An update, at last. I was entangled with my other stories and I got a temporary writer's block for this story. If anybody who also likes 'Kyou Kara Maou' happened to read this story please check out my stories for the KKM archive. I'm very sorry for updating so late. I know that a lot of you are waiting for the latest chapter. I also want to remind everyone that updates won't be that frequent especially now that the school year's about to start.

Thanks for all of those who reviewed my previous chapters. Lately, I reread the entire story and I almost laughed at the way how my previous chapters were written and realized that I sucked. I guess I'm happy that I improved even a little bit.

Warnings: This chapter turns out to be a bit angsty or more like action-packed? Kumiko will show up xD This chapter isn't beta-edited, I'm very sorry for the mistakes in grammar.

I won't ship for RyomaxKintarou. If you're curious, just read the chapter. xD

Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis nor the songs I placed. Prince of Tennis belongs to Konomi-sensei and the songs belong to their respective composers.

Is She My New Mommy?

Chapter 14: Troublesome Musical Play

Sakura stood proudly in front of the mirror. Her auburn hair were curled and fixed into pigtails. She admired her frilly white dress decorated with crystals and sequins but the most fascinating sight she saw was her angel like wings. She carefully placed her hands on them not wanting to ruin her costume. Her aunt Megumi was amazing, seeing just how well-made her costume is, she couldn't help it but to feel protective of her delicate dress and wings. Right, today was her day she'll be the angel for the school's musical play. At first it was planned to be simply a recital but due to a certain request it was changed into a musical play (refer to chapter 12).

"Sakura-chan" Sakuno called the young kid. They were currently at the backstage having last minute preparations for the play. The auditorium was filled with lively noise. The sounds of children rambling how excited they are for the said play and the sound from the audience also filled with excitement for the upcoming show.

"Mommy" she said in a weak and trembling voice. "What if… I forgot a line?" she asked, teary eyed. Sakuno smiled and gently wiped her unshed tears. "I know you can do it, Sakura. You practiced right? Your daddy and uncle kin-chan even helped you act" she gave the kid a reassuring smile. She almost laughed at the memory when Kintarou and Ryoma were forced to act as the prince and princess just to practice with her. "Don't cry, you'll just ruin your make up"

Ryoma sighed out of boredom. He was currently seated together with his senpais and Tooyama Kintarou. He could hear their endless and non-sense babblings. He checked his phone for some messages. He saw a message from Yamashita Kumiko but he didn't even bother to read it. Meanwhile, his fiancee Ryuzaki Sakuno sat beside him. "She seems to be tensed" she said with a worried expression.

The lights turned off as the audience instantly gave a round of applause. Music began to play as they heard the crowd cheering with excitement. "Once there was a beautiful princess in a faraway land!" the narrator said as a little girl wearing a light blue ball gown came out. "Aside from her beauty and royalty. Princess Stephanie has a very wonderful voice"

The music stopped. The little girl began to sing without any musical accompaniment. "Twinkle, twinkle little star…" she sang with her heart. The crowd were awed by her cuteness. A woman among the crowd stood, "That's my daughter! Isn't she just wonderful!" she cooed in delight. Sakuno was startled while Ryoma was puzzled at those silly grins his senpai gave him.

"Ochibi, that's how proud parents are to their children!" Kikumaru said with a devilish smile. "Yeah, right Echizen" Momo nodded in agreement. Ryoma didn't really know. Surely, he was proud of his daughter but he never tried attending events like this due to the fact that Sakura was most of the time home schooled.

A group of little girls wearing cute dresses came out. "I can show you the world shining, shimmering splendid…" they sang and danced in unison. The little children made the crowd excited as they continued listening to the song from 'Aladdin'.

"Princess Stephanie was engaged to Prince Daniel" the narrator said as 'Prince Daniel' came out as he danced a slow waltz with the little girl playing 'Princess Stephanie'. The crowd smiled as they saw the young boy nervously dancing with the 'Princess'.

