AUTHOR'S NOTE: So Sorry for the LONG WAIT. Please read and review!
Disclaimer: Nothing in POT belongs to me. All OoC-ness, OCs, events, situations, venues and tournaments are just figments of my imagination.
WARNING: All characters are totally OOC!
"xxxxx" Conversation
'xxxxx' Thoughts - Mind
/xxxxx/ Thoughts from the Heart
xxxxxxx Flashback
BEAUTY AND HER BEAST
Summary: He was a professional tennis player renowned for his unbeatable stamina and frightfully fierce looks. She was a kindergarten teacher on a holiday and was known to be kind and gentle. They met and connected. Can their relationship flourish?
Previously in Chapter 6
Kaidoh wondered when he will see Sakuno being a mother. He could picture her sitting on a sofa with 2 children, a boy and a girl, at her feet listening to her telling a story. He could see her small frame with a rounded belly, humming a tune as she prepares dinner. He could almost hear the shouts of laughter as he gently hit a tennis ball toward his excited children with Sakuno cheering them on.
Kaidoh threw a penetrating look at his object of affection. 'Kaidoh Sakuno. I like the sound of that.'
AFTER DINNER AT KAWAMURA – 10.15 PM
"That was fun, wasn't it, Kaoru?" Ryuzaki Sakuno smiled up at her silent boyfriend once they left the train station. The reunion dinner ended 15 minutes ago after a long evening of eating sumptuous sushi, exchanging personal news and discussing jovially about family, work, tennis and Momo's newest family member. However Ryuzaki-sensei had left earlier to meet up with some friends for a karaoke session after she has entrusted Kaoru to get Sakuno home safely.
"Hai." Kaidoh Kaoru nodded silently with a small smile for her.
Sakuno gazed ahead again as they slowly walked the pathway leading to Ryuzaki's house. Kaoru glanced down at her enchanting face and at their linked hands. His heart can't help but speed up with her warming presence so near.
Internally, Kaoru was contemplating how to invite Sakuno over to his house to meet his parents.
/Come on, slowpoke. Invite her already./
'I know that. Don't push me!'
/What are you waiting for anyway? She's right there next to you./
'What should I say?'
/Just be honest and direct. She likes you like that, remember?/
'Is she ready to meet Otousan and Okasan? She might not be…'
/Don't doubt her or her feelings for you. You'd never know unless you've tried./
'Alright, here I go.'
"Ano, Sakuno?"
"Hai, Kaoru?"
"Mmm are you and Ryuzaki-sensei free this Saturday evening?"
"I think so. Why?" Sakuno tilted her head in curiosity. Kaoru's face immediately heated up and he coughed with sudden shyness. She didn't realize her action made her a 100 times cuter.
"Ano, I've told Okasan and Otousan about us and they wanted to meet you."
"Oh!" Sakuno's cheeks turned red.
"Anyway, you and Ryuuzaki-sensei are invited over for dinner this Saturday evening."
"…"
"It's alright if you don't want to …"
"Okay, I'll go," Sakuno stopped him with a confident smile, "Obasan and I would be happy to accept their invitation."
/Yeehaw! Way to go, man!/
'Arigato, Kami-sama!'
SATURDAY EVENING – 6.30 PM
A delicate hand pressed on the door bell. Inside, a rhythmic chime sounded. A minute later, the Ryuzakis could hear sounds of feet stampede coming toward the door. Ryuzaki Sumire and Sakuno almost gaped in surprise when the huge doors were thrown wide open to reveal 3 men with similar scary and stern features.
"Ryuzaki-san, I presume." The oldest stepped forward and gave them a deep bow. The 2 younger ones followed his examples. "Welcome to our humble home!"
"Thank you for inviting us over for dinner, Kaidoh-san." Ryuzaki Sumire together with Sakuno bowed in reply. Sumire had met Kaoru's parents before as the tennis coach and part of the teaching faculty in Seigaku so she was not affected by Kaidoh Shibuki's looks.
However, Sakuno felt a bit intimidated by him. Kaoru moved closer to her when he saw her fearful expression. He put a comforting arm around her waist, "Sakuno, daijobu?"
Sakuno shook her head and gave him a quivering smile, "Hai, I'm fine."
