Yahoi! Minna! How are you all doing? Great?

Sorry for the wait, as always. Holidays just come and go and school will be reopening in a week :( No time for my stories this round, what with all the activities and homework going on. Singapore takes pride in ensuring their students don't have time to play.

Anyways, much effort has been spent to ensure that this chapter is up to par and the same standard as the rest. Much as I tried to avoid it…this chapter may end with a cliffhanger. The supernatural explanation will come in the next chapter! *is hit by her impatient readers XD*

This is the second of my Update Challenge to be fulfilled. Requested by Fadey-san.

Fadey-san: Hm, you didn't ask for anything in particular, and I'm really happy you trust in my abilities to churn out something good for your request :) Enjoy, yeah? The reunion begins…

Disclaimer: All the Tenimyu actors are genuinely gay for their respective yaoi pairings! Yeah, like that could happen…

Warnings: Carried over, crack (a little), yaoi, OOCness if you see it that way…add more if you deem fit.

Story time then:)

The man readied his lenses, checking that everything was in working order one last time. He made sure the stand was stable, that the camera would not fall over should he make any accidental movements. He looked from behind the device to sweep over the sight in front of him. The photographer nodded in approval at the efficiency with which the staff of this particular agency had assembled the set with- speed, aesthetic appeal, and professionalism.

He gave a thumbs-up to the two people on set, signalling that he was good to go. They nodded in acknowledgement as they got into position.

"Ok people. You have already received the assignment way before, but I feel a need to remind you. Today's theme is 'Blossoming Romance'. 'Mikaroses' has asked for the portrayal of a teenage romance in transition to adulthood."

The photographer then turned his attention back to the camera.

"That being said…lets get started."

Flashes, more flashes, plus the snapping sounds coming from the main camera as well as from the few that were taking from other angles. The two models answered each snap with the movement and synchronisation of their bodies, already knowing which way to move without a single thought. It was more or less a pretty smooth process.

"Please tilt your heads a little closer together…yes…that's it…"

"Hitome-san…please follow your partner's lead…right…"

"…Ok! Time for a set change. 15 minute break!"

With that last flash, the pair on set could finally relax, exhaling from the pent up tension. In modelling, there was no such thing as an effortless shoot. You either put in more effort, or you put in less. It had been a rather tiring one, this shoot, and for a very large and important client no less. No mistakes were allowed, and it proved to be rather stressful.

"Ano…good job, Marui-san. I still have lots to learn from you."

Marui put his bottle of mineral water down, turning around to regard the speaker, smiling as he did so.

"Thank you for your compliment, Hitome-san. You did quite well back there too."

The conversation continued as the two fellow models chatted on about personal stuff. From lifestyles to timetables, to preferences and love lives. Other staff hurried around as they moved and changed the sets. And while they looked completely at ease on the outside…it was far from so. Jackal could vouch for that.

Hitome was a pretty and cute girl who was no more than a year younger than Marui. Her smooth and silky mane of the softest cherry blossoms was dyed, apparently. But, she was doing a great job taking care of it. The tresses flowed beautifully down her slim back, flaunting what nature had blessed her with. Not to mention she had a body most girls would kill to have.

Right, back to the conversation, both were chatting comfortably. Hitome was also pretty new to the model business and looked up to Marui as somewhat of a teacher and a senior, as well as for…other reasons. Womanly charms on in full blast, she made skin contact whenever possible- but of course, Marui wasn't all that interested, so he simply batted her advances away each time.

Outside vision: Two models chatting away.

Jackal vision: Hand-to-hand combat while sitting down between said models.

The fiasco that remained unseen to the general audience continued until Hitome was told to get touch-ups for her faded make-up. Only then could Marui happily wave her off and go back to having a well deserved break. Really, women were annoying sometimes.

"…Kuwahara-san, was it?"

"Yes sir. I was told by the agency to hand the profiles of the models you are currently working with over to you as soon as they were printed. The agency apologises for the delay- we have been having issues with the printer lately."

