RP Log

[force_de_arte]

Who: Yukimura Seiichi & Sanada Gen
When: Jan. 26
Where: Tennis court and Sbux
What: Tennis and coffee...totally not a date. :) Sanada has a near death experience on a bicycle.
Rating/warnings: PG
Comments okay?: Sure.

At exactly the time he said he would arrive, Yukimura pulled up in front of Sanada's house on his bicycle.

"Good morning, Sanada-chan," Yukimura greeted the girl waiting outside with a wide smile. "How are you feeling today?"

Ridiculous. Absolutely horrifying. The thought of being picked up by someone (Yukimura of all people) was ... ugh. She didn't even have words to explain it. As if she would of been tired for their match anyway. Running over would of been a more effective means.

She spotted the familiar blue hair approaching as she pushed her thoughts aside, leaning off the wall in order to greet him."Good morning." Sanada replied rather flatly compared to his cheery tone. "I'm feeling a lot better. Yourself?"

"Good," he braced his feet on the ground, holding up the bike. Again, Yukimura congratulated himself for getting Sanada to agree to accepting a ride from him. It made the whole outing closer to a date. "I'm well, thank you. Have you ever ridden on pegs before?"

"Pegs...?" Sanada shifted her gaze from Yukimura, eyeing the bike with the most apparent of frowns. What the hell was pegs? How did two people even share a bike comfortably anyway!? Maybe it wasn't too late to choose the running option. "I can't say that I have, no."

"That's all right, I'll show them to you." Sliding off the bike, Yukimura gestured to the back wheel to draw her attention to them. "See these footholds right here? You stand on those and hold my shoulders for support."

Sanada took note of the obvious pegs, finding herself a bit embarassed she had no idea these things even existed. She had seen countless of people sharing bikes on her morning runs, but she just never quite thought about it. "Aa, I see..." wait. Hold his shoulders? ...The run was still a much, MUCH better option...but it was too late now unfortunately.

She waited until Yukimura had once again settled onto his bike, tugging at the brim of her hat until it just about covered her entire face. She'd push it all the way down if she could. "I'll be getting on then ..." The words came out more like a mumble as she clambered onto the bike, her hands shaking lightly once she set them on Yukimura's shoulder.

Well this is nice, he thought, feeling the warmth of her person behind him. "It's okay, Sanada-chan," Yukimura said, noting the shaking of her hands, "As long as you hold on, you won't fall."

With that, he took off slowly down the street. He figured he would get her used to a slow speed before really taking off.

"I'm not scared of falling off." Well, she kind of was, but she refused to admit to it. This was her first time riding like this, let alone having to hold on to someone else! Of course, when she thought of it now...how else would the person not fall off? She clearly should of thought through this more before agreeing.

"Oh that's good to hear," Yukimura remarked, a smile in his voice as they headed for a large downhill.

They picked up speed extremely fast, though Yukimura did hold the bike steady so there was no shaking from side to side.

"Aa..." Even when she spoke she would use metaphorical ellipses in her speech, hmph.

She started to relax her grip on the other boy as they rode, finding that it wasn't as terrifying as she had previously imagined. Aside from the touching, this wasn't so bad -- until Yukimura decided to pick up speed that was.

Sanada clenched her fingers tightly around the blue haired one's shoulder as a reaction, finding it hard to resist the small 'squeak' that threated to escape her throat.

Laughing happily (not mockingly), Yukimura enjoyed the wind in his hair and the clenched fists on his shoulder until the ground evened out, slowing his speed.

"Still hanging in there?" he asked.

She let out a small puff of air once Yukimura had begun to slow down, surprised that she had at some point begun to hold her breath. It was either that or a toss up between yelling at him or allowing some nonsense squeal to bubble through. None too appealing.

"Hmph. That was nothing." She lied, fingers still unconsciously clenched against the boy's shoulder.

Humoring her, Yukimura replied, "Of course not" Her fingers told a more believable truth.

They came up on the bridge with a beautiful view over the river. "We're almost there. Have you played at the courts a few blocks away from Starbucks?"

She looked up finally once they arrived at the bridge, recalling her run from not too long ago. It was Yukimura's suggestion that she take this scenic route and she was thankful she had that day. It was, for lack of better words, beautiful.

