Enjoying the Season

"It's this time of the year already? Time is passing by rather quickly."

Niou Masaharu, now a first year at Rikkai dai's high school, stopped in his trek toward his school. Standing at the entrance of a very familiar park, he gazed at the once green hued leaves that were now brilliant colors of yellow, orange, and red. A gentle breeze dislodged some of the leaves, making them dance where it would inevitably end once the leaves reach solid ground. His expression held a far away look, almost as if he could see a girl about his age standing among the falling leaves. He smiled sadly, now realizing how much time had truly passed since then.

Has it really only been two years since I first met you in this very place? Niou thought to himself, memories of that event pouring in a steady flow. They were memories he kept close and would never forget them even if he wanted to. He strolled into the park, going to school the last thing on his mind. He remembered that day perfectly, as if it happened just the other day.

**********

Niou was dead tired. Although they had managed to claim Nationals for the second year in a row, thanks to the leadership of their captain, that didn't mean he would let up on the training regime for them. Yukimura Seiichi's appearance would fool anyone and everyone who didn't know him. Even with his gentle looks, he was the fierce captain of the tennis team and one of their three demons; anyone who underestimated him would get punished in the harshest of ways.

Now he was slowly making his way home. Although it was a bit chilly, he just didn't have the energy to get home quickly. Passing by the park, something caught his attention at the corner of his eye. He backtracked just to make sure he wasn't imagining things. Luckily his fatigued mind wasn't making him hallucinate just yet. A girl about his age was standing alone in the park, seemingly enjoying everything around her. Her black hair that shone blue in the light flew gently around her along with the breeze. The peaceful expression and the soft smile made her seem a bit ethereal; it made Niou think if he was seeing things or not. After several seconds, he decided that the female before him was indeed real.

"Hello. Is something wrong?"

Niou took a step back after being suddenly pulled out of his thoughts. In front of him was the girl he was observing just a few seconds ago. Up close, he was able to take in all of her features. She wasn't exceptionally beautiful but was easy on the eyes, especially with the air of innocence she seemed to carry. However, the one feature that got his attention were her light grey eyes that looked silver with the right lighting angle.

Niou snapped back to the present when he realized that he had yet to answer her question. "Nothing. I'm fine."

"That's good to hear. You were just standing there in a daze. I wondered if you were all right or not," the girl admitted with a relieved smile. "You're a regular on the boys' tennis team right? Congratulations on your victory at Nationals. It may be late, but better late than never."

"A-ah, thanks," Niou stuttered out in slight surprise. It was then that he realized that the school uniform she was wearing was none other that from Rikkai. "Sorry, we go to the same school, but it seems like I've never met you until now. And I would have remembered you if we had met."

"It's all right. I'm not very well known because I'm so quiet. Most people ignore me because I hardly talk. But it's probably my fault because I don't socialize with others," the girl explained, sheepish smile on her face. "It's nice to meet you. I'm from class 2-3."

"Niou Masaharu, class 2-5. Nice to meet you as well," Niou introduced himself in return, giving a polite bow. "Um… Can I ask what you were doing here?"

"Oh! I was enjoying the season," replied with an embarrassed look.

"Huh? 'Enjoying the season?'" Niou repeated with a questioning and confused look, wondering what she meant. She smiled at him in understanding. He complied with her silent request to follow her, sitting down on a bench near the trees. was silent for a minute before answering.

"The seasons are like anything else, they come and go. Despite what some people may think, each season is different from the previous," explained simply. "I try to enjoy each season because they are different from one another."

"How are they different?" Niou asked, genuinely curious about what she had to say.

"This autumn would be different from last year because of the things that happen now that didn't happen last year," replied, doing her best to explain what she thought. Then she let out a sheepish smile. "Then again, there was the chance that whatever happened now could have happened last year. But it didn't so this autumn is different."

"I get what you're saying but it's kind of hard to think that they are different each year when in general they are the same," Niou commented honestly.

"Can't argue with you there," teased with a smile. "Ne, Niou-san? Which season is your favorite?"

"My favorite season?" Niou repeated with blinking eyes. He paused to think about it. Which season did he like best? "I guess it would be summer. Because of the tennis tournaments," he answered with a shrug. "What about you?"

