~*Mending Rifts*~

"You sure he'll even be here?" Riko asked. Receiving an annoyed look from her friend. "Point taken."

Tonya remained silent as the two headed towards Inashiro. Every year around this time certain baseball players were asked to gather at a specified indoor area in order for Baseball Monthly to conduct in depth interviews with players to watch for in the upcoming spring season. Tonya knew that this was the one place Miyuki wouldn't be able to run from her at. She was bound and determined to speak with him no matter what. Riko was just along for morale support. And to provide an alibi for her friend should Tonya decide that she was going to kill Miyuki. Riko pushed her bangs out of her eyes as she looked around at all the baseball boys.

"So we're here. How do you propose we get in?" Riko motioned to the flock of fangirls all being kept back by security.

"There's a reason I told you to dress in sweats and bring your gear." That famous Chesire Cat grin appeared on her face as Tonya motioned for Riko to follow along.

The two crossed the street near the school. Tonya waited till they were close enough to grip her head and let out a whine of pain. Riko, not knowing what was going on, jumped in front of her friend. Hands hovering over her as she wondered what to do for the girl. It was then one of the security guards came over to check on the girl who was now leaning against the fence. Her face scrunched up in pain.

"Hey, are you okay?" The man asked as he looked over Tonya. Surprised when he saw the black eyes she was sporting. "What happened?"

"I'm fine. I just got hit in my last game and I get pretty back headaches still. They usually pass before long though." Tonya laughed off. Riko quickly catching on to what she was doing.

"Idiot here had a line drive bounce off her glove and into her face. I told her we should take it easy but she was insistent we get some practice in before going to eat. Should've listened." Riko chastised as the guard's eyes widened.

"You're Grey-chan from Kitigawa! My little girl idolizes you." The man smiled as Riko couldn't believe their luck. "So what they say is true. You really don't believe in down time."

"Thanks. Ow!" Tonya hissed. Cussing under her breath as Riko took over.

"You think we could ask someone here for some water and ice please? We won't be long we're meeting the others at a restaurant for lunch." Riko smiled as the man nodded.

"Of course. Follow me." The guard said. Taking Tonya's bag from her as he led them in.

The two ignored all the daggers been thrown at their backs by the fangirls as the guard led them in. Taking them right to the indoor practice area where all the players and reporters were mingling around. Players from all over West Tokyo were gathered in the building. Some were playing catch, others were working on their swings while someone soft tossed them, and the rest were just mingling about. Tonya groaned internally as she realized it may be harder than she realized to find Miyuki in the bunch. Especially since the guard wasn't letting them out of his sight. Taking them right up to Coach Kunitomo who was watching over everything. Quickly explaining the situation as the girls scanned over the crowd.

"So much for confronting him." Riko whispered as Tonya held her slightly throbbing head.

"Excuse me." Both girls froze up. Slowly turning to see Kunitomo looking down at them with that steely gaze of his. "You're that famous softball pitcher correct?"

"Yes sir." Tonya squeaked.

"You have exceptional control and placement with your pitches. Tell me, how is it you managed to achieve this?" He asked. His features softening a bit as the club director came back with some ice and water for the girl.

"Well, I guess we have a little time to chat." Tonya laughed weakly as she realized the mess she'd gotten herself and Riko into.

Turns out Kunitomo wasn't any scarier than their coach. Quizzing Tonya on what drills she used to perfect which pitches. Even asking Riko about how she'd gotten so well to be able to place the ball like she did when she hit. Turns out he wasn't known as one of the top coaches for no reason. If he could find something that would help his players, he didn't care the source it came from. Even offering tips to the girls when they asked him how they could correct problems of their own. It was no surprise when Kunitomo asked if he could witness Tonya's pitching first hand. Giving her the perfect excuse she needed to find a certain catcher.

