~*End of the Year*~

Final exams were done with. School was out for winter break. Most of the students were happy to enjoy the two weeks of freedom they would get before the spring term picked up once more. A time that would signify both an ending and beginning. Tonya inhaled deeply as she thought about what was to come. Before long they would have to say goodbye to their senpai. A new captain would be chosen for the team. And then there was the task of getting ready for the spring invitational. She vaguely wondered if the boys of Seido had thought the same things she was now.

'Speaking of Seido, this is a big sense of déjà vu.' The brunette grinned to herself as she tucked a loose strand behind her ear. Adjusting her scarf while she was at it as she headed on to the desolate Seido school grounds.

This had been where it had all started for her back in fall. She'd been called to theses very grounds by her uncle to pick out a certain sneak and help rehab him. It would be that very sneak that had been left in charge of her for the past couple of weeks. Making sure Tonya hadn't pushed herself too hard too soon after the victory she and her team had fought so hard for. Tonya could feel herself thinking back on that time. A sense of nostalgia washing over her as she made her way past the school and towards the baseball fields.

After closing ceremonies and receiving their medals, Tonya had been carried off the field by her teammates. She'd expected them to carry her off to a waiting vehicle and be whisked away to a hospital right away. She'd been right on one account, she would be taken in for a checkup. But it surprised her to see Miyuki waiting on her. Lily and Riko passed their pitcher off with care. Silently telling Miyuki to take care of her as they left the two together. Miyuki hadn't spoken a word all during that time. Just being the comforting presence that he knew she'd need during that time. The only others joining them would be Tonya's father and her uncle. That was a conversation many wished they could've sat in for. Thankfully the damage hadn't been as bad as they had all feared. Nothing more than a bad sprain. Crutches for a week, then she could go back to walking as long as she kept her leg wrapped. All with Miyuki tending to her as she had to him when they'd first met.

'Guess my ban is lifted if he's asking me to meet him here.' Tonya turned the corner, the fields in sight finally as she made her way down the walking path.

Unlike last time though when there had been boys shouting, the ring of the bats, and the popping of a ball hitting a gloves, it was eerily quiet. The girl didn't give it too much thought. Figuring they were taking a small break since their winter camp had ended. The boys were all probably spending their last day together before they were allowed to return home to visit their families for the holidays.

"Hey!" She turned her head instantly upon hearing that voice. Looking up to see Miyuki wearing that usual annoying grin on his face as he looked down from the second story banister.

"What was so urgent that you had to call me out here now?" Tonya called out. Keeping her eyes on Miyuki as he headed around and made his way down the stairs.

"Can't even great your boyfriend properly?" Miyuki pouted. He wrapped his arms around Tonya, debating on whether he should steal a kiss or not. He decided to not risk getting bit by her since she was clearly still annoyed with him.

"We both know that's not what you wanted me to come here for." She chastised. Wanting Miyuki to just spill his guts already.

"True. Actually, the reason I called you here was to see if you wanted to throw a few?" His face softened into that smile that he only ever showed Tonya.

"Wait….Seriously?" Tonya had to pull back in order to look Miyuki in the eyes. It wouldn't be the first time he'd gotten her hopes up only to dash them. It's why Miyuki had spent the past few days at the dorms and not at her house. He'd teased and taunted her to no end that she'd refused to let him stay the night anymore. "If you're fucking with me Kazuya…."

"Not this time." He held his hands up in a sign of peace as Tonya narrowed her eyes at him. "You've rested long enough. I'd say a test is in order. But, you still have to keep your leg wrapped as a precaution."

"Is that all? I'm allowed to pitch again?" Tonya asked. Almost afraid to get her hopes up in case Miyuki was teasing her again.

"Yes. Your stuff is in my room. Go change and meet me in the indoor practice area." Miyuki motioned with his head to his still open room.

Tonya was too happy to say thanks. So she expressed it instead. She pulled Miyuki's face towards hers, kissing him hard on the lips before darting off. Hollering for joy as she darted in his room and slammed the door shut. Miyuki couldn't help but touch his lips softly. Still not quite used to kissing yet. Liking the idea of getting there though as another smile graced his lips. He shook his head before heading inside the indoor practice area to wait for his girlfriend.

Tonya came bursting in with just as much energy the last time Miyuki had seen her. Hair was up, she was dressed in proper softball attire, glove and ball in hand, her eyes with that fire back in them once more. Miyuki couldn't help but snicker as he knelt down. Punching his own glove and motioning for her to bring it. After going through the proper stretches and warm up, Tonya couldn't help but feel nervous as she stepped on the plate nailed in the ground. Her adrenaline pumping as she looked at the ball in her hand. Even if it had only been two weeks, it'd been far too long for her. The smell of the dirt, the feel of the leather and laces on the ball, the sound of her cleats on the rubber. She'd missed it all.

