?! I?m so tired, why do you always hit the balls all over the court when we play?? Kikumaru complained as he tried to drag himself to the nearest bench, ?The only reason you always win is because I just couldn?t run anymore.?

?It?s your own fault Eiji!? The girl named replied as she handed a water bottle to the boy on the bench, ?You know the lack of endurance is your biggest weakness and you must learn to preserve your energy throughout the game!?

?Eiji? ?? The arguing pair turned toward the entrance of the street tennis court to follow the sound of this familiar voice, ?Playing a game again??

?Fuji!? called toward the tensai, ?Come and play a game with me, Eiji here is worn out, again!?

Fuji Syusuke walked across the court to the bench where his two friends were and as he glanced toward the panting boy still draped on the bench, Fuji immediately knew what had taken place, ?Eiji, you lost to , again??

?Shut up Fuji! Just because she goes easy on you doesn?t mean she goes easy on everyone else!? Kikumaru replied back, ?I?m so tired??

?Eiji, don?t complain!? said bossily, without even the slightest of sympathy, ?You just need more stamina training, and I created a new training menu just for you.?

?Again?? Kikumaru murmured to himself, ?Your last schedule was already enough to exhaust me to death!?

made a face but didn?t reply to Kikumaru?s comment, instead she straightened up to face Fuji, ?How about a game Fuji??

?Actually, I?m not here to play.? Fuji responded, ?I have a favor to ask of you.?

?A favor?? repeated, and started to giggle, ?In all the years I have known you Fuji, you have never asked for anything! What could I, , possibly do for the great Fuji Syusuke today??

?In any case, Eiji should have already asked you?? Fuji asked and after noting the oblivious look on ?s face, turned to glare at Kikumaru, ?like he was supposed to??

?No, he didn?t.? turned to look at Kikumaru as well, ?Now, what was it that you were supposed to ask me??

Under the stares of both Fuji and , Kikumaru cowered back on the bench as he struggled to remember, ?Um?I?let me think?uh?help??

Fuji sighed and waved off Kikumaru?s nonexistent response, ?, what are you doing over Spring Break??

broke off her staring contest with Kikumaru and answered, ?Nothing really, maybe a few shifts at work, but nothing important.?

?Then how would you like to spend the week training with us?? Fuji asked, ?The three tennis teams, Hyotei, Rikkai Dai, and Seigaku, are going to do some group training while camping in the wild during Spring Break.?

?Oh, that?s what I forgot about!? Kikumaru jumped up, and tried to steal the spotlight from Fuji, ???

?What could I possibly do at a BOY?s tennis training camp?? raised a questioned eyebrow as she interrupted Kikumaru, ?Clearly I don?t belong to the team, or even attend Seigaku for that matter.?

?Just stuff you are doing now, like training Eiji on his stamina and helping the members to prefect their moves.? Fuji answered casually, ?Don?t be so modest , you may have never had any real training, but you got a gift for playing tennis.?

?Besides, if you were a boy and actually attended Seigaku, , you would definitely be a regular on the team.? Kikumaru added, feeling slightly left out of the conversation, ?And you would be captain after Tezuka too, since you?re a year younger than us.?

?Well?? started, ?It?s all very flattering, but??

?I never understood why you choose to go to Hyotei, ,? Fuji prompted, ?It?s hard isn?t it? Because of your financial and social situation??

looked away and Fuji decided to drop that subject. At the same time, Kikumaru seemed to have regained his energy and seemed really eager about something.

?Eiji, what?s wrong?? asked, thankful for a way to change the subject, ?Your energy is back??

?I just can?t wait to beat the Silver Pair!? Kikumaru said excitedly, ?Oishi and I will defend our title as the Golden Pair!?

?Silver Pair?? asked, slightly confused, ?And who might they be??

?Ohtori Chotarou and Shishido Ryou of Hyotei,? Fuji answered, ?They will be attending the training session with the rest of their team.?

?I?ll do it!? suddenly said, slightly flushing, ?I will help with training over Spring Break.?

?Alright!? Kikumaru said as he punched the air, but stopped as a certain thought hit him, ?That must mean, extra laps and stamina training for me? Noooooo!!!!?

Fuji didn?t answer and saw a look on ?s face that he, one of her closest friends, had never seen before. ?She looks as if she?s in a daze? And why the sudden agreement to come after hearing about the Silver Pair? Could it be? That is in love with one of them??

?So, this is the campsite huh Atobe?? Oshitari commented, ?There?s nothing luxurious about it.?

The Hyotei tennis team looked around at the small area where they were supposed to spend the next week while training with the Rikkai Dai and Seigaku. Atobe was already shaken due to the lack of deluxe accommodations.

