Summary: Ryoma and Atobe were desperately in-love, just not with each other. It tore them to realize they could never have their heart's desire so they turned to the next best thing… an affair with one another. Devoid of feelings, succumbing to their needs… until it became something else. But what if their feelings were actually being returned?
Rating: It is still T for non-explicit adult contents. The explicit parts are still to come…
Pairings: Royal Pair. Thrill Pair. Imperial Pair, Perfect Pair
Disclaimer: I DOn't own Prince of Tennis or any of its character. If I did it would officially become a yaoi anime and well… use your perverted imaginations!
Warning: This is a yaoi story. It has boy x boy love here so for those who can't appreciate such thing you are warned. There may be some sexual innuendos here. Proceed at our own risk. Plus there is a major OOC here people. Read on to find out.
AN: Finals came to soon, to swiftly and too heavily on my schedule so I apologize (once again… T~T) for my tardiness. I'm also trying to determine the path I want to take in my life, so I've been really on edge.
Another matter has come to my attention. Although it didn't happen to me an author I know was sent a rather colorful review (if you can call it that) by someone who didn't like the pairing she was writing and who basically attacked her personality based upon the writing she has done. I would like to discourage such acts because it really degrades an author. I mean most of us have preferences, and if you don't like what one is written then don't read it. Reviews are for constructive criticisms, suggestions and encouragements for the author and his or her story. So Lady Monozuki, this is for you!
Wow. Chapter six garnered the highest number of reviews so far… thank you people for appreciating my story!
crazydeadbutaliveperson: Hehehe… that's a thought! Why the hell didn't I do that? Well, the team will find out… soon XD
Liila6241: Yeah, poor Ryoma. But I'll make up for all of it! Thanks!
Fuji 2.0: Finally a thrill pair follower. Most of my reviewers before voted for royal, although some did want thrill. Here's a chapter I think you will like!
Goku 5: No OT5 for me yet… I still can't make a very effective opener for that pairing.
Ryo: Another thrill pair follower? There is s sudden surge of reviewers voting for thrill…
Shikamaru's lazy twin: Here's a chapter for you. More thrill but no imperial as of yet…
Ryo Ryo: The pairing will be finalized soon. But I think I might pull of not telling until the end (hides behind Sanada coz he's not really included in this story yet)… I'm glad you both liked it. Thanks!
BlueNaruAngel21: No final pairing yet… wait and see ;p… more thrill coming up!
The 2nd Coming of Gaara: Yeah, I need to finalize pairing… huhuhu…
animeangel088: Thanks… and you'll find out in this chapter ;p
RikuxSora Live Wire: There is a major thrill pair moment here that I hope will satisfy you for the moment. Thanks for appreciating my story!
Seigaku: Sadly, I've yet to write anything remotely good with an OT5 or OT4 (though it wasn't for the lack of trying). Thanks by the way for loving my story!
Bunnywishes: Yeah, poor Ryoma… but he'll have a nice chapter ahead of him! Thank you my 100th reviewer!
Aya-dono: Yeah, you're 101th reviewer! My favorite was the airplane scene too! I really had to work hard with Kaido's scene coz he's the beginning of Seigaku realizing the real budding relationships. Thanks so much!
Crooked Mile: Here is the next chapter! Hope you like it as well. I kind of think you will like this one too… XD
12nothing: Yeah, it has really been a while… huhuhu… Sorry, no Atobe in this new chapter. But he'll be in the next one and he'll be back with vengeance.
ASW x0x-TinnKiTn: A royal shipper! Yeah, there really is a great scarcity of royal pair stories… I hope more people will write them. They are such an interesting couple. And yeah, Atobe would have little part in the next chapter… he's actually not in this one…
hyperdude: Tezuka's appearance is a bane in Ryoma's life… you'll understand after this chapter why its painfully so…
KanOne: Here is the update! Hope you like it!
tsub4ki: Well… Fuji and Tezuka can't be geniuses in love too… that'll make them too perfect as it is! Hehehe…you might just get a surprise in this chapter.
kat: Fuji's finally making his move, albeit subtlely, but it's a move nonetheless.
