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 are a major OOCness here people. Read on to find out.
AN: I'm going to be taking my board exam this coming September, so I'm preparing for it. Please pray for my success… I really need to pass this. This is the most important exam of my life if I want to continue to pursue a career in chemistry. Likewise I've begun working, so that is also taking a lot of my time. Once again I apologize for the delay of this chapter.
There has been a surged in thrill pair shippers and you royal people are getting outnumbered! I'm really thrilled that more and more people like this story. But I'm quite sad that sooner or later I'm going to have to disappoint a set of readers with the pairing I'm going to go with… T~T…
But truly, I thank all those who read the story specially those who took time to review.
Dio: Yeah, you're allowed such reactions… I'm really happy you like it and I'm also happy that I'm able to write a good royal pair (even if it's all still vague).
tsub4ki: Here's you (very short) royal pair moment. I promise more soon as I go more into the plot.
Binx23:Sorry, no possibility of ToFu here… But Atobe would have someone in the end, have no fear!
Sileny: Yeah, Tezuka is sometimes just too rational for his own good… But since I'm writing this in tune with the anime Tezuka would get the courage later on…
edenforest1: Thrill pair? That's a real possibility! ^^
animeangel088: Thanks!
hyperdude: You'll see something in this chapter!
2-D-A-N-I-0: It's okay, I've been gone too long too… ^^. Yeah, that was a tip of the iceberg. There's a lot more to come, and I will fulfill what I have written in the summary. It's nice that you noticed what I wanted to point out in that scene. Ryoma had his reasons for not making a move.
Crooked Mile: Here's the new chapter (ducks away in shame). I'm sorry it took so long. After I urged for faster updates… argh! Although you might not like this chapter the way you did the last… keep in mind I still love thrill… hehehe…
Mirsama: Thanks! Work was okay, review was hell! ^^
12nothing: Seemed like no one expected it… but not yet officially thrill pair (I'm mean like that).
Fuji 2.0: Yeah, there was a sudden surge of thrill pair readers… You're going to hate me in this chapter… T^T… But thank you for referring this story to others. I will try my hardest to make this even better.
Ryo Ryo: Thank you! Wow, you guys are really making my day!
The 2ndComing of Gaara: Thanks. I hope I won't disappoint you.
Shikamaru's lazy twin: Yeah, I know. Thank you so much guys for liking my story. I really appreciate it.
BlueNaruAngel21: Glad you like it!
RikuXSora Live Wire: Imperial moments are going to come up soon (most probably two chapters from now).
kat: I know imperial has been missing but I'll make it up soon…
Seigaku:Tezuka is really passive like that… there will be major Imperial pair moments soon (think about the Junior Invitational…)
Goku 5: I'm glad you saw that too. Just wanted people to see the reasons behind Ryoma's actions.
Ryo: Here's the new chapter (finally, ne?)
Blue Flame: Thanks!
ASW xOx-TinnKiTn: Go and shout out Royal! Hehehe… they're really overpowering you right now. But Atobe's making a appearance here so I hope it'll satisfy you for now. Sorry it's super late…
Liila6241: Thanks. Here it is!
kitten-dreamer: Hey, another Royal pair shipper (look above). Atobe's back in the picture, though for a little while. He'll make a full appearance in chapter 9.
SoulSister: I'm not too sure about the OT5. It's kind of hard to write… But there's a real chance of royal pair!
Bright-Kaori: You'll find out in this chapter… Don't worry, I'll do what I wrote in the summary. ^^
xSadistxFujix: Thrill and Royal are fighting neck in neck now… Yeah, I'm really hoping for more royal pair stories…
wackylou: Not official, but could be in the future… who knows (aside from me that is… hehehe)
rebeccasanfujieijilvr: Here it is! Thanks for the reviews.
vhevhe: Really sorry for the late update… the last chapter surprised me as well coz I wasn't really planning for it to happen. But the setting just begged for that scene…
ichi nichi: Surprised a lot of people too…
S-D-T: Yeah, you can vote for it! I'm glad I'm able to influence you into liking thrill pair… one of my favorite pairing!