The papers the photographer received were warm to the touch. Apparently they had been rushed from the printing room. The man nodded in acknowledgement and approval, flipping through a few pages.

"Oh, no trouble at all. Those two were wonderful and very cooperative. "

Taking that as his cue to leave, Jackal bowed respectfully and made his way over to where his ex-doubles partner was sitting, shutting his eyes for a bit. Marui felt a piece of paper smack against his face and he opened his eyes, annoyed. Oh, it was his new timetable.

"Had to arrange a lot for that day to be free. But…it isn't often that we have the team together like that."

Marui scanned over his timetable, very pleased with what he saw, and was grinning the whole way.

"Arigatou, Jackal. Knew I could trust you to take care of this."

Jackal could only sigh. Why had he agreed to become Marui's manager again? Oh right, it was because none of the other managers could or would handle Marui and he needed a job at that time. Figures. No sane person would volunteer to take care of a professional model who consumed sweets like rice, the fact only serving to give the managers heart attacks as they feared for his health and their jobs. In the end…yep. He ended up being the one to 'take care' of the redhead.

"About…Hitome-san. Are you serious about her? Or are you just playing around?"

Marui's grin turned into a scowl at this point and he ran his hands through his hair in frustration. He then turned to check that said person wasn't in the nearby vicinity. He exhaled in sheer relief.

"That woman…is stubborn. I've told her like what? A hundred times that I'm not interested and she still continues flinging herself at me!"

"Then catch her."

"I don't wanna!"

xXEternallyXx

"Here are the completed reports. I'll have the rest of the assignments done by next week."

The superior checked over the two that he had just been handed and nodded, showing that he was more or less satisfied with their quality. He continued reading, then stopped suddenly, looking up. This one in front of him was one of the agency's star journalists, by the way.

"Arigatou, Kirihara-kun. As per usual, your reports are top-notch."

Said person bowed respectfully, then stood up again.

"Hai, arigatou."

"…You have a gathering this weekend right?"

"…"

The man laughed at Kirihara, having seen his surprised expression. Then he shook his head, sighing.

"News gets around like wildfire around here. Enjoy it, alright?"

With a nod, Akaya was off. He had knocked off early for the day and now had the rest of the hours to himself, plus, a nap sounded pretty good. On some days, all he had to do was simply to go watch those matches he had been assigned to write on. Then on other days, he had to rush a lot of assignments which required him to put on all-nighters. The ones he had just handed up were an example of the latter, which was why he wanted to go home and take a well needed rest.

Entering the door of his home, he locked the door and shrugged off the extra articles of clothing that weren't necessary. Akaya slumped in the sofa, willing himself to just nod off…but failing to do so. He had some thoughts that stubbornly refused to go away.

"A gathering…how long has it been since the last one…?"

He turned over.

Akaya still remembered how the last one had ended. It really…had not been a good idea to have a gathering so soon after Niou had gone. Everyone was still so weak emotionally then, even if they refused to show it. The blatant absence of the one that they had held so dear in their hearts did not help matters either, only serving to make the pain worse. That time was the one time the regulars had seen Yagyuu even close to losing his temper. His aura at that time emanated so horribly and threateningly, at least a hundred times more scary and paralyzing than Yukimura's ever was even in full blast.

The man didn't need to remember the details. It wasn't particularly anyone's fault that things turned out that way. Life was stupid, in a sense. To think that Yukimura had once told them what he saw Rikkai as, that one time when he was still hospitalised.

"Shikaku wa nai (No weaknesses)."

His eyes held no hesitation, resolve decorating them in a way only possible for Rikkai's captain.

That simple phrase was one each and every regular had dutifully kept in mind, never feeling satisfied if they still had weaknesses not pummelled into the dust. It was a continuous battle against oneself, as well as others, for that crown. Then again…there was never a crown to begin with- Rikkai's tennis team never had a crown to begin with. What made them the Kings, the undefeated champions…was but a mere reason.

