Our eyes met briefly. His embers shining through the shade. I felt tears begin stinging and blurring my vision.

Before I could even think to scream at Hinata for ditching the camp, I saw him mouthing something:

"Show them what you've got sunshine."

I felt my legs kick beneath me and I sped up and slid belly first and extended my racquet before the ball could reach the ground. With a swift jerk of my wrist, I popped the ball in the air. I hurriedly reset my position at the base line and stared hungrily at the ball.

It was high enough for her to return for a slam. But, it was my best bet. Her eyes told me that was just what she was thinking. I saw her beginning to rear back. My instincts begged me to back off and prepare for the worst. But, something told me to hold my ground.

She isn't one to go for the most powerful shot. No, she's gonna go for the one that's the quickest and the most efficient with the least effort.

It was quick but I saw her positioning change when the ball collided with her racquet.

She's going to use the net!!

I'd never felt my feet react so quickly. I was already charging the net before I could blink.

The ball smacked the top of the net and in slow motion began rolling off towards the ground.

I closed my eyes briefly. Praying that I felt the familiar vibration of contact. When I opened them, both my opponent and I were glaring into each other's eyes. Behind her, the ball had flown past her soaring towards the left hand of the service line.

The ball skidded inside the line and slowly rolled forward and hit the fence line.

We both froze.

I collapsed to my knees.

I panted breathlessly, "M-my point."

She humphed and shrugged and went to the bench on her side to have a brief break between sets.

I laid on the cool concrete and couldn't help but laugh. I heard the gate behind me open and steps rushing over. Hinata stood over me and was beaming.

"God, Vanji don't scare me like that," he sighed as he kneeled next to me.

I was so happy to see him but...

"HINATA YOU IDIOT!!"

I smacked him square in the chest. He yelped and began choking for air.

"V-Vanji what the hell?!!" He sputtered.

"Don't 'what the hell' me!! What are you doing here?!!"

"I.. I had to be here for you. I had a friend sending me updates throughout the match who happened to be here and it sounded like you needed me."

"You dummy.. I would've been fine. I'm a big girl who can take care of herself." I grumbled.

"Oh.." he pouted.

I looked and saw he was clearly upset. I yanked him towards me and held him as tight as I could.

"Dammit Hinata.." I sniffled.

He chuckled and held me close and tangled one of his hands in my hair, "Miss me?"

"Like no other you jerk.." I mumbled.

"I'm here.." he breathed.

I laughed and went to move to give him a kiss but felt a burning pain in my legs.

"Ow!"

"You ok?!" Hinata gasped.

He stood me up to look me over and we both realized I had scuffed up my knees pretty badly when I'd slid. Being the heroic Shoyo Hinata, he scooped me into his arms and carried me over to my bench and coach.

"Couldn't stay away could you boy?" my coach teased.

"No sir!" He grinned as he sat me down.

Coach began bandaging my legs, "You think you've got another set in you."

"Absolutely sir," I stated confidently.

He chuckled and finished wrapping me up. I stood and turned to Hinata.

I kissed his cheek and winked, "Watch me."

"Always," he smiled.