Disclaimer: You can't steal awesome stories, because people with lots of money will sue you. Pay attention in school, kids! Now! This is the next segment of AoT. Hope you will R&R. I will be inspired to write more if I have some responses, ne? I own OC's and plot. This is a sort of a triple crossover of Prince of Tennis, Bleach, and Mario Tennis Power Tour. So sorry for the tediously long update. I was distracted by homework, tests, upcoming exams, course selections, an art competition (v.a.s.e.), and a stupid cold.
Chapter 10
Sick Day
Sakuno was never lonely at the Kurosaki manor. More confused and anxious, but never bored.
Today was early Sunday morning. Sakuno was invited over for an enjoyable bonding experience with Amatsu - a new best friend since the term started - at her own home. But, earlier in the week, Amatsu had been careless and reckless in the unrelenting rain and caught a fever. The additional neglect to rest and care for herself, Katen would point out, made Amatsu terribly bedridden. Now Amatsu was stuck in bed, not able to be a good hostess and friend to the auburn in her own home. Rukia, Amatsu's elegant and discreetly famous mother, asked her sons to fill in being hosts for Amatsu's sake. Sakuno protested at first, saying she could go home and the sleepover could be re-planned for another date, but the news got to Amatsu, and she threw a heated fit. Sakuno had never seen Amatsu so inert and weak before, her words were breathy. She stayed, not wanting Amatsu to exert herself and lapse into a longer sickness.
Right now was approximately ten minutes after eight in the morning. Sakuno had awoken from a guest room - since she couldn't stay with Amatsu when being sick - and cleaned up for the day. She was greeted by Katen - Amatsu's bronze-haired adoptive brother - in the hallway who was waking up his younger brothers. The black-haired Hikaru and sunset-haired Tatsuya. Amatsu was right about something, her younger brothers were adorable and brought a steady light to accent the day.
They four of them, Sakuno, Katen, Hikaru, and Tatsuya, were in the western-styled kitchen for breakfast. Katen and Sakuno cooked, Hikaru helped set the table with silverware and glasses of orange juice, and Tatsuya just talked and daydreamed (much like Amatsu). Sakuno marveled over how great a chef Katen was. He told her that he had to adapt into taking care for others, since one, Amatsu was very picky, and two, he felt like he needed to. Sakuno was in his shoes and sympathized, especially with someone as stubborn as Amatsu for a problem.
The youngsters sat as Japanese-cooked food were passed out with bowls of white rice.
"Ne, Katen-nii?" The bronze glanced up to the youngest Kurosaki with his mussed sunset locks. "Is Onee-sama gonna get better?"
Katen nodded reassuringly. "She's strong. She'll be fine soon."
Kindhearted Hikaru patted his brother's short, soft tufts of hair. "Amatsu-nee won't let a fever slow her down. She'll be playing tennis in no time."
Katen raised a speculative brow at his brother's explanation. Sakuno only smiled at the display of sibling affection.
Eating for a while, Rukia and Hinamori walked in. Immediately, Katen and Hikaru chorused, "Ohaiyo!"
Quite causally beautiful, Rukia wore a simple baby-blue one-piece dress that reached her knees with a white laced hem and tan slip-ons. Rukia's violet orbs were bold and ripe in comparison to Amatsu's sapphire gems. If she looked that natural and dazzling in a dress, Sakuno could imagine Amatsu could be, too.
Rukia edged around the table to come by and pat Tatsuya's head, smiling gently at the bright scene. "Having a healthy breakfast?"
Katen scoffed. Tatsuya chimed, "Hai!" He hugged his kaa-san's slender waist. Their eyes were the same hues.
Humming to herself, Hinamori was situated in the kitchen, gathering a decent meal and arranging it on a tray.
Rukia addressed the braided auburn, "I hope Amatsu's delay isn't bothering you."
Sakuno flushed at the sincerity Rukia had, and waved her hands reassuringly. "Iie! I'm having a wonderful time! Your family is very hospitable!"
The women's smile was pretty with the shape and curve of her pale lips, much like her daughter's. "Arigato." A slight frown. "Though, Amatsu's being troublesome. She wants to talk to you."
A crease furrowed Sakuno's forehead. "Houtoni? Is she getting better?"
Rukia rolled her eyes. "Worse, I say."
As Hinamori passed by the table with the tray of food, she added, "She's becomes a picky child when she's sick. Last time she was delusional." The lady giggled and walked out of the dining area.
Sighing, Katen stood up to put away his finished plates and start washing dishes. Taking a minute to herself, Sakuno noticed Rukia still standing by her sons' chairs (both boys were conversing to each other), staring at her interestedly. Violet orbs shining and glinting.
