TENDERNESS IN THE RAIN

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN PRINCE OF TENNIS

Chapter 19: Their Future Together

Ryoga had been worried about his kid brother after the incident with Mari. He didn't show up at practice for several days and Ryoga's had no luck in getting in touch. For once, he went home to visit his parents, but even Rinko and Nanjiroh didn't know where their younger son was. At the same time, Ryoga stayed true to his promise to Mari, and made several calls to friends from different circles to check in on the location of Sakuno.

"Dammit! Where the hell is Ryoma?" Ryoga thought as he casually backhanded a shot on the wall.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, another tennis ball flew in full force and bounced his ball away. Ryoga looked around and saw Ryoma holding a racquet in his hand.

"Where were you?" Ryoga asked irritably.

Ryoma pulled his cap down and walked pass his brother without a word.

"Yo, squirt!" Ryoga called after him.

Ryoma paused and called behind him, "You coming or what?"

Ryoga looked surprised for a second, and then followed with a smirk on his face.

They both entered the court and began a relentless match against each other. Ryoma pulled out all of his moves while Ryoga countered without mercy. Overall, it was a satisfying practice for both men.

"…You've gotten better, boy." Ryoma grinned, panting heavily.

"Humph!" Ryoma replied.

While Ryoga guessed at the intensity of Ryoma's practice, Ryoma sat down and was already deep in thought. After talking to Yuka, Sanada and Atobe, he's done a lot of thinking on his own. Looking back on his relationship with Sakuno, he realized that it was unfair of him to treat Sakuno like an invalid, regardless of his cause. He guessed it was true that the greatest harm usually came from the best of intention.

At this point, as long as Sakuno did not want to be found, then it will probably be unlikely to trace her. Therefore, if it was Sakuno's wish for him to win, then he will do his best to not disappoint her.

Rather than dwelling on the hurt and sadness, Ryoma chose to make use of his energy on the court, hoping Sakuno will see his resolution.

Ryoma picked up his racquet and looked over at his older brother, "Again."

"Oh, someone's feisty today." Ryoga smiled. "Can't wait for another beating, eh?"

"We'll see about that." Ryoma said confidently.

"Ryoma, are you ready for the finals?" Ryoga asked, watching his brother warm up in the locker room.

Ryoma took a few swings with his racquet and nodded at his brother. Since his participation of the Wimbledon games, Ryoma has stayed true to his word and won every single match to make it to the finals. In each game, Ryoma gave his all, while holding a faint thread of hope that Sakuno will show up. But he has been disappointed at the end of every game.

"Looks like it's going to rain today. The match might be postponed." Ryoga informed.

"Let's just get this over with." Ryoma grabbed his bag and walked out of the door. Today was the finals, and Ryoma wished like he has never wished before that Sakuno would be here with him.

Shiori looked at the beautiful dress on the manikin in front of her. "This will be one of my master pieces yet! I'm so glad I finished it in time!"

She checked and time and gasped, "Oh my! It's already so late. I better get dressed and check on the progress."

As Shiori changed and looked into the full length mirror, she couldn't help by staring at the belled anklet. She smiled bitterly at herself and wondered why she has not removed this anklet after all these years.

She reached down and pulled on the bells, hearing the distinct sound filling her ears.

Shiori looked at her reflection in the mirror, touched her own face and muttered, "Perhaps it is because I desperately wanted to believe in a happy ending…"

"Echizen has a hard game to win today. His opponent is not one to take lightly." Sanada said to Atobe. Both men used their VIP influence and invited many of their former tennis teammates and friends to witness Ryoma's game up close.

"He's played very well in this entire competition. Today should be an interesting game." Yukimura replied.

"Interesting, huh?" Atobe smiled. He had a gut feeling today will certainly turn out to be an interesting day, perhaps not only to Echizen Ryoma…

"The weather doesn't look too good today. Let's just hope it does not affect today's game." Fuji commented, after taking a look at the cloudy sky.

As the announcement came on, the players were introduced onto the court. Ryoma's friends and family cheered him on, watching Ryoma as he acknowledged the crowd's support.

As the final game started, everyone's attention turned to the game. From the onset, Ryoma did fairly well to win the first set, but as the second set began, his opponent stepped up his offense while caused Ryoma to struggle a bit.

"Oh, his opponent is not too shabby." Nanjiroh amused, earned a light elbow jab and hush from his wife.

