A Royal Vacation
Chapter 25: Welcome Back Rinko
Ryoma was happy that his mom was back in Japan after her long extended stay in America since he missed her too much. Furthermore, he missed her home cooking the most. Now that they are reunited, he was still not happy about his oyaji leaving him without saying anything. Yup, Ryoma wasn't going to forgive his father that easily.
As Ryoma woke up, he noticed a giant suitcase outside of his room and asked, "Kaa-san, what is all this?"
"This? Oh, it's actually your father's prized possessions." Smiled Rinko.
Why would rinko bring back her husband's prized possessions? That's not possible since this suitcase can't fit possibly everything belonging to Nanjiro, right?
"Wait here a moment Ryo-baby. Let me clear the top of the hallway and then we shall put the suitcase away." And with that she grabbed a mop and dashed upstairs.
As Ryoma observed the suitcase, he was thinking back to the old man's younger days and realized the box could contain other things as well. Furthermore, Ryoma took a juice box and saw that the suitcase was still open. He must know what exactly is inside.
Once Ryoma removed the lock, he noticed that there were tons of data and video tapes that came out. He then decided to investigate in more depth and found out that most of the stuff has something to do with him since it details his childhood and tennis in general. Furthermore, it was bringing Ryoma back to those good old memories once again.
"I see you are looking through your young childhood life, eh?" said Rinko.
"So you knew these things were inside, why did you bring them back here?"
"Well like I said before, it's not that we abandoned you. It's because you are too precious to us and if we didn't leave you behind, you won't be able to surpass your father. Therefore, he wants you to take a step further. That's why we needed to come back and check up on you."
"Che, you should have texted me that message on the phone." Said Ryoma as he pouted.
Rinko only giggled at her son as he stuffed the things back in the suitcase before heading downstairs to eat breakfast.
Just as Ryoma came down, he could hear chattering noises coming from the dining room. He knew that Nanjiroh must have invited his sempais over last night since he was kind enough to let them stay overnight before returning to their destination. How on earth did Nanjiroh manage to bring them all into his house and did he really need them here?
As Ryoma went into the dining room, he sees Fuji sempai drinking a glass of milk while Tezuka was busy reading a magazine. Elsewhere, Yukimura was busy feeding Karupin while Keigo was chatting with the former tennis pro. As for Yuushi, he was just lying back on the couch reading a romance novel while Sanada was watching his favorite television program on tv.
"Good morning Ryo-chan, did you sleep well?" asked Fuji as he smiled.
"Morning Fuji-sempai, I did. But what are you guys doing here?"
"Your father was kind enough to invite us in since we feel you were not safe sleeping all by yourself. Therefore, we needed to keep you company last night, Ryoma. And don't even try to drink any ponta because I've took it all back to my house." Said Tezuka.
"Good morning Buchou. And why did you take all my ponta away? You know I need those to gain energy."
"You should drink protein shakes, they are much better than ponta." Added Yukimura as he placed the last bits of fish food into Karupin's bowl.
"Protein shakes? Who authorized that?"
"Saa, I did of course." Smirked yukimura.
"Nice job, Mura-buchou" smiled Sanada as he gave the rikkai captain a high five.
"Great job hiding the ponta." Smirked Fuji.
"You guys had no right to take my ponta away!" shouted Ryoma angrily.
"Oh but we can, Ryo-baby. Your mom wanted you to start maintaining a good healthy habit." said Sanada.
Ryoma groaned to himself. This was not how he wanted to start his new day. He was supposed to get a few more hours of sleep, but ended up being called down early for breakfast on a daily basis. Seriously when can he sleep in peace?
"How about you, Syuusuke? Are you always this formal in the morning?" asked Tezuka.
Ryoma looked at both of his lovers. Why are they so happy today? And why on earth did they get permission to take Ryoma's favorite drinks away?
"Hey brat! What's the matter? Why the long face?" asked Keigo.
"hello to you too Monkey King!" said Ryoma lazily.
As soon as Keigo heard that, he wanted to show but decided not to. He then pused to wipe his forehead before talking again. "Did someone pick on you again? If so then ore-sama will punish them accordingly."
Fuji couldn't help but chuckle at that response. "you are such a joker, Kei-chan. And also its quite a surprise to see you here as well. It seems that the people of Hyotei wanted you here for a reason eh?"
"Ore-sama was just passing by and saw Ryoma's house so Nanjiroh had to bring me and yuushi inside. Something wrong with that?" he said.
"Nothing's wrong. It's just that having you in our company makes me happy inside." Finished Fuji.
"Ahn, in that case, we should get ready to return to Hokkaido soon. Ryoma, are you finished eating?"
