June 02, 2008

Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis in any way, shape, or form, save for the manga I have purchased. I also do not own the songs, Future and Rising.

Title: Mada Mada Dane

Author: PurificationArrow

Rated: Teen

Genre: Romance

Summary: AU Ryuzaki Sakuno is a certified vet who took her life one step at a time. When she begins treating a Himalayan cat, belonging to Echizen Ryoma, a rising singing sensation, her calm life grinds to a halt. Who knew that a single cat can make such a difference?

Notes: Just a bit of info on some things that might show up later on in the story. Thanks.

Italics – Thoughts and emphasis on words

Bold - chapters

Bold and Underline - author's note

Chapter 3: Future


"Sakuno! Please? This is a huge deal, and you need to be with me when I meet my date!"

A throbbing had started up in Sakuno's head. The braids on her head made it feel twice as heavy.

'Your hair is too long.'

Sakuno gave a jerk as Echizen Ryoma's voice penetrated her skull again. She knew now that she should have probably sniffed at him, turned her head away, and walked off herself instead of having the gates shut in her face. If that had been anything, it was embarassing. And rude.

She gave her head a swift shake. Her patient was Karupin, not the arrogant owner. The arrogant owner with his gold-flecked olive eyes, tousled green hair, and the lean figure of a teenager just budding into manhood. Again, Sakuno wildly threw her head about, shaking the image she had created out of her head.

"Aww, but Sakuno..."

"Tomo-chan, I can't. I still have patients to take care of here. I have too much work here to do to afford to go to a festival. Besides, I don't have any kimonos I can wear right now." Sakuno said, after realizing that every time she had shaken her head, it had actually been in response to one of Tomoka's pleas.

Tomoka tried to smile at her friend. "I have plenty of kimonos at my house you can use."

Sakuno slid a folder into a section of her desk. She rubbed her eyes. Sakuno was tired, and she simply didn't have the energy to go to a frivolous festival. She felt guilty about having to keep refusing Tomoka the way she was.

"I can't, Tomo. Besides, your house is too far away. Even if I wanted to, there wouldn't be enough time to make it to the festival." she argued.

Admittedly, Sakuno would actually enjoy a little night out with her best friend.

Even so, her work took precedence over festivals and things of that nature. And if that excuse didn't work against Tomoka, then the fact that Sakuno honestly didn't have any suitable kimonos to wear. She had been working on convincing herself for a while to buy a new one, but she hadn't found the time, what with her veterinary work.

"Ryuuzaki-sensei," Chun-Hyang piped up. Both women turned to look at the young intern. The Korean girl was arranging vials of blood to be examined at a lab. "I think I have a few kimonos that you could try at my apartment."

Sakuno looked with wide eyes at her assistant. "You have a kimono, Chun-Hyang?" she asked. She recalled never having actually seen Chun-Hyang in a skirt. Dresses for formal occasions, sure. But never casual skirts or dresses.

Chun-Hyang stuffed her hands into her pockets. This was a sign that both Tomoka and Sakuno had learned meant she was embarassed.

"Unfortunately." she muttered in a small voice, "Fuji-kun made me."

In unison, Sakuno and Tomoka gave nods of understanding.

Fuji Shusuke was well known to quite a few people--in Japan and out of it--as a tensai, a prodigy. He had not chosen a definite profession to announce to his legion of fans and fangirls, but whatever it was he chose, it was certain that he would be the best at it.

Being a prodigy, it was no surprise that he had managed to get the stubborn girl to succumb.

Sakuno gave a frown. Chun-Hyang's home with her parents was closer than Tomoka's, so there was no reasonable explanation she could think of to give.

Even so, she began to stutter.

A look of glee rose up over Tomoka's face. The beauty mark underneath her eye rose in compliance to her grin. "Yes!" she shouted, puncing the air with her fist enthusiastically.

Sakuno glared at Chun-Hyang who just shrugged. It seemed everyone was against her today.

An electronic bell sounded throughout the bulding.

"The Byouin will close in ten minutes. The doors will be locked then, and will not open until morning. Again, the Byouin will close in ten minutes. Please finish your shopping by then. Thank you."

(Byouin in hospital in Japanese)

The intercom clicked off, and there were sounds of carts rolling past the closed door.