Leaving Riko with Kunitomo, Tonya took off into the crowd. Scanning around, hoping to find that familiar white and blue uniform soon. Luck was with her when she finally caught a glimpse. A smile breaking across her face as she ducked and dodged through the bodies towards the small group hanging around the Seido boys. All unaware of her approaching them, lost in their own little world.

Miyuki rolled his eyes as he did his best to tune out all the noise. Mei and Sawamura were currently in a pissing match about who the better southpaw pitcher. Furuya's aura just flared behind him for being ignored by the two. Kuramochi and Carlos were holding on to each other. Cackling at the sight of their idiot pitchers. Haruichi looked on hopelessly, shaking his head slightly while Shirakawa just watched. Wearing that usual scowl of his. Miyuki could feel a headache beginning to form as he wished for this day to just fly by. But unfortunately for them the interviews were going in alphabetical order of school. Which meant they would be there for quite a while till it was Seido's turn.

"Kazuya." Miyuki's eyes widened upon hearing that voice. He turned to see Tonya smiling at him. Out of breath for some reason though as she closed the distance between them. This was the last place he'd expected to see her. Making him wonder just what she was doing there in the first place.

"What are you doing here Grey-chan?" Haruichi asked. Surprising the others as Mei pointed to the girl.

"You're that #1 ranked softball pitcher!" He hollered. Staring, and feeling bad for it, at her still beaten up face. Thankfully Carlos knocked some sense into the blonde. Reminding him of his manners.

"We saw you're game the other day. That was one nasty hit you took." Shirakawa noted as he motioned to her black eye.

"Oh this? It's not the worst that's happened." She waved off. Turning her attention back to Miyuki. Wondering why he seemed so apathetic.

"So why are you here Grey?" Kuramochi echoed Haruichi's question as she scratched her face.

"Well, Riko and I were recognized on our way out from a light practice and we got asked to share a few pointers. With Inashiro's coach actually." She admitted. It was the story the two had been going with so far. May as well stick with it. "He actually wanted me to show him my pitching. So I went to get a catcher. Plus, we need to talk about a few things that have happened since we last saw each other."

Once again she looked to Miyuki. Hoping he would take her offer. Then she could get him alone and try to patch things up. To get things back to how they should be between them. Miyuki's face pulled up into that cocky smirk. While the others couldn't tell the difference between the many annoying looks of Miyuki, Tonya felt herself tense up just slightly. Already having a pretty good idea of what was going to come.

"Sorry. My old injury is acting up today. I don't think I'll be of much use to you." He shrugged. Playing off her request. In reality he was shutting her down. "Besides, I think you said all you needed to at the hospital."

"I see." Tonya grew quiet. She'd been right in guessing that Miyuki had heard her the other day. She easily played off his cold shoulder as she looked around at all the others players mingling about. A few even staring at their small group as they probably wondered how a girl had gotten in. "Guess I'll just have to ask someone else. Sorry for bothering you…Miyuki."

The fact that he'd brushed her off once again showed that he was done as well. Done trying to save any of what they'd once had. As much as Tonya wanted to give in to the pain stabbing at her chest, she slapped that fake smile on her face as she turned to seek out someone else who would catch for her. She wouldn't have to search for long though. Mei rushed to her side. Offering up his own catcher as he began chatting up the girl. Standing a bit too close for comfort for a certain someone.

"Guess Mei really likes her." Carlos whistled. Speaking only loud enough for Shirakawa to hear. Or so he thought. "She's a cutie. Even with that black eye."

"I'm interested to see just how good of a pitcher she is." Shirakawa said as he moved to follow after the two.

"Miyuki?" Kuramochi called out when he realized the catcher wasn't following along. "She went back to calling you by your last name. What happened between you two now?"

"She said she didn't want to try anymore. She doesn't need me." Miyuki growled. Not liking how jealousy coursed through him at the moment.

"That didn't look like the case to me. If anything, Grey looked like she was trying to apologize for something." Kuramochi clapped him on the shoulder before taking off after the others.

