Disclaimer: I don't own Tennis no Ohjisama, and I'm not very rich so if you sued me, all you'd get is my book collection. So don't
Author's Notes: As I said before, I kind of messing around with some details in the timeline. For example in this timeline Akutsu did come to Seigaku and beat up Arai, Kachirou, and Ryoma, but didn't hit rocks on his face, only on his arms and legs. He came after Tuesday, but before Friday night. Why did I do this? Because I forgot, no, really, if he did then Sakura would have notice that Ryoma was sporting a band aid and would have asked about it sometime before Chapter 6, but she didn't so she doesn't know. Why didn't Sakuno tell her? Because she's preoccupied with other things, don't you think?
Change of pace, I'm going to thank my reviewers here instead of at the end of the chapter. Why, really don't know, just felt like it. Ha, no, um h0shiko mentioned that she didn't know what an Epipen was. I realized that a lot of people may have no idea what an Epipen is so I'm going to explain it now. Epipen is short for some really long name, but basically Epinephrine Pen. Epinephrine is better known as adrenaline. An Epipen looks like a thicker and longer pen, but really contains a big needle and either 15 or 30 mg of epinephrine. The needle is larger and thicker than most needles you see; the reason being that the needle needs to be thick enough to pierce clothing (like jeans and other layers of clothing) if it needs too. However, in order for the needle to stick out of the pen, someone needs to pull off the gray activation cap on the other side. Now you're probably wondering why adrenaline is used to help counter an anaphylactic reaction. One of the side effects of anaphylaxis is loss of blood pressure; the dose of adrenaline boosts blood pressure to help the victim survive.
How do I know all of this? My parents have experience in the medical field, my mother was a nurse (retired after 30 years) and my father is a pharmacist. Also, I have a couple of friends who are severely allergic to bees and wasps, one of which I worked with. He showed me his Epipen and told me how to use it if he got stung outside of the store we worked at. I'm not joking about the needle being big and long because my friend told me that when he was flying to California, airport security was debating about letting him bring it aboard the cabin because they didn't know what it was, and said the needle was too sharp/big. So for all you confused by what happened in the last chapter, I hope this clarifies things.
Rebecca: Hey, I hope you didn't think that I forgot you or anything. I checked my reviews before updating, but yours wasn't up yet. I'm glad you thought Chapter 7 was cute. When I finished it, I was pretty proud of it.
Hitori: I figured it was about time to explain the first scene from the first chapter. I'm glad that you found to be helpful in understanding Sakura's past. I will admit the second one was more for fluff instead of substance. About a Sakura/Tezuka pairing, yeah, she's two years older than Tezuka, but you have to remember he's 14 and she's only 16, I really don't see much a happening, but you never know.
Mithrandir89: Hee hee, I must admit I would love to have a picture of Tezuka's face when she did beat him in tennis. Hee hee, unfortunately, as I said before, I'm a poor artist, so I don't have an actual picture. I must admit the more that I write, the more a Sakura and Tezuka pairing appeals to me.
Cipii: You like Sakura? Wow, that's high praise, because I do remember reading a review, which you stated you hated original characters. I'm pleased that you like my story. To tell you the truth, the real reason I named my character Sakura was because it was the only female Japanese name I could think of at the time. When I realized how confusing it might be to readers, it was too late. I already started to have a plotline and her personality was formed. For me to change the name would mean for me to change her personality and frankly at that point, I was too lazy to do it. Sorry. ^_^` I try not to make too many grammatical errors, but I must also confess that while I always did well in English Lit; I sucked at English Lang. I don't have a beta reader, so I edit by myself, probably not the smartest idea, since I usually miss most of my mistakes. A beta reader would be nice, but I don't check my e-mail on a regular basis. I'm weird like that. Sorry for making this so long, I really didn't mean to. Oh yeah, when are you going to update your fics? I love Undercurrents and Solitude (Go Ryoma x Sakuno!)! I want to know who the murderer is in Undercurrents. It's fics like that, which make Phoenix think of new stories (because the fics are not done) while I pull at my hair in despair as I try to write this story.
H0shiko: I hope my note above helped you out. I like scenes that live that leave a nice big WAFF inside too. Heck, I love them, they're always soo cute and nice! However, I have yet to master the art of writing a good WAFF scene without leaving the reader with tons of tooth decay. Don't believe me? Read my other fic Blind Devotion. There's a reason why I haven't finished it.
