A/N: hey guys! I'm just curious on how you respond to a very unusual pairing…the tallest + the smallest in all Pot characters. I'm pertaining to Ryoma and Choutarou. Heheheh…just curious. Oh yeah… Ryoma's an OOC here… well only with Choutarou. To add, Ryo and Chou will not play/sing in every single chapter. There will be chapters when he/they are just listening to the radio or singing in the karaoke. It's quite clumsy to have them play all the time. It's not very convenient.
Disclaimer: the usual…I don't own the song, "You made me stronger". Regine Velasquez does. I may change the lyrics a bit; you know like turning she to he to be more appropriate...
P.S.: "" for dialogs, '' for thoughts, italics for flashbacks and italics are for the song lyrics. Oh! And () for text msgs. English conversations are in bold. And the scenes from the video tape will be in italics.
And once again, thanks to my loyal reviewers! I wouldn't be here without you! (sobs!).
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Tezuka stiffened at Ryoma's comment. 'Taught him everything? What is he implying?' He broke away from his trance when he felt Fuji slip back next to him.
"He's a tensai, ne Tezuka." Fuji smiled sweetly at the freshman.
"Such talent! I never imagined you to be like this. First, there was tennis, then the cake and now the music?" Yukimura said in awe.
"You are like a box full of surprises, Echizen-kun." Atobe added.
Ohtori looked proudly at his boyfriend. "He's my little Music Man." He said while caressing Ryoma's hair.
"It's funny watching Buchou flirting with that little kid. It's so cute that it's disturbing." Niou commented while watching Yukimura dote on the boy.
"We just have to remind him that Echizen-kun is taken. It won't look very good not only for him but for the whole team." Sanada said worriedly.
An up-beat, tango-like song started blaring from the radio. Soon, Tsubame, Nanako and Chiyo came out in big smiles.
"The girls of RJ would like to render a number for Tezuka-kun as well." Nanako said while winking at Ryoma who glared back. "But we will need assistance from the group. May I call on my loveable cousin, Ryoma-sama, Atobe-kun and Kajimoto-kun up front?"
The three looked confused but stepped up as well. They were surprised when Nanako asked them to be their partners for tango/salsa.
"But…" Kajimoto protested.
"Don't worry, I'll do the rest. It's just that our regular partners are off to Island Cove and Wakato-kun blabbed earlier that you're a good ballroom dancer." Tsubame explained.
"This is too easy for Ore-sama." Atobe commented while fingering his hair.
"I know. That's why I chose you.' Nanako smiled at the narcissistic boy. She felt Chiyo fidgeted when Ryoma just grunted and turned his back on them. It was obvious that she hadn't forgotten the mocking stint. "Don't worry Chi-chan. Ryoma is an excellent dancer." She placed an assuring hand on her shoulders. It turned out Chiyo is just a small girl, half an inch smaller than Ryoma, making them the perfect pair.
'It would've been better if Ryoma is my partner but Na-chan would do. This is a good chance for me to awe their pants off, especially those three baboons trying to call My Ryoma their own.' Atobe smiled at the thought as they positioned themselves on the make-shift dance floor.
"Kajimoto can dance?!" they almost cried in horror. Some of them were very amused, some were very disturbed.
"See? I told you. Tell the boy to prance around and surprise, surprise…he can!" Niou whispered to Yagyuu.
"More surprises ne…saa…" Fuji smiled at Ohtori who was equally shocked as well.
The three pairs did their pose and for Ohtori it was quite intimidating to see Chiyo with her arms held by his koibito and her legs up on his waist. The song was "Sway" by the Pussycat Dolls.
"Echizen would probably trip—"Shishido told Gakuto but trailed off when he saw the way Echizen moved at the song started.
There were oohs and ahhs among the crowd that the three tennis players glided across the dance floor, moving fluidly to the music as if they've been dancing with the three girls all their life. They turned, flipped and twisted and still their in time. It was a mystery on how they could move in sync when they don't even have the idea of what to do.
"Relax." Ryoma muttered to Chiyo as they swayed to the beat. The girl was utterly surprised that the freshman had it in him. "We'll improvise." Ryoma told her as they went up front.
"Huh?" Chiyo staggered slightly. Ryoma smirked and suddenly brought her aside. The rest of the dancers looked at them curiously. Nanako smiled and just continued dancing.
"What are they doing?" Kamio asked when they saw Ryoma and Chiyo stepped aside.
"I don't know. Maybe they're tired." Taka answered.
"Is Ryoma ok?" Ohtori asked worriedly when he saw Ryoma flexing his wrists.
"I don't know. Maybe he's hurt." Yukimura answered. To their surprise, the two pairs exited the floor just as the music went crescendo and Ryoma and Chiyo sashayed into the center.
