As always, thank you so much for reading this far! :D I can't see the end yet, but I hope to see you all (with more) in there hahah. Anyway, please don't hesitate to leave your comments, thoughts, reviews, crits, rants, etc, etc, on the box below the chapter! Reading them is my main source of happiness as a fanfiction writer. ;)
WARNING: Minimal sensual pair moments, if any. xD Gomen, gomen. It's still the official pair of the story of course. ;)
And I'm currently working (very slowly) on the story's new coverimage! Look forward to it, my loves!
DISCLAIMER: I WISH I Own Prince of Tennis
…
CHAPTER XXIII: Slumber
SANADA RESIDENCE
"Are you sure this is all you want?"
Sanada asked as he placed a cup of tea at her side. He sat beside her and followed her line of sight. Ryoma decided to stay for a while longer, ensuring she had informed her mother. So then they were currently watching the two cats from afar and at an angle where they wouldn't be seen and hopefully Karupin would not sense them there.
He stole glimpses of her then and again. She was now wearing a simple yukata his grandmother lent as they dried up her clothes. She looked beautiful, and that was an understatement.
However, as beautiful as she was…, she was unhappy. He continued to stare her as her hands moved to raise the cup to her level. He narrowed his eyes at the fact that her hand was shaking. She was trying to hide it—but it was impossible.
She was in pain.
And her fiancé wasn't even there with her.
"Are you sure you do not want to tell this to Yukimura?" He said and she nodded. "He'd be disappointed in both of us."
"I don't care." She said. "I don't want him to… see me… like this."
He dismissed the feeling of happiness at the fact that he was seeing sides of her that Yukimura wasn't allowed to see. But the more rational part of him knew better and he frowned at her. "That's an idiotic thing to say."
"Wow, that helps." She said sarcastically without looking at him. In fact, she hadn't looked at him directly ever since her moment with the Himalayan.
"This is now how you want your relationship to be, Reina."
She smirked. "You sure know a lot about relationships, Sanada."
"I have not experienced it yet, but one would know when one would think."
"You implying I'm an idiot?"
"I already said it explicitly." She frowned and didn't say anything else. "You might have been his bodyguard but you are his lover. Showing him your weaknesses isn't a bad thing. In fact showing it to somebody else beside him is considered infidel."
"What?"
Okay. Infidel was a heavy word. "Just tell him, Reina."
She stared at him and saw he was dead serious. She looked down, and then to the grass, and lifted out her mobile phone. She heaved a sigh before finally pressing any buttons. But she paused, as if feeling something, and she lifted her head to stare at where they were looking at prior. That was, the cats.
Drip
Drop
Drip
Drop
"It's raining." She said and stood up. Sanada held her hand and gently pulled it down, silently telling her not to go and drench herself in the rain again.
"I'll go get an umbrella."
"That's not quite my point." He said and stood up with her, seeing as she had no plans on backing down. "It rained earlier and they refused to leave." He said. "It's better to just leave them there."
She looked at them again, but this time in a longer duration. Her squinted eyes, one moment, turned wide. He pulled her back, as she was gesturing to run. This time she didn't speak immediately and pointed at the cats.
"Look, Sanada!" She yelled. "H-He's no longer moving." He whipped his head to that direction and saw that she was telling the truth. She took advantage of the loosening of his hold and she ran to the cats—without an umbrella.
He glared. 'that idiot!' He said, nevertheless running with her. He was running and as he moved he caught a glimpse of her calling her friend's name and scooping him up from the muddy grass without a second thought.
And she cried, embracing its body as gently yet hard as if its heart would start beating.
And yet in the end, he, Sanada Genichiro could only stand there like a useless man—frozen at the sight of a girl in terrifying pain.
He wanted to melt. He really did.
…
Click
Pale hands clicked open his mobile phone and stayed there for a while. He looked at his wallpaper, and smiled.
It was Reina inside his garden. A stolen picture, but any picture of her was beautiful. For some reason he wanted to look at it, more than usual, and the usual was already bordering that of obsessiveness so that was saying something.
However, there was slight twinge in his chest that he associated with insecurity. He wondered why…
"Seichi-sama?"
