DISCLAIMER: Prince of Tennis and its characters belong to Takeshi Konomi-sensei.

Word of Advice: Hi, everyone! If you haven't read this story in a long time, I strongly advise you to revisit the past chapters to get an idea of where we are now. I understand that it's been six years since I last updated this fanfiction, but these are not stand-alone chapters. Thank you for your patience. To the new readers: welcome! Please consider heading back to chapter one. Thank you!

Now Playing: "Namida Wa Shitte Iru" - Mayo Suzukaze

"There is a storm coming our way this week, and because of this I've decided to move the exams." The teacher stated, fixing the papers on his desk. "I'll update everyone once the faculty has agreed on a deadline. For now, make sure to go home safely. Class dismissed!"

Not this again. Sanada was looking forward to more training, but he didn't want to put the health of the tennis club at risk. However, the rainy weather has been preventing them from conducting much-needed practices. "Yanagi," he heard Yukimura call. "Do you think the Nationals will be moved because of this weather condition?"

"Indubitably," Yanagi answered. "There's a 98.4 percent chance that other teams will be unable to come to the venue with this torrential downpour, so there's no need to worry about losing practice days for now."

"You hear that, Sanada? We'll be fine, I think." Yukimura's light mood contrasted with the dismal weather.

"Hn." He turned his head to the other two that make up the demons of Rikkaidai tennis club.

"Oh, I guess the timing is right." Yukimura said. "I need to go to the hospital to take care of my payment and documents. Wanna come along, Yanagi? I'm pretty sure Sanada has some things to take care of."

"What do you mean?" Sanada was mystified.

"Genichirou," Yanagi put his hand on Sanada's shoulder. "We'd like to congratulate you, but we both think it's too soon."

WHAT THE… Sanada thought. WHAT DO THEY KNOW!?

Looking at the clearly distraught vice-captain, Yukimura and Yanagi could not help chuckle a bit. "For being officially declared as the heir of your clan! We saw everything on your mother's Facebook."

"You surely need a rest, Sanada." Yukimura told Sanada, who was so relieved that he lost his posture and fell back on the chair. "We'll be going now."

As the captain and data master of Rikkaidai went for the door, Yukimura added: "If the indoor tennis court near our place is open, we'll call you later. See you!"

"Ah! Found it!" Azume was delighted to know that she has her umbrella with her. Now that she has a shield against the harsh rainfall, she looked forward to going home.

But when she remembered that the home she's referring to now is her fiancé's house, Azume lost the energy of enthusiasm. She couldn't help but feel betrayed. How could my parents give me away easily for the sake of family ties? Ah, there's no use beating myself again and again with negative thoughts. Move forward!

She was walking down the hallway when she thought of Sanada. "I'm pretty sure that they won't have any practice with this weather. Where is he, though?" She wanted to look around for him, but she tried shrugged it off. Right, we're supposed to be strangers in this school. However, she felt responsible for him. Okay, there's no need to approach him if he has an umbrella. I just want to make sure. Azume was now on the hunt for Sanada.

Sanada looked everywhere. His bag, locker, and his desk, but his umbrella is nowhere to be found. I'm pretty sure I brought my umbrella. I can't just go ahead and walk home again with this rain.

Letting out a sigh, Sanada resigned to the fact that he may have to wait for the rain to stop before he can leave home. He stood near the school entrance door, flustered at the weather. It doesn't look like it will stop anytime soon. He took a history textbook from his bag and began reading to keep himself entertained.

Three hours.

The school is almost empty now, thanks to cancelled club meetings and extracurricular activities. It felt strange to Sanada to see that there's no one around. He did see Niou and Jackal on their way out, but he declined their invitation to join them, confident that the rain may stop in a few minutes. It's been two hours since they left, and Sanada's regret has never been this bigger. He is almost nearing the end of the history textbook, and he probably knows too much about Zhuge Liang and Chinese dynasties by now.

Just when thought he was alone, he could feel that someone was behind him. No matter how sleepy he was, his senses remained sharp. He could hear each footstep coming closer to him. He put his hand inside his bag to reach for his wakizashi, in case things go wrong.

She searched for him everywhere, only to find him near the exit. Azume was relieved to find that she did not look for him in vain, and she had her suspicion confirmed: Sanada has forgotten his umbrella! This gives her a valid reason to approach him, so she started walking towards him.