Sanada turned her attention away from the river once Yukimura spoke up, realizing then that her fingers had been digging themselves into his shoulder this whole time. She relaxed her grip, thankful he could not see the faint blush on her cheeks. "I never have..."

"You're in for a treat then, it's recently been paved and the proprieter just put up some new nets."

He couldn't help but be a little disappointed that Sanada's grip lessened. Though, he reminded himself, it was a good indication that she was relaxing. "It's beautiful here, isn't it?"

"All the better place for me to beat you then." She said, her usually serious voice laced with small jest. If you didn't know her, you probably wouldn't even catch it. Not that she didn't have confidence she would win though.

Sanada stared for a second, tilting her head in order to glance over the morning view on the river once again. It really was beautiful. "I enjoyed it on my run last time you suggested taking this route."

Yukimura really did enjoy her competitive streak. "Winner buys the loser's drinks," he suggested.

That way, he would get to treat her again, and watch her pissed off face as she drank the matcha latte.

"I draw here a lot," he added, "Maybe we can come back. There isn't anyone here for you to confuse yourself with."

She blinked, mulling over his sentence as she turned her attention to stare at the back of the boy's head. Hmm. Wasn't it usually the other way around? It was just as well though. "Of course, I still owe you for last time."

Gen narrowed her eyes at Yukimura from underneath the cover of her hat. "I think one drawing of me is enough." She said, recalling his portrait of her which was clearly not her at all. It was far too ...girly.

Hook, line and sinker.

"As an artist, I don't agree," Yukimura grinned, not that she could see it, as he rounded the corner to the courts. "You're a very compelling subject."

Sanada opted to stay quiet this time around as to save herself both embarassment and argument. If he thought she was any sort of compelling, then he clearly had something wrong with him. Though... his art was good. That much she would give him.

Once the courts came into sight she was almost washed with a wave of relief. This bike ride had definitely been interesting to say the least, though it wasn't all terrible. In ways, she found she rather enjoyed the view on the bridge and their idle talk. Sanada wasn't exactly the best of conversationalist but it didn't seem to bother Yukimura much from what she could tell.

Pulling up to the bike rack, Yukimura held the bike steady at a stop so Sanada could step down safely. "The ride back is even more fun," he teased.

Though, now that they were here, he found himself slipping into tennis mode.

Eh. Eh?! The ride back? "You don't need to trouble yourself, I can just run back home." She said, slipping off the bike with ease. The thought of having to to get back on that thing was slightly embarassing-- and her fingers. Her fingers felt odd once she had taken them off Yukimura's shoulders, though she couldn't explain why for the life of her.

Sanada ran her fingers through her mess of a ponytail once her feet were planted on the ground, not much caring for the knots that had accumulated from the wind. That was the trouble with long hair but she just never got around to cutting it. Giving her yellow ribbon a final tug, she turned to Yukimura with a slight twitch to her lip. "I hope you already decided on what drink I will be treating you to later."

"Nonsense, I gave you a ride here so I'll give you a ride back," Yukimura said in a way that meant it was not up for discussion.

He didn't bother to lock up his bike, since they would be right there. Instead he started taking out his racket. "It's one hundred years too soon, Sanada-chan. Which?"

She shot a frown at Yukimura, knowing very well that even if she began to argue back it would be futile. There wasn't many people that could get her to agree to things so easily (though begrudgingly) -- but the blue haired one just happened to have that talent.

Sanada set her own bag down against the bench as she reached for her own racket and black sweatband, slipping it on around her wrist. "You serve first." She replied as more of a demand, making her way to the other side of the court.

"As you wish," Yukimura said, smile sharp as he adjusted his own headband. He a puff of breath, he blew hair from his face and took position on the court.

He wasted no time whatsoever and served unmercifully.

Sanada met his serve with a backhand of her own, almost surprised at the force behind the ball once she returned it. She knew very well Yukimura was a skilled tennis player, but she had confidence in her own abilities as well.

This would be an enjoyable match and the thought alone curled her lips into a rare grin.

Though Sanada's fuurinkazan proved impressive, Yukimura's tennis slowly stripped away her senses. Somehow she still held her own even under that duress and took a few games from him.

"Good match, Sanada-chan," Yukimura said, content in his victory as he approached the net. "A green tea latte, I presume."

