A/N: Shame on me. Really, really shame on me. I have been in denial for the past year, telling myself that I can finish WYSLMT? But I guess it's time to stop lying to myself. It's a major writer's block. As I succumbed to the pressures of hospital duties, I forgot how I'm supposed to end the story. I felt that if I insisted on finishing it, it won't turn out that way it's supposed to be.

So...I'M SORRY MINNA-SAMA!

But...I do have another story for you. It's no surprise that it's another OT5 however...WITH A MAJOR, MAJOR TWIST! Welcome to another round of emotional rollercoaster and I promise you that every chapter will leave you wanting for more. So without further ado, I present to you

A LOVE BEFORE TIME

Summary: All he did was fall in love. And now he's paying for it with forever as its price.

WARNINGS: Slight Oc's, AU, major yaoi with tints of shota-con. If you're not into these kinds of stories, better run away now and wash your eyes with whatever holy water you can grab. And of course, definitely ANGST-FILLED!

Disclaimer: I don't own POT...though I wish I did so that Ryoma and I can live happily ever after!

PS: "" for dialogs, '' for thoughts, italics for flashbacks, dreams and memories and bold for foreign, wired or text conversation

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Japan, 1793: Tokugawa Shogunate

Despite the chaos created by the deposition of the daimyos, there was one family who stood firm amidst the carnage. The Echizen clan remained intact and untouched by the Tokugawa shogunate for it was known that the family was the main spiritual protectors of royal family. With the head of the clan, Echizen Norosuke as the high priest, the clan flourished despite the war. It was rumoured that the clan possessed the ability to grant both blessings and curses. He has three sons; two of which serves the empire and one was hidden from the rest of the world.

"This country is suffocated by a dark gloom. It is our duty to see light beyond this darkness." Norosuke told his two sons, Sourijoh, the eldest and Yuurijoh, the middle child.

"Yes Father." They muttered in unison. Aside from being a fortunate family, the Echizens also were gifted with ethereal beauty that could only exist in mythical accounts. All three of them exuded gallant splendour that even the most handsome among others, commoner or of royal blood would shy away from them.

The three were walking serenely towards a garden, well hidden within the family fortress.

"And it is our duty as well to protect the one blessed by the gods."

Their pristine white robes fluttered behind them as they were greeted by a soft breeze when one of their servants opened the gate into a piece of Eden.

"I do believe that Father." Sourijoh tucked his long dark locks behind his ears. "However I don't think your methods of protecting him is fair." His golden eyes blinked back the sadness.

"I agreew with Sou-nii-sama, Father." Yuujiroh eyed his older brother cautiously. "Locking him up will only cause him harm."

Norosuke sighed. They had been standing before the entrance to the Echizen's most hidden sanctuary for quite some time. "You have to understand where I'm coming from, my sons. We are both blessed and burdened by our abilities. We were given the ability to put our spiritual will into action. It is no secret that the shogun thinks of us as his trump cards. If I can spare anyone from that awful fate, you know I would."

The three priests still stood by the entrance, wanting to resolve their issues before they go inside. Beyond the gates exuded a more gleeful atmosphere. The scent of newly bloomed jasmine waffled through air.

Soujiroh sighed. Indeed their Father did whatever he could to spare his children his fate but so far, he was only successful in sparing one...the strongest of them all.

"I understand your actions Father." He muttered. "But please don't expect me to be entirely happy with it."

Yuujiroh nodded in agreement. "We respect how you feel against the fate of the family, Father."

Norosuke turned to face his sons, his lips drawn into a sad smile. "Now, now, let us leave this morose conversation behind. we are about to see your brother." He held his hands up and gently patted their sculpted chins.

Souijoh smiled. "You're right Father. It feels like forever since we last saw him."

They stepped past the scarlet gates and into a magnificent garden of red, yellow and blue. The sound of giggles filled the air as they ventured deep into the garden. The place was very different from all the other gardens outside, even the royal courtyard fail miserably in comparison.

It's as if each flower were painted with colours beyond normal hues.

They heard a rustle of leaves and twigs, making them halt on their tracks. They turned to the source of the sound and stared expectantly.

Soon a fast blur jumped out of the bushed and sped fast towards them.

"Father!"

