Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis.

When Comfort is Needed

Aloe – Grief

This is AU so please don’t kill me.

Echizen Ryoma stood in front of the grave, staring at the makeshift grave marker he had made for his most precious. Silent tears filled his eyes but he would not let the dam flow.

Or at least now, he thought, listening to the wind blow.

“It’s alright, Ryoma-kun,” a voice behind whispered. The stranger’s footsteps sounded, each foot crunching the leaves that had fallen from the incoming cold. “It’ll be alright,” he continued, wrapping his arms around the younger boy.

Ryoma stiffened at the touch but quickly relaxed once he realized who it was. A hand reached up and gently, he caressed the smooth, pale complexion.

“Why…” his voice croaked, “why did she have to die?”

“Sh… It’s alright,” the older boy replied, spinning Ryoma around and embracing him. His free hand rubbed Ryoma’s back as Ryoma let his dam flow, “all living organisms die…”

Ryoma hiccupped a laugh. “How many people say ‘organism’ in a normal conversation?”

The older boy laughed as well. “Well, at least you’re a tiny bit over…ne?”

Ryoma turned back, stared at the grave for a few moments, turned back to the older boy and nodded. “I’m fine…” he replied, looking away, cheeks flushing due to the embarrassment.

The older boy smiled. “If you say so… Now c’mon, let’s go on home,” he said.

Ryoma smiled as well. “Alright then…”

Echizen Ryoma grasped tight onto Fuji Syuusuke’s hand, and without looking back, continued to walk forward.

On the grave, it read:

Here lies Karupin

Faithful cat, devoted mouse catcher, (and toe-biter!)

May you rest in peace

-unbetaed-