Sanada couldn't help the sour face that overtook her features, upset at how it was so easy for Yukimura to strip her of her senses. She hadn't liked that -- at all. It was terrifying and yet it made her want to beat him all that much more. It had been futile though, finally accepting the fact that she had come to lose to Yukimura.

She approached the net as she tugged at her hat, hiding away that look of disappointment. "Aa..." Gen mumbled, extending her hand in order to shake.

That expression, defiant even in defeat, warmed him to the very core. Sanada was probably the worthiest opponent he'd ever had.

Yukimura took her hand and shook it. "We can have a rematch anytime you're willing to face defeat."

...Just because he respected Sanada's defiance didn't mean he wouldn't poke at it.

At his words, Sanada snapped her head up to glare at Yukimura from underneath her hat, annoyed at his almost arrogance. "We will have a rematch, though next time it won't be me who has to accept defeat."

She shook at his hand with a tight grip, allowing her dark eyes to lock onto his briefly before releasing. The match was over and there would be no point in arguing about it, she had lost to his tennis -- but in their next match, he would not be so lucky. Though in truth, she was grateful to having played against such an opponent. She just wouldn't tell him that.

Silently she slid the sweaty cap down along the length of her ponytail, stuffing it inside her bag along with the tennis racket.

I'm glad to hear that we're having rematches in your dreams too, Yukimura thought, but couldn't bring himself to say as Sanada held his gaze. There was just something so hypnotizing in those dark brown eyes. His fingers itched for a pencil and paper.

"Shall we get some breakfast, Sanada-chan?" he asked, as she finally teared her eyes away.

"Aa." Was her simply reply as she slung the tennis bag over her left shoulder. Sanada didn't enjoy the idea of being treated to coffee again, but a promise was a promise. Unless she could manage to pay before he could once inside the shop...

She tightened the small ribbon once again, idly noting that it was time to buy a new one -- this one was getting too loose for her liking.

"Would you like an elastic?" Yukimura offerred her when they stopped at a light, though he did enjoy the way loose strands would drift onto her face. He had plenty himself, though he generally used them when he painted.
shes sweet

Sanada thought about accepting the simple elastic, annoyed that her ribbon had become so loose during their match. But, if she took it...then she would have to return it later. "No, it's alright." Declining was better. Hers would probably hold out for now anyway.

Nodding easily as they crossed the street to Starbucks, Yukimura opened the door for Sanada and smiled pleasantly at her.

Sanada blinked at Yukimura at his opening of the door, locking eyes with the other before offering a small polite nod of her head.

She waited for the blue haired one to join her in the line, turning to face him with a wry expression. It was then she realized something from earlier. Apparently he had all the confidence in the world that he would beat her even before they started their match. Hmph. "Loser buys coffee, right?" She shrugged off the sour taste that word had as she reversed their earlier agreement.

"Oh no, Sanada-chan," Yukimura's smile only increased as he followed her inside. "I specified that the winner has the pleasure of purchasing the day's drinks. A green tea latte for you, correct?"

It was a clever attempt on Sanada's part, but Yukimura would have none of that.

Sanada regarded Yukimura with cool eyes before speaking, slightly still upset over both the match and this agreement. This would now bring the count to two coffees that he had treated her with. "Aa, a green tea latte is fine."

She frowned, stepping forward as the line moved. "The next time, it will be on me...after I win our rematch." That felt better.

Unmistakeably pleased with himself, Yukimura said, "And if I win, I receive the honor of buying your drink again."

He watched emotions twitch across her dark eyes as she felt them; he wondered if Sanada knew how expressive she truly was to the right observer. "Why don't you find us a table?" Yukimura suggested, as it came to his turn to order.

"...." She paused to think her answer through carefully. If she said no, that she would buy them regardless, that would be a sign of weakness. It would prove she would be worried about losing their next match and she was more than confident it would not happen again. "Hmph." Excellent answer, Sanada.

She nodded at Yukimura before turning to glance over the sea of people in the busy shop, Starbucks was never empty apparently. Spotting an empty table in a lonely corner she made way for that one, thankful for it's desolate feel. Though if Yukimura thought it was an invitation to sketch her again just because it wasn't busy around, she would have to kick him. Only not really.

Trust Sanada to find the most isolated table in the place. Not that Yukimura truly minded; it meant he would have her all to himself.