The blur hit Norosuke and knocked him on the ground. The older man was laughing as the blur continued to wrestle him against the dirt.

"Now, now that was inappropriate." Yuujiroh half-heartedly reprimanded.

Sourijoh knelt down and gently pried what seems to be a younger version of him dressed in elegant red silk robes and round pigtails.

"Nice to see you again, Ryoma."

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The sound of tennis balls bouncing back and forth were like anaesthetics to his heart. It dulled the pain for a period of time but soon he knew that once the bouncing stops, the pain will return. The longing will resume.

A millennia had passed and yet he's still not immune to any sensation. If he had been a normal person, he would've turned into dust by now.

"Ok everybody take a breather and come back after five minutes!" His coach's voice tore through his mind like a crack of a whip.

He glanced at the scene before him. His fellow members were happily chatting away, taking advantage of the recess. They seemed so full of life. He looked at his hands; they were pale from gripping the tennis racket too tight.

'They exude life while I exude death.'

"Nya ochibi! You should rest too!"

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Ryoma purred in delight as his waist-length tresses were loosen and a soft comb started to massage his scalp.

"That feels nice."

The hand that was combing his hair paused. "You always liked having your hair combed and fixed for you. Despite having difficulties having it so long, you do not want to have it cut."

Ryoma's round golden eyes seemed to shine in happiness. "My brothers want my hair the way it is. And besides, Father adores tying it up into cute pigtails." He brought his dainty hands to his lips and blew warm breath on them.

"I saw you earlier with them. They looked like they had been longing to see you. Why keep you here through all these years?"

The shimmer in Ryoma's eyes faded. he turned around to face a handsome young man with chestnut locks that stopped near his well-defined chin. Golden melted with chocolate-brown eyes.

"You know very well the situation of my family, Sendoh-san." Ryoma whispered, afraid that if he spoke any louder, his voice would break.

Takanaga Sendoh swallowed hard. Before him sat the alluring image of the third son of Echizen Norosuke, Echizen Ryoma. Despite being a boy, he grew up to be the most beautiful amongst those who walked the earth with his long ebony lock kissed with emerald hues, his big round, cat-like golden eyes sparkled with innocence and glee that could rival that of a baby. His skin was so fair like porcelain as if the sun was denied even a glimpse of this masterpiece.

'No wonder Echizen Norosuke opted to hide him from the world.' Sendoh mused. He reached up and caressed the softly sculpted face. "Countries will gladly go to war for you."

A blush crept up from his neck all the way to his face. "You make me sound like that woman from the Greek stories."

"Helen of Troy you mean? it seems like you're neglecting your studies again." A soft smile grazed his lips. "You are more enchanting than her if you ask me."

Ryoma's heart fluttered. Before him stood the only man allowed inside his palace aside from his Father and brothers. Takanaga Sendoh was the fifth son of primary physician of their clan. Their family was bound by blood oath to serve the Echizens for eternity and this man, with a stature that could put any general to shame, was his loyal attendant and his secret lover.

"Ohh Sendoh-san!" Ryoma gasped and fell into his strong arms. He melted into his warm embrace. "What would I do without you! My Father doesn't want anyone to see me in fear that the shogun would take interest in my abilities. For that, my brothers have to work harder to help him cater to this country's wiles and agony."

He looked up to gaze upon the kind chocolate orbs. "I would've gone crazy living here in seclusion."

Sendoh felt his heart being squeezed tight at the sight of his beloved's saddened expression. His leaned over and kissed away the solitary tear that escape from Ryoma's eyes.

"That's why I promised to be with you forever, Ryoma-sama." He closed his eyes as he let his lips graze Ryoma's cheeks. "I would gladly go with you to the grave."

"Sendoh-san..."

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His eyes blinked twice as he snapped back into reality. The pain in his chest grew that it almost choked him.

'But I'm used to it. Before if felt like a sword that kept on stabbing my heart. Although the years dulled the pain, it is a constant reminder of who I am and what I am.' His perfect lips arched down into an eternal frown.

"Are you ok Echizen-kun? You seem down in the dumps lately." The query came from the mother hen of the group.

Ryoma kept his mouth shut, his eyes cast down the ground. 'Lately? Haven't I've been like since ever since they met me?'