Nameless Little Girl: Thanks!
ichi nichi: And here it is!
Mirsama: I'm glad you like XD
And now I present to you chapter seven of Double Standards. Read, enjoy and review!
Chapter Seven: Living Out the Dream
Ryoma was never an early riser, and he was definitely not a morning person. The only instance that the young tennis prodigy ever willingly left the warmth of his bed before anyone else was when he absolutely must. So it was very unusual when Ryoma found himself staring at the ceiling of the room he was sharing with Momo in the wee hours of morning, especially since he had played a very exhausting, albeit satisfying, match with a renowned professional tennis player the previous day.
A loud snore emitted from his roommate, then a grunt as he heard him shuffling to another position. The sky was slowing lightening up, and within the span of an hour he knew life would be active once again in the area. He heaved a barely audible sigh, knowing full well he wouldn't be able to get back to sleep anymore. He threw the covers to the side and padded softly to towards the bathroom. Minutes later he came out already showered and dressed to train.
He went out of the room, out of the building, towards the vast grounds that nestled the picturesque rehabilitation center. Shivering slightly at the cold morning air he began doing light stretching before proceeding to run the unfamiliar trail. As sunrays began to illuminate the surroundings, making the dewdrops glisten like jewels Ryoma ran further, faster, until his breath became labored, his muscles screaming for rest and his heart thumping painfully against his ribcage.
He stopped for a rest under a shaded bench. He felt better now even if trying to catch his breath became a painful task. At least, with his heart hammering away like it wanted to run itself, he could concentrate more on the physical discomfort rather than the emotional ones.
"Echizen?"
Ryoma stiffened, and schooled his face into his usual bored, impassive demeanor. He turned towards the direction of the voice to face his captain.
"Buchou."
"You're up early," Tezuka said, standing beside the shorter boy.
"So are you," Ryoma replied.
"Ah… so I am," Tezuka agreed. He took a seat beside him and they settled in the familiar silence.
It was a comfortable silence. Ryoma, for his part, looked up at the older boy with awe and reverence. Although he didn't voice it out everyone knew how much he respected the Seigaku captain. For one, he was the person who gave him another goal to reach, the one that gave him a continuous drive to become better. His father might still be on the top of his goals but becoming better with each passing match was catching up in a very close second. And that respect, that veneration was what made his situation with Fuji all the more difficult and complicated. He love Fuji, he respect Tezuka. And so he couldn't do anything but to watch from afar, wishing for a sign and hoping for a chance.
"You've done really well with the finals," Tezuka said, breaking the silence.
"Che," Ryoma replied.
"Hmn… everything is a whole new level now," Tezuka continued. "You'll meet tougher opponents from now on. Yudan sezu ni ikou."
"Hai, buchou."
Tezuka suddenly stood up. "Let's go back to the rehab center. Breakfast must be already served."
Ryoma followed suit. They lapsed in silence once again; both looking like in deep thoughts. Ryoma stole a glance at the enigmatic boy, his insecurities resurfacing once again. He noticed he was trailing just a little behind his captain, not being able to keep up with the long strides of the taller boy. The irony of it was as he followed the retreating back of the Seigaku captain he can't help but think it was a cruel symbol that he trailed behind for Fuji's affection too.
***************************
Yesterday's outing proved to be useful, Fuji noted with amusement. Although no one got seriously lost as to enlist the help of the authority he made a discovery that he was exploiting to its fullest this afternoon.
Echizen has a really bad sense of direction as far as unfamiliar territory was concerned.
For the second time in two days the younger boy found himself unable to recall where he was, how he got there and how to get back to the others. Yesterday was okay; he had Momo and Inui there to worry about the directions. All he needed to do was to follow them around. Although he was a bit anxious, he knew he could count on his sempais, and their unplanned excursion made him relaxed for the span of time they trudged as a trio.
This time, however, was the best and worst case scenario as far as his emotional stability was concerned.