With nothing more than a nod from her catcher, Tonya stepped on to the plate. Zoning out as she always did before going through her motion. Leg kicks out, arm swings up and around, foot plants, wrist snap, ball is released, and finally the pop of the glove. The room echoed a bit, making the pitch even more memorable as Tonya closed her eyes. Taking it all in. The two remained in silence. Communicating through signs only as Tonya pitched to where Miyuki called. Hitting each spot perfectly. Enjoying this time more than anything as the two continued to practice. All good things must come to an end though. After about fifty pitches, Miyuki stood up. Closing the distance between him and Tonya as she gave him a confused look.

"My knee is fine if you're worried. And I'm not even winded yet." The girl pouted. Hating how he'd ended their practice so soon.

"I know." He grinned. Looking past her and to the entrance. "Is that good enough for you?"

"Yeah. If she didn't say anything with just you here, I think she'll be fine." Tonya froze upon hearing that voice. Turning slowly to see Lily standing in the door way.

"I swear I didn't practice without Kazuya's consent!" The girl squeaked. Quickly hiding behind Miyuki. While the blonde may be retired, she still scared the hell out of the brunette.

"I know. I asked him to check your condition for me." Lily smiled at the still cowering pitcher.

"Huh?" Now Tonya was confused as she ventured out from behind her boyfriend who was doing his best to stifle his laughter.

"Tonya guess what?! We're combining teams for an end of the year game! How cool is that?" Riko shouted. Pushing past Lily as the pitcher looked to Miyuki for an explanation.

_._._

It was an interesting mixture to say the least. Since it was only the starters that were still around for this little makeshift game, they just split the teams down the middle the best they could. The way it broke down was basically the third years against the second years with the first years mixed in with the two groups. There were three pitchers to each group. Tonya, Sawamura, and Kawakami for the second years and then there was Rei, Tanba, and Furuya for the third years. Each pitcher would get two innings, and the game would only go to six innings unless there was a tie. Whichever pitcher was on the mound at the time would depend on the rules they would play by. Then it would fall on sudden death rules. After a quick game of rock, paper, scissors it was decided the third years would be home and the second years visitors.

The game was nothing but fun, with just a tad bit of seriousness thrown in. It was interesting to watch the players having to actually think about what they could do according to what pitcher was out. Many of the softball girls had to remind themselves that they could take a lead off before the baseball pitchers threw. None stupid enough, although the guys seemed to be, to risk running on Lily's arm. It just made the game that more interesting and fun. Probably the best part of the first part of the game was when Furuya took a hit from Riko. Sending it just as far as some of his third year senpais. There was a reason the girl batted third for Kitigawa.

Score wasn't kept during the game. Everyone just having too much fun as they attempted to play seriously. Mistakes were made, laughter echoed through the fields, and light jokes and insults were hurled around to help keep things interesting. It was the perfect way to end the long and trying year. All the stress and worries that had built up just seemed to wash away as the two teams faced off against each other.

The second part of the game came up and this time the softball pitchers were up. Lily was giving Rei a pep talk as Chris prepared to catch for her. The same swap occurred on the other team as the softball catcher gave Miyuki a glove bump before he took the field with Tonya. His long time fantasy of catching for the girl finally coming true. Or at least it would once it was their turn on the field. Miyuki glanced over to his pitcher/girlfriend to see the same excited look mirrored in her eyes. Before that though, they had to get some runs off Rei.

The little girl was no slouch. She wasn't at the caliber Tonya was, but she was still a force to be reckoned with. Armed with great control on her fastball, as well as a changeup she could place where she wished as well. Not too many pitchers could do so. And to add to it, she'd recently been adding a dropball to her repertoire. Making the guys struggle greatly as they tried to get a clean hit off the girl. Even her own teammates had trouble at times. The third out was finally called. It was now Miyuki and Tonya's turn.

Everyone had expected the two to get sappy on each other. To give their friends a firm dose of PDA. Underestimating their love for the game. The reason that the two had been drawn together to begin with. The couple just shared a look and a brief nod before Miyuki squatted. Calling for a rise on the first pitch as Tonya nodded in agreement. Letting the ball fly as the first strike was called. The two worked seamlessly together. Unfazed by anything as they got their outs. Allowing only one runner on base that Miyuki promptly threw out when they'd tried to steal. Not even needing to remind Tonya to get out of the way as she'd stepped aside to give him a clear shot. For those two innings, it was everything Miyuki could've ever hoped for out of a pitcher. And despite his concern for Tonya's knees, he wished that they could continue to play together forever.

_._._

Cheers rang out as music played softly in the background. To finish out the evening, a small early Christmas party was being held. The girls had ran home after the game to change and bring the food they'd prepared for the potluck earlier that day. Everyone just mingled together, enjoying the friendly atmosphere before they had to say goodbye. Sitting off by herself was Tonya. Watching as some ventured out to dance, others chatting off in the corner, and even the brave few couples sneaking off for some alone time. She made a mental note to send Rei a congratulatory text later as she saw Jun lead the girl out of the indoor practice area where the party was being held.

"How are you feeling?" Tonya was pulled from her thoughts as she looked up to see Miyuki hovering over her.

