Disclaimer: I don't own Prince of Tennis.

Warning: OC-ness

True Tears

Chapter Seven: The reason for her tears

I never thought things would end this way.

Ever since Sakuno got sent into the hospital, Ryoma never left her side as he said. Waiting for her to wake up everyday. He never thought waiting could be so painful. He wondered if it was painful for her to wait for him. The moment she wakes up, Ryoma promises to make her happy everyday. To not hurt her like what he just did. He wouldn't want her to experience the same sufferings again. Sakuno's hand twitched and Ryoma instantly stood up.

"Sakuno?" Ryoma worriedly called her name.

"R-Ryoma-kun..." Ryoma didn't like how that sounded. It sounded so weak. She makes it sound like she's going to...No. Ryoma wouldn't let her die.

"Sakuno? How are you feeling? I'll call the doctor right now."

"I'm glad. You called me by my given name. I heard you shout my name when you saw me in that pathetic condition too."

"When you're fine and healthy again, I can call your name as many times as you want. Just don't give up yet." Ryoma begged while trying to stop the tears that was threatening to fall out of his eyes.

"Ryoma-kun's crying. I'm so happy that you would cry for me." Sakuno said in between breaths.

"Don't say those things like you're going to die! You're gonna live Sakuno. Don't give up. You got enough rest right? You're fine now right?"

"Ryoma-kun, sorry but I don't think I c-" Sakuno was cut off by Ryoma's shout. "Don't say that I said!"

"Ryoma-kun, I heard your talk with Eiji-niichan."

"You misunderstood that. I didn't do it because Kikumaru-sempai asked me. I did it because I want to. I-"

"I'm glad then. If only I listened till the end, I wouldn't have been hit by that car."

"No. It's my fault. I should've treated you more specially. I should've acted more like a boyfriend." Ryoma couldn't stop the tears from falling now.

"Ryoma-kun, I-I love you. I'm so happy and sad at the same time. Happy that you're worried enough to cry for me and sad that this will be the last time th-"

"I told you don't say that!" Ryoma squeezed her hand. "I love you. When you feel better, we would act more like lovers. We would stay forever. Don't give up just yet!"

"I want to cry. I want to."

"Sakuno, you are crying right now. Your tears are falling." Sakuno widened her eyes and touched the side of her face. Tears. Ryoma was right, she finally cried. All because Ryoma cried for her. A special person like Ryoma cried for her. Ryoma kissed the side of her face. Kissing her tears away.

"Do you remember? You did that to me too right? Think of this as payback?"

"Yeah, my mom did that to make my tears go away. I'm happy you did it for me too. I'm happy you got my tears back. I'm really grateful to you Ryoma-kun. I love you and...goodbye." Sakuno smiled weakly and gently closed her eyes.

"Sakuno? You're just sleeping right? Sakuno, wake up. I'm still not done talking to you." Ryoma bowed his head and let go of her hands.

~xoxoxoxo~

"Echizen! We're going on ahead. Don't do anything crazy okay?" Momo shouted.

Ryoma was standing alone with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. He kneeled down and gently laid the flowers in front of the grave. The grave of someone very special to him. Someone that he not only brought back her tears but brought his own tears back. "Sorry Sakuno. I don't think I'll fall in love again with others. Only you can put up with me. Only you." Ryoma shook his head trying not to get emotional about it again.

At this time and moment, I finally knew the significance of the saying to never let go of your special person because once you let go, there is a chance she will never come back.

END

A/N: Nooooo! Don't kill me! It just seems the most appropriate ending for it. I don't think Ryoma would cry because of simple things so I thought of someone dying. Thanks for whoever stuck with this story and thanks for those who reviewed. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Sorry if it was rushed. I have the tendency to rush things.