Sorry about the prologue peoples, I realize I didn't give you much to go on...that particular match will be shown again in a later chapter, fyi. Just let me know what you think, this is my first story. Barr none in my critique, no worries about hurting my feelings. Even I can admit I have a fairly large ego. Also for the first ten chapters I will be switching points of view between Fuji, Ryoma and... Kirihara? Yep so yeah. Also 3 guesses on who the pairing is, because it will be fairly obvious by the end of this chapter. Tee Hee XD
Chapter 1
Fuji pov
A young boy stood across with his hand outstretched toward me. He gazed with pleading golden cat-like eyes. His hair was in a black messy disarray. As the hazy scene glinted off his hair, it revealed tints of green.
'I want to grasp his hand but I can't seem to find myself. I feel so lost. That feeling, it wont go away. The dreams wont go away. He left me, that sense of abandonment again. He left, but he promised to come back. So maybe... maybe it is because of him'.
A sudden realization hit me. 'Yes, its always been him'.
I awoke with a start, to the sound of my nee-san's voice.
I lifted my gaze to the ceiling as I momentarily opened my eyes. I struggled to remember my dream but nothing came to me. Exhausted but anxious to move I shoved myself off the bed.
My room in itself is fairly plain. Unless you count my cactuses, and everyone does seem to. Seven prickly plants line my windowsill as ten more border my room in various angles. Nice angles might I add, perfect for inflicting damage. Yes, even I can admit I am slightly sadistic.
I rounded my bed and walked straight to my night stand.
Where I put on a bracelet which reads, 'smiles'. This happens so frequently its done absentmindedly. In truth, I don't even remember where I got that bracelet from or who even gave it to me for that matter. Its just there and when I put it on... I feel almost whole, but I don't know why.
Of course no one else knows where the bracelet came from, not that I asked them. Apparently I started wearing it after the nationals three years ago.
I did ask Tezuka about it once, even though he said he didn't know. His face seemed to contrast his emotions as it contorted in pain. I didn't understand, but a part of me reveled in knowing whatever the reason was, it hurt him. I guess thats why whenever he kisses me it feels wrong. He told me we have been dating for the past three years, but it feels different.
Whenever I speak to him I can't control the feelings that come over me, but I feel betrayed. Almost wronged, and though I don't yet know why, I know I will find out.
"Syuusuke, come down stairs. Time for breakfast." Yumiko said as she knocked on the door. As she began to open it she spoke again, almost hesitantly.
As if unsure, she paused mid- speak my name. "Syuu-suke"
I shifted my gaze from the ceiling to the door as I slid my eyelids closed to cover my eyes. As my temporary mask formed. "coming nee-san".
I stood and directed a smile at her. She lingered on the door frame, seemingly in thought. As she placed her index to her chin, lightly tapping it.
"I have good news for you, your going to be very shocked today. Which I personally wish I could see" She smiled at me in a way that crinkled her closed eyes.
"Cause how many times has that happened" She said warmly, truly contemplating my somewhat lack of emotion. Even though, its not exactly lack of emotion just an exaggeration of one...happiness. I walk around with a smile on my face, to ensure no one can see how lost I truly feel inside. I guess people can tell its a little fake. After all I havent been truly happy for the past three years. Its as though the thrill in my life and tennis vanished. I dont know why, it doesnt make sense. I cant seem to remember why though. Ever since that car accident last year, I feel like im forgetting something important...someone important.
"Thank you yumi-chan" I scooted around her towards the bath. She ruffled my hair as i passed. Momentarily making me feel like a child in need of approval. I sent one last fleeting glance toward her as i shut the door. I turned my gaze to the mirror in front of me, and slid open my eyes. 'What could possibly shock me? Even I can admit that lately my shock value is on par with the ever stoic Tezuka.'. "So what could it be." I murmured to myself, lost in thought. I coulden't help but sigh at this mystery. I turned away from the mirror to shower for school and morning practice.
Ryoma pov
I stared out the window of the plane, and I coulden't help but wonder how high up I was. It's true, traveling is something i'm used to, being a pro player, my job is everywhere. However I still feel as though this private plane is going a bit overboard. Im not even sure if it's called a plane, it's more of a jet. Whatever it is, all I know is i'm going really fast. Thank god motion sickness is nonexistent. When I said the first available flight I never thought his people would rent a plane at midnight just to have me in Japan by six in the morning.
"Would you like anything to drink, Ryoma-sama". A particularly beautiful blond-headed woman interupted my line of thought. As she leaned over me to place a drink in front of me, effectively showcasing her rather large...
"Ermm". I coughed. Or I tried to alleviate the awkwardness I felt. Considering I would never see her that way. I mentally sighed as my phone rang for the fifteenth time, in the past hour. I glanced at the caller ID and inwardly groaned as a huge monkey with a crown perched crookedly atop his head danced around the screen. I pushed talk and barked into the phone " What do you want monkey king"
"Wha- never mind that brat. Ore-sama wants to know why Ore-sama hasn't heard from you. Are you ignoring Ore-sama. No one ignores Ore-sama." My left eye twitched as the Ore-samas just kept coming in. I pinched the bridge of my nose as the rant continued. This is why I didn't answer the phone.
"Uresai Kei-chan"! I could practically feel the ice through the phone as he completely froze,and I could hear his brain trying to kick start itself. I smirked at that thought.
"So we're back to nick-names, ne, Ryo-chan." the self proclaimed king of hyotei replied angrily.
With my smirk held firmly in place, I fake sniffle through the phone. "Mou , Kei- chan don't be mean or i'm telling mom and dad. I didn't call cause I was sleeping. After all it was you that got me a flight at midnight to japan. And i'm still on the plane, in case you haven't noticed"
"obviously not brat" he stated haughtily. As I sent another fake sniffle through the phone.
"Don't tell mom and dad". He stated slightly deflated.
"I was just worried for you, he doesn't remember you. Of course it doesn't help that you were gone for three years and no one besides you and him knew about the relationship in the first place." He sighed, "I mean the only reason I know is because you told me when you did.. you know that after I gave you the specifics of the car crash yesterday."
Another sigh escaped his lips, "I mean I can't believe Seigaku didn't tell you, It happened a year ago" . He began rambling through his worries for his little brother. Sometimes I can't even believe i'm related to him.
Does he even know how much this hurts me. 'I cant believe I wasn't there for him, if I had known... well I know now'. What happened yesterday what that man said, it can't be true.
"Unless they're not waiting for you. I mean who would".
Really, who would? I just don't understand, why they woulden't tell me. Surely Eiji-sempai would've told me, or Momo-sempai. But for all of them to tell me nothing, i'm just not sure what type of reception i'm coming back home to. For all I know they do all hate me.
I ran my fingers through my hair and sighed, slightly pained with the words about to come out of my mouth. "Thanks, monkey king. But I need to do this. I need him."