Notes at the end of chapter.

~*Making It Official*~

The semifinals had come and gone. Kitigawa had secured themselves a spot in the finals. All their blood, sweat, and tears had led them to this point. Unlike the baseball boys who had so many teams and had to play the next day after semifinals, the girls were given a week's break. Allowing them to rest properly. Temperatures had dropped, snow had begun sticking to the ground, and major maintenance needed to be done in order to get the field ready for the final game of the season. Giving two certain brunettes time to reconcile. At least, that's what one of them thought.

Miyuki smiled to himself as he looked down at his phone. Snapping it shut before shoving it into his pocket. This would be the first time the two of them would be together since they'd made up. He knew that the girls were taking it easy for now. Just doing the minimum to keep themselves in shape before the championships. Giving him the perfect opportunity to plan a date for them. To be honest, the experiences had been an interesting one for him. Deciding what to do, where to go, what to where, and just exactly how late the two could be out. Miyuki had done his best to try and come up with something fun, but romantic. Which was difficult since this is the only experience he'd ever had with romance. Having to rely on ideas from those around him before finally just giving up and going for it with the planning.

'I just hope she likes what I planned.' He thought to himself as he turned the corner heading up the road.

"Huh?" Miyuki stopped dead in his tracks.

Walking up the driveway before him was Kawakami and Kuramochi. The two chatting away like nothing was wrong. Miyuki instantly got a bad feeling as he slowly snuck up on the two. If it was Kuramochi by himself he wouldn't have been so suspicious. For some reason the short stop had taken on the brotherly role when it came to Tonya. But for Kawakami to be there? Something was up.

"Mind explaining why you two are hiding like peeping toms?" Miyuki called out. Spooking his teammates as they jumped at the sound of his voice.

"Miyuki where the hell were you?" Kuramochi hissed. Storming over to grab him by his collar as per their usual greeting. "And why are you dressed like that?"

"I was going to surprise Tonya. Why are you outside her house?" Miyuki asked. Knocking Kuramochi's hand away as Kawakami decided to explain before the two got into another one of their famous face off's.

"Kuramochi got a text from Grey-chan's phone asking for help with something this morning. It said for you two specifically to come, but since he couldn't find you, Kuramochi asked for me to go with him." Kawakami explained. Apparently they were as confused as Miyuki as to why they were there. "So where were you earlier today?"

"I was busy." Was all Miyuki would say. There was no way he'd tell the guys that he'd snuck off to the computer lab just to try and come up with the plans for his date.

"Is that a rose?" Kuramochi grinned as he spied the single cream colored rose in Miyuki's hand. "You were going to ask Grey-chan on a date weren't you?"

Before Kuramochi could tease his captain anymore, a loud crashing sound could be heard. The three instantly became serious as they turned their attention to the house. The three walked into the driveway, trying to find the source of the crash. All fearing the worst as they rushed inside. Looking around for the cause of the crash. All thinking the worst as they turned towards the sound of footsteps.

"You're going if I have to drag your ass the entire way!" The guys all stopped instantly. Recognizing Riko's voice coming from further inside the house.

"You can't make me!" Tonya shouted back. Followed by more crashing.

"You know Coach's orders! You need to go!" Riko shouted back.

The guys came around the corner in time to see Riko attempting to kick the door down. Rage emanating from the girl as she glared at the door. The guys all shared a look as they watch Riko give the door one more firm kick for good measure before turning and leaning against it. It was then she saw the three staring at her like she was crazy. Wasting no time, Riko rushed over and grabbed Kuramochi. Dragging him in front of the door as the other two just watched the scene unfold.

"You got strong legs. Kick this damn thing down!" Riko snarled as she pointed at the door.

"Don't bother. That's a reinforced door. When I was still staying here they replaced it. Now I know why Tonya had seemed so happy when it'd been installed. To keep you from kicking it down." Miyuki muttered as he glanced at Riko. "Speaking of which, why are you trying to break into her room?"

"That damn stubborn idiot needs to go to the doctor. Tried to collapse today at practice today. She's spiked a fever and her body is worn out. Looked like a baby deer trying to walk home today. She always does this whenever she gets sick. Lives in denial till one of us forces her to go. And make no mistake you're going!" Riko shouted as she pounded on the door.

"So why did Grey ask for us to come over?" Kawakami asked as Riko held up Tonya's phone.

"I sent the txt. I was hoping you guys could help me get her out of there. But if that's a reinforced door then it looks like I'll be playing the waiting game." She sighed, scratching her head in irritation.

"I'm starving. Nori, you can cook right?" Kuramochi nudged the boy. Wondering what he was getting at till he saw Kuramochi motion with his eyes towards a frustrated Riko.