Tomoka smiled at Sakuno. "See? As soon as ten minutes is up, we can go to Chun-Hyang's house and get you fitted for a kimono!"

Sakuno groaned inwardly as her friend continued to buzz on endlessly about outfits and bizarre hairstyles Sakuno had never even heard of.

A gentle hand was put on Sakuno's shoulder. Chun-Hyang smiled sympathetically at her. "It'll be fun." she offered.

There was a sigh from Sakuno. "That is only because you will be going with Fuji-san." she said dryly.

Chun-Hyang coughed, her face heating up. "I'm going to leave now, Ryuuzaki-sensei," she said. "Come over to my house as soon as you are done here."

Sakuno groaned as Tomoka clung onto her arm and bouncing up and down with excitement.


"Why are we here again?" Ryoma mumbled boredly.

Momoshiro reached over and ruffled his best friend's hair. "Because," he said, as if that were all the explanation a person needed. "You were scheduled here anyways, and it is a nice was to unwind after a long day."

Altogether, Ryoma was entirely opposed to the idea of appearing at a local festival. Unfortunately, Momoshiro--best friend and manager (hence the unfortunately part)--decided to schedule him there.

Therefore, there were very little options of escape.

Ryoma and Momoshiro were backstage of the concert area.

Ryoma was clad in a gray, sleeveless shirt, a design that looked like a bird on the front. Atop his head was the pop star's trademark white hat. The lower half's ensemble consisted of long red pants, despite the summer heat, sneakers, and belts encircling his waist. All that was accompanied by bracelets of all shapes and sizes. While fun to others, the singing sensation found it more than irksome to have metal bangs bouncing up and down on your wrist while trying to get through a particularly difficult guitar solo. Then again, it could just be him.

Momoshiro tousled Ryoma's hair again. "Stop being a baby." he chastised. "After all, that cute what's-her-face might be here. It is in the area, after all."

"Sakuno." Ryoma snapped sharply.

Momoshiro gave the singer a surprised look.

Ryoma rubbed his nose and bent to grab his guitar. "You call people by their real names, not 'what's-their-face'." he said as a matter-of-factly.

At this, Momoshiro gave a snicker, but otherwise surprised his true thoughts. "All right, all right. Fine. Sakuno. Well, she might be here."

"Not funny, Momo-senpai." Ryoma grumbled, lifting the strap of the guitar over his head.

The spiky-haired manager shook his hands in front of him, making it look like a surrender. "Sure, sure." he said. "Your show is about to go on, Echizen. Good luck."

Ryoma stood facing the curtains that would part as soon as the drummer started off the beat. He nodded his head to make sure his manager understood. The first rhythymic tapping of the drum reached Ryoma's ears. His fingers tingled, and his voice was ready to go.

"Just remember Echizen!" Momoshiro whispered. "Sakuno-chan!"

There was a cymbal clash and Ryoma stepped out into the bright light as the curtains parted.

"Na mo naki kono bashou de hiraita shoudou no hana. Shizukana hajimari wo tsukeru; osanaki akogare ga tashikana netsu wo motomete. Kono sora ni signal wo hanatsu yo."

Squeals of excitement exploded all over the audience when Ryoma appeared. 'Future' had always been a favorite with the spectators. (1)

Then a voice broke through all the others. It was high-pitched and loud.

"Kyaa! Ryoma-sama! Ryoma-sama!"

Some members of the audience closer to the back stopped their cheering, and turned back to glare at the loud noise.

By some miracle, Ryoma continued to strum away at his instrument and sing. His eyes, however, began to search for the source.

Within moments, he located. Not that it was difficult.

A girl two buns atop her head jumped up and down like a kangaroo, and she was waving a sign with frightening enthusiasm. It had a drawing of his face on it, with hearts surrounding it. Written in kanji on his cap was Ryoma's name.

When the girl saw his eyes meet hers, she squealed again, the beauty mark on her face rose up. "Kyaa! Ryoma-sama! Hey, Sakuno, look! It's Ryoma-sama!"

Sakuno?

Sure enough, there was Ryuuzaki Sakuno, waving her hands frantically, attempting to convince her friend to get off the precariously perched chair. Almost as if to prove the veterinarian's point, the chair jiggled.

Ryoma could see Sakuno mouthing her friend's name in a pleading tone.