The mature feminine voice in front of him took him out of his reverie. They were in a restaurant at the moment, and the woman in front of him looked quite concerned.
"I am fine, Maria." He said and sat straighter up and let his elbow rest on the velvet-covered dining table, assuming a position of professionalism. "Continue."
…
Later, inside the traditional home of the Sanadas, its youngest member let his back rest on a load-bearing column of his house and patiently waited for the signal—the signal being the door adjacent to him finally passing its anxiously still phase and finally sliding open.
Eventually, after some long minutes of disquiet, it finally did.
"How is she?" He asked his grandmother, who only smiled.
"She's sleeping soundly. The crying and the digging took toll on her mind and body."
"Hmn." He nodded and automatically took a peek of her slumbering form. His eyes softened considerably. She really must be tired. She shed try tears earlier that night—with the rain drops serving as the actual tears—even as it rained and as she dug her friend's grave.
"Want to check up on her?"
"No." He said, doing so wouldn't do anything for Reina. "I'll just call her fiancé."
The old woman stared at him analytically and all Sanada could do was nod reassuringly. "I'll be fine."
"...okay." She said and held his cheek, before pulling him in for a kiss on the forehead. "We'll just be here, okay?"
"Thank you."
…
Yukimura Seichi arrived at his house, rather enthusiastically, at the great news he received from his companion. He pondered whether he should tell Reina now or surprise her later.
"Reina." He said right after the customary 'Tadaima', and smiled. When no answer came, he tilted his head but otherwise shrugged. She must be sleeping in her room already. After all, the rain tended to make people sleepy.
"Seichi." He turned at where the voice emanated from and saw Rinko, who was then sitting ominously in the midst of the dark dining room, staring at him. "Haven't you received a text message from Reina yet?"
That tone of voice she used. He didn't like it—it made him feel anxious. "No. Why? What happened?"
And right on cue—his phone rang. His eyes narrowed, slightly disappointed that it was only Sanada. "What is it, Sanada?" He asked and he blinked when Rinko suddenly stood up and walked to them. He could only stare as she firmly held out her hand and he could only reluctantly give the device to her.
Rinko did not even wait a second and went straight to the point. "How's my daughter?"
Yukimura's eyes widened. "Why are you asking Sana—wait, what is the meaning of this?"
Rinko ignored him and her stance softened up at whatever Sanada said. "I see…" She huffed and whipped her head to his direction. "Yeah. He'll be there in a few minutes."
And she gave him back his phone, and Yukimura stared at his future mother-in-law. "W-What was that?" And the woman tilted her head slightly away from him.
"Reina… she's sleeping in Sanada's house. Bu—"
"What?"
"Calm down Seichi—you have to. Please." She said and held his shoulders firmly before he could move an inch. He wanted to glare at her and then ask what the bloody was hell going on when that pleading look on her face was made him shut up.
"Karupin passed away in his backyard—that is all."
Doki
"She will need the support of her fiancé."
…
The several minute travel time felt like an hour, with him nagging the driver every minute. His head was swirling and his will was forcing itself out of his body and hoped to fly to wherever his Reina was.
It was excruciating.
When they finally arrived, Yukimura was particularly thankful he was able to compose himself in time to greet the elderly, before he was taken to Reina. She was sleeping on a futon, almost looking peaceful, but at a closer look he could tell of the pain she went through. He sat beside her first, studying her slumbering figure, before finally placing his hand on the back of her neck and on her legs. After a huff, he took her off the ground and carried her to the car.
He felt Sanada following him, but that didn't matter. And soon, he managed to get her in and he placed her head on his lap before closing the door.
Sanada was waiting there. He held out a bag. "Her clothes." He said sparingly. Yukimura stared at him guardedly, but he wouldn't lie at the fact he was thankful that someone was with her when she went through that—he was just disappointed it wasn't him.
"I care for her, Yukimura. But don't think I'm selfish enough to confuse her with my feelings." His supposedly stoic vice-captain said as if that was what he was thinking—but truth be told, it made him feel relieved regardless.
"I… know that, Sanada." He said monotonously, before finally taking the baggage and looking at him. "Thank you."
