Over Cake and Tea

"I didn't expect that you'd be here today," fifteen year old told her visitor as she led him to the living room. Her companion smiled at her, and then took a seat. "I bet something is wrong, am I correct?"

Again, the boy smiled, and instead of answering 's question, he gave her a very obvious statement. "I dyed my hair."

laughed softly. "I can see that, Tachibana-kun. Do you want something to eat or drink?"

"Anything is fine. Is it okay to read this?" Tachibana Kippei asked, picking up a homemaking magazine.

"You're looking for recipes, aren't you?" teased, and then left the living room to get something for Tachibana.

Tachibana sighed. had been one of his good friends since he arrived in Tokyo, and the girl had been supporting him ever since. Why did he visit her in the first place? Why am I here anyway? He repeated the question to himself.

After a couple of minutes, returned carrying a small tray of cake and tea, setting it down on the table. "Please, help yourself, Tachibana-kun," she said, as she poured tea in the cup. "Sorry if this isn't really grand or anything."

"This is fine. I didn't even call you before coming over, anyway." Tachibana said as he replaced the magazine back on the table and helped with the cakes. They ate quietly, and at the same time, observing each other. Both of them were waiting as to who will speak first.

was the one to break the silence. "So what really brings you here, Tachibana-kun?" Tachibana looked at her with serene eyes, and at that moment she knew that something was bothering him.

"We're going to have a match next week."

"Oh."

Tachibana put his cup on the table and rested his back on the comfortable sofa. "Remember the time when I told you about my past?"

"Yes. What about it?" asked, staring at the boy beside her.

"Well, a person from my past has returned. I think there's a possibility that we're going to have a match." Tachibana answered.

remained silent. She knew the person that Tachibana was pertaining to, since he told her about his life before moving to Tokyo. "He's... he's your friend, right?"

"Yes. My friend and my rival."

"I see."

Again, silence engulfed them. For , this meant that her friend wanted to tell her something. She can feel the fire that is burning inside him, but she can also feel the strong, cold wind that accompanied that emotion. She can sense that the strong friend that she knows is confused right at that moment.

Without hesitation, softly placed her hand on Tachibana's, hoping that this would make him feel better. Because I want to feel what you are feeling right now.

**********

Tachibana Kippei noticed the small hand that is touching his. He knew he needed this. Aside from his younger sister, An, and the rest of the tennis team, was the only person that can give him peace of mind. With her, it seemed that the world he lived in stopped revolving and that it was just him and her, together.

But time was running fast and he had to move on with his team mates in order to reach their goal. Even if it meant that he had to leave his sanctuary for a while. However, while he still had time, he wanted to savor this moment, where he can still feel her presence, where he can still hear her laugh, and where he can still smell her perfume.

His train of thought was interrupted when he heard 's voice.

**********

"I think your opponent is going to be strong." blurted out, getting Tachibana's attention. The boy turned to her and she welcomed his gaze with her sweet smile.

"I really do not know what is going on, but I am pretty sure that you guys will be okay." She let go of his hand and took her cup.

"They're a part of last year's top four." Tachibana told her.

"Which is better! You will get the chance to challenge stronger tennis players. Isn't that what you want?" She told him. Tachibana was stunned for a while, but he understood what she said.

"Of course it will be great if you win, but if you don't..." she paused.

"If I don't?"

"If you don't, you will still be the same Tachibana-kun, right? Even if you dyed your hair," she added with a giggle.

"Yes. Thank you, -chan." Tachibana said with conviction. This is what I need.

**********

"Thank you for visiting. I hope I helped you somehow." said as she and Tachibana stood in front of the gate.

"Sorry for coming in this late. But thank you." Tachibana bowed.

"You're so formal, it's as if we're not friends –"

"But we're not really ‘just friends', right?" Tachibana asked.

looked down after hearing Tachibana's statement. He touched her chin and raised her head.

"I'll just explain everything after the match. Can you..."

"I will wait." replied without waiting for Tachibana's question.

"That will be great. Ja." Tachibana smiled and left her place. watched the tall guy walking away. She put her right hand on her left chest, cherishing the feeling of his fingers entangled with hers.

##########

June 13, 2006
Written by: Megane-ko
Edited by: Rikapyon!

A/N: This dream novel is based from the Shitenhouji vs. Fudomine match in the nationals arc. See the manga for details.