Seraphic Charm

Summary: She's was an elite that seems to attract a lot of strangers. First danger then Seido's assistant coach, lots and lots of players, her school's rival team's ace but what about Koshien? Fem!Sawamura.

Pairing:Undecided.

Warnings: Alternate universe, OOC, canon similarities, unbelievable pitches, Fem!Sawamura and lots of cliché scenes.

A/N: And here's the fourth chapter! This time I updated in only three weeks and not three months like last time. It's still slow but I guess we are getting there. Ohh, and since in my country, it's already break time for Christmas, perhaps I'd be updating this upcoming New Year or a week after that. I'm no making an promises though, I suck at them and I'm such an indecisive person. One moment I'm already half way throughout finishing the chapter before I start again since I'm not satisfied with it. I'm sorry if I take so much time guys, I try my best to update chapters which have quality and I try to make the characters as real and near to their original ones.

Blue Moon – "You got me thinking this fic discontinued. I'm glad you can update chap 3. I like it. Can Eirin use her left arm again in future chapter? I like it when she pitch left handed. And I like Yamato's role in this fic. Don't throw him away, ok? Make Yamato and Eirin like brother-sister relationship. Poor Yamato! Eirin's always oblivious. For pairing, Whoever Eirin paired up with, I don't mind. My grammar's so bad. Not my language. And my comment is too long. T_T Sorry! Update soon, okay. Waiting for the next chap."

Hi, Blue Moon-san, I'm sorry if I got you thinking that, I try my best to update as fast as I can. Next time I'll make the chapters shorter so that I can update faster. And yes, Eirin will be able to use her left arm in the future. But hey, she's injured right? So how? There are clues unto how her left shoulder would be fixed in this chapter. As for Yamato, don't worry I won't throw him away. You've got that right he's like the older brother Eirin never had.

Naliyu – "I really loved this chapter :') thanks for writingg! I have been rereading these three chapters today! It's really enjoyable. I teared up a little at this chapter for some reason. Keep up your awesome work! Can't wait for more ;)) I'm not a person who reviews a lot so I don't really know what to say but it was great! Hope to see your update soon :)))). By the way, I thought sawamura knew what school sanada went and that he played baseball...or did she forget? Because sanada's Cousin (yuka) mentioned it, didn't she? If I remember correctly"

Kami, you have no idea how nervous I was when I saw your review. I was like, 'THERE'S A PLOT HOLE IN MY STORY' but uhmmm, when I checked the scene where they met, Sanada nor Yuka did not mention which school he was from. He just mumbled 'Ojou', Eirin's school, since he recognizes her. And they told her that he played baseball but that's all I guess… phew, kami, shouldn't I know better since it's my own story LOL.

AnimegIRL87239 – "Hi! Just wanted to tell you that you write so many awesome stories, keep up the good work! I wanted to ask when we'll get some MiyuEi action because I'm sooooooo excited for them to happen! And since Kuramochi knows about Sanada has he told anyone about him yet?"

Yes, there's barely Miyuki x Sawamura action in the chapters that I write but yes, in the upcoming ones I'll make sure to do so. In the next chapter, chapter five, school would already start so let's just see how that turns out. And did Kuramochi tell anyone about Sanada and Eirin being text buddies? No, not yet. But they'll know and some will flip out.

And as usual, thanks for all the reviews! The story has gotten a ton more follows and favorites and it just makes my heart all doki doki and stuff LOL. And forgive my grammar mistakes, if you find an error please tell me and I'll do my best to edit since I suck at proof reading.

Disclaimer: I do not own Diamond No Ace or any of its characters. This story is purely fan made and no profit has been made.

Chapter Four: Stellar Yet Lackluster

Kuramochi blinked when he arrived at the canteen only to see Masuko seating with the other regulars during dinner instead of being with their uncontrollable female roommate per usual. They've gotten used to her eating with them these last few weeks. Sometimes she'd eat with Furuya and Haruichi but it was also their first time not seeing her around. Chris was also eating among the regulars so he had no idea where she was. The shortstop placed his tray on the table before seating and looking around.

"Where's Sawamura?" he asked as he dug in his food.