?I guess we should put up the tents and start dinner?? Ohtori said as he dropped the bags he was carrying, ?Um?anyone have any idea??

?Let?s just divide the work.? Said Shishido, ?Kabaji, Chotarou, Hiyoshi, and I will put up the tents, and Gakuto, Oshitari, and Jirou should figure out what we should do about dinner. As for Atobe??

Shishido trailed off and noted that Atobe was still stunned about camping in the woods, ??Atobe, you will supervise??

?Let?s get started!? Gakuto said excitedly, ?I love camp!?

A few hours later?

?Who knew tents are so hard to put up?? Shishido dusted off and hammered the last nail in place, ?At least it?s all done.?

The group looked at the tents and sighed, obviously, it?s going to be a break from their usual comfortable, civilized existence.

?Good, then you can help us with the food,? Gakuto called, ?Apparently, none of us knows how to cook.?

The team gathered around the campfire and looked hopelessly at the weird mixture in the pot in the center. It seemed even more deadly than Inui?s golden power remix.

?Apparently chocolate, soy sauce, and other stuff we put in there don?t go well together.? Gakuto lost some of his cheerfulness ?We?re all going to starve to death!?

?No, we?re not.? Atobe suddenly snapped out of his trance, ?Something smells good, and expensive.?

The rest of the team sniffed around and agreed, ?It?s probably another?s team?s dinner.?

?It?s coming from that direction? Gakuto pointed, ?Let?s go and see if we can get something to eat!?

There was a murmur of agreement as the team shuffled through the trees and five minutes later, they arrived at their destination and met some familiar faces.

Meanwhile?

?These are good .? Said Fuji, ?Now everyone, aren?t you glad Eiji and I convinced to come and help us train??

laughed and tried to look offended, ?If I had known that my job would be to cook and clean, I wouldn?t have come at all.?

?Take no offense -san,? Oishi said, ?We all know you are great at tennis, and that?s the main reason we asked you to come with us.?

?And the fact that you can cook is just a bonus.? Kikumaru said happily, ?I would hate to drink Inui?s juice again.?

?There seemed to be some intruders.? Tezuka said suddenly, ?Be on guard everyone.?

The camp quieted down and listened, there were footsteps coming from two different directions and it sounds like there was more than one of this intruder. Soon, the owners of the footsteps revealed themselves.

?Hyotei?? Momoshiro looked at the faces of the newcomers, ?And Rikkai Dai??

?What a surprise.? Oishi said, ?What can we do for you??

Before anyone can answer, Kirihara already dashed to the buffet table that had assembled and shouted joyously, ?FOOD!?

?Kirihara? Sanada warned, as Kirihara forced himself to back away from the delicacy on the table, ?Restrain yourself.?

The three teams were quiet for an awkward moment and spoke up, ?I suppose you are all here for something to eat??

The two teams tried to hide their embarrassment as they nodded. glanced at Tezuka, who nodded his consent.

?You are welcome to join us.? said lightly, ?Inui, it seems that your data is correct, again.?

?Data?? Everyone ask in unison, ?About what??

?Sadaharu?? Yanagi began, ?You knew there was 99.7% chance that our teammates can?t cook right??

?And 99.8% chance that since we have , you would come to us for food.? Inui concluded, ?That?s why we prepared extra.?

?Um?? Everyone excluding the two data man was waiting in this most awkward silence until rescued them again, ?Let?s eat??

?Yeah!? The more flamboyant members of Hyotei and Rikkai Dai cheered as they forgot their pride, ?Let?s get some food.?

giggled as she watched the boys shoveling food onto their plates and took a seat between Ohtori Chotarou and Fuji Syusuke.

?-san, your cooking is delicious!? Ohtori complimented, ?Even though the rest of the team wouldn?t show it, but they are actually really grateful.?

?Thank you,? replied, ?I??

The brief conversation was interrupted by an alarmed cry. Marui Bunta was staring at the cupcakes and shouted happily, ?There?s cake too?!?

?Oh yes, Inui-san said that some of the players need sugar to keep up their energy,? said quickly, ?I wanted to make a cake, but considering the circumstances, cupcakes were the best I could do.?

Marui took one of the cupcakes and kneeled on one knee in front of , and said something that surprised everyone, ?I love you.?

?Huh?? was definitely in shock, ?What are you talking about??

?You made cake for me and I love you for it.? Marui said simply and took one of ?s hands, ?Let?s go out.?

looked rather uncomfortable and looked around her for help. Fuji and Eiji were hiding their amusement while everyone else was rather determined to avoid her silent cries for help. At that moment, Niou Masaharu decided to step in.

