Hey everyone! Thanks to all of you who reviewed the first couple chapters of my story. I love hearing from all of you! It was so much more than I expected for my first fic. So, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! I truly feel loved.

Hopefully, I made it in time with this update. (If you remember, I promised to review within 2 weeks. I will try to continue this for each update.) So, enjoy the story and keep the reviews coming!

But, before I let you continue to the next chapter, I just wanted to remind you of a few things:

- 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.

- And, this story will have pairings in it, but 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 4: A Short Match, Even More Questions

The sun shined brightly in the afternoon as devoted boys gathered at the tennis courts. There was no practice scheduled today, but they loved tennis and spent all their free time on the courts. Today, however, something was different. The air which was usually crisp and clean, the smell of sweat and hard-work floating about was dulled by the small turnout of members. A couple first years were practicing their swings while chatting on the sidelines while the regular members gathered on court A. Few other people were around.

"Are they here yet?" Momoshiro asked.

"Baka." Echizen said. "You don't see them here do you?"

"Oi!" Momo cried indignantly.

"Stop it, you two." Oishi said, ever the mediator of the team. "They said they would come and we are actually 15 minutes early, so calm down."

It was true they had all arrived early. Eager to see what kind of tennis the two mysterious boys played, they had all rushed from their last class to the locker room to change and finally to the courts. Now, standing together waiting for Fuji and Eiji, their patience was growing thin. The boys said they would come after their last classes and would meet them here after they had changed and gathered their things.

"Aaaaahhhh! How much looonnnngggeeerrrrr?" Momo whined.

"They'll be here soon." Kawamura said.

"Yes, there is still 10 minutes until the appointed time." Tezuka stated. "So, be patient and stop whining, or I'll give you something to whine about."

Blanching, they all turned away and began swinging their rackets or started volleying in playful matches, trying to keep busy.

.................................................

Meanwhile, in the locker room, Fuji and Eiji were just setting down their bags and pulling out a change of clothes.

"Ne, Fuji," Eiji said. "Are you sure this is okay?"

"It will be fine, Eiji. Just don't push yourself and be careful."

"I know."

"We'll ask only to play a few games and not a full match."

"Won't they wonder why? It will seem odd to them." Eiji said.

"I think we are a mystery to them already, so why not add more shadows to what they think they know, hmm?" Fuji replied, a sly smile on his face.

"Fuji! You're gonna go all-out aren't you?" Eiji cried, wide-eyed at his friend, while putting his things in a locker.

Pulling his own shirt over his head and exchanging his shorts, Fuji sat down to put on his athletic shoes. "Well, I think I might show them a move or two. It will be fun. How about you?"

"Well, maybe. It would be nice to just play for fun and not worry about anything else. I could try a new flip that I've been working on..." Eiji replied, tying his own shoelaces.

"Great."

Finally finished changing, they both grabbed their tennis bags filled with rackets and waterbottles and moved toward the door.

"You have your cell phone, right Eiji?" Fuji questioned, pointing to his own attached to his waist and concealed under his shirt.

"Yep!" Eiji chirped, patting the bulge on his hip lightly. (the cell phone, you hentai!)

"Okay, let's go then."

With this in mind, they both stepped through the locker door and headed toward the tennis courts where the regulars anxiously waited.

.................................................

"Here they come!" Momo shouted.

Instantly, all the members ceased their play and moved toward the two boys. A couple of the other tennis club members who had been watching the regulars practice also turned curiously to the two boys entering the court gate. They wondered what about them made the famous regular members so interested, and creeped closer hoping to catch some of their conversation.

"You made it!" Oishi cried, happily as he reached Fuji and Eiji.

"Ah." Fuji said, setting his bag down and beginning to stretch his arms and legs out.

"Hiya, Oishi!" Eiji said. "Of course we were coming. You didn't doubt us, did you?"

Blushing lightly, Oishi hastened to soothe him. "No, no. I knew you'd come. I guess we were all a bit impatient."

"Hn." Kaido muttered.

Following Fuji's example, Eiji began to stretch. First, he pulled his arms forward, then to the side, the opposite side, and then backwards. Next, he did waist-twists one way, then the other. Moving to his legs, he flexed them a few times and started stretching out his calf and thigh muscles. Rolling his ankles, he made sure his body would be ready for any movement he commanded of it.

