Disclaimer: I do NOT own PoT
Pairing: Atobe Keigo X Echizen Ryoma
Note: At last! The second chapter of The King's Brat. I'm so sorry that it took me so long to update. But it's here now. I hope you guys will enjoy this as much as you did the first chapter. By the way, thank you so much for the awesome reviews. They inspired me and they really made my day. And to all those people who favorited this story and followed, I'm really grateful. Thank you.
So, anyway, a little summary. This chapter focuses entirely on Ryoma's first day at Atobe's house. From the moment they arrived until the moment they slept. The story only occurred during a very short period of time, only 3 hours, give or take 30 minutes. But I tell you guys, a lot has occurred within this 3 hours. They discovered some sweet, contradictory things about each other, they felt emotions that are quite unexpected, they formed a sweet though subtle connection with one another, and they have lots and lots of fluffy moments, almost in every scene. But you'll have to really squint your eyes if you wants to see these.
That's it. Please scroll down and continue reading. Enjoy.
Chapter 2
"Aren't you going to pack some clothes?" Atobe asked just as they were about to go.
Ryoma looked at Atobe. "Oh, right," he said after a few moments. He started to go back to the house, but then he turned back to Atobe. "Here," he said, placing Karupin on the surprised older boy's arms. Then he pulled his bag from his shoulder and dropped it on the ground beside Atobe.
Not bothering to invite the Hyoutei's Captain along, he walked back to his house throwing a short "Be right back," over his shoulder.
"This brat," Atobe muttered as he watched Ryoma's retreating form. "How rude."
"Meow," Karupin purred.
Atobe looked down to the furry bundle he held in his arms and found the cat looking up at him curiously. Atobe help up Karupin to his eye level. "You," he said, staring at the cat's dark eyes. "You better not be as bratty as your master."
Karupin cocked his head to one side. "Meow," he said, regarding Atobe as if trying to decide whether to do what Atobe asked or not. They stared at one another for a few seconds. Then Karupin started squirming and meowing impatiently. Atobe frowned. What now? "What is wrong cat? What do you want?" he asked, fully expecting the cat to give him some form of answer.
Karupin didn't disappoint. He flailed his tubby arms towards the gray-haired teen, indicating that he wants to be held and petted. Atobe, upon realizing what the cat was asking, or more accurately, what the cat was demanding, pulled Karupin into his arms obligingly. He gave a resigned sigh when Karupin purred in pleasure and burrowed even deeper into his arms. What does Atobe expect? Of course, the cat would be as bratty as its master.
Ryoma walked back to his house, mentally listing what he needed during his stay with the Monkey King. He reached into his pocket for the key. He was about to insert it into the doorknob when he heard Karupin. Ryoma paused for a heartbeat before looking back to where he left Atobe and his cat. He can't see the two from his position. So he crept back silently until he can peered into Atobe behind one of the plants that his mother kept in their front yard.
Atobe was slightly turned away from him so all Ryoma could see was Atobe's right side and a small part of his back. Ryoma cursed under his breath. He wanted to see Atobe's reaction to Karupin. After all, the cat will be staying together with him in the Monkey King's house. Ryoma needed to know if he could trust Atobe not to bully his cat. Earlier, when Ryoma pushed Karupin to Atobe, the older boy's expression only showed surprise and not a hint of disdain. That doesn't mean though that the Monkey King won't hurt Karupin.
Squinting his eyes, Ryoma willed for the Monkey King to turn his way. He was surprised and his heart even missed a beat when Atobe did indeed turned fully to his direction. Not wanting Atobe to know that he was watching, Ryoma pushed his body deeper into the shadow.
Atobe was looking at the direction of the house, his hand absently stroking Karupin. The cat gave a contented sigh which made Atobe smiled down at him.
Ryoma felt his heart skipped another beat when he saw Atobe smiling down gently at his cat. Okay. Guess that means that Karupin will be safe in the Monkey King's hands.
Ryoma walked back to his house, his mind on Atobe's smile. It was weird, seeing that smile. Ryoma felt somewhat uncomfortable, like he had seen something he shouldn't. Maybe it was because Atobe don't smile often. Like honest to goodness smile. All the Monkey King really ever do was smirk. Smirk in amusement. Smirk in arrogance. Smirk in challenge. Smirk in . . .