"Saa… I think we made a wrong turn somewhere," a cheery voice pronounced.
Gee, that's a wonderful assessment Fuji-sempai! You're really a tensai, how come I didn't think of that?
Ryoma bit his tongue to refrain from voicing out his sarcastic remark. Antagonizing the tensai would be like him signing off his sanity, especially now that he was entirely depending on the brown haired boy to find their way.
"Where could we have made the wrong turn?" Ryoma wondered aloud, keeping the sarcasm from his voice.
Fuji smiled at the attitude the shorter boy was displaying. It was so endearing, how he was trying to be all polite when all he wanted to do was to find a racket and smack him in his head. Well, maybe not really to smack him but he will want to when he finds out that the predicament they were in was all to his planning.
Initially Echizen joined the company of his normal partners-in-crime. Momo and Eiji flanked both sides of their youngest member, chatting excitedly at everything they saw. The three were almost inseparable, opting for each other's company than those of the others. It didn't seem like anyone could break their little group, especially when Eiji was hanging on to young prodigy brimming with excitement. But Fuji wasn't called a tensai for nothing.
Methodically, almost expertly, Fuji diverted Echizen's companion one by one. Eiji was first to go, having maneuvered the red head to settle beside his doubles partner. Eiji was, as usual, oblivious to the change. Momo was harder to distract, but more successfully. It took him more time, but as soon as the powerhouse became engaged in heated argument with the resident viper Echizen had no other option but to seek shelter from wildly flaying arms. Then all he needed to accomplish was to send each and everyone on their own world (subtlely) and what was left for him to do was to navigate the youngest member away from the group. It was an easy task, as Echizen seem not to care particularly with his surroundings.
Lured by the opulent-looking sports store someone pointed to him he peered through the massive glass window at the various items in sale. He had made a mental note to drag Momo-sempai and Eiji-sempai in this store before they return to Japan. He straitened to tell them exactly that when he noticed that it has gotten a little quieter with the two sophomores in their rivalry mode. He looked around and was met with the innocent smile of Fuji.
"Saa… finally finished looking?" Fuji asked.
Ryoma looked around frantically, trying to find the others. He coud feel nervousness rise up when a 360 degree turn resulted in returning to the smiling face of the tensai. Where are they?
"This is really fun, ne Echizen?" Fuji continued. "Yesterday you already had a small adventure with Inui and Momo."
"Where are they, sempai?" Ryoma asked, half hoping the rest of the team were just doing some practical joke or something. Wait, that was wrong. If this is a practical joke then I am totally doomed. It's harder to look for people who do not want to be found.
"Hmn… I really don't know. You were looking through the window so adorably I loathed interrupting you!" Fuji said cheerfully. "By the time I realized I should be informing the others that we're here they're gone!"
And now, Ryoma was once again lost in the streets of Munich, with the smiling tensai now as a companion. It was a busy afternoon, with the streets overran by generic groups of shoppers, bystanders and tourists. As they squeezed through a rather large crowd watching a street performance with so much gusto someone accidentally bumped the younger boy. He would have fallen, had not a pair of lean, but very strong, arms enveloped him.
"Echizen! Are you alright?" Fuji asked.
Ryoma could only look from the arms that tenderly enclosed his body to the pair of cerulean eyes gazing at him with utmost concern. His vocal enterprises shut down, and all he could do was look.
Fuji heart skipped a bit as soon as Echizen's eyes landed on him. Slanted golden eyes settled on him, and he felt for the first time he could see a glimpse of the real Echizen, the one that was hidden behind the cocky smirk and reckless courage. And he wouldn't mind looking at those expressive eyes again in the near future.
The taller teen surprised him again when, after the taller boy steadied him to his feet, moved his hold on his body to settle an arm around his shoulder. Normally, Ryoma would have shrugged it off the second it made contact but he has yet to recover from the rush he had felt to be in Fuji arms. So that's how it feels to be in his arms. I could totally get use to it. As they trudged through the busy streets of Munich, well aware of the arm around him, Ryoma felt his spirit lift and his optimism grow. Suddenly, getting lost with the tensai became a boom of his life.