…
The next day was Friday, a day… or rather several hours, left before the team's youngest regular member would leave them for a month.
And that morning… inside the Tennis Regulars dressing room, a few regulars were huddled together with suspicious light enveloping their facades. Niou was doing something on his laptop, slender hands moving so quickly across the keyboard. Yagyuu, who was the only one who could actually see which buttons he was pressing, looked intently at the screen.
"A video?"
"Uh-huh." The resident trickster said stingily before cackling out of nowhere. "Oh man, I should make a movie on their love story or something." And click! He pressed Enter.
"Are you gay?"
Everyone flinched and stared closely at the screen. Yukimura and Ryoma were in a very embarrassing proximity at that moment, and they couldn't help but blush as if they were the two people in the video.
"No." They watched her frown.
But they gasped when Yukimura kissed her. All their eyes widened (Niou noted he should have taped this, too, and say to everyone they were watching some embarrassing material).
It was then that Seichi gave a genuine smile—a smile they had never seen before, at least not before they started dating. He opened his mouth to speak. "I'll convert you to one, then."
And the video halted. Everyone looked at Niou.
"What was that?"
"The confession scene, baka."
"EHHHH?"
"OMG! Play it again!"
"How unsightly, senpai!" Kirihara yelled seriously and they only stared. He flushed and frowned. "I'm outta here."
"There goes one jelly tsundere." Niou chuckled and then looked at Marui. "Similarly, I thought you would be heart broken."
"Oh, I am. This is just too cute though!"
"So you are gay." Marui blinked and shook his head in denial but Niou cackled. "What? Wanna form a threesome with them?"
Marui blushed and shook his head even more vehemently. "No way!"
"Anyway, Niou." Yagyuu intervened. "I didn't think the famous trickster would put so much effort into this? What is this for?"
"I wanna show this for the farewell party we will plan right now." He grinned.
"You knew she would leave?" Yagyuu countered and Niou wanted to glare at him.
"No. Those two intrigued me the first time I saw them." He muttered. "It just so happens that this would be the perfect opportunity to show them my collection."
"There's more?"
"Of course!"
"God you're creepy."
"Thank you."
"So what else you got?"
"I put some cameras showing the entrance. Lotsa sweet stuff I got there—even in those two."
"You what?"
"Anyway." Niou ignored them and played the videos anyway.
.
Creak
They all whipped their heads to the door simultaneously, making the two newcomers sweat-drop at their pale yet blushing/embarrassed faces. Sanada only stared at them while Yanagi sighed.
"85% chance they're watching porn." The latter said to his companion. Sanada, once again, sighed.
"We are not!"
"Is that so?"
But before the two could see, they were interrupted by a serious voice. "What are you still doing in here?"
"Buchou!" And he was alone. Frankly, despite seeing all the showing of affection they already saw—that aura around him still commanded utter respect. (But as always, Niou got the strongest glares)
But still…, even in the densest of sights, the captain looked pale. However, his commanding stance did not falter. "Go to the middle courts, now." He said, and everyone flinched in response.
"H-Hai!"
…
"Where's Echizen?" Sanada asked as soon as he was certain the others were out of earshot.
"She's down with a fever." He huffed. Sanada knew he was worse than anxious. "She didn't allow me to skip practice."
"That's just like her."
"Yeah, making me worry and unproductive unnecessarily."
Sanada found a small smirk on his face. "That's true, too."
"I don't think I'll be able to finish the practice after school." Yukimura muttered. "At least she'll nag me less. I hope."
"You can just cancel afterschool practice in general. She wouldn't have much to say since you're technically not skipping practice."
"You would like to check up on her, too, yes?"
"Of course." Sanada answered immediately and Yukimura nodded, before turning his sights on the team. "They probably would, too."
Yukimura then recalled that Ryoma probably wore comfortable clothing, and his eyes softened up at a possibility. "She always wanted to tell the regulars everything—being a girl, our engagement...
"I suppose this could be a chance for her to do so."
…
That morning Yukimura announced that practice would go on as always until the Lunch time practices. The after-school practice shall be optional, stating that he and Sanada had to go early. Of course, the regulars deduced easily it had something to do with Ryoma. They only had the courage to ask just after classes since Yukimura was practically emitting a 'don't bother me' aura caused by utter anxiety.