What they had as their goal, what they continuously searched for, what they sought after even if it required sacrifices…and what they wanted their cohort at their junior high to remember for now and forever. It was simply the want to win, the drive to win. Sure, every team wanted to win, they wanted to stand at the top, who would not? But did any other team have their fighting spirit? Did any other team willingly sacrifice as much as they did? Did any other team seek out and go after that first place title like they did?

The crown King Rikkai wore was not made of gold, nor platinum like many believed. It was made of passion, sacrifices, the need to win, the want to win, and their progress as a team. King Rikkai would not have, or wear their crown if Yukimura was not there at the epitome, Sanada and Yanagi faithfully flanking his sides, and the rest of the team standing just behind them. A team could not be a team if any member was missing, and while it may not be true physically…it was true, psychologically.

The youngest member of the ex-Rikkai tennis team shut his eyes, all desire to go to sleep forgotten, only concentrating on his thoughts.

They had accomplished what they had wanted. The champion's title for 3 years running. Back then when even reaching out for a spot in the Nationals had been…a mere mirage, a distant dream, a horribly tempting illusion. Back when everything was normal, when 1st years did nothing but pick up balls, and 3rd years pushed them around. The Troika had entered Rikkai's tennis team with none of that in mind, because they had a goal. One after another, 3rd years fell to the extreme influence and purity of the power Yukimura held, a power far superior to them combined. All Sanada and Yanagi had to do was to stand by the side and wait, already knowing that this revolution would happen.

It was an unspoken promise, the first one the Troika ever had.

It was a cue to step up then, for the 1st years, who had once thought that even getting recognition in a club like this was but an unreachable goal. Yanagi, with his sharp observational skills, singled out potentials and Yukimura demanded that they show him what they were made of. And hey, he thought he should not have felt the least bit surprised when each of those members gave identical smirks, all too ready to prove themselves worthy of that recognition they had so wanted.

Time came, time went. Those once short and scrawny little freshmen, had now grown to be tall, lean, and well-trained youths.

The last shot, the last lap, the last burst of speed, all the way to the finishing line. Yanagi had said so, Sanada had said so. Yukimura did not even need to, his gaze spoke volumes. It spoke volumes…to the other 4 members of the regular team. Of which one was no longer there.

"Win…for its what we have been fighting for so far."

The unmatched passion was indeed fearful. Rikkai Dai Fuzoku was in a class all on their own, with not a single team even being able to grasp at their feet. It was with this that they succeeded in winning that 3rd consecutive championship title, what they had hungered for, thirsted for, for so long. They smiled, yes, the smile of the champions, as they graciously accepted the flag and the trophy, which marked their legacy. The runner-ups congratulated them, and all seemed well, with promises of meeting once again the following year. That they had better watch out for that crown might just slip from their hands… right into the waiting ones of a rival team.

Yukimura had laughed. To steal a crown that never existed in the first place…it was absurd.

Sanada had wondered at that time. Their captain had gone into the locker room to change ahead of them, and should have come out by the time they even started making their way there. Walking just a couple of steps ahead of the team, he pushed the door open, greeted with a sight that he did not know how to comprehend…nor react to.

The bluenette…he was sitting in the corner of the room, the very corner, still clad in his tennis uniform. The trophy and plate had been carelessly tossed onto the long bench. The proud green headband that the captain had been so fond of…it had suffered the same fate. Yukimura had his head bowed low, refusing to acknowledge that he was no longer alone in the locker room.

"Seiichi-"

Yanagi was interrupted, by a sob. His eyes snapped open in both surprise and shock as the Child of God finally tilted up his head to meet his gaze, as well as everybody else's. There were very obvious tear streaks, sapphire orbs sparkling…in a not so good way. Yukimura Seiichi, he was Rikkai's captain. He was the one who led the team to where they were now. He was the one…

…looking so vulnerable and weak at the moment, in full view of his teammates.