"Hmm. I like autumn best," replied. "I like the other seasons too but autumn is definitely my favorite. Having Halloween in the fall is a plus. I love Halloween," she added with a mischievous glint in her eyes. The trickster in Niou knew he would get along well with this girl.

**********

Niou smiled fondly at that memory. They had actually begun talking about all the pranks and tricks he had been planning to do that Halloween. He had asked if she wanted to be a part of any of them. She had said she would have wanted to but declined, saying she would not want to be part of the punishment he would be in if he got caught. They let out a laugh after that.

Ever since that afternoon, they began to see each other at school, visiting each other when possible. It wasn't even a week when his teammates began questioning him about her. He ignored them at first but some members were rather persistent, namely the self-proclaimed red-haired tensai and a rather brave and confident new freshman.

**********

"Come on Niou, why won't you tell us who she is?" Marui Bunta, self-proclaimed genius and volley specialist of the team, whined to the silver-bluish-haired trickster. Niou went on with the laps they were assigned, doing his best to ignore the persistence of Marui. It also didn't help that the new upstart freshman Kirihara Akaya was curious about his senpai's new friend who happened to be a female.

Although the others weren't as persistent, they were just as curious. The only exception was Sanada Genichirou, stonewall and fukubuchou of their team, who was more concerned making sure they were doing what they were assigned. Even Yukimura Seiichi was interested in this new development, amusement and something that could only be described as mysterious shined in his eyes.

With all the nagging, it didn't take long before Niou's patience broke. "Fine! I'll ask her to come by practice tomorrow so you can all meet her if you're really that determined to know who she is."

"As long as it's at the end of practice, it should be fine," Yukimura complied. "I won't tolerate anyone or anything disrupting practice." After hearing that, they picked up their pace to get away from the smiling male. That single smile sent chills up their spines.

**********

"-chan!"

turned toward the person who called her and smiled at the quickly approaching person. "Niou-kun. Good morning."

"I'm not sure if it's a good morning but morning all the same," Niou grumbled his greeting to her. At her questioning look he continued. "My teammates have been pestering me about you. They wanted to meet you and I kind of said it would be all right for you to meet them this afternoon after practice. Is that okay?"

"That's fine, just surprising is all. I'm wondering how they even found out about me," said thoughtfully. However, there was a certain glint in her eyes that seemed to say otherwise. There was a certain bit of information that she had yet to tell the trickster, but he'd find out about it soon enough.

**********

"Oi, Niou! Where is she? She is coming isn't she?" Marui asked loudly from the sidelines. It was nearing the end of practice and they had yet to see Niou's recently-made friend. All of them, most notably Marui and Kirihara, were anxiously awaiting her arrival.

"She'll be coming at the end. Just wait," Niou gritted out, rather annoyed at the constant questioning. He was surprised that Sanada or Yukimura had yet to say anything about it. Glancing at said people, perhaps he spoke too soon.

"Marui-kun, it'd be best to pay attention to the match," Yukimura suggested in an overly sweet way that made the bubblegum-chewing redhead shrink back in fear. "Or else you'll be too busy to even get a glimpse of her." At that, the volley specialist glued his eyes to the court, not missing a single bit of the match. Niou silently thanked Yukimura for getting Marui off his back.

It wasn't long before practice ended and they were searching for the female that had been seen with the silver-bluish-haired trickster.

"Niou-kun!"

Heads turned toward the feminine voice that called out his name. Beyond the fence was standing there, waving at him with a cheerful smile on her face. He went up to her and opened the gate, allowing her onto the court. "-chan, right on time. Practice just ended."

"So I noticed," said glancing around the courts. The first years were cleaning up the courts, picking up balls, rolling up nets, and sweeping up any dust and dirt that may have gotten on the courts. "So where is the famous boys' tennis team that is the pride and joy of Rikkai?"

"That almost sounds like sarcasm, -san."

"Hello Yukimura-kun," greeted familiarly to the blue-haired male.

"You two know each other?" Niou asked, surprise and confusion mixed together on his face. He was looking back and forth between the two and saw the amusement in their eyes at his dispense.

"You should know a little bit more about your teammates," Yanagi Renji stated from behind. One of the three demons, also known as 'Master,' Yanagi was the data man of the tennis team. He knew almost everything about everyone. "Yukimura and -san are in the same class."

