Author's Note: My apologies for any errors. I'm a 1st. time author and I will do my best to improve. So, please read and review. I welcome constructive criticism. However I will delete degrading and abusive flames! As for the characters' OOCness, please remember that everyone is 2 years older in my story. The boys had just started their interest in the opposite sex (ie Sakuno).
Disclaimer: Nothing in POT belongs to me. All OoC-ness, OCs, events, situations, venues and tournaments are just figments of my imagination.
Pairing: Ryoma X Sakuno X Tezuka
"xxxxx" Conversation
'xxxxx' Thoughts
xxxxxxx Flashback
Summary: What would happen to 2 Captains when a special girl touches their heart?
Chapter 9: Intermission – Ryoma's Week
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With Ryoma – Monday afternoon
Echizen Ryoma ignored the stares and whispers of the high school students who stared and walked past him. Tugging his cap a bit lower, he slouched even more against the warm wall behind him.
Ryoma kept his eyes closed and his thoughts focused on his 'girlfriend' and the surprise she has for them on Saturday. As far as he was concerned, everything between Sakuno and himself was going well. But he felt uneasy for some unknown reason.
'We still meet to practice and eat out. We talked about everything there was to talk about. She had shared a bit of her past with me. Why do I feel as though something bad is going to happen? Am I feeling insecure?' Ryoma's mind was soon flooded with memories of them playing and practicing their tennis, sitting and talking in the Sakura Park, eating out and walking her home and that special trip to the City Aquarium followed by a picnic. Since that Sunday, their busy schedules had only allowed them to spend an evening eating some ice-cream and watching a movie.
"Ryoma-kun." A sweet voice called from far away. Ryoma looked up to see Sakuno running to him with her hair flying in the wind behind her.
"Have you been waiting long, Ryoma-kun?" Ryuzaki Sakuno panted out after she stopped beside him.
"Iie. Let's go." Ryoma smiled gently as he held out his hand. Sakuno blushed for a moment before putting her hand in his.
The text message that he had received during the tennis club practice earlier that morning came from Sakuno saying she will be late because of class duties. Being a considerate "boyfriend", Ryoma waited for her at her school gate since Seishun High was much nearer to their destination. They were going to have their rackets re-strung that afternoon. They have used their rackets quite heavily for the past week and their rackets needed some maintenance.
"How was the practice today?" Sakuno asked as she stopped herself from pulling away from Ryoma's hands. She was still not comfortable with holding hands in public despite assurances from Ryoma that it was a normal dating couple trait.
"Hmm. OK, I guess."
"Did you have a match?"
"With Casanova."
"Nishiki-kun? Who won?"
"Guess."
"Ha ha! You must have kicked his backside real bad." Sakuno laughed out, "Have you discovered any new skills, lately? Tokyo Tournament is coming up."
"Hmm. I do have some new tricks up my sleeves."
"Did you try it on Echizen-ojisan?" Sakuno asked eagerly, referring to Ryoma's father.
"That's where I created my new moves." Ryoma smirked and turned away.
Sakuno had been to Ryoma's house once and had witnessed one of the daily routine tennis matches between Ryoma and his father. The match was quite intensive with two players utilizing their Pinnacle of Perfection. Sakuno had been intrigued by Samurai Nanjiroh ever since, much to the annoyance of Ryoma.
Ryoma and Sakuno finally reached their destination, a run-down shop well-known in making and maintaining quality tennis rackets. After leaving their rackets behind, Ryoma and Sakuno went out to have some snacks at a nearby hamburger shop.
"You sure have a big appetite, Ryoma-kun." Sakuno teased as she looked pointedly at the numerous burger wrappings littered on their tray.
"Hmm. This is nothing compared to the volume of food Momo-sempai can consume in one sitting." Ryoma finished up his burger with a satisfying burp which sent Sakuno into a fit of giggles.
"Neh, Ryoma-kun."
"Nani?"
"Do you think I should enter the girls' tennis club?"
Ryoma was surprised, "What had caused you to think about this?"
Sakuno fidgeted for awhile before proceeded, "Someone once told to me that I was good in tennis and had suggested that I play in real matches through the girls' tennis club."
"Hmm."
"Actually, the captain of the girls' tennis club came up to me today. She said she had heard about my tennis skills through rumors (courtesy of gossiping Junior High Regulars who were losing more and more frequently to Sakuno!) and asked if I would like to join the girls' team."
"Why don't you go for it?"
"Really?"
