Ponta: This story is going to be longer than I thought. BUT I GET TO ENJOY WRITING CUTE MOMO X RYOMA MOMENTS! But the world is coming to an end, my horrible teachers are taking a trip in spring break and leaving me here, rotting in home, working on homework packed break. WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

QueenofEngland: HO HO HO HO HO! I going to go enjoy a nice trip in Hawaii, where I can show off my beautiful skin, enjoy sunbathing, and I COULD BUY EXOTIC MAKEUPS!

Ponta: ..................................................................TAKE ME WITH YOU!

QueenofEngland: Hmmm, should I take my slave with me?

Ponta: ... I'M NOT YOUR SLAVE! AND WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE!?

QueenofEngland: So I can enjoy watching you suffer and see those beautiful people in actions.

Momo: .... Ryoma, I'm very confused, is that person actually a man or a woman?

Ryoma: I think it is best not to know.

Inui: Actually, I could find out. :: His glasses glints and went to do whatever he was doing:: It is affirmative. The QueenofEngland is a man.

Kaidoh: Inui-senpai, why are you blushing?

Ponta: ......Please do not tell me you actually see him.

Inui: Yes, I did. It is for my data.

Ponta: I said PLEASE DO NOT TELL ME! AH! DIRTY THOUGHT! DELETE IT!

Ryoma: Inui-senpai is such a player.

Inui: I did it for the sake of data. Now I wish to know if he can play tennis.

Fuji appeared: I heard there was a guest here.

QueenofEngland: GASP! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PERSON! TELL ME YOUR NAME!

Fuji: Thank for you the compliment. I'm Fuji. You are also a beautiful person for a man.

QueenofEngland: Sniff, this is the first time, that someone actually said that I'm man instead of girl.

:: Flowers were swirling around them in a gentle breeze::

Ponta: WHAT'S WITH ALL THE FLOWERS!?

Oishi: Eiji, what are you doing?

Eiji: They ask me to throw flowers for them, so I did it. :: throwing pink flowers::

Ponta: .................................can someone please start the story before my sane mind go CRAZY!?

Inui: Ponta does not currently own Prince of Tennis, Fruits Basket, Full Metal Panic, Fushigi Yugi, Last Exile, .... :: the list continued on ::

Ponta: Ummm, Inui, that's too much for a disclaimer.

