Disclaimer: If I do own Prince of Tennis, the boys would be having much more fun
Title: A Hashira Short-Stand Alone Piece Collection
Piece #2: Bond
Words count: 266
Note: I'm painfully aware about the lack of one-shot Hashira. Hence, this will be a Tezuka and Ryoma unrelated one-shot series. If you have any suggestions, themes, or challenges for me, I'll be more than glad to know. This series is beta-ed by the wonderful susan peri.
"Ka-ru-pin." Echizen growled in annoyance while lifting his beloved cat up from the ground, wrinkling his nose upon the sight of the dirt which was covering Karupin all over. "I told you not to play outside, now I have to bath you again."
"Meowr."
"I don't care what the reason was."
"Meowr… meowr."
"Do you want me to lock you up?"
"Meowr."
"Good," Echizen said in satisfaction as Karupin nuzzled him affectionately.
"You understood what she was saying?" Tezuka asked Echizen, his curiosity piqued. The older boy was just happening to pass by when he saw Echizen yelling from the top of his lungs, searching for his missing cat. Being a good and responsible captain, he decided to help Echizen find Karupin.
"Yes. Because we have bonded ourselves." Echizen answered coolly, like that was the most ordinary thing in this world.
Bonded. "How?" Tezuka never knew that a human could bond with an animal. Then again, this was Echizen Ryoma he was dealing with. The boy had so many unusual things concerning him.
Echizen raised his eyebrows and gave Tezuka a look. "Do you want me to show you, Buchou?"
Tezuka was always eager to know about everything. Furthermore, it was something which was new and sounded interesting. Echizen was still standing, waiting for his answer with Karupin in his embrace and licking his face. Tezuka nodded.
"Follow me," Echizen said, leading his captain to his house.
And that was why Tezuka found himself naked while soaking in a small hot tub with Echizen on his lap, nibbling him playfully like a hungry cat given a fish.
A.N: I love a cunning Ryoma especially when he tricks a clueless Tezuka. And yes, this is RyoZuka. So deal with it.