"Tch." Why was he spending so much time analyzing Atobe's different smirks, anyway? He should just go inside and pack his things. Ryoma reached into his pocket for the key.
"What's taking you so long, brat?" Atobe suddenly asked from behind him. "Ore-sama's getting tired of waiting."
Ryoma turned back to see Atobe who was still holding Karupin in his arms. At the same moment, his hand closed in around the key in his pocket. "I can't find my key." Ryoma said on impulse.
Atobe looked at him blankly.
"I can't find my key to the house," Ryoma pulled his empty hand from his pocket. "I might have dropped it somewhere." He explained with a straight face.
Atobe didn't say anything for a few moments. Then he sighed loudly. "Let's go. It's getting late. We'll think of something on the way home."
Ryoma followed Atobe to where his car was parked. Atobe's chauffer, who was waiting patiently for his young master, was standing beside the car, his hand clasped behind his back. When he saw Atobe, he quickly bowed in respect. Then he immediately opened the door on the back of the car for his master to get in.
Atobe stood quietly on the side, waiting for Ryoma to get inside first. Ryoma shrugged. He threw his tennis bag inside, walked to Atobe, took Karupin who happily went to his master, then slid inside the car without any word. Atobe just rolled his eyes before following inside.
The ride to Atobe's house was short, quiet, and uneventful. Atobe only asked Ryoma where his parents went and kept silent after Ryoma's short answers. They stopped on a convenience store shortly for Ryoma to buy a toothbrush and other personal items. They have agreed that, first thing in the morning, Ryoma will be driven to his house so that he can change into his school uniform since it's Monday the following day. How Atobe planned to open Ryoma's house without a key, Ryoma didn't know. But he wasn't really worried. He already has a plan of his own.
"Ho," Ryoma said when he saw the place where Atobe lives. The house, or mansion actually, was very big and modern. Lots of stone columns, tiled floors, intricate looking windows, and ginormous majestic doors. Everything looks very grand. And very bright. Every nooks and crannies must have a hundred-watts light on them making the entire house practically glow in the middle of the night.
Atobe walked towards the open front door where a butler was waiting. Ryoma was following closely behind.
"Good evening, Atobe-sama," the butler greeted with a deep bow.
Atobe gave a single nod before asking Ryoma. "What kind of food do you prefer, Echizen?"
Ryoma shrugged. "As long as it's Japanese, then anything's fine."
Atobe turned back to the butler. "Tell the chef to prepare dinner immediately. We will come down to dine after the guest is properly settled in his quarters."
The butler bowed to Atobe then to Ryoma before disappearing to the kitchen.
"Come, Echizen." Atobe said to Ryoma. "Ore-sama will show you to your room."
Atobe walked up a grand staircase, complete with a red carpet, that was situated right in front of the room. It branched to two directions. Atobe took the left while his guest followed quietly behind.
Ryoma looked around the place. Everywhere he look, he can see something that spoke wealth in quiet elegance. The walls are decorated with paintings made by famous artists. Every corner sported a statue or elegant vases. The halls where lined with gold and brass trimmings. The marbled floors are carpeted. The walls tiled.
Ryoma smirked. No wonder the Monkey King always acts in a holier-than-thou manner. He practically lives in a palace!
Atobe watched Ryoma at the corner of his eyes. His presence, together with his now sleeping cat, was making the place somewhat . . . homier to Atobe. Why was that? Atobe frowned. Probably because he's comfortable when he's with the brat? Or maybe because Ryoma, being a commoner, was sort of toning down the cold grandness of the house. Thus, making it more like the home it actually is instead of a museum.
"Ne, Monkey King?" Ryoma asked suddenly.
"Yes?"
"How many guest rooms do you have here?"
"Around two hundred," Atobe answered easily.
Ryoma whistled. Around two hundred. Of course. It's a good thing Ryoma wasn't easily intimidated. "Where's your room?" he asked.
Atobe frowned. "Why do you ask, brat?"
"Take me there." Ryoma said, looking up at Atobe.
Atobe stared for a few seconds. Then he started walking, "Very well, then. Right this way."
"This," Ryoma asked in a bewildered tone, "is your room?" Everywhere he looked, all he can see is violet. Violet draperies, violet bedcover, violet pillows, violet everything.
"Yes." Atobe answered regally. "This is Ore-sama's room."