For a second, Haruichi looked concerned and turned to glance in different directions while Furuya just shrugged his shoulders. Well that was a pretty normal reaction. Miyuki grinned and somehow started to tease him about being concerned for their pitcher. The shortstopped grimaced, raising a brow as if asking where in the world he got that idea. Eirin had been present in practice earlier and she even pitched a couple of throws to Chris. The sight itself was amazing. The catcher never missed a pitch from her.

"Probably reading all those shoujo manga again," Isashiki commented and well… that was also a possibility. Last time she showed up during practice teary eyed, Kataoka demanded an explanation as to why she was five minutes late. As for why the coach didn't complain or reprimand her? No one knows the answer. Chris did softly scold her for not getting enough sleep though.

"Sawamura-chan was trying on different dresses earlier," Masuko recalled what he saw earlier. She was showing him different attires, asking which one looked better. Honestly, he had no idea what did so he just went for the latter choice. "She said that her grandfather was going to pick her up at around six for an omi— omiya —"

"An omiai," Rei said just as she passed by their table after talking with the ladies in the cafeteria about increasing the food supply for summer training camp. Summer was a harsh time for the members of Seido baseball club but that wasn't what they were concerned for now. Kuramochi had his eyes widened in the most unhuman way possible while Furuya coughed on his water with Haruichi patting him on the back. The regulars looked equally startled. Chris looked the most affected.

"AN OMIAI!?" their voices resounded in the room, everyone's head almost turned to their direction.

"Isn't she a little bit too young?" Yuki asked with his arms crossed, same stoic expression on his face.

"How old is she anyway!?" Isashiki asked his co-members, baffled at what he just heard. I mean, she was just a first year! That was way too young! Weren't match makings supposed to be for older people? Heck, even individuals in their late twenties rarely attended that kind of stuff. Seriously speaking, he was sweating cold sweat right now.

Their captain Yuki turned to the pitcher's adored mentor for an answer, "She's turning sixteen this May I believe." He remembered what was written on that paper the coach gave him two weeks ago. Everything that was there was about Eirin, her blood type, her height…. Heck, even her weight was written. It did not say anything specific about her family though. It focused more on her baseball history and skills. It even had a graph on it.

"She's just fifteen— Ohh, Kami, I'm going to faint," automatically Isashiki sat down on his seat while putting his head on his palm. Ryosuke on the other hand was talking to Rei about a couple of stuff regarding their now revealed southpaw pitcher. He was kind of interested really. But not in a bad way, he was just a bit curious to be honest.

And now that you mention it, it's been a little over three weeks since they've known Eirin. School was going to start next week but they didn't really know anything about her except her injury and that she came from Ojou Academy. Well Furuya might not be the same and Chris-senpai might know other stuff because he's always with her but…

"Is she rich or something?" that was the only explanation Miyuki could come up with. Honestly, it came out as a joke. He was being sarcastic but I guess it backfired. Along him Kuramochi chuckled but they immediately stopped when they heard a reply from their assistant coach.

Rei's glasses flashed and her expression immediately became serious, "She is the only daughter of the Sawamura konzern."

Lightning flashed from outside as if telling them that yes, they had a very rich and regal team member who they liked to tease and bully sometimes when her family could totally sue them. Haruichi couldn't even gasp, his eyes just widened behind his bangs. After the silence, Miyuki just awkwardly laughed while the others were still, some of them with their mouths open. Of course Yuki, Ryosuke and Chris were an exception to that, they merely gasped a bit while Furuya… well Furuya…. Furuya was still eating while paying no heed. He went to Nagano back then and when she was injured, he entered her house. Yes big deal because his expression was exactly the same as the regulars when he saw their gate.

"You didn't know?" Haruichi shook his head on behalf of his teammates making the older woman sigh. "Sawamura's family is very well known in Nagano. They own a lot of fields and farms that import products all throughout Japan. Their property is one of the biggest," as if cool with everything she observed how the members reacted to the sudden news. Well they were very stunned with their food already all forgotten. I mean… who would believe that she was actually affluent when she… she… she obviously does not act like one.

When Rei already left, Isashiki immediately spoke up, "Seriously!? That Sawamura!? She said she was a scholar here!" Kuramochi forced a signature laugh before nodding at his upperclassman. That was what he actually thought but he guesses that she's actually a 'rich-scholar'. Why did she need the scholarship anyway!? "Oi! Furuya! You know something don't you?" he turned to ask the pitcher who just turned and shrugged. Now that you mention it… she didn't exactly tell them.

