~Ryoma x Sakuno~

~Holly! Be**** You well not believe how long I worked on this chapter, really!? What ever happened to 'it's going to be 2-Shot!' Now that has become a literal statement I had to *bang *bang my head with a gun! Well here it is the final chapter to this ridiculously long chapter/suppose to be one shot turned into LONG shot.~

~This Chapter has now officially became the longest chapter I have ever ( I mean EVER) made. With the awesome grand total of 5`300 words!~

~Enjoy~

Chapter 2

Morning came amazingly peaceful to Sakuno, maybe because even though the sun looked like it did yesterday is was much less hot out. She stretched her arms above her head and yawned the rest of her sleeping state away. She got up off her bed, went to take a shower and got dressed. There was no school so she was in no need to be in her uniform, so that day she went with high waist-ed army green short shorts. And a pink tanktop that and a fashion ribbon just beneath the chest and to top off the outfit she put on ankle high brown heel boots.

When she got down the stairs she grabbed her brush and started it through her hair, it was much easier to brush through sense there wasn't much to work with. Sakuno looked into the mirror and looked at her hair, it was shorter than Tomokas. She sighed, she wasn't as shocked as she was yesterday calming down quite a bit now that it was less uneven.

"Good morning Sakuno."

Her grandmother walked in from her room, she was in her normal tracksuit ready to train the boys for the day. Sakuno greeted her with the same words.

"Good morning Grandma."

She eat her breakfast that was on the table and packed her stuff. The two of them headed out the door and headed into the day.

Almost all the regular were there waiting on the coach to arrive. Fuji keep an eye out for Ryoma, while Momo and Kaidoh argued with each other. Oishi, Eiji, Kawamura, were all sitting about fiddling with their rackets. Inui on the other hand was writing in his trusty note book, no doubt analyzing new training ideas and death threatening drinks for encouragement.

"Ah, Ryoma."

Fuji welcomed Ryoma to the group, Momo dashed up to him and greeted him as well. He mostly just retreat from his argument with Kaidoh sense he was losing the battle.

Tezuka turned up and ordered the boys to do 15 laps around the school, Inui added his brand new drink that he called 'The dog chaser.' With that the boys got their butts in gear and ran for their lives, literally.

Coach Ryuzaki arrived while the boys were in the middle of their final lap around the school, currently they were all out of sight. Only Inui was left at the starting point with the stop watch in hand. Sakuno walked behind her grandmother, hoping in some way that it would hide her new head. Inui greeted the coach then turned to Sakuno, he didn't say anything.

"..."

"Good morning Sakuno."

He finally said, Sakuno felt super nervous now. The silence Inui left was a terrible sigh for Sakuno, her face turned red and ran away yelling over her shoulder.

"I'll get some cold drinks for when they get back!"

Her grandmother turned to Sakunos direction and sighed, she didn't have time to go after her the boys would be returning any second now. And there they were right on time. They huffed and puffed and completely collapsed onto the cool ground beneath them. Inui spotted Sakuno returning with multiple water bottle in her arms, he quickle turned to the last one to have passed the line.

"Fuji, you were last. You get to drink the 'The Dog Chaser.'"

Every one gulped hard as they watch Fuji take down the yellow looking jello drink. When Fuji finished he let out a small burp and excused himself. A few seconds pass, Fuji didn't get sick but for the others just the thought about drinking that terrible stuff made every one want to puke.

Spread out on the ground everyone closed their eyes to try and NOT think about Inuis next drink. Sakuno arrive and saw every one pooped out and went around placing a bottle down beside each memeber. Inui thanked her.

"Thank you Sakuno. It is good that they get a good refreshment."

Eiji jumps up ready to go again, he takes a sip of the water bottle when he spots Sakuno passing a water bottle to Inui. With shock Eijis drink falls down to the ground splashing Kaidoh in the face. To his annoyance he turned and sits up hissing at Eiji, but Eiji could care less about Kaidoh when he was looking directly to Sakunos new hair. Kaidoh looked as well to end up immediately stop hissing.

"Wahhhh!"

Eiji finally snaps back to life and runs up to Sakuno, she turned around to see Eiji up in her face.

"What have you done with your hair!?"