"Ojou-san?" she wondered cluelessly.
Rukia gave the girl a wary grin. "You sure are a influence on Amatsu. She's been hectic the past week - or so Katen tells me. I'm glad she has a friend like you."
Sakuno blushed a modest pink. "A-Arigato! Amatsu-chan been a help to me, too! She encourages me in tennis and showed me some recipes and...ano..."
"I understand," said Rukia, and she really did understand. Amatsu must tolerate this girl to call her 'Amatsu-chan'. Not anyone did that and got away without a black eye or a stomped foot. Rukia bide her sons to eat some more and left the kitchen.
Lately, Sakuno couldn't help but wonder what Amatsu's been begging for her attention for.
It was so hot, yet her body shivered with cold. There was a mass of layered weight on top of her and enveloped her form, tucked into a cocoon. She felt a breeze now and then coming from her left. There wasn't much light, not fluorescent at least, but warm and gentle. The sun. It was morning. Someone had left the doors of her veranda slightly ajar, the drapes pulled back. The smell of nature reminded Amatsu what was outside than her little prison. Outside smelled of misty humidity and wet grass. Under that was the aroma of gardens and fresh air. It had been raining lately...
Rain. The stupid reason Amatsu was ill but she loved rain. It reminded her was washing away troubles and doubt. It made her think of the days when is rained at the Academy. In her cozy little dorm, she would be sitting at her window loft, legs tucked up, staring out the tear-streaked window, wishing it would stop, but it was different than other days. Everyone would get a break from training. Although they had indoor tennis courts, the majority of the students would hang out to mingle and converse about their skills and such. They would socialize and have a fun time with freedom. Amatsu wouldn't do that. She relaxed alone in her quiet dorm, drawing or listening to music. But her doubles partner would insist being with company. He would drag her to play multiplayer games with their other friends and or they would be together, talking, teasing, being silly. Ace...
Amatsu could almost hear him lightly scolding her at her bedside. You dope! You forgot to bring an umbrella, didn't you? or At least I can take care of you like you do to me. That's what they did, always making sure they were even in debt. Being helpful and staying together...she missed his snarky remarks and handsome grin.
She heard her door of her bedroom slide open. Kasha. And then the taps of footsteps. Hinamori.
"I brought you some food, Amatsu-chan!" the bun-haired woman chirped brightly.
Amatsu groaned groggily because of her weak body and aching head. "Ugh," she mumbled, "What time is it?"
"A quarter before nine in the morning," supplied the chipper woman. Hinamori placed the tray of food on the nightstand so she could help Amatsu sit up. The girl was so tired and listless. Gravity forced her down. Her body was light and useless enough to float up. Hinamori replaced the already warm compress aside.
"I hate mornings," grumbled Amatsu, slouching in her propped pillows. Her midnight hair was askew, not brushed properly. Her neck was radiating heat and assaulted by cool air. She shivered again. "Noon is better..."
Hinamori laughed at the sapphire-eyed girl's blunt rantings. She knelt on the floor at Amatsu's bedside. "If you hate mornings, then you can't eat breakfast!"
"You can eat breakfast anytime you want," Amatsu muttered, her sapphire eyes not focused. "It's the most important meal of the day. Who cares about lunch? Where's Sakuno?"
Hinamori had a lot in her hands.
After a fulfilling breakfast, Katen toured Sakuno the east wing of the manor - Hikaru and Tatsuya tagging along. The first set were the recreational rooms. First stop was the music room.
Like the other rooms, the music was was squared-shaped, the back wall had the windows. The floor was carpeted and the walls simple and painted soft color of lavender. Sophisticated and gentle.
The room was filled with many instruments in black cases. But the instrument that wasn't in a case was the black ebony piano near the back wall, all majestic and sleek.
"Sugoi! So Amatsu-chan does play music!" Sakuno exclaimed.
Hikaru walked over to the piano, opened it, and pressed some keys. Such a ethereal sound. Sakuno listened, intrigued. Only if she could hear a real piece.
Katen smiled. He should do that more often, thought the auburn. He usually only does that around his family and Talim-chan.
Another room hoarded pictures and artworks from wall to wall, ceiling to floor. Sakuno gaped. Color and detail everywhere. Everywhere! You could barely see the walls! Many art pieces were paintings and drawings - maybe even sketches - all framed and hung on the wall or the makeshift walls that made the room like a maze or an authentic art gallery. Sakuno could see portraits and sceneries that she had never seen before.