"Heh." Ryoma looked around. He was standing in the middle of the Monkey King's room while the owner stood just inside the door, arms crossed in front of him. If he ignore the violets, Ryoma can actually see, and even appreciate the feeling of the room. There was a bit of a mess. Like, the bed was clumsily made. A shirt was slung on the back of a chair. One of the throw pillows is on the floor. Atobe's tennis bag was sitting in a corner beside a pair of tennis shoes. It wasn't really dirty or messy like Ryoma's own room but the little clatter gave the room a little warmth.
Ryoma looked to where Atobe was standing, silently watching him. He saw the discomfort on the older boy's face, making Ryoma realized something. He was in Atobe's private, personal quarters. And not everyone is allowed to see, let alone get inside it. The realization made Ryoma strangely happy. He felt privileged that the Monkey King has allowed him inside his room. He didn't know why, but he appreciates it. But, of course, Echizen Ryoma won't say thank you.
"So," Ryoma asked, walking to Atobe. "Where is the nearest guest room from here?"
Atobe was looking strangely at Ryoma. "Why?"
Ryoma frowned. "You're giving me a place to sleep, right?"
"Yes, Of course," Atobe said, a little insulted. "But what Ore-sama was asking is 'why do you have to see Ore-sama's room'?"
Ryoma ducked his head so Atobe can't see his face. "Because."
"Because what?" Atobe asked incessantly. Then he remembered their earlier conversation in which Ryoma was asking him, in an almost similar manner, why he wants to drive the brat home. He remembered feeling uncomfortable when he gave his answer. But he's the one asking now. Atobe smiled. Let's see what the brat will come up with. "Because what?" Atobe asked again.
Ryoma scowled. Does he really have to answer? He let out an impatient breath. "Because," Ryoma answered grudgingly. "I need to know where you stay so that if I need help, I know where I can find you."
"If you need help?" Atobe asked, surprised that the brat was actually admitting he might be incapacitated. And that he won't hesitate to ask Atobe for help. The knowledge brought Atobe a small amount of pleasure.
"I'm bad with direction." Ryoma admitted reluctantly. "I don't wanna get lost inside your house."
Atobe felt an insane impulse to wrap his arms around Ryoma's cute pouting form. Wait. Did he just thought the brat cute? For that matter, did he actually thought of hugging him? Atobe felt his face heat up. To cover up, he chuckled instead. Which grew into a full-pledged laughter when Ryoma gave him the evil eye.
Atobe's laughing face made Ryoma paused. He'd seen Atobe laugh before, but it was a kind of laugh that was so similar to his smirks. It doesn't have any real feelings behind it. But now? Atobe's laugh projected a joy that is almost contagious. His face is looking flustered. His high cheeks further defined. His eyes almost closed with slight crinkles on the corners. He looked almost adorable, like a small naughty child on one of his pranks.
Ryoma started to smile. But then he realized what he's doing. He mentally shook his head. What on earth is wrong with him? Turning away from the still laughing boy, Ryoma let himself out of the Monkey King's room, muttering darkly to himself.
Atobe, thoroughly enjoying himself, jogged up to the sulking Ryoma. "Where are you going, Echizen?" he said, laughter still in his voice. "You shouldn't wander off without Ore-sama. You might get lost."
"Shut up, Monkey King!" Ryoma continued walking briskly. He does not appreciate being made fun of.
"Brat," Atobe called. Ryoma ignored him. "Echizen," he called again. Ryoma still ignored him. Atobe released a sigh. He almost forgot. Ryoma is still 12 years old. No matter how much he denied that he's not a child anymore, sometimes he's still going to act his own age. Atobe smiled to himself. Then, in a voice loud enough to wake up the entire household, Atobe called, "Ryoma!"
At that, Ryoma has to pause. Did the Monkey King just called him by his name? He turned back, glaring at Atobe with silent question.
"The guest room is this way," Atobe answered soberly, pointing to the opposite direction from where Ryoma was going. He had just realized that he's called the brat by his first name. That came out of his mouth unbidden.
Ryoma blushed a little when he realized he's going the wrong way already. Stupid sense of direction. Pouting, he started walking to where Atobe was pointing. Then, just because he felt like it, and that he thought he deserved a little revenge, he stepped on the Monkey King's foot as he passed him by.
"Ow," Atobe groaned, jumping clumsily on one foot as he held the other up painfully. He glared at Ryoma who was sniggering at him. "You brat."
