The beginning of an end

Ryoma watched the tennis ball sail over the net and grumbled something in frustration before he picked up another ball from the basket next to him. He had been there since dinner going through the motions, but he couldn't concentrate. His mind was still on Kagome.

He couldn't get over the way Kagome had looked into his eyes the other night. Something about it had struck something deep within him. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, and before he had even had a chance to decipher what it was he had been distracted by the arrival of this senpais.

If his stupid senpais hadn't of been there she would have told him what was making her act so strangely. He knew it must've been important. He'd never known her to make mountains out of mole hills.

"Stupid senpais." He muttered darkly, lobbing the ball over the net again to vent his anger. Every time he hit it, he envisioned the face of his nosy senpais on the ball. He wasn't sure it was necessarily a healthy practice, but it helped to relieve his anger.

"I knew I'd find you here." She smirked, her eyes alight with mirth. Kagome closed the distance between them by skipping merrily to his side.

He knew who it was without turning to look at her.

Kagome stopped a few feet away from where he stood with his racket clenched between his fingers.

"You're just so predictable."

His eyebrow rose. He had been called a lot of things by the press, his teammates, and his coach, but he was certain predictable was not one of them. If anything he was the opposite. He didn't know how many times during the season he had had to switch techniques to win.

"So," Ryoma instantly recognized the look in her eyes. "I've heard from some of the girls in my class you have quite the following at Seigaku." She said innocently, staring at him through long eyelashes, but Ryoma was not fooled by her little act. He knew she was planning something devious by the way her lips pulled up slightly in a grin.

He gave a noncommittal shrug before he hit the ball over the net. He didn't pay attention to that sort of stuff. In fact, it was more a nuisance than he cared for.

If he would have looked at Kagome, he would have seen the mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Come on Ryoma-kun."

He knew that tone of voice.

"I hear Tomoko even calls you 'Ryoma-sama.'" Kagome giggled demurely as Ryoma shuddered.

She tapped a finger to her chin in mock thought. "I wonder if she would like to see the adorable pictures of you dressed up as a bunny for Halloween when we were two. Yes, I'm sure I still have those pictures somewhere. I bet I could get a lot of money for those photos."

Ryoma shot her look of pure terror. He thought he had burned all of the copies years ago. He glowered at her from beneath the lip of his ball cap. Kagome could be so evil when she wanted to, but Ryoma knew she was also avoiding talking about the other night.

"Kagome,"

She stopped her teasing and turned her doe like eyes toward Ryoma, tilting her head to the side in question.

"What was it you wanted to tell me the other night?"

Her eyes widened a fraction of an inch, and she averted her gaze to stare at the tennis racket in his hand. She didn't want to see the disappointment in his eyes.

"I'm quitting archery." She mumbled. He had almost missed her words she had said them so softly.

He gaped.

She'd been doing archery ever since she could hold a bow. She'd been the national champion for the last two years. She had plans to go to the Junior Olympics.

It just didn't make any sense. She lived and breathed archery just as he lived and breathed tennis. It was more than just a passion.

A dazzling smile pulled at the corners of her lips.

"It's okay. I think I might take up tennis." She walked around him in a predatory fashion. "Someone has to put you in your place."

He scoffed. They had been having that argument for as long as he could remember.

"Mada mada da ne." He smirked.

He would welcome it if she was serious. He remembered she had been fairly good when they were younger, but his dad had encouraged her to follow her heart. She had never been drawn to tennis like she had been drawn to archery.

When he had been much younger Ryoma hadn't understood why she would chose archery over tennis, and he hadn't really understood until he saw her practicing. It was then that he understood it was more than a competition to her.

A fanta appeared in front of his face. "I thought you might need it."

Ryoma didn't question her logic. A free fanta was the answer to a lot of problems. He set his racket down to open the drink.

"This place is filled with a lot of fond memories."

He tried to think of one, but he was drawing a blank. Kaome threw up her hands in exasperation.

"Come on? Really? You don't remember?" She mock glared at him, but he knew it held no malice.

"When we were little and you'd come from America to visit our dad's used to bring us here. They'd have a match while you and I would sit over there and watch."

"Kagome." She cringed internally and felt a little foolish her attempt at distracting him was failing.

"Ryoma-kun, I," She looked so unsure of herself so unlike the girl he had known from his childhood.

"Kagome," He urged her to tell him what was wrong. He had been gone for so long. He'd been away for most of her life, but he was there now, and he wanted her to be able to trust him.

She was about to say something when Kikumura's voice cut through the air.

"Ochibi!"

His left brow twitched, but he pulled his cap low over his eye so they wouldn't be able to see the blush that stained his cheeks.

Kagome's lips twitched as well. She wasn't sure if she should laugh or frown. "If I didn't know any better I'd say they just follow you around waiting for inopportune moments to embarrass you."

Ryoma agreed. It seemed the universe was out to get him.

"Kagome-chan, Ochibi, what are you two doing out here?" Momoshiro called as they crossed the court.

Kagome smiled at the approaching senpais. "Ryoma and I were just reminiscing on all of the wonderful memories we have around here."

The senpais eyed her. While she had effectively crushed all of the rumors that they were a couple, they found it hard to believe. Especially since the evidence seemed to be stacked against them.

"Well I better get going. I promised Souta I'd teach him a new sutra." She smiled at Ryoma and waved goodbye to his senpais.

Ryoma didn't know why he felt so troubled by her news. He supposed he was simply blindsided by the fact that she would give up something she was so passionate about. However, his thoughts were soon distracted as his senpais decided to play a few matches.

"There is no way you're going to win this time squirt." Momoshiro challenged as they took their respective places on the court.

Ryoma smirked. Victory would be sweet.

A/N: Thank you for your patience! I can't believe it's been so long since I've updated. I guess writer's block has really kept me from updating. I hope it will not take so long in the future, but your continued support has meant the world to me!