Miyuki felt sick. All of his emotions clashing within him. He wanted to just walk out and never come back. To just say the hell with the interview and put distance between him and Tonya. To put her out of his mind and move on with his life. He would eventually forget about her, she about him, and that would be that. But of course things couldn't be that easy. Because the bigger part of him recalled what Mei had told him the day Tonya had been hurt. How if he found her worthy he would pursue Tonya. And while he highly doubted Mei was her type, the same images that had once haunted him came back. Tonya on Mei's arm, laughing at his jokes, seeking his comfort, going to him for both good and bad times. Replacing Miyuki with the one person whom he absolutely hated to lose to.

"Damn it all." Miyuki ran his hand over his face as he hurried off to catch up to the others.

He would give Inashiro this, they definitely had the money to back their players. Miyuki ducked out of the one indoor facility and headed to the small one right next door. The one made specifically for the pitchers. The sound of a ball hitting a glove reached his ears before long. That pop that he hadn't heard in so long was now coming from someone else's glove. Adding to his fire as he found the small group. Somehow Mei had gotten Masa to come out and catch for the girl. It made sense since her pitches weren't exactly the easiest things in the world to catch. As he drew closer, he could see that Tonya had entranced everyone there. The one he was most worried about was Mei though. Sure enough, there was that look in his eyes. The same look he'd had that day he'd tried to recruit Miyuki, only intensified. He'd spied something he just had to have. And Miyuki knew that once Mei set his sights on something, he could be very persistent.

"Amazing Grey-chan. It would seem everything we've heard is true." Kunitomo praised once the girl was done.

"Thanks. But it's really nothing special. I just love to pitch." Tonya smiled as she played with the softball in hand.

"You could learn a thing or two from her Mei." Masa chided. The pitcher puffed his cheeks out as his ex-catcher as those around couldn't help but laugh.

"Shit! Tonya you're bleeding again!" Riko hissed as she reached for Tonya's bag. Her cut had a bad habit of breaking open at any moment since she'd been released from the hospital.

"Really?" The brunette reached up to her wound. Her fingers immediately came into contact with something warm and wet. And it was beginning to slide down her face.

"Hang on, I'll take you to get it patched up." Mei volunteered. Seeing his chance to get in good with the girl and make his move.

Someone else had already moved though. Miyuki grabbed Tonya's bag from Riko and then reached out, snagging Tonya's wrist. Shaking his head as he made some off handed comment about how much of a pain the girl was. Surprising the others as Miyuki drug Tonya with him. Only speeding up once they were out of their sight. He led her to the dorms, ducking inside the shower room and closing the door behind him. Tonya stood there holding her cut. Confusion running through her as she watched Miyuki dig through her bag. Pulling out the mini first aid kit she always kept with her things. He pulled out fresh gauze and ointment before turning back towards her. Pressing the gauze to her wound to get it to stop bleeding. The two stood in silence for a time. Neither looking at each other. Unsure of whether they should speak or not.

'Screw it.' Tonya thought to herself as she tilted her head up to look at Miyuki. "Hey. I thought you didn't want anything to do with me."

"I could say the same for you." He said through clenched teeth.

"You heard me in the hospital?" She asked. Noticing that Miyuki still wouldn't look her in the eye.

"Every word." Count on Miyuki to act like a smartass right now.

"You should've just come in and talked to me." Tonya batted his hand away. Holding the gauze in place herself as she stepped back. Making Miyuki look at her.

"So you could say it to my face?" Miyuki snapped. Raising his voice a bit as Tonya clenched her teeth.

"No, so we could talk it out like I had been trying to do for the past two and a half weeks!" She hollered. Tired of being nice. If he wanted a fight he would get one. "You kissed me, ran off, and then went silent on me! You refused to answer my txt's, my calls, hell you went out of your way to avoid me when I went to see you at Seido! So yes Miyuki, I was tired of trying when you weren't going to do anything in return. And now that I'm trying to talk things out and clear this whole mess up you're acting like I'm the one who wronged you when you started this in the first place."