Akaya was the first one to shatter his mask, finally giving in as tears started dripping down, and he joined his captain in his expression of sadness and anguish. The remaining 5 members stood around awkwardly for a while, before Yanagi thought it a suitable time to reveal those brown eyes, as well as the weakness that no one knew he had. He too joined in the crying, hugging on to both his captain and their lone sophomore.

It did not take long before Marui and Jackal too started to leak…having had their resolve crumbled to pieces by the heartbreaking sight before them. No one knew about Yagyuu, and it was not until he shakily removed his glasses to wipe them as well as his eyes that the team realised he had been holding it in the whole time too. Sobs echoed around the room, and no words needed to be exchanged for all to know…why their weakness currently showed. Why no one was feeling brave at the moment.

Sanada had been facing away from all of them at that time, and he must have known then, how everyone was wordlessly waiting for him to…join them. The trademark black cap that had been tilted down at a concealing angle this whole time, was thrown just as carelessly as Yukimura's headband onto the bench.

This victory was not like the previous two. The previous ones had been full of accomplishment, full of happiness, full of pride…as the 8 members of Rikkai's undefeatable team. It was so empty, so horribly empty and hollow. There was a void that never would, or could be filled by anyone other than Niou Masaharu, the Trickster of the courts, Rikkai's illusionist. He was mysterious- their mysterious Trickster.

And it was then...that…

…everyone realised 2 things.

Victories were not necessarily happy events, or a call for celebration. For the very first time, Yukimura, Sanada, Yanagi, Yagyuu, Jackal, Marui and Akaya…felt nothing. Nothing at the 3rd consecutive victory that should have been the most climatic, the most glorious of all. It was the one that was meant to show that it was possible, possible to stand at the top. Possible to create a psychological mindset so powerful even Seigaku and Hyotei collapsed from it.

A victory...yet not one at the same time.

The second thing everyone realised, was something no one thought would happen, but no one cared at that point in time. They even hit themselves inwardly for thinking such of their vice-captain. It was on this day, at that time, that they realised…

…even the Emperor had emotions.

Droplets of moisture fell freely. In fact, freely over everyone's faces. Yukimura huddled the group even closer together than they already were, willing to allow this moment of weakness to show, a sign that this victory would never be complete. The sounds had long stopped, and there was only silence.

No…Rikkai was not crying…they were not. It was just the rain…the rain that had somehow managed to miraculously fall indoors. That was it, it was the rain…

All of it was in the past, a mere little memory that was worth remembering for time to come. Akaya grunted unhappily as he realised that he had been spending the whole 2 hours of his intended naptime thinking about useless thoughts. Might as well get up, then maybe try to sleep again at night.

"Niou-senpai…"

The black-haired man clutched his cushion a little tighter.

"This gathering…might just be different…"

xXEternallyXx

The brunette was typing away at his computer, in the middle of a report that had a tight deadline. 3 more incomplete ones lay to the right of him, and about 7 completed ones to the left of him. The poor study desk was quite…crowded to say the least. Not that the man cared much anyways- he was far too absorbed in his report typing to do so.

Amazing thing was…he had not needed to use the 'backspace' key for the past half an hour. It was a perfect report for about 10 pages straight. Said man smirked.

There was a reason he was Yanagi Renji, the one who played the near ultimate Data Tennis during Rikkai's reign all those years ago. While he no longer pursued tennis like he did back then, he still put his brilliant thinking power to great use. His job required much of it- it was a never-ending job after all, and it required him to constantly seek new heights and alternatives. It was a fitting job for one such as himself.

An intellectually gifted, or so he had been told. Yanagi had taken mild pleasure in watching his professors squirm and fume with silent rage and jealousy whenever he pointed out minor mistakes of theirs during lectures. It was truly amusing, the sight. Soon after that he graduated, and stuck to his job…which he unexpectedly enjoyed. Life was full of unexpected windows of opportunities after all.

"Marui has made a good choice this round, calling for a gathering…"

No mistakes yet in the document. A miracle, was it not? Considering he is thinking such off-topic thoughts like these…

"Everyone has had time to heal, or at least bring themselves back up. Data shall never be completely accurate, even if I am the one utilising it."