Fuji, next to him, was following a similar routine, but with less twists and turns of his body. He focused on his arm and leg muscles, making sure they were flexible and warmed up.

Watching them, the others were a bit apprehensive as to the amount of stretching they was doing. Sure, it was routine to stretch before playing, but both Fuji and Eiji were doing so as if to prevent any sort of injury or strain possible. Especially Eiji, as he twisted almost 180 degrees at the waist.

Wincing, Momo said, "Wow, Eiji, how can you move like that?"

"Ara?" Eiji questioned, confused.

"He is just really flexible." Fuji commented, as he finished his stretches and picked up his racket to do a few practice swings.

"Yep! That's me!" Eiji chirped up, smiling brightly. "But, I've just begun."

With that warning, he began to bend backwards. Eyes widening, the regulars and other onlookers gawked at him as he fell backwards and, at the last second, caught himself with his hands, then flipped upright again.

"Sugoi!" one of the girls at the fence whispered.

Moving away from the group, Eiji began to jump in place, each bounce bringing him a bit higher into the air. Finally reaching a steady pace, Eiji flipped every few hops and continued his stretches.

"Ne, Echizen…" Momo whispered to Ryoma.

"What is it?" Ryoma asked, bored.

"What do you think he is doing? All those jumps and twists…"

"They're moves from gymnastics and aerobics, Momo." Kawamura inserted.

"What?"

"There was a gymnastics class next to my own kendo class when I was young, and they students did moves like that. They were very flexible and could do amazing feats."

"Hmmm…" Ryoma said, thinking how this could affect Eiji's tennis.

Listening nearby, Oishi smiled lightly. Eiji is quite a surprise. He has the flexibility, and apparently the agility, to match his bright and bubbly personality. I wonder how he uses this special ability with a racket. I hope he is as skilled in tennis as he is in capturing my interest. I don't know why I am being drawn to him, but maybe I will know once I see him play…

While the others were watching Eiji perform flips and twist his body in odd positions to warm up, Fuji had seemed to fade into the background of their awareness. All but Tezuka's, that is.

Tezuka watched Fuji as he stretched his lithe body and then began swinging his racket in smooth arcs. He seems so calm and yet, I sense a certain hesitancy in him. What is he afraid of here? Watching him and his friend stretch and prepare, I can tell they are experienced athletes. Their muscles are clearly defined and the flex and play of those muscles are well-honed. What kind of tennis will they show us today? And, what was that time stipulation about? Will they remember it? Plagued by these questions, I can only stay close to Fuji, a blue-eyed angel, who draws me near despite my own hesitancy and attraction.

"Ne, Tezuka?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Tezuka turned at the soft voice. "Yes, Fuji?"

"Have you really been waiting to see me all day?"

Gasping lightly at the double meaning, Tezuka looked closely at Fuji. Done warming up, Fuji was holding his racket lightly in front of him, smiling as always. However, Tezuka thought he could detect a hint of mischievousness in that smile.

"No." Tezuka replied. Of course, I have been waiting. I couldn't get his beautiful face out of my head all day! It was a wonder none of my teachers noticed me daydreaming. It would have spread through the entire school within an hour. "Just the last 15 minutes."

"Oh, well, I hope you aren't disappointed by our demonstration today." Fuji replied, his smile still in place despite the slight dimming of his thoughts at Tezuka's response.

"Aah."

Seeing Eiji heading over to Fuji and the others following behind him, Tezuka turned to face them.

"Hey Fuji, you ready?" Eiji asked.

"Un, you?"

"Yep! All set to go!" he replied happily, bouncing a bit in place.

"Okay, who wants to play them?" Tezuka called out. "This request includes you second years as well." Having been noticed at last, the other tennis club members sauntered over and were introduced to the two new boys.

"This is Arai, and this is Keisuke." Oishi said. "They are substitutes for the regulars, in case we have an injury or something happens so that we are unable to play."

"So, you two are thinking of joining our tennis club?" Keisuke said, smiling lightly.

"Not just anyone can join, you know?" Arai said, tauntingly. "The regulars here are all top-notch players. I'm not even sure if you deserve to play them."

Silence abounded at this remark. The regulars were now standing to the side, watching their two substitutes with the two new boys. Waiting for their reaction to the sneer at their skills, they looked on quietly.

