See chap 1 for disclaimer.
A/N: Chap 2 up. Sorry this took so long because I was debating on whether to cut this scene half because it was getting too long but I've decided not to, so here it is! ^^
blah Italics
Don't forget to review!
Chapter 2: Okaeri
By M-i
Somehow, the seemingly innocent message has brought about thoughts from each one of them. You may call it rekindled of some sort because they weren't really unfamiliar with these pondering moments about certain things. Rather than the excuse of forgetting, they subconsciously wanted to push those thoughts away to avoid trouble. But now, thanks to that kuso baba ~_~;, everything is back.
Unknowingly, each one of them, from different places of course, held the telegram in their hands.
How have you been? Well, four years is actually short for the school to be having something like this, but this will be different and among the Seigaku tennis club only. A Reunion. What do you say? Everyone is invited of course. It will be held on Saturday, one week from which I've written this. It would be an honor for the current members to see the 'legendary team' again, eh? The time's 6:00 pm. Casual. Venue: Seigaku of course. Be looking forward to it.
Ryuzaki Sumire
TENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNIS
Saturday, 3rd week of March, 2003
Seigaku by then was completely decorated for the awaited event. Colored lamps and lights hung around in an irregular pattern that gives a warm and cozy feeling to the cold night air while a long fashioned buffet table stood, occupying the whole left side of the tennis grounds. Indeed, it was much anticipated reunion for the club. Most of the people there are early and chatting freely to friends about almost one thing. Obviously, meeting with the best Seigaku varsity formation ever made four years ago and their excitement now cannot be contained when their coach, Ryuzaki sensei, had told them that all of the former members has sent an affirmative sign that they would arrive to attend. Soon, half of the whole Seigaku grounds was filled with students, and even a few familiar reporters that heard the upcoming celebration.
Unbeknownst to them, outside Seigaku in a darker corner a figure was already casually leaning on the brick wall that concealed his presence. Hazel eyes quietly observing the environment he hasn't seen for a long time and if any of his 'acquaintances' have arrived yet. He mused, and found amusement from the whole situation once again. Just like four years ago. It's still the same, huh? It was then he heard a familiar sigh. He smiled to himself.
" Always the first and responsible one. Just like before." The voice chuckled.
He didn't need to see who was it but out of respect and acknowledgement, he greeted the latter with the same reminiscing tone.
" Oishi. It's been a while." The slight-happiness- didn't escape the former vice captain.
"Yeah, four years. Tezuka 'buchou'." He teasingly smiled back amidst the dark atmosphere.
"You don't have to call me that anymore you know."
"Aa.
Oishi used the remaining time to discreetly observe their ex-captain. If Tezuka looked a lot older and mature four years ago, it didn't compare to the Tezuka now in front of him. He has grown obviously taller, a bit broad shouldered but one you cannot call as overly muscled. His glasses stayed the same though his hair grew a bit longer now, with it extending to the nape of his slender neck. Light brown hair was still tousled but a bit lesser now too for it seemed like some of it fell heavily on his face once allowed to get longer. Together with his handsome sharp features that girls, since then up to now, drooled over, he wouldn't be surprised if Tezuka had been offered a lot of offers to become a part-time model since he's old enough to work albeit being a college student.
While Oishi had been busy assessing him, he paid the former the same courtesy. Oishi, as far as any old acquaintances go, still retained his usual 'youthful' look. Not that he's insulting himself by saying he doesn't look youthful anymore, he meant that even after four years, Oishi still looked the same as he did four years before. Clean, with a hint of motherly mild features, partly shaved hair on the back, though he has more hair not pressed back anymore. Most of it were left down on his forehead and up in stylish semi-spikes. He wasn't lacking in height either since Oishi looked like he was near his level. Overall, looking at the ex-vice captain gave him the impression that Oishi spent his last four years happily and stress free. Tezuka wouldn't be surprised if Oishi suddenly told everyone that he would become a monk and serve old people and children. He *was* the 'mother' of the Seigaku varsity team before.