"Yeah, I guess I can make something. I hope Grey-chan doesn't mind." Kawakami said loud enough so Tonya could hear just in case.

"Who the hell cares what she thinks?" Riko said as she took off down the hall with Kawakami in tow.

Miyuki silently trailed after the small group. By passing them and heading straight to the medicine cabinet. He pulled out a bottle, grabbed a pill, and grabbed a glass of water before heading back out of there. That all too familiar smirk on his face as he made his way back down the hall towards Tonya's room. Kuramochi feared for the girl as he wondered just what Miyuki had in mind for her.

"Hey, it's me. Let me in." Miyuki called out softly. Knocking on the door.

He stood there in silence for a good time till he heard the lock click. Miyuki opened the door and slid inside. Locking it right back up to give them some privacy. He looked around the room, feeling as if it'd been years since the last time he'd entered the place. Practice gear and clothes were tossed in one corner, softball magazines in another. Her school stuff was piled on the desk in neat little stacks. Photos hung on the wall above the desk. One of her team, one of her closest friends, and another of her and Miyuki. It had been taken shortly after the two had become friends.

Miyuki slowly shifted his gaze to where Tonya sat on her bed. One leg drawn to her chest with the other stretched out in front of her. Holding on to her wolf doll tightly as she rested her head on it. He moved over to the bed. Sitting near her. Neither saying a word as Miyuki reached out and placed a hand on her forehead. Sure enough, she had a fever. The girl had probably over worked herself again. Rest would be best, but he knew that they needed to see a doctor to be on the safe side though.

"I'm not going and that's final." Tonya groaned. Tightening her grip on her wolf plushie.

"I know. Here." Miyuki handed her the pill and water. The girl taking them quickly before sitting up and leaning against the wall.

"A normal cold pill?" She asked. Swallowing the pill and chasing it with water before long.

"No. One of the stronger ones. Since you don't want to go to the doctor I figured it would be best to play it safe." He grinned. Watching as the girl froze up.

"You didn't…." She whispered. Looking towards Miyuki with wide eyes.

"I did." He smirked. Ignoring the glare that she was giving him.

Tonya remembered a time all too well when Miyuki had still been living with her. She'd gotten sick and Miyuki had grabbed one of the stronger medications that had a slew of side effects with it. When it finally kicked in, the medication had a habit of making Tonya act like a drunk little kid. It was a pain in the ass for whoever had to watch the girl, but it was even more embarrassing for Tonya since she was the one acting that way.

"I know you hate the doctor. So you have one of two options. I can watch you today and if I deem it necessary we will go to the doctor. No fighting me whatsoever. But if you insist on staying home, I can let Minako-chan watch you. I'll just let her know that the medication you took should make you better by tomorrow and you don't need to go in to get checked out. However….she'll be the one to see your embarrassing behavior." Miyuki smirked.

"To think I missed you." Tonya growled. Wanting to reach out and smack that smug look off Miyuki's face. "Fine. You win. Get rid of the other three first though."

"And how do you suggest I do that?" Miyuki griped.

"Get my phone from Riko. All you need to get rid of her is in my pictures. The lock code spells out 'wolf'." She muttered. Rolling on to her side as a wave of dizziness hit her.

'Great. There go my plans for the evening.' Miyuki thought to himself as he got up and headed down the hall.

He spied Tonya's phone sitting on the countertop. Doing as he'd been told he picked it up and unlocked it. Making sure to stay out of sight of the other three lest they question why he hadn't taken Tonya out of the house yet. He quickly found her pictures and scrolled through them. His eyes widening slightly as he came across just what Tonya wanted him to use. The old pictures from the morning after his birthday party.

"So, any luck?" Riko asked as Miyuki turned around. An idea already forming in his head.

"It's a minor fever at best. I doubt she needs a doctor. More than likely over worked herself again. I'll just stay here and take care of her. If it gets worse then I'll take her in." Miyuki said. Shrugging like it was no big deal.

"You're just going to let her have her way?" Riko hissed. Already debating on how she could get Tonya out of her room. Never send a boy to do a girl's job.

"She'll be fine. This won't have been the first time I've taken care of her. We lived together for a time remember?" Miyuki asked. "So you three can go."

"Miyuki are you sure?" Kawakami asked. Never one to brush things off so casually.

"Sure, sure. But I guess my plans for tonight will have to be cancelled. Unless you feel like taking them Nori?" Miyuki grinned mischievously.

The catcher motioned with his eyes to Riko as Kawakami's face turned bright red. Coughing a bit as he ducked out of the room. It was no secret he had a crush on the firey red head. He was just too shy to work up the courage to ask her out.

