Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis.

Lady Monozuki: Oh my word, it has been a really long time since I've updated. I agonized over this chapter for a long time, changing, fixing, and rewriting most of it because I didn't feel like it was up to snuff to the others I had written. I am finally happy with it. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you to everyone who have supported this story. The first third of the story is almost to an end. Just another chapter or two before I start the next one. Please read and enjoy!

Chapter Nineteen: Bait

Ryoma refused to come out of his room that morning. He knew that Tezuka would want an answer, one that he wasn't ready to give. He closed his eyes. Throughout the night, he had weighed the pros and cons to meeting with the others. On the one hand, he knew that this was just another change for Atobe to hurt him. On the other, he knew that it was going to have to happen. Whether the meeting occurred two days from now or two years from now, Ryoma did not know if time was going to heal all of the wounds that they carried from their relationship. Yes, they would be able to let them scab over, but once they were together, they would reopen.

They needed to confront the hurt before it ate away at their lives completely, leaving them to waste away into emptiness. Ryoma lifted his wrist, glaring at the scars etched forever into his pale skin. They spoke to him, reciting the stories of each night when he picked up a knife, razor blade, or shard of glass. It was too late for him.

But I have a chance to save the others. They need to be able to move on. I will always have these to remind me of what drove me to the edges of my sanity.

After he put everything to rest with them, then he could move on. A new beginning would begin for the five of them. They were clinging on to each other, holding out for hope, and searching for the desire to put things back together like they once were. However, there was no chance of that. Any fragment that might have been left was blackened and left in the ashes of the inferno that raged through their relationship. That fire still smoldered, but only to leave a grim reminder in their hearts of everything they had lost. All of their hopes, dreams, and plans that they once built together now laid abandoned, forgotten, and only remembered in hopes to find another chance.

I've given up completely. Not just on them, but on myself too. There's no chance for a future when everything succumbs so easily.

A soft knock came at the door, breaking him out of his thoughts. Ryoma tucked his wrist under the covers, trying to conceal the painful memories with the gesture.

"Come in," he said in a cold voice. He was expecting Tezuka to bother him, but was surprised when Syuusuke walked through the door. Fuji closed the door gently upon entering the room. Ryoma glared at the person walking toward him.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"I only want to talk. You've hardly said anything to me lately and I know there is a lot on your mind than what you let on. You used to be to tell me everything and I want you to do that again," Syuusuke replied gently. He could hear that the other was trying to conceal emotions.

"There's nothing we need to talk about."

"There is a lot to talk about. You're just afraid to talk about them. Why can't you trust me again?"

"You lost my trust when you broke your promises to me. How am I supposed to trust someone like that?"

"I know that I messed up. However, I'm trying to fix things between us. You need someone in your life and I would like it if you chose me to confide in once more. I'm afraid that if you don't, I'll lose you forever. When I discovered you on the floor, I realized that my words alone were not enough. They're still not enough and never will be. However, I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on."

"You used to be able to read me without words, Syuusuke."

"I know," Syuusuke whispered. "I'm hurt and confused too. I've let myself and most importantly, you down by not taking you away like I promised. I'm sorry, Ryoma. I can't change the past, but I can work to fix the future for both of us. You have to give me a chance though. That's all I am asking."

"I don't have to give you anything," Ryoma replied angrily.

"Then why did you agree to live with me? Why didn't you just give up again?"

"I don't know. I thought that maybe I would find a reason outside of the suffocating room. However, all I can see when I look into the future is death."

"If you die, I'm going to as well. I took advantage of our time before, but I don't intend to make that mistake again. I lost so many moments with you. I lost the times where you could smile without so much pain, when you could laugh without the bitterness, where you could talk to me and not be filled with anger. I missed those times because of selfish reasons. I don't even deserve the times that I got because of what I did to you, but I still remember them. I can replay them in my head. And when I see you in this much pain…" Syuusuke paused to clear his cracking voice. "I wish that I had never let you go."