***************************
The same could not be said a few days later.
Days in Germany were taking its toll on the youngest of the group. He tried to act the usual in front of his sempais but he could not help that his scowls were a couple of degrees hotter, or his glares were scaring even Eiji-sempai enough to refrain from glomping him constantly.
Momo and Eiji kept reminding their youngest regular to relax and take in the sceneries of Germany but Ryoma just couldn't find the enthusiasm that the others seemed to be exercising a lot lately. This earned him countless inquiring looks from the rest of the team, which was thankfully appeased by his ever-reliable mother hen of a sempai.
"I think he's just tired after the finals. Sanada was really a very tough opponent."
The others easily accepted the explanation, if only to have a justification to the even more anti-socialness of the younger boy. If they only knew the reason.
Ryoma took another sip of his ice tea as they sat at one of the many cafes littered in Kristov Avenue, their usual hang out place. He could see Momo-sempai from the corner of his eyes looking at him dubiously as he took a sip of his own warm chocolate drink, the same drink the rest of the group ordered. He ignored it as usual, not entertaining their silent query as to the reason for drinking a very cold beverage at a morning with the temperature at 60C.
The reason was easily available at the other table where their captain can be seen in deep talks with Fuji. There was nothing really interesting about the act. Tezuka had talked with each of his regular players one by one in the duration of the stay. It had started with Ryoma, and then proceeded to the other regulars. Fuji was the last one. Talk about saving the best for last.
It wouldn't have bothered the younger boy much but jealousy coupled with uncertainty and a lot of confusion was never a reassuring mix. For Ryoma, the past five days that they have been in Munich were all whirlwinds of uncertain overtures and confusing moments.
After seeing the two of them together again after a long separation Ryoma was pretty sure they were an item. But then Fuji would do something so out of character and make him hope again, for the nth time, that maybe, just maybe, he had a chance with the Seigaku tensai. Then moments later he'd do something that would contradict that hope once again. And the episode in their second day didn't help matters getting more confusing to him. He even went as far as to contemplate actually confessing to him. But no sooner did he decide to push through with his plan no matter how cheesy it might turn out to be, or how stupid he might look, everyone were at it again with 'Tezuka and Fuji are just perfect!' mode, with Fuji doing nothing but show his infuriating smile. He was getting tired of this guessing game, and Ryoma was getting annoyed at himself for hoping.
Momo was brandishing one of the tennis magazines he had bought during their stay to the equally excited Kikumaru. Oishi was worrying himself to hyperventilation and that assured the attention of the rest of the group at their table, along with the other occupants of the café. But even how he wanted the ruckus to be distraction enough he couldn't help but just focus on the two tagged players at the other table.
Ryoma saw Tezuka discreetly squeezed Fuji's hand from under the table just as Oishi almost toppled out of balance from where he sat. He looked away quickly, his hands fisting under the table.
Damn it! Why couldn't they just admit it already!
He took another sip f his very cold beverage, hoping it would cool him down even a bit.
***************************
"I really wish you all the luck Fuji," Tezuka said solemnly.
Fuji smiled at him. "I'm glad we had this talk. Everything ended so quickly, so abruptly between us that it needed to have some sort of closure. And finally we have it."
"What are you going to do now?" Tezuka asked.
"I'm going after him," Fuji answered quickly. "You should make a move too."
"Hmn…" was all Tezuka replied.
Fuji chuckled. "You're still too uptight Tezuka. Life is too short for such trivialities. You should grab every opportunity you get."
"And I suppose you now would?" Tezuka inquired.
"I've been keeping it to myself. I think I can now show it," Fuji murmured. "But have no fear. I will not scare him. Well, not much anyway. And I assure you that I will do everything in my power to make him happy."
Tezuka settled his steely eyes at the boy before him. "Echizen is just twelve, yet he acts mature beyond his age. I know you're a good person, but sometimes good intentions can help destroy a person. Please take that in consideration."