"What was that about?" Riko asked as she turned back Miyuki.

"Kawakami likes you." Kuramochi filled in the blanks as a look of surprise crossed her face.

"Like I said, I had plans to take Tonya out tonight. But since she's sick how about I just let you two take them in my stead?" Miyuki asked as Riko folded her arms across her chest.

"I don't know. The guy seems a bit too mousy for me. Besides, after watching you and Tonya I think I'm safer staying single." Riko muttered.

"I thought you might say that." Miyuki smirked as he held up a certain picture before Riko's face. The one of her and Kawakami snuggling together.

A shrill screech filled the room as Riko made a dive for the phone. Struggling in vain to try and get it away from Miyuki. The boy just snickered as he locked the phone screen shut just as Riko had grabbed it. Growling under her breath as she realized that the phone was now locked and there was no way to access the phone now. She shot a glare at Miyuki, briefly contemplating breaking Tonya's phone. Debating on whether the wrath of her pitcher would be worth it.

"I have copies, just so you know." Miyuki said. Leaving poor Riko a blushing mess as she sank to the floor.

"You're one sick son of a bitch." Kuramochi muttered as Miyuki squatted down in front of Riko.

"Just give the guy a chance. He's been wanting to ask you out for some time now. I'll send the details to him along with your number. If I get a report back that you didn't go out…." Miyuki left the threat hanging in the air as Riko gritted her teeth. She didn't know who was worse at black mail. Tonya or Miyuki.

"Fine! I'll go damnit. You just don't let anything happen to Tonya. I'll have no problem taking a bat to you should you let her get worse." Riko promised as she got up and stormed out of the place.

"Let me guess, she put you up to it?" Kuramochi asked Miyuki as the sound of a door slamming could be heard.

"Yeah. She wanted me to get rid of you three." All playfulness disappeared as Miyuki glanced over to Kuramochi.

"If you need me holler. Guess I better let Kawakami know about the news." Kuramochi chuckled as he went to find his lost teammate before heading back to the dorms.

Miyuki made sure to lock up before forwarding all the details of the date he'd planned out to Kawakami. Wishing him luck as he left his phone on the counter. Moving back through the house to find Tonya wrapped up in a blanket in her room. Miyuki had to resist the urge to laugh at the girl as she kept herself bundled up. Still holding on to the wolf for dear life.

"I feel stuffy in here. Living room." Tonya asked. Holding her arms out to Miyuki from under the blanket.

He stifled his laughter for now as he walked over and picked the girl up. Cradling her in his arms and moving her to the living room as per requested. He set Tonya down on the couch and went to work on making her something light and easy to eat. Reminding him of simpler times when the two had still lived together. Trading off shifts for cooking and cleaning. Eating together while working on homework. Watching games as Tonya hollered and screamed about every bad call made. Miyuki couldn't help but smile as he finished making the rice gruel and brought it back to Tonya with a glass of water.

"Thanks." She muttered before taking a bite. Regretting it instantly since she hadn't bothered to cool it off any. Miyuki couldn't help but laugh at the sight as Tonya reached for her water and doused the fire in her mouth. Her tongue thoroughly burned now as she stuck it out and waved at it in an attempt to cool it down.

"I would be pissed if it weren't for the fact that I'm reliving major déjà vu." She finally said once her tongue felt better.

"I believe last time you chewed my ass out for making it too hot on purpose." Miyuki said as leaned back into the couch.

"Can't really complain now. You are one of the better caretakers I've had. Lily wants to mother hen me and won't let me out of her damn sight. My dad's no better. Checking on me every few seconds. And Riko secretly enjoys having me at her mercy." Tonya blew on the gruel this time before taking a bite.

Miyuki had to admit, even though this wasn't what he'd had in mind at least he got to spend time with Tonya. He sighed to himself before wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Keeping his gaze forward as Tonya continued to eat. Doing her best to play it cool when in reality she was squealing on the inside like a little fan girl. When she couldn't stand another bite, she set the food aside. Curling up beside Miyuki.

"Never thought I'd get to sit here like this with you again. This is better than going on a date. Minus you being sick." Miyuki chuckled. Brushing Tonya's hair out of her face.

"He, he, he. Zuzu has a crush on someone!" Miyuki froze up, recognizing that nickname.

'Shit.' Miyuki thought to himself as he glanced down to see a mischievous look on Tonya's face.

"Zuzu's got a crush! Zuzu's got a crush!" She sang in a little kid's voice. "Ah!"