?You?re distressing the poor girl.? Niou removed ?s hand from Marui?s grasp and brought it to his lips, ?Especially a princess at that.?

?Huh??

was turning red, considering she was rather plain in daily life and nobody hardly ever takes notice her. At that moment, there was a loud crash: it seemed that Ohtori had dropped his plate and Niou let go of ?s hand in reflex to avoid the splash of food.

?I?m so sorry.? Ohtori apologized quickly, ?I?ll clean up.?

?Let me help you.? reached out to pick up the pieces of the broken plate and retract her hand when it accidentally brushed upon Ohtori?s. Their eyes met and even with the crowd around them, it seemed that the world had stopped and they were the only two that mattered.

?Chotarou, where have you been?? Shishido asked as everyone were doing their morning laps, ?For the past week, you disappear early in the morning and come back to the camp late after dinner. What?s going on??

?It?s nothing, Shishido-senpai.? Ohtori answered while avoiding Shishido?s questioned look, ?Really, it?s nothing.?

Fuji, as keen as he was, jogged along side the Silver Pair, and said ?I can?t help but overhear your conversation, perhaps I can solve that mystery for you??

At that moment, the captains called for a water break and the three wondered off to a slightly secluded spot. Half hidden in the trees, Shishido and Fuji ganged up on the poor Ohtori.

?Fuji, let?s hear it.? Shishido started, ?So what has Chotarou been up to lately??

?Well,? Fuji began, avoiding the desperate looks Ohtori was sending him, ?it all adds up to one name, .?

??? Shishido repeated, ?Isn?t she the girl who?s been making us food and developing training menus? What has she got to do with any of it??

Ohtori seemed to have disappeared behind his furious blush as Fuji explained, ?Well, since the three teams have been dinning together, had to get up early and walk a couple of miles to pick up additional food. So your doubles partner has been accompanying her and myself on those trips in the morning. He?s also been helping her clean up after everyone else have left after dinner. I suppose it was all to get on her good side??

Fuji trailed off as Shishido turned to stare at the already red boy, ?Chotarou??

?Senpai,? Ohtori said quietly, and looked down, ?I didn?t mean to hide this from you, but I was afraid that the team wouldn?t accept my choice.?

?What do you mean?? Shishido was slightly taken back, ?Yo should let me be the judge of that.?

?You see, is in my class and she?s always so kind despite how the other girls treat her. She is gentle and her skills at tennis are unmatched by any other girl I know. Her personality and everything about her is just so perfect...? Ohtori could go on and on about how perfect was, but he suddenly stopped and said quietly, ?I?m afraid that she wouldn?t like me.?

Ohtori stood up and left without another word. Fuji chuckled lightly and looked at the alarmed Shishido, ?Looks like we have to do something about those two??

?What?s your plan?? Shishido asked, ?I would hate for Chotarou to go on like this.?

?Well, I was thinking..."

Next morning?

?Fuji, it looks like it?s going to rain,? said as she pointed to the dark clouds looming over their heads, ?We better hurry and get the food supplies back to the camp.?

Fuji merely nodded as the three hurried their paces, making their way up this giant hill toward the Seigaku campsite. It has only started to drizzle, but the drops of water were increasing in size. A dense fog was starting to settle in and greatly reduced visibility.

?Fuji? Ohtori?? called, ?Are you guys there??

?I?m here.? Said Ohtori on her left, but no answer came from Fuji.

?Fuji?? called again, slightly panicking since she couldn?t see much beyond her fingertips, ?Where are you??

There was still no response from the Seigaku tensai as the rain drops became heavier and heavier and rumbles of thunder could be heard in the distance. kept on calling for Fuji, but her calls went unanswered.

?What?s that sound?? Ohtori said suddenly, interrupting ?s desperate cries, ?It?s getting closer.?

abandoned her search for Fuji and listened, the noise was getting heavier and denser and in moments she realized that a giant boulder was rolling down the hill toward them!

?Watch out!? Before ?s mind had time to register, Ohtori had already pushed her out of the way of the rolling boulder and both of them ended up in the grass beside the tiny pathway they were walking on.

?-san?? Ohtori asked, concerned, ?Are you okay??

?I?m fine?? answered from her position beside him, ?But...I?m worried about Fuji??

?I?m sure he?s fine,? Ohtori reassured , ?In any case, we should find shelter, the rain is getting heavier and we want to avoid the lightning.?

The two searched around urgently and Ohtori spotted a small cave behind some bushes. The two climbed slowly and got into the cave just in time before the rain really started to come down. Ohtori gathered some tree boughs from the mouth of the cave and started a fire.

