TENDERNESS IN THE TAIN

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN PRINCE OF TENNIS

Chapter 11: His Family, Her Surprise

Ryoma threw himself on his bed and rubbed his aching temples. He was seriously losing it. For the first time in his life, he seemed unsure of himself. Not knowing what to do or what to say to restore Sakuno's confidence. He stared off into the dark night, trying to find peace for his turmoil.

Even since crossing path again after so many years, he has been pursuing her, hoping to see her change back to that once sweet and understanding girl that had always tailed him wherever he went. Or was it an impossible dream?

He walked out to the balcony and watched as dawn took over. As the sun rise and the moon falling, he thought back to a story his brother, Ryoga, told him when he was a little boy.

When Ryoma was young, he asked his big brother why the sun and the moon never met up. Ryoga had told him that that sun was a might warrior who was in love with the beautiful moon maiden. Yet the maiden was too proud and promised the sun warrior to wed him should he be able to catch up to her in the sky. Thus began an endless chase through eternity. Ryoma had stubbornly told him brother that the sun and the moon will one day become one, with Ryoga laughing at his ignorance.

Yes, Ryoma thought now. He will persist in his pursue just like the sun warrior. But he needed to change his strategy. He would handle and treat her gently until she trusted him again. Ryoma would prove to her and to himself that they should be together.

With resolve, he took out his cell phone and pressed a set of familiar numbers.

A sarcastic voice answered, "Hello? Well, if it isn't the Champ…."

Sakuno was scared to be alone. There was too much confusion in her mind and the fear of facing Ryoma haunted her every waking moment. After the party, she begged Sanada to take her to another place to stay for a while. With reluctance, Sanada took her to one of his parent's houses so there would be people there to take care of her.

But before he left, he had a long talk with her.

"You can't hide forever. Either you choose to forget about him and never see him, or find that courage again to reach out."

Sakuno had cried endlessly, but Sanada was ruthless.

"Atobe, Yuka and I have watched you for years living a coward's life. This is the real world. We can't help you every step of the way. I know this is not something you want to hear, but it is something important that you must understand."

"Why are you saying all these?" She cried.

"Because we want you to smile again." He said tiredly, "Look, I have to leave for a trip I've been meaning to take."

"You're leaving too?" Sakuno looked up with puffy eyes.

"Perhaps it's for the best. It's just for a few days. Stay here as long as you like. I'll call you soon."

Sanada decided to leave so Sakuno would have no one to lean on. He honestly believed that people learn to become stronger when they realize that there was no one else they can count on but themselves. Thus, this was a gamble he was willing to make.

A few days past by fast but Sakuno barely felt the difference. Life felt numb when you feel alone in the world. Luckily, Ryoma had not tried to call her, but neither had her friends. Sanada called once to make sure she was okay and that was about it.

This is what you wanted, isn't it? You wanted to be left alone! Sakuno thought to herself.

Perhaps she should call her parents and pay them a visit. It has been a while since she talked to them.

Just when she thought about making a call, her cell ranged. Sakuno hesitated for a moment, but picked up nonetheless.

"Hello?" Sakuno asked timidly.

"Is this Sakuno? Oh my…it has been a long time!" Came a familiar voice.

"Who...who is this?" Sakuno said nervously.

"Don't you recognize my voice? This is Nanako."

"Nanako-san? How…how did you…?" Then Sakuno realized where Ryoma's cousin has gotten her numbers from.

"Yes, I know what you are thinking. It's true I got your number from Ryoma. But I'm glad I did. It's been so long since we met, how are you?"

"I...I'm fine…really busy actually…" Sakuno laughed nervously. She had always admired Nanako as a big sister. Back then, she spent a lot of time with her and always imagined she was her real sister, since being an only child has had its down points.

Nanako laughed joyously, but knew in reality the situation Sakuno's in. She heard about everything from Ryoma. It's very rare for her cousin to ask for help and when he called them in the States, Nanako knew she just had to aid the two lovebirds.

Poor Sakuno…she thought.

"I called to invite you to come for Aunt Rinko's famous dinner. Don't you remember how much we like to help every time you came over?"

"Of...of course…but…but I…" Sakuno answered.

"So what about it? How about being our first guest to celebrate the Echizen family's return?" Nanako urged.

"Actually, I am quite busy at the moment so I don't think…."

But Nanako cut her off, "Can't you find just a bit of time? Aunt and uncle miss you too, you know? Especially since stingy Ryoma left for the States again…we just wanted to have more company…" Nanako said sadly.

"No…I'm sorry I…Is Ryoma really not there?" Sakuno finally asked the most important question.

"Yeah, the insensitive boy. Ran off when he heard we're going to visit him. How inconsiderate! You wouldn't do that to us, would you?"

Sakuno was now stuck by Nanako's scheme, "I…I guess…"

"Great!" Not giving her to hesitate, Nanako quickly set a date to pick Sakuno up and hung up.

"Great to see you again! How've you been?" Nanako asked while giving Sakuno a big hug.

"I'm fine. How are you?" Sakuno smiled softly.

