Hi minna! (Acts like it hasn't been more than a year since my last update and more than three years since I started this fanfic)

Please know that even if I don't update for another year, it doesn't mean that I've lost interest in this fic. THAT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN. What could happen is me becoming lazy (which just did).

Again, if there are some third point of view kind of feeling, forgive me hahahaha

Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis, just the plot of this fanfic and the crappy names of the restaurants and additional characters xD

This isn't much but please enjoy! :D

"Saa." It was now Atobe's turn to look away from the stage to Fuji. "That," Fuji revealed his cerulean eyes instantly connecting to Atobe's dark blue ones, "I cannot promise."

Tezuka's POV

If I wasn't surprised by Fuji's statement, I would have found Atobe's indescribable expression amusing. It was a mixture of shock and anger and some other things I couldn't really identify. I have a feeling that Fuji's only teasing him, but one can never be sure with the tensai.

"Ore-sama would appreciate it if you wouldn't test ore-sama, Fuji. Unless you want your dinner cut short." The tone of his voice proved that no empty threat was said. Fuji returned his mask and smiled at the man wearing a murderous expression. "I only wanted to see how deep your feelings go for the boy. I apologize if you didn't find my way satisfying." Atobe continued to stare at the close-eyed man as if gauging the authenticity of his statements.

I was about to step into the conversation just to divert his attention away from Fuji when our ears were suddenly filled by the most emotional sound we've ever heard put into a song.

Mama, oooh

I don't want to die

I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all

My heart clenched inside my chest. It was only those lines. It was only those lines where he poured all the aches but it was enough to lock in my resolve. He's… calling for help. I don't know if I was the only one who heard it or interpret it that way. I'm not even sure how I came upon that idea. But I realized that with this boy, there's only one thing I will never be unsure of. And that is on how much I want to help him achieve what he wishes to achieve.

My line of thought was disturbed when a waitress temporarily blocked my view of Ryo- of those on stage. However, it was completely cut off when I heard Atobe ordering. I turned my head towards him and he immediately took notice.

"While ore-sama might have decided to accept Fuji's words as his sick humor, it doesn't change the fact that ore-sama doubts the eyes that you two possesses. So ore-sama decided that ore-sama will accompany you throughout this meeting." He said, answering my unasked question. It didn't really sit well with me that he found fault in my eyes but correcting him would mean talking to him and the sole idea is already tiring.

Our food arrived in time with the last notes of the first song. While it is obvious, they might have prioritized Atobe's order as it came along with ours.

"And Fuji, ore-sama doesn't need you testing ore-sama's feelings for Ryo. All that ore-sama does is for him." I didn't know when this pricking over my chest started but it's proving to be difficult to ignore. Fuji seems to be enjoying this side of Atobe for he continued the conversation.

"All? I'd like to hear an example or two." He taunted as he started to eat his meal.

"Fuji." I said with my usual stern voice, hoping the reprimanding tone would come across. We don't need Atobe's approval but we also certainly don't need his constant antagonism if we are able to push through with the contract.

"Ore-sama doesn't see why it is any of your business." Before I could catch Fuji's attention to signal him to stop riling Atobe up, the words already escaped his mouth.

"Ara, it sounds like something which would come out of a man who hasn't done anything." I glared at him which made his ever present smile falter. Thankfully, it seems like he's about done with his childish behavior. I directed my attention towards the man who I thought would have been ready to kill the tensai, only to be met with the sight of a loving yet lonely pair of eyes staring at the boy on stage.

The host thanked the Isokan Singers and announced that Ryoma will have three solos, two of which will be accompanied by the Harmonic Orchestra. Will he be playing his guitar here? I couldn't help but feel excited at the idea. Ryoma took the microphone but the orchestra showed no sign of starting. He opened his mouth to speak.

"Good evening everyone. Before I start my other songs, I would just like to clarify a few things. Some of you might have noticed that I was quite emotional in our first performance. It was my fault for not informing you all about our agenda for today. You see, I wish to express my journey to this date to all of you. We've all had our struggles and mishaps and at times we couldn't help but think of giving up. But despite all that, we are here today eating, drinking, living. I'd like for you to keep in mind those people who have helped you to this date and yourself who continued to persevere."

So, did what I felt a while ago baseless? But I couldn't have mistaken those emotions! They're too raw to be intentional. Could he have been trying to mask his feelings? But for what purpose?

"Our next two songs are Hello by Lionel Richie and Amazing Grace. I know what some of you might be thinking, 'isn't Hello a love song?' Well, yes it is. But did you know that Richie didn't plan on finishing that song? In fact, he jokingly played the first line of the chorus to his co-producer who then told him to finish it because it will become a hit. And it did became a hit. What I'm trying to say here is that Richie wouldn't have made that song if nobody encouraged him to do so and if he himself didn't push to finish it. I think the message of these two songs goes hand in hand."

The orchestra is now on their starting position.

"Lastly, I'd like to keep secret my final performance but what I can say is while it is still true to the theme today, it is by all means dedicated to all of you. Thank you so much and we hope that you're enjoying your stay here at Real Vermello."

Then he bowed and when he got back up, he smiled that blinding smile. The music started to play.

I've been alone with you inside my mind

And in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times

I sometimes see you pass outside my door

Hello, is it me you're looking for?

I can see it in your eyes

I can see it in your smile

You're all I've ever wanted and my arms are open wide

Cause you know just what to say and you know just what to do

And I want to tell you so much, I love you

"All I've done is for him. I built Real Vermello so he could perform to his heart's content here." I felt so intoxicated by Ryoma's voice that I almost missed Atobe's words, his eyes not once leaving the boy. It might have been a first for Fuji to hear him refer to himself normally because he didn't bother masking his surprise. I heard it during our conversation before but it still caught me off-guard. His feelings for Ryoma seems to run so deep. Why? Why is the pricking intensifying?

I long to see the sunlight in your hair

And tell you time and time again how much I care

Sometimes I feel my heart will overflow

Hello, I've just got to let you know

Cause I wonder where you are and I wonder what you do

Are you somewhere feeling lonely? Or is someone loving you?

Tell me how to win your heart, for I haven't got a clue

But let me start by saying I love you

"I," Atobe now turned to look at Fuji who was taken aback by the action. "I entered the industry because he wanted me to." This shocked even me because while his insistence before was out of the ordinary, I simply attributed it to him being a narcissist. "I never once thought of performing on stage, I don't give a damn about that. The only audience I want is him. But he said that he love my voice and wishes for it to be heard by everyone, so I joined Seigaku."

Atobe is so in love Idk what to do anymore XD How could I tear them apart? :( *changes the pairing to Royal Pair* JUST KIDDING HAHAHAHAHA

*Shamelessly hoping for follows, faves and reviews (not flames :((( ) despite more than a year of MIA*

Hope you enjoyed!