Eijis voice cracked a little, with the sudden question everyone got up to see what was going on. Sakuno couldn't help but blush really hard with all the attention her hair was getting.

"Holy! That's really short Sakuno!"

Momo said. Everyone couldn't say anything else they were just to shocked, Sakuno always had long hair.

"What made you decided to cut your hair?"

The voice that trembled her to the bone was none other than Ryoma who asked the question. She couldn't look at their faces when she was about to lie.

"I just..just thought that it would be a n,nice change. That's all."

Her eyebrows frown when she looked away, thank the heaven for the new short hair that can be used to hide her facial expressions. Ryoma twirled the racket on his index finger.

"hmmm"

The coach clapped her hands together getting everyone's attention except Ryomas, his was still staring at Sakunos hair. She tried to keep her eyes on her grandma trying not to notice Ryoma. But she couldn't help be feel his stare harden with every passing second, finally giving in she took a quick peek at him through the corner of her eye. He was still looking, her body froze.

Ryoma stopped spinning the racket.

"Oishi, Eiji. I want you to work together with Inui for doubles, Kawamura I'm gonna want you and Kaidoh to practice with each other one on one. Fo..."

"You're lying."

Ryoma interrupted Coach Ryuzakis orders, all eyes were on Ryoma now. Sakuno was wide eyed looking at Ryomas cat like eyes turn from not interested to serious.

"what?"

She asked, she was praying really hard that he hadn't figured it out that the new hair cut wasn't on purpose at all. She was praying super hard.

"You're lying, it's not a nice change."

He said firmly and then walked off to the other end of the court, she watched him walk away. She couldn't believe her ears, he doesn't like her knew hair cut? Then does that mean he like the original before? Even though he constantly said it was to long?

Ryomas interruption was easily dismissed and every one started working. Sakuno retreated to the trees wonderful shade, she watched intently as everyone put their all into practice. She wished she could join them.

Her body tense to the thought, she had practice lesson after this also at the Tennis Training court. But she seriously didn't want to return there, not after what they did to her.

Sumire looked over her should to see Sakuno still in the same spot she's been sitting at sense the beginning of practice. She was worried. Sakuno was usually close to the fence, always watching Ryoma intensely. It was obvious that she liked him and idolizes him, but today she sat far away with her head in between her knees. She wasn't even watching, THAT wasn't normal for Sakuno.

She turned her attention to Ryoma, he was playing rather poorly as well. She started to watch him closely, he was always taking a small and quick peek at Sakuno ever now and then. She knew why he was playing poorly, he was worried as well. He noticed too.

At the end of practice She approached Ryoma, now separate for the rest she asked him a favor.

"Ryoma, do you mind accompanying Sakuno to the Tennis Training Courts this afternoon? I think she needs a motivator right now."

She nodded her head in Sakunos general direction, Ryoma looked on and then back at his Coach. He nodded a yes. They all worked together to pick up the tennis balls that they used for the days practice. Once done, everyone except Ryoma went to the lockers to get dress and go home.

Ryoma approached Sakunos siting body, she still didn't look up. He brought the cold can of soda, the same kind of soda she got him the day before to her forehead. She felt the cold and a shiver went up her spin, she looked up like the wave of cold went from the bottom and up. She eyed the can, and like every time he offered she took it out of his hands.

Ryoma leaned back on the tree trunk and opened his can, gulping it down in big portions. She watched him and looked down.

"What did you mean that I was lying? That is wasn't a nice change?"

She whispered. Ryoma put his can down.

"Your long hair was too long, but not it's much to short."

He picked up his can again and was about to take another sip when Sakuno jumped him.

"You seriously think so!? Is it really that BAD!?"

Her hand where on his shoulders her legs straddling him, eyes were a but teary. She wanted 'his' opinion, to her at that moment it was all that mattered. Ryoma looked at her shocked at the reaction Sakuno gave him, she was usually much more shy and a lot less daring. But what he saw in her eyes he knew that she wanted an answer.

"It's bad."

Is all he said, Sakuno was deeply hurt and knew it was bad, who was she kidding? She let her hands go from his shoulders to dropping them to her side. Her head bowed down, her bangs covering her eyes and the rest fell in front of her face pulled by gravity. Ryoma put his can down but left his hand gripping it, he didn't know where to put his free hand. Usually they would be put into his jack pockets but currently Sakuno was sitting on top of him and that would be and even more awkward position to be in.