After losing the second set, Ryoma tried hard to focus as he wiped the sweat off his face at intermission.

"What is wrong with me?" Ryoma chided himself, "Did I not promise to play my best?" His eyes drifted around the stadium, hoping to catch a shade of auburn in the crowd.

"Will she come? Will she be here waiting for me?" He wondered to himself. As the intermission ended, Ryoma shook his head to clear his thoughts. He grabbed his racquet and stepped onto the court.

"Something is bothering him. Ryoma's acting a little strange." Mari nudged at Ryoga.

"I can see that." Ryoga frowned, "But he has to sort it out fast if he wants to win this one."

"Do you think it's because of Ryuzaki?" Mari asked. Ever since facing Ryoma at the club, Mari stayed well away from him. She truly repented for her mistake and concentrated all of her efforts on finding Sakuno. However, just like others, she could not find anything at all.

Ryoga patted her head gently, trying to cheer the girl up. "I know you did your best. Don't look so down, angel face."

Mari blushed, "…Thanks…For being supportive…"

Ryoga had been a true friend to help her out. Now that she had her eyes opened, she finally admitted the attraction she has felt for Ryoma's brother. But before she can admit her feelings for Ryoga, Mari has promised herself that she has to first correct her mistakes with Ryoma and Sakuno first.

Even though Ryoma kept mentally disciplining himself to stay with the game, his mind seemed to run off on its own and stray to thinking about Sakuno. This slowed his judgement and movement, causing him to lose another set 6-3.

"What is Echizen doing?" Sanada boomed, clearly not at all happy about the turn of event.

"Hmm, very interesting indeed…" Atobe mused to himself.

On the side of the court in the third intermission, Ryoma took a deep breath and put a towel over his face to try to collect his train of thoughts.

"Ok, try to calm down." He said to himself, "Have to get back on track! Try to remember what is important!"

As he continued to calm his inner self, his thoughts were disrupted by the starting announcement of the fourth set. Ryoma opened his eyes and stared at the gloomy sky. Before picking himself up, someone from the audience loudly boomed his name.

"Fight on, Ryoma! Ryoma Number 1" Tomoka shouted loudly, holding up a poster with Horio in the background.

Ryoma stared at the poster, unable to take his eyes off of it for even a second. It wasn't the coarseness of the drawing that drew his attention, but what it reminded him of. The poster showed only one thing, a bright tennis ball with his face in black markings. It jolted a memory from long ago. That was Sakuno's custom drawing of himself back in junior high. Both Sakuno and Tomoka kept a tennis ball just like this one.

Mesmerized by the familiar image, the memories of Sakuno from all those years ago came flooding back. He remembered the timidly disoriented girl whom he had first asked for directions when they first met, all those tennis lessons his father had forced him to teach her, of her running up to him when he received a serious cut on his eye lid…In his mind, images of her as a teenager were slowly being replaced by a compassionate beauty, who despite having lost her sight, still worked hard to succeed in life. He remembered every caring word she spoke, every graceful movement and that warm feeling whenever she smiled at him.

For the first time in the Wimbledon games, Ryoma finally smiled, feeling lighthearted all of a sudden. He finally remembered his purpose, his aggression and drive. Sakuno wouldn't want him to win for her; she would want him to win for himself.

Ryoma turned towards his opponent and smirked, "Sorry, but I'm taking the game."

With amazing speed and resolve, Ryoma took the last two set with jaw breaking speed, securing yet another grand slam title and adding another tale to his legend.

"He won! He won!" Tomoka shouted excitingly with a crushing embrace to her husband.

"Not a bad game, squirt." Ryoga smiled, congratulating his brother on the win. He hugged Mari tight and both of them cheered for Ryoma.

All of Ryoma's senpais and friends were all extremely happy for him.

"Not bad, at least it wasn't a waste of my time." Atobe said as a matter of fact, "Well, pressing matter calls, what a shame." He took a look at his expensive watch and pulled out his cellphone, leaving the rest of them to celebrate Ryoma's victory.

Ryoma pulled his cap off and threw it towards the audience. He looked up at the sky again and thought of Sakuno. I won, Sakuno! I'm still the best!

After the commotion has died down a little, the award ceremony commenced right away. Ryoma shook hands with his opponent and received the long awaited championship cup from the tournament officials. The crowd cheered once more at him.