"A little sore, and somewhat weak, but fine otherwise." She smiled. Lifting her outstretched leg up as Miyuki slid underneath to act as a rest for her.

"Good." Miyuki patted her leg as the two turned their attention out to those dancing together. Enjoying their last night together as friends before the break.

Figuring now was as good a time as any, Miyuki pulled a box from his jacket and slid it across the table. Refusing to look at Tonya as she picked it up. Afraid of her reaction as she slowly opened the lid. He heard a small gasp and decided to sneak a peek to see her reaction. Tonya pulled two necklaces from the box. One was a small cubic zirconium diamond hanging from a simple silver chain. The other was a simple silver oval. Curious, the girl brought the two items together. Surprised to see that the small diamond fit inside the silver oval.

"Take the meaning however you want. It was the only thing that really seemed appropriate to get you." Miyuki muttered. A light flush on his face.

"Kazuya…" Tonya smiled. She slipped the necklace over her head, flipping her hair over the chain as the diamond sat proudly just above her chest. She motioned for Miyuki to lean towards her so that she could slide the other one over his head. Once it was done the look in Tonya's eyes made his own heart beat faster.

"Now you have a little bit of me with you." He gently touched the gem as Tonya shook her head.

"Idiot. It's only two weeks. But thank you." She whispered. Reaching out and looping her arms around his neck. "I just realized though, I haven't gotten you anything yet."

"How about a repeat of my party?" He asked. Arching a brow and motioning to the mistletoe above them. The reason most people had been avoiding that corner all night.

"Embarrassing our teammates to no end?" Tonya asked as she wiggled out of his arms and grabbed the dreaded item.

"That's my girl." Miyuki snickered as he gave her a quick peck.

The two snuck off into the crowd. Their first targets in sight as Tonya hopped on to Miyuki's back in order to get the mistletoe up high enough. Once they were in position she let out a whistle, scaring Sawamura and Chris. The older boy blushed as Sawamura fidgeted. Unsure of what they should do under the stare of the two biggest trouble makers. Knowing they wouldn't leave till something happened Chris swallowed his pride and leaned down. Pecking Sawamura on his cheek. The two suppressed their snickers as the poor pitcher just about fainted. They moved on to the next easy targets that were Riko and Kawakami. Miyuki was left to hold the dreaded mistletoe as Tonya snuck around, eyes glinting evilly as she spied the couple standing away from each other. She bumped Kawakami into Riko right as Miyuki stepped out. Motioning to the plant in his hand as Riko glared at the boy. Looking around for her friend, knowing Tonya had put him up to it. But it turned out to be just the motivation Kawakami needed as he puckered up and kissed Riko at the corner of her mouth. Leaving the girl speechless as she turned as red as her hair. The two brunettes hooking up later as they went around. Doing the same thing to the rest of their teammates. Some going with it, and others running and hiding like their life depended on it. The fun was short lived though as Kuramochi, Zono, Shirasu, and a few of the girls formed a party to apprehend the two brunettes who'd been causing so much trouble. Forcing the two to seek shelter or risk bodily harm. They eventually made it to Miyuki's room and squeeze into a corner long enough to throw the others off their trail. Leaving the two in a fit of giggles as they flopped over on to Miyuki's bed.

"Well, that was fun." Tonya laughed as Miyuki pulled her on top of him. Holding up the object that had gotten them into this mess in the first place.

"I do believe we have yet to use this ourselves." Miyuki grinned as Tonya took the plant and threw it aside.

"If you wanted a kiss, all you had to do was ask." Tonya said as she lowered herself. Planting her lips on Miyuki's as he wrapped his arms around the girl.

In that kiss, the two poured in all the feelings that they had for each other at that moment. How much they cared for each other, how much they would miss each other, and how much they wanted the winter break to pass by quickly. Not wanting to leave each other, but knowing that it would only be temporary. When they finally broke apart, the two looked into each other's eyes. The same smile appearing on their lips as Tonya rested her head on Miyuki's chest. Wanting to enjoy this moment a bit longer before their separation would start.

It would be the new year before long. With a new year came new challenges. Both good and bad. The two knew that it was a hard road for them going forward since they would both be third years and things would be picking up. Time would be short to spend with each other. Meaning that they would need to cherish every moment they could find together. At least, that's what they believed at the time. Little did they know, the two would be much closer than they would think once the break was over. But….Just because you're closer in distance, doesn't always mean that things will be easier.

And that's the end of Clarity folks! Before anyone asks, I'm far from done with these two! I already have a sequel planned. It will purely be based off of my own ideas and I will not follow the manga anymore. Not that I did so in the first place but just so everyone knows. It may be a bit before I put up the first chapter but stick with me as I'm sure you'll love to see how things play out for Miyuki and Tonya!

On a side note thank you to everyone who stayed with me on this journey with these two. It was so much fun to write a sports romance story. So the next one will definitely get more in depth with them. But until I'm close to finishing my KnB story the sequel will have to wait. Till next time my lovelies!