Sakuno was very depressed, she didn't want to move she just want to give up trying to impress Ryoma. To catch up with him in term of tennis, just to stop watching her beloved prince play an awesome match with an even more difficult opponent. She felt her body sag and he forehead connected with Ryomas shoulder, he slightly shift by the surprise.

Ryoma didn't know how to handle this situation, what was he suppose to do? Push her off? pat her head for comfort? Talk to her? He was completely at a loss. So instead of doing anything he just let her rest there for a few minutes.

"Um, Coach has me joining you to your Tennis Training courses."

He finally said, getting a bit restless in that position. Sakunos body flinched, Ryoma felt it instantly. His gut told him she didn't want to go. He placed a hand on her arm and said.

"Do you have reason to not want to go to practice?"

He felt her muscles tense to his words, she most defiantly didn't want to go back. But what for? He move his hand to her shoulder to push her a little off of him. She got the message and moved back a bit, she moved her legs off of him. All the while she never made eye contact with him, not that she ever did in the first place.

Finally free Ryoma reached out to her right hand, Sakuno who was still mostly out of it didn't realized that Ryoma was grabbing her right hand. He got up first than went to pull her up when she felt a sudden sharp pain jolt through her arm. She let out a cry.

"EEEP!"

Ryoma stopped right away, he then bent down on one knee and felt about her wrist. In certain areas it hurt more than the rest and Sakuno jumped to every place that pained her. He let go of her hand and reached for the other one. She was yanked up by Ryomas strength, looking at him between her bangs she couldn't help but feel a little better that she wasn't sitting down anymore.

Ryoma took Sakuno to the school infirmary, there wasn't any school but the sports team had acesses to the imforumary incase of injuries. Sakuno was place on a stool and was told not to move. Ryome dug around for a wrap, he found one and gently as he could wrapped around her wrist. Once he finished he let her hand drop slowly while still keeping his left hand index finger touch the tip of her right. She blushed slightly, why was he doing that?

"We'll head to the Tennis courts to tell your coach that you'll be absent for awhile. I'll walk you home from there."

He said as he looked out the window, the sun was starting to set. It wasn't much past 2 but you could tell the light of the day was slipping away. The sun reflecting into his hazel eyes, it made him glow like when his focused in a match. Sakuno liked that look, the look of determination, courage and the confidence to brake forward. She thought deeply why she was so attracted to him and now she knew why. She wasn't going to give up so easily to the jerks who made her feel bad. Her appearance effected her and made her doubt herself. Thanks to Ryoma being beside her now she felt strong and willing to get back to the training courts.

Sakuno and Ryoma made it to the courts, she was going to be major late but she didn't mind. Se wouldn't be able to play even if she wanted too. Ryoma looked around and of course he was interested in warming up and doing a little exercise himself. She giggle at him, he heard her and eyed her a confused look. Sakuno lead them to the area she usually has to be at to attend her lessons, just bellow the hill was her class.

All her happiness that was slowly returning drained from her already pail face. Ryoma looked down bellow, looked at each student that were doing stretches. He thought.

'They got a good routine going.'

He turned to Sakuno to see if she was going to head down but when he saw her harden expression. She was angry, sad, scared, was she any of those emotions? He finally connected the dots.

Sakunos reason for not telling the others about her hair cut. Some one here at this court did something and it most diffinately changed Sakuno. He didn't like that, what right did this person have to do that to her!?

"Which one?"

"Huh?"

Ryoma's question took her by surprise, what did he mean which one? She turned to him.

"What do you mean?"

"Which one here, hurt you?"

He ask sternly. He looked at the group bellow, ready to single out the person who caused trouble for Sakuno. She look at him with worry and shock, he had figure most of the event out. Possible everything already. He wasn't showing anger in his expression he just glared down bellow like he always did with everyone else he looked at. She looked back down and spoke.

"Looks like they're not here. Not today anyways."

The wind blow from behind and her hair was pushed from the back of her head to the front. She felt like a mess and was trying to get the strands out of her face, some were stuck between her eyelashes they were the most difficult to move. Ryoma suddenly helped pull a strand that she was having trouble getting, her cheeks flushed a deep pink. Her eyes couldn't keep contact with his, she felt her whole body starting to heat up with embarrassment.