The international press finally received the opportunity to interview the new champion. Ryoma held the cup next to him and looked around the stadium once more, hoping to catch a glimpse of the person he has been waiting for.

"Mr. Echizen, please, can you please look this way for the front page?" A reporter yelled. Ryoma was forced to redirect his attention back to the press, and posed impatiently for their photos.

"Mr. Echizen, I'm from New York Times, can you please give us a statement? How does it feel to win yet another grand slam title?" A female reporter forced through the crowed and pushed a microphone to Ryoma's face, waiting eagerly for a comment.

Ryoma did not reply, but looked right and left. Yet disappointingly, he did not see anyone he recognized.

"Mr. Echizen?" The reporter asked again.

Ryoma snapped his attention back to the people in front of him and sighed, knowing they won't leave him along unless they are satisfied with a statement.

Though he's never been too keen on giving interviews, his agent Max would kill him if he did not satisfy the publicity with a few words.

"I've never had any doubts on winning this title." The ever confident Ryoma replied shortly. He was about the leave when he stopped and took the microphone once again. The press were all surprised because it was well known Echizen Ryoma was a man of few words in front of the camera. To see him take the proactive approach on TV was certainly the first time.

"I just want to take this opportunity to relay my message to someone. If you are watching, as I'm sure you are, I just want you to know this championship belongs to us. I'll see you soon!" He looked into the camera and lifted the cup up.

"Echizen, who were you referring to? Is it the lady who was with you before?" The press grew excited by Ryoma's sudden speech, each of them wanting to get an inside story from the prince himself.

Ryoma waved once more at the crowd before walking toward the locker room. With only a few steps, a feminine voice came on the announcement, "Ryoma…"

Ryoma froze and looked up wildly. At the precise moment, a zeppelin in the sky shadowed over the stadium and effectively silenced the crowds' voices. Surprisingly, petals of cherry blossom danced from the sky. The entire crowd was awed by the beauty of the mysterious phenomenon.

"I told you I would come back to you." A woman, led by Atobe, slowly descended down the steps and onto the center field. Ryoma could only stare speechlessly at her.

Sakuno, dressed in the most elaborately designed pale pink dress, walked gracefully towards him. Her long luscious hair was tied in two braids, just like how she had it in junior high school, and exactly the same from his memory. She stopped in about ten paces away from him, holding tightly to the microphone, while the press frantically captured this moment on tape. After releasing Atobe's hand, Sakuno swallowed nervously and put a hand out to smooth the dress, feeling the silkiness under her touch. Despite not being able to see herself, Sakuno knew the dress Shiori personally designed for her was elegant and perfect.

"Sakuno, your eyes…" Ryoma noticed the bandages on her face. It would seem that the surgery has indeed failed. Though he was happy to see Sakuno again, his heart sank, knowing how devastating she must have felt.

"Oh, this?" Sakuno touched her bandages, "Actually, I wanted you to be the first person I see after these comes off." She smiled.

Ryoma's hope soared, "Do you mean…?"

Without a reply, Sakuno slowly unwrapped the bandages, layer by layer, until all of it came off. Her eyes remained closed, and Ryoma waited for her reaction. He has never been more nervous in his life.

Sakuno slowly opened her eyes, adjusting her vision to the sudden light. Her sight was blurry and cloudy at first, but as she became accustomed to the light, her eyes automatically sought a familiar face in front of her.

Sakuno gasped. After six years, she was finally seeing Ryoma for the first time. He was still as attractive as ever, with a pair of piercing cat eyes and lean muscular body. The boy she remembered from a long ago has grown to be a man of many achievements. Moreover, his face beamed with softness, as he looked at her with a loving gaze she has always dreamed of seeing.

Ryoma pushed pass the press and slowly walked towards her. The closer he was to her, the more he realized how much he had missed her. When he finally stood in front of her, he pulled her into a tight embrace and whispered into her ear. "I missed you, Sakuno."

"Me too…" Sakuno replied in a tiny voice, feeling tears of joy gathering in her eyes.

Ryoma pulled back and wiped the tears from her eyes, "You're late. Did you lose your way again?"

She laughed at his tone of voice, "Hey, no complaining! I had trouble tying these," She said as she pulled on her long braids. "It's been ages and I had to get a bit of help to get them done."

Ryoma felt her braids at her back and looked down at her joyous feature.