Ryoma didn't know what to say. He wanted to believe Syuusuke, but he didn't want to caught in the fire again. Those were the words he had wanted to hear, but his heart wouldn't forgive. This was going to be harder for both of them. Opening up to someone who had previously hurt him was no appealing. However, he knew deep down, that he needed a different future than the one he imagined.

"I want to try," he whispered.

"But you're afraid that you'll end up hurt again," Syuusuke finished. He looked deep into the blue eyes that were transfixed on him. "I am too, Ryoma. However, my fear is not going to paralyze me like before."

He pulled his hands out from underneath his covers to hide his face. Tears stung at his eyes. Everything that he had done to hurt himself did not just affect him; it had hurt Syuusuke too. Throughout all of his suffering, he lost sight of the others. He had caused them the same amount of pain that he inflicted upon himself. Ryoma tried to fight against the guilt that ate at him.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

"You only did what you thought was best to help you cope with the pain you suffered. I can't blame you for that," Syuusuke said gently. "I want you to know that I'm by your side from now one. Any time you need me, I am going to be there. I hope you can eventually trust me enough to come and talk to me about anything."

Ryoma didn't say anything at first. He was trying not to hate himself for everything that he had caused. However, it was a losing battle. Even though there was no accusation from Syuusuke, he felt like Fuji was blaming him for it all. The weight of the thoughts suffocated him, making it even more difficult to breathe. A soft touch to his head brought him out of his thoughts. He peaked through his fingers to see Syuusuke smiling down on and fingers running through his hair.

"Tezuka wants me to go meet Atobe. He talked to me about it last night," Ryoma spoke, breaking the silence between them. For a brief moment, he thought he saw anger splayed across Syuusuke's face. "I told him that I would think about it."

"It's up to you. I think you need more time before you see him."

"I want to go. I want Atobe to see what has happened. He didn't see me much after…"

He shuddered. However, Syuusuke seemed to understand what he meant. His former lover gave him the best hug that he could give considering that Ryoma was laying on the floor. Ever since returning from America, he hadn't been fond of physical contact, but he didn't mind that hug.

"I understand," Syuusuke replied. "I'll go too since it's what you want. You need all of the support you can get."

"Arigatou," he said.

"I've been meaning to ask, are you sure you're okay with Tezuka staying here? I can tell you don't like him."

"I-I don't trust him, Syuusuke."

"You don't trust me, Ryoma."

"But this is different," he said. He couldn't quite figure out how to put it into words.

"I'll tell him to leave."

Tezuka knew that there was a lot at stake right now. Not knowing the outcome was tormenting him. For everything to work, he had to put his faith in two unpredictable people. It was the riskiest gamble he had taken in a long time. He glared at his phone as it buzzed for the twentieth time that morning. The name of the person texting him had not changed. Atobe was just as antsy as him when it came to knowing if they were coming tomorrow. However, he did not have on. He tossed another glance at Ryoma's room. Syuusuke had spent longer than two minutes in there, which was a positive sign. It meant that his former lovers were conversing. It was difficult not to get his hopes up considering the length at which Fuji was absent.

Time seemed to stand still while waiting to hear the results of the conversation. Nothing he did made it pass any faster. The door slowly opened and out stepped Syuusuke. Once the door was closed again, he spoke.

"He didn't push you away," he commented.

"He tried," came the reply, "but I was never to give up easily."

"You look better, relieved. I guess the conversation went well."

"I doubt the progress I made will last long. Nevertheless, he told me a few things, which is more than enough for me right now. Ryoma also said that you came to see him last night."

Tezuka flinched. The anger in Syuusuke's last sentence was undeniable and barely noticeable to those who did not know Fuji. At least Ryoma had spoken to the other about the plans. He decided it was best to remain silent in fear of incurring more of Syuusuke's wrath.

"However, he agreed to see Atobe tomorrow. I'm sure Atobe is anxious to hear back from you. However, there's one more thing I need to discuss with you."

His throat was dry. He swallowed. "What's that?"

"You need to move out soon."

He could only nod at that last sentence, not fully comprehending what he had just heard. Syuusuke left him alone for the moment. Quickly, he reached for his phone and sent off a text to Keigo. Now all that was left was to put his plan into motion.