The girl standing on the chair screeched, and toppled over as the chair, perched on a bench, perched on another bench, which was perched on a couch, finally gave way. There was a cloud of dust, and Sakuno went down to her knees to help her dazed friend up.

Ryoma almost visibly winced.

"Machichuu ni hibikiwataru, tokimeku shunkan wo kanjite ha. Fukakukizami komu melody."

Ryoma jerked his pick hand down the line of strings on his guitar for a slight pause and breath.

By this time, Sakuno's friend was back on her feet, if a little more dizzy and wary than she was before. Nevertheless, she thrust the sign up into the air again. Her screaming resumed.

Sakuno was covering her face, no doubt in embarassment.

A pang of pity went through Ryoma as he passed the halfway mark of the song.

These two females were obiviously close, but it was a wonder as to how Sakuno had managed to survive something like that for so long.

Now that the crazed female fan was in a better shape than before, Sakuno had shrunk back a little, to give her friend the space needed to swing the sign around wildly. Ryoma looked at her.

She was staring back at him. Not quite in shock, but more surprise. She had probably been to occupied in keeping her friend alive to notice him before.

As he sang, the boy felt a twitch in his eye. Even Ryoma acknowledged this. The songs played and performed at concerts were far too loud for their own good, and the good of the people listening and watching. It wasn't bad when he was up on stage, but after listenings to recordings from the front row afterwards, his ears had been throbbing.

It was because of this that the fact that Sakuno had not noticed him until recently was frankly appalling. No. Not appalling. Just insulting and shocking.

She blinked at him, her eyebrows furrowing into confusion.

It was then that Ryoma realized that his singing mouth had been drifting into a slight frown. At once, the mistake was corrected. He needed to concentrate on the song at hand. There was a good 30 seconds left. 30 seconds which should be devoted to the final guitar solo that would close up the song, 'Future'.

He shouldn't be watching some hired help that he had met barely three days ago.

His hand swept downwards for the final chord in the song. The guitar and drumline faded away. The insane cheering of the fans instantly took its place. A wave was beginning in the back of the crowd.

Sakuno's friend instantly jumped in.

Quietly and almost completely inconspicuously, Sakuno shrank back underneath a Japanese tree lilac.

Not sakura trees which were just a little farther back, but lilac tree.

Frankly, it suited the girl much better, in Ryoma's opinion.

The girl's kimono was a shade of soft, soft pink, an intricate design of blue and reddish flowers decorating the dress in certain areas, the linings of the fabric silky red, and the obi bearing a teal colored string holding it. There was a mixture of flowers in her hair matching those that were on her kimono.

Her soft brown eyes were wide and alert.

White petals drifted lazily around her, almost as if suspending time.

"Psst! Echizen!"

This new voice broke Ryoma out of his trace.

Momoshiro was gesturing to him from off-stage. "Concert is over! Get off the stage, Echizen!" he hissed.

Ryoma jerked, gave a bow to the audience--which elicited a myriad of screams--and exited the stage.

When he stepped off the stage in the back, Momoshiro came up to him, pulled his cap off and ruffled the singer's sweaty head. "Nice job, Echizen. You looked good out there, real good!" he congratulated.

The boy gave him a dry look. "It was one song." he said.

Momoshiro tsk'ed and wagged a finger at his charge. "Ah, yes. But one more song to woo the fans."

Ryoma rolled his eyes, and lifted the guitar strap off of his shoulder. He set it down on its stand, and began making his way towards his private trailer, and the showers.

"Hey, Echizen. Aren't you going to do fan signings?" his manager called after him.

"No." came the instant reply.

Momoshiro chuckled, and continued to do so long after Ryoma had shut up trailer door, and was taking his stuffy shirt off.


Tomoka sighed happily.

Sakuno felt the designs on her kimono absentmindedly. Unfortunately, this kimono had fit just right on her. Naturally, Chun-Hyang lent it to Sakuno, and Tomoka had forced her to wear it and attend. Also unfortunately, she was actually enjoying herself more than she had thought she would have.

Sakuno hadn't expected Echizen Ryoma to appear here. Not at a local festival.

She was slowly entering a phase of dysphoria from the slight racing sensation she had felt when she had seen Ryoma onstage.