?Ohtori-san, I?m worried about Fuji,? asked anxiously, ?I think we should go and find him! He could be hurt, or what if something worse happened to him??

?There?s nothing we can do in this fog.? Ohtori said quietly, ?It is best if we wait until the sun?s out again to look for him.?

?Why?? questioned, ?He could be crying out for help at this very moment!?

?Because!? Ohtori countered, ?I couldn?t risk you getting hurt because of Fuji! If you get hurt?then??

Ohtori realized what he was saying and turned slightly red. He looked right in the eye before finishing his sentence, ?If you get hurt, then I don?t know what I?m going to do.?

?You mean?? was taken back and when the realization hit, she turned red as well, ?You like me??

?Yes.? Ohtori responded, resigned, ?I have liked you ever since I first met you. I have always watched you in class and I was so afraid that you would reject me. And the thought of you in love with Fuji is?so painful.?

?Ohtori-san, I do love Fuji,? started, ?but more as a brother and a friend. He has always been good to me and I care a lot for him."

shifted a little closer to Ohtori and held his hand. ?If you?re in pain, then it would hurt me too.?

?You mean?? Ohtori understood, and took ?s nod as confirmation, he let out a shout of joy, ?Yes!?

?Oh look,? suddenly pointed to the entrance of the cave, it seemed that the fog was clearing up, ?The rain is letting up.?

?Let?s go back,? Ohtori said as the two climbed out of the cramped entrance of the cave and made their way back to the camp, ?That way, we can get everyone to help and look for Fuji!?

?Yes?? agreed, ?That would be best.?

Ten minutes later, and Ohtori arrived at the campsite and everyone surrounded the two after noticing they were drenched. didn?t take notice of her muddy clothes and looked around for Fuji.

?You?re back!? Oishi said, and let out a sigh of relief, ?We?re were so worried about you!?

?Where?s Fuji?? asked, ?He disappeared on the way back and we must go and look for him!?

???

turned and saw Fuji standing right in front of her. She dropped the grocery bags and hugged him, ?Fuji! I?m so glad! You?re safe!?

At the time, the hug was interrupted by a certain sweet-loving boy, ?Fuji, stay away from my girl!?

?Marui-san?? started, but was interrupted by the same boy again.

?-chan! I was so worried about you!? Marui threw his arms around , ?I missed you!?

?Marui, please get away from .? Ohtori emerged from the crowd and said quietly, ?Now, please??

Marui was astounded, ?Your girl? But ?s mine!?

?Actually?? said while putting her hand in Ohtori?s, ?Ohtori Chotarou is the one I like, and I agreed to go out with him?so??

smiled apologetically while Marui collapsed to the floor with a loud cry of ?WHHHYYYYYY?????

At that moment, the rest of Hyotei and Rikkai Dai showed up and Niou quickly registered the scene and understood, ?-san, you?re with Ohtori of Hyotei now??

?Um?yes? confirmed, ?And Niou-san, would you please do something about this situation??

The crowd?s eyes followed ?s glance and noticed that Marui was on the ground and his hands around ?s ankle and wouldn?t let go. Niou sighed and forcefully removed Marui?s grasp on the poor girl.

?You?re a worthy opponent, Ohtori Chotarou.? Niou said simply while dragging Marui back to the team, ?Marui and I lost fair game and you got the fair lady at the end.?

Ohtori didn?t know how the respond, but luckily at that time, Fuji intervened, ?You two should get cleaned up, you are a mess!?

Happy for an opportunity to leave this awkward situation, and Ohtori nodded and walked away, hand in hand.

?So, everything worked out just like you said it would, Fuji.? Inui said, ?Our plan to get and Ohtori together worked perfectly.?

?Of course,? Fuji replied, ?I know best after all.?

Select members of Hyotei and Seigaku, known as the "Romance Committee?, were having a secret meeting.

?I must say, Atobe, I am rather impressed with the special effects team you hired,? Oshitari complimented, ?Everything was right on cue and the timing was absolutely perfect.?

?Of course, Ore-sama only hires the best.? Atobe said snobbishly, ?The most authentic fog money can buy.?

?And we were lucky that it rained,? Kikumaru said, ?It added so much to the atmosphere of the situation.?

?Well, now that this is over with, Chotarou should be back on his game.? Shishido concluded, ?He?s so predictable.?

?Yo Fuji?? Kikumaru suddenly realized, ?What if find out that your disappearance and the whole thingy was a set up? She will increase our training menu for sure!?

?Then we just have to be sure that she doesn?t find out.? Fuji concluded and everyone nodded in agreement.

Written By Amiya
Requested by Chari
July 2, 2007