Already aware of how the whole situation seemed alike to how things were before, including their eerie timing, the two early birds had expected the arrival of the third party any second now. And just in time, stealthy footsteps were heard, growing louder by each moment it came closer to where they stood. Looking up and beside, a smiling, child-like image greeted them. Though his hair is a bit longer now, some strands held back neatly in a small ponytail.
"Konnichiwa." the almost too feminine voice spoke, "It's great seeing both of you again."
A chuckle, "Me too and I believe I speak for Tezuka as well." Oishi smiled as he peered on to the leaning man who raised an eyebrow as he thought of the implications. Tezuka acquired a pink tinge on his cheeks for 0.00002 seconds before it disappeared.
"Huh?" Fuji blinked curiously when his cheeks did the same when his gaze fell on Tezuka. All of them fell silent for a moment. Amazingly, it was Tezuka who broke it first.
"How was your life in Rhode Island?"
"M-Maa, it's okay. We've adjusted to the environment and the people there."
"."
"."
Oishi mentally waved at the discomfort rising in the atmosphere. How could these two be *so* dense?? Yeah, prodigy and tensais huh? Maybe they're just too happy to see each other after four years. He cleared his throat.
"*ahem* Well, out of us eight, the ones who migrated were you, Tezuka, Echizen and Inui, right? So it was kinda hard to keep in touch.."
" Oh yes, speaking of Echizen, I bumped into him once." Fuji spoke up, the tension forgotten.
"Echizen?? Eh? Honto??" Oishi eyed the newcomer oddly, " Even though both of you out of the four went to America, it's not a 'small world' there, unlike Japan. He didn't go to Rhode Island did he?"
" Iye. I accidentally met him while I was in New York for a week's stay."
"I see. So how's our team baby?" Oishi grinned.
" As of now? I don't know because it was a little over a year ago when I last saw him. Only one thing's for sure though. He's very far from being our former team baby ^^;"
Out of the blue, two figures emerged from the familiar darkness the three was wallowing in at that very moment. Surprisingly, the sight only made the former vice-captain flush red on his own cheeks silently and the other two just patiently waiting in the same silent glee as the ones that have arrived took their last step into the dim lights of the lamp post. Snapping out of his reverie, Oishi slapped his forehead.
" For Pete's sake! Four years, Inui! Four years! Four years and you STILL have that damn notebook!"
Inui looked at him behind his mysterious glasses and smirked as well, momentarily pausing his jotting down.
"Well, nice to see you too."
"Oi~shiiiiiiiiii~!!" All at once the previously ignored party that came with Inui lunged and attached himself comfortably like a cat on his former doubles pair.
"E-Eiji!" Oishi stuttered quite nervously, ruffling the other's hair affectionately while desperately trying to hide the red tinge gathering in his cheeks due to the other's close proximity.
" Mou, I'm not a kid! *pout*"
" Hai hai. ^^ But you still act one."
"What do you want me to do? Act like our beloved buchou here? *grins*"
"Nani?" Tezuka looked at the redhead, throwing the other his 'I-dare-you-to- say-more' look.
" =3 Bleh!", Kikumaru dared to playfully stick his tongue out, "You can't make me run laps anymore, ne? buchou?" he teased, before squealing like a happy kid and hiding behind Oishi for just-in-case defense from Tezuka's death glare.
"Loosen up, Tezuka. It's bad for your health you know," Inui opened his notebook again and snorted slightly, " Frowning for four years," he mumbled though it didn't escape everyone's range of hearing and everyone burst out to laughter at their captain's expense.
" Ara, everyone is here already??"
Everyone turned to their side and got a glimpse of the newcomer. "Kawamura! I can't believe you still look the same!"
Kawamura blinked and scratched his head. "Same? Probably." He smiled sheepishly.
"How's your dad?"
"Aa. He's still in his prime and active in the family restaurant. ^^"
"Good, good. Let's get together there after tonight like good old times, ne ne? =3 I wanna try drinking a LOT of sake!! XD"
" O-oi! Eiji! Don't even plan on getting drunk-" Oishi shot a hesitant look on him.
" Heh???? Naze???"