The Right Guy

Chapter 8

~~~~~~~~~~ Momo's POV ~~~~~~~~~~

I finally rest in peace after one day of depression. As I was watching T.V., I took a doze as tiredness took me over since I didn't get a wink of sleep last night. Somehow, I felt a closer connection toward him. I have a feeling that we've become friends instead of just roommates. I felt at pure bliss when I was with Echizen.

I opened my eyes slightly and saw that the T.V. was still on. I grabbed the remote control nearby and turned off the television set. I yawned and tried to move my other arm but I couldn't because something was holding it down.

I looked to my left side and was surprised. Echizen was taking a nap by resting his head on my shoulder. I was allured by his cuteness when he was sleeping.

This warm feeling. It came back again. The feeling that I yearned for. What is this feeling? But somehow, I felt content with this feeling.

I want to feel more of this feeling. I moved my free hand and was about to caress that clear smooth face of his.

However, Echizen was roused around before I get to touch him. He moved away from my shoulder due to my disappointment. He groaned as he slowly woke up. He rubbed his tired eyes and saw me that I was up too. He muttered, "Momo- senpai, what time is it?"

I looked at my watch and answered, "It's 2:45 p.m."

Echizen let Karupin, who was taking a cat's nap, off his lap and got up, stretching his body. He said, "I'm going to the courts." He grabbed his tennis bag and was about to leave our dorm.

"Hey, wait a minute! What about your bruise? You can't play with your right arm." I asked him with concern.

"Baka. I still can play with my left hand." Echizen said it in a matter-of- fact tone.

Oh that's right. I forgot that Echizen was a southpaw but that brat doesn't have to call me an idiot.

"In that case, I'm going to go with you." I quickly got up and walked to him.

"Didn't the nurse say you cannot play tennis for few days?" Echizen brought up.

"Baka. I have to watch over you since I'm your roommate. Who knows what you might do without me around? I taunted him.

"Probably enjoy some peace and quiet." Echizen answered and walked out of the door.

"HEY!" I exclaimed and walked after him.

I have to go with him. Who knows that he might get in another fight? I don't want him to be hurt again. Plus, Echizen might do something overwhelming despite his injury.

As we walked down to the tennis courts, I tried to start conversation with him, "So, this is going to be your first practice as a regular, huh?"

Echizen looked at me with bewilderment, "What are you talking about, Momo- senpai?"

I was also confused and asked, "Aren't you going to the courts for practice?"

Echizen answered flatly, "No, I'm going there for my match with the regular."

"EH! You're not a regular yet? How can that be? What about that match we had this morning?"

"It doesn't count since I wasn't playing my best." He said it obviously.

It took me a moment to realize what he said and I scowled back, "Hey, it's not my fault! I have an injury."

Echizen just shrugged it off.

When Echizen and I reached the tennis courts, Buchou said that Mamushi wanted to play against Echizen.

I was surprised when Buchou told us. Didn't Mamushi say that he doesn't want to play against the "bratty freshman" this morning? So why the sudden change of mind?

Echizen just replied to Buchou dully and headed to the lockers room.

I guess Echizen doesn't really care, he just want to play tennis and become a regular.

I waited for Echizen outside the locker room as he changed into his sports clothes. When Echizen finally came out, I advised him, "Echizen, watch out for snakes."

"Snakes?" Echizen asked me.

"I mean, watch out for Mamushi." I clarified.

"Oh." Echizen left for the court, waiting for his opponent.

Sigh, don't Echizen ever get nervous?

When Echizen entered the court, I saw Mamushi also came out of the locker room. He was about to play but I called out to him, "Hey, Mamushi!"

Mamushi hissed, "What?"

"Why do you want to play against Echizen now? Is it revenge for me?" I asked him.

"Idiot, a freshman beating a regular is the embarrassment to the team." Mamushi scowled to me.

I snickered, "Sure Mamushi, but watch out. Echizen may be better than we thought."

Mamushi just hissed at me and entered the court.

As both players were on the court, the game began right away, with Echizen the first one to serve.

When Echizen served, I notice that his serve was much faster with his left hand than with his right hand. Echizen is really a southpaw because he plays better with his left hand.

Mamushi was able to return the serve but Echizen hit it back. The endless volley continued until Echizen hit it into the opposite corner. However Mamushi started to sway like a snake, showing us regulars that he is using the "Snake shot" technique.

Right on notion, Mamushi hit Echizen's shot with the infamous "Snake shot" of his. Mamushi gained a point but Echizen remained cool in composure.

The game continued on with each of them winning the game. Echizen was able to see through Mamushi's Snake shot but it wasn't enough. He has fallen right into Mamushi's trap.

Mamushi has high stamina, so he used his "Snake shots" to wear down his opponent. Echizen seemed exhausting with all the sweat pouring down his face.

Oh well, even with left-hand, this is far that Echizen could go.

Minutes later, I was wrong. Mamushi was sweating even more than Echizen. In fact, Mamushi was the one who was tired and Echizen was fine.

In the middle of the match, Echizen insulted Mamushi, "Tired already, sempai?" and that made Mamushi angry. But Echizen was right, why is Mamushi getting tired instead of Echizen?

Inui explained that Echizen was hitting shots right between Mamushi's legs, causing him to crouch and hit the ball. Since, crouching and hitting the ball took more energy than normally hitting the ball. So Mamushi spent more stamina then Echizen. I was surprised that Echizen has an amazing control just like he did with me in our match.

But the way Echizen play was so graceful. It made me admired him even more. Not only that he was cute but he also plays damn well. I could see that Mamushi was losing and the game was in Echizen's tide.

Echizen won the game and he was now a regular like us. I was happy for him until Mamushi hit his leg with his racket. He repeatedly hit his leg until it bleed.

I guess he was mad at himself for losing the game. Mamushi left the courts and Inui went after him, probably to comfort him.

I saw that the freshmen in the other tennis courts were cheering like crazy. After two wins, one against me and the other against Mamushi, he already became an idol among other freshmen. As Echizen came out the court, he was offered congratulations by other regulars, including a crushing bear hug from Eiji.