Chapter 9 – News
Sunday
Tezuka was waiting at the tennis courts with Fuji when he noticed members of the press beginning to converge on their position.
"Excuse me, but is Ryuzaki Sumire your coach?" One reporter asked him. Taken aback that they were looking for sensei, Tezuka didn't respond at first, but Fuji did.
"Yes, why?"
Other reporters suddenly emerged and crowed around the two boys. "Is it true that her granddaughter Sakuno collapsed two days ago?
"Do you know where Sakuno is now?"
"Is there any truth in the rumor that your coach had a breakdown?"
Before any of them could respond, Ryuzaki-sensei descended upon the reporters like an angry demon. "Get my team disqualified from the tournament by making them late, making them ineligible to participate in the National Tournament, and I'll make sure that every last one of you are transferred to reporting about library readings." She stated. "Unless you're here about the tennis tournament, I suggest you leave. You all already have my statement about The National's article."
"Yes, but since the article's release, many are interested in your granddaughter's version of events." One overeager reporter pointed out.
Ryuzaki-sensei's eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Tell me young man, are your parents still alive?"
The reporter looked stunned for a moment before nodding.
"Well, how would you feel if you saw them die suddenly and someone asked you to relive it to satisfy the curiosity of complete strangers?" The press had the grace to look a little ashamed at their persistence. "Please leave my 12 year old granddaughter along." She asked as she led the players away from the reporters.
"Have they been like that to every player?" Fuji asked.
She nodded but something in her attitude indicated that she was thinking about other matters than tennis. Meanwhile, the other members were already waiting inside the tennis garden. Ryoma was drinking a Ponta when Tomoka walked by alone.
"Oy! Osakada-san, where's Ryuzaki-san?" Horio asked unaware of the events on Friday.
"I talked to her uncle, and he said she wasn't feeling well last night so she may not be able to come."
The news made Ryoma a bit upset. Although Sakuno had told him that she may not be come, a part of him had believed she make it. She never missed an official match before. It's not like she's been to every match I've participated. She hasn't been to any of my street matches. Still it was weird not having her to cheer him to victory.
"Those reporters are annoying, nya!" Kikumaru complained as they watched the other matches. It turned out that Grinka withdrew from their match. The team waited to see if their opponent would be Fudomine or Yamabuki. However, the team stayed away from the entrance because the press showed no signs of leaving. "It's been over 20 minutes, you'd think they'd get the idea that Sakuno isn't coming." He continued.
"They're the press Eiji. They won't leave if they think they have a chance of catching a good story." Oishi pointed out.
"Hmph, but do they have to bother us?"
"They just believe we have a story to tell as well."
Suddenly, the referee announced that Fudomine would withdraw from their matches. The announcement surprised everybody except for the Seigaku team since they noticed Akutsu's smirk. Even with everything that was going on with Sakuno, the team had their own problems. Akutsu Jin came to their school, beaten up Arai, Kachirou, and even hit rocks at Ryoma. That didn't include the fact that all of the regulars had heard about what happened to Karamura from either Momshiro, Kikumaru or Inui. All the regulars wanted revenge and now they were going to get their chance. The match ups revealed Ryoma in the second singles while his opponent would be Akutsu. The young player grinned, so he'll be getting his revenge after all.
Tezuka was slightly disappointed that he would not get the chance to teach the arrogant player a lesson. However, he knew that Ryoma was perfectly able to dish out his own brand of punishment. He observed the doubles match when his phone vibrated. Grabbing it he noticed that it was a text message from Sakura.
~Is the press there?~
~Yes.~
~Are they using flash photography?~
~Yes.~
~How's Grinka?~
~Withdrew, Playing Yamabuki.~
~Where is Ryoma in the lineup?~
~2nd Singles.~
~Who's playing now?~
~2nd Doubles.~
~Thanks! ^v^ TTYL ~
"You still want to go?" Sakura asked as she lowered her cell phone.
Sakuno nodded.
"Even with the press there?"
She hesitated but nodded again. "But isn't there anyway we could avoid them?"
Sakura thought for a moment, "I know of a couple ways to avoid and distract the press. Come on we need to change our clothes first." Sakura finished before her cousin. During the time she waited for her, Sakura made one more phone call. "Ken-san? I need a favor."
