Disclaimer: I don't own Prince of Tennis or any of its characters.

A/N: A big thanks to my beta, Laura :) I've edited all the chapters up til now. Thanks

The first thought to cross Sakuno's mind was the beauty of the bowing woman who stood before her.

The older woman kept her thick brown hair in a high ponytail, allowing a clear view of her perfect face. She wore natural tones of make-up but her lipstick was a bold red. It still looked good, though. Her figure was one to envy, if Sakuno thought of such things, and the maid seemed to be the type of who would have wives smacking their significant other's head without knowing it.

"Please be easy on me, Tezuka-san."

Sakuno tensed slightly before nodding her head. She was told never to bow for servants, butlers, maids or any other type of household helpers.

"I would ask for the same, Fuji-san."

The two women smiled at each other. Sakuno then walked out of the kitchen to let the other start the day's work. The other maids would be coming tomorrow since their boss gave them two days off. As she searched for something to tie her hair with in the dress pockets, Sakuno's mind started drifting towards him again.

The phone call made to the office to inform him of the family's arrival was filled with awkward silences. First she talked, then he would reply. There would be a pause before both started to speak again. It was in their nature to let the other speak first but that led to more unwanted quiet.

"…" She heard him sigh. "Would you like to come with me to pick them up?"

The way he sighed offended her noticeably since it seemed as though she was a burden on him. But she probably was one…

"Sakuno?"

"Oh…I would love to see Yoshida-san once again."

"Alright…I'll be home at one o'clock. We'll leave then…"

"Y-yes, until then, have a good day…"

"…Thank you."

She could hear the phone being placed into the cradle softly. She followed his action and when turned around to find Fuji Yumiko standing behind her.

There were two hours before he would come to pick her up. What could she do to keep herself busy for that time? As big as the house was, there wasn't much inside. She found it a bit odd since her home offered a variety of entertainment sources and the arcade was the major one. Her father built it for her cousins, who would visit occasionally and they loved it as did she.

"Tezuka-san, was someone here before me?"

Yumiko's melodious voice asked from behind. Sakuno frowned before turning to see what the woman meant. She found the maid standing in front of the stove and looking over her shoulder.

Oh right, the eggs. "Oh no, Fuji-san, it was me." Sakuno walked over towards the older woman, "I was making Tez-Kunimitsu breakfast. I apologize for not cleaning up."

Before she could touch the dirty appliance, Yumiko pulled it away, stating it was her job to clean and Sakuno shouldn't worry about it.

"A-alright then…" She had been expected to clean up after herself with the maids back home, who were quite the bossy women.

Sakuno faintly jumped when a loud thud was heard overhead. Brown eyes were lifted towards the skylight carved into the middle of the ceiling. She never noticed that there. A drop of water made the odd noise and soon, the time between the drops were shortened.

"Oh my, how unexpected," Yumiko's blue eyes were transfixed on the skylight as well. "I hope Tezuka-san remembered to take an umbrella."

"Don't worry, Fuji-san, Tezuka isn't someone who would be surprised by the weather."

Yumiko blinked and looked to her right across the surface of the island. Sakuno-boss referred to Kuni-boss as 'Tezuka'. Even though she wasn't married, Yumiko was sure those who were called each other by their given names. Kuni-boss did mention he hadn't seen his to-be wife in awhile but they were childhood friends. She was sure childhood friends called each other by their first names based on her past experience.

Sakuno-boss stared at the sky for a few more seconds before smiling and turning to her. The curved lips faded a bit after seeing her confused expression.

"Is something the matter?"

"No…nothing at all. Have you had a chance to look at the garden? Tezuka-san spent a lot of time working on it."

Yumiko walked around the island and towards the sliding door. She heard the light footsteps of the younger female behind her and grinned. Usually, those who visited didn't bother to visit the garden but then again…Kuni-boss didn't exactly show it off…

Thank goodness he hired her, Yumiko thought. The unappreciated plot of land would finally be able to see a new face. Maybe Sakuno-boss shared an interest in gardening as well…then both of them could work together!

The revelation excited the brunette since Kuni-boss never let anyone, besides her, into the backyard. It was as though the ground was sacred there and there were certain rules set up for visiting the backyard.

"Um, Fuji-san, isn't it raining outside? I'm sure our clothes will become drenched in less than five minutes."

Sure enough, the rain seemed to get louder and louder. When Yumiko looked back at her with a smile and closed eyelids, Sakuno was reminded of someone back in high school. But…who was it she was thinking about?

"Here we are."

After realizing she became lost in her thoughts, Sakuno shook her lightly shook her head and looked past the now open sliding door. The rain didn't reach them. As Yumiko stepped out and walked over to the right, the other was situated at the doorway, looking around the area.

"Tezuka-san loves this area. That was why this verandah was built. If another rainy day comes again, he can still visit the area without getting a cold."