"Yo! Girly! You here with your boyfriend?"

He body shivered in shock not because of the cool breeze but by the cold lively laugh coming from behind her. When she turned around she was about ready to fall back on her butt with her fumbeling legs trying to half keep her balanced and half get her the hell away from them. Ryoma catches her by simply placing his left hand palm in the center of her back.

"Wow look at that! Her hair looks much better now don't you think, mister boyfriend? You are her boyfriend right?"

The Blondie spoke very sarcastically. The black haired guy just gave us a really big smirk. Ryoma stepped in front of Sakuno.

"What's it to you?"

He asked. In Sakunos mind she tossed the pending situation out and only though of, 'he didn't deny that I'm his girlfriend!' Her mind race as Ryoma looked at them. Ryoma put down his bag and got out his racket and one tennis ball, he balanced the tennis ball on the edge of the racket. Sakuno was having trouble with what he was trying to do, what was he going to prove by doing that?

Next thing she saw was Ryomas kick serve in action right before her eyes. The tennis ball made contact with the Blondies face, it smashed hard and was push off in the direction of the dark haired one. But was blocked by his racket that was already in his hand. He grinned evil, impressed that he wasn't hit like his friend that was now out cold on the pavement.

"You still got a ways to go."

Ryoma said, his rachet bounced up and down on his shoulder. He smirked and fixed his cap lifting it up on once side so you could only see one of his eyes, and that eye glared hard at the dark hair boy that was only meters across from them.

"Think you're smart huh brat!"

"I know I am, or at lest I'm much more than you."

"Asshole!"

"Can say the same for him, even his smarter than you."

"Oh yeah? How so? He was stupid enough to get hit."

"On the contrary, it was very smart of him to get hit. Because now you're the one going to have to deal with me."

Ryoma stopped his bouncing racket and thrust-ed it at the dark hair boy. it was a declaration of a tennis match.

Ryoma was on the right side of the court why the dark hair boy was on the left. It was Ryoma to serve and he didn't give any mercy on the first serve. Ryoma gave one of his special kick serves. The tennis ball went flying across the court with amazing speed, Sakuno knew that if he were to serve that to her she would never return it no matter how much practice she put.

The ball smashed on other side of the court and the point was called out by Sakuno.

"15 to love."

She yelled happily. she placed her hand together and prayed that his opponent wasn't hiding any secret moves.

"Getting tired of playing yet? Cause I'm just getting started."

Ryoma said to his opponent. It was still his serves game and Ryoma wasn't about to let the guy get his game on. Not for a second, not after what he did to Sakuno. He bounce the ball up and down with hit left hand, Ryoma was playing right handed even though he is a left-handed.

"Tell me, what did you do exactly to Sakuno?"

He demanded. The other boy still a little shock by the amazing serve, stuttered at his words.

"Ha..Hahaha..I just did a little redecorating, you see her hair bothered me to end. Every practice I would be hit in the eye by her annoying braids."

He got his confidence back and started to speak more snarly. Ryoma stopped the bouncing of the tennis ball, he throw it up in the air and as the suspense almost kill Sakuno. Ryoma hit it.

It was very unexpected of Ryoma but instead of like his first serve he served underhanded. Sakuno gasped, that kind of serve anyone can return it. How was Ryoma planing to win serving like that! But unknown to Sakuno, Ryoma added a little spice to the underhand serve. Of course the opponent thinking the same thing that the serve was pathetic and went for it.

Ryoma smirk. The ball landed straight in the middle of his racket and sky rocketed up in the sky.

"What the!?"

The guy let out a voice of confusion, Sakuno watched as the ball went up in the air and was lost in the blue and white sky.

'What is Ryoma thinking!?'

She though, she looked at him than back into the sky. A small yellow tennis ball was dropping right above Sakuno. She moved about a little to try and catch it and luck was on her side she caught it in her palm.

"PFFF hahaha! What was that!? That was just plain pathetic!"

Sakuno looked at Ryoma worried. He tipped his hat and asked for the ball to be passed back to him. She was about to throw it when he point to her hand, confused she twisted her to look at the tennis ball. It was the one that she had made with the drawing of his face on the ball. She blush madly. When she tossed the ball she practically wiped it at him.