Ryoma grinned wickedly, "You might have the chance to beat the girls for teasing and rejecting you in the first place."
Sakuno tilted her head with a wicked grin, "Heh? I never thought of that before."
"Plus, you will have new opponents to test and to build your skills on. You knew the Regulars' skills so well by now. It seemed they were having a harder time playing a winning game against you."
Sakuno thought for a moment and turned to Ryoma, "What about you, Ryoma-kun?"
Ryoma smirked, "You are still mada mada dane against me."
"Hmph!" Sakuno slightly pouted.
"Here, this is for you." Ryoma took something out from his pocket and handed it to Sakuno.
Sakuno found a key-chain with a pink tennis ball attached to the chain.
Ryoma watched her stared at the gift and back at him with questioning eyes. "Just a gift from a boyfriend to a girlfriend." Ryoma turned away to hide his reddened cheeks.
"Arigatou, Ryoma-kun." Sakuno softly thanked Ryoma while feeling a bit apprehensive about the gift. 'It was sweet of Ryoma but we are still on trial dating. This might not turn out good.'
They finally left the burger shop and went to collect their newly re-strung rackets. Ryoma walked Sakuno home as the afternoon turned into a cool evening with the sun set throwing orange and pink hues across the darkening sky.
"Neh, what is the surprise for our Saturday outing?"
Sakuno giggled a bit before answering, "You will just have to wait and see."
Ryoma smiled at the playful look on Sakuno's face and wished for the few hundredth time that Sakuno was his for real.
"Shall we meet tomorrow at Sakura Park for tennis practice?" Sakuno asked. They have reached Sakuno's house that moment.
"Yes, but we'll be a bit late. We have extra training with Inui-sempai tomorrow."
"Inui-sempai?"
"Yea, it seems Ryuzaki-sensei had roped him in to be her assistant. She said the team needed his stimulating juices to make the team strong and skillful." Ryoma said with a grimace on his face. Nothing that Inui-sempai makes had ever failed to "encourage" his tennis club.
"So-kah. I feel sorry for you and the club. Ja, I will see you tomorrow then."
"Good night, Sakuno-chan." Ryoma smiled at the blushing girl before leaning over to give Sakuno a kiss on her left cheek. Ryoma had made kissing Sakuno's cheek a regular end-of-date habit.
"Good night, Ryoma-kun and thanks again for that lovely present!" Sakuno waved a bit and walked into the house.
Ryoma took a deep breath and turned around to walk back home. His senses tingled for a moment and he looked around. So far no one was around and nothing seemed out of place around the neighbourhood. He shrugged off the tingling feeling of being watched and walked away.
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"Tadaima." Ryoma changed his shoes before entering his house.
"Okaeri-nasai, Ryoma-kun." Nanako-chan, Ryoma's cousin came out and greeted him. Ryoma followed Nanako into the dining room.
Nanako placed the dish of grilled salmon she was carrying unto the dining table that was set for dinner.
"Ryoma, okaeri." Echizen Rinko walked into the dining room with a smile. "Dinner is ready. You need to freshen up."
"No thanks. I have already eaten with Sakuno-chan."
"So-kah! So-kah! So young shonen is ready to venture into the world of adult relationship!" Echizen Nanjiroh slipped into the room with a teasing smirk on his face. "Love, ah young love is so much fun especially with girls…"
"Nanjiroh!" Rinko's voice with hidden warning stopped the senior Echizen from making any further inappropriate comments.
"Baka oyaji!" Ryoma muttered under his breath. Rinko patted him on his shoulders and signaled him to follow her into the kitchen.
"How did it go with Sakuno-chan?" Rinko asked once they were alone.
"She likes the gift."
"So-kah. That's great. You can invite her for dinner again, you know.
"Hmm."
Rinko looked over to smile at her son and the contemplating look on his face. "She is a very nice girl for you."
"She is not entirely mine yet, Okasan."
"That means you have to prove your worth, Ryoma. Remember what we talked about before?"
"Hai."
"Ryoma?"
"Hai, Okasan?"
"Gambatte-neh?"
Ryoma smiled at his mother and watched her walked back to the dining room. He left and went to his room. After putting away his bag, he went to take a bath. Soaking in the hot tub, he relaxed and turned his mind back to the first time he asked his Okasan about Sakuno.
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ooooo Flashback Begins ooooo
The Evening After Sakura Park Incident
After Ryoma had sent Sakuno home, he went home with a heavy heart. Walking into his house, he passed the kitchen and sat down at the dining table. Ryoma sat there for so long that he was unaware of his surroundings.