"I don't need these to recognize you anymore." He said while slipping the hair ties off of the end of her braids, sending her loose hair cascading down her back. Ryoma cupped her face with his hand and hugged her once more.

"It seems this calls for an official announcement, wouldn't you say?" Atobe cut in, holding a small box in his hand.

Sakuno looked puzzled, but Ryoma nodded his appreciation at his former rival. Atobe smirked and threw the box directly into Ryoma's hand.

Ryoma led Sakuno to the center of the stadium, "Ladies and gentleman! On this special day, I have an announcement to make." With further words, Ryoma got down on his knee and opened the box in his hand, revealing a large diamond ring.

"Ryuzaki Sakuno, I've never been the romantic type so this is probably going to be the most romantic moment you can expect of me, but…well…will you do me the honor of marrying me?"

The whole crowd blasted the stadium with cheers, encouraging Sakuno to accept the prince's proposal.

Sakuno could not believe Ryoma proposed to her on television. She blushed a rosy red on her cheeks but did not shy away from Ryoma's gaze. She gathered her courage and answered, "Ryoma…was there any doubt that I'll say no?"

"None whatsoever." He smirked and secured the ring on her finger. He stood up and announced to the world, "Ladies and gentlemen, please meet my fiancé, Ryuzaki Sakuno."

The entire audience went wild at the dramatic ending, and congratulated on the couple's beautiful beginning.

As the couple stared happily at each other, thunder boomed above and down came drizzles of rain.

"Nice timing, if I do say so myself." Ryoma said smugly.

Sakuno punched him softly on the chest, while Ryoma smiled and bend down to capture her mouth for a soft kiss.

After the presses' raging report and coverage, it was finally Ryoma and Sakuno's wedding. The couple has decided to host a private wedding with only close friends and relatives. The location of the wedding was safely protected from the public's eye with the help of Max and Sakuno's parents.

At the wedding banquet, Sakuno entered with a richly designed wedding gown that was breathtakingly beautiful. Her father escorted her in and gave her hand away to Ryoma.

As they both took their vows, they spoke with of love, commitment and trust. All of their friends and family applauded the couple, as they have all been witnesses to this long journey.

"Ryoma, Sakuno, both you of you looked great." Ryoga walked over to offer his congratulation to the couple.

The couple smiled happily in appreciation.

"By the way, there's someone here to see you." Behind Ryoma, Mari came out.

Ryoma's smile vanished and tightened his grip on his wife. Sakuno chided Ryoma and walked forward to take Mari's hands.

"I know I'm not welcomed here, but I just want to apologize to you in person and tell you how sorry I am." She hung her head low.

"Miss Mari, I'm so glad to have you at the wedding. Please, no apology is necessary. On the contrary, we have you to thank for."

"What?" Ryoma said.

"Ryoma, had Miss Mari not said all those things to me, we would never have made it here today. Don't you think you should be thanking her?" Sakuno asked.

"Humph!" It was all Ryoma could say.

"Really? You're not mad at me? I'm so happy! Thank you so much!" Mari was so moved by Sakuno's words that she hugged her. Ryoma immediately disengaged the two women and pulled Sakuno to his side.

As Ryoga and Mari walked away, Mari couldn't help but feel much better now. "I feel like something heavy has finally been lifted from my chest. I guess everything turned out to be the best."

"Well, not quite." Ryoga dragged Mari onto the dance floor, "There's only one thing left to make this the perfect day." He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.

Mari pushed Ryoga away and looked up, "Do I have to do everything myself, stud muffin?" She wrapped her hands around his neck. Then she leaned up and gave him a long awaited kiss.

As Sakuno and Ryoma danced, Sakuno sighed with content.

"Sighing already, wife?" Ryoma joked.

"Everything worked out wonderfully. I don't think I can be any happier than this. If only…"

"?"

"If only Shiori can also be here to share our joy." Sakuno said regrettably. Her friend has given her so much help, and also this magnificent wedding dress.

"You mean your mysterious friend? We do owe her a huge favor." Ryoma has heard from Sakuno on all the help she has received from Tsukimori Shiori. Ryoma thought her name sounded familiar, but he couldn't quite remember where he has heard of her. At the same time, Sakuno told him a little about her relationship with Sanada and how he must never reveal anything to anyone.

At the end of the banquet, Sakuno was ready to throw the bride's bouquet on the stage. "Here goes!"