To Azume's surprise, Sanada pulled his sword before turning to her direction. He looked daunting by the way he held his sword in the air like a fiery eagle ready to take down a frail prey by its claws. Azume stepped back, but in doing so, she fell on her butt again. Can't there be a day when I can't embarrass myself in front of Sanada-kun? She sighed.

Sanada was equally shocked by Azume's presence. He relaxed his stance and put his wakizashi back in its sheath. After looking around to confirm that there are no more people around, he asked her: "What are you doing here? School is already over. Don't you remember our rule when we're here?" No matter how angry he sounded, Sanada still approached Azume and offered her a hand.

Azume got up with his help and apologized. "I know, Sanada-kun, but I was really bothered earlier."

"Bothered?" He raised a brow.

"I felt that for some reason, I need to check whether you brought your own umbrella or not." Azume turned her eyes from the floor then at Sanada. "And it looks like you didn't. So here," she took her own umbrella from her bag. "Take this."

Why is she giving me this? He took the umbrella from her, and he couldn't help but appreciate the nice gesture. "Thanks for looking after me."

"No problem!" Azume smiled. Somehow, she feels more comfortable talking to him now. He's not as cold-hearted as he looks like, it seems.

"I'll be going then, Sanada-kun!" Azume darted for the door, but before she could step out of the school building, a strong arm held her back. Eh!? Azume was scared that she might have done something wrong again.

"Where's your own umbrella?" He heard her ask. Azume couldn't look at him when she responded. "Um… that one." She freed herself from his grip and reassured him. "I'll be fine, Sanada-kun! Between the two of us, it's you who needs to be healthy the most. So-"

"You're coming home with me. Under this umbrella, we'll walk together." He looked at her, frowning.

Azume gulped. Wa… waaa… WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?

"B-but someone might see-"

"Tarundoru! Did you see the school? Do you think someone else is here to see us? Don't bother answering back if you're gonna say something stupid next time." This girl is really giving him headaches.

She bowed her head. "T-thank you, Sanada-kun." She went to stand beside him as he opened the umbrella. He was thankful that it was big enough to cover the two of them.

Sharing the same umbrella, Sanada and Azume headed for home. They were both trying their best to walk carefully because of the puddles that formed along the way. The rain was so strong that it may have caused flash floods in other areas.

Azume realized that she's no longer walking after him, but beside him. Such progress from being dragged by the arm the other night, the girl thought to herself. I'm s-so close to Sanada-kun… our shoulders are rubbing against each other! Ahhh, why do simple things like this make my heart race so fast!?

Sanada, on the other hand, wasn't feeling so well. Nevertheless, he maintained his tight grip on the umbrella. He would be the one to carry it since he's the taller one, and he didn't really want to show to her how weak he started to feel. Could it be…? Oh no, he was noticing signs of flu. He remembered his solo practice a few days ago (which also counted as his first encounter with Azume) under the train that could have contributed to his state. I need to really sleep once I go home. I can't be like this. I won't forgive myself…

That's when Azume shook Sanada out of his thoughts. "Ano.. Sanada-kun." She held his arm. "We-we're here."

Sanada looked at her and then at the house in front of them. They were already home! He was relieved yet a bit ashamed at the same time. Before his knees give up on him, Sanada ran towards the door, leaving the umbrella to Azume.

"He left without a word," Azume wondered, "He doesn't seem like himself. I wonder if he's okay?"

Azume followed inside, only to hear a loud bang of the door upstairs. He really needed some time alone, I guess. Azume went ahead to the next room to change her clothes. Seeing that Sanada's parents are still not around, she thought of making dinner for the both of them. At least, preparing food will take her thoughts away from him. Still, Azume can't shake away the feeling of being worried for Sanada.

Sanada can't even get up and change clothes once he threw himself on the bed. His body began to feel unbelievably heavy. He hated having a fever because it struck him worse than others. He wrapped himself in his blanket to keep himself warm. I'll try to find a way to recover faster, but for now, I-he started coughing, and as it began to go louder and out of his control, Sanada was getting colder. The Nationals, no… I can't…

Azume's ears perked up when she heard Sanada's coughing fit. He continued coughing louder until there was a sudden silence. She put dinner preparation aside and went upstairs. She tried knocking on his door, but to no avail. Oh the hell with courtesy, Azume thought as she opened his door.