"Eh?!" Niou exclaimed, shock appearing quite evidently. "How come you never told me?"

"I guess it just slipped my mind," replied innocently, although her smile said otherwise. Niou just glared at her as the others gathered around. Marui was the first to approach up to her.

"I'm the tensai Marui Bunta. Nice to meet you," Marui introduced himself boastfully, popping his bubblegum.

" . Nice to meet you as well," greeted in return, raising an eyebrow at the self-proclamation. One by one, the members introduced themselves, all welcoming her warmly. The only one who she felt a bit intimidated by was Sanada, which was understandable since he seemed to have a scowl permanently plastered onto his face. After receiving assurance that Sanada was like that with everyone, eased up and began chatting with the main members of the tennis team. As the got to know her, it became an unspoken agreement that was now an important part of their group.

**********

Niou remembered that particular afternoon well. After meeting the team, was somehow roped into being their manager. Niou believed that Yukimura influenced her decision in taking the position. Although she didn't know much about tennis, she knew how to work them into the ground, most likely because of Sanada and Yukimura with probably some data from Yanagi. Despite that, everyone still liked her because of her unspoken encouragement through the tough assignments she gave that everyone knew they'd improve with if they did them.

Even though the tennis club took up a lot of her time and attention, she always made time to talk or hang out with him. It didn't matter is she was busy or barely had five minutes to talk to him, she always chatted with him every spare second she had and that made Niou believe that they shared a different kind of bond than with the rest of the team. It was something closer and most definitely special that he cherished.

Weeks had passed on and Niou remembered the snow that fell and the ponds and lakes that froze up to make the perfect ice skating surface. Unconsciously, Niou's legs had carried him to a small pond that was nearby the park where the two of them spent the entire day together with no one else around. That particular day was as special as the day they first met and it was a day he smiled fondly at as he stared at the small pond.

**********

"I warn you again that I'm not very good at this. I've only gone ice skating twice and they were painful experiences," admitted honestly as she laced up the skates she managed to borrow from someone. "My cousin tried her best to teach me but it just didn't work out. We just gave up after the second attempt."

"Maybe she wasn't a good teacher," Niou inputted, already done and waiting for her to finish.

"And you are?" questioned teasingly.

"You wound me -chan," Niou said in mock hurt. However, he had an amused smirk on his face. It was he who suggested that they spend the day together. Because of the tennis club, both had been too busy to spend as much time as he would like. Even though they saw each other everyday, they didn't get much time to just sit down and chat. On the first chance they received a break from tennis, he took it and reserved it to spend with the female beside him.

"All right, I'm ready. Teach me how to ice skate Niou-sensei," requested playfully with a smile, standing up slowly. Niou had to smile at that. He held out his hand, offering her to take it. Without hesitation she placed her hand in his and let him lead the way. She hesitated once they actually stepped onto the ice, making Niou look at her. He stood in front of her and took both of her hands in his.

"I'm here for you. Trust me," Niou assured gently, a tone that was rather not like him. looked at his and nodded, giving him her absolute trust. They started out slow with Niou keeping a firm grasp on her as he guided her around the ice.

With Niou's help and guidance, was able to skate to a certain point. As he said, he was there for her and caught her whenever she almost fell. She was now able to skate to the point where she didn't to hang onto him anymore but he was still close by just in case.

Niou smiled at her. She was now truly enjoying herself fully and it showed on her face, giving her a beautiful glow. He already understood and accepted the deeper feelings he had for her and numerous times wished to act upon his feelings but didn't feel the time was right just yet. He would patiently wait until he was sure or at least somewhat knew that it was possible she would return his feelings. He didn't want to ruin the friendship they had because of his impulsiveness.

"Ne Niou-kun, how about we call it a day," suggested as she came to a stop in front of him. "I could really go for some hot chocolate right now." He nodded in agreement and followed her toward the bench to take their skates off. "So Niou-sensei how was I today?"

Niou chuckled at her continued play. "You did very well today . You learned how to ice skate, which was a very big improvement. Keep up the good work," he responded in a teacher like tone that made laugh. "You did so well that I will now treat you to some hot chocolate."

"Thank you Niou-sensei but I couldn't have done it without your help," continued on. Then she turned a bit serious but still with a smile on her face. "But really Niou-kun, thank you. It was a lot of fun."

