Little Kids

“Bane-chan! Bane-chan!” a little girl yelled frantically running towards the tennis court where Rokkaku team practiced. Its surrounding areas was a built playground, handmade by their coach who enjoyed making the children happy.

Two other girls were running with the one running frantically towards the courts.

At the noise, the regulars that were on the court stopped to see what had gotten the usual over active kids, so frantic over.

Kurobane Harukaze stopped, frowning as the girl stopped in front of him trying to catch her breath, “What is it, Rei-kun?” he asked as he leaned on the floor looking at her.

Even Saeki Kojirou looked concerned as he saw the two others catching their breaths. “Tori-kun! Midori-kun! Sit down or you’ll both black out now.” Hands on their shoulders making them sit on his lap as he sat on the floor crossing his legs.

Rei looked at Kurobane, “Bane-chan!” she exclaimed, “ -chan…” she began her eyes watery. “ -chan is hurt…”

Kurobane looked surprised, “ ?” he asked.

Even Saeki seemed to sit up straight.

“Where is she?”

“On the beach, Haru-kun and Nori-kun are with her.’ Rei said quickly.

Kurobane nodded, “Saeki…”

“I’ll explain it to Ojii, just go.” Saeki assured, “I’ll watch the girls.’

“Rei, come with me.” Kurobane lifted her as he ran off to the beach.

~~~

was sprawled on her back by the beach. Feeling someone hold her hand, she tried to move, but winced. She didn’t even have the strength to open her eyes. Trying to focus on her surroundings using her ears, she knew she was on the beach.

The warm sun was heating her skin.

The seagulls.

The ocean slamming against the rocks.

And….

“Wake up!” someone said forcefully.

groaned inwards, and stirred. Feeling a hand on her face, she opened one eye, but closed it back again as the blare of the sun hit her hard.

“One more time.”

Stirring this time, she opened them. Her focus was not clear, but she could tell there were four heads looking down at her. Blinking several times, she finally focused, “Kurobane…” she said softly as he helped her sit up.

felt her head spinning, and held onto it.

He held her close as she rested her head on his shoulder.

breathed softly and finally stabled herself, “Did I scare you three?’ she asked softly looking at Rei, Haru, and Nori.

The three kids nodded.

“I’m sorry.”

~~~

Standing by the courts, was frowning. The whole time Kurobane had been silent, she didn’t blame him. This was the third time this week that she had fainted and she didn’t want to keep worrying him like that.

Being born Anemic was no fun. Because she had a severe condition of it, she was not to exert herself in anyway. Meaning, not do any of the things she loved.

Play tennis.

Play with the kids.

Stay on the beach for too long.

Cheer for Rokkaku on their games.

And almost everything else…

didn’t complain though, she was fortunate that she was alive. Her Hemoglobin was unusually lower than her cousins who had the same iron deficiency.

“ -chan! Come play with us…” Midori said smiling at her happily snapping out of her thoughts..

looked down and smiled, “I’m still tired, sweetie.” She said softly, “Maybe later.”

Midori just nodded and ran back to the playground.

turned and went back to watching Kurobane playing a set match against Aoi Kentarou, the captain of the team. Feeling her heart breaking, she watched Kurobane, her boyfriend play with all might and smiled sadly.

had decided…

“You look sad.”

turned around and saw Kisarazu Ryou standing next to her. Hands in is pockets, his cap hiding his face he looked at the court. “Sadder than usual.” Ryou repeated.

“I was just thinking…” hands behind her back, she could always speak to Ryou. He was the one she was friends with, and he had introduced her to Kurobane. “I keep making Kurobane worry.” She said softly, “He’s been missing practice as well because of me.”

“Don’t think of it that…”

“The nationals is close Ryou-kun.” said softly. “I don’t want him worrying about me.” Looking at him, “And I know how important it is for him.”

“Are you saying….’

“I’ll see you later.” Walking away and waving.

“I hope you don’t do anything stupid.” Ryou whispered, his eyes on the court.

~~~

Holding hands, they both walked home quietly after practice. “Can you walk?” Kurobane asked finally. “You’re not tired?”

“Yes, I’m…” she began, but… “BANE!” she squealed as he lifted her off her feet and carried in his arms. Her arms automatically went around his neck. “You didn’t ask…” blushing.

“I don’t need to.” Kissing her cheek lightly.

’s heart broke, ‘now or never, …’ she thought, and then looked at him, “I need to talk to you.” She said seriously.

He looked at her seriously as well, “Were finally going to do it, aren’t we?”

blinked… “Do what?” she asked softly her heart beating fast.

“Break up.”

~~~

“Not here?” Rei asked Saeki surprised. “But -chan always meets us after school to watch us play,” her eyes getting teary.

Saeki sighed. It had been several days since the last incident and he had never thought he would go through something like this. No one had suspected, but the two loving couple that were around had broken up. Saeki didn’t know the details, but it was clear that Kurobane and were no longer together.