Syuusuke headed to the kitchen to make some food. He knew that the conversation with Ryoma was a good step, but it felt like a miniscule step compared to the rest of the journey that they had to take. Every moment, every discussion, every emotion that they showed brought them closer to their ultimate goal. Even if it did not feel like progress, there was still hope. Sometimes, it was difficult to see. Darkness often veiled any gleams of light, intending to smother them in its bleak look. If they gave up hope, then they settled for acceptance of how things were. He had no intention of letting things stand; and tomorrow was going to bring a new set of problems, for all of them. If only things would help instead of hinder his progress.

I can't protect Ryoma from the emotional pain he'll have to endure in this meeting. Hell, I can't even protect myself right now. I don't like the idea of it only because we're both so drained right now.

He sighed. No one could save them from the hurt they had experienced or were about to relive. All he could do was be strong for the one he cared for. No matter what, his mask couldn't break tomorrow. If there was one thing he was good at, it was hiding his true feelings. Although it was a terrible thing to be good at, it was the one way he could survive. He had experienced hurt, but it had never destroyed him emotionally. Strained, yes, but never destroyed who he was and what he stood by.

If only his heart believed his mind.

When they pulled up to the mansion, his heart beat faster. All of the memories tied to the place came flooding back, hitting him with several emotions at once. Ryoma hated this mansion. Even with all of the good feelings it had once brought, it did not outweigh the hurt. Being afraid of an object was a foreign concept to him. Even the times where tennis racquets and balls had kicked his ass, he had never feared them. This was different. Everything had changed for them. As much as it pained him to admit, this was no longer a safe haven. The mansion was no longer a place he enjoyed.

"Ryoma, are you coming?"

He looked up at Syuusuke, who was holding the door open, waiting for him to exit the car. He hesitantly stepped out of the vehicle.

"You know we can go back," Syuusuke whispered.

"I've made up my mind," he replied.

"You're so stubborn."

He let the comment slide and focused on trying not to let his fear get the better of him. No matter what, he was going to show them that he strong. They had discarded him before, and he was going to show them what a huge mistake they had made. He had spent too much time on them already and this was just to move on from this point.

"I don't see Gen's car, Tezuka." The iciness in Syuusuke's voice was unmistakable.

"Maybe he's running late," Tezuka replied.

"He's not one to run behind," Ryoma commented.

Tezuka made no reply in regards to that, but Ryoma was perfectly content without receiving one. However, he wondered if Gen had the right idea but not showing up. He didn't voice his opinion out loud. He knew that Syuusuke would force them to go home if he did. Tezuka rang the doorbell. This was the moment he both dreaded and wanted to happen. If only things would go right, even if it was only this one time.

The door opened, revealing an anxious looking Atobe. Their eyes met for a brief moment. The intense glare given to him was enough to let him know he currently stood with the arrogant diva. Even though he had not expected anything else, it still hurt. Dread for the rest of the meeting settled in quickly. This was not going to enjoyable.

Nothing had really changed; this would be another reminder as to why he had done everything that he had in the first place. Pushing those thoughts aside was difficult. They entered the mansion at Atobe's beckoning. Since he had last been here, a lot had changed. Drapes covered the marble floor to protect it from paint dripping from the ceiling. Every familiar feature, the warm colors, the pictures adorning the walls, and even the arrangements placed delicately on rich mahogany tables had been stripped away and replaced. Atobe wasn't remodeling, he was destroying the memories.

"Is Sanada going to join us?" Atobe asked.

"No, he had another appointment to attend to," Tezuka answered immediately. Ryoma and Syuusuke shared a look.

"Well then, we'll have to make do without him. Pardon the mess, I'm remodeling. We'll head to the study, that way we won't disturb the workers."

Atobe walked off. They followed him, avoiding the items left on the ground by the workers.

"You could have mentioned Gen not coming," Syuusuke hissed.

Ryoma rolled his eyes. Already it felt like it did when he had returned from America. No one trusted each other. No one cared to relay information, even the smallest of details. There was one difference between then and now.