Still typing noisily. The document sure was a long one.

"A long time it has been too…since I last used the Data. The tennis that I constructed completely from scratch. There is a 70% chance…that something extremely unexpected will happen this round. Hopefully, it won't be something bad."

Having completed his thoughts (is that even possible?), the brunette opened his eyes just a tad bit to check over that document that he had oh so coincidently completed at the same time. He frowned at the minor typos that he had made in the last few paragraphs, knowing all too well that they could have been avoided.

He sighed.

"Hm…there goes my 'backspace-free' record…"

xXEternallyXx

The living room was still warm. The coolness of the night air had not yet set in, and the fact that not all the windows were fully opened weren't helping. Both occupants of the house were currently upstairs in their respective rooms, going about their last activities before retiring to bed.

Sanada removed the glasses that he only used when reading under dim light. It was late, really. Some minutes till midnight, and they still had a gathering to prepare for and go to tomorrow. The man smiled a little at the thought of meeting the old Rikkai gang after a few years. It may not have been that long, but it still felt like distance had built up, as it always did even though the regulars contacted each other regularly, be it through voice messages, phone calls, or emails.

The desk lamp was turned off, and the book that he had been reading for the past hour shut. Sanada's attention was directed to the illumination in the connecting room, a sign that his lover had not yet gone to sleep.

He peeped in at the door which had been opened just a crack, heart softened by the sight.

The bluette was reaching out, smoothing those slender fingers over the painting that he treasured most. He had said before, that the one he liked most was the one with the kitten…but only he and his lover knew the truth. Yukimura had on this gentle look in his eyes, sad with a dash of concern, as well as endearing. He had loved and cared for his godbrother much more than he led on- and his death had torn him apart in ways that would never allow for a complete recovery. To have found the will to complete the portrait…it had been a start. That he had finally put down a burden, that he had healed a wound.

Opening a cupboard, Yukimura looked thoughtful. His eyes travelled over the contents of a certain shelf, and that feminine face lit up in a smile once he had located what he had been looking for. He pulled out the wrapping paper.

His craftsmanship was a sight to behold. People knew he painted, people knew he designed. But not many knew he took an interest in paper art as well. The bluette had wrapped up the painting in the most luminous and mysterious wrapper that he had on hand. A midnight blue with silver bits here and there, a mysterious combination indeed.

Taking up a bag that had been lying at his side the entire time, he placed the present into it. Gaze shifting to his kitten portrait, which had by now been completed, he smiled. Yukimura picked it up and placed it into the bag as well.

"Sanada Genichirou. Perhaps you didn't realise, but a few seconds more and I would have called the police- telling them that you were stripping me with your eyes."

Said man jumped back, quite literally this time. Once again, he had been so absorbed in staring at his lover that he had not noticed that he had been noticed (pardon the lame repetition). Yukimura could only shake his head, putting a finger to Sanada's lips, purring seductively.

The door to their bedroom shut with a click, then the sound of a lock.

xXEternallyXx

"You look beautiful, Masaharu. Don't fret anymore."

Yagyuu snaked his arms around his girlfriend, whispering huskily into her ear. The result was a blushing lover and a sore cheek.

"Che, trying to flirt so early in the day."

Niou was once again staring at the full-length mirror, frowning at what seemed like a very dazzling ensemble. To Yagyuu that is. No man will ever be able to completely understand what a woman is thinking, even if said woman was once his doubles partner and now lover.

Yep, it was the power of the double X chromosomes.

Anyway, everything had been done beforehand and their plan was ready to go. The pair had really meticulously planned out today, and it would work. The silverette once again picked up her old hair tie, attempting to tie her hair back into that old hairstyle once again, despite having tried and failed so many times previously. Yagyuu sighed, taking over the duty of doing Niou's hair, much to the puzzlement of said woman.