"Why would she quit an elite school like Ojou, they're always in the Nationals," Kuramochi almost huffed at her decision. Well he didn't understand but if it was his choice, he wouldn't transfer. Not when they were expecting her to be the ace. Heck, if she didn't go to Seido she might be a regular there now due to her middle school affiliation.

"Damn, as if she isn't popular enough," it was Isashiki ranting all over again.

Ryosuke's eyes dangerously narrowed, "We'll just have to ask her when she comes back."

Along with Kuramochi's slight whimper and Haruichi assuring his brother, Chris just shook his head at the scene with a slight smile. It was Eirin's choice to tell them anyway, his teammates were just err… making a big deal out of it because they were curious. The third year catcher sighed before looking at the clock, it was already six thirty. From the other side of the table, Miyuki stared at him with an unreadable expression on his face. Chris, he had definitely changed after what happened two weeks ago. He's also been more active in the club, it was a good thing.

Miyuki sighed before propping his chin on his elbow, "I wonder what would've happened to Chris-senpai if Sawamura didn't come." He was rather relieved, really.

Eirin forced a laugh at whatever her grandfather was talking about with the mother of the guy seated right in front of her. Narumiya Mira was a very kind woman. She was good looking, charismatic, her family was average but she had known Eirin's grandfather since she was very young. Back in the days, Eitoku was a professor at a university in Tokyo and Mira was one of his students in medicine. It was a grandfather to daughter relationship, really.

"Seems like you've finally become a doctor ehh? Narumiya," her grandfather was a very strict teacher. He didn't tolerate absences or late submissions of projects and assignments but it was definitely worth it. "How long has it been? eighteen years since you've graduated from university and two since we've talked to each other?" the woman laughed at his remark while Eirin just busied herself with her food. Unconsciously, she would glance at the older teen in front of her, a habit she had developed over the past few years due to all those etiquette classes she had to take in her previous school.

Narumiya Mei, he looked just like his mother.

"It's all thanks to sensei. Really, I wouldn't have managed if you didn't give me a scholarship in my second year," Mira reminisced with bliss, it obviously showed in her face. Eirin's hands stopped when she heard her previous statement, scholarship? "Sensei, you were really kind. Too bad you stopped teaching," she obviously knew because a depressed expression immediately replaced her smile. Sawamura Karin, Eirin's grandmother died at the age of thirty six leaving her husband with one child, Eirin's father. Her father was almost sixteen during that time so yes, he was affected but he did also accept her death. She died due to high blood pressure which led to a heart attack. It ran in her side of the family. No one was to blame really.

Mira smiled once more as she turned her gaze on the young girl, "Your granddaughter somehow reminds me of Karin-san with the way she looks. Ahh, but I guess she was more forward and brash. Eirin-chan is too much of a proper lady to act that way."

"Hah, as if. Don't be fooled by her looks, Eirin's just as shameless," though she glared at him, he was completely unconcerned. The said granddaughter just clenched her firsts as she muttered incoherent words under her breath but still not forgetting her manners. Mira laughed before continuing the conversation while her son Mei, stared at the said girl. Eirin obviously noticed him staring at her because she raised her brow at her in question.

"So you're Sawamura Eirin?" he almost looked very serious when he asked her that question. Somehow confused, she just nodded. Didn't he hear his mother refer to her as 'Eirin-chan' earlier? What's up with this guy anyway? "Everyone in my team is panicking because of you," he cut into his steak and took a small bite. The girl flinched on her place, expression looking unsure and shocked.

"What team are you—"

"Mei is also in a baseball team. You are, aren't you? Mei?" his mother glanced at him, not noticing that she just cut off Eirin because she was talking to her former teacher. Mei nodded. Eitoku grinned at the coincidence. "He's also a pitcher but he's nowhere near Eirin-chan though," Eirin took a sip out of her drink, eyes not leaving Mei who was glaring at his mother. She flinched when her grandfather elbowed her teasingly and she immediately gave him the look.

Blip. Blip. Buzz.

"Excuse me for a second," Eitoku stood up from his seat and went towards the restaurant's balcony. Mira nodded at her former teacher not really minding anything. Eirin assumed that it was just another call from her parents or from his work but that didn't concern her either. Not minding the smiles the older woman was giving her, she just continued on eating. Damn, she didn't tell someone from school that she was going to go back late. Well she told her Masuko-senpai about the meeting but would he even remember?

