Author's Notes: GOOOMEEEENNNN! IM SORRRY! PERDONAME! I apologize my lovely readers (if I have any by now), lol I did it in 3 languages! This is the chapter that I was stuck on for 2 ½ months..i wasn't really stuck I was just busy and lazy…sorry again. To make up I will try to get the next chapter up soon as well. There were readers that asked me to include more Prince of Tennis characters and I did, plus one more to come later in the story. ENJOY AND PLLLLEEEAAAZZZEEEEE ONEGAI, REVIEW!

Ch.6 All Behold

The queen covers her mouth and closes her eyes in an effort not to squeal. She places her hand on her hip and stares blankly at the floor. *I did not know Rena and Fuji would be at this stage already! Wait, they met today! Boy, these younglings do not like taking things slow anymore. *The queen breathes in an out in order to slow down her racing heart. She knocks loudly, "Fuji may I come in?"

Fuji stares at Kano and whispers, "What would the queen want? Why is she here?"

Kano shrugs, "I don't know, just allow her in before she suspects anything."

Fuji clears his throat, "Come in."

The queen comes in with a graceful smile and acts surprised, "Oh Kano, what brings you here?"

Kano bows, "The same question to you my queen."

"I am here to speak with Fuji."

Kano nods, "As was I but like that is done, I'll take my leave since I have tasks to attend to."

The queen smiles and returns her attention to Fuji, "How are you doing Fuji?"

Fuji stands, "I am doing fine my queen. It is an honor to have you visit me. Please have a seat."

The queen shakes her head, "Please call me Rinko. We are all family; there is no need for honorifics. I know how difficult it has been for you since your parents passed away. Nanjiro and I just want to be here for you."

Fuji smiles happily, "I understand…Rinko."

Rinko laughs, "You see, I like hearing my name once in a while instead of my queen this and my queen that."

Fuji laughs, "So do you need anything from me?"

Rinko nods, "Oh yes, I had almost forgotten, we would like you accompany Ryoma to the village."

Fuji's eyebrow rises, "The village? Why does he need to go there?"

Rinko sighs, "He has been asking us for a long time for permission to see the village. He says it'll be a learning experience and that it will set a good image."

Fuji coughs, "Um, which part of the village does he wish to visit?"

Rinko gives him a questioning look, "The closest, the northern part. Is there a problem with this part of the village?"

Fuji shakes his head, "No…there is no problem; I will accompany him."

Rinko smiles, "Thank you. I know he's a hand full but please befriend him. He's a very good kid."

Fuji looks away, *trust me, we have become more that that* "Yes."

Rinko plays with her ring, "I also came to ask about your date with Rena. How did it go?"

Fuji smiles, "It went very well."

Rinko cheeks flush, "Oh…I see, well that is all. Ryoma wants to leave soon so meet him in his room in ten minutes or so."

Fuji nods and bows, "I understand."

With a smile, Rinko walks out of the room and Fuji throws himself on the bed. He sighs deeply, closes his eyes, and rests his arm on his forehead. *What am I going to do about those guys? What if they see me and Ryoma walking in the village? I should avoid them at all costs.* Fuji sits up and does a quick scan of the room for his katana. He spots it but his eyes linger on the beauty of it for a few seconds. This katana which was given to him by his deceased father was his most valued item. It was beautiful; it had a black sheath with sapphire designs and gems on it. The katana's handle had black and blue laces, intertwining in a beautiful dragon pattern. With a smile, Fuji straps the katana to his waist and leaves his room.

Fuji knocks softly on Ryoma's door, "Ryoma? May I come in?"

After a few moments of shuffling and a muffled yes, Fuji enters the room. His smile widens as he approaches Ryoma, "How is it that you can still walk?

Ryoma blushes, " Bakka. Shut up, I can walk just fine. "

Fuji shakes his head, "I'm talking about your ankle not your butt"

"It only bothers me a bit, but I can walk on it."

Fuji sighs, "Are you sure you want to go to the village today?"

"Yes, it has to be today."

Fuji grabs Ryoma's hand, "why are you so fixated on today, you shouldn't strain yourself."

Ryoma's face flushes, "You worry too much…it is because the children's festival is today."

Fuji laughs and cups Ryoma's face in his hand, "That's the reason? Fine, but I'll have to carry you bridal style if your ankle starts hurting. You are so cute when you blush." Fuji kisses Ryoma softly on the lips and then on the forehead. "I can't wait to make you lose the bet."

Ryoma grunts and slaps Fuji's hand away, "Che' I am going to win and torture you until you beg me to stop."

Fuji licks his lips, "Hmm…the sadistic side of Ryoma, I like it."

Ryoma sighs and pulls Fuji, "Let's go Shusuke!"

Fuji's face flushes and he smiles, "Say my name again."

Ryoma lets go of Fuji's hand, "I will leave you behind if you continue, FUJI"

Fuji pouts, "Aww, no fun" and follows Ryoma out the palace.

They walk towards the entrance of the outer wall surrounding the palace area. Ryoma shakes his head as guards prepare to follow him out, "I've asked my parents for only Fuji to follow me. I won't need your assistance." The guards nod and go back to their places by the entrance.

Ryoma sighs in relief as he steps out of the palace area and raises his hands up in the air, "Finally! Out of that suffocated bird cage! Freedom!"

Fuji chuckles, "Someone is a bit too happy. Remember Ryoma, it is only for now."

Ryoma smiles, "Yes, I know but I can't help but feel so alleviated. "

Fuji smiles and looks back before holding Ryoma's hand, "…only for now, I'll let go when we reach the village."

Ryoma blushes and nods, "Okay…"

Fuji uses his fingers to caress the back of Ryoma's hand, "Did I ever tell you I love the feeling of your skin? It's so soft and warm, like silk that has been put out to dry in the sun."