The girl fell over into his lap. Causing Miyuki to blush as she looked up at him with those big eyes. A light flush on her face as she looked up at a very uncomfortable Miyuki. Unsure of what to do as Tonya reached up to touch his face. Only adding to his panic as he stared down at the girl.

"Is Zuzu sick like me? Your face is red and funny." She giggled. Letting her hand fall as Miyuki took a calming breath.

'I did bring this on myself.' Miyuki thought to himself as he reached out and took her hand. Doing his best to ignore her gaze as the girl continued to lay in his lap.

_._._

Tonya smirked to herself. Finally sobering up from the effects of the medication as she soaked in the bath. While she may not have any control over how she acted, she could remember things clearly. And did she ever give Miyuki a run for his money today. Only feeling slightly embarrassed by her behavior as Miyuki had tended to her. She sighed to herself as she sank lower in the tub. Enjoying the hot water. Missing the days when Miyuki still lived with her.

'Who knew when this whole thing started we'd end up like this? Whatever we are that is.' Tonya thought to herself as she dunked her head under the water. Scrubbing her hair out one last time before sitting back up. Pulling the plug and letting the water drain before standing up.

Tonya grabbed her towel and wrapped it around herself before stepping over the tub ledge. Wringing her hair out as she did so. She drew her other leg over the edge and placed it down, and that's when it happened. Her right knee gave out. Tonya couldn't help the yelp she let out as she felt herself falling forward. She reached out for anything to break her fall. Somehow managing to snag the door hand and yank herself towards the door. Effectively banging her head and shoulder against it, but preventing herself from hitting the hard tile. Tonya could feel her heart racing as she lowered her body to the ground. Her eyes drifting towards her trembling leg. She gritted her teeth before slamming her fist into the door hard. The pain just now registering with her as she stared at the swollen joint.

"Tonya! Are you okay? I heard a banging sound!" Miyuki's voice called from the other side of the door.

"Hang on." Tonya called back. Reaching up to unlock the door. Shifting her weight off the door and to the wall as it swung open.

"What happened?" Miyuki asked. Rushing to her side as she laughed weakly. Leaning her head against the wall.

"My knee gave out." She said softly. Motioning to the leg she still had out straight in front of her.

"Your knee? Tonya…" He whispered. Eyes widening when he saw just how swollen it was.

"Can we continue this conversation when I'm dressed? It a bit cold in here since you opened the door." Tonya muttered. Only then did Miyuki realize that she was sitting in nothing but a bath towel. Turning instantly beat red as he looked away. As much as Tonya wanted to savor the once in a lifetime moment of an embarrassed Miyuki, she clung to his shirt. Not allowing him to move from the spot. "I don't think I can walk at the moment."

Miyuki recognized that tone. One that he'd once used himself. A tone used to try and lighten the mood while hiding pain all at once. He glanced back and sure enough he saw Tonya hanging her head. Fighting the tears that were threatening to fall. Ignoring his embarrassment at the moment he turned back around and scooted towards the girl. Putting his arms under her legs with care as Tonya wrapped one around his neck. Using the other to hold her towel up as Miyuki carried her to her room. He took her to her room, gently setting her on the bed. Miyuki was suddenly grateful for the habit Tonya had of always leaving her clothes in a neat little pile. He handed them to her and moved outside the door. Just in case she needed him. Once Tonya was dressed she called him back in. The two sitting in silence for a time until he noticed that her hair was still wet.

"Is that the real reason you didn't want to go to the doctor?" Miyuki asked as he draped the towel over her head. Drying her hair for her since Tonya obviously didn't have the urge to move at the moment.

"Yeah. I already had it looked at a couple weeks ago, so you can save the lecture." Tonya finally spoke up as Miyuki moved down to her ends. "It's part of the deal I have with my dad. First sign of things going bad I go into the doctor. It's a sprain. Nothing more…."

"Then why didn't you want to go in?" He pressed gently. Finishing with her hair, gently raking his fingers through to get rid of any tangles.

"Because I'm scared…." She whispered. Leaning back into Miyuki. Keeping her head down. "I don't want the doctor to see that the swelling refuses to stay down for long. I don't want them to look any deeper. Not this close to the championship. I don't want a repeat of last year….I don't want to go through that again. I've been taking it easy at practice. I've been on the lookout for all the signs that I had with my left knee. It's not that bad. I barely notice the pain. It just gave out on me a little today is all. Otherwise I'm fine. I have to be."

Miyuki wrapped his arms around the girl. Holding her tightly as he knew what she wanted to do. Telling her that it was okay. That he was the one person she could be weak in front of. The tears slowly began to fall. While it was nothing compared to the pain Tonya must be in, Miyuki was facing his own pain. Wishing there was something he could do to take away her pain. To stop her tears. To see that smile again.