And now I present to you chapter eight of Double Standards. Read, enjoy and review!
Chapter Eight: Just an Illusion
"You know what, I'm really worried…"
The regulars present turned their heads after the words were spoken out loud by Momo. They were on their way back to the rehabilitation center, having met up in a cafe from their individual trips before going back. They were walking the short distance to their temporary residence, chatting amiably along the way. And out of the blue Momo voiced a concern he had been harboring for some time.
"Eh? What do you mean Momo?" Oishi asked, worry suddenly visible in his kind face.
"About Echizen," Momo answered. "I'm really worried about him. He had been acting strange for quite some time now."
"Maybe…" Oishi began but his doubles partner quickly interrupted him.
"You don't need to make an excuse for him Oishi. I know you've been worried too," Kikumaru said, for once serious. "We all have been but we just chose to ignore it, hiding behind the excuse that he's just exhausted."
Oishi sighed in surrender. "Yeah, he's been worrying me too. What do you think is wrong with him?"
Inui was quick to comment. "Based on my observations he has been more… moody as of late. Tenseness is up in double figures, as well as irritability and anti-socialness."
"You know what he seemed… angry as of late," Kawamura added. "Angry and sad."
"Fshuu… that brat is really more trouble than he is worth," Kaidoh said in a rough voice. But no one was fooled by the viper's rough exterior. They would bet that out of all of them he was the most worried.
"He tries to hide it, and he is quite successful most of the time," Inui added. "But whenever he thinks no one is looking his disposition changes dramatically."
"What could be the reason for this?" Oishi wondered out loud. "Could he be having trouble in school?"
"Nah, sempai. Echizen wouldn't have any trouble there," Momo assured the mother hen. "He's good in classes and he's really popular."
"How about at home?" Kikumaru asked.
Kawamura shook his head in negation. "I don't think that its family related. He seemed to be troubled only when he's in the company of the tennis team."
Momo frowned at that. "Are you saying that we're the cause? And how would you know that sempai?"
"He and his family once dined at the restaurant, days after I started noticing his mood changes," Kawamura answered. "Although he has a quite bizarre relationship with his father they all seemed to get along quite well."
"I agree," Inui said. "The probability of a family problem is very low, and he seemed to exhibit these strange behaviors when we're together. When he's out with others, meaning his classmates, or when he is alone he seemed normal."
"Sempai, are you saying you've been stalking him?" Kaidoh asked his senior.
A glint appeared on Inui's glasses. "I would like to call it my 'special data gathering' method. To understand our strength inside the court we need also to analyze what we do outside of it."
A collective shiver passed through everyone's body with the statement. Not only one of them decided to make sure no notebook-holding, glasses-glinting data freak was following them around.
"Anyway, should we talk to him Oishi, nya?" Kikumaru asked.
Oishi contemplated on this. "Maybe we should wait around first. You know how… silent he is. If he still exhibits these troubling attitude constantly in the next few days then we'll talk to him." Worried glances were exchanged between the six but they knew it was all for the best. Echizen was silent at best when his personal space is invaded. With that in mind they all agreed.
***************************
A small breeze swept upon them, setting the previously stationary scenery into active motion. A shower of dried leaves added more charm in the already quaint landscape, flowers moving in tune with the breeze. It was a wonderful backdrop, beckoning a positive disposition.
Ryoma, however, couldn't really feel happy about the situation he was in. Being in constant proximity with him was bad enough; his heart thumped painfully whenever his gaze landed on him. Although he could still present a mask of indifference, he always wondered when it'll crack. It would be soon, the pressure was already mounting. And with Fuji sending him mixed signals he didn't now for how long it'll survive.
Currently his willpower was once again being tested. He loathed admitting but as he listened to his current companion share a part of him he rarely let an outsider get a glimpse at he knew he was done for. He loves him, pure and simple as that. Unrequited as it was at the moment, Ryoma Echizen truly fell in love with his sempai.