Artistic it was, a way to put it. The megane may as well have taken the hairdressing course during University. Those silver locks had been done in the exact way the Trickster had wanted. She beamed happily.

"Shall we be moving along then?"

Marui definitely snagged a good job. His apartment spoke pretty much everything about his paycheck. The regulars had each thought more or less the same thoughts when they walked up the small path leading up to the house, in awe of its beauty, and the care that went into the design of its exterior. The interior too, when they entered the house.

Akaya had arrived first, about an hour earlier, simply because he was bored, and that he did not have a single idea what to bring for his share of the potluck. The redheaded host only sighed at his naivety and told him about a good restaurant he knew, and that his junior could go there to order something he fancied. The younger man had snapped his fingers in realization and thanked Marui before dashing out of the house. It made said guy facepalm.

Next was Jackal, and it was not much of a surprise that he was early. The Brazilian was not known to be a tardy one even in his school days and that had not changed a single bit even now. He was surprised to hear that their junior had been early though, and he then joined in the last minute preparations.

Then came 3. The Troika of course. Yanagi with Yukimura and Sanada just a few steps behind, each holding their food and a bag with their belongings. Marui had smiled and welcomed them in, quite impressed that they had somehow managed to come in just seconds before the clock ticked to mark that their meeting time was officially over. He had already placed the refreshments on the table, joining the chatter of the old group once he was done in the kitchen.

It was a happy occasion.

"How have you been, Akaya? We haven't heard from you for a while."

"Ah, buchou! I'm sorry for losing contact…I've been taking on more assignments and its been busy…"

"Did I hear right? Akaya and the words 'busy' and 'assignments' in the same sentence?"

"…shut up, Marui-senpai…"

"I see that everything has been going well so far. Seiichi, I presume your love life with Genichirou has been…satisfactory?"

"TARUNDORU! What kind of a question is that, Yanagi?"

"Now now, Genichirou…he didn't really mean it. But just in case you did, Yanagi, then yes, it has been…exciting…"

"S-Seiichi…"

"Hn?"

"T-Tarundoru…"

Conversations continued on and soon about 15 minutes had passed. It was starting to become obvious how one member of the old team was not yet present. It was only when Marui made a casual remark about it that all talking ceased. It was unlike the Gentleman to be late for something like this, let alone not turning up or making a call beforehand.

"Yagyuu sure is late…"

Yukimura smiled.

"Don't worry everyone, he will be here. He has replied saying that he would be joining us…"

The bluenette then hit his palm in realization.

"…and also that he will be bringing a friend along!"

Then, as if on cue to that statement, the doorbell rang, signalling the arrival of another visitor. And hopefully the expected one this time round. Marui all but ran to look through the peephole, whistling softly as he did so, the sight behind the door pretty interesting. It was a totem pole style formation at the doorway to the living room, Sanada's head at the top, Yukimura below him followed by Yanagi, Jackal, then Akaya. The group was quick to withdraw though, the moment they heard the sound of the door opening.

"Yagyuu! So you were coming today…"

"I'm really sorry, Marui-kun, we were held up a little by the traffic."

Hm…'we'?

"Ah…nice to meet you…Marui-san…"

And was that…a girl's voice?

There was only silence as the main door to Marui's house clicked shut and the sound of footsteps padded along the corridor, Marui's excited chatter and questions part of the noise as well. It was a slightly tense moment for the group in the living room. They had not seen Yagyuu in years…was he ok? And who was this visitor, who was most likely a girl?

Akaya gasped as the newcomers rounded into the doorway.

xXEternallyXx

Yagyuu still looked the same as ever. Opaque glasses that showed nothing of his eyes, that neat purple hair which was never out of place no matter what. Those clothes that never looked messy, and of course, that polite and gentlemanly demeanour that had earned him his nickname on the courts. Sure, the team was happy to see the member that they had not seen for the longest time, but their attention at the moment was currently being focused on the one beside him.

She was one really beautiful woman.

