Disclaimer: the original manga Tennis no Oujisama is the work of Konomi Takeshi. Characters have been adapted without authorization or approval, and I am making no profit from their use.

Author's Note: takes place when Tezuka and Fuji are 44-45 years old and their ill-explained son Kenji is 14.

Christmas Eve

Something rich and beefy-smelling was broiling in the oven, while Dad stirred some kind of fruity sauce on the stove. He was humming to himself cheerfully. Kenji could just sense the Christmas mood creeping in from all sides. He sighed, flipping through his new joseki book... which was the only reason he was basking in holiday cheer right now. If he went much earlier to the station where he planned to meet Emiko-chan and Saeki-kun, he'd just be waiting around there, without a book. Like he was going to take this one anywhere it might get dirt on it...

Normally, it wouldn't have been so bad, but his parents had decided to stay in this year... hence Dad cooking something complicated, and Father running out to get something for dessert. "Kenji?" his dad asked with a sweet smile. Too sweet. Which could only mean one line of questioning... "Didn't you have... you know..." Dad bit his lip, probably considering whether he should rephrase, but Kenji knew perfectly well that he wouldn't. "...Plans?"

"Way to make me feel wanted, Dad." He flipped another page. There was no point in playing dumb, though. He didn't want to be around for his parents' romantic night in anymore than his parents wanted him there. Of which fact his dad was perfectly well aware, so he just continued without waiting for a reply. "I'm meeting Emiko-chan in a few, but it's still early." The three of them had their annual Christmas Eve Let's Get Out of the House Now, And Away From Our Parents, Please plans set as firmly as they ever did. Meet, get some food, hang out, head back to Saeki-kun's place where the gameroom was in a separate wing of the house.

The key turning firmly in the front door would be Father, and it sounded like he had his hands full. Kenji put his book away, and when he went over to help found his Father pushing the door open with his back and carrying a largish brown paper bag with both arms.

"Here," Kenji said, holding out his arms to take the bag. His father blinked at him in confusion once, not nearly as rude as his dad could be sometimes. Rolling his eyes, Kenji explained, "I'm leaving to meet Emiko-chan in, like, five minutes, okay? Do you want me to get that for you?"

His father let him take the paper bag into the kitchen while he removed his shoes with a reserved, "Thank you." He peeked, of course. Sundry groceries, and a discreetly wrapped drugstore bag, so that meant all three C's...

Champagne, chocolate, and condoms.

Ugh.

Parents should not, in Kenji's opinion, be allowed to have sex. Not his parents, anyway. But since they would never listen to his opinion on that subject, he never brought it up.

Dad came over to get the bottle of champagne and put it in the fridge to chill. "Have fun with Saeki-kun and Emiko-chan, okay, Kenji?" His dad's smile was now more bright than sweet. Much less scary. "Make sure you call if something happens."

"I will, don't worry." He walked around the corner to get his jacket from the front closet, since there clearly wasn't any more point to staying around here... His father passed by him at the door frame. "Have a good night, Father. See you tomorrow."

"Thanks..." Father pushed his glasses up on his nose, somehow managing to be all nerves still, after who knew how many years of being basically-married to Dad. "You too, Kenji. See you tomorrow." He had to admit sometimes that old people could be kind of cute. Kenji peeked surreptitiously around the corner as he pulled on his coat. Father was hugging Dad at the stove and kissing him on the back of the head. "Smells delicious, cupcake..." Kenji rolled his eyes and didn't say anything.

Gross, but cute.

Not that he'd ever tell them that.