"Guess I'm just a big fucking asshole huh?" He said in that smartass tone. That annoying grin popping up not long afterwards.

"Ugh! You're so infuriating! If you don't want to try and let things end then fine! But don't give me mixed signals and get my hopes up when you only intend to act like this. I'd have been fine with one of the others taking care of me. You didn't need to step in like you did. This right here is it. I'm done Miyuki." She snarled. Turning and heading for the door. Ready to just grab Riko and leave. If Miyuki was calling it quits for good, then so was she.

Just as her hand began to open the door, it was slammed shut. Tonya turned to see Miyuki hovering over her. Shocking the girl since she hadn't expected him to stop her. Miyuki pinned her to the wall just like he had when this whole mess had started. This time though, Tonya refused to look at him. Wanting nothing more than to bolt. To just run away from this all and pretend it was a nightmare. Miyuki could see that clear as day in her eyes. And he wasn't going to allow it to happen. He reached out and pulled Tonya to him. Holding on to her tightly as she struggled to break free from his grip. Trying to push away, to get any kind of distance between them. Even going as far as biting Miyuki hard to try and make him let go. But he held on. Feeling the fight slowly leave her body as the sobs came next.

"I hate you! I hate you…. I hate you Miyuki Kazuya." Tonya sobbed as her legs gave out. Miyuki slowly lowering her to the floor as he continued to hold on to her.

"You have every right to." He said softly. Stroking her hair as the girl cried into his chest. The sound intensified in the empty room as it echoed around them. "We made a promise right? We'd be there for each other whenever we felt pain. I'm sorry I haven't been keeping it lately. I know I fucked up big time with you. It may be selfish of me, but I won't let you walk away from me. I can't…." Miyuki whispered.

"Then why?" She asked. Shaking her head into his uniform as Miyuki loosened up his grip just enough so that he could look her in the eye when he finally explained everything. It was just the opening Tonya needed.

She drew her arm back and slapped Miyuki as hard as she could. Knocking the taste out of his mouth as the boy fell back on to his ass, stunning him. He was unable to process what happened as he just stared out at nothing. Pain began to register in his face, growing from a slow throb to a full blown stinging sensation. He finally turned his face back towards Tonya, eyes red and puffy from crying as she glared at him. Thankfully she wasn't moving though, which allowed him some relief as he pushed himself back up into a kneeling position.

"That's nothing compared to how you've made me feel these past weeks. I suggest you talk. Starting from the beginning. Now." She hissed. Doing her best to keep a fresh wave of tears from overflowing as Miyuki held his tender cheek.

"I'm sorry. For everything up till now. For running away. For ignoring you. For every dumbass mistake I've made since that day." Miyuki whispered. Hanging his head in shame. Unable to meet her steely gaze at the moment.

"Why? Why did you take off instead of talk to me?" Tonya asked. Not even attempting to hide the hate and disgust she felt at the moment.

"I needed time to think." He said softly.

"About why you kissed me?" She guessed. Feeling his hand claim hers. She resisted the urge to yank her hand free as she let Miyuki speak.

"That—and about whether I could face your reaction or not." Miyuki admitted. "I was scared. I acted on impulse. And I didn't know how you would react. I didn't think I could take it if you rejected me. If I'd screwed up what we have…..You're the first person I've ever trusted so much. The first one I've ever been afraid to lose. And it scares the living hell out of me. So I ran. I pushed you away before you could do it to me. And I've regretted it ever since. I had planned on coming clean after your game—"

"Then why didn't you?" She yelled. Wanting to hit him again as she looked away from him. Just barely resisting the urge as she felt Miyuki's grip tighten on her hand.