One acrylic painting caught her eye. It was a twirling Rukia, dressed as a traditional Japanese dancer. The painting captured her mid-spin, you could see half of her face, eyes closed, arms spread out wide, her susohiki sleeves billowing like the direction of the wind, her flying hair halted in movement, her obi ribbons like a wisps of air. The background was just mixed values of white, blue, lavender, and gray like there was no background. All focused on the main article.
"A-Amatsu-chan painted this?" Sakuno uttered incredulously as she read the proud bronze plaque.
"Two years ago," affirmed Katen, by her side, one hand in his pocket.
Hikaru and Tatsuya laughed. "Amatsu-nee likes painting, but she says taking pictures captures reality better!" Hikaru enthused. He crossed to one wall and pointed at a framed photograph. "This one kaa-san took. Amatsu-nee loves it."
Curious, Sakuno went to the picture. She saw an eight-year-old Amatsu, still angelic and slender in form, but shorter in height, not so dazed looking, but bright, her bold eyes brillant. Amatsu's black hair was long - someone had tied it into two low twin pigtails. Amatsu was with two other children - both familiar. A grinning Talim, her teal hair a short ruffled mess, skin just like satin. A helpless Katen, barely suppressing into his laughter, trying to get free from the person giving a bear hug to all three children. A tall, thin, but muscular man with short-trimmed sun orange hair, almost like it was bleached. Amatsu's otou-san, Ichigo.
Sakuno thought it was so cute and lively! Seeing three proud and mighty people in this present so childish and carefree in the past. Heck, Amatsu was wearing a sundress! Katen's bronze hair was an upward mess!
Rubbing the back of his head, Katen was blushing. Tatsuya was laughing at his nii-chan.
Hikaru saw his onii-chan's discomfort. He grinned inwardly. "Let's head outside! It's not raining anymore, so the gardens are all healthy!"
Sakuno, Hikaru, and Tatsuya played with Amatsu's three dogs. In the morning, they were hyper for exercise and selfish play. The azure sky above was filled with funny-shaped clouds. The greens were flourished. Fingering some flower bushes, Sakuno mused what to do. She really wanted to check on Amatsu.
Katen peered over her shoulder, easy since he was considerably taller. "Do you want to trim some flowers for Amatsu? She changes the vase in her room everyday."
Sakuno brightened by the idea. "Houtoni? What kind of flowers does she like?"
"She likes all kinds. But she usually makes a fancy bouquet out of it," he said. "Yesterday she had tulips."
While the younger boys were horsing around, Katen advised Sakuno how to pick certain flowers and to mingle, trim, and arrange them so it looked like a floral masterpiece. Izuru had come by to hand them some garden scissors and a stretch of ribbon and card requested timidly of the auburn. The makeshift bouquet was filled with pink, purple, and yellow flowers such as lilies, hydrangeas, gerbera daises, and curly willows. It was cute and simple. Esteemed by her marvelous work, Sakuno eagerly ran up to Amatsu's room, leaving the Kurosaki brothers in the courtyard.
Pausing outside the door, Sakuno knocked. No one answered. She poked her head in. No Hinamori, just an deserted armchair. On the futon, she saw the heap of blankets and the crown of Amatsu's head sticking from under her covers. She smiled. Amatsu was still sleeping, meaning she would get better sometime soon.
Sakuno was careful to tred softly and quickly to cross to Amatsu's desk. She switched yesterday's flowers with her own little gift. She flitted with the flowers, making sure they were tilting the correct way.
"Urgh," Amatsu grumbled lowly and turned in her sleep. Blinking, Sakuno turned around and stepped towards Amatsu's prone form.
"Amatsu-chan?" she implored in a whisper.
Amatsu's eyes blinked open blearily, lashes fluttering. She made a disgruntled face and mumbled incoherently again.
Like she was caught by the police, Sakuno held up her hands startledly when Amatsu began to sit up, slowly and abruptly like a zombie. Her lips were slightly parted, eyes drooped, arms out uselessly.
"Amatsu-chan! You shouldn't be getting up!" Sakuno protested, trying to push the sick girl back into bed. Amatsu shook her head once and hopped onto her bare feet. She walked like a robot - well, not exactly. Her body was slouched, arms at sides, but she didn't stumble in her steps, pacing normally. Sakuno almost laughed when Amatsu bumped straight into the door then reached dazedly for the handle to push it aside. She stepped out and Sakuno ran after her worriedly.
"Amatsu-chan!" called Sakuno as Amatsu stumbled down the stairs, bumping into a wall or two like she forgot to know how to turn. Pushing the screen aside, she ambled past the outer wall and her foot caught onto the floor lip. Sakuno gasped and ran forward but was too late. Amatsu fell face-first into the grassy lawn with an audible thump.