Echizen Rinko stepped into the kitchen and was surprised to see her son sitting so quietly at the dining table.
"Okaeri, Ryoma."
Silence.
"Ryoma, daijobu?"
Silence
"Ryoma?"
Silence
"RYOMA!"
Ryoma almost shrieked out at the loud shout his mother uttered near his ears. He jumped away from his mother and rubbed his ears, "Okasan! You're too loud!"
"I have to be. You have been staring at that table for a long time. I have called you twice but your mind was pre-occupied in La-la Land."
"Hmm." Ryoma shrugged and sat back down at his chair.
"What's on your mind?"
Silence
"You can talk to me, you know, if you have any problem."
"I think..I like a girl."
Rinko was half expecting that statement, "Is that so? Anyone I know?"
Silence
"Was it Sakuno-chan?"
The incredulous look Ryoma had directed at her confirmed Rinko's suspicion. Rinko smiled and sat next to Ryoma.
"It's normal to like a girl at your age, Ryoma. At first, I thought it will take you a few years to mature in that area but now is a good time."
"What do you mean, Okasan, about a few years?" Ryoma asked with slight indignation.
"Well, you have been crazy about tennis for some time now. It might take you a few more years to start getting interested in girls."
"Hmm."
"What was the problem with Sakuno-chan? Did you ask her to be your girl and she refused you?"
"Iie, I haven't asked her anything yet. Something happened today." Ryoma took a deep breath and told his mother what he had observed at the Sakura Park that day.
After hearing Ryoma's story, Rinko had an idea what was going on with Sakuno but she decided to keep quiet and do what she can to support her son.
"What are you going to do, Ryoma?"
"I don't know, Okasan but I do know I want her to stop crying and smile again like she used to .. at me."
"Just be there for her, Ryoma. You may not know why she cried but give her some time to calm down and think things through. At the moment, she might need your support and care. When she's ready, she'll share her thoughts with you."
Mother and son sat quietly as Ryoma absorbed her words.
"I want to ask her out ..when she's ready, of course."
Rinko stayed silent as she could see the determination on her son's face.
"You know, Okasan, Sakuno had been there to support me since the day I entered Seishun. When she skipped a grade and transferred to Seishun High, I found myself missing her more and more." Ryoma shared with a wistful expression.
"Ryoma!" Rinko reached over and gently rubbed Ryoma's slump shoulder.
"When I saw her again, I found myself thinking more about her. She had changed so much and yet remained the same in some ways. At that time I had wished with all my heart that she is mine."
"Even so, Ryoma, you need to give her time and space since she had been so upset today. When the time is right, she will be ready to hear your request." Rinko said with a small smile.
Ryoma turned to his mother, "I'll wait. But in the meantime, what should I do?"
Rinko shook her head at the cluelessness displayed on Ryoma's face. "Well, Ryoma, there's a lot a man needs to do to win a girl's heart. Would you like to know more?"
Ryoma's eyes softened as he continued to gaze at his mother. "Hai, Okasan. Domo arigatou."
"First of all, she needs cheering up. You could spend some time doing things she likes. Some simple gifts would lighten up her days. Go for fun outings or have a picnic. And…"
It was not long before Ryoma found the right moment to approach Sakuno-chan to ask her to be his girlfriend.
ooooo Flashback Ends ooooo
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Sakura Park – Tuesday afternoon
"Game set and won by Echizen 6 games to 3."
The Regulars hollered and clapped after seeing an intensive match between their captain and Sakuno-chan. The referee, Katsuo-kun also smiled and clapped with encouragement as the two players ended the game with a firm handshake.
"Neh, neh, Sakuno-sempai, if you had used your full strength, you would have clobbered the Captain." Nishiki-kun aka Casanova shouted, making the others laugh.
"I did use all my strength but I'm still…."
"Mada mada dane, Sakuno-chan." Ryoma walked to her and slide his arm around her shoulder to hug her close to his side.
The Regulars immediately hooted and whistled at Ryoma's display, causing Sakuno-chan's cheeks to imitate a tomato.
"Ryoma, not now." Sakuno hissed quietly at Ryoma.
"Don't mind, don't mind, Sakuno-chan. We are used to seeing Echizen bursting into passionate display, on and off the court." Horio-kun teased her.
"Honto!" The remaining Regulars grinned before they went to pack up their rackets.
Ryoma gave Sakuno's shoulder another squeeze before releasing her. In 10 minutes, everyone had packed up and was ready to head for home.