I felt slight jealous but knew better that Eiji didn't mean it. I guess I'm not needed here. I left the tennis courts, leaving Echizen to his first practice as a Regular.

After few hours, I groaned out loud as I tried to solve this complex math problem. Why do people need these kinds of math equations in the future? Oh wait, Inui used it for his data tennis but I'm not smart as him.

After leaving the court, I went back to the dorm and did my tedious homework.

Well actually, I was waiting for Echizen to come back from his practice but that brat was taking a very long time. So I did my tortuous homework to pass the time.

This is so god damn hard! Is there anything else I could do?

When I asked myself that question, I remember how Echizen beat me and how incredible his strength was against Mamushi.

After seeing Echizen, I realized that I want to become stronger. I definitely want to become stronger, so I can reach Echizen's level and perhaps he might respect me even more.

After realizing what I want to do, I left the dorm and headed for the gym. I wasn't allowed to use my legs in strenuous activities but they didn't say that I can use the rest of my body.

I entered the gym and was surprised and saw Mamushi was also working out too. The sound of the door opened grabbed my rival's attention toward me and he was also surprised to see me here too.

I taunted, "So, you're training yourself even more, eh Mamushi?"

Mamushi hissed and sneered, "What are you doing here?"

I easily replied, "The same reason you were here. Am I not allowed to be here?"

Mamushi was surprised since I wasn't the kind of guy who would do all the extra training but damn it I want to be strong as Echizen. Mamushi closed his eyes and went back to what he was doing, "Do whatever you want."

I smirked in response and went to the nearest workout.

Few hours later, I was sweating like crazy and continued to strengthen my muscles. Mamushi finished his training early but I still want to continue to train.

I did numerous push-ups, sit-ups, and whatever exercises that I could do to improve my strength. I kept going with the determination to be strong for the nationals and be at equal level as Echizen.

Finally I stopped due to my limit and weary muscles.

Man, I overworked myself! No wonder Mamushi left early, I need to know my limits but this is the only way that I know I can improve my strength. Maybe, tomorrow, I should ask Inui for a training schedule like Mamushi.

I walked back to the dorm despite my tiredness. I opened the door and I noticed an extra pair of shoes. Echizen must be back. Suddenly, I smell something wonderful. I walked to the source of smell and saw Echizen sitting on the kitchen stool, eating my favorite fast-food hamburger.

"You're back, Momo-senpai." Echizen said before he took a bite out of his tempting hamburger.

"So do you." I replied and then asked, "When did you get that fast food?"

"Bought it on the way when I was getting my jersey." He replied simply.

That explained why Echizen is so late but ...

Echizen looked at me strangely, "Momo-senpai, why are you staring at me?"

Right on my cue, my stomach growled. I haven't eaten anything since breakfast. I asked, "I was hungry and I couldn't help staring at that delicious, tempting, mouthwatering hamburger you had." It took me awhile to notice that I was drooling.

Echizen looked at me with disgust, "Well, you can't have it." He continued to eat his hamburger.

My stomach growled even more, "Come on, Echizen. Please! Could I have a half or a tiny bite?" I pleaded with my hands closed.

"Cook for yourself, Momo-senpai."

Sigh, I collapsed on the kitchen table and complained, "I would but right now I'm too tried and hungry to lift a muscle."

"What were you doing?" Echizen asked with curiosity.

"I'm training myself! So that next time, I won't lose to you!" I said it with cool determination and then my stomach growled even louder and I laughed it off.

Echizen smirked and then tossed me a bag of fast food. I caught it and ask, "This is?"

"It's yours. Oishi-senpai was worried about you, so he bought it and expected me to give it to you." Echizen said it flatly.

"Arigatou, Echizen." I thanked him and realized, "How come you didn't give it to me in the first place?" I scowled as I dumped some French fries into my mouth.

"Just for fun." Echizen taunted.

I sneered, "Do you just enjoy seeing me suffer or something?"

Echizen grabbed and French fry and replied, "Maybe."

I growled at him but I remembered my training, "Echizen?"

"What?"

"The next time we play; let's give our best, okay?"

Echizen gave a slight smile, "Sure."

I was suddenly attracted to that warm smile. Even though it was small, it still brings warmth to my heart.

I smiled cockily, "The next time we play, you better prepare for your defeat."

"Mada mada dane." Echizen shrugged.

"HEY!"

The next few days, it was doing well so far. Echizen has now wore his small jersey and still continued to amaze me with his graceful style. Sometimes, I watch the tennis club practice, mostly Echizen. Sometimes, I would go to the gym early in the morning and train myself.

As days progressed, my right ankle was recovering and Echizen's bruise almost disappeared. However I was surprised at Mamushi for he seemed to improve greatly over few days.

Must be something to do with Inui's training schedule. I went up to Inui, who as usual, was collecting data.

"Inui-senpai, can I ask for a favor?"

Inui pulled his glasses up and answered, "It's rare that you come to me and ask. What do you need?"

"I need a training schedule."

"Training schedule?" Inui asked me.

"I just take any training schedule as long it can help me improve my tennis. After seeing Mamushi improved, so I thought it had to do with you. I take any training you offered me; in fact I'll take the same training as Mamushi." I spoke determinedly.

"...t-t-t-the same training schedule as Kaidoh?" Inui asked me with struggle.

It was rare to see him struggled in his words.

I answered, "Yeah, anything wrong with that?" I immediately saw a faint blush appeared on his cheeks below his thick glasses.

I came to realized, "Oh....OH! Umm... I don't want Mamushi's schedule." I laughed nervously, "Just tell me what to do to improve."

He looked into his notebook and advised, "You could start by training your biceps muscles and ..." He blabbered on with all the confusing scientific words and I don't even understand one word of it.

I interrupted him and said, "You know, Inui-senpai? Just tell me what I need to do instead of explaining everything."