"Anytime," Niou said, returning her smile. He stood and held out his hand once more for her to take. placed her hand in his and stood up with his help. They made their way to the café with their hands still firmly clasped together.

**********

When the two left the café, it wasn't until a good three hours and numerous cups of chocolate later. It was lightly snowing as they began to walk home. They talked about anything and everything as they walked. It surprised him that they never seemed to run out of things to say. Once they reached her doorstep, they quieted down into a comfortable silence. He observed her and noticed that she had on a peaceful expression on her face. One that was quite familiar. It was then that he realized what she was doing. She was enjoying the season.

"It's beautiful isn't it? A world of ice glittering with its own beauty," said, appreciation glowing in her light gray eyes. "Cold and mysterious yet pure white and untouched. A contradiction in itself, I think. Still, beautiful sums them all together nicely."

Niou silently agreed with her and took in the snow-covered area. It really was a sight to behold, a sight that he would have ignored before he met her. He glanced at her and knew that the sight of her along with their surroundings made everything perfect. Now more than ever he wanted to act upon his feelings toward his friend. Before he knew it, his hand had cupped her face and slowly turned her toward him. She looked at him with a questioning look, wondering what he wanted. Slowly he lowered his head to be leveled with hers until his lips were but an inch away from hers.

This was the moment of truth. He would let her choose where they would go from here. If she were to push him away, he would back off and not pursue, keeping his feelings for her to himself. But if she accepted him, then he would know for sure that she held some feelings for him as well.

They stayed that way for what seemed like an eternity, staring into each other's eyes. Niou was about to back off, not wanting to feel anymore uncomfortable when she shyly closed the distance between them. The kiss was light and gentle, telling each other their feelings in that simple gesture that words would have failed to say. Seconds later they separated, giving him a soft smile in which he returned and then pulled her into an embrace that warmed them to their very souls.

**********

Niou remembered it was that day that they became an official couple. When they had announced it to the others, it seemed that they were expecting it and most likely they were. After that they spent more time together, enjoying the simple things in life. They had even been introduced to each other's families and were accepted wholeheartedly with Niou's mother saying she was good for him because there was a side to him that they had never seen before.

They went on dates as usual couples did, however, when tennis season came around they changed their routine. Training sessions were tougher than ever around that time so they hardly had time together. had it especially tough because not only it was the start of the season but also they were beginning their third year at Rikkai and Yukimura had contracted a disease and had to be hospitalized. A lot of responsibility had been rested on her shoulders but she accepted it all and along with Sanada they carried on the club activities.

Niou remembered one of the rare break days that they got to spend together.

**********

"Today was a good day to have a break," commented. "But honestly I don't feel like doing anything."

"Tell me about it. You and Sanada have been working us to the bone," Niou joked with a grin.

"Just because we are the defending champions doesn't mean we can slack off. You never know when a rival school may have the potential to beat us," reasoned logically. "But I guess we shouldn't worry too much. Even without Yukimura-kun, the rest of you guys can pick up the slack no problem."

"I'll be taking that as a compliment," Niou said with a smirk, knowing she meant it that way. They were just leisurely walking around, no particular destination in mind. He didn't mind though. It felt good to just relax and get away from the tennis courts for one day.

"Let's stop here," suggested, indicating toward a park nearby. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom and would be a nice getaway from the city. They walked in, searching for a more secluded area to rest in. Once they found one, Niou rested against a tree with right beside him in his arms.

Niou had to admit that this felt like something from a fairytale. It was like one of those picture perfect moments where they were in their own little world and nothing could disrupt it. And honestly, he wouldn't mind staying like this forever, as sappy as it sounded. He glanced down toward . He let out an amused smile when he noticed that she had actually fallen asleep. He gently kissed the top of her head and settled down to take a nap with her, a peaceful expression on his face.

**********

After that relaxing day, they went on with the tennis training. Although they had lost the Kanto Tournament, they were even more determined to win Nationals. Training sessions intensified even more so and with the newly recovered Yukimura, they practiced to near death. Despite their efforts, Seigaku managed to pull a win over them at Nationals, shattering their goal to be the champions for a third year. But it was over and the third years could relax a bit.

