Okay, here's the next chapter. Sorry for the late update, but this time I actually have a valid reason for it. I had spring break two weeks ago and when I came back I had to pack for my school trip to Quebec, which is quite far away. I even got to go on my first plane ride. Then when I got back on Monday at 2:30 am, I found out my computer was trashed. I actually went into a fit of rage and our internet was also disconnected.

I'v been staying at Grandma's since yesterday and have managed to type out this short chapter on her computer, in between prepping for CAT tests that have been taking place since I got back for Quebec.

So anyway...enjoy.

Warning: Umm none at the moment.

Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis.

Chapter 2

Friends Forever

The morning sun shone brightly and there was not a single cloud in the bright, blue sky. Birds chirped cheerfully and a slight breeze flowed around them. Fuji couldn't help but be thankful for the absolutely beautiful day.

Everyone had large smiles on their faces . They were making their way towards the bus stop, where they would take a bullet train to Atobe's. Fuji had been quite surprised when he had found out that Atobe, of all people, would be throwing them a congratulations party for their win at the Nationals.

The team had been stoked after their win. Even now, the adrenaline had yet to wear off. Needless to say, it felt as if they could do anything. After three years of hard, grueling practices almost every day, they had finally achieved everything they had worked so hard for; they had accomplished their goal of taking the title of the National Champions.

Looking around he noticed how pumped up the team was. For once Momo and Kaidoh were not fighting. Kaidoh was instead, having an intense conversation with Inui. Momo was chatting with an unusually happy freshman. Taka was walking at the front of the group, enjoying the scenery, and Oishi and Tezuka were talking at the back of the group. The only person that wasn't talking with anybody was Eiji.

A frown found its way across Fuji's face as he looked over his friend. The usually hyper redhead was unusually quiet and reserved. Eiji walked behind Inui and Kaidoh, a frown replacing his usual smile. His face was oddly pale and he held a worried look in his eyes. Something was bugging Eiji, that much was obvious.

Fuji quickened his pace until he was walking side by side his best friend. The redhead looked up at him and Fuji could tell he was forcing a smile. "Hey, what's up?" Eiji asked, his voice questioning.

Fuji just continued to stare quizzically at the redhead for another minute. Up close Eiji looked so much worse. Fuji could now see the large bags that hung under bloodshot eyes, "Are you okay?"

Eiji seemed to be caught off guard by the question. "Yeah, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

Fuji's frown deepened. "Are you sure you're feeling okay? You look sick."

Nodding, Eiji closed his eyes for a second before re-opening them. "Yeah, I just didn't sleep well."

"Any particular reason?" Fuji asked, staring intensely at Eiji, willing his best friend to tell him something; anything to reassure him (Fuji) that he (Eiji) was alright.

Eiji shook his head and looked down at the ground. It's not like he didn't trust his friend, but he just didn't want Fuji to think of him as a wimp for being so scared of something as petty as a bad dream. "Not really, just a nightmare, nothing serious."

Fuji's eyes narrowed, he could tell Eiji was hiding something from him, but he didn't press the subject any longer. "Eiji, you know if somethings ever bugging you, no matter how small it may be, you can always come and talk to me. I won't ever judge you or think you're a wimp if you ever ask me for help, I'm not that kind of person."

Eiji glanced up at his friend, surprised by his friends sincerity. He nodded at Fuji's words and whispered a small thanks, unable to think of anything else to say, he jogged ahead.

Fuji watched as Eiji ran ahead until he was walking beside Momo and Echizen, clinging to the freshman. Fuji couldn't help, but worry for his friend. They had known each other for three years and he could tell something was seriously bugging Eiji. Fuji just hoped that whatever was bugging his friend, it wasn't anything serious. After all, if anything were to happen to Eiji, or anyone were to ever hurt the redhead, he would make sure they paid dearly.

Fuji's thought's were interrupted as Inui pointed out that they had, obviously, arrived at the bus stop. They began boarding one of the bullet trains that would take them to near where Atobe's house was and he told himself to keep a close eye on Eiji. As the train signalled their departure, he pushed the thoughts of Eiji out of his mind and told himself to enjoy the absolutely beautiful day

A/N

Yes, I know. It's a short chapter. Just a heads up, the next chapter will also be quite short. The chapter after that though is where it gets interesting :P

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