"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 kiss. Letting instinct takeover he pressed his lips against Fuji's, trying to make it known to the other what he felt for him with the act. A few seconds passed by and reason began to come back to him. All he felt were unresponsive lips against his, and Ryoma feared he had made a very big mistake. Fuji did not push him away, but neither did he participate.
He suddenly pulled away, blushing deep red. Ryoma looked down, avoiding the tensai's gaze, mortified by his daring. But as he contemplated a way out of the very embarrassing moment a hand moved under his chin, lifting his face so that he had no choice but to look directly at those deep cerulean eyes. The hold in his chin loosened and the hand wandered to the back of his neck. And then Fuji did what Ryoma had longed for.
He kissed him.
This time it was less innocent and more passionate. The hand on his neck soon found itself tangled in the dark tresses of the younger boy, taking control of the younger boy's head and guiding it gently so that he could gain better access of his mouth. Fuji trailed a moist path on luscious pink lips and Ryoma gasped at the sensation, giving the older boy the chance to plunge his tongue deep into the moist cavern.
The sensation was nothing Ryoma have ever imagined. Having a pervert for a father gave him knowledge of 'things' at an early age, and he knew more or less what happens or could happen during these situations. And as Fuji's tongue stroked his palette with seductive precision all Ryoma could do was release a muffled moan, leaning closer for more of the passionate assault.
Time and place was forgotten. For the moment it didn't matter that they were out in the open, in broad daylight, and anytime anyone could wander in their direction and be treated with a scene of two teens trying to devour each other. It didn't matter to Fuji that he might be scaring the other he was kissing. It didn't matter to Ryoma that the person he was kissing back could probably still be having a relationship with their captain.
Although Fuji always prided himself to be an extremely rational being the sweet taste of the smaller boy was making him forget all coherent thoughts. With skillful tongue he reduced the normally proud boy in a puddle of goo. Without thinking he tipped the younger boy so that he rested on his back in the garden bench, thoroughly ravaging his mouth.
Ryoma's hands settled themselves around Fuji's shoulder, encircling him in his embrace. Fast learner that he is he was soon fighting Fuji for dominance, eliciting muffled moans from the brunet. One hand traveled to Fuji's front, leaving feathery touches along his chest. Still not breaking the kiss, Fuji himself allowed the heat of the moment to dictate his actions and started to inch up the smaller boy's shirt.
But even with hazed mind Fuji knew he needed to stop this now before everything spiral out of control. Continuing would not only be highly inappropriate but very disrespectful for both of them. Hormones were dictating their pace, and no matter how much both of them wanted to continue he knew that at the end of the day they would loathe themselves for letting lust take over them and doing it in public. And he had to consider Echizen's position; he was only twelve; he could already hear Tezuka's warning at the back of his mind.
Fuji gingerly put a halt on their heated kiss, lingering for a moment at his lower lips. With his breath still irregular he pulled up, slowly retaining his sitting position. He heaved the younger boy up as well, giving him time to clear his mind. He schooled his features as best he could, trying not to alarm Echizen with his inner turmoil.
Ryoma could feel his beating heart slow down to a semblance of normalcy. But with the slowing of his heartbeat came the rushing of realization and color rushed in his face. His lips felt bruised, and he could still feel the hand that caressed his skin moments ago. Oh god, I almost had sex in the open!
He looked up to the older boy and any embarrassment he might have felt quickly changed to hurt and anger when he saw his face. Fuji was smiling at him, as if they had just talked about the weather instead of engaging in a heated make-out session. He was smiling as if nothing happened, when just a moment ago he had almost willingly gave his virginity to him.
Damn you, Fuji-sempai! Damn it!
"Ano… Echizen…" Fuji's voice trembled, his face straining to keep the hunger in his eyes from showing.
Ryoma didn't let him finish. He stood up and ran away.
***************************
"Damn it…" Ryoma muttered as he plopped himself to his temporary bed.
