Chapter 11: Disregarded Again

Little Falcon: Much to my disappointment, my body can no longer tolerate having sleepless nights for so long but that's not a reason not to update right? So read and review and my insomnia might return.

Standard Disclaimer: I only own the idea that's all. If I did own this series I'll be the happiest person on earth!!!

In her dreams, she had the most comfortable atmosphere- where she can be herself normal self after pretending to be strong for so long. The warm touch of his hand on her face felt like how she imagined it to be if he was really there. In the back of her mind, she didn't want to return… let me stay… just for a bit longer. Images of the sick old lady in the hospital yanked her selfish wishes away and forced her to wake up.

Slowly, her chestnut brown eyes opened, blinded at first by the bright light that greeted her from above. After blinking a few times, her eyes were finally able to adjust to the light. It was his handsome face hovering inches across hers that made her think if she was still asleep.

"Are you okay now?" his amber eyes reflected his concern despite the pretense of his monotonous tone. With his help, Sakuno sat up and held her head- an excuse to still her racing heart.

"What happened?" glancing around the empty meeting room, her eyes widened in realization. "Was I able to talk them into it?!" in an adrenaline rush, she was able to tower over him to wait for his reply. Upon hearing his short reply, all that show of energy vanished, making her body collapse on top of his.

Seeing her face began to drain with blood again, Ryoma immediately opened his arms- ready to catch her fall. With a loud thud, the two fell on the carpeted floor with Sakuno on top of him. Their face so close to each other they can feel each other's warm breathe.

"I…I'm really sorry about this…my body just," she was aware of the blood rushing to her face but what made her worry was that her body felt so heavy she can barely move it.

For a moment, Ryoma didn't talk… or rather he can't talk. He was so immersed with every detail of the girl in his arms. Her weight was just right, enough for him to carry and not make him grasp for air despite her full weight on him. Her waist was slender as from what his arms, which were currently around her torso, reported. Her scent was that of lavender was the only thing he smelled. Her long brown hair fell like a curtain around them but still he saw how mesmerizing her chocolate brown eyes were. The reddish tint on her cheeks made her cuter. He unconsciously licked his lower lip as he saw how she gently bit hers first.

Their close proximity made her forget about her own predicament. His unruly dark green hair framed his amber eyes. She prayed that somehow he didn't feel her heart ramming against her chest that was now pressed against his. His hand traveled from her waist to her face and slowly to her lips. The sensation was so unrealistic she had to close her eyes to make it disappear but it didn't when she opened her eyes his lips were already on hers.

"Sakuno-sama!" the secretary barged in and gasped to see the scene on the floor. Her eyes widened in surprise and her face immediately turned into a shade of a ripe tomato.

"No, Miss Secretary you've got it wrong. Can you please help me up?" Sakuno was t first to regain her composure and think of a valid excuse out of their predicament.

Her mind was screaming with questions as she tried to remember how to stand up by herself with the secretary's help.

"We need to change. You can go back to the mansion," Sakuno walked with little easy steps as she made her way out of the room.

"And where will you go?" Ryoma appeared in front of her and offered his hand.

"None of your business," she brushed his hand away and made her steps quicker. Her cold façade was back up after that show of weakness in the room.

When Sakuno was finally within the confines of the changing room, her fingers grazed over her trembling lips. What…what just happened… she felt her face again grow hot upon remembering each detail.

"Is she alright in there?" Ryoma who was done changing chased after the secretary that was making her way into the changing room.

"Sakuno-sama is done changing. She just requested for these," a first aid kit and several bandages were on her arms.

"I'll take them to her," without waiting for an approval, he took the supplies and entered the room.

"Why are you here?" she asked as her hand gripped her swelling ankle. Sweat trickling down her face betrayed her cool composure. She was in pain… great pain.

Kneeling in front of her, he gently pulled her leg over his and began the expert treatment. Sakuno showed no signs of disapproval as she met his serious gaze. "You're going back to the hospital aren't you?" his hands that never let go of his racket despite receiving powerful strikes were now tenderly wrapping her ankle with the bandage. Somehow… in the back of her mind, she realized how Cinderella might have felt when the prince was on his knees.

With her silence, Ryoma decided to continue. "You're not going anywhere without me by your side," it was not a request, she knew that but she can't find a reason to refuse.

The trip back to the hospital was again in uncomfortable silence. This time whoever, the two were afraid to look at each other, afraid to remember what had transpired in that room. The cab driver only smiled discreetly as he muttered something like "To be young and in love," under his breath.

There was a man standing outside Tsubaki's room. All the members of the Seigaku tennis team was nowhere in sight. This person is… as he lifted his head and looked at her she confirmed her assumptions. Tsubaki's…son. They had the same shade of midnight blue eyes but something about this person wasn't as gentle as Tsubaki's.

"You must be Sakuno. I'm guessing you know me right? Shinguuji Azuma, her son. I'll taking over from here so you can you home and rest," she had seen him several times in the photo albums and the old woman talks about her often but she never heard him call or even write to his mother ever since Sakuno lived in that mansion. She was in no place to say no even if she wanted to so without a word she turned and walked away.

His amber eyes reflected the malicious grin that was plastered on the guy's face as he saw her leave. He maybe Tsubaki's son but the only thing they have in common is blood. Ensuring that he sent a warning with his sharp glare, Ryoma followed her out of the hospital and back to the mansion.

The Seigaku tennis team went back to training it seems as the mansion was still quiet when they arrived.

"There you are," a middle aged man got up from the couch and welcomed them.

Instinctively, Ryoma stepped in front of her and blocked him from even seeing her. Coach or whatever… you are not laying a finger on her that was what his amber eyes quietly told Sado Kaname.

"What the hell is this Hime-chan?" the Ryuugan coach tried to reach out for her but the enraged Seigaku player grasped his wrist fiercely.

Blood almost ceased flowing in his hand as his grip tightened more. Pulling his hand back, Sado cursed loudly then walked out of the mansion.

"Why are you doing this?" she was completely lost. First, he kissed her then he protects her from her coach. You were the one who ignored my existence first… why…

Ryoma turned around and met her confused eyes with an honest smile on his face. "Sakuno…"

"Sakuno-sama, there's someone on the phone looking for you…" a maid called out from the hallway.

Somehow she was thankful that this moment was cut short. I didn't want to expect anything… so please… stop making me believe that you… "Excuse me," she didn't wait for her thoughts to conclude. Leaving him rooted on his spot, Sakuno walked over to the phone.

"…as soon as the tennis team leaves the mansion. You should too," that voice belonged to the person she met a while ago in the hospital. What right did she have to say no?

"I understand," her part being Tsubaki's substitute child was done. The curtains were closed… and she must leave her stage.

Little Falcon: Read and review please