"SANADA-KUN!" She screamed as she saw the vice-captain lying down on the floor, blanket and pillows in a mess around him. "Goodness, he didn't even change clothes." She came to his side, thankful that she could still hear him breathing.

He had fainted, she thought. Azume started to carry him on her shoulders when she felt his skin. What the heck!? He's scorching hot! She successfully carried him back to his bed and covered him in a blanket. Azume hurriedly went downstairs afterwards to get a bowl of warm water and a towel. When she returned, she started rubbing the towel on his skin. She knew that she was already breaking their house rules, but she's ready to face the punishment as long as he gets better. Now's not the time to think for myself. She could hear him groan every now and then, and Azume couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

After she was down trying to lower his temperature, she looked at him and thought of what to do next. Right, he needs to change into something more comfortable. I'll need to look for his clothes.

Azume opened Sanada's closet to see a stack of clothes, neatly organized to her relief. As she was rummaging through his clothes, Azume did not dare touch his undergarments. Oh no, not there! She slapped herself from blushing and tried to find a loose, thick sweater and pants.

Once she found a pair of pants and sweater, she went back to Sanada's side. He's still unconscious, she thought. She touched his forehead, satisfied that his body temperature has gotten a little lower. Okay! Azume rolled up her sleeves. Time to change Sanada-kun's clothes to make him feel bett-

…. EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?

Yes, what a slowpoke. Azume breathed deeply. Right… changing his clothes is as natural as feeding a crocodile and rubbing its belly. Do I dare do this!? She realized that she already violated so many rules earlier, but this one just might cost her life. She felt shy about having to touch him, but at the same time, she didn't want him to stay in his school uniform.

Azume went back and forth around his room to think. Saa.. What to do, I still want to live! Ah, forget it. I'm not doing anything bad, anyway! I just want to help him out! She looked back at his sleeping figure, whose expression has just softened. Before she wasted any time swooning over him, Azume got back to work and grabbed the sweater and pants.

"For a fever, you sure make people scared."

Sanada cracked his eyes open. That voice sounds so familiar… Yukimura? Huh? His vision was hazy, but he could see two people towering over him. His hearing recovered faster than his sight, so he could still hear that the rain has not stopped.

When everything was clear, he saw Yanagi and Yukimura sitting next to his bed. "Genichirou, we hope you don't mind," Yanagi said. "We were just worried that you weren't answering your phone, so we went here."

"Mm.. Renji.." Sanada tried to get up, but his elbows betrayed him. "Don't try to get up for now," Yukimura got up and carefully pushed Sanada back to bed. "You need to focus on recovering."

"I'm sorry," Sanada looked down.

"It's okay." Yanagi replied. "Remember, the Nationals will surely be moved to a new schedule."

Sanada nodded, and it was only then that he noticed his school uniform was neatly folded on the table near his bed. I don't remember changing clothes. Who…?

"Sanada, it would have been better if you told us earlier, though." Yukimura's smile turned into one that was similar to a fictional cheshire cat's.

AZUME! He forgot that she's still here with him in the house. Sanada mentally slapped himself 1000 times.

"Yes, Genichirou. It's not like we're children to hide things from each other. Besides, your sexual awakening-"

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!?" Sanada seemed to have mustered enough energy to interrupt Yanagi. The data master was taken aback. "Eh? So Azume-san is what..? Please don't use 'cousin' as an excuse. I traced your family tree and did not see anyone with that face or name."

Sanada could feel his headache coming back. He also felt that his privacy was compromised, but when you have someone as smart as Yanagi Renji in your team, you basically give up on trying to hide your classified information. He ended up explaining to the two of them how Azume is now living with his family.

"Arranged marriage? Are you sure about entering into this, Genichirou?" Yanagi asked.

"I have to uphold the family's honor." Sanada responded.

"What a selfless act," Yukimura remarked. "Then again, I wouldn't mind getting married to a fine lady like Azume myself."

Sanada shot their captain a confusing look. "What?"

"Sanada, I don't see why you need to hide this relationship." Yukimura told him. "Azume is a good girl. It's about time you stop denying that you're not interested in love."

"But this is not love!"

"Soon to be." Yanagi joined in on the teasing. Both him and Yukimura are mentally giving each other a high-five. An annoyed Sanada makes for a good entertainment.

"Are you just here to piss me off? TARUNDORU!" Sanada howled. When Yukimura and Yanagi laughed, he just shook his head. It all takes him back to their past, where they would goof off in their free time.