Despite it being busy, he ordered the drinks and his croissant (he wasn't hungry, but he could not stomach his medication without food) and received them quickly enough. "Here you go," Yukimura placed Sanada's latte in front of her, then took his seat.

Once she had settled into her seat, Sanada found her gaze drifting over to Yukimura as he waited. She observed him quietly unsure as to why she couldn't focus on something else -- like that hideous cat painting hanging on the wall.

Clearly, this was her way of sizing him up before their next match. Yes, that made sense. Her dark eyes followed until he was at their table and she nodded upon receiving her coffee. "Aa. Thank you."

"You're very welcome, Sanada-chan," Yukimura said, meeting her gaze with a flicker of a smirk dancing in his own blue eyes. "How have you been enjoying the open?"

"Mm. I have." Sanada mumbled as she took a small sip from her hot beverage. It was more tasty than usual today. Green tea latte was a tricky beverage and unfortunately it always depended on the barista who made it -- but this one, it was delicious.

She took another sip immediately before regarding Yukimura with serious eyes. "I think it's important to watch such matches in order to observe a master of tennis." Though she wouldn't say it out loud, she was a bit looking forward to watching the Men's Singles Finals between Novak and Rafael. "I take it you've been watching the Open as well?"

Picking at his croissant, he listened to Sanada talk about the open. Yukimura fully approved of her seriousness where tennis was concerned. "I agree, you can learn quite a bit by watching."

It was also a good idea to study his next opponents. Yukimura fully planned on being a professional tennis player within the next five years.

"Of course. We need to make sure we're back in time to watch the Sharapova and Azarenka match," he stipulated. "Would you like to come to my house and see it. Some other members of the club will be there."

"Aa." The matches were more than just watching a master at his craft, it was about breaking apart their techniques and studying other people's forms of tennis. In a sense, a learning experience as how to crush them in the future.

She frowned over her coffee cup and glared at the other briefly. This one too she would beat soon.

"Oh, that's right." She said, almost forgetting about said matches. Sanada cocked her head slightly to the side as she regarded Yukimura's offer seriously. Usually she would take up no time in declining, but her grandfather was all sorts of boisterous while watching the matches. It was annoying. "I guess..." She stared at her beverage as she spoke, almost reluctant to agree. "..that would be alright."

Yukimura's smile took a turn for the sharp. That expression of determination stirred up all sorts of feelings of competitiveness and attraction. The taste of his croissant absolutely paled in comparision.

"Wonderful, I look forward to watching the match with you." He imagined Sanada would watch the match quietly, yet expressively. "Would you like any?" Yukimura hadn't bit any of the pastry, just ripped pieces off with his fingers.

"Aa. It'll be informative to know your opinions on the matches as we watch." Sanada caught note of Yukimura's sharp smile and could almost feel her hair stands on ends. It was certain that expression was the other still reeling from his earlier win, but that was just as well. She would let him enjoy it until their rematch.

She blinked at Yukimura first then down at his pastry before shaking her head lightly. "No." It did look good and despite being a tad hungry, she would rather eat her coffee cup than accept even a bite of food from his croissant. "But thank you."

After taking a sip of his chai tea, Yukimura set the drink down and said, "Our combined expertise will help all of the other players there, I'm sure."

He fished in his bag for his little cap of pills and thought about how best to distract her. "How silly of me. I should've bought you one for yourself," Yukimura said. "I'll be right back."

"No, no --." She frowned as Yukimura began to rise from his seat before she could decline. She could get her own pastry if she wanted to and the last thing she wanted was for the other to treat her to something else today. "I'm not hungry." As if moving on it's own, her hand reached to gently tug at the other boy's shirt sleeve before he could walk off.

"Ah..." Oh God. "I'm sorry." Sanada apologized, her eyes wide with surprise at her own actions. She released the grip quickly and tore her gaze away from Yukimura -- yes, the cat painting seemed like the best of things to observe right now.

Yukimura expected her protest, but he didn't quite expect that. "It's all right, Sanada-chan," he assured her, voice calm and pleasant as he tried to coax her into looking at him again. "I just think you should eat something after that match we just played, especially since you were unwell last week. Will you please let me get you something?"

She sighed as her eyes stayed fixed on the horrendous cat portrait, refusing to look back at Yukimura if only for the time being. Sanada could feel the flush on her face despite her serious frown and found herself missing the cover her hat so often provided her with.