"Saa… you're like him Tezuka," Fuji observed. "You both grew up far too quickly than you should. But you two are too different. I know the implications of my actions, and I will follow on his pace."
"Ahh…" was Tezuka's only reply
"We don't need to hide our feelings anymore," Fuji said. "Tezuka, you do your best, ne?"
Tezuka reached out for the others hand and squeeze it reassuringly. Fuji gave him a genuine smile and squeezed back. It was a sign of a closure of an old chapter and the beginning of a new one.
***************************
They went their separate ways after lunch time. It was their chance to explore the city the way they wanted to, and after five days of roaming around with their resident encyclopedia blabbering about all facts he had gathered about the place; apparently, getting lost was a direct blow to Inui's know-it-all reputation and he was redeeming himself after he had thoroughly researched the place to ensure it never happen again, they already knew enough of the winding, picturesque city to get by on their own.
They had gone in small groups. Kikumaru and Oishi went away first, planning on visiting the pet shop they've seen in one of their outings before grabbing some souvenirs for their family back home. Inui and Kaidoh had decided to go together to the sports shop Echizen had mentioned to them before. They were looking for more effective workout materials now that they'll be preparing for the nationals. Momo and Kawamura went on a food trip, Kawamura intent on trying out European versions of sushi while Momo just wanted to stuff his face full of delectable cuisines. That left Tezuka, Fuji and Echizen.
"I'll be going now," Tezuka suddenly announced. "I have a scheduled therapy session in a few minutes. I'll see you at dinner."
Without waiting for any reply he headed back inside the rehab center, leaving the two tennis geniuses amongst themselves.
"Saa… what should we do then, Echizen?" Fuji asked.
Ryoma looked warily at his companion-for-the-afternoon before replying. "I think I'll be staying here for the time being sempai. I'm not really in the mood to roam around the city. I'd rather look around the grounds"
Fuji's smile brightened. "Then should we just head on to the gardens. There is a rather beautiful collection of plants behind the field I'm not sure you've seen before."
He didn't give the younger boy any chance to protest as he clasped his hand with his and pulled him in the direction he was pointing to. Ryoma had no choice but to allow himself to be dragged. Though inwardly he couldn't help the sudden beating of his heart, or how it seemed his hand fit with Fuji's perfectly. On a wild impulse he shifted his hand so their fingers were intertwined, half expecting Fuji to let go. But all Fuji did was squeezed his hand lightly and continued leading him towards the garden.
Someone could have been running amok along them and he wouldn't have noticed. All Ryoma was focused on was the person before him, on how Fuji was making him happy this one fine day, and he could feel he had fallen more in love with him with that simple move.
They walked leisurely for what seem like hours, basking at the beauty of nature. Ryoma kept quiet the whole time unless he was required to reply. Fuji carried on the small chatter, telling him what little he knew about the place (compare to Inui), how he saw everything and how he would have liked to capture it all on film. For Ryoma it was like a glimpse at the older boy's real personality. What he presented on the tennis court and what he was revealing now was different, and he had an inkling that the Fuji he was with now was the real one.
They sat at the gazebo that was overlooking an array of plants and flowers. Silence enveloped them, but for the first time Ryoma didn't find the quietness awkward. Everything just seemed peaceful and perfect, and Fuji was still holding on to his hand, fingers casually caressing his in a very soothing manner.
There were very few people who managed to wander this far off the grounds, and for most part they had the scenery all to themselves. For the next hour they sat no words were uttered between them but Fuji noted the relaxed expression of the others, the ever present smirk replaced with a small smile that he wished to capture forever. Maybe the correct time to confess is now.
Fuji disentangled his hand from its wanted confines. He noted Echizen stiffening at the lost of contact but he didn't show that he noticed. He walked the short distance to the flowers generously arranged in an orderly manner and contemplated for a moment. Then he plucked something and returned to the younger boy's side.
"You know, there is a saying in my family that has been handed down from generation to generation," Fuji broke the silence as he straitened back up. "Once you plucked a flower from its stem you can never return it. They said it's like love. Once you love someone, one must always regard it as forever because you can never return all the times you've shared."