"Hey girly! Name the damn score already!"

"Shut up."

Sakuno watched Ryoma start talking out of character.

"Who allowed you to talk to her like that?"

"I can talk the way I like to anyone!"

"Really? I would like to see you try after I knock out a few of your teeth."

"Like wise, twerp!"

Sakuno was amazed at how Ryoma barked at the boy, he was really angry. Shes never seen him act this way to anyone, maybe a glimps of it when his with Momo but beside that he was always his quite self. Her heart was racing and her cheeks were a shade of pink, she felt feverish but maybe because she was experience and seeing a whole new side of Ryoma.

Ryoma was to serve again, he bounced the ball a few times then shot up and served. AGAIN with the under hand serve, why? When the serve reached the other side it was easily returns. Ryoma wasn't going to let him return another, it was on purpose. He ran up and smashed the ball back into the other side, the ball lingered on the ground spinning uncontrollably at the opponents feet. He watched in amazement and horror, suddenly the ball kicked off the ground and smacked right under the guys jaw. A disgusting loud crunch sound was heard.

"GAHHHH!"

The dark hair boy feel back onto his back, his hands oh his mouth. He wiggled about in pain, when he was finally able to sit up he remove his hands. two teeth where on his palm, blood dripped from his mouth and nose eyes full of tears.

"Still like to call me a twerp? or do you still want to pick on Sakuno? Either one you would still get betten, just if you decide to pick Sakuno. I wouldn't go easy on you like I just did."

Ryoma switch his racket from his right hand to his left and hit the ball as hard as he could, it zoomed passed his face and crashed into the ground. Leaving a dent and a small rub burn on the court, the boy left scared out of his mind he most likely pissed his pants while he ran away.

Sakuno couldn't watch anymore, she was so happy. This Ryoma defended her so passionately, she fear that it was all but a dream. she bent forward and crouched down, Sakuno stuffed her face between the gap of her knees. Ryoma went and picked up the tennis ball and returned it into his pocket before he would loss it. He turned to go to Sakuno when he noticed her in a fatal position. He rushd over.

"Sakuno?"

He also crouched and put his hands on her shoulders. Sakuno indistinctly flung her arms around Ryomas neck, she stuck her face on the crock of his neck. She didn't want to let go she didn't want this dream to end.

"umm, Sakuno?"

Sakuno could feel his entire body, his lean muscle from all the training was tensed up. She felt hotter than ever, she puling her head back and looked at Ryomas worried, confused, and shocked face look at hers. She couldn't resist this daring opportunity. Her lips made contacted with his, both their eyes open, Sakuno worried that if she close them he would start disappearing. His with complete and utter shock.

A few seconds pass and it was Ryoma who broke the connection. He fell backwards, landing on his butt and his hand supporting his upper body before falling flat on the court ground. His cheeks red with seemed to be amazement. Sakuno was happy that she got to finally kiss her prince, now she could wake up prepare for it to only a dream. A horrible but loving dream.

Sakuno slowly opened her eyes, her room ceiling was there. She was right it WAS all just a dream, she sighed. She was so very disappointed, but she knew that Ryoma would never act that way towards her. His just to busy with HIS beloved tennis, she was just a side line cheerer nothing more nothing less.

She got out of bed and got down stairs, her grandmother had already made breakfast. She sat down and chowed down. It was a school day so she put on her school uniform, before leaving the house she could feel her temperature rising. She was sick, most likely a fever.

Her grandmother entered the kitchen

"Good morning Sakuno."

Like every morning they greeted each other with a smile.

"Good morning Grandma."

"Sakuno, you're staying home today. You're sick with a fever, poor Ryoma had to carry you all the way here. You better thank him, he'll be coming around at lunch hour to check on you."

She said while going through the fridge.

"By the wa..!"

"Wait you said Ryoma carried me home!?"

Sakuno panicked, wait! wait! waiiiiiit!

"Yes, and now get back to bed! I got to go right now!"

She left through the door in a rush. Sakuno was left there in the kitchen totally dumbfound.

'Ryoma carried her home? He'll coming around at lunch hour to check up on her?'

