This is my first ever try at a Prince of Tennis fan fiction so flames and helpful criticism is welcomed with open arms. The plot is that Ryoma's parents are going to America to celebrate Christmas with Rinko's parents and they're going to leave Ryoma with Nanako to spare them the grief. The Seigaku regulars are planning something and they're not telling Ryoma. Feeling slightly depressed, Ryoma slowly withdraws into his own world. Can the regulars coax him out before it's too late? And what's this big secret?
I do not own Prince of Tennis.
My December:
Chapter One:
"That's not fair!" shouted Ryoma. "Why do I have to stay here?"
Nanjiroh looked up from his newspaper, thoroughly annoyed. Ryoma was standing ten feet away, his fists clenched and his golden cat eyes narrowed into a frown.
"You're ten feet away," said Nanjiroh. "There's no reason to shout."
"I'll shout all I want!" said Ryoma. "Why do I have to stay here? Why can't I go with you and mom?"
Nanjiroh sat up and glared at his son.
"Because the whole time you'll complain about how you can't play tennis at you have no one to play tennis with and how much better Japanese food is," snapped Nanjiroh. "We're leaving you here with Nanako so get over it."
Ryoma opened his mouth to argue, but he knew his dad was right. His grandparents lived in California and they never ate Japanese food and there were no tennis courts near their house. Of course that gave him plenty of room to complain.
"That's not the point!" cried Ryoma "You'll miss my birthday and Christmas. That's what I care about!"
Ryoma turned on his heel and stormed outside. He didn't have time to argue right now. He was going to be late for school.
"Baka oiji," muttered Ryoma furiously as he walked through the front gates of Seishun Gakuen. "He doesn't even care."
He shrugged his tennis bag onto his shoulder and pushed his way through the crowd. He knew it wasn't worth his energy to get all worked up over this, but still! How could they forget something like that? Ryoma checked the clock overhead. He still had about ten minutes before class started. He veered off towards the tennis courts. He might as well get some hitting practice in to kill the time. The snow had be shoveled off of the path leaving him a clear path.
"Oi, Echizen," shouted a familiar voice.
Ryoma paused and looked over his shoulder to see Momo barreling towards him. The spiky haired second year skidded to a halt a couple of feet away from Ryoma.
"Yo," said Ryoma. "What's up?"
"What do you mean, 'what's up'?" shouted Momo. "I waited outside your house for like ten minutes."
Ryoma blinked at him and tilted his head back, a thoughtful look on his face.
"Oh, gomen," said Ryoma. "I got into a fight with my dad and stormed off."
Momo sighed. He hadn't been there five minutes and he was already starting to get a headache. Momo hung his head in defeat. It was really too early for this. A thought struck Momo.
"Why were you fighting with your dad?" he asked.
"He and my mom are going to visit her parents in the States for Christmas and I can't go. Their going to leave me here with my cousin," said Ryoma. "The worst part is, they don't even care that they'll miss my birthday."
Momo blinked at the freshman. It was rare that Ryoma confided in anyone other than his cat. He must be really upset. Ryoma dug his hands into his pockets and turned away. He started to walk towards the courts when Momo appeared at his side.
"Come on," said Momo. "Let's play a match."
"There isn't time," replied Ryoma.
"Fine, let's rally until the first bell rings," offered Momo. "I need something to do."
"Whatever," said Ryoma.
They reached the courts, it turned out they were all taken. Ryoma sighed and leaned against the fence. The juniors had taken over the courts.
"I can't believe there's not a single free court," said Momo. "Not one."
"Too bad," said Ryoma.
"Nya, Ochibi!" shouted someone.
The next thing Ryoma knew, Eiji Kikumaru had pounced on him. Ryoma staggered slightly under the third year's weight.
"Kikumaru senpai," managed Ryoma in Eiji's death grip. "That hurts."
Eiji loosened his grip, but kept one arm firmly around Roma's neck.
"You're here early, nya," said Eiji, cheerfully.
"It's no big deal," muttered Ryoma, quietly working his way out of Eiji's grasp. "I just left a bit earlier than usual. Is that so hard to believe?"
"Momo-kun, Ochibi's cranky, nya," said Eiji, clearly amused.
"Don't you have somewhere else to be?" asked Ryoma.
"You're being very mean today, Ochibi. Did you skip breakfast?" asked Eiji.
Ryoma looked away, but his treacherous stomach growled loudly at that moment. Ryoma blushed slightly. Eiji laughed.
"Come on," said the acrobat. "I'll get you something from the cafeteria. My treat."
"Yeah, I'm a little hungry myself," said Momo brightly.
"You don't know the meaning of hunger," snapped Eiji. "Besides, you've nearly destroyed my bank account. This is just for Ochibi, nya."
"Nani?" groaned Momo. "That's not fair."
Eiji stuck his tongue out and hurried Ryoma away, leaving Momo in their dust.
"Nya, nya, we have to hurry before they close," cried Eiji, dragging Ryoma along behind him. "I want you to get something good."
They stopped in front of the cafeteria with five minutes to spare. Panting lightly, Eiji tugged Ryoma inside. The cafeteria was warm and cozy compared the outside. The line was short and the two jumped in.
"Order whatever you want, Ochibi," said Eiji. "It's all on me."
Ryoma looked up at the menu and silently decided on ramen. He looked suspiciously up at Eiji. Usually he had to be tricked into buying food for him and Momo. Something was clearly up.
"What's going on?" asked Ryoma.
"What do you mean?" asked Eiji.
Ryoma raised one eyebrow and looked at his senpai. Eiji looked around quickly for a distraction. Yep, something was definitely up.
"Hoi, hoi, Ochibi, your next!" cried Eiji, nervously.
He pushed Ryoma forward and breathed a sigh of relief. That was just a temporary distraction, but Ryoma wouldn't be so easily deterred.