"Aa." Hungry, not hungry, owing, not owing -- didn't matter. The point right now was to make him go away.

She ignored him so determinedly it was almost hilarious.

"Thank you, Sanada-chan," Yukimura said gently. While he stood in line for a second croissant, he popped his pills and wondered at her resolute shyness.

Sanada exhaled once Yukimura had gone to get her a croissant, finally turning her attention away from the stupid wall. She would probably have nightmares involving this damn cat at some point.

Ugh. She mentally slapped herself as she reached to take a sip from her lukewarm coffee, frowning at her own fingers as they wrapped themselves around the cup. Betrayers.

Returning with the croissant, Yukimura smiled as he held it out to her. The absolute mental turmoil evident in her body language was so completely absorbing to watch.

Certain the blush on her face was long gone, Sanada took the croissant with a nod at his direction, her frown still apparent.

"Thank you." The words came out as more of a grumble as she grabbed the pastry with both hands, leaning in to take her first small bite. It really was as good as it looked.

"You're welcome," Yukimura said. Though there had been an ulterior motive in getting the croissant, his reasons had also been truthful.

And also, he wasn't sure if Sanada would find anything to her taste at his house. As right now it seemed the kindest thing he could do was distract Sanada, Yukimura asked, "How are practices going on the girls' side?"

She took another small bite of her pastry and mulled over the question briefly. "It's been alright, though some seem to think the winter cold is a reason to slack off." Sanada reached for her coffee and regarded Yukimura with a twitch of her lip that could, if you squinted, resemble somewhat of a grin. "So I've been working on a more rigorous training plan. Might extend practice some days as well. Yours?"

That was much better, he thought, catching the brief change of expression.

"The winter is a reason to run more laps to keep warm," Yukimura concurred wholeheartedly. "I've extended afternoon trainings a bit, but I think we should have more practice matches together. It would be an efficient way to use extra practice time that the rest of the teams won't complain about."

The boys always liked playing the girls, after all.

Generally she wasn't much of a talker but when it came to tennis and training, the words just seemed to come more naturally to her. "I think so as well, one should run more during this season. The weather provides less heat stress on the body." Sanada agreed, unfortunately recalling her morning jog with Niou a few days ago. She had yet to deliver the girl's punishment for such insolent comments about Yukimura and herself.

"Aa, it would be good for our teams to play against each other more often." She knew her girls wouldn't complain and highly doubted the boys would either. "I will let my team know."

"I hadn't thought to consider it that way, thank you for pointing it out to me," Yukimura admitted, and took a sip of his chai. "What days are best for your team to have practice matches?"

"Aa." She nodded, taking another small bite of her croissant. "I find it a lot easier to do my jogs on cold winter mornings." They were a lot more relaxing as well.

She washed down the pastry with some coffee, considering the best days for extended practice. Some of her team mates had added responsibilities that could not be helped and thus had to leave early on certain evenings. "Tuesdays and Thursdays would be most convenient."

Yukimura nodded in all the right places, and finally said "I hope you dress warmly enough, I wouldn't want you to get sick again."

He couldn't imagine there would be issues with extended Tuesdays and Thursdays, but he would bring it up at practice and see how the boys responded to it. "Tuesdays and Thursdays should work out. I'll let you know after Monday's practice."

Sanada set down the rest of her croissant on the table, finding the mix of coffee and pastry filled her up quite rapidly. "Nn." She hummed, dark eyes rising from her coffee to meet with Yukimura's, eyeing him curiously before nodding. "I won't get sick again."

She was thankful that her flu had only a short stay and she accredited that to her superb immune system. It was maybe only once or twice she got sick during the year. "Okay, let me know and I will pass the information on to my team and we can get it set up."

"Good," Yukimura said simply. If Sanada so much as had the common cold, Yukimura knew he needed to avoid her, even if he disliked the thought intensely. His own immune system was too weak after the enslaught of his illness. He took another long drag of his chai before setting the empty cup down. "Perfect. Are you going to the Valentine's dance, Sanada-chan?" he asked.

He wasn't stupid enough to ask her to be his date, but Yukimura did want to know if she was going.