Sakuno nodded at the statement, signaling her understanding. The garden was quite large and well kept. Flowers, trees and even a thin stream occupied the space. How much time was spent to create a work of art like this?

"I would offer a tour but the rain does make it difficult. Maybe another day…" Yumiko kept her cerulean eyes locked on the sky. She stood next to a large vase and two sets of shoes.

"A little rain doesn't bother me, Fuji-san. Is there an umbrella available?" An indistinctive sound was heard, which could have been classified as a chuckle, from the older woman and she reached inside the glass craft.

A black item was revealed and opened. Sakuno walked to the maid, who held out the umbrella to her and pushed a set of shoes towards her.

"You may use these, Tezuka-san."

Smiling her thanks, the brunette propped the umbrella over her shoulder and slipped on the shoes before venturing down three steps and into the manicured piece of land. When the walk to one end of terrace to the other passed ten minutes, Sakuno raised a brow in amazement. Her distance judging was completely off. A shrill noise was heard from inside and Yumiko instantly excused herself.

Paperwork should be prohibited, Tezuka thought. No, not the paperwork but the laziness of the other workers.

Why should the head of the company be forced to use wrist energy to fill out papers others should be doing? It wasn't his fault an employee decided to snub another during office hours. And to file away a compliant was the job of the human relations department of the company, not his.

Before the man could reflect on the problem longer, a beeping noise disturbed his thoughts. With a hand rubbing his temple, Tezuka asked what it was the secretary needed.

"Oishi-san is here to see you."

"Let him in. He doesn't need to be approved, ever." As the sentence came to a close, the intimidating tone came into effect.

"Y-yes sir."

He sighed and disconnected. The door was pushed open and a tall figure came running to the desk.

"Tezuka! You shouldn't talk like that to others! They'll get the idea their boss is a monster."

Oishi stated and slammed his palms flat on the wooden item. Tezuka stared at the hands before looking up to his long-time friend with an elbow propped up.

'Too late for that, Oishi.'

Tezuka was sure everyone in the building considered him some type of monster. He didn't bother making an effort to make them think otherwise since the man didn't think it was important for others to see the deeper him. It would be too tiresome and useless.

"Do you have more paperwork to give me?"

Even if emotions were kept off of Tezuka's facial features, Oishi knew too well what the man was feeling at present. The annoyed tone used to talk to the secretary was also used on him but it was unintentional.

"No, but Tezuka-san created the policy so there's no avoiding it."

"…I know."

Oishi grinned and placed the cup of coffee that he had brought with him on the desk. Normally, Tezuka preferred tea over it but the past few weeks had been hectic. Another company pretty much materialized from thin air as competition and Tezuka was not a man who would be beaten to the ground.

"Oh! How was the wedding?"

Oishi was a little upset he couldn't take up the role of best man as requested. He needed to take care of everything in Oita while the main boss was away; it was the sad fate of being the trusted vice-president. Oishi chuckled as he noticed the dramatic thoughts running through his mind.

"It went…well."

The lack of words, enthusiasm, and an empty smile hinted something was not right. He waited for Tezuka to clarify what he meant but when nothing came, Oishi knew better than to ask. If the other didn't want to tell him, then he wouldn't probe the matter.

"Alright, make sure to go out for lunch. You've been stuck in here all day."

"Hn. And Oishi," The man paused and looked over his shoulder, "I need to go to the airport soon. I'll be back within three hours. Take care of things until then."

Tezuka's best friend of more than ten years grinned and nodded before exiting the office, closing the door on the way out. He sighed and silently thanked Oishi for the coffee. Dealing with his family required all of the patience attained from his tennis days.

"Are there many others besides you, Fuji-san?"

Sakuno asked as she closed the umbrella after giving it a good shake. For some reason, Tezuka and servants didn't seem to go together. It seemed to fit that extravagant tennis player much better…what was his name again?

"Yes but not too many. Tezuka-san likes driving and gardening so there isn't a driver or a gardener. There are three other maids but if they were around, you wouldn't know. Stealthy little mice they can be."

Sakuno grinned as Yumiko went on about the roles of the maids. She was quite the talkative woman and it seemed as though they would get along quite well. Even if Yumiko wasn't someone of high status or the like, she was an individual anyone could get along with if such things were set aside.

The telephone ringing disrupted her thoughts and Yumiko's words. The latter sighed in frustration before leaving to answer it. Sakuno assumed it did not usually ring as often as it had today.

After she slipped the shoes off and started to pass the kitchen, Yumiko stopped her and said Tezuka would be coming home within twenty minutes. Sakuno nodded, said her thanks and walked towards the bedroom to change.

At the same time she emerged from the room, the front door opened. She craned her neck to see who entered and frowned slightly when finding Tezuka. She was sure changing outfits didn't take more than twenty minutes.