It was another twenty minutes when the players noticed the reporters swarming towards something. Curious, Ryoma inched towards the entrance and craned his neck in their direction. Not seeing anything, he ventured closer to the steps to see Sakura being bombarded by questions about everything. Looking at her, Ryoma noticed that Sakura didn't' put much effort in disguising herself to the media. She was wearing a loose stylish tee with her jeans, along with her glasses and gray contacts and makeup. He realized that she changed her appearance to be Selene and she was acting like her too. Teasing, flirty, and smiling, Ryoma smirked as she saw her convince the photographers to turn off their flash photography as she evaded their questions. She received a phone call on her cell, but ignored it as she posed for another picture. Ryoma didn't even notice the trio, a coach with two students, coming into the tennis garden, but neither did the press.
"Oichibi! Where are you? You need to warm up soon!" Kikamura called out, meaning that the 1st doubles match was over and Momoshiro's match was about to begin.
Meanwhile Tezuka noticed someone come up right side while Oishi, Fuji, and he watched Momoshiro play. Stealing a quick look, he saw that the person was Kenichi.
"Not much of a talker, are you?" Kenichi told the player after he stood there for a minute.
"Do you follow jr. high tennis?"
"Oh, he speaks!" Kenichi said with a smile. Tezuka felt a scowl coming. Apparently so did Kenichi because he quickly followed up his first comment, "Actually, I came as a favor to Selene-san. Her father and cousin are looking for some kid name Echizen."
"How did you get by the –"
"Press? Who do you think is out there distracting them?"
"By herself?" a concerned Oishi asked.
"Selene-san can charm their socks off. When it comes to giving the press an answer, she's a genius at not giving a real answer. Really, all one ever needs to do is smile and pretend to answer their questions. They don't pay too much attention." He stood in silence for a minute before making another observation. "She's really too lonely."
"Excuse me?" Oishi let out before he could stop himself. Kenichi's observation caught the others off guard.
"It's true."
Oishi looked at him in disbelief. "You just said that Sakura-chan could 'charm the socks off' the press and you then say that she's too lonely. I'm sorry, but I find that hard to believe."
"Just because you're charming and outgoing doesn't mean you're not lonely."
"Doesn't mean you are."
"You called her 'Sakura-chan.'"
"What of it?"
"None of us at the agency call her Sakura-chan. I've known her for a year and she still doesn't let me call her by her first name, not even just Selene. And only her family gets to call her Lena-chan."
"Doesn't prove she's lonely."
"No, but it implies that she's guarded."
"Why do you care?"
"Why do you?" The two stared at each other before Kenichi answered. "Because she's too nice of a person to be alone with her demons."
Oishi gave him another incredulous look. "And you have no ulterior motives?"
Kenichi gave him a smirk, "You'd think that. Not that I haven't tried, but Selene-san has made it clear she's not interested." Upon hearing those words a part of Tezuka relaxed, a part he didn't even notice was tense. "In fact, I bet she doesn't have that many close friends let alone a boyfriend."
Again, Kenichi managed to say something that grated on his nerves, "What makes you think she doesn't have a boyfriend." He asked softly.
"Because I told him I didn't have one." A quiet voice answered. The group turned to see a somewhat bemused Sakura standing about 20 feet away. "Don't you know it's rude to talk about someone behind their back?" She continued, as Oishi turned red.
"How long have you been there?" Kenichi asked her.
She grinned, "Long enough." Sakura sighed, "Really Ken-san, don't you have anything better to do then to try and find me boyfriends."
"You know I'm going find someone for you." He told her in mock seriousness.
"You're worse than my friends back home. And pray tell me good sir, between school, my job, and my work with Dad's students; am I going to find the time to date someone?" She asked as she rolled her eyes.
He shrugged, "Internet?" She shook her head and swore in Chinese, "Hey, no fair cursing in a language I don't understand!" He exclaimed.
"Aiya! Fine, you're an idiot, happy? Just because you can't get a date and doesn't mean you should live vicariously through me."
"Oh, you wound me. Actually, I was just hoping for the identity of the boy you like."
Sakura muffled a laugh, but failed, "What makes you think I like a boy, Ken-san?"
"Just a feeling, besides there's no way that you would turn down dates from all of the other guys at work, most of them are nice guys too, and not have a crush."
"That's some of the dumbest logic I've ever heard in my life."
"But you never said it's not true." She rolled her eyes at that comment. "I'm going to figure out who it is you know."
She walked right up to him and gave him a mock kick. "You're infuriating. I'm really going to hurt you one of these days."
"Hey! You're the one who called me."
"I know, and I'm beginning to regret it." She murmured.