Ah, that dance. She had every thought to not go -- actually, she didn't want to go, but unfortunately she didn't have much say in it. Her mother had caught wind of the flier and had babbled on endlessly on how she should attend, that it would be lovely, that it's for a good cause, blah blah blah. Insert talk of dress and make up here. Both of which she wanted nothing to do with.

"Aa, I will be attending." Sanada didn't feel the need to go into her thoughts on the dance, but instead found herself curious as to see if the other would be attending as well. "...Are you?"

Yukimura nodded his affirmative and said, "I'll be seeing you there, then. It's for such a good cause, and I'll be escorting my sister and her friends to make sure they don't get into any trouble. I'm glad there will be another mature face there."

She felt a little relieved at his affirmative, only because that would mean there would be someone else she knew attending. Not other reasoning. Or anything weird. Sanada frowned, finding she was almost self conscious over Niou's assumptions and Kirihara's dumb comment.

They would pay at some point. Niou would soon. Kirihara, she would figure out how during their joint practices.

"Her friends as well?" She asked. "What a dutiful brother."

At that, Yukimura laughed a little. "My mother wouldn't have let her go otherwise, and I'm pretty sure the other parents felt the same. ...Do you have any siblings, Sanada-chan?"

"I do." She replied with a gentle nod as black locks strayed to cover her eyes. "An older brother, but I don't see much of him since he stays at his uni." Sanada swatted the bangs away to the side with annoyance.

"I see." So if he ever managed to convince Sanada to go out with him, he had a big brother to contend with. Being a big brother himself, he fully understood such protective feelings. "Are you sure you don't want an elastic?" Yukimura held out his wrist, offerring her the black band that circled it.

Sanada narrowed her eyes at the elastic, eyebrows furrowing as if contemplating something of dire importance. She sighed, resigning herself to the fact that her own ribbon probably wouldn't last the bike ride back.

"I'll return it to you once we're at your house then." She nodded and glanced at his wrist, waiting for him to slip it off and hand it to her.

Seeing that Sanada didn't want to touch him, Yukimura slipped the elastic off himself and handed it to her.

"Are you ready to get going?" he asked.

"Aa." Sanada confirmed as she unfolded herself from her seat, sliding the elastic onto her wrist in the meantime. She would adjust her hair once outside, so as to not allow random strands to fall inside the shop.

"I'm ready." She said as she slung her bag across her shoulder, taking both the cup and the left over croissant in hand, tossing them in the bin by the exit.

Yukimura did the same, pulling his bag over his shoulder and opening the door for Sanada to vacate the place. Once she did he went to go unlock his bike from the small rack outside the coffee shop.

Her eyes flickered at Yukimura briefly at his opening of the door, offering a small nod as a 'thank you'. For someone that was so merciless on the court, he truly was one of the most polite people she had met. Heh.

Once outside, Sanada reached to untie the yellow ribbon, allowing the jet black strands to cascade down her back freely. Often she thought it best to just chop all of this off, but her mother would probably have a heart attack if she did.

Standing by the Starbucks window, he watched quietly as Sanada fixed up her hair. It was long and lovely, and he thought about how he'd like to run his fingers through it.

Unwise, for now, Yukimura reminded himself.

She adjusted the final wrap on her pony tail with a tight 'snap', finally regarding Yukimura with a wry expression as he stood by his bike.

Augh. There it was again -- the bicycle. It suddenly dawned at her that she had agreed to watch the tennis match back at his home. If she had declined, surely she would of been able to convince him to allow herself to run back to her own house. Damn.

Sanada tugged at her tennis bag briefly to secure it, mumbling something at the other before setting herself on the pegs. Her fingers trembled slightly once she laid them on Yukimura's shoulders, recalling her unfortunate mishap inside the shop from earlier.

"You can hold on harder than that, Sanada-chan, you won't hurt me," Yukimura teased before he pedalled off. He rode at a slow and steady pace, because he knew there would be a big uphill right after the bridge and there was a pretty big weight on the bike to begin with.

"That's no-- " Sanada was about to argue back but instead pressed her lips together and frowned. Her warm fingers squeezing into Yukimura's shoulder a bit tighter now. At least this was better than having to hold on around his waist or something.

"Aa." She finally said, her voice subdued this time.

Glad that Sanada no longer seemed in danger of falling off, Yukimura pedalled faster over the bridge as they approached the uphill. He loved riding his bike everywhere because it symbolized now that he could get around on his own power.