The following afternoons, I began to follow Inui's training and try to make sure I won't wear out my muscles again. Most of time, I always trained myself and do my homework less frequently. Couple of times, when I trained in my dorm, I could see Echizen rushing through the door and went to the bathroom. I could hear coughing and throwing up while I grabbed a bottle of water. When my roommate came out, at the same time, I gave him the bottle. Sigh, Echizen became another victim of the Inui juice.

Finally, I recovered. The nurse told me that I can play tennis again. I leaped with joy and run with excitement. Echizen looked at me as I was crazy but he doesn't understand the thrill of having my leg back.

I was anxious to play tennis again but practice was over already. I waited until the sun falls and darkness came. Normally students shouldn't be out of the campus during nights. But I was so excited, I want to play tennis again and use my new strength.

I sneaked out of the school and head for the courts. I grabbed a basket of tennis balls and target cones for targeting practice.

I practiced for awhile but the problem was that I missed the target a lot and rarely do I get to hit it.

Damn it, why do I keep missing?

I served another ball but I missed again.

What do I do wrong here?

"Mada mada dane." I heard a familiar pun directed to me.

I looked back and saw Echizen in his sportswear clothes, holding his red racket with his left hand.

I was surprised to see him here on the courts at this late time of the night, but then again I'm here too.

Echizen gave me an advice, "You're putting too much strength in your swing."

Shocked that Echizen was helping me but I took his advice. I lower my strength by little and served the ball, this time right on the target.

"ALL RIGHT!" I cheered as I clenched my racket high and then for a moment, I almost forgot about Echizen.

"Hoi, what are you doing here?" I asked.

"Just want to play." Echizen replied simply.

So like Echizen to give concise reply. I taunted him, "Oh, I thought you were here because you were worried about me."

Echizen grunted, "Why should I get worried over an oaf?"

Echizen teased me as usual and I gave him the usual scowl and mocking glare.

Then I heard another voice, "Hey, whose here!"

Shit, I recognize the voice and it belonged to one of the school security.

I dashed out of the courts and Echizen was confused, "What's going on, Momo ..." I caught him in his wrist and yelled, "No time to explain!"

I continued to run before the security gets his chance to find us. I ran all the way to the local city next to the school.

I gasped and sighed out of relief, "Well, that was close, Echizen! If they find us out, we would get in trouble."

"Momo-senpai, aren't you going to let me go?" He asked with cold annoyance.

I looked at Echizen and blushed right away as I was holding him under my arm. I immediately let go of him and apologized, "Gomen, Echizen. I just act on impulse."

Echizen sighed disappointedly, "I still want to play."

An idea came to my mind, I suggested, "How about we'll go to the street courts?"

"...how come you never thought of it in the first place instead of going through that?" Echizen asked with annoyance.

Well, I just never did because I was so anxious to play tennis again. I replied, "Never mind, let's go play on the street courts."

We head for the street courts but to our disappointment, the court was filled with other players.

"Think we should wait, Echizen?" I asked.

"Sure."

We were going to wait for our turn but two guys, one with blond spiked hair and the other with black ponytail came up to us.

They asked us if we're new here and said that there were rules here in the street.

Pish, these guys are damn irritating acting as they owned this court.

They introduced themselves as Izumi and Fukawa (Episode 11) and told us that we have to play in doubles as the rules said.

It sounds interesting but I want to play against Echizen. To follow the rules, I became double partner with Echizen. We were able to beat most of the players with only returns and serves until Izumi-Fukawa pair came along.

We were doing well but their pair knew our weakness. They strike the tennis ball to the middle of the line where we both tend to hit but missed. I kept telling Echizen what to do at doubles but it was futile. We lost to them because our double was not good enough. We lost over privilege to play in the street courts. I was about to go back to the dorms.

"Echizen, you should be more helpful instead of doing things by yourself!" I complained to him after our loss.

"You're the one who's giving me terrible instructions!" Echizen countered against me.

"Didn't you know how to play doubles?!" I yelled back.

Echizen looked down and answered meekly, "No."

"NANI!? No wonder you suck at doubles." I commented.

"You're bad yourself too." Echizen scowled at me.

"At least I know how to play it." I retorted.

"Mada mada dane." Echizen ignored me.

Then we heard others congratulating the pair we lost to.

"Izumi! Fukawa!"

"You guys are awesome!"

"It is expected from Gyokurin High School Tennis Club's famous pair."

"Gyokurin High School?" Echizen asked as we heard the name.

"So we are going to face them again in the district prelims." I said to Echizen.

Izumi bragged, "Don't compare our team to their."

Fukawa commented, "They may have topnotch skills but they don't have any control over their double's game at all. We'll always beat them no matter what they do."

They laughed as they were insulting us. I was mad and I wanted to beat them next time I meet them.

I looked at Echizen who has the same thoughts as me. I said to him, "Echizen, what I said about you in doubles, I take that back."

Echizen smiled, "I also take that back too."

I grinned back, "As I thought, real men should play doubles!" We both said it at the same time.

The next morning arrived and I told Grandma Coach that Echizen and I wanted to play doubles together against the Gyokurin. Fortunately, she agreed to let us. I asked the Golden Pair for advice while Echizen was reading a book called "Doubles for Beginners."

Few days before the district Prelims, we always sneaked out at night and practice ourselves for the next time we meet them.

At the night before the district Prelims, we practiced even harder for numerous hours.

"Sigh, I'm so exhausted!" I gasped as I leaned over Echizen as he was supporting me while we're walking back to the dorms.

"It's your fault for making us stay up so late." Echizen complained wearily as he was also exhausted too, "You're too heavy, Momo-senpai!"

"Sorry, Echizen. I think I'm at my limit," I apologized then my eyelids closed and I slept.