"Their beautiful kingdom fell down in the hands of demons!" the narrator said as eerie sounds and terrifying music played. A group of children dressed up as witches, demons and monsters came out. The leader stepped foreward, "This kingdom will be ours! And you shall all be our slaves!" the young boy said as he unsheated his wooden sword. The audience gasped. The 'evil kids' rushed and attacked the 'good children'.

"My father in heaven! What shall I do? Look at our people, they're devastated" 'Princess Stephanie' clasped her hands and stared at the ceiling. "Please… help me" she said with real tears falling from her eyes. Sakuno was surprised at young girl's acting abilities.

Then there was light. Suddenly, white feathers were falling above the stage. Ryoma smirked while his fiancee smiled in delight. "Fear not, my dear princess. I was sent here to help you" Sakura said while giving 'Princess Stephanie' the best smile she could.

"The heavens heard my prayers! Please save my kingdom!" the princess said as she kneeled in front of the angel. "It's your beautiful heart that led me here" Sakura smiled again as she gently placed her palm on the princess' shoulder. "I will help you"

"The angel and the young princess were determined to defeat the evil king!" the narrator said again.

"We meet again, evil king and this time I shall defeat you!" 'Princess Stephanie' said with disgust. The crowds were tensed with the confrontation. The young boy who plays the 'evil king' smirked. "Oh really? And who's that?" he asked pointing his index to the angel. "I'm an Angel and you're a lowly demon!" Sakura said "…you still have lots more to work on!" she added as she stretched out her hand and pointed her sword at the enemy just like a tennis crowd gasped at her cuteness. They all thought that she's immitating the famous tennis prodigy. Sakuno sweatdropped as she glanced at Ryoma's smirk. She realized that 'that' action wasn't really a part of the play.

"Sakura-chan's just like Ochibi!" Kikumaru said. "Yeah, just like Echizen. Look at her! She's challenging her enemy!" Momo said with a surprised expression.

The young princess unsheated her holy sword. The battle scene started. "You never know when to give up!" the 'evil king' laughed as the young princess was held captive. "Princess Stephanie!" Sakura cried.

She ran and launched an unplanned attack. "Don't let your guard down!" she scowled. Finally the 'evil king' was defeated. Tezuka coughed while their other senpais laughed. Sakuno giggled softly, she knew that Ryoma and Kintarou mischievously revised Sakura's lines but she didn't expect that the little kid would really do it on the actual play.

"Thank you dear Angel!" the princess cooed as she pulled the 'angel' into a hug. "What can I do to repay you?"

"Maybe one song would do" Sakura said as she walked closer to piano prepared on stage. She sat and began playing. "Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight. Someone's thinking of me and loving me tonight…" the princess sang.

Sakura's piano playing and the princess' magnificent voice echoed beautifully at the entire auditorium. "Somewhere out there someone's saying a prayer. That we'll find one another in that big somewhere out there" the boy who played 'Prince Daniel' came out.

"…And even though I know how very far apart we are. It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star" all the cast of the play came out and synchronised with the song. The crowd was overjoyed to hear the children singing. The crowed cheered. The children lined up and gave a bow. The audience gave a final round of applause. The red curtains fell down and before they knew it the play was over.

The other regulars left with their kids to attend to their own personal businesses. Ryoma, Sakuno and Kintarou proceeded at the backstage along with the other parents. "Mommy! Daddy!" Sakura called as she ran towards them. Sakuno rushed forward and gave the little kid a hug. "You did a great job" Sakuno said as she patted her head.

"I was too nervous… and I forgot some of my lines but at least daddy and uncle kin-chan's plan B worked!" she laughed as the two young men behind Sakuno flushed. "That's the plan when things go worst" Kintarou shyly said.

"Che" Ryoma crossed his arms.

"But really uncle Kin-chan playing as Princess Stephanie and daddy as Prince Daniel is the best!" the young girl said as she waved her arms in the air frantically. Sakuno giggled softly as Kintarou and Ryoma turned crimson. "Both of you...Ryoma-kun are you sure I'm the one you want to marry not Kintarou-kun?" she asked playfully while the young girl giggled.