Sakuno was oh so praying that the dream wasn't a dream, but also hoped it was because if it wasn't she had kissed Ryoma the day before! She brought he hands to her cheeks, the fever felt like it was becoming worst. Her eyes began to make swirls, Sakuno made her way to her bed and crawled under the sheets. All the sudden reality check made her head spin, Sakuno stuffed her face into her pillow and slowly drifted back to sleep.

Ryoma received Coach Ryuzakis and Sakunos house key yesterday evening after carrying her back. Sakuno was boiling hot when he had arrived, that or it was that he was also feeling a little over the normal temperature. Sakuno had previously kissed him, on the lips, with her eyes open. He place his hand over his mouth as his face became cherry red. He could still feel her soft lips against his, her leftover taste of her lip gloss. Her open eyes filled with hazy emotions, she was showing her true colors at that very moment.

It all hit him like a train crash, all the comments from Momo and his dad. All the things she had done for him, cheered him on, got him cold beverages when he needed it. And all those attempts to create a conversation with him. It all made sense now.

He pulled the key out of his pocket and looked at it, he had to go vist at lunch. He really didn't want to go, worried that something like yesterday will happen again. But then again he is completely worried, her fever was pretty bad maybe because of the stress that built up with in the last two day.

He decided, his going.

Ryoma had came at lunch like Sakunos grandmother said he would. Right then and there, they were alone together. A very bad combination with some one who is sick and blushes every second. They sat together at the dinning table, Sakuno had made hot cocoa when he got there.

"Th..thanks for bringing me home...Ryoma."

Her index finger couldn't sit still as is rubbed the mug. She keep looking from her mup to Ryoma then back. He didn't even touch his cocoa yet, She began to feel like maybe it wasn't the drink he wanted. she was about to get up when she was stopped by Ryoma, he had place his hand on top of hers. The one she place on the table to help her stand up. His face was hidden behind the cap and his hands were trembeling.

"Why?"

He asked.

"Why, why did you to that yesterday?"

When Ryoma referred to 'that' she complete understood, it wasn't a dream; no it was reality. Her temperature went sky high, she tried to look at Ryomas face but it was blocked by his cap.

"I...I'm sorry if..if you didn't like it, I won't do it agai..."

Her sentence was cut short with the pressure of their lips put together. At first Sakuno was surprise but she relaxed and her eyes closed imagining all the other things they could do together. They broke apart.

"Sorry."

Ryoma said, looking away. His hazel cat like eyes looked pleased, worried, and lustful. Sakuno smiled happily and her temperature raised up again, this time though she couldn't stay focus and passed out. Forcing Ryoma to take care of her once more, bring her back to her room and rest.

Months later

It has been a good couple of months sense that terrible encounter with a jerk who almost ruined Sakunos life, most defiantly made a mess out of her hair though. But she has been growing it out again and it has finally reach her shoulder blades. She doesn't put them in braids anymore but for the time being until her hair is back to its old length she'll be keeping it in a nice ponytail.

Sakuno was ready to serve, she up the tennis ball and hit it as hard as she could. The racket made contact with the tennis ball with a big 'bunggk' sound, form its vibrating cords. Sakuno had practiced really heard, she practice both with her grandmother and with Inui. But today she was going to have another match with Ryoma. Her heart race with wild fire of excitement, she was hopefully ready; no she was ready. The ball was shot right back to her side before she noticed, Sakuno pouted and shouted across the court.

"I'll show you Ryoma! I've practice hard, I score 1 point off you and you and I are going to the park on a date!"

Ryoma smirked, he got into stance. This is how it's been sense, If Sakuno gets a point in a match Ryoma goes on a date with her anywhere she wants. But if she can't with in the time limit, she has to got with him anywhere her wants. So far...Ryoma has always had the upper hand.

For a couple they always made decisions by playing tennis, Sakuno had a feeling it was always going to be this way. Ryoma was to be her personal trainer and goal but she wasn't about to give up trying to be a little bit on pare with him. She served once more, just when things were looking good. Her shot was sliced and lobed back to her side of the court again. Ryoma started bounce his racket on his shoulder, he grinned and pointed his racket at her.

"You still got a ways to go."

~I hope you liked it. If you see any type of problem like spelling mistakes please do tell.~

~Constructive criticism is much appreciated~