"Come on Oishi-senpai, he was like that when he first came here." Momoshiro voiced out his sentiments.

"But still..." Oishi muttered.

"I'm fine Oishi-senpai." Ryoma muttered before walking away from their bunch. 'That's right Ryoma...walk away. It's the best thing you can do for them.'

Eight pairs of eyes followed his retreating back.

"I just don't get him." Oishi sighed. "It's as if he's masking something with that cold aloofness of him."

"Saa...wouldn't it be fun to find out what that something is?"

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Soujiroh panted hard as he braced himself for another bout of onslaught. He and yuujiroh came to visit Ryoma once again and here they were playing tag.

He liked visiting his brother. In fact, if his Father would only allow it, he would spend the rest of his life by his younger brother's side, combing his hair, hearing his giggle and protecting him for the rest of his life. But he couldn't...they couldn't.

'If I know, it's Father who really misses him the most.' He mused.

In order to keep Ryoma hidden from the public's eyes, especially the shogun's eyes, they had to play up the parts. Only a few of the clan members knew of Ryoma's existence and although they're ashamed to admit it, their reason for keeping Ryoma's existence was not the boy but for the generous blessings the clan is getting due Ryoma's powerful prayers and spiritual will.

"Don't space out Nii-sama!" Ryoma yelled as he and Yuurijoh tackled him to the ground.

Wrestling...that seems to be Ryoma's favourite past time now. 'Must be his pride. He looks and acts like a girl so he wanted to do something to the likeness of his sex.'

"That hurt you brats." Sourijoh coughed out. At the age of 24, he was the eldest and the successor to his Father's position by birthright. Yuujiroh, his quiet, brooding second brother who was 20 years old was being trained to be a court official. Their younger brother, Ryoma who is only 15 years old was the clan's treasure. The elders of their clan thinks that Ryoma got his tremendous amount of spiritual will from their mother, who died when Ryoma was born. They said that she prayed so hard to the gods and goddesses so that the youngest would be born into this world alive. As a condition for her plight, the gods and goddesses has blessed the baby with so much so as he would become their living embodiment on earth.

And a living embodiment he was.

"I'm tired. I'll go have Takanaga-kun to draw up the bath." He muttered. He stood up and helped his younger siblings up to their feet. He and Yuujiroh dusted Ryoma off and he set forth to find the boy's attendant.

Yuujiroh took Ryoma's hand and led him to the house. "Let's go Ryoma. I'll wash your hands and face for you."

Ryoma pouted. "But I can do those things myself, Yuu-nii. Sendoh-san taught me how to take care of myself."

Yuujiroh bent to meet his gaze. "I know that you're perfectly capable but will you indulge your brother just this time? We've been living apart and I want to do these things for you as well."

His brother's words warmed his heart so much that he squealed and jumped into his arms. "I understand Yuu-nii."

Soujiroh couldn't help but smile at the scene. It was rare for Yuujiroh to show any emotions, much more affection towards anybody aside from his family.

"You asked for me, Sourijoh-sama?" He turned and came face to face with his brother's handsome attendant.

"Ahh yes Tanakaga-kun. My brothers and I would like to take a bath together."

"I understand Soujiroh-sama. I will call for you and your brothers once that water is ready." He bowed low.

"You don't have to be overly polite Takanaga-kun. We basically grew up together and you selflessly took on the responsibility of seeing to Ryoma's welfare." Soujiroh smiled at him.

Sendoh smiled back. "Thank you Soujiroh-sama. If you'll excuse me, I'll go ahead and prepare the bath for you."

"Thank you."

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"Echizen! Oi Echizen wait up!"

He sighed and stopped dead on his tracks. He turned and saw his Momoshiro-senpai cycling towards him.

"What is it Momo-sanpai?" Ryoma asked.

"Why don't I give you a ride home?" His ever-cheerful senpai smiled at him. "How about some burgers? Fuji-senpai said he'll treat the regulars after school."

Ryoma shook his head. "I'm fine. I can go home by myself."

"Oh come on! Don't be so distant." Momoshiro ruffled his hair. "You know our senpai-tachi are worried about you. You should let yourself go once in a while."

'I understand where you're coming from but at least make an effort to connect with those around you. Friendship is something you can treasure forever.'

Ryoma sighed in resignation. Life is really, really making an effort of making everything hard for him.