I'm not trapped in that room. I have a voice again.

They walked in silence the rest of the way. Atobe opened the door for them, a surprising gesture. There were refreshments waiting for them when they arrived. Two couches paced each other, both with only enough seating for two. Ryoma took one and Syuusuke took the seat beside him leaving Tezuka and Atobe to sit across from them. Tension quickly settled in. Everyone seemed afraid to speak, but all wanting for the silence to end.

"There's not easy way to discuss these matters," Atobe started. "Everything we've discussed thus far has been more about justification and accusations. There are no excuses for what we did; we just need to fix them."

Ryoma raised a brow. Monkey King did not usually talk like this, ever.

"Atobe-san," Syuusuke spoke, emphasizing the honorific. "The reason we delved into the past was because we all had a issues with certain things. Yes, there were a lot of accusations, but they were justified."

"How were they justified?" Atobe asked. "We demanded answers for the actions, not caring how it made the other person looked."

"There is no honour or integrity in what we did. There is no way to make it seem like we were above the others. We all suffered attacks on our characters. None of it was undeserved, like the letters or reminders that you sent to Ryoma," Syuusuke replied quickly. "I'm sure he'd love to hear an explanation for why you did that to him."

He looked at Atobe, watching the various expressions flashing across Atobe's face. The one that stood out the most to him was the fear.

"I overheard a conversation, that's all."

Ryoma hated this meeting already. He knew that the answers weren't likely to come, but he had hoped that he would get some. However, Atobe did not need to lie to him.

"I want to speak to Atobe alone," Ryoma said.

"Ryoma, you don't have to. This is why I came with you."

"Syuusuke, I know you want to try and protect me, but this is something the jerk and I need to work out alone. He's had an issue with me that runs deeper than what he lets on. He won't talk about it if you're present. So let me do this one thing on my own."

Syuusuke looked like he wanted to say something else, but didn't.

"Very well," Syuusuke said. "I'll leave you two alone."

"As will I," Tezuka said.

Ryoma waited until they left the room and had a bit of time to get away before continuing. He turned his attention back to Atobe, glaring at the other.

"Why did you send them away? We're supposed to work things out together, brat."

"We're not going to get far if you are not going to be truthful. Honestly Atobe, when are you going to grow up? You're treating me like a child who wouldn't understand the situation, but I am not a child. I am part of the problem too. Things were bad between us at first, but we always made it work. After I was raped in America, you stopped trying. You gave up on me when I needed you the most. I sacrificed my family, my dreams, and transformed into a person I never knew I could be. All of this was so I could keep the most important people close to me. So why did you give up on me?"

"Because you gave up on us first," Atobe replied in a dark tone.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"You paid those bastards to rape you. You pulled off an elaborate farce. For what? So you could get rid of us?"

Ryoma stared at the heir in shock. How could Atobe think for a moment that he had done such things? After all that he had went through, it was he who was the bad guy? That didn't make any sense.

"You're talking crazy."

"I heard them talking about it."

"You mean the people who hurt me?"

"They didn't really expect you to betray them."

"I didn't! I was the victim! You can't seriously believe a bunch of low-life's like that, can you?"

"Then tell me the truth, Ryoma. Tell me what happened to you."

He took in a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. "Fine, if you insist. Do you remember that I flew out a week before the tournament?"

"Yes," Atobe replied.

"You know that everywhere I would go, the tabloids and newspapers would splash my face and paparazzi would follow me everywhere."

"But there was hardly anything on you that week. There was only a few small articles on how well you played in the tournament, but nothing major."

"And you didn't stop to think that it was odd?" Ryoma asked with a sad smile.

Patience was not one of Syuusuke's gifts. He kept pacing around the room next to the study, waiting to hear something from them at any moment.

"Do you think he's alright?" Syuusuke asked out loud.

"Stop worrying. It won't do you any good."

"You know how fragile he is! I'm worried that Atobe is going to do something stupid, again."

"You can't blame him. You know that he was in a tough position."