"Um..." Amatsu mumbled and picked up her head tiredly. Disoriented, she blinked. By then, Katen and Hikaru hurried over to see the commotion. They had left Tatsuya with the dogs on the other end of the courtyard. Katen rushed to help Amatsu up onto her feet. She leaned into him like she couldn't function her body.
Hikaru was shaking his head, hand on his black-haired head. "Oh no. Not again."
"What do you mean?" Sakuno asked the younger boy as she stood by.
"Amatsu-nee usually starts wandering when she's sick. She just won't stop until she finds what she wants," Hikaru explained, subdued.
"What does she want?" Sakuno wanted to know. She darted concerned glances at the drowsy girl, maybe even unconscious if anything went bad. Katen had Amatsu's arm over his shoulder and his arm around her waist, supporting her weight. Her head lolled on his unwavering shoulder. Under her lids, her eyes fluttered, conscious.
Hikaru pursed his thin lips, considering. "It changes from time to time. Usually it's someone on her mind. One time it was me...then Tatsuya...and kaa-san..."
"Where's your okaa-san?" Sakuno asked, scanning the perimeter beseechingly.
"She was on the phone," put in Katen. He sighed, jade eyes troubled. "I should carry Amatsu-sama back to her room..."
"Momo-san is in the kitchen, cleaning," Hikaru said. "We need to watch over her."
Amatsu began shifting as if their words filtered into her brain to make her move again. Pushing Katen away with her body, Amatsu glided into the gardens. The floral scents distracted her for a second then she pursued on. Sakuno, Katen, and Hikaru ran, on her tail, to make sure nothing went mishap.
"Onee-sama?" called Tatsuya as he saw his sister's form lounging about in the field of flowers. The dogs barked and ran towards their master. Even the noisy presence of her dogs didn't stir Amatsu awake. A crease knitted between her brows, lips forming a frown, strange since the rest of her face was slack. She turned her heel into a sharp pivot and headed towards the east wing.
"Ah!" everyone uttered when Amatsu got into the leveled platform and bumped, yet again, into a column. By then she must have had a pink bruise in the middle of her forehead, but she was known to have a head as hard as a rock. "Mmm..." She stood there, doing nothing, not even reacting, and angled herself away to slip into the inner hallway through the passable Japanese slider screens.
"Hikaru, watch Tatsuya," Katen ordered the younger boy, and he and Sakuno went to follow Amatsu inside. They frantically checked the hallway both ways. No Amatsu. They headed down the north direction, near the front of the manor. They entered the smaller north hallway, they found a surprise.
Rukia was cradling Amatsu in her lap, supposedly the girl had fallen to her knees. The older woman was over her in mild shock and held her daughter tenderly. She was on her knees as well, back against the supporting wall. She ran her fingers through Amatsu's glossy midnight hair as dark as her own. Amatsu hummed lowly in her sleep, her upper body curled in Rukia's lap, clinging to her mother's shirt.
Both Katen and Sakuno approached with light steps, smiling softly. Sakuno thought Amatsu was getting more childlike and more adorable as she blindly acted. Being sick had it's quirks.
Rukia whispered, "She's sleepwalking again. I should have guessed."
"Who were you talking to on the phone?" Katen asked, looming adjacent over the mother and daughter.
"Ichi-" Rukia was cut short when Amatsu lifted her heavy shoulders and shook her head, midnight strands flying. When was she going to stop? Amatsu glided down the hallway. Rukia only stood up, not pursuing as Sakuno and Katen did exasperatedly. Amatsu was by the entrance by now. Katen was confused by the sound of the front doors opening and footfall thuds of shoes. Sakuno and Katen quickened their pace and rounded the corner...
"Nice to know she doesn't hate me - at least not entirely," said the orange-haired man. Sakuno felt her mouth hang. That was the man in the picture! Amatsu's otou-san!
Like with the incident with her mother, Amatsu had suddenly brought her and her father to their knees, she was half-cradled on his lap, her slim arms hugging her father's waist, head pillowed on his strong flat chest. She looked like a wayward child in their sleep, hair strewn messily on her slack face, a tiny, pleasant smile graced on her parted lips. So cute! If Sakuno had a right mind, like Talim or Eni, she would've take pictures for blackmail, but she was the angel here.
Rukia caught up, she leaned into the corridor wall, bemused. "Okairi, Ichigo."
"Ichigo-sama!" exclaimed Katen, jade eyes wide. "You're home early!"