"Oh my…" Rinko's voice came from behind. Sakuno felt a pair of warm hands wrap around her as Ryoma's mother greeted her. "You've grown so much. I've always knew you'd grown up to be a beautiful lady."

"Hey, me next…" Nanjiroh yelled, trying to find room to squeeze in between the ladies, waiting eagerly for his turn.

Rinko smiled warmly and released the young girl to Nanako's side, while 'accidently' stepping on her husband's foot.

"Ouch!" Nanjiroh jumped.

"Oh dear…Are you alright, darling? Nanako, why don't you see Sakuno inside while I attend to your uncle?" Rinko said ever so gently.

"Of course. Come with me, Sakuno. We've got a big meal prepared just for you." Nanako took Sakuno's hand and spoke eagerly about the dinner plan.

Rinko watched them go off with a smile on her face, but when she turned to face her husband, she wore a scowl on her face.

"Nanjiroh, behave yourself. You should know how sensitive Sakuno is right now. Or why do you think Ryoma asked us to come back?"

Nanjiroh shook off his informality, "I know, I know…the boy was right to ask for help. God knows how long I've been waiting to hear him beg me. But honestly, it's going to be tough changing Sakuno's mind. She might not look it, but she's a lot like her grandmother, both tough and stubborn."

"I have faith in her, just as our son has placed his faith in us." Rinko sighed at the series of misfortunate events.

"Just make her open her heart to us, right? Piece of cake." Nanjiroh stated.

"Why the confidence?" His wife asked.

"I got Ryoma to beg, didn't I?" Nanjiroh gave his wife a wink, citing his most recent triumph.

"Tell us all about yourself. What have you been up to all these years?" Nanako asked enthusiastically.

"Well, I've started my own business." Sakuno answered between small bites.

"You're a business woman! How wonderful!" Rinko encouraged.

Sakuno blushed with pride, "We're a small company, that's all."

"What do you do?" Nanjiroh added in.

"It's kind of hard to describe. But the best way to put it is to realize people's dreams."

"That's an unusual job." Ryoma's mother said.

"Not really, Aunt Rinko. I read off of the internet that there's a business called the "Dream Maker" that makes all kind of dreams come true for people. Perhaps it's trendy for this kind of business here in Japan." Nanako told her aunt.

"Actually…I'm…the owner of "Dream Maker"…" Sakuno admitted shyly. She felt she could trust her secret with these people.

All three of them stared wide eyed at her for a moment, then jumped at the revelation.

"What? This is really something! Rinko, who would have thought the hag's granddaughter turned out to be not only a beauty, but also a huge success!"

"You know about them too, uncle?" Nanako asked.

"Of course! Our little Sakuno's company has been all over the news. Your grandmother must be really proud of you."

Sakuno put her chopsticks down suddenly and lowered her head in shame. She spoke in a quiet voice, "I do not know. It's been a while since I've talked to her."

Rinko, Nanako and Nanjiroh looked at each other surprisingly and politely dropped the subject.

"Say, Sakuno. Do you mind coming out with me if you have time? It's been a long time since I've been back so I'll need a bit of guidance around? Could you please?" Nanako pleaded.

"I don't…"

Before Sakuno could object, Rinko joined in. "Yeah that sounds like a great idea! Thank you dear for helping out!"

Even Nanjiroh added in his persuasion, "I wouldn't mind going along as well…"

Poor Sakuno was completely outnumbered. Finally, she swallowed her answer and quietly obliged.

"I'll be taking Sakuno home now." Nanako said before driving away with their guest.

Rinko and Nanjiroh waved and said their goodbyes. Sakuno honestly had a very good time tonight with Ryoma's family.

"So what you think?" Rinko asked her husband.

"Piece of cake. Ryoma's pathetic if he can't even handle one girl." Nanjiroh said easily.

"Poor children! Look at all the time lost between them. I've always thought they were a cute couple." Rinko said regrettably.

Nanjiroh sniffed out loud right before his phone rang.

"How did it go?" Ryoma asked from the other side of the line.

"Hey, boy! You really are clueless about women, aren't you?" His father rubbed it in, making Ryoma as annoyed as ever.

"Just tell me what you found out." He said in a frustrated tone.

"She's still wary of you, that's for sure." Nanjiroh replied before his wife took the phone from him.

"Ryoma, maybe we should have Nanako spent some time with her. She looks quite happy to see your cousin tonight."

"Yeah, maybe that'll help…"

"No no…" Nanjiroh grabbed the phone back, "When it comes to women, I'm the one you guys should consult with."

"The way to get a girl to open up to you is…" Nanjiroh put his hand on the phone and whispered to Ryoma on the other line.

"What?" Ryoma frowned, "Are you sure that's the right way?"

"You think you can do better? Fine, don't listen to me then." Nanjiroh hung up and tossed the phone to his wife.

Ryoma, on the other hand, thought about what he has heard tonight and boldly decided his next move.

A new chapter! A long wait, I know...I'm very excited about the new 'New Prince of Tennis'. Can't wait to see more of what is gonna happen. It might even affect this story! Can anyone guess who my fav character is? A brownie point goes to those who can get it right!