Just for this day, Hanako (Niou) had dusted on light make-up and dressed in a stylish long-sleeved blouse, with a matching knee-length skirt. A hairband was in place to hold her fringe back as well.

All in all, she looked stunning, even with her conservative choice of clothing.

It was a pretty automatic reaction, considering that everyone else other than the said person possessed a Y chromosome. The silver beauty that the megane had brought with him, was by far the prettiest one of the opposite gender than any of them had ever met in their lives. That smooth sliver curtain that was currently in a low ponytail, while bright, shown softly. A face that showed a demure character and gave off a gentle vibe. Eyes of the brightest sea-green, ones that seemed to tell all the others that this being would not hurt a fly.

She bowed.

"H-Hanako…Masahira…desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu."

The silence that had befallen upon them lifted immediately following that shy introduction by Hanako. Everyone immediately fumbled around for words to say to their new guest and only Marui, Yanagi and Yukimura kept calm enough to speak properly. The redhead smiled after finding his words, reaching out a hand and introducing himself.

"Marui Bunta, its great to meet you, beautiful."

Hanako only nodded, a faint hint of a blush decorating her delicate features with the model's light flirting.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Hanako-san. I'm Yukimura Seiichi."

Hanako only nodded silently again, smiling shyly.

Introductions went round and soon conversations settled in once more, allowing for a comfortable atmosphere to be set even with the addition of a new guest that none of them knew much about. The talk was mostly about work, and how everyone was getting along. The topics never really ran out, and one only stopped talking to take a sip of their drink.

Hanako was acting precisely like she did when she had first 'reunited' with Yagyuu. Shy and pleasant. Akaya and Marui even attempted to flirt with her (Niou suddenly had this urge to beat the living daylights out of them) simply just to see if Yagyuu would respond. Of course he did not. But then again, no one knew if he was thinking of homicidal thoughts horrible enough to make Sanada cry.

"Yukimura-kun, Marui-kun. I hope I have not inconvenienced any of you by bringing a guest."

"Not at all, Yagyuu. You did tell us in advance."

Yagyuu looked to the one sitting beside him, noting how she seemed really impatient, of which the reason was known to him. They had come with a plan in mind, a plan to tell everyone that their Trickster was back. Nothing was to stand in their way today, and so the silverette was just waiting and waiting for the chance to finally break the mask she had been wearing.

When there was finally a break in the conversation, a little gap while everyone took a breather or yet another sip of their drinks, Hanako pounced on the chance. It was now or never, and she needed to get the conversation going the way she wanted it to. It might not be pleasant, but it had to be done.

"Yukimura-san."

"Yes, Hanako-san?"

"I…I heard about your teammate…Niou. Was he a…nice person?"

Shocked and horrified silence met that question. Time in the room had seemingly stopped and froze everything in its tracks. That question had hit a very sensitive issue, and that left the regulars gaping like goldfishes awaiting dinner, completely speechless. Even Hanako herself had not expected such a response towards the question and immediately rushed to look like she had just slipped.

"Oh my god…I-I-I'm so…"

No one moved.

"Its ok."

All heads turned to regard Yagyuu, puzzled beyond reason. In those past casual meet-ups and gatherings before this, the mere mention of the Trickster would get him all emotional and frustrated. It had been an emotional burden that weighed down harder on him than most of them. Yet, right now, he had just dismissed it as something trivial and nothing worth taking note of. Was it good that he had gotten over what happened…or was it bad that he no longer felt so strongly about it…?

"Oh, Hira. I believe you said a little earlier that you had something to show Yukimura-kun?"

It was the megane's voice that drew the team out of their conflicting thoughts for the moment.

Ok…here we go. Let your plan fall into place, Masaharu, and don't disappoint me."

"Oh yes, Yukimura-san. I heard from Hiroshi that you like poetry, am I right?"

Let this plan start…follow my lead…

"Why yes, Hanako-san, you did hear right. I absolutely adore those verses filled with emotion and imagery."