"Almost, Kei-chan. And also please don't rush me as I have to take care of some business in the bathroom."
"Take your time. We will be here all morning you know." Added Yuushi.
A few minutes later, Ryoma emerged from the bathroom and took a seat at the table to finish up what's left of his breakfast. Once that was done, he returned to the living room where Yuushi was and took a seat next to him.
"Ne, yuushi-sempai."
"What is it, Echizen-kun?"
"I noticed that you've been thinking a lot about me lately. Am I really that attractive towards you?"
"Of course. If Keigo feels the same about you then so do I. Besides, when we first met before and during the Kanto tournament, I've set my eyes on you for a while and thought you were the perfect sort of person to hang around with. Besides, you need someone like me to guide you to happiness, to make sure you feel joy and no pain, and to make sure you maintain a healthy habit. As a mother hen of Hyotei, I've been given recommendations from Oishi since he called me last night to come and observe you."
Ryoma was groaning again. How did Oishi-sempai get himself involved in this anyway? He wasn't supposed to have interfered at a time like this.
"Well, whatever. It feels good to have two mother hen sempais around anyway because I feel so loved right now." Smirked Ryoma. "And oh, Atobe-sempai. Since you are here already, do you mind giving me a ride to school so that I can get my tennis bag?"
Keigo was surprised but smiled at him. "Of course!" With a snap of his finger, Ryoma was led into the car by the chauffeurs. Once inside, he and Keigo set close enough to each other before closing the doors. He then leaned onto Keigo's body by lifting his arm and setting it on top of him. "Once we arrive, you can wake me up. I need to sleep a little bit more."
Keigo looked at the sleepy Ryoma for a moment and smirked again. This brat was really able to get plenty of sleep. However, the look on the tennis prodigy's ace reminded him that he was too cute like this. He then signaled the drive to start driving.
"Ne ne, Tezuka. It seems you were outmatched by Keigo." Smiled Fuji.
Tezuka said nothing as he continued watching the car speeding off.
After getting the bags, Ryoma arrived at the tennis courts and saw that Tezuka was listed to play singles again, but he never saw his own name there. He was really looking forward to playing his buchou again. Once the match came and gone for the day, Ryoma took the results to Oishi before seeing Fuji coming out of the courts.
"Since we are taking a one hour break, how about some lunch?" he said. "We have some fried fish bentos for you."
"Sure, of course." Said Ryoma. He was sad that he didn't get to be in Tezuka's group, he was happy to be able to judge the scores while thinking about Karupin.
"What's the matter, were you upset that you didn't get to play?" said Fuji.
"No, of course not. I haven't sent the results of your play yet." Said Ryoma.
"Saa, such a pity. But if you want to play a match with me, you are more than welcome to."
"Of course, Seigaku is very strong." Said Ryoma. He was looking at the cherry blossoms blooming on the warm summer day. This was exactly what he wanted out of this weather since he needs the time to play with his friends. He then took his hand and grabbed one of the cherry blossoms before handing it to Fuji-sempai.
"Saa, so nice of you to give me the flower! My sister would definitely love it." He smirked before catching Echizen in a tight embrace.
"What are you doing, Fuji-sempai? Let go of me!"
"Ryo-chan…. I don't want to let you go." He said as he held the tennis prodigy tightly in his arms. He wasn't sure what was happening as he was released from the grasp.
"You are so selfish Ryo-chan. Are you not allowed to be called by that name?" said Fuji as he pouted for real this time even though he had that smile on his face.
"Fuji-sempai, aren't you already calling me Ryo-chan ever since the first time I met you? And please kindly release me, this sort of chat makes me tired."
Fuji looked down at the tennis prodigy again since he is standing tall. He won't lose to anyone in tennis, especially not to his own teammates. Ryoma was still struggling to set himself free but his eyes are still; not satisfied.
"Ne, Ryoma, can I kiss you?" he asked sweetly.
"HUH!?" Ryoma was in a state of shock. Before he could say anything else, Fuji leaned forward and pressed his lips against Ryoma's face before slipping his tongue into the boy's mouth just like how Seiichi did it last time. Once that was done, Fuji looked at the blushing Ryoma for a moment before hearing Tezuka's voice.
"Ryoma, Fuji!" called Tezuka. He was a bit distracted after hearing Fuji taking Ryoma away like that because he will never find out that the two would be here. Fuji's eyes closed once again before turning his attention towards the captain. "You arrived just in time, Tezuka."
"Ryoma, come with me." Said Tezuka as he addressed Ryoma while ignorning Fuji.