Ryoma's face turns redder and he looks the other way, "Che'"

Fuji lets go of Ryoma's hand, "We are here."

Ryoma frowns at the loss of warm hands, "Oh"

Fuji's eyes soften when he see's Ryoma's expression, "Are you sad that I let go your hand?"

Ryoma fakes a laugh, "As if, come on lets go."

Fuji laughs, "Fine your highness."

Ryoma's eyes widen and his lips form a childish smile when he enters the village. His eyes wander around the area, stopping at every wonderful stand. He runs happily to the closest one and inspects the strange looking purple object. He pokes it and touches its smooth surface. Ryoma smiles at the man staring at him across the counter.

"P-Prince Ryoma, it is an honor to have you in the village today!"

Ryoma nods politely, "Thank you, I just wanted to see the village with my own eyes. What is this weird looking plant, I've never seen it before."

Fuji smiles at the man, "It is his first time coming to the village."

The man smiles, "This is an eggplant, it is a very delicious vegetable. It would be an honor to give you a few, Prince."

Ryoma shakes his head, "No, I won't allow that, I would like to buy two."

The man puts two eggplants in a bag and hands them to the prince, "Here you go."

Ryoma pays the man, "Is this enough?"

The man looks astonish, "This is too much Prince, here please take some back."

Ryoma smiles, "No, please keep it."

The man smiles and bows, "Thank you."

Ryoma and Fuji keep walking along the stands while Fuji answers every question the curious prince asks him. A jewelry stand catches Ryoma's eye and he pulls Fuji towards it. He looks at all the jewelry and finds a golden necklace with a chrysanthemum like pendant.

Ryoma holds it in his hand and shows it the woman, "Do you have another one like this?"

The woman nods, "Yes, right here Prince", and passes it to Ryoma.

Ryoma smiles and pays the woman, "Please keep all of it; you deserve it."

The woman bows and kisses Ryoma's hand, "Thank you so much Prince."

Ryoma walks towards Fuji and faces him, "Give me your hand."

Fuji gives Ryoma a questioning look, "For what?

Ryoma sighs, "Just do it!"

Fuji smiles and gives him his hand, "I'll close my eyes as well Mr. Bossy"

Ryoma places one of the golden necklaces in Fuji's hand, "For you…if you lose it I'll kill you."

Fuji gapes at his hand, "Ryoma…it's beautiful."

Ryoma blushes and looks at the ground, "It is nothing much…it matches mine."

Fuji puts it on, "Thank you, I'll treasure it as much as I treasure my katana."

Ryoma laughs, "It is not that valuable."

Fuji smiles, "If you give it to me it is. Do you want me to put yours on?"

Ryoma shakes his head and puts on the necklace, "It would attract too much attention.

Fireworks crackle in the sky, painting it blue, red and green. People in huge costumes walk along the center of the market street and sing to the best of their abilities. Men in colorful costumes carry around koinobori to signal the start of the festival.

Ryoma laughs happily, "It's starting Fuji! This is the first time I'll get to see the children's day festival!"

Fuji smiles, "You are such a kid at heart."

"Shut up!"

Some of the men walk towards Ryoma and Fuji; they grab each of them and pull them towards the parade. Ryoma smiles, "Wait, where are you taking us?" The men laugh, "To your rightful seat Prince." The men sit Ryoma and Fuji on seats being carried by six men, and raise them up in the air.

Ryoma gapes at the sight before him, "This is amazing!"

Fuji grins, "It only gets better."

The festival continues with more fire crackers coloring the sky and delicious festival food. Dancers entertained the Prince with traditional dance routines and amazing stunts. Story tellers retell the ancient story of why koinobori represent children's day and plays about the parade are acted out. They ate all types of food from normal bean buns to things the prince had never tasted before. They gave Ryoma a chance to light a firework and to tell a story to the village kids. Ryoma's hands and throat were sore because of his excessive clapping and laughing. Fuji didn't stop smiling at Ryoma's childish behaviors.

Ryoma and Fuji finally escaped the festive, stubborn men who had forced them to stay seated for hours. They walk along the stands and the dim lit streets with the parade behind them. Ryoma's beautiful eyes were lit beautifully with happiness and satisfaction.

Fuji looks admiringly at Ryoma, "You had fun didn't you?"

Ryoma nods, "I did, thank you for coming with me Fuji."

Fuji pouts, "One time please…"

Ryoma sighs, "Thank you Shusuke."

Fuji grins, "Much better." He looks around at the houses and he frowns, "I think we should go back to the palace Ryoma."

Ryoma's eyebrow rises, "Why?"

Fuji smiles, "Well it is getting late and I am sure your parents want you back home."

Ryoma laughs, "I am not ten Fuji, it is barely 8, I want to stay here for a while."

Fuji bites his lip, "Then let's go this way…"

Ryoma glares at Fuji, "What are you hiding from me?"

"Shusuke! Shusuke! Hey Eiji, Shusuke is here!"

Fuji looks at Ryoma, "Them…"

Two guys rush towards Fuji with bright smiles adorning their faces. One of them had silver and black hair; the other had a head full of bright, red brownish hair. They were both dressed with a sleeveless shirt and pants, as many villagers were.

The guy with silver and black hair drapes his arm around Fuji's neck, "Why haven't you written or visited us! We missed you!"

The red head glomps Fuji, "Yeah, you jerk nya!"

Ryoma stares at the three happily reunited friends, *Who the heck are they?*

Fuji smiles at the confused Ryoma, "Ryoma, these are my-

The guy with silver hair grins, "This is Eiji Kikumaru and I am Saeki Kojirou, Shusuke's lover."