"Fine I'll come." He muttered and hoisted his body up on the second year's bike.

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"Ryoma, is there something going on between you and Sendoh that you would like to tell us?"

Ryoma choked on his tea. Even his Sou-nii chugged down the warm liquid unintentionally when his Yuu-nii decided to pop the bubble.

"Wha-what? What are you talking about, Yuu?" Soujiroh was flabbergasted. He glared at his youngest brother who was as red as a fresh tomato. "What is he talking about Ryoma?"

Ryoma fidgeted under the fixed, calculating gaze of his Yuu-nii and the outraged glare from his Sou-nii.

Yuujiroh just calmly set his tea down. "I have seen your fleeting gaze upon him when he leaves. And I have seen the way he looks at you when you speak to each other. We wouldn't be the spiritual leaders of our country if we couldn't sense the connection between the two of you."

Soujiroh's eyes widened. 'Yes I have seen the looks.' He stood up and bellowed.

"SENDOH!"

Ryoma panicked. He has never seen his Sou-nii this angry. The look in his eyes was wild with anger.

"Sou-nii please!" He jumped to his feet to grab his brother's stiff arm. "Sou-nii please don't hurt him! Please don't hurt him!" Tears fell unabashed down his beautiful face.

"Yuu-nii please help me!"

"SENDOH!" Soujiroh bellowed again. Soon Sendoh appeared before them, confused about the outburst.

"Sendoh-san!" Ryoma cried and tried to come to his lover's rescue but Yuujiroh was restraining him.

"What seems to be the pro—" Sendoh began but was cut abruptly when Soujiroh's sword swung and stopped by his throat. "Sou-Soujiroh-sama..."

"Draw your sword!" Soujiroh gritted his teeth. "How long have you been lusting after my brother?" His hand shook with the intensity of his emotions. "Is this the reason why you volunteered to be his care-taker?"

"Sou-nii please stop! It's not what you think!" Ryoma sobbed. He was powerless against his Yuu-nii's muscled arms.

Sendoh glanced at the sobbing boy before he drew his gaze back to his apparent opponent.

"Soujiroh-sama if you would only listen—"

"I SAID DRAW YOUR SWORD!" Soujiroh barked. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY BROTHER?"

Sendoh closed his eyes calmly for he had foreseen this encounter. "Very well my lord." His voice was unbelievably steady despite the apparent threat to his life. "I will make you listen with the use of my sword. But before anything starts, I would like to inform you that my intentions of being with Ryoma-sama are pure."

"ENOUGH!"

"Sou-nii please stop this!" Ryoma tried to reach out to Sendoh but failed. "Yuu-nii! Please I'm begging you! please!"

"WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON HERE?" The four of them froze, as Norosuke's imposing figure stood by the door.

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"Nee you must be really tired Echizen-kun. You're dozing off on your burger." Kawamura pointed out worriedly. It turned out that indeed, the entire Seigaku regulars came for another bonding moment.

"I'm sorry." Ryoma muttered. He kept his eyes plastered on the food before him. He was afraid of looking up for directly in front of him were the banes of his existence.

"Saa Echizen, if you're really that tired I think I could get Keigo to book you for a session in one of their family spas." The tensai smiled at him.

"Fuji! Stop corrupting him!" Oishi protested. The rest of their companions just sighed in resignation. It was quite obvious that the tensai and his "boyfriends" had been pursuing the freshman ever since they've set their eyes on him.

And who wouldn't? Ryoma, although definitely a boy, looked like he walked out of the pages of a fantasy script with his perfectly sculpted face adorned with almost-ruby hued lips, a cute little nose and two golden orbs that seemed to bore deep into your soul.

'And don't get me started on his body.' Tezuka supplied mentally. True that he was attracted to the boy in a mysterious way but he never openly flirted with him like Fuji or Atobe. He still has his duties as a captain to oversee each member's welfare and must put his feelings, and libido, aside.

Ryoma sighed. 'I really don't think I'm up for this right now.' He just continued staring at his cup, intent on not meeting any of his senpai's agenda even half-way.

"Well, well, well, what brings you plebeians, well except for Mitsu and Syu, into this grubby place? Have you no taste?" A sultry voice came about. Ryoma closed his eyes, desperately trying to find inner piece. 'Not him too.'