Fuji retraced his steps back to Ryoma's side; holding on his had a lone cream colored tulip. He cradled it in his hands like a fragile crystal, admiring its beauty. All Ryoma could do was look on, unsure of what to do. He wasn't even sure what to say in this situation so he chose to keep quiet and wait for the other to speak again.
"Here Echizen, I hope you like it." Fuji suddenly placed the flower in Ryoma's hand.
"What…" Ryoma trailed.
"You're like that flower Echizen. Beautiful and strong. Pure and innocent. But there is something that is provocative no matter how innocent it might look. Like there is more to it than just plain old tulip." Fuji looked at his companion with for once solemn blue eyes. "Don't you think so?"
"Well, if I'm this tulip what would be you?" Ryoma asked, heart pounding.
Fuji's lips softened in a smile. "Saa… I'd probably be a cactus flower."
"A cactus flower? Why?"
"Flowers of cactus looked very delicate, because of the plant's protective mechanism. But under the wave of unbearable heat it stands out to endure it all. I'd like to think myself to be like that."
"I see," Ryoma said. "Wait, I have another assessment."
"Fuji cocked his head in inquiry. "Really?"
"I think cactus flower suits you too," Ryoma affirmed, twirling the flower carefully in his hand and avoided looking at his companion. "Fuji-sempai looks innocent outside but it's all for show. You're a survivor, and can survive anything that comes your way. I think deep down there is another you, one that regards himself as an outsider to the world and associates with only a few."
Fuji looked stunned for a moment at the other's assessment. But he suddenly grinned and placed his arms around the younger boy. Ryoma couldn't help but throw a startled look on the other boy that quickly shifted to bewilderment. All Fuji did was smile and pulled him closer.
"I think I've had a really hard time letting people in before," Fuji admitted. "It's not that I had a traumatic childhood or something. But I guess being labeled as a 'genius' took its toll on me. I didn't know if people were coming to me because of me or because I was a tensai. It droved my brother away from me."
Fuji turned towards the younger boy so that they were looking face to face. "Maybe the reason why I feel very at home with Seigaku Tennis team is because you people don't treat me any differently."
"Genius or not you work hard for your accomplishments sempai," Ryoma said. "That's the reason why you're well respected."
"Saa… thank you Echizen."
They continued lounging in the same position, a comfortable silence enveloping them. In the short time they spent together this afternoon spoke more than the days, weeks they've been together in the team. Fuji couldn't believe how easy it was to talk to the younger boy, and although one of the more vocal in the team, this was the most he had talked about himself with anyone in such a long time. Ryoma was thinking along that line, and for one who likes to keep as quiet as possible he never knew he could be comfortable talking about such subjects.
"Ano… Echizen…"
Ryoma looked up and met Fuji's startling cerulean eyes, their face just inches apart. He gulped, his throat constricting in nervousness and hopeful anticipation, wishing with all his heart that he would finally get his wish.
"I want you to know you're one of the few I've allowed in my life," Fuji murmured. "And I…"
Fuji's breath caressed his face, sending excited tremors throughout the younger boy's body. But Ryoma still waited, even if his control over the inclination of just pulling the older boy and ravishing him flitted constantly in his mind.
"And I… Echizen… Ryoma…"
Ryoma couldn't help it anymore. He pulled his sempai closer and captured his lips in passionate kiss.
TBC…
I hope you like this chapter! It took me forever to revise it because I seem to have developed a rather critical eye when it comes to my stories. Hmn…
Anyway, I'm starting work next week! Finally, I'll be earning my own money. But crossing over to the professional world doesn't mean I'll be forgetting my love for this anime. On the contrary, it means I'll have more money to devote on this fandom! And I haven't discontinued my other stories. I just found myself focusing more on this one, which I have mentioned a number of times already as my priority story.
See you all soon guys and if you have any questions, comments or suggestion, or you just plain want to say something please leave a review! I'll really appreciate it!
nicki-gurl