Ichigo cracked a grin. "Yeah...I heard Amatsu was sick and I got worried, especially since she barely gets any sleep..." He shrugged, being careful not to jostle Amatsu. She was accomplished in her sleepwalking, now resting fully. "I left all the work to Ishida and Chad." True to his word, a duffelbag and backpack laid on the floor by his side. He finally took notice of Sakuno. "Oh, uh...You must be Amatsu's friend."
Modestly flushing, Sakuno nodded. "Hai. I'm Ryuzaki Sakuno desu. Thank you for allowing me in your home." She bowed.
Ichigo was civil, his lips twitching a amused smile. "I better carry Amatsu to her room."
"Oh, please," Katen huffed.
Effortlessly and gently, Ichigo picked up his sleeping daughter bridal style and stood up, towering over everyone. Hisagi came in through the front doors (he was the one who picked up Ichigo from the airport), mildly shock, blinking at the scene then shrugged it off. He lugged Ichigo's bags upstairs. Everyone dispersed. Rukia to get Hinamori. Sakuno and Katen following Ichigo to Amatsu's bedroom.
Ichigo laid Amatsu on her futon, she clung to him, frowning when he coaxed her to stay still. Katen helped tuck her in. Amatsu breathing was steady and soft, she was peaceful again.
Sakuno decided she would move the vase of her bouquet to Amatsu's nightstand so she could see it first thing when she woke up.
"Sleep tight, kid," whispered Ichigo, brushing his daughter's bangs from her dozing face. She sighed in response. With all that fussing around, Ichigo, Katen, and Sakuno left Amatsu's room quietly. Katen closed the door behind him.
"Whew! Ichisuke's sure a hassle!" said Ichigo. The three of them walked down the hallway, heading for the stairs.
"Did you really leave work early, Ichigo-sama?" Katen asked, deadpanned. Sakuno listened, intrigued.
Ichigo shrugged nonchalantly. "Chad and Ishida understood. They told me I could take a small break."
"What should we do now?" asked Katen aloud. "I left Hikaru and Tatsuya in the garden."
Ichigo glanced between his adoptive son and the young auburn, thoughtfully contemplating. He mused, "Hmm...I got an idea."
Sakuno never knew Hikaru and Tatsuya could play tennis. They weren't spectacular, still immature. Hikaru was no beginner unlike Tatsuya. Sakuno wondered why he didn't try out for the junior tennis team.
Ichigo had asked if anyone was up for some tennis and Katen and Sakuno didn't hesitate to answer. It was a good day for some outdoor exercise. They rallied Hikaru and Tatsuya and some equipment, then headed through the back dojo which lead straight to the tennis court like Amatsu had said. The tennis court was made of clay and it seemed it was used alot. The scenery past the tennis was like modern bordering nature. All Sakuno saw were clumps of trees, an endless lawn of lush green grass dotted with wild flowers, and somewhere a little farther in the distance, a clear lake.
Sakuno and Ichigo relaxed on the porch-like platform that was the perimeter of the manor. Their legs dangled from the edge (Ichigo's feet touched the ground). Bits of items littered around them, towels, water bottles, tennis balls, and sports bags. It was easier then she had previously thought, Sakuno admitted, to be in the company of Amatsu's family without Amatsu herself as support.
Currently, Hikaru and Tatsuya were teamed up against Katen. The teen was taking it easy on the boys. Tatsuya would laugh whenever someone did a mistake or missed a ball - which meant laughing at himself most of the time sheepishly. Hikaru was a free-spirited player, always having on a small smile, yet his determined eyes never strayed or lost focus. Hikaru was using a pure white racket and Tatsuya a deep black number. Katen gave helpful pointers to the youngsters as they played.
"Did you use to play tennis?" Sakuno carefully asked the older man.
Ichigo's lips tipped into a thoughtful smile. "Yeah. I was raised in a world of tennis before I knew it myself. I used to stick with karate and soccer. Then I met Rukia, and I found a better challenge. Almost everyone I know played tennis when we were younger."
He's kind of like Ryoma-kun, thought Sakuno, seeing how they treated tennis like one world and one passion.
"Did you teach Amatsu how to play tennis?" Sakuno asked while she watched Hikaru serve. It wasn't bad.
Ichigo nodded even though she wasn't looking. "Not exactly, but yeah. She's multifaceted. I guess, inside, she just can't sit still - that she has to prove something." Ichigo grunted. "Especially since Byakuya keeps pressuring her."
"Who? Oh." Sakuno remembered abruptly. If Amatsu's okaa-san was formally known as Kuchiki Rukia, her oji-san had to be Kuchiki Byakuya. Kuchiki Byakuya of Kuchiki Corporations.