Once the Ryuzakis were seated in the Kaidoh's spacious living room, Kaoru quickly made the introductions, "Sakuno, this is my Otousan, Kaidoh Shibuki. This youngster here is my Otouto, Hazue."
Sakuno stood and bowed, "Hajimemaste. Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimazu!"
"I'm pleased to meet you too. Finally, we get to meet Kaoru's pretty girlfriend after hearing so much about you." Shibuki teased, a gentle smile softening his normally stern features.
"Otousan!" Kaoru was aghast with embarrassment while Sakuno turned as red as a tomato. Sumire watched with indulgence.
"I'm happy to see Aniki with someone like you, Sakuno-neechan!" Hazue added with a wink and teasing smirk.
"What do you mean someone like me?"
"Someone who doesn't run away from Aniki's scary face!" Everyone in the room except for poor Kaoru laughed while Sakuno hid her giggles behind her hands.
"Hazue, that's not nice." A maternal voice interrupted them and a woman in her 40s came into the living room with a tray of tea cups filled with hot green tea.
"Gomen, Sakuno-neechan." Hazue quickly apologized bashfully. No one in the family wanted to get on the wrong side of the matriarch.
"It's nice to see you again, Ryuuzaki-sensei." Kaidoh Hozumi greeted the elderly woman with a bow.
"Yes, it's nice to see you again too. Since I've retired, just call me Sumire." Ryuzaki said as she accepted a cup of tea from her hostess.
"Hai, Sumire-san!" Hozumi agreed and turned her attention to the young woman sitting next to Sumire-san with a smile, "I'm so glad to meet you, Sakuno-chan. I'm Hozumi, Kaoru's mother."
"I'm honoured to meet you too, Hozumi-san."
Sakuno was in awe. She didn't expect Kaoru's mother to look like a small Japanese doll with a sweet face. She had thought Kaoru's mother would look somewhat like her son. But now she could see where Kaoru got his looks. It's definitely not from his mother.
Sakuno sat silently as she listened to her Obasan chatting away with Kaoru's parents. At the same time, her boyfriend sat across from her, watching every expression that crosses her face.
/I wonder if they like me./
'Sure they would. Don't stress yourself out with worries.'
/I can't help it. I wanted them to accept me. I hope they're okay about Kaoru and I./
'You can talk to Kaoru after this and ask for his opinion.'
/I guess so./
"Sakuno, let's go." A tug on her hand pulled her out from her silent contemplation. She looked up to see Kaoru and herself alone in the living room.
With a firm grip on her hand, Kaoru pulled her up from the sofa and gently led her to the dining room. However, her abrupt stop pulled him to a stop and it made him swung back to her.
"What is it, my sweet?" Kaoru drew nearer to Sakuno's frozen form.
"Kaoru, ano…" Sakuno bit her lower lip with anxiety, "Do you think your parents like me? I …I can't tell at all …and I don't want to cause you any trouble …and…"
Kaoru put a finger on her lips stopped her babbling. He cupped her face with his free hand and placed their foreheads together. As he gazed into her soft brown eyes, he sighed, "Sakuno, you are the love of my life. Even before they met you, they've already liked you. I guessed they saw some changes in me..good changes, I hope… because of you and your love for me. So don't worry, alright? They like and love you, I promise you that."
"But…. I've done nothing." Sakuno said in disbelief.
"You love me and that's enough for them." Kaoru lightly kissed her lips and turned away to lead her to the dining room. Dinner and their family were waiting.
Everyone were already seated when they entered the room. Kaoru's parents, his Otouto and Sumire gave the young couple a knowing smile, making Sakuno even more self-conscious. Dinner progressed without anymore teasing remarks. Throughout the dinner, Kaoru held Sakuno's hand under the table as they were seated next to each other. Amicable conversations floated around the table as they feasted on Hozumi's wonderful cooking.
Later that evening, after desserts and hot teas were consumed, the Ryuzakis left the Kaidoh's household with a promise to visit again.
"Sakuno is so sweet." Hozumi gushed. The whole family had returned to the living room after they had sent off the Ryuzakis.
"Sakuno-neechan is nice." Hazue agreed.