"Eirin-chan," Mira beamed a smile at her and she blinked before smiling back. "I still can't believe it. You look so much like Karin-san that it's almost so scary," she laughed at her own statement and the female pitcher tilted her head to the side. She had never heard that before. No one really talked about her grandmother and she didn't know what she looked like so it was a first.

"Sawamura-sensei told me that you transferred schools here in Tokyo. You should have went to Inashiro, you and Mei could've been in the same club and you can live with us," she suggested and Eirin smiled at her suggestion. The Narumiya matriarch had been very open and welcoming towards her that it made her heart warm up. For some reason, Mei choked on thin air before turning to his mother with a blush on his face. What in the world was she suggesting!?

"Inashiro!?" she had heard that name before but where did she— it must have been during those times Kuramochi lectured her about Seido's history after he found out she was texting Sanada Shunpei. Kami, she was so dead.

So, freaking dead.

"Really!?" she tried to look as shocked as possible and it seemed like years of elite training worked because no one said a thing. "Well that would have been nice but I'm already settled down in Seido. Plus, I'm already familiar with the team," she forced a smile on her face, not really comfortable with the façade she had to put up. Mei looked at her with eyes somehow wide but not unusual enough for anyone to notice.

"Isn't it hard to dorm with guys? Eirin-chan, it's difficult to adjust, isn't it?" she was just concerned for the girl but somehow, even her son was listening though he looked like he was continuing eating.

Eirin's expression changed and her face turned a bit sad as she settled her utensils down, "Well, it is kind of hard but everyone's very kind. I'm definitely glad that they're not lessening my training menu, at least they're not looking down on me just because I'm a girl."

Mira almost smiled sadly at how the girl replied, "Do you have any friends?"

"I'm friends with some of the guys on the team, the managers of the club and the assistant coach I guess," Eirin recalled what happened to her and Chris about two weeks ago. At least they fixed everything up and there were fewer problems to be dealt with. She's not even sure if she'd be able to participate in games with Tanba and Furuya in the team. "It's very fun," it was not an understatement, it was true, really.

"I see, well if you say so," Mira finally surrendered and a couple of seconds later, Eirin's grandfather returned to his seat after finishing his phone call. "Would have been good if you two were in the same school though, at least you would know someone beforehand, you'd be more comfortable," the female pitcher blinked noticing how flustered the older teen was due to his mother's words. Was he… blushing?

"Mei would take you around, tour you around the school and he'd be a gentleman and look after you because if he does not I'm going to kick his ass," it was kind of terrifying how she sliced her food and said those words at the same time. Mei shuddered, obviously disturbed. "All he talks about nowadays is baseball, baseball and baseball. His grades are so bad Eirin-chan! You have no idea how much I want a daughter," she cupped both of her cheeks and sighed. The blonde looked at his mother with a questioning glare.

"Your father just called to me Eirin, he sends his greetings," when Eitoku finally talked, everything seemed to return to normal. "But other than that, Mira, can Eirin stay at your household for tonight?" he asked and his granddaughter's eyes somehow widened. The older woman squealed nodding while Mei… well Mei's face started to heat up again.

"W-What? Grandfather what's with the sudden suggestion?" referring to the old man as grandfather was something she despised because it sounded so formal with her close relation towards him. She'd only refer to him in such way, formally, in front of guests and other people or those she was not very familiar with.

"What? It's Saturday tomorrow. If I recall, you don't have practices during Saturdays,"

Eirin was muttering something under her breath in protest but her grandfather's reason was smart, too smart. Heck, he was a professor back in the days. "Seido is too far and their house is closer. I won't be able to escort you back to your dorm because I have a meeting in eight thirty," Eirin looked at her grandfather with an unreadable expression on her face.

"What's the meeting for?"

"Remember those two doctors you met last year? Tachibana and Shiraishi are both my students, they specialize in sports medicine. Perhaps, they'll be able to fix that injury of yours," he pointed unto her shoulder which was covered by the sleeves of her shirt. "And you need to stay with Narumiya so that she'd be able to survey the extent of your injury," the woman in front of them smiled while Mei looked somehow baffled. He knew his mother was good in her work but not that good.

Seeing how his granddaughter's eyes widened in hope, Eitoku grinned, "Objections?"

Eirin shook her head.