"Oyasumi!" "Ja, matta ne!" "Take care all!" Each went their separate ways but Ryoma and Sakuno walked off together.
"Sakuno, you have improved a lot."
Sakuno was thrilled to hear such praise, "Honto? How can you tell?"
"At the last match we had, the score was 6 games to 2. Now it's 6 games to 3."
Sakuno lightly pouted and walked quicker to get ahead. Ryoma grinned wickedly and reached out to pull at Sakuno's hand and to stop her. "I was just teasing you, Sakuno-chan. Actually, you really had improved."
Sakuno stuck out her tongue at Ryoma but she kept her hand in Ryoma's grip.
"Ryoma, what would be a good birthday present for a girl?"
"Why are you asking me? I'm a guy, you know."
"I'm just asking your opinion. Mmm what do you usually give to your Mom on her birthday?"
"A Ponta."
Ryoma immediately laughed at the shock on Sakuno's face. 'She looks cute in every expression. I love to tease her so much.'
"Kidding! I'm kidding! Last year I got her a potted plant since she loves gardening. The year before that, I gave her a photo album. And 2 years before that, I gave her a book on gardening."
Sakuno sweat-dropped for a moment. 'Maybe I should have asked someone else.'
"But you won't go wrong if you get your friend something she likes."
"Are you free on Thursday evening? I want to go to the nearby mall to get a gift for my friend."
"Sure. I'll come to get you around 6 pm, okay?"
"Arigatou, Ryoma-kun."
"Neh, want to come over for dinner tomorrow? We won't be having any practice. Okasan and Nanako-chan have been asking when will you be coming over again."
"I like that. Obasan said she has a meeting with other tennis coaches tomorrow about the up-coming Kantou Tournament."
"Great! Do you want me to escort you tomorrow?" Ryoma leaned over and whispered softly while looking intently at Sakuno.
"Hai, arigatou." Sakuno squeaked at the closeness of Ryoma,.
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At Ryoma's House – Wednesday evening
"Tadaima!" Ryoma called out as he closed the door behind Sakuno.
"Okaeri, Ryoma-kun. Ah, welcome, Sakuno-chan!" Rinko Echizen came out from the kitchen with a warm smile.
"Konbanwa, Rinko-san!" Sakuno gave Ryoma's mother a polite bow.
"Dinner will be ready soon. Why don't you two go and get Nanjiroh at the temple?"
Ryoma and Sakuno went to the back and slipped on some outdoor slippers and headed over the Shinto temple situated behind the house. They could hear the soft "Dong!" of the temple's bell.
"Ah ha, Ryoma, you are bringing your girlfriend to get marriage blessings?" Nanjiroh Echizen called out as he walked away from the temple bell.
Ryoma chocked at his father's words, "Baka, oyaji. We came over because.."
"To see if you can beat me yet again at a tennis game? I accept the challenge." Nanjiroh ignored the fuming red-faced Ryoma and headed straight toward the tennis court located within the temple's courtyard.
Sakuno who had been silent all this time, quipped enthusiastically, "A match? That's great." She immediately ran to follow Nanjiroh-san.
Ryoma looked at Sakuno and found expectancy and intense interest written on her face. I guess she is really an avid tennis fan since she is so eager about my match with Oyaji. Ryoma sighed before walking over to a nearby bench to pick up a spare racket.
"Gambatte, Ryoma-kun." Sakuno called out.
Let's just say the match ended up with a tie. Sakuno was blessed with another intensive match between 2 super players who tried to outdo each other in their Pinnacle of Perfection.
During dinner, Rinko and Nanako were amused with the stories shared by Sakuno-chan about the father-son tennis match that evening. The two male just kept quiet and focused on their meal. Ryoma was pleased that "his" Sakuno was getting along with everyone in his family.
"Your father is so funny. I like the way he tried to distract you with his funny and outrageous comments." Sakuno giggled. Ryoma was walking her home after another interesting evening at the Echizen's resident.
"Hmm. He has been like that since I was young. I'm used to it." Ryoma shrugged.
"Ryoma. I've signed up for the girls' tennis club today."
"Honto. Sugoi! You'll be a regular soon." Ryoma was happy for Sakuno. Sakuno will become the belle of the tennis club soon. She might be made Captain if she could beat the others.
"Well, I know I need to work hard on my tennis skills. Oh, another thing is that Momochan-sempai asked me to tell you news about Te..Tezuka-sempai."
"Nani?"
"It seemed that Atobe Keigo, the tennis captain from Hyotei High School challenged Te..Tezuka-sempai."