Most likely, however, he would be busy with autograph signings and whatever else it is that stars had to cope with.

Another reason why Sakuno had chosen to be a veterinarian.

She loved people, especially small children. Animals had been a favorite with her, even as a child, whom of which had never owned anything more than a goldfish. Thankfully, the rigors of her job weren't nearly as stressful as being a celebrity was. Pushy news reporters and fans were slightly intimidating, which may have served to provide a reason as to why many popular stars had frequent bust-and-booms in their careers.

Tomoka grabbed Sakuno's hand, pulling her friend to her feet. "Sakuno, I'm going to go get some tako yaki. I'm really hungry after Ryoma-sama's concert." Tomoka sighed with a euphoric smile. "Want something?"

Sakuno smiled and shook her head politely. "No thank you," she refused. "Thanks, Tomo-chan, but I'm all right."

Her friend shrugged. "All right. Suit yourself."

Sakuno gave a sigh, and reached her hand out. Coincidentally, a full blossom of the Japanese lilac she had been sitting under fell into it. It was white and small, and above that, beautiful.

She smiled and set the flower back down at the base of the tree.

Her favorite flowers had always been white lilacs. Next in line were ginkgo trees. Their leaves were like miniature fans.

"I didn't expect to see you here, Ryuuzaki-sensei." a flat voice said. Sakuno thought it was supposed to be a greeting of sorts.

"Echizen-san." she replied, without looking up.

"How was the performance?" Ryoma asked.

She gave a nonchalant shrug and mentally applauded herself for remaining calm in his presence. He had definite skills in his chosen area of expertise, there was no doubt about that. Then again, if she were to ever mention that, his head might explode with that cocky grin of his. For his benefit, her mouth was sealed.

Ryoma looked around. "Where is the banshee--er, your friend?"

Sakuno looked up this time and gave him a glare. "The banshee, as you so call her, is named Osakada Tomoka. She also happens to be my best friend." she replied testily.

The singer winced slightly. Not a good choice of words.

"And if you must know," she continued, "Tomo-chan is buying some food. For your safety, I think you should distance yourself from this location before she sees you."

Ryoma looked around quickly for any of his said fangirls/stalkers. He almost let out a sigh of relief when he saw none. Almost. Ryuuzaki Sakuno was proving herself to be quite adept at words. A challenge from her that he accepted. "What about yourself? If they see me here with you, the chance that you will be stalked and promptly attacked is high." he asked.

The veterinarian gave another calm shrug. "I can figure that out... if it ever happens, that is."

At this, Ryoma smiled. It was almost the equivalent of a vampire's smile, just excluding the pointy fangs, pale tones in the skin, and a Transylvanian-accent. "Who knows," he said while grinning. "It might happen."

Sakuno raised an eyebrow at him as she got to her feet. "And what do you mean by that?"

"Hm. Who knows?" he said, turning away.

Sakuno frowned. That line was the exact same one as Fuji Shusuke used so often, especially when the tensai knew something unfortunate was about to happen.

It was in this moment that Sakuno decided it be better for herself if she left.

Now.

Sakuno brushed off her kimono. "Well, thank you for that." she said. "I'll just be going now."

Ryoma turned. "Also, Ryuuzaki-sensei. I'm afraid that I will have to schedule Karupin's appointment for tomorrow earlier than expected. As it turns out, I have been invited to an event that cannot be rescheduled. Would noon sound appropriate?" he asked politely.

"Yes. In fact, that suits me very well too. I have an event happening tomorrow evening as well. I will see you and Karupin-san at noon, then. Until then, Echizen-san." Sakuno said, bowing to him, as she would any employer, and walked off towards the stands.

The singer watched her locate the banshee... Tomoka, and speak quickly with her.

Tomoka promptly threw her arms around Sakuno, then waved goodbye as the vet. walked off.

"Wow. She's sharp too, eh?"

Ryoma gave a sigh and leaned back against the lilac tree. He gave no response.

The voice chuckled. "What's the matter, Echizen? You were so talkative with Ryuuzaki-sensei just a few minutes ago. Well, not that I blame you. She has a pretty nice as--"

"Shut up, Momo-senpai." Ryoma said irritably.