"Oohhh….so that's what it was all about…" Fuji muttered.
They were left hanging in the edge when Ryoma started flipping Chiyo, swinging her off her feet and whatsoever stunt he could think of. It was amazing the way he moved to the sound. It was as if dancing is his life, not tennis.
Soon, the two other pair came back to join them in a fantastic finish. The kids were off their chairs and were hooting, cheering so loud that you could swear the ceiling shook. Ryoma slipped away from them silently to go inside the office and sneak a sip on hardcore margarita. He silently rejoiced as the alcohol burned down his throat and soon felt his brain toning down from the sedative effect of the drink.
"Whew…that I need…" Ryoma muttered as he downed the contents of the glass. He popped in a few breath mints inside his mouth before going back outside to face his fans.
"Where have you been?" Ohtori asked as he wiped the sweat off Ryoma's forehead with a hanky.
"Rest room…" Ryoma muttered, hoping that his boyfriend would not smell any trace of the forbidden drink.
"Ok." Ohtori replied before placing a small peck on his cheek. He continued with his task of ensuring that Ryoma's not soaking with sweat.
"Ore-sama never realized you do ballroom as well." Atobe commented across the table. He looked exhausted but still brilliant.
"Pre-requisites of being an O.A." the freshman muttered.
"o.a.? " Tezuka asked.
"Over-achiever."
Their conversation was cut short when Eiji has gotten hold of the microphone and was planning to re-enact his Nasty Girl stint. Luckily, Gakuto was able to steal the limelight by grabbing hold of the microphone to serenade Oshitari.
"Those two…they're devoted to each other, ne…" Fuji muttered while watching Gakuto.
"What was that saying pertaining to loving somebody and letting go?" Yukimura suddenly asked.
Tezuka cleared his throat, sensing that the topic is not so good for him.
"They say when you love someone, let him go. If he comes back to you, he's yours forever. If he doesn't, he never was." Atobe smirked as if trying to incriminate Tezuka that very moment.
"That's bullshit." Ryoma suddenly said.' Damn! Why do I always get a loose-tongue when I drink?' he mentally scolded himself when the rest of the table occupants stared at him in shock.
"Ryoma…" Ohtori warned.
'I've started it…I better finish it now.' Ryoma took a deep breath before staring back at them head on. "The truth is, if you love someone let him go. If he comes back to you…" he glanced at Tezuka, "…it doesn't mean a damn thing…"
"Why?" Fuji asked, getting interested.
"…because he can always leave you again later knowing you'll take him back." Golden eyes blinked back the hurt that resurfaced from the abyss of his consciousness. "And in the first place, he shouldn't have left you before if he really loves you, right Buchou?"
Tezuka was speechless. It was as if he's been slapped across the face ten times. He fought back the tears that attempted to escape from his eyes. He just replied with a curt nod.
Ohtori looked at Tezuka with amusement shining in his eyes. He knows that it's bad to laugh at other's expense but he's thankful that Ryoma put him in his place. He cast Ryoma a proud look and was very much happy when the freshman smiled back at him.
"Those are very powerful words Echizen-kun." Atobe stated. 'Man that must've hurt so bad, Tezuka-kun. I'm just glad I wasn't in the receiving end of that very fiery comment.'
"Yeah. I never thought you'd be this poetic." Fuji added.
Yukimura on the other hand was just silent, as if studying the intricate scene before him. 'Hmm…I may not be right but hell! It seems like Echizen-kun has a grudge against Tezuka-kun.'
"Oh well…it is a universal truth that hearts are easily broken but it can also be sewn back together by someone who cares," he looked up and got caught in a smoldering gaze with Ohtori. With his heart racing, he continued, " though the scars won't fade, the stitches will always be there to remind you that someone loves you enough to keep you whole." With this, he entwined his fingers with Ohtori. 'Man margarita always makes me a sap. Ch! I hate this…'
"Wow…it looks like that one came from real experience." Yukimura finally said. "You've been hurt before?"
They've waited for the freshman to answer but he just stood up and smirked. "Everybody gets their fair share of pain, Yukimura-senpai." with this, he went up front and snatched the microphone away from Momo, saving everybody from a very excruciating experience.
"Nya O'chibi another treat!!!!" Eiji cheered, having fully recovered from Gakuto's stint earlier.
"Listen up minna-san! The title of the song I'm going to sing now is "You made me stronger" for all of you made me stronger, but there are some who did far more." His gaze shifted to Tezuka. "Here I go…" he said before the music started.
Is it hard to believe I'm okay?