Ichigo was disgruntled. "Byakuya wants Amatsu to become his successor, but Amatsu had different plans. She wanted to do all kinds of stuff - a singer, a painter, a model - but Byakuya needed her to be in an office twenty-four-seven." His strong voice became lower, sadder. "Amatsu loved tennis. Byakuya convinced her she wasn't good enough to handle being a professional player. So after a small incident, she realized what her uncle meant and forced herself to quit tennis."
Sakuno gasped. She looked at the older man, eyes wide. "She quit?"
Ichigo's jaw clenched. "I got mad, too. My Ichisuke never quits. For a couple of years, Amatsu worked and learned under Byakuya's instruction. It was like she was his daughter instead of mine. So the year before, I sent Amatsu to the Academy. It was hard with Byakuya disagreeing, but he gave in because of the high education there." Ichigo's amber eyes softened. "Amatsu was really happy there, but Byakuya saw how she was high-strung with tennis again and forced her to transfer schools."
"You're..." Sakuno tried to explain how she thought. "...a good father."
Slightly, Ichigo grinned. "I know."
On the court, Katen returned a slice. Tatsuya - who was near the net - instinctively ducked, and the ball sailed over where his head was, straight to Hikaru. Hikaru gave a strong return. Katen let it pass. He nodded approvingly. Ichigo and Sakuno laughed aloud.
"Good job!" Ichigo called out. His sons beamed at him and high-fived each other.
Amatsu's awareness finally submerged into consciousness. Gaze flitting around, she was in her room again, tucked in her bed. Where was that warmth she felt? How long has it been? The compress on her forehead was warm, it needed to be changed soon. No one was around.
When she turned her head to see the time on the alarm clock, she caught sight of the newly arranged bouquet on her nightstand. It reminded her of daintiness and sweet charm, and immediately linked it to Sakuno's taste.
Arigato, Saku-chan. Gomen. I'm so useless. She closed her eyes and fell back into a fitful oblivion.
Soon, she would be able to explain everything.
Lunch was served. It was an array of sandwiches, cut fruit, and lemonade. The children had permission to have a small picnic outside in the grassy lawns near the tennis court. Katen helped spread out a picnic blanket over then lawn and Sakuno and Hikaru passed out the sandwiches and fruit. Tatsuya even brought his little pet bunny to join them. He fed it bits of lettuce. Sakuno felt part of a little fantasy.
Early afternoon, the sun was evaporating the humidity. Katen and Hikaru were the only ones playing tennis now. Ichigo retired inside. Tatsuya sat with Sakuno alongside with his bunny. They watched.
"Amatsu-nee doesn't play fun tennis anymore," mumbled the little boy. He looked woeful.
Sakuno glanced down at Tatsuya in puzzlement. "What do you mean?" she asked softly.
Tatsuya didn't meet the auburn's gaze, only petting his bunny's head gently. "Like Hikaru-nii, she taught him, but she doesn't play tennis for fun. She's too serious."
Sakuno examined Hikaru's style. Like she deducted before, he was free-spirited while being tactical. His movements were based on reflexes and impulses. That absent smile...
"Souka," whispered Sakuno. She would have to get details from Amatsu. That is, if she ever was lucid.
The glorious sun was happy to shine after days hiding behind ugly thick clouds. It was probably two in the afternoon.
Sakuno and Tatsuya turned their heads when they heard the dojo door slide open. Ichigo stepped out, dressed athletically. Katen and Hikaru - both had stopped for a water break - raised curious brows.
Ichigo held up his black, orange-streaked racket, the handle wrapped in white bandages. He addressed Katen. "Care for a game, kid?"
Unlike him, Katen grinned handsomely. He nodded acceptingly. "Sure you don't need a warm-up?"
"Don't get cocky, kid." Ichigo stroded towards the court.
Sakuno was open-mouthed the entire time.
Two-thirty in the afternoon. Almost a whole day since Amatsu rested. She felt better already. Her body wasn't shivering from the unbalance of temperature and her fever had broken. Hinamori had last checked on her after she had finished lunch.
Feeling able to, Amatsu sat up and peeled off the compress, setting it on the nightstand. She reached out to grasp her cell phone and opened it. She had a bunch of messages. She skimmed through them, murmuring, "Get well soon...Don't do anything rash...Amatsu, you're a baka - well excuse me Talim - blah blah blah..."
Hinamori entered, and brightened. "Amatsu-chan, you're awake!"
Amatsu smiled a bit. "Un, I'm better, Momo-chan," she comfirmed. "Where's Sakuno?"
"She's outside with your brothers," replied Hinamori. "I'll go get them. Here," she handed the girl a thermometer, "take your temperature. I'll be right back." The lady left the room.