Momoshiro rubbed his stomach after Ryoma had hit it to get him to be quiet. This of course happened after the boy had noticed his manager's eyes were on the retreating veterinarian's rear-end.

"Let's go." the singer said.

Momoshiro laughed and ruffled the star's already messy hair. "Sure, sure."

The two men headed off into the crowd, blended, and were soon gone.

Needless to say, the fangirls were sorely disappointed and sad.


Sakuno bit down a hysterical giggle as a woman's slender fingers brushed her ribcage.

Now for the readers who constantly think perverted thoughts... um, ew.

"Ryuuzaki-sama, please. I can't get the measurements for your dress if you continue squirming like that." the woman in a maid's dress pleaded. Her hands holding a long measuring tape lowered.

Sakuno apologized quickly. "I'm sorry. I'll hold still." she promised.

The woman's hands came up again. The veterinarian forced back a squeal. "I can measure myself," she offered. "This really isn't necessary."

The maid shook her head, a horrified look coming up over her face. "No! I couldn't do that. Atobe-sama would scold me!"

The mention of Atobe Keigo made Sakuno remember why she was here in the first place.

An unpleasant conversation involving her casual choice of wardrobe re-entered her mind. The previously giggling woman became incredibly somber at the thought. "I see. And what a terrible thing that would be." she commented sarcastically.

Unfortunately, the maid took this with complete seriousness. "Yes!" she agreed.

The maid made a motion for Sakuno to raise her arms, which she did with hesitance.

Soon after, a loud giggle could be heard echoing throughout the building.


"I don't want to be here." Ryoma said, upon staring up at a very tall building.

Momoshiro patted his friend's shoulder sympathetically. "Neither do I." he said.

Ryoma looked at him, slight surprise going through his eyes.

"Then again," Momoshiro grinned. "I won't be staying! Stinks for you! Stinks!"

The singer glared at his manager. A thousand-and-one replies were thought up in that second, but he swallowed them down. It would do no good to begin his already bad day by ruining his mood.

"Hn." he grumbled.

Ryoma entered the house when two maids appeared, holding the doors open for him courteously.

When he did enter, a screech reverberated throughout the house. It was a familiar one, but not one that he could put a face on.

"Ahh, Echizen. I'm glad that you could attend." a man said, striding up to him.

The lights gleamed off of his silver hair.

"Not that I want to be, but..." Ryoma trailed off.

The man simply shook a hand at him. "Come now," he said, "I recall having this issue with another one of my guests. You can't wear your performance clothes to an event of the magnitude that I am hosting. Certainly not. You are here because the most experienced and well-trained designers and outfitters are here to construct an outfit in which you will be able to perform in with ease, but look right at home after your performance. And also because blackmail is a powerful thing."

"Now if you would follow my maid here," the master of the home said happily.

A woman approached him, gave Ryoma a brilliant smile, and gestured up the stairs. "Up this way please, Echizen-sama. We will get your measurements for the designers now." she said.

Another scream echoed through the house.

"Measurements?" he asked.

"Naturally." the man said.


"Echizen, it is time to go on. Ready?"

Ryoma fixed his slightly uncomfortable clothing, and guitar.

The rest of his band nodded an affirmative. This was their leader's method of a grudging, "'Yes, I'm ready to go.'"

Then again, considering the situation and the person who was forcing them to perform, there wasn't much else anyone could do.

The keyboardist was given a nod, and began hitting the keys as the curtains before them parted.

High notes from the keyboard split the air.

The guitar entered.

Then, "Kimi ha kitto onaji mainichi ni. Anshin dekiru hito nanda ne. Dakedo nani ka motomete tatakau. Tanoshisa ni ha kitsukanai yo,"

Ryoma opened up the song with a burst from his voice.

The female members of the audience gave squeals of excitement. Their male partners quickly shushed them.

His eyes searched the crowds.

Many were faces he was not familiar with, the faces most likely belonging to the managers or presidents of large business firms or other friends of the mastermind behind the party. There were also those whom he did recognize.

These people included old junior high and high school school friends as well as Ryuuzaki Sakuno.

Wait.

The singer nearly stopped in the middle of 'Rising'. He had seen a familiar flash of brown hair disappear behind a corner. If he hadn't known any better, past experiences would have said that was almost most certainly the young veterinarian.

This was definitely something he would have to investigate after he was finished.

