Tezuka flipped the page and continued to read. He wanted to be prepared when he had to play doubles. He understood the general idea, but having always played singles and never doubles he was anticipating feeling cramped and out of control once he had to share the same side of the court with another player.
"We think a-like Tezuka-kun."
The young man glanced up to see Hitomi pulling out a chair to sit at the table. She lowered her books onto the table and showed him the cover.
'How to play Doubles' Tezuka read the title then turned back to his own book and started reading.
Hitomi frowned. Well that was kind of rude… Maybe he wanted to be alone. Maybe joining him wasn't such a good idea. She glanced about the almost empty library. Among the people there several were looking her way in curiousity.
"Is something wrong Hitomi-chan?" He asked without looking up from his book.
"Why would there be?" She answered tilting her head to the side as one of her eyebrows raised in anticipation of his answer.
Tezuka glanced up at her for a split second before he turned to his book again.
"Always so talkative." She chuckled and pulled open the first book.
They sat in silence an hour or two simply reading their respective books.
Tezuka turned the last page and closed the book.
Hitomi glanced up at him, "Finished?"
"Aa." He stacked the books into a neat pile.
"Well see you tomorrow then."
Tezuka nodded simply and walked away with the books.
She waited a few seconds then tuned back to watch him walk out of the library.
"Hitomi-chan."
She straightened in her seat. She smiled at the girl who had settled into the seat Tezuka had just vacated, "Hi, Yumi-chan."
"Did I just see you talking to Tezuka-san?"
Hitomi nodded, "We've been made each other's training partner. Strange huh?"
Yumi nodded, "Why?"
Hitomi shrugged, "I don't know, Kimi-san told us this morning. She didn't say why and I didn't ask. It surprised me."
The other girl nodded, "So what is he like?" She asked curiously.
"Not as scary as people think, but he's definitely just as quiet and serious as everyone says!"
"Really. He's really cute too."
Hitomi frowned, "Of course that's what you would think."
"Well he is. Too quiet and serious for me though." She shrugged, "Did you want to go get something to drink?"
"Sure. Let me just check out these books."
The two girls got to their feet carrying their books to the check out counter.
"So did Kimi-san say why she made you guys partners?"
"Hitomi shook her head as she passed her books and her picture ID to the woman at the counter.
"And you didn't ask her?"
"I was surpised." She said receiving her books and ID back.
The two girls walked out of the library.
"I would have asked."
"I know." Hitomi smiled, "I might later on I guess. Maybe when she's alone or something." She laughed a little, "and you know what's stranger? We're going to be playing doubles."
Yumi's eyes widened, "Doubles? You? And Tezuka-san?"
Hitomi nodded, "Yeah."
"Why would she do that?"
Hitomi shrugged.
"I can't believe you didn't ask! I would have asked right away!"
Hitomi nodded simply as they reached her room. She unlocked the door to drop her books on her desk then the two girls made their way to Yumi's room to drop offer books before leaving the rehabilitation center.
Maiya Kimi pushed open the door after she was asked to come in, "Arisa-san." She said smiling as she shut the door behind her and went to sit in the chair in front of the doctor's desk.
"How is everything going?" The long blond haired lady clad in her white physician's coat asked taking off her glasses and placing them on her desk.
"So far the match seems to be going well. I found them practicing together before their scheduled time." She smiled.
Arisa nodded, "I've arranged for someone to come and help you with the Skills component. He should prove to be a good challenge for Tezuka-kun so he doesn't get bored."
"Great. In the meantime I've got him learning to play doubles. That should keep him occupied until help arrives."
"Hitomi-chan?"
Kimi nodded, "I think she's ok with it. Gives her a new challenge as well."
"Good everything seems to be going well. Keep me updated on Tezuka-kun's condition."
"Hai." Kimi smiled then turned and left the office.
Arisa's gaze lowered to the blue folder on her desk and pulled it open. A picture of Tezuka was paper clipped to the inside cover. Her eyes scanned over his other relevant medical information. "We're going to give back to you Kunimitsu Tezuka. It's about time you got something back."
"Tezuka-kun."
The teenager looked up from his workout with Hitomi-chan. The trainer was motioning him to come over.
"Oh oh. You're in trouble now!" Hitomi teased.
Tezuka glanced at her briefly before he made his way to the trainer. His eyes fixed on the man standing beside her a moment. He looked very familiar…
"Tezuka-kun I'd like you to meet Kudo Tetsu-"
"Former Japanese National Champion." Tezuka finished recognizing the name immediately.
Kimi smiled. Great! Someone Tezuka could look up to and possibly learn something new!
The man looked Tezuka up and down and smiled as he bowed, "It's nice to meet you. I've heard much about you already."
"Really?" Kimi said surprised.
Tetsu nodded, "There's always talk about up coming talent." He gave Tezuka another smile but the teen remained passively listening.
"I see. Anyway," Kimi turned to Tezuka, "Tetsu-san will be helping you with the finer skills of Tennis when you are not training with me or training with Hitomi."
"Aa."
"Ok Tetsu-san, he's all yours." Kimi tapped Tezuka's shoulder as she gave him a smile and made her way past him and to where Hitomi was still working out on her hamstring curls.
"Well Tezuka-kun, why don't we head out of here and go to the courts."
"Aa." He moved to step out of the gym.
"I guess your rackets are in your room?"
"Aa."
"Ok let's go."
Tetsu-san followed the teenager to his room and waited as Tezuka went inside and came back out within moments carrying his Seigaku Tennis bag.
They walked out to the courts.
"So I've been told from Kimi-chan you are only to use your right arm for our sessions together until she clears your left shoulder."
Tezuka nodded.
"Ok, kid. Let's see what you've got!" He made his way to one end of the court and waited for Tezuka to get into position before sending a rocketing serve at him. To his surprise the teenager returned it. He was impressed. His motions were smooth… Flowing… He smirked. This was going to fun!
Almost two hours later, Tetsu-san called an end to their practice.
"That was very good. I'm impressed. You're better than I thought you'd be with your right hand. I can't wait to see what you have when you're left arm is healed.
He followed Tezuka to his room and waited as the young man opened the door.
"Can I come in a moment?" Kudo Tetsu stated more then asked as he stepped past the teenager into the room.
Tezuka followed suit and was surprised as Tetsu-san shut the door and turned to him with a lop-sided smile…
Author's note:
Since I can't seem to watch eps two and three of the national championships :( can anyone tell me who is the singles one player for the Okinawa team?
OH Thank you So Much Yuire! For pointing out my uh... Ryousuke mistake! blushes
CelicaChick