Just a few months ago, he couldn't even stand.

And now that he had Sanada at his back as he used those legs to climb the bike uphill, he had a new reason to appreciate riding.

Sanada closed her eyes briefly as Yukimura continued to peddle, tilting her head slightly. The bike ride, she found, was actually quite enjoyable once she allowed herself to relax. The cool breeze against her skin felt calming, she noted, and unconsciouly found herself leaning in closer to the other as he began the uphill ascent.

The uphill didn't bother Yukimura, he enjoyed it more for the pressure it put on his legs and for the way Sanada pressed up against his back to stay on the bike. She was so close that Yukimura could smell her deoderant. He almost regretted reaching the plateu.

Once Yukimura had reached level ground, Sanada stayed in her close proximity, leaning her head down just a little so as to speak closely to his ear. She didn't know if he would be able to hear her over the whizzing sound of the bicycle and the random busy noises around. "It's not so bad." She said quietly. "The bike ride, I mean."

since he must of lost his mind seeing Tezuka on a date with Atobe )

Yukimura smiled; her breath was tickling his ear.

"Does that mean I can pick you up next time too?"

She should have expected that response.

Sanada waited a moment and then said, in her most serious, flat tone. "No."

It was hard to bite back the small grin that threatened to overtake her, but she leaned back comfortably once again, allowing her grip to loosen a little. "I will just run next time."

Laugh echoing through the street, Yukimura rode a little faster (not enough to make her lose her balance) to convince her otherwise. "Are you sure?"

"Oi!" Her voice rang out in surprise at the increase of speed and fingers found themselves regaining their tight grip on his shoulders.

"Hmph, I won't agree just because you pick up a little speed." Sanada said, half wanting to wrap her arms around his neck for safety and the other half to bop him upside the head.

"Oh really?" the grin was evident in Yukimura's voice. "Then what about...this!"

His words were the only warning Sanada had as Yukimura picked up more speed. They were coming onto his block, and he knew these roads like the back of his hand. He had enough faith in Sanada's strength and judgment to know that she wouldn't fall.

"Yes, really." She regretted the words before the even came out.

At his increase of speed, Sanada leaned her body unconsciously as closely as she could towards the other, her hands sliding in just a bit further to acquire a better grip on his body. "Yukimura!" She called out his name in surprise, biting back the curse words she wanted to throw at him.

Yukimura's reply was another loud, joyful laugh as Sanada wrapped her arms around his neck. Fortunately for Sanada, they were close enough to Yukimura's house that the top speed only lasted a few moments before they pulled into his family's driveway. "I'm sorry," he said unapologetically, "I couldn't help it."

"You...you!" Sanada stuttered for a moment, suddenly realizing she had completely draped herself all over him at some point. She flushed instantly and hopped off the bike, turning her back to Yukimura. The last thing she wanted was for him to see her face in such a state.

She would have to hit him later to feel better.

Though he missed the contact the moment Sanada ripped herself away from him, Yukimura couldn't help but be satisfied with the last few hours or so. He rested the bike under the plant canopy and turned to face her again.

"I hope I didn't scare you too badly, Sanada-chan," Yukimura said gently, touching his hand lightly to her shoulder as he faced her back.

"Scared?" Sanada turned to regard Yukimura with glaring eyes, the flush long gone from her serious features. "I wasn't scared." She replied, shrugging his hand off her shoulder with an almost inaudble 'hmph'.

Okay. She had been scared -- to the point of almost melting her own body into Yukimura's at some moment she didn't even recall. But she wouldn't admit to it.

"Oh, lovely," Yukimura smiled widely, perfectly pleased with himself despite Sanada batting away his touch. "The match will start soon, we should lay claim to the living room," with that, he stepped away and beckoned Sanada into the modest sized house.

"Aa." She hummed and followed behind Yukimura quietly, briefly pausing at the entrance way. This was the first time she had been to anyone's house besides Tezuka's and she found herself all too nervous. Sanada glanced at Yukimura and then down at the floor, removing her shoes so as to place them neatly on the side.

She bowed her head down politely at the air upon entering, whispering a small "Sorry for intruding." at no one in particular.