"Because I heard what you said. And I didn't think any amount of apologizing could fix things. I was so angry when I saw you smiling at me like you used to, thinking that you felt that way. That's why I acted like I did today. I planned on letting things end like that, but then I saw how Mei looked at you. I'm too selfish to let another try and take my spot. If I still have a spot that is….I could keep apologizing but it wouldn't be enough and it'll do nothing but annoy you. But don't leave me. I'll beg for as long as it takes for another chance. Just don't walk away from me ever again. Please." Miyuki whispered. His own tears falling. Surprising Tonya since she'd never seen him cry for anything. Proof of just how serious he was about wanting to make things better.

"Now I'm thinking I should've punched you instead." Tonya laughed weakly. Throwing her arms around Miyuki, surprising the boy as he sat there with his arms by his sides. "I would never stop being your friend over something as trivial as that. Have a little more faith in me. Although, I was seriously contemplating it after the way you've acted." She growled. Leaning back just far enough so she could flick him between the eyes.

"Are you done abusing me yet?" Miyuki complained. Falling silent when he saw the brewing storm in her eyes.

"You think you're the only one who's afraid to lose the other? I rely on you as much as you rely on me. So don't sell me so short as to kick you aside just over something ridiculous as some little kiss. And so help me if you ever pull this shit again…" She trailed off. Rubbing her head as a headache began to form. "It hurt to walk away, but I will not let you put me through that again."

"It won't happen again." Miyuki swore. Feeling Tonya rest her head against his shoulder.

"You're not forgiven I hope you know." Tonya muttered. Enjoying the feel of his arms around her that she'd missed so much.

Silence engulfed them once more. But it was like the calm after the storm. Both felt better now that the air was cleared. They were still friends, things could possibly go back to the way they were before all this mess started. The question on both of their minds though, did they want things back like they were? Or did they want more? Tonya sighed as all she wanted to do was sleep. But she knew that there was still one last thing she needed to say. Something she should've said long ago. Knowing that if she'd spoken up sooner, then maybe she could've helped to prevent this fight.

"Hey Miyuki—"

"Enough with that shit. I know you're mad but call me by my name. Please…" He begged softly. Bringing a soft smile to her face.

"Fine, Kazuya. Want to know something?" Tonya asked as she leaned back, wanting to look him in the eyes when she confessed.

"What?" He grinned. Figuring she was going to fire off some smartass remark like old times.

"I like you." Miyuki froze. Trying to process what she'd just said. Tonya felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Feeling better than she had in a long time.

"Say it again." He breathed. "I need to make sure I heard you right."

"I. Like. You." She said each word slowly and clearly. Making sure that he got the message this time.

Once again his senses got the better of him as Miyuki reached out, holding Tonya's face as he pressed his lips to hers. This time he didn't keep contact very long. Not sure how she'd react to being kissed just after they'd made up. He leaned back to look in Tonya's eyes as she stared up at him. Waiting for him to speak as he gently held the side of her face that he knew still had to be tender.

"Glad to know I'm not the only one." He said. The two sharing similar smiles as they held on to each other. Just happy to be back on the same page once again as they leaned in for another kiss.

"Now can we please get my cut taken care of? And maybe wipe this blood off my face too?" Tonya asked, pointing to the dried up streak on her cheek. The two breaking out into laughter at the same time. The gentle easy laughter that neither of them had felt in a long time.

_._._

While the others had gone back to their usual antics, Riko and Kuramochi shared that knowing look. Both wondering why the two brunettes had yet to return. Briefly wondering if Tonya had finally snapped and decided to kill Miyuki for everything he'd done. The two were taking way too long and sooner or later someone was going to suggest going to look for them. Question was what would they find?

"Think we'll need a body bag and a good alibi for later?" Riko asked the shortstop who nodded.

"Guess we're out a catcher." Kuramochi sighed. Sending up a prayer for the now presumed dead Miyuki.

"I'm not apologizing." The two quickly turned their attention to their attention to the doorway. Relief washing over them when they saw Miyuki and Tonya walking back together. Although they were curious as to why Miyuki had an ice pack pressed to his face.