Ken put his hands over his heart, "Uh! You wound me again. There are only so many times I can handle being mistreated so badly."
"You say that every time." She said with an amused smile. "Come on, I'm want to watch the match." He gave her a small smile before turning around and walked towards the vending machines. Sakura headed towards the players. She stopped as she stood between the Tezuka and Oishi. Oishi watched her the entire time and seemed unsure if he should mention anything. Fortunately, Sakura took the decision out of his hands, "You can ask if you want." She said; her face trained on the match before her.
"Is anything he said true?"
"A little. I do try to keep my personal life and my professional life as separate as possible. I'm not sure mixing the two while I'm still so young is a good idea."
"And the part about you being lonely?"
She gave him a placating smile, "Aren't we all lonely in some way Syu-kun?" Suddenly the boys understood what Kenichi meant when he told them that Sakura could answer questions without actually answering the questions.
Ryoma was hitting balls at the wall in one of the practice courts. It was comforting to hear the ball go "pok, pok, pok," as it hit the wall. He was able to control where the ball was going to hit the wall. He was able to control the speed of the ball. He was able to control how hard he could hit the ball. So why the hell wasn't he able to control the way he was feeling right now! It wasn't fear, nor did he doubt his skills. However, he was anxious about something; he just couldn't figure out what was going on. Admitting that to himself only made him angry, and he couldn't afford to get too angry right before a match, especially against Akutsu. Akutsu, that name brought up a whole new set of emotions like revenge. Ryoma shook his head, if he wanted his revenge; he needed to be calm and collected. He couldn't loose his temper; not now or later when he actually would play. Yet, after his thoughts of revenge cleared, he was back to feeling the feeling of anxiety. So the cycle would start over again, and again, and again.
A sigh escaped his lips before he could stop it. He stopped the ball to wipe the sweat off of his forehead. Ryoma was so focused on the task at hand that he didn't hear the small footsteps which were approaching behind him but stopped before getting too close.
"Ryoma . . . Ryoma-kun?" a soft apprehensive voice inquired. A voice Ryoma would know anywhere. He turned around to see Sakuno standing at the doorway leading into the court. Her expression was anxious and entire body betrayed her lack of calm as she kept twisting the hem of her skirt. She looked straight at him, and when he returned her gaze, she found herself feeling flush under the intensity of his scrutiny. Staring at her Ryoma realized that his anxiety was starting to dissipate. He wasn't anxious about the match, he was anxious for her wellbeing. The implications of this discovery shocked him. Since when did he care that much for her?
Sakuno started to feel a little nervous. Since he realized she was there, he hadn't moved nor did he say anything. Was he upset with her for disturbing his warm-up time? "Ano, if this is a bad time Ryoma-kun, I could leave-"
"No." He cut her off softly. "You weren't bothering me." Not knowing what to say next, the two just stood there in silence for a small amount of time before he spoke again. "I thought you said you weren't going to come."
She hesitated before a blush diffused over her cheeks, "I decided that I didn't want to miss seeing you play." Ryoma stared at her, amazed at her naïve honesty. Another silence fell over them, but it wasn't awkward, this time it was a soft pleasant silence, one where the two just stood there enjoying being in the other's presence.
"Ah, how sweet, the little shrimp has a girlfriend."
Ryom lifted his gaze away from Sakuno to find a very smug Akutsu smirking at them.
Jadeling's Notes: I know; you all hate me. Phoenix is being annoying. Won't stop telling me about other stuff. Ahh!!! Phoenix! I'm trying to write this story, get it? This one!
Phoenix: But, but, there are so many different stories you could work on too!
Jadeling: Yeah, but then I'll never finish any of them, because you get distracted too easily.
Do not!
Do to!
Do not! Hey, that reminds me, I was thinking of something that would be perfect for an Ami/Zoicite st-
See! You're doing it now!
Oops! Sorry! Anyway, I was thinking about this fic, and I decided what you should write about in the next chappie.
Okay, so what should I write about?
Well, how about Sakura having conversation revealing her true feelings?
Okay, with who? Sakuno? Oishi? Tezuka?
Fuji.
Fuji? HOW IN THE-? How am I going to be able to maneuver that one?
Like this (reveals pages of written paper), but since you're mean to me; I don't think I'll let you see these in a while (begins to run away with said pages)
PHOENIX! GET BACK HERE! (begins to chase her around the neighborhood to obtain said sheets.)