"I'll wind up looking after you again. *groan* remember the last time you tried to drink 10 glasses??! It was midnight and people on the streets kept blaming me for *ahem* ALLOWING MY KOUHAI TO GET DRUNK."
" *giggle* Well, Oishi. It was your fault you look older. And anyway, I had fun hearing people say you being shameless for getting your OTOTOU drunk. Hahaha!! Aww. Do we look alike?" he purred and grabbed Oishi's head in an embrace while he pouted like a 6-yr old. " Ne ne, you didn't molest me that night did you?? Hmm, maybe you took advantage of me being drunk!" Kikumaru scampered away, fake tears from his eyes and looking at the other like some broken hearted girl from a shojou manga.
" Ch-chotto matte!! I DID NOT!! EIJIII!!! Stop that this instant!!! //////"
" Of course. That would be great!^^ Tousan won't mind closing the shop for a get-together." Kikumaru sweatdropped.
" Oi! What the hell are you guys doing??" They heard somebody shout from the street across the alleyway they were standing at. Upon better inspection, it was a black Jaguar; only, the one sitting on the driver's seat seemed to put the whole scene--- wrong.
" Momoshiro??? What are you doing with that black Jaguar??" Kikumaru screamed excitedly, running to the former while the rest walked to smirking violet-eyed boy.
"Cool ain't it?" Momoshiro smiled smugly as he patted the stirring wheel. Well. Not until someone everyone missed in the passenger seat due to the darkness whacked him hard on the head.
" Ikaginishiro!!!" a furious yet calm voice echoed from the car. Kikumaru leaned and peeked inside the sports car. His eyes immediately widened.
" OCHIBI???"
The annoyed veins vanished from his head as Echizen looked up to his sempai's face. "Un, sempai" he nodded in acknowledgement before opening the door, stepping outside and stifling a yawn. Almost all jaws dropped at the sight.
Indeed, he surpassed being the team baby though he was still the youngest. Overall, he was still the same Echizen Ryoma. Same semi-unruly dark green hair, same facial features but a bit more stern and mature, golden eyes, of course, not the big, calculating yet innocent ones before, developing a certain narrowing edge along with a stare that can freeze other people upon a mere glance with it's detachment and coolness.
Height? Don't bet on it. He was *tall* and he had managed to keep that nice, lean not-so-muscular image which his all-black outfit is showing now. Snug black pants and a long sleeved semi-snug turtleneck back sweater did him justice. It was Inui who first broke the silence with a slight laugh.
" That two bottles of milk per day *was* a good advice."
"Oh yeah, why is Echizen with you?" Fuji asked curiously.
"I just picked him up from he airport a while back. And this baby-" Momoshiro ran a hand on the sports car, "Was lent to me by his father when he requested me to pick him up since we are both going to the same party anyway."
" I see. Well then looks like Kaido is the only one missing now." Kawamura commented.
Momoshiro quaffed, closing the car door behind him and walking towards the group, "And here I thought me and Echizen would turn out as the usual late-for-anything team. That mabushi- OOF!" he stammered when he bumped into something-or someone he didn't see in the dark walking towards the same direction.He gritted his teeth and the next thing he knew, he was glaring at a pair of flaring eyes.
" Who's the mabushi????!!!" the surprisingly-there Kaido hissed.
"You! Why? You wanna make something of it??" Momoshiro spat back.
"Why you-!" Kaido almost lunged when a grip on his shoulder stopped him.
" That's enough. Nice to see you again, Kaido." Inui greeted before putting his hand down. " Now we are all compete, why don't we join our hosts then?"
"Ikuzo."
Tezuka began to walk towards Seigaku entrance with the others following behind him. Within a matter of seconds, shrieks could be heard echoing in the midnight sky.
Tsuzuku +++++ TENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNIS
Author's notes:
Okee~ another chap out! ^^ Tell me what you think, m'kay?? Comments would be loved very much and the authoress'd love you!! *^^* So click on that blue-purple button down there!! *sigh* I think I need inspiration for my other fic, wait scratch that. Actually, I have the plot going on but my brain is jumbling all the events in my head ~_~ Ah that's life.