And investigate he did.

The concert was finished, and he went to find his manager.

When the manager was found, Ryoma attacked with surprising impatience.

"Hey... Momo-senpai. Is she there again?"

"Who?" was the innocent reply.

"..." Ryoma gave his manager-friend a deathly glare.

"Her? Yup."

There was an inward groan from Ryoma. This was supposed to be a private gig, set especially as a surprise for someone that Ryoma knew. He was almost completely sure that Sakuno wouldn't know who this person was. So why was she here? Who in the world could have possibly invited her?

Then a thought hit him.

No... it couldn't be.

Ryoma looked around the crowds near the various stands, and waiting by the stage for the next performance to begin. And it was. Eyes narrowing, Ryoma glared across the throngs of people at the man who had made it possible. The man who had made it possible when all he wanted was a little retreat from her. Silver hair, a distinctive beauty mark underneath his eye, and a deep, alluring voice. Yes. It was most definitely him.

And there she was, yet again. After meeting her at the festival, they had also spoken earlier that day at Karupin's appointment. Although it seemed to Ryoma that this woman had a stalker's mentality, she still claimed that she could help in whatever way was neccessary.

And just why was it that he was anxious to see what help she could offer?

"Echizen, well done."

A deep, alluring voice called. His deep, alluring voice.

Ryoma flinched. "Atobe." he greeted.

The presence of very famous and high ranking music critics--businesses of which Atobe Keigo was affiliated with--kept him from ignoring the man altogether.

"Come here," Atobe said in a friendly tone which was the equivalent to an order. "There are some people I'd like you to meet."

Ryoma felt the pitying hand of Momoshiro weigh on his shoulder before gliding off in a different direction. The young man went to Atobe Keigo's side and bowed to the two gentlemen and one woman. "Pleased to meet you," he said, "My name is--"

"Echizen Ryoma." the woman interrupted, smiling.

"We are very much aware of who you are. Your success is reaching quite far, I must say. I have heard of it even in America." the man with a ponytail said.

"Keigo-sama has told us a great deal about you. The three of us are very impressed." the final man added.

Ryoma felt a strain tug on his face. "Atobe has told you about me, has he?" he asked pleasantly. Although anyone else could easily hear the threatening tone behind the pop star's smooth voice.

Atobe smiled politely, as he was accustomed to doing. "Let's not continue with that, Echizen. Your success is too widely known to list it. Besides, the man of honor has arrived."

As reluctant as Ryoma was to leave the situation be, a greater duty called. A duty, he was pleased to know, that did not involve a certain vet.

It was a birthday party that he was attending, and Atobe Keigo had just been the person given charge of putting it all together.

The true guest of honor was Tezuka Kunimitsu, an ex-professional tennis star, now a very famous and rich coach.

Tezuka was also a very old friend of Ryoma's, having only two years separating them, and also having gone to the same junior high as he did.

The tall man, known to only to some who affectionately called him Buchou. (2)

Buchou now sauntered calmly down the steps, not reacting in the least to the applause that greeted him.

As one, Atobe and Ryoma both made their way to the front of the crowd to greet their old friend. The crowd parted easily for both of them, with the women trying to brush their fingers along the silk fabric of their clothing.

Tezuka's eyes met Ryoma's olive ones, and there was a silent, affectionate greeting sent between them. Well, as affectionate as people described as walking ice-cubes could get, with the emotional range of a teaspoon.

When Tezuka's eyes hit Atobe's, there was respect and caution gleaming in their eyes.

Miraculously enough, Atobe had been attending a rival school of Tezuka's junior high. That was when they had met, and when the troubles of Tezuka's pro-career began. Unfortunate incidences and such had led to Tezuka having to leave Japan for a time to undergo rehabilitation in Germany, whereupon he returned to Japan to complete the final few weeks of his final junior high year.

Atobe and Tezuka shook hands firmly, and he and Ryoma did the same.

People coagulated around the glasses-wearing coach, congratulating him and shaking his hand quickly. More females swooned, and their male partners smiled grudgingly at Tezuka.

Finally when the crowd lessened, Ryoma managed to find his way back to his friend's side.

"Happy Birthday, Buchou." he congratulated.