"She's a lovely girl, Kaoru. You need to snap her up soon." Shibuki added.
"Hai! Hai! I'm off to bed now." Kaoru tiredly went to his room. Behind the closed door, he could still hear murmurs of his family conversing. He prepared for bed and checked his tennis equipments. His team was going to his former school, Seigaku tomorrow.
He was about to go to bed when his mobile rang. Kaoru grinned at the number displayed and answered, "Moshi-mos! You can't sleep, Sakuno?"
"I'm about to go to bed, Kaoru, but I just wanted to hear your voice. We had a lovely time there tonight."
"I'm glad. Otousan and Obasan were really taken by you. So was Hazue."
"I like them too, Kaoru. Mmm Kaoru, are you free tomorrow? Can we spend some time together?"
"Sorry, love," Kaoru sighed regretfully, "but the team and I are visiting Seigaku tomorrow."
"Why?"
"First thing is to pay that porcupine head a visit."
"Porcupine head? Oh, you mean..Momo-chan-sempai? [Giggles!] But why does the whole team have to be there?"
"Well, actually when Momoshiro found out about our return, he emailed us to ask us for some help. It seems the Seigaku tennis club members badly needed some motivation for their upcoming Regional matches. Tezuka-san and Inui-san had agreed to give them a 1-day training workshop."
"That's really sweet of you guys to help him. AHH! I know! I'll come and visit Seigaku too. Since Obaasan had retired, I haven't had the chance to visit the school again."
"Are you sure, Sakuno? Don't you want to rest on Sunday?"
"Mmm I want to spend some time with you, Kaoru."
"I like that too," Kaoru felt warmth coursing through his heart, "so what time do you want to come by?"
"Oh, I got it!" Sakuno's excited voice made Kaoru grin, "Why don't I make bento lunches for you and the guys? It's been ages since I've cooked for them."
"Since your trip to LA, you mean? Sure, that sounds good. I'm sure the guys would appreciate it too."
"Alright, I'll bring the bentos at about half past twelve then. So I'll see you tomorrow then?"
"Yes, Sakuno."
"Then, Oyasumi, Kaoru."
"Sakuno, I love you. Oyasumi!" A red-faced Kaoru hung up quickly before Sakuno could reply.
He rarely said those I-love-you words in Sakuno's face except under special circumstances. He usually said them over the phone or in his email. Whenever he did so, he would blush hard.
With a contented sigh, Kaoru switched off his lights and get into his bed. His head touched the pillow and he was off into the dream world featuring his lovely Sakuno.
SUNDAY MORNING – SEISHUN GAKUEN
"So Mamushi, I heard you're dating Ryuzaki-sensei's grand-daughter. You are very brave indeed, very brave indeed." Momoshiro Takeshi teased his former rival with a familiar smirk.
"Stop calling me Mamushi. I no longer hissed like a snake." Kaidoh Kaoru coolly replied, "Furthermore, Sumire-san has given me her permission to date Sakuno so there's nothing to fear or to hide."
Takeshi teased with a smile, "You have definitely changed, Kaidoh. It must be the power of love from Sakuno-chan."
Kaoru smirked, "I don't hear you complaining about the power of love yourself since you are now the father of 3 with poor Ann-chan."
Both men shared good-natured looks and turned their gaze toward the court. They were currently observing a practise match between Kikumaru and Oishi. Meanwhile, the court was surrounded by the junior members of the tennis club who were busy jotting down their observations about the players and their match as directed by Inui Sadaharu. In the next court, Tezuka and Echizen were training the Regulars and some senior members.
"Kaidoh, Momoshiro we need you here." Tezuka called out.
"Hai."
"We want to demonstrate how beneficial a training match of 2 against one can be. Momshiro and Echizen, you two will go against Kaidoh."
"Hai."
The match between the Golden Pair had ended and everyone was ushered into the next court by Inui to observe the 2 against 1 training match. The tennis club members were soon awed by the skills and energy displayed by their Coach and the 2 international tennis stars.