Azume was startled when she heard them laugh. What is it that they could possibly be laughing about? She went back to washing the dishes. It was nice to finally meet people that his future husband hangs out with, and she considers it a bonus that they're really nice. She was worried about Sanada's reaction when he finds out that they know her, though.

An hour earlier…

Azume was triumphant in having Sanada's clothes changed and she laid him again on the bed. He was so tired that he didn't even wake up when she was changing him. She was about to leave the room when she heard his phone ringing.

"Do.. Do I get that?" Azume was afraid that someone in his team will know of their arranged marriange (which he emphasized repeatedly to her that it should be kept a secret) if she's the one who will answer the phone. "I guess I'll just leave it, then."

35 missed calls later, Yukimura and Yanagi were sick worried. "It's not like Sanada to not answer us." Yukimura said.

"There's a 85 percent chance he's at his home. Do you want to visit him?" Yanagi asked.

"Sure."

The doorbell ringing spelled horror for Azume. "A visitor!" This is the last thing she asked for in that hour. "Well, that could also be Sanada-kun's parents."

Azume opened the door, and was left aghast at the sight of two people in front of her. OH NO! It's Sanada-kun's teammates! WHATDOIDOWHATIDOIDO-

"Good day, Miss. Is Genichirou inside?" The blue-haired guy asked her.

"Ah, yes. Right this way, please," Azume showed them the way in, thankful that they didn't interrogate her about who she is and what she's doing there.

"And you are?" The brown-haired guy asked.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Azume felt her life crumble into pieces.

"I-uh.. Cousin!" Yes, the cousin strategy just might work, Azume thought. "I'm Azume. Genichirou-san's parents are out so they asked me to look after him!" She tried her best to smile, but beads of sweat were evident on her face.

The two men look at each other and introduced themselves.

"Yanagi Renji. Pleased to meet you."

"Yukimura Seiichi. A pleasure to be here."

She bowed to them. "Thanks! Uhm, would you like to eat first? It's just that Genichirou is still asleep. He's sick, so I'm currently taking care of him, too."

Yukimura and Yanagi looked concerned. "Oh my," Yukimura said. "Ne, Azume-san.."

"Yes?"

He looked at her with his piercing blue eyes, which turned from menacing to sparkling ones. "You'll take care of him, right?"

Azume felt threatened and trusted at the same time. "Y-yes, of course.."

"That was delicious, Azume-san! Thank you."

"Yes. There's a 95 percent chance you'll do great at culinary school."

Azume beamed. By getting to know Yukimura and Yanagi, she also got to know more about Sanada, and all she could say is that she admired more than ever. "Thank you very much! I'm sorry that Genichirou is still not awake. Do you want me to check on him?" It felt so good call him by his given name, but Azume thought this is only for pretense.

They all stood up by this time. "We can do that, Azume-san. Thanks," Yukimura and Yanagi proceeded to go upstairs. Azume nodded and started putting the plates on the sink.

"Oh, one more thing," Azume could hear Yanagi from the staircase. "I know all of Sanada's cousins and you surely aren't one them. It's a pleasure to meet Sanada's future wife, then."