Tezuka seemed weary and wary. Weary of having to go through the trouble of attending this surprise birthday party and wary of the fact that Atobe Keigo was behind it, along with the fact that some of his closest friends knew about it and he did not.

"Thank you, Echizen." Tezuka said, nodding firmly. He looked around, puzzling Ryoma.

"Are you looking for someone?" Ryoma asked, trying to follow the elder man's impenetrable gaze.

Faintly, Tezuka mumbled an affirmative.

This surprised Ryoma. Anyone who Tezuka saw worthy of paying this much attention must be important.

"A young woman," Tezuka began to explain. "With long brown hair. She should be wearing red chinese style clothing."

Chinese style clothing?

The adjectives triggered something in Ryoma's mind. Where had he seen Chinese styled clothing that night? There couldn't be that many women of whom that look appealed to.

"A name, Buchou?"

"Ryuuzaki--"

"Sakuno?" Ryoma finished immediately after hearing the last name already.

There was a pause from Tezuka, but he recovered quickly. "Yes. You know her?"

"Karupin does." Ryoma replied. "Did you invite her, and not--"

"Buchou!!"

GL0MP

There were gasps of surprise and horror.

Clamping happily onto Tezuka's right side was a blue blur with red hair, which when stilled became Kikumaru Eiji.

Kikumaru was another one of Ryoma and Tezuka's old junior high friends, also being the same age as Tezuka. He was currently an actor who did his own stunts, many of which included incredibly dangerous flipping over high areas that would have tightrope walkers trembling off their wires.

This, more or less, stirred up lots of attention and even brought the security guards scurrying until Tezuka waved them off.

What could be said? Kikumaru was a people person. Any kind of people.

"Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday!" Kikumaru said, then repeated it in English with a heavy accent.

"Thank you, Kikumaru. Now please get off me." the stoic-gazed man said, his glasses glinting dangerously.

At once, the young man hopped off of his much taller friend. Kikumaru stood shorter than Tezuka, but a good four or five inches above Ryoma.

"0chibi!" Kikumaru squealed with childish delight. He then proceeded to wrap himself around Ryoma, ruffling his hair good-naturedly and happily.

Ryoma groaned as Kikumaru let all his weight lean on the singing star.

"Eiji-senpai..." he grumbled. "Please get off."

"Eiji-senpai!" A voice shouted.

"Momo-chan-kouhai!"

The overwhelming weight of the acrobat was gone immediately, and off rushing towards Momoshiro in a slow-fashion, comical manner.

Ryoma rotated his shoulder and felt it pop. Either his senpai had gained some weight since he last saw him, or muscles were seriously beginning to develop on his slender body.

Tezuka watched with a calm gaze. "Echizen, you were saying something about Ryuuzaki-san?" he reminded him.

Ryoma nodded. "Yes. I--"

"Senpai!"

Both males whirled around in surprise and recognition of the voice.

"Ryuuzaki-san." he said, his eyes softening slightly.

Sure enough, Ryuuzaki Sakuno was trotting up quickly. She was wearing red, Chinese-styled clothing, as described by Tezuka. Her long brown hair was tied in a single braid, loosely thrown over her right shoulder.

She had a brilliant smile on her face that made Ryoma's heart give a squeeze.

"Happy Birthday, Tezuka-senpai." Sakuno congratulated.

Tezuka nodded. "Thank you, Ryuuzaki-san."

Ryoma sniffed somewhat indignantly at being ignored this entire time.

Sakuno finally seemed to realize he was there. She smiled at him as well, but out of politeness.

"Echizen-san, what a surprise." she said.

"A surprise indeed. I did not expect to see you here. Were you invited by Tezuka-buchou?"

The veterinarian nodded her head. "Yes, I was. Atobe-san helped me with my... attire." she said, after giving her Chinese outfit a reluctant once-over.

There were slits going up the sides of the dress that reached just a few inches above Sakuno's knee. The lack of sleeves on the dress revealed slim arms chiseled with muscle, and the gold linings on the dress accented honey tints in the young woman's hair.

"I suppose we both owe Monkey-King--Atobe a favor." Ryoma quickly corrected himself.

A slight flash of amusement lanced through Sakuno's chocolate brown eyes.

"I guess we do." she agreed.

Tezuka intervened. "Ryuuzaki-san, there are some others here that you should know from a while back. They wanted to see you when you arrived."