"Kazuya, remember the first time I cried in front of you? How I told you that I hated causing pain to those around me by letting them see me like this?" She sniffled, tears still slowly falling down her face.

"Don't even think about asking me to leave." Miyuki nuzzled her face with his own. Tightening his grip on her as he felt the corner of her face pull up slightly.

"Actually, I was going to ask you to stay. I want to be selfish. Just this once." Tonya asked as she finally found the courage to look Miyuki in the eyes.

"I made you a promise didn't I? After the way I treated you, you're more that welcome to be selfish." He smiled. Wiping away her tears as he placed a soft kiss on her lips. "A girlfriend is allowed to make selfish requests to her boyfriend every once in a while."

"Boyfriend?" Tonya asked. Her tears finally drying up as devilish smile Miyuki was known for appeared on his lips.

"I'd planned on officially asking you tonight after the surprise evening I'd planned. Unfortunately someone had to ruin it." He teased lightly. Kissing her nose.

"Wait, you planned out the evening?" Tonya asked. Feeling touched as Miyuki nodded.

"Yup. But I'm not cut out for that romance shit. Neither of us is. We just need this. Nothing more. Just the easy as breathing relationship I'll never let go of." He smiled. Ruffling her hair as Tonya swatted his hands away. "Oh, and I hope you won't get too jealous of my fans. I know you didn't exactly get along with them to begin with."

"Says the boy who chased away the number one ranked male pitcher in Tokyo from talking to me." She smirked. Reminding Miyuki of his own overactive jealousy.

"Come on, let's go ice that knee down." Miyuki changed the subject as he hopped off the bed. Ready to carry her again as Tonya pushed his arms away.

"I'm fine now. I don't need you to always coddle me. Just support me when I need it." Tonya smiled as she pushed herself up. Feeling Miyuki wrap an arm around her waist.

"Deal." He grinned. Feeling her brush up against the very side that had once held his own injury. The injury that had set them down this path to begin with.

_._._

"Man, today was long." Nathaniel groaned as he walked in his house. Locking up behind himself.

He scratched his head as he headed to the kitchen. Finding leftovers waiting for him as he reheated them in the microwave. His mind instantly turning to his injured daughter. Wondering just how this final game would play out. Against his better judgement, he was letting Tonya play in the championship. Knowing that she wouldn't hold anything back. Nathaniel recalled the doctor's words well. If she pushed it too hard the micro tears she already had would turn into one huge tear. Sending her back under the knife for another surgery.

"That girl is too stubborn for her own good sometimes. She really needs to learn to take her own advice. Or hear it from someone other than me." Nathaniel sighed as he grabbed his dinner and headed to the living room.

The TV was still on as he made his way towards the small reading lamp in the room. More than likely Tonya had fallen asleep icing her knees again. He would remove the ice pack and just let her sleep. Not having the heart to move her when she was passed out. It was then Nathaniel stepped on something cold. Jumping back as he looked down to find out what it was. The ice pack that Tonya normally used. It was sitting on a towel to prevent a puddle from forming. Curious, Nathaniel took in his surroundings for once. Surprised by what he saw.

Lying off to the side on the spare futon was Tonya. Tucked up tightly under the covers with her knees propped up. Lying next to her was Miyuki. A protective arm wrapped around her as the two slept together peacefully. Nathaniel couldn't believe what he saw. His paternal instinct told him that this wasn't okay. His daughter was in the same bed as a boy. A part of him wanted to wake the two up and chase Miyuki out. But the bigger part couldn't bring himself to do so. Because he himself had asked Miyuki to do exactly what he was doing now. To look after his daughter.

"Well, the two did live under the same roof at one time. No sense in worrying now. If this is the worst they're doing then I can't exactly complain now can I?" Nathaniel chuckled as he left the two alone. Heading to his room to eating instead. "Although, I wonder what Tesshin would do if he knew his team captain was dating his adorable niece?"

Sorry for such the long wait everyone! Between work issues and getting sick this chapter had to be put on the back burner for some time. Been a long time since an illness put me out for so long. Really wore me out...

Anyways in this chapter I wanted to revisit a few things from the earlier chapters. Like what had originally brought the two together, old issues that resurface, and that they don't need anything fancy. Just each other. As for that little bit at the end, I wanted to show where Tonya's sneaky side came from. While Nathaniel feels conflicted about seeing his daughter with a guy, he would have no issue with Kataoka punishing the boy in his stead. That's enough rambling for now. It's late over her for me and I'm exhausted. Hope you all liked it!