Ryoma placed his clasped hands at the back of his neck before regarding Atobe with a smirk. "Mada mada dane, Monkey King." He said.
"This will be your room," Atobe said when they finally reached the guest room where Ryoma will be staying. It was quite closed to the Monkey King's room. Only two doors down the corridor.
Ryoma gave the room one swift glance. It was big and tastefully decorated. Like a hotel room, he thought.
"Ore-sama will leave you for now." Atobe said from behind him. "You will be called once dinner is ready."
"Hai," Ryoma answered. He waited until Atobe left. Then he turned to the center of the room where the bed was located. Being a guy who likes to sleep so much, he was quite delighted to see that the bed, unlike the rest of the room, looked very soft and inviting with its mint green cover and big lavender pillows.
With a small smile, he walked towards the bed. He placed the still sleeping Karupin in the middle. Then he placed his tennis bag on the floor and gingerly sat beside the cat. His smile grew wider when he felt himself sank because of the softness. "Heh," Looks like he's going to have a very nice sleep tonight.
After a while, Ryoma heard a knock on his door. It was the butler earlier coming to tell him that dinner's ready.
"Where's the Monkey King?" Ryoma asked as he was led down to the dining area.
"Atobe-sama is already downstairs," the butler answered, his voice polite but his kind, old eyes shows that he was amused by Ryoma's nickname for his young master. "Shall I look after your cat while you dine, Echizen-sama?" asked the butler.
"You don't have to call me 'sama'." Ryoma muttered. The butler just looked at him. Ryoma sighed then thought for a moment. "Will you feed Karupin, too? He drinks a full bottle of milk after eating. Then he likes to take a walk after."
"Of course, Echizen-sama." The butler said as he took Karupin from Ryoma's arms. "I will see to it that your cat gets everything he needs."
"Arigatou," Ryoma said then watched worriedly as the butler heads to the kitchen with his cat.
After a while, Ryoma proceeded to the big door to the right which he guessed was the dining area. There, he found Atobe already sitting at the head of an insanely long dinner table – it was lined with a dozen upholstered chairs on either side, not to mention the two at both ends. There were already food on the table. A lot.
"Heh," Ryoma said as he neared Atobe. "This is quite a feast, Monkey King."
Atobe just shrugged. "The chef likes to impress people. Eat everything you like."
"Don't mind if I do." Ryoma chose to sit on the closest chair to Atobe. He took off his cap, placed it on the empty sit beside him then recited a hearty, "Itadakimasu!" before digging in.
Atobe didn't say anything during the meal, so Ryoma kept quiet as well. He wasn't the type to be shy when it comes to food (everybody knows that), so he didn't really mind that they weren't talking. In fact, he was sort of glad that he didn't need to talk as he was able to enjoy the food more. He ate with obvious gusto, not noticing how Atobe would smile occasionally as he watch Ryoma dig into his food like there's no tomorrow.
After their meal, Ryoma went straight to his room. He went to brush his teeth then took a quick bath. When he got out of the bathroom, Ryoma started looking for a change of clean clothes before remembering that he doesn't have any except that one boxers he bought at the overnight shop together with his toothbrush.
Right. He wasn't able to pack any clothes because 'he lost his key'. Ryoma shook his head. What he did was totally in spur of the moment. It just happened. He wasn't even sure what his intentions were when he said that. All he knew was that, what he did was completely spontaneous, definitely unorthodox, and totally out of character. It was even childish.
Ryoma let out a sigh. No use regretting it now. Ryoma took the boxers and wore it under a bathrobe. He was about to go to bed when someone knock on the door. He opened it to find the butler with a very sated and sleepy cat.
"Karupin," Ryoma said before taking the cat from the old man. "Thank you for taking care of him." He said in a low voice, not quite used to expressing gratitude.
"No need to thank me, Echizen-sama," the butler said with a smile. "How is your room? Is everything to your liking?"
"Hai. It's fine" Ryoma answered.
The butler smiled. "That's good to know. Have a good sleep, then, Echizen-sama." The butler bowed his head respectfully before turning to leave.
"Hai. Oyasumi," Ryoma muttered, watching the butler leave. Then he looked down to Karupin who was rubbing his head against his chest. "Let's go to bed, Karupin."