REVIEW!! XD
-M-i-
A/N: Chap 2 up. Sorry this took so long because I was debating on whether to cut this scene half because it was getting too long but I've decided not to, so here it is! ^^
blah Italics
Don't forget to review!
Chapter 2: Okaeri
By M-i
Somehow, the seemingly innocent message has brought about thoughts from each one of them. You may call it rekindled of some sort because they weren't really unfamiliar with these pondering moments about certain things. Rather than the excuse of forgetting, they subconsciously wanted to push those thoughts away to avoid trouble. But now, thanks to that kuso baba ~_~;, everything is back.
Unknowingly, each one of them, from different places of course, held the telegram in their hands.
How have you been? Well, four years is actually short for the school to be having something like this, but this will be different and among the Seigaku tennis club only. A Reunion. What do you say? Everyone is invited of course. It will be held on Saturday, one week from which I've written this. It would be an honor for the current members to see the 'legendary team' again, eh? The time's 6:00 pm. Casual. Venue: Seigaku of course. Be looking forward to it.
Ryuzaki Sumire
TENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNIS
Saturday, 3rd week of March, 2003
Seigaku by then was completely decorated for the awaited event. Colored lamps and lights hung around in an irregular pattern that gives a warm and cozy feeling to the cold night air while a long fashioned buffet table stood, occupying the whole left side of the tennis grounds. Indeed, it was much anticipated reunion for the club. Most of the people there are early and chatting freely to friends about almost one thing. Obviously, meeting with the best Seigaku varsity formation ever made four years ago and their excitement now cannot be contained when their coach, Ryuzaki sensei, had told them that all of the former members has sent an affirmative sign that they would arrive to attend. Soon, half of the whole Seigaku grounds was filled with students, and even a few familiar reporters that heard the upcoming celebration.
Unbeknownst to them, outside Seigaku in a darker corner a figure was already casually leaning on the brick wall that concealed his presence. Hazel eyes quietly observing the environment he hasn't seen for a long time and if any of his 'acquaintances' have arrived yet. He mused, and found amusement from the whole situation once again. Just like four years ago. It's still the same, huh? It was then he heard a familiar sigh. He smiled to himself.
" Always the first and responsible one. Just like before." The voice chuckled.
He didn't need to see who was it but out of respect and acknowledgement, he greeted the latter with the same reminiscing tone.
" Oishi. It's been a while." The slight-happiness- didn't escape the former vice captain.
"Yeah, four years. Tezuka 'buchou'." He teasingly smiled back amidst the dark atmosphere.
"You don't have to call me that anymore you know."
"Aa.
Oishi used the remaining time to discreetly observe their ex-captain. If Tezuka looked a lot older and mature four years ago, it didn't compare to the Tezuka now in front of him. He has grown obviously taller, a bit broad shouldered but one you cannot call as overly muscled. His glasses stayed the same though his hair grew a bit longer now, with it extending to the nape of his slender neck. Light brown hair was still tousled but a bit lesser now too for it seemed like some of it fell heavily on his face once allowed to get longer. Together with his handsome sharp features that girls, since then up to now, drooled over, he wouldn't be surprised if Tezuka had been offered a lot of offers to become a part-time model since he's old enough to work albeit being a college student.
While Oishi had been busy assessing him, he paid the former the same courtesy. Oishi, as far as any old acquaintances go, still retained his usual 'youthful' look. Not that he's insulting himself by saying he doesn't look youthful anymore, he meant that even after four years, Oishi still looked the same as he did four years before. Clean, with a hint of motherly mild features, partly shaved hair on the back, though he has more hair not pressed back anymore. Most of it were left down on his forehead and up in stylish semi-spikes. He wasn't lacking in height either since Oishi looked like he was near his level. Overall, looking at the ex-vice captain gave him the impression that Oishi spent his last four years happily and stress free. Tezuka wouldn't be surprised if Oishi suddenly told everyone that he would become a monk and serve old people and children. He *was* the 'mother' of the Seigaku varsity team before.