Amatsu stuck the thermometer halfway in her mouth and pressed the green button, letting it calculate. She slumped back into her bed, waiting and thinking silently to herself. She decided to send a text message to her Academy friends.
I'm signing in the chat room at seven. My fever cooled down.
She set her cell phone aside on her nightstand and kept a leveled head. She was going to get a migraine if she kept stockpiling deeds one on top of another. She glanced over to her desk. In neat colored folders were forms and packets all mixed together. Amatsu probably had half of expected paperwork printed and copied. Then, of course, she had some files her dear uncle wanted to look over. When was Bya-oji going to see she wanted nothing to do with Kuchiki Corps. when she was much older?
Amatsu heard footsteps echoing in the hallway. Many footsteps.
"Onee-sama!" cried Tatsuya happily and jumped on the futon to sit by Amatsu's hip. She patted his cheek. Hikaru smiled and chirped, "You seem better!"
Last to enter was Katen and Sakuno. Katen sat in the unoccupied armchair. Sakuno was by the bow of the futon bed gingerly. She smiled warily. Amatsu was glad she wasn't awkward in her own skin.
The thermometer beeped, signaling the temperature. Amatsu took it out of her mouth and read the tiny screen. She sighed, relieved. Just a degree over normal body temperature.
Amatsu noticed Katen was slightly flushed and a thin sheen of sweat clung to his forehead. "Eh? Katen, why are you sweating? Were you exercising?"
The disheveled bronze-haired was cautious of her for some reason. "Mm-hmm."
"We were just practicing tennis," informed Sakuno. Amatsu saw the daze in her round eyes. What had happened while she was out?
Amatsu furrowed her brow, her lips pouting. "O-kay?"
Tatsuya beamed brightly that Amatsu was distracted. "Amatsu-onee-sama! Did you know tou-san came home early?"
Amatsu gasped. "Nani? Today?"
"Tou-san was worried about you," explained Hikaru helpfully. "When you started sleepwalking again, you bumped into him just when he came home."
The recovered girl had a streak of salmon pink across her pale face. "O-Oh? I-I guess I'm a psychic or something." Sakuno wanted to laugh at Amatsu's rare attention needs that she tried unsuccessfully to hide.
"Amatsu-chan, you never told me your parents could play tennis!" Sakuno was saying.
Amatsu blinked. "I didn't, didn't I?"
"Un." Sakuno nodded, words spilling out of her mouth, not realizing Katen was beseechingly shaking his head and mouthing 'no'. "So when your otou-san beat Katen-kun at tennis, I was really shocked! He was amazing!"
The words echoed in Amatsu's mind like a neon sign flashing in her face. Everyone felt it. The frigidness and steam that was emanating from Amatsu. Her lips parted, eyes uncomprehending, stunned. Everyone braced themselves.
It happened.
"NANI! WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE PLAYED TENNIS!" she roared, nearly jumping off the bed, and startling Tatsuya.
"NANI! WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE PLAYED TENNIS!" The sound resonated and drifted throughout the household.
Ichigo glanced up from where he sat on the floorboards of the dojo. A miniscule smirk-like-frown painted his lips.
He was going to get an earful later. Kami save him.
"I DEMAND A MATCH!" Amatsu was ranting, her sapphire eyes blazing and cheeks coloring. Hikaru, Katen, and Sakuno were trying to placate the angry girl. They didn't want her to relapse back into a fever. On each side of the girl, Katen and Sakuno held down Amatsu's shoulders. Hikaru waved for her attention urgently.
"Amatsu-nee! Tou-san's tired! He only got back home today. Besides, you shouldn't be exerting yourself," the black-haired boy reasoned.
Amatsu clenched her teeth, obviously unsatisfied. She decided to glower at Katen. He sweatdropped and blanched. He should have known this would happen.
Slowly and finally, Amatsu managed to sit down, the tension in her body subsiding. Tatsuya climbed to sit in her lap, although he was getting too old for that. With his finger, he poked at his sister's frown.
"You should smile," he stated simply. It broke the ice.
Taking a calm breath, Amatsu worked for a small smile. Tatsuya brightened, violet orbs shining. Amatsu knew Tatsuya loved it when she smiled. The other three relaxed. Only Tatsuya could tame Amatsu.
He really does have her wrapped around his finger, gushed Sakuno.
After a quick dinner and returning to the bedroom, Amatsu was sitting on her knees on her futon, facing Sakuno who was situated in the armchair adjacent to the bed. They could talk at last (probably because Amatsu ceased her hunt for her tou-san considering he was avoiding her studiously).
The sapphire-eyed girl began by bowing her head, forehead touching the bed covers. "Gomenasai, Sakuno. I have been a bad friend to you. I should have watched my health, but because I didn't, our sleepover was ruined."