Sanada, in the end, was the person who answered.
And so there they were—in front of the large mansion Yukimura called one of his homes. Whistles were heard even from the people who had been there before. Eventually, they decided to enter.
"Sorry for intruding…!"
Rinko and one of the maids greeted them gleefully. "Ah, no, thank you for visiting everyone." Rinko said and looked at Yukimura. "Seichi, please guide them to the room. She's awake."
They slowly went up the room, and as if it was the most natural thing in the world—Yukimura opened the door. Upon gazing at what was inside, though, Yukimura's eyes widened and extended his hand to their direction—giving a signal for them to freeze—so that no one else could go further.
"Please wait a moment." Was all he said, before closing the door.
Thump
Inside, Yukimura Seichi sighed. He knew he'd be in girl's clothing, but in a night dress? He, someone who already saw quite a bit of her skin, was already blushing, he couldn't imagine what it would do to the others. And he would rather not find out.
"Seichi." She smiled with her face still red from the fever. He let out a deep breath before kissing her forehead. They still had to have a talk about the Karupin incident, but he decided not think nor discuss anything about it for now.
He turned away and went to her walk-in closet to get something. "You should wear this robe, at least." He said, trying not to look at her practically bare shoulder area. "The regulars are coming in, as you might have already heard."
"They're there?" She asked, startled, and he blinked. Now he knew just how deafened her senses were when she had a fever. That explained that incident that morning—when she didn't notice his presence at all when she woke up. He was staring at her from the side of the bed, before eating breakfast.
"Hai." Was all he replied. "Now please wear this." And she sat up, and he assisted her in wearing it.
He didn't know that his team was already sneaking a peak.
…
Fssssshhhhhh!
Sanada seriously pondered about jumping at the adjacent balcony.
He was so preoccupied with seeing her again that he didn't even notice that Marui, Niou, and yes—Yagyuu—were already opening the door slightly. The next thing he knew Marui and Kirihara were having nosebleeds and Niou was video-taping the whole thing.
"W-W-What the hell?!" Marui exclaimed with a hush. "Echizen's a g-g-girl?!"
Kirihara was already gone by then—presumably to the rest room to wash the blood. Yagyuu's eyeglasses suddenly became opaque while Yanagi and Jackal looked visibly pale.
It was then that the door finally opened—and it caught all of them by surprise. Yukimura looked serious, figuring out in a second what happened, but he let it slide. "Come in." was all he said and everyone reluctantly entered.
"Echizen." Said Sanada and suddenly revealed a small basket of fruits. They gaped for many reasons—one, because he was not surprised at the discovery. Two, because he looked uncharacteristically… sweet. And three, they had no idea where he put that basket.
"Domo." She said and everyone only gaped at her.
She sighed and shifted so that she was able to sit properly.
"Echizen. Y-You're really a—" He looked on the small patch of leg skin exposed below the robe.
Fsshshhhshshshshhss
"Excuse me as I follow Kirihara to the bathroom." Yukimura shook his head the moment Marui ran for the doorknob.
"This is disconcerting. Please tell me no one else is going to get nosebleeds over my fiancé."
Everyone paled, while Sanada and Ryoma sighed.
"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?"
...
Meanwhile…. on another part of the house, a certain seaweed brain was looking for his teammates.
He went to the bathroom, after a long tedious run to find it in such unnecessarily monstrous house occupied by less than 5 people. He finally did so, but nevertheless particularly dizzy.
Echizen Ryoma was female?
He didn't know why it affected him so much, he really didn't. Was he sexist? Perhaps. Why was he… glad, then? He was glad he was sexist? But wait… that didn't make any sense!
And then he went back to reality after some reverie of confusion. He realized he didn't know where he was… again. And he did the only thing he could: Scratch his head like an idiot in frustration.
Shikuso!
…
The regulars huddled up as they stared at the engaged couple as they told their story. Jackal, who had been silent during most of the time, touched his chin. "…how complicated…" he said, and Niou nodded.
"Rich people's love lives usually are."