Already aware of how the whole situation seemed alike to how things were before, including their eerie timing, the two early birds had expected the arrival of the third party any second now. And just in time, stealthy footsteps were heard, growing louder by each moment it came closer to where they stood. Looking up and beside, a smiling, child-like image greeted them. Though his hair is a bit longer now, some strands held back neatly in a small ponytail.
"Konnichiwa." the almost too feminine voice spoke, "It's great seeing both of you again."
A chuckle, "Me too and I believe I speak for Tezuka as well." Oishi smiled as he peered on to the leaning man who raised an eyebrow as he thought of the implications. Tezuka acquired a pink tinge on his cheeks for 0.00002 seconds before it disappeared.
"Huh?" Fuji blinked curiously when his cheeks did the same when his gaze fell on Tezuka. All of them fell silent for a moment. Amazingly, it was Tezuka who broke it first.
"How was your life in Rhode Island?"
"M-Maa, it's okay. We've adjusted to the environment and the people there."
"."
"."
Oishi mentally waved at the discomfort rising in the atmosphere. How could these two be *so* dense?? Yeah, prodigy and tensais huh? Maybe they're just too happy to see each other after four years. He cleared his throat.
"*ahem* Well, out of us eight, the ones who migrated were you, Tezuka, Echizen and Inui, right? So it was kinda hard to keep in touch.."
" Oh yes, speaking of Echizen, I bumped into him once." Fuji spoke up, the tension forgotten.
"Echizen?? Eh? Honto??" Oishi eyed the newcomer oddly, " Even though both of you out of the four went to America, it's not a 'small world' there, unlike Japan. He didn't go to Rhode Island did he?"
" Iye. I accidentally met him while I was in New York for a week's stay."
"I see. So how's our team baby?" Oishi grinned.
" As of now? I don't know because it was a little over a year ago when I last saw him. Only one thing's for sure though. He's very far from being our former team baby ^^;"
Out of the blue, two figures emerged from the familiar darkness the three was wallowing in at that very moment. Surprisingly, the sight only made the former vice-captain flush red on his own cheeks silently and the other two just patiently waiting in the same silent glee as the ones that have arrived took their last step into the dim lights of the lamp post. Snapping out of his reverie, Oishi slapped his forehead.
" For Pete's sake! Four years, Inui! Four years! Four years and you STILL have that damn notebook!"
Inui looked at him behind his mysterious glasses and smirked as well, momentarily pausing his jotting down.
"Well, nice to see you too."
"Oi~shiiiiiiiiii~!!" All at once the previously ignored party that came with Inui lunged and attached himself comfortably like a cat on his former doubles pair.
"E-Eiji!" Oishi stuttered quite nervously, ruffling the other's hair affectionately while desperately trying to hide the red tinge gathering in his cheeks due to the other's close proximity.
" Mou, I'm not a kid! *pout*"
" Hai hai. ^^ But you still act one."
"What do you want me to do? Act like our beloved buchou here? *grins*"
"Nani?" Tezuka looked at the redhead, throwing the other his 'I-dare-you-to- say-more' look.
" =3 Bleh!", Kikumaru dared to playfully stick his tongue out, "You can't make me run laps anymore, ne? buchou?" he teased, before squealing like a happy kid and hiding behind Oishi for just-in-case defense from Tezuka's death glare.
"Loosen up, Tezuka. It's bad for your health you know," Inui opened his notebook again and snorted slightly, " Frowning for four years," he mumbled though it didn't escape everyone's range of hearing and everyone burst out to laughter at their captain's expense.
" Ara, everyone is here already??"
Everyone turned to their side and got a glimpse of the newcomer. "Kawamura! I can't believe you still look the same!"
Kawamura blinked and scratched his head. "Same? Probably." He smiled sheepishly.
"How's your dad?"
"Aa. He's still in his prime and active in the family restaurant. ^^"
"Good, good. Let's get together there after tonight like good old times, ne ne? =3 I wanna try drinking a LOT of sake!! XD"
" O-oi! Eiji! Don't even plan on getting drunk-" Oishi shot a hesitant look on him.
" Heh???? Naze???"