Niou couldn't really remember any fond memories he had with . Sure they had spent a lot of time together, but nothing too noteworthy happened that made him cherish it and hold it close to his heart. Although there was one time, he mused, when they all decided to go to the beach by Yukimura's very convincing suggestion to just relax together for a day. Sanada was against going at first but whatever Yukimura says goes so he went along, most likely more for supervision than having fun.

All in all they had a lot of fun. Everyone enjoyed the summer sun and even Sanada participated in some of the games after much taunting from him and . Niou remembered almost attempting to put a crab down Sanada's shirt for kicks, but Yagyuu had stopped him before he could, saying to save the tricks for the court. However, Yagyuu didn't seem to stop when she "accidentally" spilled a cup of fruit punch on the strict fukubuchou's head.

Niou guessed that was the fondest memory he had of that summer, even though he had spent it with the rest of the team. They had fun and that was what really counted. However, when his thoughts drifted toward the fall, they did a complete one-eighty. As his feet automatically took him to a certain location, he couldn't stop the memories of what happened that autumn, almost a year ago.

**********

Niou felt uneasy. He couldn't explain the reason why, he just had a feeling that something had happened and it wasn't something good. It also didn't help that wasn't there that morning. They would usually meet at the school's gate and walk in together. That morning, however, she didn't show up when the bell rang so he had gone to class by himself. The unsettling feeling lasted throughout the morning, bothering him to no end. He also hadn't received a word from , which worried him even more.

The day before, he couldn't walk her home as he usually did because his family was celebrating his mother's birthday. She had assured him that it was fine but now he wasn't so sure. He was going to text her a message when there was an interruption in class.

"Would the boys' tennis team regulars please come to the office immediately and bring all of your belongings."

Niou blinked his eyes before gathering his stuff and putting them into his bag. He bowed to his teacher before leaving the classroom, running into Yukimura along the way. "Any idea what this could be about?" he asked his captain.

"I'm not sure but we'll definitely find out once we get there," Yukimura answered seriously.

Along the way, they met up with the other regulars all of who wore expressions of confusion and questioning. Yukimura had repeated what he just said to the trickster and they kept silent the rest of the way.

When they arrived, the school's principal, who wore a rather grave expression on his face, greeted them. "The eight of you have been requested by -san."

Niou was the first to ask questions at that statement. "Did something happen? Is everything all right?"

The principal held up his hand to silence any further questions that may have come up. "It is not my place to say. You will be given full details when you arrive at your destination. Transportation has already been provided for you. You leave at once." With that the principal dismissed them and returned to his office.

The group looked at each other before heading outside where their transportation was waiting for them. Niou instantly recognized that the vehicle before them belonged to 's family. He also recognized the driver waiting for them as one of the family's friends that often took and him to places when they needed a ride. The guy didn't say anything as he gestured for them to get into the vehicle.

Without hesitation, Niou stepped inside quickly being followed by the others. Once everyone was in, the driver took them to their destination. The whole ride was silent, each in their own thoughts and making their own assumptions. They all felt the vehicle come to a stop and looked outside. Eyes widened in shock and surprise at the building before them. A building that they were very familiar with. It was the hospital.

**********

They were immediately taken to a private section of the hospital at arrival. When they got to the reserved area, they were greeted with the sight of a man in his late thirties who've seen better days. He looked like he hadn't slept a wink in the last 24 hours, which was most likely true. Currently the man was sitting down, his face buried in his hands. A doctor was standing beside the man, a look of sympathy in his eyes.

"Shigeru-san," Niou called out familiarly as he approached the man.

"I assume you know -san?" the doctor questioned to the silver-bluish-haired male. "Ah! You must be Niou Masaharu and Rikkai's tennis team that he requested to be brought here immediately," the doctor realized.

"That's right. What's happened?" Niou demanded sharply, not caring the man before him was a well-respected doctor and that he was in a hospital. Yukimura placed a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to calm him down. The doctor looked at the group before him and saw the anxiousness on each of the boys' faces. He knew that beating around the bush was useless.

"Last night was admitted to this hospital," the doctor began. "She was brought into the ICU and worked on all throughout the night and into this morning. When brought in, she was on the verge of death from severe blood loss and multiple injuries, which include cuts and slashes made from a knife and numerous broken bones.