"Hey!" Eiji called out indignantly, held back only by Fuji's hand on his arm.

"Oh, really?" Fuji asked, a slightly different tone to his voice.

Unaware of the brewing emotions from the two boys, Arai continued. "Yes, really. This one here can't seem to stand still long enough to get through a tennis game and you… your eyes are closed. Why's that? Is something wrong with them? How are you supposed to play tennis when you can't see the ball? Hmm..?"

"Oh? You don't think I can?"

"Fuji!"

"Eiji, calm down." Fuji soothed. Turning to the two sneering substitutes, he said. "We'll play you. Just 3 games, though. That should be enough to prove our skills and, also, any more and you wouldn't stand a chance."

"Why you --!" Arai started.

"2 out of 3 games wins, okay?" Fuji restated. Facing the other regulars, he asked for their agreement.

Wondering why he declined to play a full 6-game match, Tezuka gave his nod of approval. Hoping that he would be able to find out what was it about Fuji that drew his eye during his short match, Tezuka directed the others toward court A and called out the match. Oishi volunteered to be the referee.

"Alright. And, I will play this other one," Keisuke said to Eiji, "on court B."

"No." both Fuji and Eiji stated.

Turning at that, they all looked once again at the two boys standing side by side.

"We will do one match at a time." Fuji stated firmly, Eiji nodding along with him.

Why do they insist on these stipulations?!? First, it was only a 3 game match instead of a 6 game one and now, it is one match at a time...? These thoughts were running through each of the regulars' minds. But, seeing no true reason to decline the request, Tezuka agreed and they all moved to court A.

"Okay, so who wants to go first?" Oishi asked.

"I think Eiji should." Fuji replied. Glancing to his side, Fuji's smile widened and took on a mischievous glint that Eiji immediately recognized.

"Alright, Fuji. Let's have some fun with them." Eiji replied, snickering lightly.

Confused and intrigued by their insistence, Momo asked, "Why Eiji first? What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, it's nothing." Fuji said, smiling serenely once again.

"Yeah, it's just for a better show." Eiji chirped. "Yep, yep!"

"Show?" Kawamura questioned.

"Well, if Fuji went first, he would awe you to such an extent that my skills would be dimmed. So, if I start, then I can give you a good show and lead up to Fuji who will blow you away." Eiji explained with a bright smile and a wink.

Now, they all turned to stare at Fuji who seemed unaffected by the heat of their gazes. They all wondered just how 'good' he was, now. Of course, Fuji let nothing slip into his expression as his eyes remained shut and his smile firmly in place.

"Okay, well let's begin then." Oishi called from the referee's chair. "First match, Eiji vs. Keisuke. Best of 3 games. Keisuke serves."

Moving outside the fence, the regulars all found a spot to watch from that they felt gave them the best view. Momo and Ryoma stayed near the middle of the court in front of Oishi's chair. Inui, who had been scribbling furiously in his notebook the entire time, stood next to Ryoma, Kaido at his other side. Kawamura stood quietly beside Momo.

Fuji however, refused to leave the court and instead sat on the bench on Eiji's side of the court that was usually reserved for coaches in a game. Tezuka sat silently beside him.

When they had decided to begin the match, everyone began to move toward the gates to watch the game from outside the fence. Fuji, however, moved to the court. Why did he stay? Tezuka thought. Seeing him sitting there so close to his friend, offering last minute instructions or advice, I could not hear, but I will stay as well.

It was not unusual for Tezuka to be bench coach in a match, being the team coach, but this was not a regular match. He hoped that with a close up view, he could possibly see the truth behind their tennis.

As Keisuke served and the game began, Tezuka turned slightly to the smaller boy beside him. Noticing his eyes were still closed, yet intent on the game before him, Tezuka decided to talk with him.

"So, why did you remain here in the fence rather than watching it outside like the others?"

"I must be close enough to reach Eiji in case something happens." Fuji replied, absentmindedly.

Tensing, Tezuka glanced at Fuji. It looks like Fuji was so intent on the game that he was not aware of what he just said. What did he mean by that, 'in case something happens'? What could possibly happen to Eiji?

Hoping to unearth another clue to the two boys, Tezuka asked, "'Something happens?' What could happen to him?"