"I'll wind up looking after you again. *groan* remember the last time you tried to drink 10 glasses??! It was midnight and people on the streets kept blaming me for *ahem* ALLOWING MY KOUHAI TO GET DRUNK."
" *giggle* Well, Oishi. It was your fault you look older. And anyway, I had fun hearing people say you being shameless for getting your OTOTOU drunk. Hahaha!! Aww. Do we look alike?" he purred and grabbed Oishi's head in an embrace while he pouted like a 6-yr old. " Ne ne, you didn't molest me that night did you?? Hmm, maybe you took advantage of me being drunk!" Kikumaru scampered away, fake tears from his eyes and looking at the other like some broken hearted girl from a shojou manga.
" Ch-chotto matte!! I DID NOT!! EIJIII!!! Stop that this instant!!! //////"
" Of course. That would be great!^^ Tousan won't mind closing the shop for a get-together." Kikumaru sweatdropped.
" Oi! What the hell are you guys doing??" They heard somebody shout from the street across the alleyway they were standing at. Upon better inspection, it was a black Jaguar; only, the one sitting on the driver's seat seemed to put the whole scene--- wrong.
" Momoshiro??? What are you doing with that black Jaguar??" Kikumaru screamed excitedly, running to the former while the rest walked to smirking violet-eyed boy.
"Cool ain't it?" Momoshiro smiled smugly as he patted the stirring wheel. Well. Not until someone everyone missed in the passenger seat due to the darkness whacked him hard on the head.
" Ikaginishiro!!!" a furious yet calm voice echoed from the car. Kikumaru leaned and peeked inside the sports car. His eyes immediately widened.
" OCHIBI???"
The annoyed veins vanished from his head as Echizen looked up to his sempai's face. "Un, sempai" he nodded in acknowledgement before opening the door, stepping outside and stifling a yawn. Almost all jaws dropped at the sight.
Indeed, he surpassed being the team baby though he was still the youngest. Overall, he was still the same Echizen Ryoma. Same semi-unruly dark green hair, same facial features but a bit more stern and mature, golden eyes, of course, not the big, calculating yet innocent ones before, developing a certain narrowing edge along with a stare that can freeze other people upon a mere glance with it's detachment and coolness.
Height? Don't bet on it. He was *tall* and he had managed to keep that nice, lean not-so-muscular image which his all-black outfit is showing now. Snug black pants and a long sleeved semi-snug turtleneck back sweater did him justice. It was Inui who first broke the silence with a slight laugh.
" That two bottles of milk per day *was* a good advice."
"Oh yeah, why is Echizen with you?" Fuji asked curiously.
"I just picked him up from he airport a while back. And this baby-" Momoshiro ran a hand on the sports car, "Was lent to me by his father when he requested me to pick him up since we are both going to the same party anyway."
" I see. Well then looks like Kaido is the only one missing now." Kawamura commented.
Momoshiro quaffed, closing the car door behind him and walking towards the group, "And here I thought me and Echizen would turn out as the usual late-for-anything team. That mabushi- OOF!" he stammered when he bumped into something-or someone he didn't see in the dark walking towards the same direction.He gritted his teeth and the next thing he knew, he was glaring at a pair of flaring eyes.
" Who's the mabushi????!!!" the surprisingly-there Kaido hissed.
"You! Why? You wanna make something of it??" Momoshiro spat back.
"Why you-!" Kaido almost lunged when a grip on his shoulder stopped him.
" That's enough. Nice to see you again, Kaido." Inui greeted before putting his hand down. " Now we are all compete, why don't we join our hosts then?"
"Ikuzo."
Tezuka began to walk towards Seigaku entrance with the others following behind him. Within a matter of seconds, shrieks could be heard echoing in the midnight sky.
Tsuzuku +++++ TENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNISTENNIS
Author's notes:
Okee~ another chap out! ^^ Tell me what you think, m'kay?? Comments would be loved very much and the authoress'd love you!! *^^* So click on that blue-purple button down there!! *sigh* I think I need inspiration for my other fic, wait scratch that. Actually, I have the plot going on but my brain is jumbling all the events in my head ~_~ Ah that's life.
REVIEW!! XD
-M-i-
