Seeing that Eiji would follow Fuji's lead, Oishi turned to Fuji. "Come on, you don't have to stay the whole time if you don't want to. It's just for fun and it will be just us and a few others. There is no real practice today so the whole club won't be there if you're worried about people watching."

"Hmmm…"

"Oishi." Tezuka said firmly. "It's up to them."

Just then the bell rang, signaling lunch's end. Sighing, they all began to gather their things and head to the main building.

Feeling Oishi and the others' expectant eyes on him, Fuji glanced at Eiji. His friend seemed to want to go, but was worried for the same reasons he was. They couldn't let the others know, not once they had showed them their skills. They would be so disappointed. Glancing at Tezuka, Fuji met his golden brown eyes. I do want to play, though. He seems so strong, in more ways than one and we may be able to play here. We have always been careful, but maybe it is time to take some risks.

"Well, we had planned on playing a bit after school at the park on our way home… so, our families aren't expecting us right away…" Fuji said.

Noticing the seeming agreement in his friend's voice, Eiji cried, "YEAH!! Thank you, Fuji!" Hugging his friend tightly, he turned to the others. "We'll be there."

They were all pleased with their response and hoped their questions would be answered this afternoon. What kind of tennis did these two play? How good were they?

"But, just for a little while." Fuji commented, raising his voice lightly over their chatter. They all looked at him.

"We will only play for a bit."

Nodding, they wondered why he would stress the time they would play. Did they have other plans? What could be more important than tennis

Tezuka, however, felt that there was more to it than that. There was something about these two new boys. He wanted to know what they were hiding. As they all split up to go to class, he hoped that he would find out more this afternoon on the tennis courts.

To Be Continued

Coming Up Soon: Chapter 4 – A Short Match, Even More Questions: Eiji and Fuji meet after school as promised and play a few games against the regulars. But, why do they insist on not staying? Why won't they join the team? What is holding them back?

SO SORRY about the late update. I really meant to update sooner but college classes started again and I have been busy with homework, reading, and my job. Ah!! I so need another vacation. I will try to UPDATE AGAIN WITHIN TWO WEEKS, maybe sooner if I have some free time when I am bored. Keep reading and hope the story still holds your interest!

So, what did you think? Please submit a review and tell me what you think of the story so far. I plan on continuing it, so don't worry about scaring me away with harsh comments. I welcome compliments and criticism. So, click the button below and see you next chapter. Jaa ne!