After all, it's been awhile
Since you walked away
I'm way past crying
Over you finding someone else
"You're my idol now Echizen!" Aoi cheered. "You're a star!" he added.
"Yuck Aoi, you're acting like a girl." Shishido said in disdain. 'And besides, he's not that good.' He pouted before he took a sip from his red tea. He glanced at Ohtori and his frown became more prominent when he saw his doubles partner looking like a love-struck puppy at the kid, alongside with Atobe and Yukimura. Tezuka on the other hand was not watching, as if he's engaged in a world on his own.
You turned my days into nights
But now I see the light
And this maybe a big surprise to you
Sad brown eyes blinked back the tears as he listened to his former boyfriend sing his heart out. He knew this would happen, now that Ryoma's with Ohtori. It was stupid for him to try and get him back when he already has someone. He watched while Fuji and the rest get entranced by him and thought, 'I should've seen this coming.' He pushed up his glasses, 'how can I be such a fool?'
But you've made me stronger
By breaking my heart
You ended my life
And made a better one start
You taught me everything
From falling in love
To letting go of a lie
Yes, you've made me stronger
Baby, by saying goodbye
Ryoma has his eyes glued to their table all the time. He made it sure that no one suspects that he's actually singing to Tezuka. 'I'm better now Kunimitsu. I think it's time that we both move on with our lives and put everything in the past, just like what I did with Carlos. Even he is happy where he is right now…' a hint of sadness flashed across his eyes, 'I hope…'
If you try to believe I'm not over you
Go ahead
There's nothing wrong with making believe
I know
Cuz I used to pretend you'd come back to me
'For a long time, Ryoma has been hurting and waiting for you to come back to him. Now I know why he made me wait for quite a time. He's actually giving you a chance, Tezuka-san however you did not realize the opportunity.' Ohtori turned his attention to the said captain. 'It was very hard for me to watch him do that to himself every single time. Don't worry. I'll take care of him now. I'll make sure I won't make the same mistake you did.'
But time has been such a friend
Brought me to my senses again
And I have you to thanked
For setting me free
'I can sense he's fully recovered from the pain you gave him Tezuka-kun. Your foolishness made him like that. And I'll make sure he'll be 100 fine once I've snatched him away from Ohtori. None of you will be able to hurt or take him away from me.' Atobe said in earnest while he watched Ryoma from the rim of his glass. 'You will be mine soon Ryoma. I don't know about Shishido but this will be damn over only if I'm already not Atobe Keigo.'
Cuz you've made me stronger
By breaking my heart
You ended my life
And made a better one start
You taught me everything
From falling in love
To letting go of a lie
Yes, you've made me stronger
Baby, by saying goodbye
'Jesus Christ! Now I get it!' his realization made him smile. 'I bet Tezuka is Echizen-kun's ex-boyfriend who left him for Fuji.' He carefully snatched a glance at Fuji who seemed oblivious to the tension in their table. 'And bless my soul, I think Fuji doesn't have any idea about it. My Tezuka…you're so evil to do that to both of them.'
Think again
Don't feel so sorry for me, my friend
Oh, don't you know
I'm not the one at the losing end
'I've never felt so light before. Maybe doing this is the right thing after all.' Ryoma mused as a certain warmth flooded back into his body. 'I should've done his a long time ago. It would've made everything easier for Choutarou. Way to go, Ryoma…you're growing up.'
Cuz you've made me stronger
By breaking my heart
You ended my life
And made a better one start
You taught me everything
From falling in love
To letting go of a lie
Yes, you've made me stronger
Baby, by saying goodbye
'I'm really sorry…Ryo-chan…'
'I'm really sorry Tezuka-san but I won't give him up…'
'I'm sorry for all of you but Ore-sama will get what he wants.'
'What a very complicated situation…yet it's so enticing that it made me want to join the fun more.'
'Saa…what's going on?'
Yes, you've made me stronger
Baby, by saying goodbye
The cake shop was filled with thundering applause once more. They couldn't help but marvel at the freshman whom from the very start turned their worlds upside down.
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Ohtori followed Tezuka to the restroom. 'I think it's the right thing to do.' he thought as he locked the door. Tezuka was currently washing his face by the sink.
"What do you want?" Tezuka asked without even looking up.
Ohtori's heart was beating so fast as he approached the Seigaku captain. "I…" he nearly backed away when Tezuka turned around and glared at him. " I just want to tell you that you don't have to worry about Ryoma." he swallowed hard. "I'm going to take very good care of him."
Tezuka couldn't believe what he was hearing. 'He's a good guy. Now I've noticed why Ryoma fell for him.' he sadly thought. He walked past the sophomore and turned the knob.
Ohtori held his breath as Tezuka opened the door slightly.