~~~~~~~~~~~ Ryoma's POV ~~~~~~~~~~~

I almost collapsed as Momo-senpai began to sleep on me.

Why does he have to be so heavy!?

This wasn't funny. I was also exhausted too doesn't mean that Momo-senpai has to sleep on me. Luckily our dorm was close by.

I opened the door and dumped Momo-senpai on the sofa. He was snoring quite loud.

Sigh, I better get a blanket for him. I don't need my lazy partner to get sick on me tomorrow.

I went up to Momo-senpai's room and saw that his room was pigsty compared to mine.

How can that idiot live in this kind of room?

I walked over his messy piles of used clothes and grabbed his quilt. I walked downstairs and saw that Momo-senpai was enjoying his sleep as he was having good dream.

I wonder what is he dreaming about.

I put the blanket over him and I groaned as tiredness was catching up to my entire body. I was about to head back to my room until I heard something.

"Echizen." Momo-senpai said as he was sleeping.

Did I hear him right? Did he just say my name? Out of curiosity, I went closer to hear better but all I heard was a snores coming from his mouth.

I know he said my name. Why? I looked at him as I tried to think of possible conclusions. But I was too tried to think and my body was reaching its limit.

Great, now I'm completely exhausted to go to my room. I looked at Momo- senpai and for some strange reason, the sofa seemed awfully comfortable.

Out of weariness, I went under his blanket and lied next to him. I felt strange warmth close by.

The comfort of that warmth was alluring me to sleep. I closed my eyelids and sleep right next to my idiotic roommate.

TBC

Ponta: Sorry for the late update guys! I have so many projects from my teachers!

QueenofEngland: Yeah right, my slave was too lazy to update.

Ponta: ..................AT LEAST I WORK AND YOU DON'T!

QueenofEngland: Ho ho ho! You cannot expect a queen like me to work.

Momo: How can you be a queen if you're man? Doesn't it make more sense for you to be the king?

QueenofEngland: It's quite simple, my servant. Queens are more elegant than the kings who have no manners at all.

Inui: Just for that reason, you call yourself the queen?

QueenofEngland: OF COURSE IT IS! To be beautiful you must have beautiful elegance.

Ponta: ............................................How do I become friend with you in the first place?

Ryoma: Mada mada dane.

Ponta: QueenofEngland is a friend and the one who convinced me to write this story. Yes, he tends to be narcissi and act like that most of the time. But without him, I wouldn't be here. The next chapter will come next week or earlier. SEE YOU LATER REVIEWERS AND READERS!