"Your room is right here," Mei led her to the guest room, opened the door and the lights. "Sorry if it's not that big, hime-sama," he teased with a sing song voice making her playfully hit him on the arm. During the car ride to the Narumiya household, she and Mei talked about baseball and a lot of things. For some reason, along the way in the middle of their conversation, he developed this weird nickname for her when he found out about her family status

"Don't call me that, Mei," he somehow blushed when he heard his name come out from her mouth. He knew that she was doing it on purpose just so that she could get her revenge but for some reason… Mei clenched his fist while gritting his teeth. Damn heart wouldn't just stop beating so fast. "And this room is already pretty big. Even bigger than the room I share with my upperclassmen," she gave him a smile and a peace sign before she practically walked into the room and settled herself on the bed.

Was she even aware of her effect on him?

Eirin was starting to tie her hair when he was snapped out of his thoughts and saw the thin but still noticeable line on her arm extending to her shoulder. She wore a dress with short pretty sleeves but during dinner earlier, he didn't really notice. "Close the door and come in," it was basic courtesy really. Eirin just awkwardly smiled at him when she saw him staring at her. Mei obliged and closed the door before walking towards her.

"You got injured?"

"Yes, two years ago,"

"Mom's going to be the one to examine you," he stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. He still couldn't take his eyes off from her scar. The line, it went on so much. "Sometimes I hear mom and your grandfather talking over the phone, it's something related to baseball isn't it?" Eirin just nodded at him with a somehow sad, forced grin. Mei couldn't help but frown. If she's injured, why does she keep playing baseball? Why bother risk her health?

"But you still play. The managers that our team sent to Seido said that you were a good player,"

Eirin blinked, Inashiro was spying on them? Now she had something to tell the others in case they got mad at her for not asking permission before she left. "Really!? What else did they say?" but still though, habit kicks in and she's defenseless to compliments all of a sudden so she walks towards Mei and leans in forward. He stays on his place, not leaning back but blushing while he stares at her blinking hopeful eyes.

"T-That's all they said," Mei could easily breath again when she finally stopped leaning towards him. For a second he turned his eyes on her only to see a disappointed expression. "Why does it feel like I just abandoned a puppy in the rain!?" he didn't really know what he should do. Sure he had received a couple of letters from girls left and right but that doesn't change the fact that he's never dated someone with him being focused to baseball. And how does she manage to pull off that expression!? Who in the world can resist it—from afar, Chris-senpai sneezed— and how do they manage to do it!?

"Well, uhh…" Mei's hands flew everywhere, flustered. "They said… that you were also kind of cute," he rested a hand on the back of his nape, cheeks somehow flushed and eyes looking everywhere except Eirin.

"Now everyone in my team is panicking because they really like girls," he told her and mumbled something at the end. Eirin didn't really mind what he whispered, all she cared about was that other schools were looking at her but not in the way she wanted to. She almost gasped but was too shocked from what she heard when the blonde continued from where he trailed off, "You appear in magazines right? You were the one always modeling Ojou's school uniform," Eirin unknowingly clenched her hands.

When she was in junior high school, there was a page in KaraMel, a magazine that covered interviews of students about their school and uniform. Ojou was an elite school so of course that couldn't be avoided. With her having looks above average, she was often chosen to represent.

But if that was the reason why Inashiro was so interested in her…

"D-Did they say anything else about how I pitched?"

Mei blinked, "No, not really. Like I said earlier they just said that you pitch well. Ahh, but they did tell us about your fellow freshman that debuted in the tournament two weeks ago. We heard that he had a pretty nasty fast ball." In her own opinion, it was kind of deafening to hear what he learned about her school. Furuya, Furuya, Furuya. Her fists tightened for a bit and she could already feel her left arm throbbing at how her muscles flexed.

Was she being paranoid? Forgive her if she was wrong but it sounded like Inashiro was underestimating her because she was a girl. That was what she hated the most.

"Ohh yeah, Mom said that I should give you your clothes. Wait a sec," with that he opened the door and ran out of the room. Eirin sighed and released the tension from her hands before the phone in her pocket started to vibrate.

[08:39 P.M., April 03, 2016] [SANADA SHUNPEI]
-So how did it go Ei-chan? Do you get along with Chris-senpai now?

Eirin grinned as she stared at her phone. She only had half a bar left but that wouldn't hurt… right?