"Hai." Said Ryoma as he walked beside Tezuka while hiding from the sight of Fuji sempai. There was no way that they are that close to each other.
"Oh and fuji, Kikumaru and the others are waiting for you." Finished Tezuka.
Fuji looked back at the cherry blossoms before watching the departing Tezuka though the pathway. "Tezuka-buchou, don't think for one minute that you will leave with Ryoma. I won't give up on him because he is mine." He though to himself.
"So what do you want from me, Buchou?" asked Ryoma as he observed around the club room.
"Something the matter?" asked Tezuka.
"No, it's nothing." Answered Ryoma quickly. But Tezuka could see it in Ryoma's eyes that he was not happy. "Is this about the group competition?"
"Mada Mada Dane." He said.
"Stop using that catchphrase. That's me and Fuji's private engagement." He said.
"Your private engagement? That's why you wanted to have a match with Fuji? How about next time, can I decide on having a match with you?" asked Ryoma.
"Ryoma, if you are interested, I can always spend a little time playing tennis with you." Said Tezuka as he ruffled the boy's head while observing his smile. This was the only way to make his kohai happy.
"Really?" he asked.
"of course." Replied Tezuka.
Now that Ryoma has gotten the approval from Tezuka and Fuji, he breathed a sigh of relief and had gotten over the kissing part. He thought he looked cool with that smile on his face but it only brings a sparkle of happiness in everyone's eyes, especially Kikumaru. He was about to embrace the kitty yet again, but he was dragged away by Oishi due to the disapproving stare from Tezuka and Fuji carrying Inui juice. Furthermore, Ryoma ran towards the mother hen for his own safety since he does not want to go anywhere near those two creeps.
Once everything was packed up, Fuji and Tezuka walked on both sides with Ryoma on the sidewalk towards Keigo's house via the train station. As Fuji looked at the satisfied look on Ryoma's face, he then asked him, "Have you finally felt better now, Ryoma?"
"Yeah, but mada mada dane." He replied. That phrase has gotten Fuji to hear it loud and clear as he leaned down towards the little kid again. "Is it because of me or Tezuka?"
"Ah yes I kind of forgotten." Said Ryoma as he faced his sempais. "I need to remind myself to invite you guys for lunch this afternoon."
"Since we are already done with the club activities for now, let's meet up at Keigo's mansion for lunch." Said Tezuka.
"The golden pair has left for the day as well and they are on their way to the mansion as we speak." Added Fuji.
"I don't care about that. Next time will not happen. Are you guys planning to leave me all alone with a bill?" asked Ryoma. There was a chance that it will be difficult for him to remember all this so he has to take care of it now. He then took out a cell phone from his pocket before dialing Seiichi's number.
"Seiichi-sempai, want to meet up at keigo's mansion for lunch?"
"Hehehe, have you finally figured it out ryo-baby?" asked Seiichi as he smiled.
"Since you remembered it, why didn't you tell me?"
"It's up to you to remind me of that. If you don't want to have lunch with us, what do you think will happen?"
"Che! Mada Mada Dane! We will meet at keigo's house. See you in a bit."
"Of course, we will see you there. Do you hear that, Genichirou? Today we will end our training session."
He then disconnected the call before dialing Keigo's number.
"Eh? When did you get a cell phone, Ryoma? How come we never knew about this?" asked Fuji.
"A few days ago I guess. This way I could better communicate with Seiichi and everyone else." Said Ryoma truthfully before turning his attention towards the phone.
"Moshi Moshi, ore-sama will now hear you speak."
"Kei-chan, this is Ryoma. We just finished with tennis practice so would it be a good idea to meet up at your place for lunch?"
"Ahn, so the little brat is asking me to eat lunch? Well, I would be honored to see you guys there." Smirked Keigo.
"As long as you have something really delicious, I would be happy to oblige. I couldn't stand much more of Fuji's spicy foods anymore."
"Ahn, the taste of spice not to your liking? I can see why you were constantly vomiting like crazy a few weeks ago."
"I don't want to have that reminder anymore, monkey king!"
"Stop calling Ore-sama that vile name!"
"Che! But it still suits you, Kei-chan. What is the best time that we will meet?"
"Ore-sama still has one more hour here. In fact, I might just bring my teammates to the mansion and we will go from there, how's that?"
"Sounds like a plan. See you in a bit." Said Ryoma as he hung up the phone.
Fuji and Tezuka both looked at Ryoma again. "I see you've been keeping in touch with Seiichi. Do you guys talk with each other on a regular basis?"
"Just in these last two days. Seiichi would sometimes text me or call me." Said Ryoma. "And of course the monkey King as well. The last time I rode in his limo, I managed to get his phone number along with his teammates."