"Ryuzaki! What the hell are you talking about!" Ryoma exclaimed in panic. "Ryoma-kun, I'm just making sure that you won't leave me at the altar and elope with Kintarou-kun!" both girls laughed. Ryoma frowned at them.

"Mommy's the best!" Sakura said.

"E-even if you pay me a billion yen! I won't marry Koshimae!" this time it's Kintarou who exclaimed.

"Don't talk as if I'll marry you!" Ryoma scowled. The two were engaged into an argument. Sakuno and Sakura just stood at one corner and watched the two of them throwing arguments to each other. "Should we leave them and have some ice cream?" Sakuno asked while the young girl's eyes sparkled in excitement.

"I'm sure they won't mind" Sakura smiled and they both began to walk leaving the two agitated gentlemen engrossed in their fight.

"I told you to shut up, so shut up!" Ryoma said with a glare as he looked directly at the eyes of the red head.

"Is that so? Koshimae! We're getting a divorce?" Kintarou scowled with a grin. He smirked as he saw the tennis prince's face changed from pale white to crimson. He mentally slapped his head for his companion's stupidity.

Ryoma was absolutely thankful that he was wearing sun glasses and a hat to hide his identity. The other parents heard their argument and backed off from the 'lover's quarrel'. He felt like strangling the red head till death. Ryoma kept his cool and turned to where he last saw his daughter and his fiancee only to find out that they're missing.

"Where's Ryuzaki?" he asked his companion. "I don't know" the jester replied with a casual smile.

Ryoma cursed and began walking away. "Where are you going? Oi Koshimae?" Kintarou asked as he followed the tennis prince. "… to where my family is" he said with a glare.

"Wait a minute! I said wait for me!"

Sakuno and Sakura were currently enjoying their parfaits at a nearby café like a real mother and daughter. "It's so delicious, mommy!" Sakura said in delight as she took another sip from her parfait. She looked cute with the whipped cream scattered on her lips and some parts of her cheeks. Sakuno brought out some wipes and began wiping the little kid's face. "Mou… you're a mess" she said with a sigh while Sakura replied with a soft giggle.

"Mommy's a mess too!" she replied as she wiped Sakuno's face. They both laughed. "…but daddy's the biggest mess!" Sakuno smiled "Yeah, he's a real mess! So we better keep him out of the kitchen!" she exclaimed.

The door of the café swung violently. A blonde hair woman entered hastily. She stopped in front of the two auburn heads. "Awwe isn't it Ryuzaki-san and Sakura-chan!" she said in a high pitched voice. Sakura glared at the woman in front of her.

"Is that the right attitude to greet aunt Kumiko?" she asked with a fake pout. The strong smell of her imported perfume aroused in the air. "Y-yamashita-san…" Sakuno muttered in disbelief. The first and last time she saw her was at their corporation's anniversary party.

"I never thought that you would still remember me…" she said with a scowl. "Y-yes…" Sakuno replied in a meek voice. She glanced at Sakura who stared at the emerald eyed woman filled with disgust. The little kid hated her. Witch Kumiko would always fawn at her father and stare at him in a coquettish way. She hated the way she talk, the way she would mingle at people and the manner she treats others. Surely, she's an attractive woman and her emerald-like orbs were dazzling but still nothing could beat her mommy's sparkling chocolate brown orbs.

"And I see that you're also Sakura-chan's baby-sitter" she raised her brow as she shot a piercing glare at Sakuno who was trying to stop her nervousness at the sudden confrontation.

She didn't like her.

Even a little bit…

"She is my mom!" Sakura said with a scowl. "Oh really, more like your family's maid and your nanny!" Kumiko said while pinching the young girl's cheek. Sakuno rushed to her and slapped Kumiko's hand. "Don't touch my daughter"

"Quite corageous and don't ever assume!" she said as she pulled Sakuno's hair. Sakuno felt the pain on her scalp and before she knew it, Kumiko bitch slapped her. The people watching them were surprised some of them tried to stop the furious lady but they failed. "Mommy!" Sakura ran towards Sakuno. She tried to get closer to her but Kumiko shoved her Sakura's head hit the cold marble floor. "And you! Yuki's daughter!" she said as she glared at the kid lying on the floor.