"Nani! What challenge?"
"They will play a match at the ACTE. If Te..Tezuka-sempai wins, Atobe-san will give a large sum of money to a charity chosen by Te..Tezuka-sempai."
"And if Buchou lose?"
"The Regulars of the Seishun High School tennis club will play with the regulars of Hyotei High School tennis club for a whole month."
"So kah? That sounds…. Like fun!" Ryoma grinned.
"Why do you say that?" Sakuno was confused. When she first heard about the challenge, she was worried about…Tezuka-sempai…. and his Regulars.
"There's no way Buchou could lose. So the money will be his. By the way, how much was the bet?"
"Ten million Yen!"
Ryoma whistled, "Wow! That's a lot of money."
"But Ryoma, what if…what if Tezuka-sempai hurt his arm again and lose the challenge?" Sakuno asked in a timid voice.
"Daijobu. Buchou would be thinking that by training against strong opponents like Hyotei will benefit the Regulars in the long run. If I was challenged by Monkey King, I do the same."
"So kah?"
"This is great! Now I am looking forward to the ACTE even more." Ryoma punched his arm into the air without noticing Sakuno's worried expression.
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At A Nearby Mall – Thursday afternoon
"Thank you for coming with me, Ryoma-kun." Sakuno gave her "on-trial boyfriend" a sweet smile.
"I did say I'll come with you." Ryoma just smiled back as they walked into another shop.
Ryoma and Sakuno had been looking around the mall for a good birthday present for Sakuno's friend, Inuyama Midori for the past one hour. So far, Sakuno hasn't found anything yet.
"Neh, Ryoma-kun, what do you think about this?" Sakuno held up a musical box for his perusal.
"Okay, I guess." Ryoma-kun just shrugged his shoulder and replied with his bored voice. Shopping is a boring event for a guy like Ryoma even if he's there to accompany "his" girlfriend.
"She might like it." Ryoma quickly added when he saw the disappointed look on Sakuno's face.
"Iie. I think Midori-chan already had one musical box. I'll look around some more."
"Sakuno, I need to use the bathroom. Can we go for dinner after this cos I'm feeling a bit hungry?"
"Hai, I'll meet you in a little while outside MM Burger House after this."
"Ja!" Ryoma ran off toward the men's room.
Sakuno sighed dejectedly and wondered if she can find anything for her best friend. Sakuno stepped into another gift shop to have a quick look at the gifts selection when a sight abruptly stopped her. Tezuka-sempai!
Ryoma waited outside the MM Burger House as patiently as he can. What was taking Sakuno-chan so long? I hope she's not in trouble when I left her. Ryoma glanced at his watch and found he had waited 20 minutes.
"Ryoma-kun! Sorry to keep you waiting!" Sakuno-chan ran up to him with a gift bag in her hand. Ryoma couldn't help but to notice that huge grin and large shiny eyes on her face as she drew nearer.
"So you found the perfect gift for your friend?"
"Hai! Let's eat cos I'm getting really hungry myself." Sakuno dragged Ryoma into the burger eatery.
Ryoma found it quite odd for Sakuno to be so enthusiastic about burger. She was usually calm and demure about everything except for tennis. What had happened to her while I was gone?
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At Train Station – Saturday morning
Ryoma had been waiting for almost an hour at the designated place. Sakuno had SMS-ed him earlier and asked him to wait for her at this spot in the train station. Sakuno was going to take him on a surprise trip today and Ryoma was eagerly looking forward to it. We get to spend more time together.
"Ryoma-kun, Ohayo!" Sakuno waved from a distance and ran over to him. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I was…"
"I know. You got lost again." Ryoma teased Sakuno who blushed at his reference to her past habit.
"Moh, Ryoma-kun."
Ryoma found Sakuno quite cute with a simple day dress in baby blue color with black walking shoes and white socks. A white jumper with tiny blue flowers stitched on them, was worn over her dress to keep any chills away and a semi-large sling bag was strapped over her shoulder.
"So, are you going to tell me about this surprise trip or do I have to guess?"
"Actually I was late because I had to queue for almost 30 minutes to get the tickets for our trip."
"Where are we going then?"
"Ohayo gozaimasu!" Another voice piped in.
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Thanks for all the reviews on Chapter 8. I'm so sorry for this late update. I'm swamped with work right now so I was only able to create this chapter bits by bits. Until further notice I would only be able to update occassionally. At the moment, my work comes first. Hontoni Sumimasen! Please read and review.