"I understand…" sharp brown eyes softened a little. "Don't hurt him. If you do otherwise I would make you pay so dearly you wouldn't know what hit you." With this, he went out of the restroom.
Ohtori collapsed against the sink, letting out a sigh of relief. 'God Tezuka-san sure is intimidating in and out of the court.' He buried his face in his hands. 'Doesn't matter. Now all I have to worry about is Atobe-buchou and his scheming plans.' He turned and stared at his reflection on the mirror. 'Oh and Yukimura-san as well…'
"Damn Ryoma, why do you have to be so cute and adorable?!" he muttered under his breath before exiting the room as well.
Unbeknownst to them, a shadow shifted inside one of the cubicles; someone other than them already knew the truth…
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The days went by uneventful. Ryoma was able to act normally with Tezuka around since the party, thus making him amicable. Everything would've been perfect but it seems like Fate enjoys making him miserable.
A blonde kid walked into Seigaku. His steps are fast and sure. He has a smirk on his face like a sinister cat who has found its dinner.
The Seigaku Tennis Club is busy with its training especially for Ryoma and Eiji who were chosen to be part of the Japanese Team for the Invitational Cup. The other regulars are occupied with their individual training as well since Nationals is just a few months away. What they didn't expect was Horio fleeing towards them.
"Echizen! Echizen!" he called out.
Ryoma looked very annoyed since his training was interrupted by the blabbering Horio. 'Argh! What now?' "What do you want?" he asked.
"There's a blonde kid who's terrorizing kids out there! He said that we better take him to Echizen Ryoma or he'll do something to us!" Horio spat out.
"Do what?" Momo asked curiously. His game with Taka was interrupted as well.
"You're interrupting Training, Horio-kun." Tezuka walked towards them.
"I don't know. He said the last part in English!" Horio looked very distressed.
"Ahh…I think I've found what I've been looking for." Someone spoke from behind them. They turned around a saw a blonde kid, wearing sleeves shirt and carrying a red tennis bag. They saw the kid smirked and went inside the courts.
"I'm sorry. But outsiders are not allowed to get inside the tennis courts." Tezuka said in perfect English that made everyone, except Ryoma of course, stare up to him in awe. The boy stopped in his tracks.
"Oh I'm sorry. I thought it was ok." His eyes flickered maliciously at everyone one of them. "I'm hoping you could show me where Echizen Ryoma is." He said.
"I'm here. What do you want?" Ryoma stepped up front, meeting the stranger's glare.
"I thought he doesn't speak Japanese." Eiji muttered to Oishi.
"Oh forgive me for being rude, "more of the Japanese kids snorted, "my name is Kevin Smith, a member of the All-American Tennis Team."
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Ohtori accidentally missed his Scud Serve.
"What's wrong Ohtori-kun?" Sakaki-sensei asked.
"Nothing…" Ohtori replied. He stared at his palm before taking another ball. 'What was that feeling? I don't like it…I hope everything's ok at Seigaku.' He mused as he clenched the ball. "Here I go, Hiyoshi-kun. I'll put my soul into this shot!"
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Everybody, except Ryoma, still hasn't recovered from what happened earlier. They were even amazed that Ryoma was able to shrug the American kid off like nothing happened.
Flashback
"I want to play you, Ryoma." Kevin announced.
Ryoma's eyes narrowed when he heard his name. "I don't know you. And I don't want to play." He said firmly.
Kevin's eyes flashed in anger. "You don't know me? I think you better ask your father if he remembers the name Smith." He walked lazily towards the Seigaku freshman. "But that's not my main concern. I said, I want to play you."
"Echizen, don't fall for it." Fuji muttered to him. His eyes were wide opened and were staring daggers at Kevin.
"Who said I would?" Ryoma just glared back at the boy.
"You won't play me? Aww…it's going to be fun." He mockingly pouted. "And besides, I know who you really are Echizen Ryoma." Ryoma's eyes began to constrict at his words. "I've researched everything about you, your life in US, and the people you hang out with…" Kevin smiled ruefully, "even those things that you did."
Silence filled the tennis court.
"Go ahead…say it." Ryoma challenged. "I don't give a damn. As far as I'm concerned, I'm not that person anymore." With this, the freshman pushed past the intruder to go into the clubroom
It took a couple of seconds before the rest of them could react.
"Very well, I'll see in the Invitational Cup then." With this, Kevin walked out of their courts and disappeared from the view.
End of Flashback
"My…Echizen is indeed a box…" Inui started.
"…full of surprises…" Taka continued.
"…and mystery…"
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A/N: HA!!!...i don't know what I'm doing….oh well. Please review!!!!!!!