Sakuno kneeled on the floor while placing her palm on her right cheek where she received the slap. It stinged, she was never slapped before even by her own parents. She felt weak and frail. She was losing. She was never a strong woman. She couldn't stand on her own. It's always because she had him, her prince and her savior. But this time, for once in her life she wanted to fight. She wanted to protect someone precious to her, to them.

"Don't involve Sakura-chan!" Sakuno shrieked. "…though she want it or not she's involved!" the blonde bitch spat. Sakuno stood up and slapped Kumiko.

"You bitch!" she said while pulling a handfull of Sakuno's hair. Sakuno closed her eyes as she stretched her right hand and managed to be free from Kumiko's tight grip.

"I won't forgive you" Sakuno said with such determination. The blonde smirked "Oh really, then prove it" she snarled.

Ryoma looked for them everywhere around the school. He was right in front of the school gates when he heard two men talking. They mentioned about a furious blonde attacking a young lady and a kid at a nearby cafe. He felt shivers ran throught his spine. He ran towards the said café.

"Oi Koshimae! Wait for me!" Kintarou exclaimed as he followed.

Ryoma was surprised to see Kumiko and his fiancee slapping each other and on the floor lay his unconscious daughter. He rushed towards Sakura and checked for some injuries, she had a wound on her forehead. The little girl slowly opened her eyes. "D-daddy…" she muttered. "Sshhh…. just rest Sakura. Daddy will protect you…" he whispered while the little girl slowly went back to sleep.

Kintarou appeared at the front door panting heavily. "Oi Koshimae!" he exclaimed while Ryoma passed the unconscious kid to him. "Take her to the hospital, now!" he exclaimed while the red head rushed out of the café carrying the unconscious kid. Kintarou didn't know what happened but the most disturbing sight he saw was the reserved and timid Ryuzaki Sakuno slapping a blonde young lady.

"You filthy bitch!" Kumiko hissed. She was about to slap Sakuno when she felt another hand stopped her. "That's enough, Yamashita!" Ryoma glared murderously.

"Ryoma-kun…" Sakuno whispered.

"Ryoma" Kumiko was surprised. "You were tricked by that woman! She's an evil witch"

"Shut up!" the tennis prince said coldly. "You hurt my fiancee and my daughter. This is unforgivable!" he hissed with a glare. Kumiko was shocked and broken. She kneeled on the floor and sobbed. Standing in front of her was the tennis prince she longed for many years. She once lose hope when the said prince married Yuki but when she died she felt like another chance was given to her by the goddess of fortune.

Then she came.

An almost exact copy-cat of his ex-wife.

She was driven into insanity, too intense that she lose her control over her own self.

"But…" she muttered in a pathetic state "…why is it that she's very important to you? Why can't it be me? Only me?" she demanded an answer as teard fell down her cheeks. She met the tennis prince's murderous glare, she cringed.

"Because it's not you! Ryuzaki's the one I love!" Ryoma replied with a scowl.

"No…" she desperately sobbed. She sobbed for a few times and then pulled the tennis prince into a kiss. Then there were camera flashes for that almost one second kiss. Ryoma immedietely pulled away and stared at her with a certain amount of disgust.

Sakuno stared at the blonde woman in front of her. Kumiko's hair was dishevelled and tears ruined her makeup. She thought that she may even look far worse than her. Kumiko stood up and plastered a smirk that scared everybody at the said café who were frozen due to shock.

"You'll never be happy" she cursed "I'll make sure of it!" she said lastly before she left.

Sakuno sat on the floor still shocked of what recently happened. Ryoma kneeled in front of her and pulled the delicate woman into an embrace. "I'm Sorry… if only I got here sooner…" he whispered faintly.