As all the single ladies jumped to grab the bouquet, it bounced off many pairs of hands. The ladies all screamed and reached as hard as they can. In the end, the bouquet popped and landed with the most unexpected person.

Sanada felt something was being thrown at him and reflexively caught the bouquet in his hand. He stood dumbfounded at the flowers and looked up to all the angry stares from the bachelorettes.

The entire crowd laughed and cheered him on, making him extremely embarrassed.

Sakuno looked down warmly at all of the people around her. As she looked on, she caught a familiar person just outside of the door.

Sakuno grabbed Ryoma's hand and whispered to him, "It's Shiori…"

Ryoma also looked over and bowed his head at her. Shiori smiled and waved at them before walking away.

Ryoma and Sakuno looked at each other, feeling her appearance has finally completed this memorable day.

Shiori tucked a few strand of her hair back and smiled at herself. Sakuno has finally found her happiness.

"I guess happy endings do exist…but it's just not for me…" She sighed as she prepared to exit the elevator door.

When she door opened, she looked up and saw someone she did not unexpect, "Genichirou…"

"I knew it was you…Shiori…" He saw a glimpse of her outside the door and immediately took the stairs to cut her off on the main floor.

Shiori gasped and tried to push past him, but he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into the elevator. Sanada inserted his key card for the top floor, never letting go of his grip.

"What are you doing? Let me go." She struggled and tried to twist her wrist out of his hold.

"Not unless we talk, either I hold on to you or you promise not run away." He forced her to make a choice.

"….Fine. I see the years have not changed you in the slightest." She pulled her hand free and rubbed her wrist.

"On the contrary, there is a lot about me that is different now." He looked deeply into her eyes, to which she turned her gaze away.

When the elevator hit the top floor, he escorted her to the penthouse suite he was staying at.

Shiori looked hesitant about setting foot inside his room. The tension between them escalated when he closed the door behind him.

"If you want to talk, then talk. I don't have all day." She said impatiently.

Sanada took his jacket off and loosened his tie, "Please, have a seat."

"No, whatever you have to say, just say it already."

Sanada sighed and walked over to her. Shiori was instantly alarmed by his close presence. She took a step back, hoping to put some distance between them.

"Stop! Stay where you are. Don't come any closer." She warned.

"Then stop hiding from me."

"I am not hiding from you!" She said defensively, putting her arms around herself.

"Sakuno's dresses…I knew it was you the moment I saw it. That would explain why none of us could find her. You were the one helping her, right?"

Shiori flipped her hair, "So what if I was? It's none of your business."

"Then why were you afraid to show yourself?" Sanada pressed.

"I don't appreciate being interrogated. In case you forget, we are not engaged anymore. The agreement has been cancelled a long time ago. You are in no position to question me about anything." She reminded him. "There's nothing more we can say to each other. I shall take my leave."

Shiori replied and proceeded to leave. Yet Sanada's voice stopped her dead in the tracks, "I think there's some kind of misunderstanding. We are still engaged."

Shiori turned back, frowning at his words, "You lie! Our engagement was cancelled long ago. Our grandfathers…"

"No," He said firmly, "I never went to my grandfather. You are still my fiancé."

Shiori has never been so shocked in her life, "I don't believe you! You are lying! How could you not…? This must be a joke! You had every intention to stop this farce…Why didn't you cancel the engagement like you said you were going to?"

"I changed my mind." He replied honestly.

"You changed…" She felt dizzy. All this time he had her thought they were no longer related…How he must have laughed at her ignorance…

"If you don't believe me, you can ask your grandfather."

"Believe me, I will get to the bottom of this." She fumed, breathing hard from the sudden shock. But in truth, she was also afraid he was right.

She turned to leave the room, only to have him say to her, "Shiori, don't ever think of running away from me again."

She trembled slightly at his words, then slammed the door shut.

Yay! So there you have it, the end of the story! I literally pulled out some of my hair, trying to write a suitable ending for Ryoma+Sakuno. I hope this doesn't come out as being a little cheesy! o"

I hope everyone has enjoyed this story as much as I have. I've left an opening for SanadaXOC, but I'm not sure if I will pursue it or not. Sanada is one of my favorite characters in the story, and it really gives me a lot of freedom by pairing a new character with him. OR...perhaps I should go back and review my other unfinished stories, for the sake of other readers , (I know it sucks to have the story hanging...)

By all means, give me some comments while I take some time to sort out my thoughts!