First, Kurobane being a grouch and actually not even beating the hell out of Davide with his stupid puns proved that he was not himself. Also, he had heard the girls in his class squeal that he was single now and they had to do something.

Second, hadn’t been around and she was avoiding them, even him. “I’ll play with you guys.” Saeki smiled at them, the least I could do for now.

~~~

Picking up his bag after practice, Saeki was the last one in the club house. Closing the door to the club room, he walked out and stopped when he heard…

“You think breaking up with him will make him better?” he heard Ryou.

“That’s not it, Ryou. Kurobane keeps worrying about me, he’s always missing practice because I collapsed or something.” argued, “I don’t want him thinking about me.’

“This is even worse, !’ Ryou told her, “You two are heart broken because of this situation.” Watching her, “This is what makes Kurobane’s game slack off.”

‘So that’s what’s going on...’ Saeki thought watching the two from a distance. Moving away, he needed to think of something and fast…

~~~

Some Days Later

“What are you up to, Saeki?’ Aoi asked as he saw the vice captain surrounded by the children. Normally a sight like this would be usual, but what was unusual about this is that they were all sitting in a circle and… whispering…

Saeki grinned, “Shall we tell him?’

“No!” The children said out loud together.

“Aoi-kun has a big mouth!” Rei spoke.

Haru and Nori nodded.

Midori blushed slightly.

Aoi looked taken a back, frowning, “I do not have a big mouth.” He stated loudly.

“Do too!”

“Do not!’

“Do too!”

“Not!’

“Too!”

“NOT!”

Saeki sighed, “Enough is enough!”

Midori hesitated and held one of Aoi’s hand, “Promise not to tell?’ blushing lightly not looking at him. It was obvious to Saeki and Aoi himself that she had a crush on him.

Aoi smiled at her patting her head, then ignored the others glare and looked at Saeki, “Well?”

“Were trying to figure out a way to bring Kurobane and together again.”

“But…”

“Listen to what I heard.” Telling him of his discovery.

~~~

Kurobane was sitting in the cafeteria by himself. He stared at his food, uninterested in eating it. He would usually be happily eating with , but ever since the break up he had been sitting by himself.

Kisarazu finished buying his lunch and saw Kurobane. He sighed. He walked to the boy and took a seat.

“You know you should eat your food or else you won’t have enough energy for practice.”

Kurobane kept his eyes on the food in front of him. He sighed and laid his head on the table.

“What did I do, Ryou?” he mumbled.

Kisarazu shook his head. Having both his friends miserable makes him feel responsible for not stopping the break-up from happening.

“Oy! Bane-chan! How are you doing?” Kentarou smacked the boy’s back.

Kurobane winced in pain, “Hey Kentarou…”

Kentarou laughed, “No need to be so gloom Bane-chan! -sempai will be JUST fine!”

Kurobane’s head shot up.

“What did you just say?”

Kentarou sweat dropped, “Ah… nothing nothing! I’m gonna go eat with my classmates! Ja!”

Kurobane watched as the first year walked to another table.

“Yo everybody!” Saeki greeted.

“Eat rice to rise against others.”

Ryou sweatdropped.

WHACK!

“That wasn’t funny stupid!”

Kurobane and Kisazaru stared in surprised as Saeki had just kicked Amane on the back.

Amane got up, stunned. He looked at Saeki who smiled innocently and took a seat beside Kisazaru.

“That… was weird…” Kurobane thought.

~~~

“ -chan! Let’s go play!” Rei said as she pulled ’s hand.

“You guys I’m pretty tired right now,” replied. She wasn’t tired at all. She just couldn’t bare to see Kurobane play.

“But -CHAN! We haven’t played with you since last week!” Haru whined.

“Please -chan??” pleaded the teary-eyed kids.

frowned. She didn’t like seeing the kids like this.

“If you’re tired to walk there, I can help you.”

saw Saeki smiling cheekily at her.

“EH?!”

Before she could protest, Saeki had already lifted over his shoulders.

“Yay! Sae-chan!” cheered the kids.

“Are you crazy Saeki?!?” yelled behind Saeki.

“I thought you said you were tired. Then why do you have so much energy to argue with me?” he replied.

silently cursed at Saeki.

As they walked towards the playground, they passed the tennis courts where the rest of the team were preparing for practice.

~~~

As Kurobane practiced his swings feeling not much better but not worse either. As he put all his effort into it, he felt a tap on his shoulders. “What is it, Davide?” he asked.

Davide just pointed behind him.

“What is it Davi--?” he began, then froze. ‘It can’t be…’ watching Saeki put down as the kids ran around them. Holding onto whatever self control he had, turned around and ignored them.

“Isn’t she supposed to be yours?”

“Shut up, Davide.’

“They broke up.” Aoi said coming out of nowehere. “I guess Saeki can do whatever he wants.”

‘Over my dead body’ Kurobane thought grimly.