Sakuno freaked out by the sincerity. And the fact Amatsu had addressed her by her given name without honorifics. "A-Amatsu-chan! It's fine! Mou! You're family is too generous!" She pouted, her cheeks puffing.
Sitting up again, Amatsu smiled at the auburn's expression. "My family? Generous? I think you are wasting good compliments." She sighed resignedly. She went back on her main objective, sober. "Sakuno, the reason I wanted to have a private conversation with you is because I have something very important to ask you. Depending on your answer, many explanations would be needed. So will you hear me out?"
Sakuno was indeed all ears. She nodded.
Amatsu took a deep breath, voice cool and clear. "Sakuno, this summer and winter, would you like to enroll to my Academy to train? You will miss some school days, but with your obaa-san's consent, I think you could join study hall or something. It's a total of three weeks each course and you will live in dorms. It's very expensive, but I am willing to pay a large percentage to allow registration." Amatsu crossed to her nightstand and took out a packet from the drawer, handing it to the speechless Sakuno.
Still quiet, Sakuno skimmed through the packet. Eyes widened at the cost and rules and ratings.
"Amatsu-chan, this-" Sakuno couldn't find the right words. Amatsu was hopeful, standing her ground. "This is amazing. Everything seems so...educated."
"Very large and worth lots of money," Amatsu voiced the auburn's real thoughts by reading her casted expression. "Sakuno, I must warn you, the Tennis Society, it's very enduring. The training and techniques are very diverse and much more of a higher-level than here in Tokyo. Your world of tennis will change if you enroll into the Society."
"By techniques," said the auburn softly, "you mean like the 'power shots' you and Katen-kun keep doing?"
Nodding, Amatsu pursed her lips, debating how to explain. "We were downplaying our full potential, though. We made a pact not to reveal the secrets of the Society much, and yet we broke that rule."
"I could see that," agreed Sakuno in a small voice. How many times have Amatsu and her friends surprised Seigaku? They were on a whole other level.
"You have potential, too," Amatsu encouraged gently. "But you're not pressing yourself to develop. Why?"
Sakuno shifted uneasily in her seat. Her delicate fingers tightened around the packet. "I-I-um..." Sakuno looked kind of depressed. "I did at first, learning how to play. I had realized...I was trying to impress other people. My obaa-chan, Tomo-chan, and Ryoma-kun, too. I thought I never had to be better than I already was as long as I was with them. I loved watching at the sidelines during Ryoma-kun's matches. I loved having my obaa-chan be proud at me for taking an interest in something she loved." Sakuno looked down at her hands in her lap. "I fell in love with tennis, just as it was. I was...content."
"Sakuno," the said girl looked up cautiously to meet Amatsu's bold eyes, collected and inquiring. "Did you fell in love of tennis because you had a passion for it? Or was it because the people associated with it?"
Sakuno blinked, not asked herself that before. It was true...many people she loved as friends and family all revolved around tennis...but maybe she found herself caught in the net, too. As a tennis coach's granddaughter, Sakuno felt the need to connect with the sport.
"You are more than that, Sakuno," reasoned the sapphire-eyed girl. "You don't need to be something else and stopped there. Look at your strong points. You have great vision, you rationalize, a sharp intuition, your understanding. Your body might not be equipped with power or speed, but work with you already have and start there."
Sakuno blushed at that superior praise. "Y-You really think so?"
Amatsu nodded resolutely. "Hai. I know you have talent in tennis. You just have to find it. The same thing happened to me."
Sakuno jumped from her seat to glomp her friend. "Arigato, Amatsu-chan!"
Amatsu laughed, patting the girl's back comfortably. "Your welcome, Saku-chan."
"Oh, Amatsu-chan?"
"Hm?"
Sakuno pulled away from the hug to stare at Amatsu. "Your otou-san said you quit tennis before. What happened?"
Immediately, a frown etched Amatsu's full lips. "I-. I'll tell you another time. Right now, I think it's time you meant my friends."
"Friends? Now?" Sakuno was confused. Were they going somewhere?
Amatsu saw the auburn's cute confusion and grinned, standing off from the futon. She stepped towards her desk with her laptop. "It's time for a video chat."
Done and done. I'm sorry for such a late and filler-like chapter. It's needed for plot, that's that. I had so much of my time taken from me and my head wouldn't fight off the writer's block I had for two weeks. I hope I'm not missing anything important. Arigato for any alerts, reviews, favorites, hits, and messages. So ja! If you review, I'll give you a tennis ball with your favorite PoT character sketched personally by Sakuno. (Wink, wink.)