Morning came and Mei was knocking on the guest room's door. He woke up pretty early, it was about seven thirty and his mother was already preparing food for them knowing that her son was going to attend practice. They didn't want to wake Eirin but they didn't have a choice really, it was better to eat together. For the first time in a few months, Mira was actually preparing food with a smile, blissed at the thought of having a daughter figure.

"Oi, hime—" Mei opened the door when she wasn't replying.

The blonde pitcher flushed, closing the door behind him before falling down on the floor, flustered. He brought a hand up to his face and blushed more when he remembered what he just saw. Creamy natural beige skin, slender ankles moving up to her well-toned legs and thighs, that slim body extending towards two mounds— Mei shook his head. He did not just peek on Eirin while she was in her underwear, changing. He stood up from the floor before walking down the stairs and towards the dinner table.

"Damn it, Mei, Narumiya Mei! You should have knocked!" he mentally scolded himself, knowing that if he told his mother, he'd probably get a beating. "Why didn't you think about knocking!?" he hit himself on the forehead, trying to bring himself back to reality if ever he was just hallucinating because those vitamins his mother have been giving him lately were too strong so it might have played a part but no…

"Mei!? You look flushed, are you sick!?" his worried mother immediately turned the stove off after she just finished cooking. She sat down beside her son who was starting to eat and placed a hand on his forehead. "And where's Eirin-chan? Didn't I tell you to go get her?" he turned red again at her name before shrugging. Mira just blinked, confused.

"Ahh, Eirin-chan," Mei flinched, refusing to look at her. He tried as much as possible to stop the blush from showing on his face and he was failing at it… miserably. "Good morning," his mother greeted the younger girl with a smile, Mei just continued chewing.

"Just think about your breakfast. Bacon, eggs and toast, bacon, eggs and toast," he glanced at her when she yawned. She was still in the clothes she was dressed in last night but he saw that she was in her underwear earlier… did she take a bath? That would explain the slightly damp hair and moist eyelashes— "Focus, Mei!" he reminded himself when she walked tad a bit closer to where they were.

The female pitcher nodded before sitting down, "Good morning Mira-san, Mei." Kami, the second year almost wanted to melt on his seat right there and now. "Mira-san, he has practice right? Can I go and watch him play?" as she started to take a bite out of her portion, her friend began to choke on his Miso soup. Unexpectedly, the doctor's eyes lit up as if Christmas came in a bit too early this year. She nodded furiously, that was not an overstatement and for some reason, Mei felt chills on his back. Must have been his mother's hand telling him to treat her well.

Eirin titled her head to the side and blinked at him. Mei could literally feel his breath being taken away.

"Bacon, eggs and toast. Bacon, eggs and toast. Bacon, eggs and toast—"

"Yes, yes, of course you two can go on a date," Mira teased with a wide smile on her face.

Mei flushed and scowled at his mother's direction, "Y-You're allowing her!?"

"Mira-san! Thank you very much,"

"S-Sawamura!? Hime-sama, what are you thinking!?"

"Hurry up and get changed Mei!" the female pitcher exclaimed, rather excited. She had been thinking about this since last night. For once and for all, she wanted to see how the players of Inashiro played. And who knows, things just might get a bit interesting. "I want to see how well you can pitch," she just added that on for a reason so she had no idea what Mei was blushing about. Huh, perhaps he is sick.

Eirin giggled at his antics before reminding herself to check Mei's temperature later.

Most of the players inside the fence froze on their positions with their eyes wide at their late teammate's direction. They were supposed to start practice at eight thirty and Mei was late so as usual, although their ace was not there, they continued to practice their own regime. They were about to tease him later, blame and make stories that a girl is keeping him late but—for some reason, his teammate, Carlos couldn't just stop gapping when Mei walked towards the bullpen with a girl.

A hot girl with— "Those are C cups, definitely C cups."

Mei walked towards his coach who was sitting on the bullpen before bowing down and grinning, telling him his reasons as to why he was late. The coach just nodded at whatever he said before he pointed to the girl and the pitcher started to explain in her stead. In the eyes of those who were far away, it looked an awful lot like a guy asking permission from his girlfriend's father. What in the world was Mei getting flustered for!?