"Oh it's you Atobe." Inui stated.

"Fhsuuu."

But he had no choice. His breeding told him to be polite all the time. "What are you doing here then, Monkey King?"

Instead of being insulted, the said boy looked ecstatic. "Echizen, I didn't see you there. Pardon my manners. What I meant was, they're plebeians except Mitsu, Syu and you." He smiled charmingly at him before wounding his arms around Fuji.

"Is it because he's too cute?" Fuji asked.

"I think it's because he's tiny." Inui muttered. That made everyone crack up except for, well...the tiny boy himself.

Ryoma buried his face in his hands. 'Urgh! This is going to be pure torture.'

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The storm died down and soon Ryoma and Sendoh found themselves kneeling across his Father and brothers. The golden-eyed boy still couldn't fathom the betrayed look in his Sou-nii's eyes. Nut when Sendoh bravely reached for his hand and held it tight, he felt a little at ease.

'At least now I know I'm not on my own right now.'

Norosuke's narrowed at the cunning gesture but he steadied his self. 'Part of this is your fault anyway.' He mentally chastised.

He cleared his throat. "How has this been going on?" He stared at Sendoh. The brunette swallowed the hard lump in his throat but held his gaze.

"We've been together for a year now, Norosuke-sama." He answered calmly.

"A year?" Soujiroh exclaimed. He pointed an accusing finger at his younger brother. "And when were you planning to tell us?"

"Calm down Sourjiroh!" Norosuke raised his voice for the second time that morning. He rarely does this and when he does, everyone knows he's dead serious and angry.

"Am I not the one doing the interrogation? Or are you too quipped to give me any respect? If you are, I suggest you step out."

Ryoma bit his lip. This is the first time he saw his Father scold his brother. All of these are happening because of him...because he fell in love.

"And you Yuujiroh," Norosuke turned to his stoic second son. "How long were you planning to keep this knowledge from your brother and me?"

Yuujiroh was silent for a moment, he glanced at his Sou-ni and saw evident anger in his eyes. He knew right from the start that his brother would felt betrayed. His gaze then landed on Sendoh, the admirable young man who gave up his life and his future to look after his younger brother. And lastly, to his beloved brother Ryoma, who now has a fresh batch of tears threatening to escape from his golden eyes. Was he wrong?

"Yuujiroh, Father asked you a question." Soujiroh's voice dragged him back from his daze.

"About a month ago." He said. "I apologize for keeping this a secret from you but I was hoping that Ryoma would go for honesty and tell you himself. Although I didn't know how long have they been together or the extent of their intimacy."

Ryoma blushed harder at his brother's words. Shame...it's consuming him. Not shame for loving Sendoh but shame for betraying his family.

Soujiroh couldn't help but fume at what he heard. Their Ryoma, their pure, innocent, untainted flower whom they have been protecting for so long...his fingers itched to carve the family insignia into Sendoh's chest.

Sendoh knew...he knew very well that this would happen once they've found out about the relationship. But he loves Ryoma so much that he's very much willing to die for him.

"May I speak, your holiness?" He bowed low.

"You may speak" Norosuke replied.

"I would like to apologize if my relationship with your son seemed like a betrayal to you."

Ryoma gasped. "Sendoh-san what are you saying?"

"Insolent—" Sourijoh muttered.

"But I love him. I love him with all of my heart, body and soul. Yes I will admit that the moment I first saw him, I fell in love with him and that was the main reason as to why I volunteered to be his steward, forgetting my life and future. But as the days went by, I have only grown to love him even more." Sendoh glanced at the golden-eyed boy beside him and found him staring at him in wonder.

"However more than wanting to possess him, I want Ryoma-sama to learn new things, things that are impossible for him to learn within these walls. So I persevered. I put aside my feelings for him and tried to teach him and guide him in any possible way I can." He glanced back to the elders and smiled at them.

Ryoma felt his heart was going to burst. Overwhelmed by his feelings, he embraced him while sobbing his eyes out.

"Father, dear brothers, please forgive us." He sobbed. "But I love him so much." He clung to Sendoh like he was his source of life. "I-I was the one who confessed to him so-so please i-if anyone should be punished it should be me!"