He kicked off his shoes and buried his face in the pillow, muffling his screams. When it did nothing but made him inhale all the dust lugged in the pillow he threw it as hard as he could, only successfully knocking the table lamp in the process. Luckily the lamp didn't shatter or he would need to come up with an explanation to Momo.
Nothing seemed to be able to calm him. So he took his recently acquired cell phone and proceeded to the bathroom, opening the water to fill in the tub. He added a generous amount of bath salt and pressed the call button to the only number saved in the phone.
"Moshi moshi! Ore-sama shall grace you with his fine voice."
Ryoma smirked despite himself. "Monkey king."
He heard an undignified snort from the other line. "Stop using that name brat! It is unbefitting of Ore-sama."
"Likewise." Ryoma turned the faucet a little lower and sat down on the tiled floor. "How's Japan?"
"Ahh… the little prince is making small talks today," Atobe mocked. "According to the plebeians it is currently smoldering hot here but Ore-sama doesn't really know if it's true."
"Because only the best air-conditioner for the great King of Monkeys," Ryoma added. "But you know, constant exposure in such environment is not good for the health."
A laugh escaped from the older boy. "Concerned for me brat? Ore-sama never knew you cared. If I didn't know any better I'd say you're falling for me."
Atobe was met with silence. If it hadn't been for the sound of the constant water flow he would have thought the other had hanged up. He waited for the silence to be broken but when Ryoma made no move to do so he sighed.
"What is wrong with you brat? You made no effort to contact Ore-sama since you informed me of your arrival there and all I'll here when you did call again is some gushing sound?"
Ryoma gulped audibly, and Atobe soon realized that the other was close to tears.
"You aren't going to cry over the phone, are you brat?" Atobe asked in a mocking tone, masking the concern he was feeling.
The younger boy straitened at the mocking drawl, precariously wiping the moisture in his eyes before they fall. "Am not, you stupid King of Monkeys!"
"Sure you aren't." Atobe sobered. "So, what really happened?"
He sighed before replying. "Something not really good..." and he proceeded to regale the older teen what had transpired just some time ago. Atobe kept quiet, allowing the normally quiet boy to get everything out of his system.
"So what you're telling me is that you got angry because he smiled?" Atobe asked. "Fuji always smiles…"
Ryoma growled. "I know, damn it! When I get back there I'm going to clobber you."
Atobe scoffed. "I'd have you arrested for assault brat. Just try to get something concrete from Fuji. You didn't even let him explain anything."
The younger boy trailed a hand at the warm water, contemplating. "Maybe… you're right. I guess I didn't give him a chance…"
"Of course Ore-sama is right. What you need, Echizen, is to stop being too naïve."
"Whatever, Monkey King. I guess I'll just have to confront him or something."
"You better because my love-life also depends on it!"
Ryoma laughed at that statement. "You're still too dramatic for your own good. I've got to go, my bath is getting cold."
He ended the call and set the phone on top of a cupboard. He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and he smiled at his reflection. He felt better after the talk with Atobe, though he would never say so aloud.
"Guess having someone to talk to does really help…"
He lay in the tub, the warm water soothing his frayed nerves. He closed his eyes, savoring the warmth of the water and the refreshing scent of the bath salt he had added earlier. Atobe is right. I'm thinking too much about it that I'm beginning to close my mind to any other possibilities. Maybe Fuji-sempai just really doesn't know how to react in the moment. What had happened earlier is an indication that I do have a chance.
He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling, not really seeing the white-painted ceiling. Instead he saw vivid blue eyes staring at him intensely…
"I'm going to tell him my feelings…"
***************************
Fuji sat on his bed, head bowed; a lone and solitary figure. The others have yet to come back from their excursion, giving him some time to de-masked himself and think things through. He had been sitting there since coming back from the garden, confused and a little hurt. He sighed, raking a hand through his hair as he contemplated what had happened earlier.
"What are you thinking Echizen?" Fuji muttered under his breath.