Tears fell on her face while Ryoma wiped them. "C'mon, we still need to check Sakura…" he picked her up and led her outside. Sakuno fought but still she couldn't do it without him.

Sakura hated hospitals maybe due to the fact that her real mother died on one. She slowly opened her eyes and saw the blurry white walls. Her gaze shifted on the iv drip at her side. She remembered everything. They were attacked by a crazy woman namely Yamashita Kumiko. Witch Kumiko

"M-mommy… d-daddy…" she muttered in a weak and frail voice.

"Sakura!" Sakuno exclaimed while Ryoma smiled in relief. "Sakura…" Ryoma kissed the little girl on her forehead. "Does it hurt somewhere?" Sakuno asked.

She looks terrible. She was pale and her hands were bruised. They managed to stop the bleeding on her forehead and were relieved that she didn't end up having a hemorrhage. She hated the smell of anti-septic and the contact of bandages on her bare skin.

"N-not r-really" she replied trying to reassure her parents.

"I… hate… hospitals…" she said slowly.

"I know" Ryoma spoke in a fatherly way. "but you need to stay here" he added.

Kintarou couldn't help it but to smile as he watched his companions worry about the little kid. Surely, he was also worried about her well-being but decided to leave them for a moment. He silently closed the door and waited outside.

"A-are you alright… m-mommy?" she asked.

"Yes… now don't worry about me and get some rest" Sakuno said while the little girl just nodded. She closed her eyes and dozed off to sleep.

The doctor already checked her. Much to their relief, she only got a few bruises and a minor bump on her head. But what if it's more serious than that? Ryoma would never let this one pass. His family was hurt and it was all because of Kumiko and her stupid jealousy encountered her jealousy fits before but this was so far the worst.

"Ryoma-kun…" Sakuno whispered his name as she gantly touched his cheek.

"I'm sorry… this happened because of me" he gave an apologetic look.

"No… it's not your fault Ryoma-kun…" she replied. "It's my fault because I'm weak"

"It wasn't your fault!" he insisted "I wasn't around to protect you! and she did because she wants to be with me! Look at Sakura! She's too young yet she was involved into something that's entirely my fault"

"But you came for us… that's the most important thing" she said with a serene expression.

"Still, what if I didn't arrive on time?" he asked in a frustrated manner. "I barely made it on time! What if she planned to kill you?"

"Ryoma-kun…" she whispered again. His eyes were showing an extreme guilt. "I didn't know you feel like that. I'm sorry for worrying you. Really, I tried to fight her back but I guess I'm just too weak."

"Sakuno" he said gently. She was surprised to hear her own name coming out of his lips. "D-did you j-just?" she stopped when he wrapped his arms on her body and she felt his lips pressed on her own. She gave in and kissed him back. It was passionate yet they still managed to make it chaste.

The kiss was wonderful. Sakuno felt like time froze and for the first time she felt the meaning of the words 'forever' and 'eternity'. The kiss reassured her and made her calm. It was her first kiss and she was overjoyed that she shared it with the man she truly loved.

"I love you" he said while focusing his gaze on her chocolate orbs.

"I love you too" she replied as she hugged her back.

Then they heard a rustle at the bed sheets. Their daughter woke up. "Mommy, daddy?" she called and smiled when she saw her father's arms wrapped on Sakuno's body.

"Since when did you wake up?" Ryoma asked while Sakuno turned crimson.

The little girl stared at them with innocent eyes. "Just now…" she replied as she tilted her head in confusion.

The couple sighed in relief, their daughter didn't witness their kiss.

OWARI

Finally, Ryoma got some real action! Really, Takeyama Shio even called her 'Sakuno' two chapters before Ryoma did. I felt like he's making a very slow progress when it comes to romance. I made him more aggressive this time and he was able to seal it off with a kiss. I'm sorry for not writing very descriptively. I'm not really into these things.

And bear in mind that 'that' was Sakuno's first kiss. Should I change the rating just because of the kiss? Is that necessary?

Aren't you all happy that Ryoma was the one who stole it? Please join our celebration and click that review button below!