When their Coach, Coach Momo-chan, had announced a special 1-day training workshop last week, most of the members had groaned with irritation. Everyone wanted to have fun on a Sunday. But their curiosity was aroused when he mentioned a team of professional tennis players were coming to give them some hands-on training. An hour ago, they were totally flabbergasted by the introduction of the world-renowned Japan tennis team by Coach Momo-chan. In fact those who had showed up reluctantly for the training workshop had immediately contacted the absent members. Before long, all the missing members were there with cheerful faces despite being given 100 laps by the well-known Tezuka Kunimitsu for being late.
"Mada mada dane, Momo-chan. You're getting soft." Echizen turned to give his friend a smirk.
"I can keep up, Echizen. I trained every day with these young ones."
"Get ready for defeat, Momoshiro." Kaoru called out on the other side of the net.
"Anytime, Kaidoh."
"Game and match won by Momoshiro and Echizen. 6 games to 4." Tezuka announced at the end of the game two hours later. On both sides of the court, the players had collapsed on the floor while the tennis club members clapped and shouted with great enthusiasm.
"All right, minna, take your lunch break now." Coach Momo-chan shouted and waved the tennis club members toward the school building, "The cafeteria has prepared bento lunches for everyone."
"Arigato gozaimashita!" The young people bowed to the tennis team and ran off to fill their growling stomach.
"Thank you for coming over, minna-san. The morale of the team was so low I had to think of something before they enter the Regional Tournament."
"Momoshiro, we understand. We were once in their position too, don't you remember?" Tezuka said with nostalgia.
"That's right, Momo-chan. I sure miss those good old days, nyah!" Kikumaru pouted sadly.
"Ceh, they can handle Hyoutei and Rikkai easily, Momo-chan." Echizen added before sipping on his Ponta.
"Demo…" Momo looked doubtful.
"A few Regulars are already on fire and their skills need more enhancement. I noticed some of the juniors members are picking up skills as well. If you put in a training menu like this one," Inui handed a sheet of paper to Momoshiro, "they would improved by 50%."
"Arigato, Inui-sempai." Momoshiro tearfully thanked him and read the menu. A minute later, he turned his pale face to Inui with a questioning look, "Ano, what is EM Juice, Inui-sempai?"
Inui held up a glass filled with a purple substance causing the Japan team to step far away from his person. Inui smiled wickedly and replied, "Enhancement and Motivational Juice, of course. It's a specially created juice for your tennis club. I'll be sure to create a batch for you before we leave."
"Ha..Hai, Inui-sempai."
"Konnichiwa!" A feminine voice called out. Everyone turned to find Ryuzaki Sakuno in a casual pant and top carrying a huge clothe-wrapped package in her arms.
"Konnichiwa! Sakuno-chan! Wiz" She was greeted with smiles and enthusiasm. When the team had heard about Sakuno's offer to make bento lunches for them, they cheered joyfully. Kaoru quickly made his way to her side to help her carry the heavy package.
It took the team another minute to notice 2 other people standing next to Sakuno.
"Fuji-sempai?" Kaoru stared at the man.
"Konnichiwa minna." Fuji Syuusuke gave them his signature smile, "We met Sakuno at the gate and came in with her."
"Fuji, what are you doing here?" Kikumaru bounced over while Oishi, Inui and Echizen followed sedately to surround their mild mannered friend.
"Minna, this is my older sister, Yumiko." Fuji gestured at the woman next to him.
"Dozo yoroshiku." Yumiko bowed.
"Inui told me about the training workshop and since we're in the neighbourhood, I thought we could drop by to say Hi!" Fuji explained.
"I hope we weren't intruding, Mitsu?" Yumiko said with a tentative smile with her almond-blue eyes trained on a face.
"No, you're not, Yumiko." Tezuka Kunimitsu surprised everyone when he answered with a smile. He had stepped forward to stand in front of Yumiko, his eyes locked with her.
Heads swung from Tezuka to Yumiko and back again with puzzlement. Only Fuji and Inui watched with knowing looks and smiles.
"Ano, do you know each other, Tezuka?" Oishi asked with a frown. The rest looked at the normally stoic Tezuka with curious anticipation.
Everyone was shocked when Tezuka moved to Yumiko's side and placed an arm around her shoulder.
"Minna, let me introduce to you Fuji Yumiko soon to be Tezuka Yumiko. She's my fiancée."
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To Be Continued
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All constructive R&R are most welcomed.