"What?" Fuji asked, startled. Turning from the game before him, he stared at Tezuka, blue eyes intent on the ones before him. What did I say? Why did he ask that? Damn it! I can't have him questioning me and Eiji. We don't want the others to know. What do I say to get out of this..? Hmm….

Staring into Fuji's eyes, Tezuka was mesmerized. Feeling himself drown into those eyes, he tried weakly to pull back, but could do nothing in the face of those sharp eyes. He could almost see the wheels of Fuji's clever mind working, backtracking and trying to cover up his minor slip. What is he hiding?!?

"Just see for yourself, Eiji uses very acrobatic plays and he might slip or twist the wrong way one day. I don't want anything to happen to my best friend." Fuji said, eyes once again closed, smile firmly in place. He hoped that his quick-thinking would divert Tezuka's attention long enough for him to turn the conversation into another direction.

"Hmm.."

"Game, Eiji. 1-0." Oishi cried out.

Turning at the call, both Tezuka and Fuji refocused on the game in front of them, Tezuka promising himself to bring it up later and Fuji thanking Oishi for interrupting the tension between them.

"Sugoi, Eiji-senpai!" Momo yelled. "It's amazing how he can bounce around the court like that. I don't know how he does it."

"Using his already incredible flexibility added to gymnastic skills, Eiji is able to manipulate his body to reach balls that would normally be out of reach." Inui commented. "Remarkable, really."

"Eiji serves."

"Yoshi!" Eiji said. "Here I go."

Tossing the ball up, Eiji jumped and hit the ball across the court. Whizzing across the net, it bounced and Keisuke rushed to reach the ball. Returning it with a straight shot toward the far corner, he grinned, thinking he might have finally got one past the energetic red-headed player. His smile slowly dissolved, however, as Eiji sprinted toward the ball and caught it in a diving move. The ball fell just over the net and Keisuke ran to scoop up the volley. But, he was just short as the ball bounced a second time when he got to the net.

"15-love."

Giggling lightly, Eiji prepared to serve again. Keisuke just grunted and moved into a receiving position. He was breathing harshly from all the running he had been doing trying to catch Eiji's returns. They were all over the court and he was fastly fading. Eiji, himself, seemed in better condition with only a light sweat on his forehead. Breathing lightly, he seemed fine.

"Wow! Go Eiji-senpai!" Momo and other spectators yelled, as the game continued. Eiji managed to keep his lead until he almost tripped after a particularly long rally between him and Keisuke. His legs seemed to almost give out on him and he was now breathing more harshly than before.

"Hey, is he alright?" Kawamura asked. "Is something wrong?"

These same thoughts were running through Oishi's head as he continued to referee the game. Wondering if he should stop the game to see what was wrong, he stopped at Fuji's voice.

"Eiji." Was all he said.

The simple use of his name by his best friend seemed to wake Eiji up a bit. He turned to his friend who was watching him closely, eyes open and focused on his face and frame. Eiji remained silent under his friend's perusal, knowing he was analyzing just how worn out he was.

"Fuji, just a bit more."

"Alright, but stop toying with him and finish it." Fuji said, sitting back and folding his arms, in an almost uncanny reflection of the silent boy beside him.

'Toying with him?' You mean Eiji has just been toying with Keisuke this entire time? Tezuka wondered. Ah, yes. This must be what he meant by putting on a 'show' for them. But, why is he so tired? There've been only playing for two games, though they have been long and drawn out ones that could have ended earlier. Eiji was clearly fooling around, I realize now, but why didn't he end it sooner if his stamina is this low?

"Right." Eiji said. "Just give me a minute, then you're up."

Turning back to the court, Eiji started flipping his racket around his wrist. Moving into position to serve one last time, Eiji continued flipping as he contemplated his opponent. Keisuke was breathing harshly, and his racket rested limply in his tired hand.

No wonder he is a substitute. Eiji thought. He has little to no stamina and does not move quickly enough on the court. He definitely needs more work if he ever plans to play against serious players. It's true I have just been playing around with him. But, I misjudged the length of time that had passed by, so swept in the game like I was. Now, I am tired as well and I must end it before I tire further and the others begin to suspect anything. Then, Fuji can finish that other kid off quickly and we can head home to rest. Okay!