Sanada sighed. "This is not a soap opera, Niou."
Seichi was then sitting right next to Ryoma in her bed, particularly glad he had the right to do so—and that everyone else could only watch. It was something though, he would never say out loud. They had just finished throwing most of the bombs, leaving out only the embarrassing ones like the reason she had to leave for a while as well as the personal information like the fact that the his parents were dating different people prior to the engagement.
It was a relatively long tale, but nevertheless was relieved in telling real life people and not just his diary. He watched his teammates again, he realized how much he trusted them after all. Ryoma was dead right about him feeling at home with these people.
There was one missing though. "Where is Kirihara?"
The team blinked and looked around noticing that, in face, he was nowhere in sight. Most of them just shrugged. "He's probably lost."
"Yeah, he is."
"Shall we look for him?"
"We'll might get lost ourselves."
"No need for that." Yukimura looked at the tired-looking Ryoma. "I suggest you just wait in the living room downstairs and let's leave Ryoma for her much-needed rest." And then shifted his gaze towards his teammates.
"Let's have some tea?" He said. "The living room is basically the house's flow center. I'm sure Kirihara will show up eventually."
And they only sighed, hoping like hell one of their youngest members didn't get himself into trouble.
…
Hachoo!
The cold wind passed by a certain seaweed head and blew the strands to his face. He begrudgingly wiped his hair off his face and stared (or glared) at something random. He glared at the bench, the tree, and then the exterior walls.
Tsk
Kirahara had no idea how to get back in. His eyes wandered and wandered until eventually, he caught sight of some vine support that led all the way to the balcony. He pondered for a moment whether or not the stupid decision he would normally make would be the right thing to do. Of course it wasn't, but in the end it was something he would choose.
Besides, it was embarrassing not to show up during the whole duration of their visit. That cross-dressing chibi liar would think he died of nosebleed just because he saw a few more inches of skin than usual. No, he would not have that!
And so… he gulped and climbed up.
.
He felt exactly like a thief, really. Not that he knew what it felt like because he had done it before—but you get the point. He huffed after reaching the house safe and sound and slowly walked to the house's interior. He saw the blood in the carpet and shook his head. He gulped up some courage and slowly opened the door…
…Ara?
There was no one in. He sighed and pondered what to do next, when he saw her shift position. Only a small part of the blanket dropped but he had the urge to return it to where it was, anyway. He tip-toed his way to her bed and lifted the blanket. He accidentally stared at her face.
Shit
She was gorgeous
But he quickly shook away the thoughts before they even entered his consciousness and just put the blanket back to her arm. It was hard—to fight that urge to touch her. But he successfully did so anyway.
For Kirihara Akaya had more pride than that.
…
He went out silently and decided to walk to where it was brightest. It soon lead to a mezzanine and it didn't take long for him to hear his teammates. "Where is that guy?" was the first thing he heard, and it was Niou. Kirihara forced himself to look as cool as always.
"Yo." He said awkwardly raising an arm and feigned nonchalance. "Got lost."
It was hard to remain looking cool though. He tried not to flinch under Yukimura's suspicious stare. But the buchou looked away and on to Echizen's mother.
"Anyway," Yukimura paused as if he didn't just enter. "That was the plan. I hope she'll be fine with such a farewell party."
"We'll help with cleaning up." Sanada added and Rinko smiled.
"Sure. She might not show what she thought about it though."
"We expected as much." Yukimura said. "We'll be sure to let her enjoy this." And the team nodded.
RInko chuckled and looked at everyone in the team. "Kids…" she said and they all only stared back nervously. "I'm glad she became friends with her, you're all good kids."
"And you're a good fiancé, too, Seichi." She said, and Yukimura blushed at the compliment.
And the team swore they would never forget this sight. Ever.
And of course, Niou would not forget to capture it.
…
Later that day, his teammates had to go, and Yukimura partly could breathe. He liked that they were being friendly—for as Ryoma said, he became fond of these people already. But… there was the fact that showing these sides of him was a little embarrassing. Besides, those eyes that looked at Ryoma as a woman and not just as a teammate or a simple friend… it needed some getting used to. Besides, two of his teammates even had nosebleeds. It would be a lie if he wasn't bothered by that in many levels.