Getting nowhere in his contemplation he sighed again and allowed his body to fall on the bed so that he was half lying on it. He raised his hand above his face, as if trying to find the answer from his long, elegant fingertips.
"Maybe I scared him too much" Fuji drawled. "Damn hormones…"
As soon as he cleared his head after their make-out session Fuji didn't know how to proceed with the younger boy. For someone who acts really mature Fuji knew Echizen was still a young boy, and it never occurred to him that maybe he might have appreciated such straightforward actions rather than vague implications.
"I'm such an idiot. I shouldn't have allowed it to happen too fast," Fuji continued to berate himself. "How am I going to fix this?"
I need to talk to him and explain. Maybe if I finally tell him I'm in love with him he'll understand my actions better.
He stood, deciding to find the younger boy now when everyone was still out. He picked the keys to the room and proceeded towards the door. As soon as he opened it he was surprised to see someone poised to knock in it.
***************************
Ryoma closed the door softly, being mindful of the occupants of the other rooms. He slipped the keys in his pocket. He started walking, optimism radiating from his form. He was finally going to confess, for the first time in his life, and he was hopeful everything would turn out well in the end.
He walked slowly, giving himself some time to formulate in his head a dialogue he might use in confessing. I saw one in the drama Nanako had been watching recently... nah. That's too cheesy. Or maybe… no, no, no! I don't want him to think of me as a sex object! Stupid perverted old man…
He stopped for a moment and sighed. I'll just say it. How hard can it be?"
He straightened out with new resolve. He continued to make his way. Fuji and Kawamura's room was situated just as the corridor forks to the right; he wasn't really sure if Fuji would be there but he was taking a chance.
Just as he made the turn towards the corridor where the room was he did a double take, seeing their captain about to knock at the door of the room. Before he could do so the door opened suddenly and in went Tezuka. The door softly closed, but not before he saw a glimpse of the honey-colored hair he knew so well.
Ryoma frowned, but drove the unpleasant feeling away. It wouldn't do to doubt now, not when he was moments away from finally confessing. There are many viable reasons why their captain went in to visit Fuji, it doesn't have to mean they were in a relationship.
"Yeah, that's the spirit Ryoma," he said to himself.
He stood just before the turn, waiting for Tezuka to come out. About ten minutes later Ryoma stood in attention when the door suddenly opened a little, though still not fully. Voices flitted to where he stood, but he didn't pay attention until he heard his name.
What?
"You know how young he still is, he must have misunderstood you."
What is Tezuka-buchou talking about?
"I know. He thinks I'm into him that way. But I'm really not, not that way anyway."
I must be having problem in my hearing.
"Thank you Kunimitsu. I don't know what I would do without you."
Eh? What is happening here?
The door opened further, giving Ryoma a good view of the two. He stole a glance at their way while trying to reassure himself that there was nothing out of the ordinary happening between the two. What he saw was a concerned look in their captain's normally passive face and a small smile in tensai's face unlike any smile he has given to others.
"Nothing to it Syuusuke. Isn't that what boyfriends are for?"
Before Ryoma could even mull over the whole first-name basis thing and the term 'boyfriends' slender hands reached over the taller teens face and pulled him down to his eye level. Ryoma suddenly looked away, retreating quickly before any of the two see him. He ran away with no destination in his mind. He just wandered out, as far away as his feet could take him.
But a few minutes later, as he reached the outskirts of the rehabilitation center his breath hitched painfully and he stopped behind a building, trying to get as much air in his system as he could. He wondered why he was experiencing short breaths; he was an athlete for goodness sake. But then his hand reached up to his face and felt damp streaks running both his cheeks and he realized he was crying.
"Damn it to hell…" Ryoma muttered, wiping away the tears angrily. "Damn it all…shit…" Unreleased sobs rocked his whole visage.
He finally succumbed to the need and sat down with knees drawn up, his face buried in his hands as he sobbed his heart out.
***************************
"I just want to return this…" Tezuka trailed as he looked at the person who opened the door. "What happened to you Syuusuke?"