~~~

“Tire her out?” Rei asked Aoi again behind the bards. “But -chan will faint.”

Aoi nodded and smiled, “Exactly.”

The confused girl looked at the captain and shrugged. She ran towards her other friends and .

“Let’s play freeze tag and you’re it -chan!” Rei yelled as she touched and ran away.

The other children followed and scattered in different directions. smiled as she started to run and look for the hiding kids.

“Gotcha!” she yelled. Haru laughed and stood still, waiting for somebody to unfreeze him.

“ -chan! Over here! Catch me!” yelled another child.

tagged another child only to find the other two that she had caught before was unfrozen and ran again.

She was fairly engrossed in the game that she hadn’t realized that she had been running for almost half an hour. She felt her legs buckle and suddenly collapsed.

~~~

“ -chan!” screamed Nori.

“AH! Aoi-chan! Aoi-chan! I did it!” Rei yelled as she ran towards the tennis court.

“Shhh…” covering her mouth as he picked her up.

~~~

Without even thinking, Kurobane was the first one to run to her. Lifting her up into his lap gently, he glared at the children. “What did you guys do?” he demanded.

They all looked down guiltily.

Haru looked at him, hands behind his back and eyes on the floor, “We were playing….”

“Were sorry Bane-chan.” Nori whispered.

Saeki walked towards them, “Here.” His water bottle and a towel, “Cool her up.”

“To cool is…” Davide was going to start.

“NOT NOW!” Kurobane and Saeki snapped together.

Sweatdropped.

Wiping ’s face with a towel, she finally opened her eyes after a while. “Bane…” she said softly, then her eyes widened. “What are you doing?” sitting up fast on his lap, but her head spun and she immediately fell back onto him, her arms around his shoulders.

“ .” Saeki winked, “Eat this.” Handing her a chocolate bar, “Some sugar might help.”

She took it thanking him.

“Alright?” Aoi asked carrying Rei who looked like she was about to cry. Then he looked at Saeki, “Rei wants to confess.”

Saeki glared at him.

Aoi sighed, “Guilt is killing her.”

Saeki sighed, it was now or never. He just wished he had the strength to run from Kurobane’s wrath once it appeared… “Listen up.”

~~~

“You… DID WHAT?!” Kurobane demanded angrily.

“Bane…” whispered, “My head.” Holding onto it sitting next to him now.

Kurobane ignored her, “Who’s idea was this?” standing up.

“He stood up.’ Aoi whispered.

“Be prepared.” Saeki whispered back.

His eye twitching, “Who’s idea was this?” he repeated firmly.

“On the count of three…” Aoi told Saeki both of them totally ignoring him.

Saeki nodded.

“1….” Aoi

“Damnit, listen to me…”

“2” Saeki

“I’m going to kill you….”

“3” both of them as they ran. Very fast.

Kurobane was going to run after them, but something tugged his shirt. “What is it?” he asked half annoyed looking at the little girl who stood next to him.

Rei looked up at his tall length and pointed at who was sitting on the side with his jacket on her. “We did it because we want you two back together.” Smiling, “We miss you and -chan.”

Kurobane looked at her and leaned down, “Were both adults, sometimes our hearts change.” Kissing her cheek.

“But -chan still loves you very much….” Rei argued, “She only did it because she….”

“Rei!” said startled.

“She didn’t want you to worry so much about her and concentrate on your games.” Rei finished.

Kurobane looked at Rei then at who was avoiding looking at him, “Is this true, ?”

’s cheeks were deep dark red, still not looking at him.

“Is this true?” he asked again walking towards her.

looked at him and then at her hands as it was fisted tightly on her lap, “I….” she whispered, “I didn’t want you to worry so much about me, Bane….” Tears sliding down her cheeks. “But I didn’t mean to hurt you either.”

Sitting next to her, he pulled her onto his lap, “Don’t cry.” Hugging her tightly.

held on to Kurobane as she continued to cry.

He sighed.

It wasn’t that had lost interest in him that lead to the break up, it was because she cared so much for him that she thinks that in order for him to play his full potential, she had to let him go.

“Baka,” he whispered, “The only reason I play so well is because as soon as I finish each game, I would be able to go and see you.”

“Yea -chan! And it’s more fun when you two play with us!” Nori said and Haru agreeing with him.

Rubbing her tear stained eye, she looked at him and smiled kissing his cheeks lightly. “I love you.’

“Me too.’ Hugging her.

The children all clapped and smiled at the two.

“Show’s over…” Kurobane blushed slightly, then turned to seriously, “One more thing.’

Looking at him curiously, “Yes?”

“Bare that bear that you are, Kurobane. Roar.”

Kurobane and sweatdrops.

WHACK!

“That was SO stupid AND inappropriate Amane!” Kurobane growled.

laughed as Kurobane turned his attention back to her.

Kurobane smiled at her, and bent down and kissed her lightly.

~~~

DeVeliCious & Babybel