He took a peek and saw Rinko already beat him to the slumbering Ryoma. "I'm worried—she's asleep the whole day, minus the visit."
"That's just how her body deals with this. She rarely gets sick but when she does—she recovers quickly." Rinko said and waved her hand. "I bet she'll wake up earlier than you tomorrow. You get some rest."
"…hai."
He slowly went back to his room and wrote in his diary. There were a lot—most of which were his frustrations at not being able to be with her during one of the most important existence to her had passed. He truly wanted to hold her and help her get over the pain—it was his job, and if he wasn't able to do so… he feared he did not deserve her. Perhaps he didn't already, but…
He still had the chance to prove himself to her, their families, and himself.
…
He didn't realize he was writing for a whole hour. He stretched his arms and then looked at the ceiling again. He wondered if he'll be able to sleep…
Perhaps he could—but only if he was beside her. He wanted to be by her side until she woke up. Maybe… he should beg Rinko to allow him to. But before he could even stand—
Knock knock
His ears perked and he walked to the door immediately. His eyes widened as soon as he saw who was on the other side: Reina.
"Seichi…" She muttered sleepily and he looked behind her to see if Rinko was there. She wasn't. He found himself raising a half-amused-half-puzzled eyebrow.
"What are you doing awake?"
"Seichi…" She said again, but then she lifted her head so that he could see her eyes. He gulped. "I'm lonely."
Doki
He didn't even bother thinking—his body moved on its own to give her a deep embrace. She hugged him back and they stayed there for a while. He… wanted to say so much to her, but she probably wouldn't absorb any of it—nor did he have the coherency to speak properly anyway.
And soon, they parted, and she looked at him.
"Sleep with me."
He gently separated from her further and stared, and swore the heavens could hear his heart beat. Yukimura looked at her expression and see what she meant. A second later, he let out a muffled sigh of an odd mix of disappointment and relief.
She meant it literally, didn't she?
And he sighed, before chuckling. "Okay."
And for the first time that night, the young Yukimura finally fell asleep… with his fiancé slumbering peacefully in his arms.
.
END OF CHAPTER XXIII
Coming Soon:
CHAPTER XXIV: Arrivals
REPLIES TO ANGELS
TadorundoruSlap- *sobs* Yeah. I didn't want to kill him off but yeah… Karupin's so old. T_T Let me bro hug you to make us feel better. xD Thanks for the comment(s) btw~ lol
xXIchigoAngelXx- I know I'm sorry. xD I just had this affinity with Pillar/cap pair type of couples. Lol. I shall try to make you love sensual more now! Haha. Thanks for the review~
PinkSugarDust- Awww~ Don't be depressed! Karupin had to go eventually. xD Let us have a high-five and see him off. xDD thank you for the review, by the way! :D
Hitomi65- Thank you for the review~! And I'm glad you think it's a good chapter. :D
SeraphelArchangelaClaudia- Hahaha. No worries~ Seichi and Ryoma have 'forever' to be happy anyway. *wiggles eyebrows* and Thank you for the review~! Ahahah
PurpleScorpion- wahahah. But….but… he's so old! xD But let us let Karupin live in our hearts forever. LOL. And oh my~ I'm so happy you liked the chapter very much, and I apologize for the uber delayed update. T_T. Anyway, thank you for the review~! *hugs*
BrokenBlackCat- Oh I'm happy you got the feels! xD not the pleasant type of feels but feels nevertheless. XD And yes, Ryoga was~ But he kinda failed. Hahah. Thanks for the review by the way! ;)
Animelover4ever69- Aww~ I'm sorry for making you wait long to see. Here's the chap! Hope it's fine enough. Hehe, and thanks for the comment! xD
Snowpoppy- Hahaha. Actually, I'm guilty. I like writing those two. xD Can't really change the pair now tho lol. Thanks for the review btw and I'm glad you loved the chapter. ;)
Kikumarucat- Maybe? I certainly heard of it. xD hahah. Isn't it true?! Lol. Anyway, glad you liked grandma~ Haven't given her an actual name yet tho lol. And thanks for the review~