"I thought we were on good terms now?" Miyuki pouted as Tonya poked the spot she'd bit him. Causing him to wince as he bit back a cry. He shot a glare at the girl who was clearly enjoying his misery.

"We are. But that's payback for everything you put me through. And that's not even close to us being even." That Chesire Cat grin was back. Miyuki rolled his eyes. Biting back any remark he'd thought of. Knowing she had a point on that one.

"Took you two long enough." Mei huffed as the two quickly apologized. "Hey Kazuya, what happened to your face?"

"I jumped when he was cleaning my head and accidentally head butted him." Tonya lightly tapped her head, sticking her tongue out in the process.

"Is everything okay now?" Riko asked. Looking at each of them in turn as the two nodded.

"Everything's fine." Tonya smiled. A certain light back in her eyes as Riko and Kuramochi shared a look. Glad that everything was returning to normal.

"Glad to see you're okay." Mei smiled. Once again standing a little too close for Miyuki's comfort. "As for your pitching, maybe we can get together and practice some time?"

"Only if I'm there to catch for her." Miyuki smirked. Looping his arm around her neck and drawing the girl close. Daring Mei to try and protest.

"Come on Mei, it's our turn!" Carlos called out as Mei tried to understand why Miyuki seemed so protective of Tonya all of a sudden.

"We better go too. We've got film to review for our next opponents." Riko said as she slung her bag over her shoulder.

"Alright. Talk later?" Tonya asked as she looked up at Miyuki.

"Definitely." He nodded. Giving her a tender look that was meant only for her. Surprising the two pitchers who finally understood the connection between the two as Kuramochi and Haruichi just laughed at how incredibly slow they were.

Later….

Miyuki winced as he took his glasses off his face. They'd brushed against his still tender cheek and he had a feeling he'd have that sensation with him for a good while. Miyuki made a mental note to never make Tonya mad again. He already had a bruise from where she'd bit the shit out of him and he was surprised his face wasn't swollen from the slap. He could only imagine the damage she'd have done if he hadn't been holding her as tightly as he had. The boy sighed as he grabbed a change of clothes and headed down to the bath.

"So you two finally made up huh?" Kuramochi called out as he spotted Miyuki coming down the stairs.

"Yeah. Everything's good again." He smiled. The two walking in step towards the washroom.

As they entered the brightly lit area, the short stop couldn't help but stare at Miyuki. Noticing a certain formation on said catcher's face. Kuramochi covered his mouth as he did his best, and failing horribly, to hide his snickers. He quickly grabbed his phone and snapped a picture of Miyuki's face. The catcher wondering what the deal was as Kuramochi quickly sent off the photo before busting a gut.

"What the hell is your problem?" Miyuki asked. Wondering just what was so funny as Kuramochi pointed at his face.

It was then Miyuki looked in the mirror and spotted just what Kuramochi was laughing at. A perfect handprint had begun to form. Revealing just what Tonya had done to him earlier. And he had no doubt in his mind that Kuramochi had just sent the photo he'd just taken to said girl. Knowing that she would want to enjoy in the temporary embarrassment Miyuki would have to deal with from his teammates as they asked one after another who slapped him and for what reason. Miyuki was sure that Tonya was probably doubled over with laughter herself at home. Oddly though, the thought of her happy again was enough to temporarily erase his embarrassment and bring a smile to his face.

"Miyuki, who'd you piss off this time?" Kawakami asked. Having just walked in and spied the handprint. This only sent Kuramochi into another fit of laughter as Miyuki realized it was going to be a long next few days till the mark went away.

Alrighty! I didn't want to say anything up top to keep you all from the story. But yes the two are finally back together. And even a little closer because of it too. Not gonna lie when I went back to read this I even 'awed' a couple of times lol.

As for why this update took so long, per a story request that I owed a friend from long ago I've started a new story in tandem with this one. It's a Kuroko no Basket story. Yes it's another sports anime. If you haven't seen it I highly recommend checking it out. It'll star my OC as well as hers. So I hope you all swing by to check it out!