"The guest slippers are the white ones," Yukimura informed, gesturing for her to put them on as he slipped into his own rikkai-dai yellow ones.

"I'm home!" Yukimura called. Only his sister replied, dashing over to the entrance to greet him.

Yukimura Amaya was a stunningly beautiful girl. It was quite clear she and her brother were cut from the same cloth. "Onii-chan, the game's gonna start soon...Oh is this one of your tennis club friends?" she bowed to Sanada and beamed beatifically at her. "I'm Amaya!"

"Aa." Sanada nodded and slipped on the white slippers, glancing at Yukimura's with a twitch of a grin. She had ones just like those at home.

She blinked at Yukimura in suprise as he called out and practically jumped out of her skin once someone responded back to him. Dark eyes focused themselves on the girl that came to greet them, it was obvious who it was just by looking at her.

"I'm sorry for intruding." She repeated with a bow, only this time she had someone to say it to. "Sanada Gen."

Yukimura could only send Sanada a brief, apologetic look before Amaya took over.

"It's great to meet you!" Amaya exclaimed, only briefly participating in a formal bow before she latched herself onto Sanada's arm and lead her into the living room. "I was so worried it was only going to be boys watching a women's final. We can totally tell them how it's done!"

"It's nice to meet you as well." She managed to respond before being dragged into the living room. Sanada looked over her shoulder at Yukimura, her eyes laced with both confusion and terror.

Why did she agree to this again?

Wait. Tell them how what was done? Did it matter if the boys were watching a women's final? She was looking forward to the men's one most of all. Hmm. She raised an eyebrow, regarding Amaya with a serious expression. "I fully intend on discussing the matches thoroughly with everyone."

"Sorry," Yukimura mouthed at Sanada, but then vocalized, "Sanada-chan is the girls captain for Rikkai-dai."

Yukimura Amaya's eyes went wide in admiration. "OH MY GOD OH MY GOD REALLY?! YOU'RE SO COOL!!! I'M TRYING OUT FOR THE TEAM!" she all but bounced at Sanada's side, while squealing girlishly.

Sanada tilted her head slightly at Yukimura's mouthed 'sorry', confused for a moment. A brief, brief moment.

"Ah..." It was hard to find the proper words to describe the emotion she was feeling at the girl's boisterous admiration. A little horror, a dash of shock and a bucket full of 'I will get revenge on Yukimura'. Mm, she nodded almost to herself. For this, for the bike ride and for her loss from earlier.

Sanada flicked her eyes to narrow at Yukimura before turning her attention back at Amaya, regarding the girl with her best attempt at a small smile. "I see. Good luck on your try out then."

"THANK YOU! I'm going to try my best. Seiichi says that he thinks I'll make the regulars my freshman -- "

"Amaya, Sanada-chan is thirsty. Could you please fetch us some tea?"

Happy to be able to do something for her new idol, Amaya dashed off.

"Sorry about that. She's easily excitable and loves tennis. Please feel free to take a seat," Yukimura motioned to the couch.

"I can tell." Sanada was relieved once Amaya dashed off to grab some drinks and nodded at Yukimura, seating herself on the very far corner of the couch.

"Though she's excitable, I can not say anything about her enthusiasm for tennis." Sure, the girl was bounce of the walls hyper, but seeing someone so enthusiastic for a sport she loved was not something she could look down on.

After Yukimura turned on the television, he went to sit next to Sanada. "She's very good too," he admitted. "A pity you won't still be Captain. I would have loved for her to be in such capable hands."

Sanada turned her attention to the TV, feeling the small movement of the couch as he sat down next to her.

Though she wouldn't admit to it, a small part of her felt glad Yukimura considered her skills as a Captain in such regard. "If she had been, I am not sure her cheery attitude towards me would of remained."

Yukimura laughed, "Oh, you might be surprised." He had no doubt Amaya would challenge Sanada to a game later.

A knock at the door sounded. "Excuse me for a moment, that must be some of the guys." He went to get the door and, sure enough, returned with half of the boys team.

"Oh?" If the girl would be anything of a challenge, then she would gladly accept her head on. She didn't doubt someone's skill just because of thier boisterous persona, though she did particularly hate extra cocky brats...

"Aa." Sanada nodded, turning to focus her attention on the television. She would have to call Tezuka once she got home later, she mentally noted, to discuss the match with her in detail.