"We all were, Tezuka. We all were stressed out and hurt, but there's a right way to handle the situation and a wrong way. Atobe took all of his frustrations out on us, specifically Ryoma. What's worse is that we let him get away with it. You can't honestly think that he was justified in his actions."

"No, I don't think he is justified. However, I can't blame him either."

"Why can't you blame him?"

"Because Keigo was about to lose his company because of us."

- One Year Ago, America-

The plane touched down in New York, jerking the young athlete awake. He rubbed his eyes and lifted the shade to his window. After a long flight, he was back in America, back where he was going to take the title in the tournament once more. Echizen Ryoma unbuckled his seatbelt when the light went off before gathering his things. He stood up and stretched quickly before heading off of the plane. The flight attendant wished him a pleasant stay in America and he merely nodded before exiting the aircraft.

He expertly meandered his way through the crowds, careful to keep his true identity a secret. If anyone found out that he was here, he could kiss privacy for the trip goodbye. Waiting for his luggage was painful. It always seemed that when he was in a hurry, they would take forever in unloading it off the plane. He checked his watch, noting that the time was past what his manager was expecting. Ryoma decided to call in and inform his manager that he was running a bit behind schedule.

Quickly, he pulled out his cell and pressed down one number for speed dial. The phone rang three times before he heard the familiar voice on the other side.

"Echizen! You had be in the airport still. Traffic is a nightmare currently and I'm running behind. I hope you didn't go running off."

"Don't worry," he replied. "I'm still here. My flight was a little late and I'm waiting to pick up my luggage. I was being responsible and calling to inform you of the delay."

"Dear god, you must be sleep-deprived to act this kind toward me. You'd never do such a thing otherwise."

He scowled. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Don't play innocent. Just gather your things and meet us in the usual spot."

"Yeah, yeah, how long until you get here?"

"Ten minutes," he manager answered.

"See you then," he said. He hung up the phone and replaced it in his pocket. The belt where his luggage was supposed to come from started moving. He moved closer to belt to catch a better look for his own. Not that he had to try too hard. His was fairly distinctive, which was both good and bad. Oh how he loathed Monkey King for "redesigning" his luggage before leaving for this trip. Now he had to carry the most disturbing pieces in the entire planet. They were purple and embellished with so many jewels that if he stepped out into direct sunlight, it would blind the entire street.

Ryoma made his way toward the parking garage. He pretended to ignore the stares at him and his luggage, mentally cursing Keigo for the hideous new design. There had never been anything wrong with black, until he had met Atobe. However, it was those quirks, or as he affectionately called them, obsessions, that made them unique. And while he did not approve of the new design, it was a reminder of the people that he had left behind to compete in this tournament. No matter how far he was, they were always near him.

He rode the elevator to the top floor of the parking garage. The other passengers had gotten off at the lower levels. Hesitantly, he stepped out into the sun, hoping that his luggage wouldn't cause a plane to crash. He sat near parking spot 13C, the usual place he met his ride. Even though his ride had said ten minutes, it really meant twenty. He had so much time to spare that it was obnoxious. Despite being in a busy airport, it had been easy to get to his destination and he had made it with five minutes to spare. It was enough time for him to down a snack and some water.

The parking lot was empty, odd for this time of day. However, he wasn't complaining as the less people who saw him, the better. A car drove toward him. Instantly, he recognized the black vehicle and license plate. He stood, brushed his shorts off and gathered his bags. The trunk opened and he placed them in there neatly. He walked around the side door and opened it. His manager gave him a small smile.

"Traffic must've been really horrendous for me to get here before you," Ryoma said. He entered the vehicle and closed the door. Before he could put on his seatbelt, the car started moving forward. He almost fell forward with the sudden jerking. Irritated, he started to turn around to snap at the driver.

"Geez, ease up on the gas—"

The man was not his usual driver. Nor was his bodyguard in the other seat. Instead, a lanky man with a twisted grin was there, pointing a gun at him.

"'Ello Ryoma Echizen, so nice to finally meet you in person," the passenger said in a nasally voice.

"Ryoma, there's something you should know."

To be continued…