Sakuno broke her lingering eyes away from Ryoma's, and nodded at Tezuka. "All right. Let's go." she said. Sakuno looked back at Ryoma, and waved a hand to wave goodbye. "I'll see you in a couple days for Karupin's next appointment then."

"Sure." Ryoma said, taking a hand from his pocket to give her a wave.

She walked off with Tezuka towards a group of people who were speaking animatedly. She was instantly pounced upon by Kikumaru as soon as the red-head saw her.

Was that Buchou's hand on her shoulder?

Ryoma shook his head and turned away, heading for the table full of drinks.

He scanned the list until he had found what he was looking for. The singer went to the bartender. "Ponta, please."

The bartender nodded, wiped his hands on a rag, and went to prepare Ryoma' request.

While he waited, Ryoma leaned against the counter and tried to look for Sakuno again. Kikumaru had been pried off the poor girl, and was now jumping up and down while shaking her hands happily.

"Echizen, it seems you're taking quite well to Ryuuzaki-chan."

Ryoma had an elongated shudder before responding. "I am doing nothing of the sort, Monkey-King."

"Ahh," Atobe said, and leaned against the counter next to Ryoma. "That's why you took your hands out of your pockets to say goodbye to her, yes?"

Ryoma sniffed, feeling a defensive feeling come up over him. "It is rude to keep your hands in your pockets when you're saying goodbye to someone." he mumbled.

"That's never stopped you when you've met other people." Atobe pointed out.

A snappy reply was about to exit Ryoma's mouth when he stopped. Atobe was right. When meeting some of Atobe's other acquaintences, he could have and did care less. He had walked into his own trap.

"Don't think I didn't see you checking her out." Atobe continued. "She has a pretty nice set for someone so young."

Ignoring the feeling of anger and utter disgust, Ryoma gave him a glare. "We're the same age." he said.

Atobe shrugged. "Yes, but she doesn't have a frown stuck on her face like you do. See? You're doing it now. Now wipe that perpetual scowl off of it. Do you want it engraved into people's minds?"

At the mention of him scowling, Ryoma quickly straightened his face out.

"Here is a bit of advice. From one lady-killer to another." Atobe offered.

Ryoma was tempted to ignore him and leave the party then and there, but a strange tone in Atobe's voice made him think otherwise. He remained silent, which Atobe took as a sign to continue. "Get the girl before someone else takes her from you, or if she finds someone else who can make her happy. Real love only comes once in a lifetime. Don't take something so obvious right now for granted."

This surprised Ryoma.

He hadn't been expecting a serious lecture from well... a lecher. (Lecher meaning to Ryoma: flirting constantly with any person of the opposite gender.)

A cold glass touched Ryoma's back. He turned, and took the glass filled with sticky liquid.

"Take my advice into account, Echizen. I'm telling you." Atobe called after him as Ryoma began to walk away.

"Mada mada dane." he called back.


(A/N:)

(1) -I have no idea if Future or Rising really is super popular with people who listen to them, but I like them a lot. I like Minagawa Junko's version of Future a little better than its original artist.

(2) - I can't honestly see Tezuka Kunimitsu doing much else besides tennis. Tezuka is just tennis! That is why his nickname is Buchou.

As for the other characters like Kikumaru and Momoshiro, I tried to pick occupations that would fit them a little. Kikumaru, obviously, a stuntman because of his amazing flexibility, and also an actor because of his cute Kikumaru-ness. Momoshiro is Ryoma's manager because they are absolute best friends in the anime/manga, and it gives him the power to put Ryoma into incredibly ridiculous situations.

I don't really have an estimate as to when the next chapter will be out. Probably after school ends, is my guess. Thanks to finals and all, I have my work cut out for me trying to study and all. Wish me luck please. Also, Ryoma's character is obviously different than in the manga or anime. As the author, I have the amazing power to give insight to what I think Ryoma's thoughts are, since they aren't really showed all that much regarding other characters. He and Sakuno just have a natural attraction to each other which I will make more apparent in probably the next chapter.

I'm trying to move this along at a faster pace than my other stories have gone because I want to get to developing their actual relationship when they're acting all awkwardly, cutesy in love with each other.

Thanks for reading!

-PurificationArrow