Hearing Yanagi's words sent chills down Azume's spine. She grabbed tightly to the kitchen counter to get a hold of herself. The world seemed to be getting smaller as everything fell down on her. "Oh no…." She groaned.
~~~

"Just keep your phone beside you. We'll let sensei know if you still can't come tomorrow." Yukimura reassured his vice-captain that he's got everything covered.

"Sorry for being such a burden, Yukimura. Thank you."

"Stop thinking like that." Yukimura smiled. "Just get better before we start training again," he added, "or else I won't forgive you."

Both men looked at each other sternly. "Got it."

Hearing their exchange as Sanada was about to say goodbye to them made Azume realize how serious these people are about tennis. I think it's a good thing they found their passion in life at this early age, she thought to herself. She was also happy to know that Sanada is with like-minded people who are as talented as him.

"And for Mrs. Sanada here," Yanagi said as both Azume and Sanada winced. "Here," Yanagi handed her a sheet of paper. "Here's a recovery menu for Genichirou. They're easy-to-cook meals, too. As someone who has tasted food that you've prepared, I trust that you'll be able to follow the recipes easily."

Azume smiled at him, which made Yanagi flushed a bit. "Thank you very much! I'm happy you liked what I've prepared. I'll make sure to cook this for Sanada-kun."

"Noted," Yanagi said and turned his face to Sanada. "Yukimura and I will be leaving now. See you soon, Genichirou."

"Okay. Take care."

When both Yukimura and Yanagi were out of sight, Sanada went back inside the house without a word to Azume. The girl understood that he was not in the mood to talk, given his condition and the number of rules she violated. However, she was relieved to see that Sanada could finally stand up on his own, looking a whole lot better.

Sanada was thankful that Azume took care of him, but he was troubled by the fact that Yanagi and Yukimura know his predicament now. He was hopeful, however, that it would be kept between the three of them. Going back to his room, he lied down on his bed again and put the towel on his head. He looked at the window to see that the rain would not cease. Looking at the clock, it was already 9 in the evening. He was getting hungry, but he didn't feel like going down. I'll just try to sleep…

"S-sanada-kun?" He heard her knock, and he could smell that she brought food with her.

Oh, what the hell. "Come in." He turned himself to the side of the bed facing the wall.

Azume went in and put the food tray on the table. "Here's the dinner and medicine you need, Sanada-kun." She also put a blanket on the table. "I figured you might feel a bit colder with this weather, so I gave you my blanket."

"Hn," She heard him grumble. "You're not getting lost, it seems."

Azume was flustered at his comment. "Oh, n-not anymore, hehe," Azume scratched her head. "Have a good night, Sanada-kun." She went out of the room and before closing the door behind her, she was taken aback by his call.

"A..zume. I need help…"

"Eh?" Azume was worried. She sat next to him and felt his forehead. He was feeling a bit better, but he was still sick. "Okay, let me assist you."

Azume helped Sanada get up and she fixed his hair. He's just amazed at how patient she was with him, and well, she didn't seem to take advantage of his weakened state. He's always been apprehensive of girls ever since his experience with the Rikkaidai tennis team fan club.

He can't afford to be so harsh at this point at her with such low energy, so he just followed along with what she requested next: "Just open your mouth when I feed you with the soup, okay?" Thank goodness she wasn't the type who will poison her food. She was starting to gain his trust, albeit slowly.

After feeding and helping him with his medicine, Azume dimmed the lights and covered Sanada with an extra blanket. "I sincerely hope you feel better soon, Sanada-kun."

She was surprised when he stared daggers at him. "Don't think I forgot that you broke the rules."

Azume looked crestfallen. "Yes, I know.." her voice became softer. "I apologize, Sanada-kun."

"You entered my room without my permission, managed to break our secret, raided my closet, changed my clothes without my permission."

Azume's eyes lowered, but she sounded determined as she said, "I'm ready to face the consequences."

"You're lucky I do not have enough strength yet to punish you for that." He stared into her eyes, and she could not help but stare back. She was so frightened, though. She clutched her chest and waited for his next words.

"Hn," He turned his eyes away from her, as she noticed that he grabbed onto himself more tightly. He's still cold, she thought.

"For now, I command you to stay next to me and keep me warm. You have no choice but to follow."

She felt as if she got pulled out of the very own grave she dug. She was waiting for the worst, but this!? I guess he's really that sick that he needs my help for now. "O… okay…" Azume shakily lied down on the bed as she noticed Sanada shifting a bit to make space for her. As she was next to him, Azume was as stiff as a log. Her heart felt like it was about to jump out of her own body. This is not what you think it is, Azume. He's not doing this because he likes you, it's just that he's sick and-"

"But for now, I'll let it slide." She noticed his glowing eyes, which began to soften, had been staring at her. His face was so close to hers, and she saw that his mouth was trembling from the cold. "Thank you for taking care of me, Azume." With that, he felt his arms latching onto hers for strength. Azume felt bad for him since he struggled so much from something as simple as a fever, so she put her arms around him and rubbed his back. "H-hai… Sanada-kun. D-don't worry, I'll be here." She continued rubbing his back gently to calm his shaking body down from freezing.

A few minutes after, both Sanada and Azume fell asleep. The rain, which had been relentlessly pouring throughout the day, had finally come to an end, giving way to the moonlight that shone on the sleeping couple.

For now, it's not about me or you. It's us. Under my umbrella, I'll help you regain your strength.

A/N: I'm sorry that it took me six years before I could get back to this fanfic. I guess that's also why this is the longest chapter ever uploaded. Thank you very much for reading! Don't worry - I'll finish this story.