"I'm home…"

He called out, exhaustion clear in his tone. Sakuno pressed herself against the door, trying to stay out of sight and waiting for someone to welcome him back. Their room was less than fifteen paces away from the stairs meaning he would spot her soon.

"Welcome home."

She said and placed her hands on the railing, after stepping away from the door. The manner used to address him was surprisingly balanced, hiding the building anxiety inside. Tezuka was still for a moment before looking up at her. He nodded, his way of saying thanks, before heading her direction.

"Are you ready?"

"Y-yes."

She mentally slapped herself for stammering. The man she was united with was someone she had known for thirteen years, not a stranger. He was someone who helped her in the past with problems she didn't dare to talk about with friends. If such a relation existed back, then why did she feel so timid?

Sakuno's breaths were shallow as his eyes locked onto hers as soon as he reached the top. Tezuka walked over towards her and hesitated before tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

"You look nice."

"Thank you…"

She fought back a blush and succeeded, feeling proud of herself. But it was short lived. His stare was intense, as though looking for something. A stare she recognized he gave to tennis opponents back in middle and high school.

Sakuno looked down at her feet, feeling her heartbeat quicken.

"You're dry…does that mean you kept an umbrella?"

"Yes."

"Oh...when are we leaving?"

"I need to change. Then we'll go."

Yumiko, who walked in on the awkward conversation, edged away from the hallway. She hoped they didn't see her. Honestly, listening to their discussion wasn't something she was interested in. But her theory was slowly being proven.

She shook her head, kids these days. But that was why when Fuji mentioned a job as a maid at the Tezuka household, Yumiko jumped at the chance. The boys had always been good friends and she acquainted herself with Tezuka, dubbing him a man who lived a few years ahead of time.

But he was like another brother to her. If Yumiko's brothers were in trouble, she helped them and at the very moment, she sensed trouble. Tezuka needed light in his life and Yumiko wasn't about to let that shine die.

"Stop it."

"Stop what?"

"Twirling your finger around the strand of hair. Stop it."

"It's a habit, live with it."

Before Yoshida Keiko could retort, an older Yoshida told them to stop. Even if Keiko was perfect in appearance, her attitude was not a topic to be bragged about. Snappy, spoiled, quick-tempered…those were just some faults but they showed up much more than her good side.

Hajime, a man with dark shoulder length hair, rolled his eyes. To spend two weeks with family was horrible. Usually he wouldn't mind but it was too much with Keiko talking non-stop about jewellery, clothes and some other things he'd rather not think about.

Where was Tezuka? He wanted to get away from both the Yoshida females. Brown eyes searched the area for a tall man with glasses.

"Oh, mother, did I tell you about Tanaka-san's new wife?"

It was the very first time Hajime did not want to listen to gossip, especially if it was coming from his sister dearest. It was also the first time he wanted his step-brother around. The two men didn't get along too well because of the different upbringing they had received as boys…

…And Fuji Yumiko seemed to like Tezuka more than Yoshida Hajime. Not that it had to do with the somewhat subtle rivalry.

"You didn't let a word loose."

Oh no."Mother, I'll go ahead to look for Te-Kunimitsu."

The woman simply waved her hand, not too bothered. Hajime sighed and grinned at the luck. Tezuka better have brought someone for the luggage because there was no way he was carrying them. His search was cut short when a man taller than most entered the airport with a shorter companion.

Because the Yoshida family travelled first-class, there weren't many people blocking the entrance. He rushed towards it, wanting to meet his new sister. Too many years passed since the last meeting.

"Tezuka." Hajime received a nod for a greeting from the man. He turned his attention to the other. "Little Sakuno, do you remember me?"

She bowed and brought a hand up to her cheek. "Well, even if I didn't, your habit gives you away, Hajime-kun." He blinked, not knowing when his finger became caged within dark locks and smiled at the friendly tone.

Before Tezuka could inquire about the trip and interfere with the staring session the two were having, a high-pitched female voice called out to him.

"Oh! Kuni-kun!"

Tezuka held back a frown at the woman's familiarity. It was obviously a farce displayed for Sakuno. Only his blood mother had the right to call him as such.

"It's been so long! Oh! And Sakuno! Such a dove you are…"

Mari grinned widely, revealing perfect teeth. The exaggerating tone used to talk scared Sakuno a bit. No one ever talked to her with so many exclamations. As the oldest Yoshida talked, the two males were discussing – or arguing if one listened closely – about the lack of servants to help with the suitcases.

The last sentence to come out of Mari's mouth was loud enough to attract unwanted attention and caused Sakuno to shake slightly. No one within the small gathering was observant enough to witness the newest member of the family taking a hold of Tezuka's jacket. Except for the one adult with grey eyes.

Keiko's lips curved into a smile. When in an unfamiliar situation, one must be cautious of others.