"Why didn't you mention this sooner?" asked Fuji as he smiled at his kohai. They both go to the same school. Unless Fuji was the last person to know about Ryoma having a cell phone number?
"You guys didn't ask previously." Said Ryoma innocently.
"Why didn't you tell Keigo sooner? If he finds out you were left behind, what would have happened?" continued Fuji. He was not planning to be left out, especially not Yuushi or Sanada since they are crucial as well.
"All right then, if you are so interested, then you guys leave your contact information for me so I can keep in touch." Said Ryoma. He knows that Fuji was right about this since the Monkey King has been after the most beautiful person so far and if someone else gets to Ryoma first, he would never get over it.
"That's much better. I am so glad we finally have an understanding of each other." Smiled Fuji.
"No ponta during lunch, okay? I brought us some echinacea tea." Said Tezuka as he took out a large box containing packets of tea.
"Saa, you brought tea? That should be good enough. Where did you get it from?"
"My house of course. My mom recommends that you drink this stuff if you want to be in good health, Echizen-kun."
"Why?" asked Ryoma.
"Stop being so selfless. Have you forgotten about your stomach pain?"
"You sure love to blackmail me with that." Pouted Ryoma. "I'm feeling much better now."
"Ahn, what this? What are you feeling better about now? What happened to you?" asked Keigo as he approached the Seigaku regulars.
"Ryoma-chan has been constantly refusing to drink milk since he has stomach bugs. He has been obsessing over ponta for too long now." Said tezuka.
"I see, so that tea is meant to cure stomach aches." Said yuushi as he pointed at the tea packets.
"Tea can also cure colds, which is definitely the reason why my mom wanted me to drink it." Added Hiyoshi.
"You are such a genius, Hiyoshi-sempai! You should definitely be a doctor." Said Ryoma.
"I prefer to be a dojo specialist, thank you." Grunted Hiyoshi
"Is it really that bad to drink milk or Inui Juice? Are you being picky again, ryo-chan?" asked Gakuto as he placed Echizen into a full headlock.
"Gaku-chan, please stop doing that to me, I can't breathe!" said Ryoma as he struggled to set himself free.
"Gakuto, please stop doing that!" said yuushi as he released Gakuto's hands from Ryoma's grasp before gently pulling him back to where he was standing originally.
"Gomen! But why are you calling me 'gaku-chan'? I'm a guy for your information! And why do you not like milk?"
"I just don't like it that's all." Said Ryoma. He has had enough of milk for one day.
"Ah le le? Since Kei-chan is here now, all that's left are Seiichi and Sanada." Smiled Fuji . "Speak of the devil, here they come."
Seiichi immediately bowed towards fuji before they all headed towards Keigo's house. It seems that they are all back together again after having a break. Their eyes are now focused on the youngest tennis player.
"It's been a while, Ryo-chan," said Seiichi pleasantly.
"Seiichi-sempai, great uncle! It's so good to see you all as well." Said Ryoma as he greeted his friends from Rikkai. He noticed changes from his friends since they are wearing suits and ties. It seems that they have changed a lot with their styles of clothing. "My gosh, look at how handsome you guys are."
Sanada didn't say much as he nodded at Ryoma. Although he was blushing a bit, he was supposed to have worn his tennis uniform but it wasn't needed. Furthermore, the plastered smile on Ryoma's face tells him that he finally had a chance to make himself look cool.
After an hour, they arrived at the mansion where the butlers greeted everyone. "Seiichi-san, Sanada-san, welcome to keigo's humble mansion. Please, make yourselves at home."
"Of course, Arigato gozaimasu!" they bowed before they went inside.
"Seiichi-san, you are so full of it," smiled Yuushi as he followed them inside the house while slowly dragging Ryoma alongside him.
"You love to make jokes, Yuushi-sempai. Tezuka's movements are a lot faster than mine." Replied Seiichi.
"Well, now that you had the opportunity to see my house, can we get on with the party?" said Atobe.
Everyone else just went inside before removing their shoes and headed towards the dining room area. Not a word from anyone as they sat down. Even sanada was a bit red in the face since he was unsatisfied with something else. As for Fuji he just watched from the sidelines without saying anything. How was this lunch going to go?
Author's Notes: Well, this chapter wasn't so hard to do since I took my time with the whole lunch thing. I am so glad that I didn't include sushi in there or else Ryoma would pay for it with his life. Furthermore, spicy sushi wasn't his forte so no one will force him to eat it. I was being as creative as possible since everything here is from my own imagination. Therefore, reviews if you please, everyone! We will see you all next time for more.