Sourjioh shook his eyes in disbelief. "What in heaven's name are you talking about, Ryoma? Are you insane?"

"Ryoma please calm down." Yuujiroh had enough. He stood up and pried his brother from his lover only to hold him close and comfort him.

"Please Father!" But there's no one stopping him.

"I don't ask much of you...bu-but please just Sendoh-san...give me Sendoh-san and I wouldn't ask for anything else. Please!"

Norosuke looked out into the garden, for his heart was breaking into pieces watching his beloved, treasured son weep. But his frown deepened...the flowers in the garden that was once so vibrant and alive were now starting to wilt.

Soujiroh noticed what his Father had seen and knew that things will not bid well if this continues. Ryoma's powers, without his knowledge of it, greatly affects his surroundings. If people, or worse the palace, notice the sudden change in the sceneries, questions will surely be raised.

Norosuke took a deep breath. "It's not like there's something we can do about it." He muttered. "If you're really passionate with your feelings for one another."

Surprised, all four youngsters stared at him.

"But tell me, Takanaga-kun. What will you do about the wedding?"

"WEDDING?"

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He couldn't stay in there, it was too overwhelming. Their happiness was smothering him. He hurriedly said his thanks and goodbyes before he sprinted out of the fast food joint.

"Ryoma!"

'Drat! Someone followed me.' He tried to run but he was too tired.

"Ryoma!"

He closed his eyes for the coming trepidation.

"Echizen, why were you so in a hurry?" Tezuka jogged up to him. Ryoma stole a glance at him captain and blushed.

"I just want to go home. That's all." He shrugged.

"Oh come on!" Atobe sighed in exasperation. "You keeping telling yourself that." And that earned him a glare.

"Keigo." Fuji's eyes were wide open now. He crouched to gaze into Ryoma's eyes. "I know we've put you in a awkward situation. We're sorry."

Ryoma huffed and looked away. "You should be."

Fuji frowned. "But we've been playing this cat-and-mouse game for almost a year now—"

Ryoma sighed. "Again Fuji-senpai, I'm not interested." His eyes gazed at the three individuals before him. "I mean aren't you satisfied with one another that you still needed a fifth? Or are you that horny?"

Tezuka frowned. "That was uncalled for Echizen."

Ryoma scoffed. "I'm telling the truth."

Atobe rubbed his hands to his face in frustration. "Look brat, listen to me."

"Keigo..." His two lovers warned but he ignored them.

"You can say that we're greedy or that we're horny but to tell you honestly..." He took a deep breath. He held ryoma's face with his hands and locked their gazed together.

"You'll complete us."

Ryoma's breath hitched. Those obsidian orbs were boring deep into him, unearthing so many bittersweet memories. Those words clawed wildly at his heart, ripping it into shreds. Too many times those words were used in too many versions by too many people. Some had mattered to him, most didn't. But a few...a few managed to break him into pieces.

"We're like two pieces of a unique puzzle Ryoma-chan. without one or the other, the picture will never be complete."

"Every day I get to spend with you makes my life worth living one more day. You always fill my heart with content. I never want to live any other way."

"Nee Vixen, why do I keep on coming back to you? It's like with every step I take away from you, my breath shortens until I can't almost breathe."

"I simply cannot live without you Ryoma. You are my world now."

The memories came flooding into him so fast that it made him reel out of balance. Good thing Atobe was fast enough to catch him.

"Oi! Ryoma!" He cried as he cradled the boy in his arm.

"Let's give him some more air." Tezuka said as he and Fuji helped Atobe to carry Ryoma to the nearest bench.

While staring at the unconscious boy, Fuji couldn't help but frown. 'I want to you more Ryoma. I want to know what makes you cry, what makes you laugh. Why are you so intent in pushing us away?'

As Atobe genlty laid him down on his lap, he couldn't resist caressing his face. "You're such an enigma Ryoma."

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A/N: Waahahahahahahahahah confused much? Me too! I just want to see you reactions regarding this one. It's been plaguing me for like months now. The first two chapters will be a prologue to the main story. you will know in the next chapter why there are two Ryomas.

It's a bit chappy...I know...Gomen nasai

So tell me what you think and LET THE SPECUALTIONS BEGIN! ^_^ NYAHAHAHAHHA