While Yukimura had said that kindly in that kind way only he could, his smile was stiff. His entire expression was somewhat stiff and forced, with Sanada being the only other to know the reason. His lover was still sceptical about this woman, and how she had managed to win over Yagyuu so easily, and make him forget Niou just like that. It was just the ex-captain's way of showing his stoic boyfriend that he still did not quite like Hanako.

"Actually, I composed one by myself. Do you think…I could recite it to you and hear your thoughts on it? I don't think its very good…"

Yukimura made a sign with his hand, telling Hanako that she was free to proceed. He nodded.

"I don't see why not, please go ahead."

Its now or never!

"Your sapphire-tinted hair flutters in the wind

Your domineering expression, it never wavers

Your soft side that you show to me

Your proof that I am precious"

The bluette's eyes were open at this point- he was listening intently, in full wonder at the subtle verses being read out in that melodious voice. His smile was still there, just a tad smaller. Hanako's sharp eyes took note of it and she stood up to recite the next part.

"My apologies, that I had been so irresponsible

My dreams I shared with everyone, gone

My mind, my body, getting weaker by day

My promises, shattered hopelessly to pieces"

Yukimura could not believe it. This…was a dream. It had to be a dream. It just wasn't possible that he was hearing what he was hearing right this instant. Those words were just so creepily invoking his memories, ones that he would rather not experience again. It was funny how he could feel like that from just thispoem, but he did. All he could do was to detach himself from Sanada and pay as much attention as he could to the woman. This very mysterious, very curious, and very pretty woman.

"Your heart, you know who it belongs to

Your silent suffering, make it no more

Your crush, go on, tell it to him

Your happiness, let it last, last"

The Child of God had unknowingly stood up by now, towering a little over Hanako with his tall height. He was fighting to keep all his emotions under control, to not let anything show. No, the bluenette did not want to believe it, he did not want to believe anything! But…the evidence was right in front of him, so obvious, even a fool would have believed it. This…this…

"I've had my happy times with everyone

I've been showered with their care

I've come…to only have one regret left…"

As Hanako…no, Niou, recited the last paragraph, she had proceeded to walk a step for every two words she spoke. Towards Yukimura. Yes…this had worked. He had remembered, remembered all too well, remembered what had been in that last letter, that last note. Those deep blue orbs were glistening.

Niou walked until she was mere centimetres away from the former Rikkai tennis captain, speaking the final line, all the while making sure she had the man's gaze. This would work, this would bring everything together…

"The regret…that I would no longer be there…"

It was once more, a shocked silence as the bluenette could take it no longer and literally flung himself onto Hanako, taking her into his arms. He was also sobbing like never before, tears trailing down the effeminate cheeks. Hanako…Niou, hugged him back, enjoying what she had been missing for the past 11 years. The 11 years in which she lived with none of what she had now.

Sanada was jealous of course, but there must have been a reason his lover acted that way, and so he stayed still, not doing anything. It was still tense, the atmosphere, and it felt like they had hugged for a very, very long while.

Niou's gaze softened, burying her head deeper into her older godbrother's shirt.

"I've kept my promise, Sei-nii! I have returned, I have come back!"

And in case you guys were wondering, yes, the last sentence is spoken out loud by our one and only Trickster :) It's the climax of the reunion, which I have promised previously.

Damn this chapter is long…lemme count for a bit…hm…about 6340 words not counting A/Ns! OMG a new record! XD

P.S I wrote that poem in about 15 minutes...*is hit for showing off XD*

The Update Challenge will continue as planned if nothing else pops up.

Next up is ChitoseSenri-senpai:) She has requested for an update for Polling Results! XDXD We all love the humor, people. Do take some time to check out that fic of mine, a little attempt at humor.

A little note though, its gonna get busy starting next term where I live and updates may be rare, even though there is the slot list to go by…

Please Review! Reviews are the air we authors breathe, the food we authors eat, the water we authors drink! Don't let us die just like that!

Comments and Constructive Criticism please? We all love the 3 Cs! XD

Thank you very much for reading, will update soon.