"As we worked on her, we noticed signs of a struggle, most likely she was assaulted on her way home. Investigators have already been dispatched and are looking for leads. However, as for ," the doctor paused, not for dramatic effect but giving the group time enough to steel themselves. "As for -san, I regret to inform you all that she did not make it. She passed on about an hour ago."

"-senpai is gone?" Kirihara said quietly, the words not really registering for the youngest member. He sank down to the floor, too shocked to stay standing. Yanagi followed suit, kneeling down next to the second year, offering comfort the best he could. He too was in shock but knew the second year would most likely need him so he stayed as calm as he could. Marui was already sobbing in Jackal's arms while drops of tears were falling from the latter's eyes. Yagyuu's glasses couldn't hide the fact that tears were slowly making their way down his face. Sanada had pulled the bill of his cap lower to cover his eyes. Yukimura appeared to be the calmest of the group but inside he was torn apart. Being the captain, he had to stay strong and prepare for the reaction that he knew a certain someone would give.

"You're lying," Niou said quietly, not accepting what he had just been told. "You're lying! She can't be dead! She just can't!"

"These were in her hand when she came in. We were able to take them out as we worked on her," the doctor said, holding out the items had held onto. They were pair of rings made of silver. Niou took them and examined them. They were simple bands at first glance, but on closer inspection there was a small diamond imbedded into it. Etched on the inside were their names, her name on the ring meant for him and vice versa.

"She's…she's…" Niou gasped out brokenly, gripping onto the rings like a lifeline. He slumped down to the ground, hands clutching the rings close to his heart. Yukimura knelt down and placed a comforting hand on his back, sympathy and sadness in his eyes.

"Niou, it's okay to let it out," Yukimura stated softly. After he said that, Niou let out a heart-wrenching cry, tears flowing endlessly from his eyes as he grieved the loss of someone he loved so much.

**********

The funeral was a silent affair with only family and the closest of friends attending. Although the school had been informed of the loss, the students were asked that they not speak was what happened. Of the student body, only the boys' tennis team regulars had permission to attend the funeral and burial.

After everyone had left, one lone person still stood at the grave. Niou stood there just staring at the grave, eyes already out of tears from the day before. He fingered the ring that he now bore on his left ring finger. He had requested that the other ring be placed on 's left ring finger so that they may have some kind of physical connection to each other.

Niou knelt down on one knee and fingered the grave marker that had her name on it with feathers that were scattered around it. The others said it was to indicate that she was an angel and had to return since she had completed her task, which was to shed some light and open their eyes to different things. Niou had to smile at that since the ever-silent Yagyuu was the one who said it.

"It's autumn again, so that means that I only got to keep you for a year. You taught me a lot during the past year and I'll never forget to enjoy the seasons that come and go," Niou began, not caring if he seemed to be talking to himself. "It's rather unfair but I wouldn't trade the past year for anything.

"Which reminds me, I never told you, did I? Although we always knew, we've never really told each other those three little words," Niou realized. "Well, then I'll say them now. As you said the first time we met nearly a year ago, 'Better late than never,' right?" he mused, a small smile appearing as he remembered that time. "I love you . Always."

As if in response, a soft breeze gently blew around him, carrying a few stray leaves with a hidden message: "I love you too Masaharu. Always." It left a smile on Niou's face.

**********

"Have you seen Niou at all today?" Marui grumbled as they got onto the tennis court.

"Seems he didn't show up at all today," Yanagi observed.

"Don't worry about it. He'll show up soon enough," Yukimura predicted with a smile ever present on his face. "We'll start practice without him." With that, everyone couldn't help but agree. Yukimura's smile would be the death of them.

**********

Niou was crouched down in front of a very familiar grave marker. Nothing but all the precious memories he had spent with the person whose grave was before him flowed through his mind. He no longer had any more tears to shed, knowing that she wouldn't have wanted him to fall into depression and do something stupid. He chuckled to himself. She would have smacked him on the head if she knew he was skipping school and tennis practice.

Niou stayed for a bit longer before standing, brushing the dirt off his pants. "I'll come again. Wait for me."

Once again, as if in response, a gentle breeze blew around Niou that made him smile as he turned to leave.

I'll be waiting…

##########

October 11, 2006
Written by: Kurohane
Edited by: Rikapyon!