Snapping out of his thoughts, Eiji tossed the ball and served hard to the far corner. Keisuke ran for the ball and barely managed to return it to the opposite court. Eiji had ran to the net and was prepared for the predictable return and quickly slammed it right through Keisuke's legs to end the game.

"Game set and match, Eiji wins 2-0." Oishi called out, smiling brightly at the red-head who was currently cheering and bouncing over to his best friend. Deciding to join him, Oishi climbed down from the high chair and made his way over to the others.

"Nice game, Eiji." Fuji complimented, resting a friendly hand on his friend's shoulder while handing him a towel and his water bottle.

"Thanks, Fuji." Eiji said, dropping down onto the bench and putting the towel over his head while he caught his breath. "That's alright. Just calm down and relax." Fuji soothed, rubbing his friend's back softly, unaware of the pair of golden-brown eyes intent on his actions.

"Great job, Eiji!" Oishi said, reaching the group. "Your acrobatic play was amazing. You have great skills in order to see the ball so well and bend your body to reach all of those shots."

Looking up at Oishi, Eiji smiled a bit wearily and replied, "No problem, Oishi. It was fun."

Oishi looked closely at Eiji and noticed his quick breathing and slightly pale face. Worried, he asked, "Are you okay?"

By now, the other regulars had come up to them and gathered around Eiji, complimenting and questioning him:

"That was great, Eiji-senpai!"

"Where did you learn to play like that?"

"Can I play you next?"

"Nice game!"

Avoiding Oishi's question and worried eyes, Eiji turned to the others with a smile and tried to answer what questions he could. Before things got out of hand, however, Fuji cleared his throat and said, "Eiji, here, take a drink, and stay seated during my match. We'll leave soon after, okay?"

"Sure, Fuji."

At the mention of the other boy's match, the regulars' attention shifted to the smiling boy and to Arai who was talking with Keisuke across the court. Now, that they had seen the unusual way that Eiji played, they wondered what kind of tennis Fuji played. He most likely was not into acrobatic play as his bouncing friend was, considering the different sort of warm-up they did. Eiji's play seemed to reflect his personality, cheerful and energetic; he had bounded around the court and never seemed to sit still. Fuji, however, was usually silent and his expression rarely wavered from the genial smile and the closed eyes. He was the complete opposite of his friend who seemed to be an open book, wearing his emotions on his sleeve. Fuji's face was always closed and his control only made them wonder what he was really like. That kind of control, if applied to tennis, could yield some interesting results.

Inwardly perking up at the idea of Fuji's match, Tezuka called out orders to the others, "Okay. Everyone off the court. Arai, Fuji, prepare for your match. Oishi, you will referee again."

They all moved off to following his instructions, Eiji remaining by the captain's side on the bench. He was still bent over with a towel over his head, water bottle close at hand.

"Alright." Oishi called for attention. "Second match, Fuji vs. Arai. Best of 3 games." Seeing both sides were ready, he called out the signal to begin.

Sensing movement at his side, Tezuka glanced at Eiji. Eiji had brought the towel around his neck and was currently drinking from the water bottle. Lowering it, he wiped his face again as Oishi called out the match. Watching Eiji closely, Tezuka saw him smirk and wink. Tezuka followed his gaze and saw Fuji standing on the court with his ever-present smile on his face. His eyes were mostly closed but there was a very small sliver of blue visible and Tezuka could note a particular sparkle in them. Glancing from Fuji and back to Eiji, Tezuka felt that he was being left out of something. These two know something that they aren't telling us. Why do I get the feeling that this match is going to be radically different than the one we just witnessed?

"First set, Arai serves."

Turning back to watch the game, Tezuka waited impatiently as the ball was tossed and slammed toward the other side of the net, his thoughts reaching toward the smaller boy on the court.

Fuji. Show me your tennis.

To Be Continued

Coming Up Soon: Chapter 5 – Tennis Prodigy, Fuji Syusuke: Fuji's match with Arai raises the spirits of the regulars who clamor to play the smiling genius; but, why do Eiji and Fuji refuse to join the team? More questions abound and Tezuka is getting frustrated with the silence.

SO SORRY about the late update. I really meant to update sooner but my professors assign way too much work and I have been busy complaining and rushing to finish it all after my usual bout of procrastination. Ah!! I so need a break. 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!