Ryoma couldn't sleep. He had been in bed for almost an hour now. He had tossed and turned, but his body couldn't seem to find a comfortable position. Or rather, he couldn't sleep because he was feeling homesick. He rubbed his sleepy eyes, his mind turning to the earlier events. Looking to where he placed his phone, Ryoma wondered why his mother hadn't called him yet. He hadn't even received a text message. He was starting to get worried but more than that, he was also feeling upset. Even his cousin hasn't called him even though she promised to. Okay, so maybe she hadn't really promised that she'll call him now. But still, shouldn't they at least check up on him? Ryoma sniffed, cursing the cold air that surrounded the room. Why was it so cold, anyway? He looked at the phone again, willing it to ring. Damn it. Even a call from his baka oyaji will be welcome.
After a few minutes, when the phone still remained silent, Ryoma finally gave up. He turned to his cat who stirred beside him.
"Karupin," Ryoma whispered dejectedly. Then he put his arms around the cat, trying to take comfort on the fact that even though his parents are not around, at least, he still have Karupin with him.
"Brat," a voice called quietly from outside. Ryoma started. He turned to the door. Was that the Monkey King? What was he doing here? Ryoma climbed down the bed and walked silently towards the door. Then he paused, suddenly not sure whether he really heard the Monkey King outside or he only imagined it. He waited for a few seconds. Then he tiptoed closer and placed his ear against the door, straining to hear any sound. Maybe he did imagine it.
"Open up, brat. Ore-sama knows you're awake." Atobe suddenly said, making Ryoma jumped in surprise.
Ryoma scowled. He threw the door open and glared at Atobe. "You scared me, Monkey King!"
Atobe just looked at him. Then, out of nowhere, he tossed some clothes to Ryoma. "Here. Ore-sama shall let you borrow this." Then the Monkey King left without even waiting for a reply.
Ryoma was left standing on the door, looking at the direction of Atobe's room. He looked down to see a pair of neatly folded pajamas in his arms. They're violet. Smiling softly, he went back inside his own room. He considered only for a moment before wearing the offered clothes. It was too big for him. The hem of the shirt reached almost to his knees, the sleeves past his elbows and the pants have to be folded by more than a foot before Ryoma could even walk without tripping.
Ryoma looked down at himself. He looked ridiculous. Especially with the grape patterns on the pajama that he only noticed now. Looking closely, he saw that the grapes have faces. Like smileys, they show different emotions. Ryoma immediately liked the grape face on the shirt's breast pocket. It looked smug and overconfident and it has a mole below its right eye.
Ryoma yawned loudly. He went back to bed. This time, when he closed his eyes, he fell asleep almost immediately with a soft smile on his lips and a single thought in his head.
The pajama smells like the Monkey King.
So, what do you guys think? Did you like it? I had quite a hard time when I started writing this chapter. At first, I wanted to jump straight to Ryoma's first day on Atobe's house and was only planning to write in passing how he got settled there. But then I thought of some ideas, like how would Ryoma react to Atobe's ginormous house, or how was their first dinner together, or how was Atobe and Karupin's first interaction, where will Ryoma sleep (it was a very big house). I did lot of brainstorming. And I kept changing the flow of the story over and over again. Until I started typing the scene with Atobe talking to Karupin, that is. Everything seems to go smoothly from that point on. But then, I had another hold up when I was doing the dinner scene. I wanted to write it in details but then I had no idea what to write for their conversation. And I thought that it will only make the chapter longer anyway. So, to those of you who might have been looking forward to their first dinner together, I'm so sorry. Don't worry though, I already planned a very interesting dinner for these two on the next chapter. (I already started on the draft) Plus, with special guests. Guess who? I swear, you're going to love this. Or not.
That's all. Oh, wait. By the way, that last sentence wasn't meant to be perverted, just in case some of you got the wrong idea. It's actually meant to be real sweet. I just thought that it would be very nice if Ryoma was somehow comforted by Atobe's scent. You know, since the pajama smells like Atobe, it would be like he's holding Ryoma in his sleep.
Ooh. And do tell me what you thought of Ryoma 'losing his key'. That was unexpected, wasn't it? But he's 12. He's supposed to do unexpected, childish things.
So, that's it for today. Watch out for the next chapter. Atobe waking Ryoma up, taking him to school, going to Ryoma's place, etc. And don't forget that they'll have special guests. He He.
Okay. I'll stop talking, now. Ja ne!
P.S. Did anyone else noticed that Kabaji just . . . disappeared?