Caught off guard Tezuka slipped naturally to the familiar way of addressing the other teen. Fuji just moved out of the way, silently indicating him to enter the room. Tezuka did so with caution, clearly bewildered at the pained expression of the other. His mask was up, but being with the tensai for a year had given him the ability to read him quite well.
"Saa… Hello Kunimitsu," Fuji greeted, following up the familiar address. "What brought you here?"
Tezuka answered carefully. "I just wanted to return this book to you," he said, handing him a medium size paperback. "What's wrong?"
Fuji was tempted to lie. He didn't want anyone to know what has happened, what he had done. But as he looked at Tezuka's sympathetic eyes, his stoic mask for once not in place, he found himself spilling out earlier events.
"I know I might have rushed thing a little more than I should… and right after you warned me too." And he proceeded to regale to him his problem.
After he was finished talking Fuji glanced at his former boyfriend sadly before setting his gaze to the window towards the horizon. Tezuka was trying to digest the whole story and givean advice to his friend.
"You know, most people forget he's just a kid. You're not immune to that Syuusuke," Tezuka said. "You just need to make it clear to him what your real intentions are."
"I will. It's just… everything happened so fast…" Fuji raked his hand through hair in frustration. "He might think I'm only after his body or something. That I just want pleasure and not a relationship."
"The thing is you've never really interacted with him in a familiar way," Tezuka concluded. "I mean you've never really related to him outside the club, not like Momoshiro and Kikumaru. Maybe that is why the transition to mere acquaintance to lovers is proving to be a hard one."
Fuji's eyes shot open upon the realization. "You're right. I never really…"
"Don't worry too much about it," Tezuka cut him soothingly. "It'll all work out. All of this is just a big misunderstanding."
Fuji gave him one of his genuine smiles. "You're just here to return a book and you get all these in return… sorry for burdening you with my problems… seems like when it comes to him I often become clumsy."
"As you should be. He's someone really special to you, isn't he?"
"Yeah, that he is…" Fuji drawled wistfully. "And not as someone just for fun. Echizen is really special."
Tezuka reached out to open the door. He paused for a moment to reply.
"You know how young he still is, he must have misunderstood you," Tezuka further added.
"I know. He thinks I'm into him that way. But I'm really not, not that way anyway," Fuji declared. "Thank you Kunimitsu. I don't know what I would do without you."
"Nothing to it Syuusuke. Isn't that what boyfriends are for?" Tezuka asked, referring to his former position in Fuji's life.
Fuji felt lighter after the talk. On impulse he reached up and placed a small peck on the taller teen's lips, a kiss of gratitude to the person whom he had shared a past with, whom he feels completely comfortable with, and whom he was grateful at the moment. Tezuka nodded in return and made his way back to his own room.
TBC…
Waah!!! This chapter is totally so difficult to do. The turning point of the story, andI can't write it really well… huhuhu… I wanted to give both side's perspectives. Also, the kissing scene was hard to write because I'm not really good at those things. I love reading them… I just can't seem to write them properly… Please forgive all grammatical and spelling errors and all the OOCness of this chapter.
Please forgive my tardiness… I'm really sorry. I'll make it up to you when my board exam is finish. I'm thinking of doing major revisions on my stories to correct all the mistakes and make it better. Also, I'm looking for someone who would like to do a collaboration fic with me. I have a thrill pair story in my mind but it's kind of angsty, and no matter how much I try I can't write angst really well… If you're interested please contact me.
I also want to re-activate Ryoma-pairing communities out there (or create a new one with you people). I want more Ryoma pairings (but no Sakuno…) and I noticed the reason why there are a lot of perfect pair stories out there is that they have a very active community. Feel free to contact me via FFnet, my email kpapercutc(at) yahoo . com or you can also find me in Facebook. Just type in my other email add, mkc-garcia(at)live. com .ph (just remove all the spaces)
Enjoy the chapter! Any comments, suggestions or whatever please feel free to review. Till next chapter!
nicki-gurl