The Moon's Lullaby- Aww~ I guess I'm happy the story touched you… so I'll just hug you to make you feel better. xD *hugs* And thanks for the review~
xXxRebel-VampirexXx- Hi there~! First off, thank you for the review! Glad you loved the chapter. xD And I think this is the first time we talked! Yoroshiku, fellow fem! Ryoma writer. Hahaha. And hai. R.I.P Karupin. xD
Guest [8/20/13]- Wahaha. I'm so sorry! xDD But Karupin's old already and it had to happen eventually. *sobs* C'mon now, let us just bearhug. Lol. Thanks for the comment~
xDarkxKurokox- You killed him too?! xD Oh man, what do we do to our readers. xD But mah, it had to happen eventually. *sniff* And I'm so happy you find this addicting! Thank you very much for your review. Hahaha. And so glad I inspired you! Gtg read the story after I finish your OH fic~
shanagi95- Actually, Sanada is the better choice. Objectively speaking. xD Just… not gonna happen, I guess. Hahaha. Sanada'll be ours? Lawl xD And thanks for the comment~
Zwolftd- Yay! xD Someone who votes for the sensual pair. Hahaha. Yep~ I have a perspective pair for Sanada. Just hope everyone likes her for him. And yesh~ I won't be putting in too deep a rift between them. They just made up after all. And thanks for the review! :D
Natasya Ivashkov- Aww~ Because it's bound to happen eventually, right? It's sad, but I planned his death from the start… just couldn't find the right spot to do it. *hugs* Thanks for the comment, btw~
Herondalefan- Thank you for the review~! XD And I hope the heart break will be softened, somewhat, by this chapter lol. Seigaku'll come in a few chapters. ;)
Estepha98- Yes. T_T But then… she has at least 2 guys who will try and make her feel better. *wiggles eyebrows* And Thx for the comment~ xD
DigimonLoveForever- *runs to the table* Mou… are you alright now? *sobs with you* Sorry but it had to be done someday! *sobs* Thx for the comment ,btw xD
Millennium Snow- I'm sorry for the pain I caused to you folks. T_T But Karupin's so old by now… it had to happen someday, right? Thanks for the comment, btw~
iDerpyCake- *pats back* I'm glad the story touched you and I'll ask Sanada to pat your head to make you feel better. Hehehe~ Thx for the review and glad you love the story. ;)
Anonymous- I agree~ And I like writing cap/pillar type of couples and it kinda shows. xD However, I can't change the pairing now. Plus, they've acted oppositely for years… it will take a while before they get 100% comfortable with each other, I guess. And Ryoga… I don't think he'd left if he was against the engagement/knew of it, right? ;) And finally, thank you very much for the review~ Glad you still liked it. xD
Guest [9/16/13]- Thank you for the review~! And No, no. xD The pairing didn't change. The site went bonkers again with the multiple-character tag feature. Sorry for the misunderstanding! :D I'll try to make you more of a sensual pair fan. xD
JA. Yume28- (ch1) You're here! You're really here! *sobs* I thought you would never read this. xD So happy that you did! And you're reviewing every single chapter, too! *hugs* And yeah! It's natural to get confused, I kinda changed a lot of things for this story lol. (ch2) Hai~ xD The lack-of-direction actually started in my other story. Thought it was fun and it crossovered here Hahaha (ch3) Awww. Let us hug Ryoma-chan together! Lololol. (ch4) Hai~ Yukimura's especially complicated here. xD And your Atobe?! You're switching from Ryoma to Atobe?! I approve! LOL (ch5) Lol. You especially liked that part? Lolol. They probably got tired from the probably yelling the did as Marui cycled. (ch6) Lol. I actually checked the chapter and suddenly had this urge to draw the scene you pointed out. xD Or at least their chibi forms anyway lol. (ch7) Hahah. IKR. Most people have that concept because of Twilight. xD In my case it's baboons tho lol. (ch8) 5Am?! Awww… I feel so honoured you were reading this at that time of the morning. Oyasumi and thank you so much for the reviews! :D
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Thanks for reading everyone!
It would make me sooo happy if you write in this beautiful box below!
I would love to read anything so long as it's from you angels~