When they were finally done talking, Mei started to run towards the mound, an extra energetic Eirin cheering for him from the bench, "You're sick, you're not allowed to faint okay! Mira-san will get mad," Kami, it did not help how she slightly waved her hands at him. He gave her a glare as if to say that he's not sick and you, yes you, Eirin you, pull your dress down. The girl obliged, somehow blushing before the ace nodded at her and walked towards his teammates.

"Mom, it's too short!" Mei pointed unto the dress that Eirin was wearing. She didn't bring any clothes or whatsoever so she had to use the ones that were left by Mira's patients in her clinic during their extensive stay there after injuries and such. Honestly, the girls did not know what the male was ranting about. He kept complaining about how the dress was too short and how inappropriate it was. It looked decent really. It was a just a simple white sundress, they totally didn't understand Mei.

"Son, define short," Mira took a step back to look at the dress on full view on Eirin. It looked gorgeous on the girl. She even braided her hair in a French braid and left her bangs messy and cute. "It's covering her thighs and it's just an inch above her knees, sure it's spaghetti strapped but it does not show any of her cleavage at all. What are you complaining about? Do you want to be the one wearing the dress?" it almost sounded absurd, really. But Mei was not going to back down. He was a man with pride for kami's sake.

"Yeah, it's looks totally fine…" Eirin half turned to see the back of the dress and its hem. It was not short and it even almost reached her knees. "I knew it. I cannot pull off a dress," she grasped the ends of the dress she was given and started to frown. She didn't like dresses in the first place. She just didn't have a choice since she didn't bring any clothes with her. It was also kind of rude to refuse the woman's offer. Mira sympathized with the girl, giving her assuring words and glares toward his son.

"No, he's just kidding Eirin-chan, it looks good,"

Mei made a baffled face before defending his opinion, "First of all, that dress is above the knee, it shows a lot of skin. And mom, she's injured, people will see her scar. And look at the way it fits her, it's too… too… too tight! And why is it showing her collarbones—"

"Mei, it's a flowy summer dress. It's not tight. It's just an inch above her knee and she's not going to jump around is she?"

"But—"

"Would you mind lending her some of your clothes then?" his mother had her hands on her hips, an eyebrow raised at her son. The pitcher turned red at her statement, completely shocked that she… his mother out of all people would suggest such thing. The girl on the other hand was busy strapping the sandals she was given on her feet. "And don't even start complaining again, you'll be late for practice," before her son was able to reply, she was already dragging him out towards the door with an enthusiastic Eirin trailing behind them.

"Mom— Wai— I'm telling you that it's too short!"

"Dude! Mei, where did you fish a girl like her!?"

"Oi, Narumiya! She's a relative not your lover, right? Tell me that she's a relative!"

"You got laid before me!? Senpai won't accept this!"

"Mei-san! Is she your girlfriend!?" Inashiro's first year catcher, Tadano Itsuki asked. He was not the only curious one, really. Did he mention that their ace was being flocked by most of the members in the team? "Isn't she the one from Seido? Sawamura Eirin? Mei-san, you're dating Sawamura Eirin!?" it almost sounded out of character for someone like him who was not that enthusiastic most of the time. But hey, he was curious. What reason could Mei have for bringing a girl to practice?

"Okay, first of all, she's not my girlfriend. She's my mother's—"

"Angel…" Mei turned to look at his teammate. The perfectionist shortstop on his team, Shirakawa Katsuyuki was staring at the girl who was having a conversation with their coach. Everyone knew how much of an idealist person he was. He aimed to get high grades, he was always seeking certainty and heck he even had an ideal type— it just so happened that Eirin was the perfect reflection of that. "It is as if she had fallen from Heaven itself," okay so that sounded a bit weird for someone like him who was always serious. Was this the effect of their deprivation from women managers?

"Katsuyuki-san, what in the world are you saying?"

"Did he fry his brain cells from too much practice?"

Well Katsuyuki was a clean freak… a perfectionist, stoic, introverted, clean freak. But what was the connection towards his sudden interest in Eirin? Who knows, his teammates sometimes thought he was weird.

"I knew it, that dress is too short," in practice, he was usually cheerful and hyper. He didn't really have to worry about anything since his teammates deal with everything. Plus, he creates more trouble than the others. He's supposed to be the cool, swift, fast, strong pitcher ace of Inashiro. He has fangirls that want to be noticed. Mei, honestly, he's a bit similar to Miyuki, popular and talented. But let's also remember that he has this one flaw.

Being over confident, his pride is just higher than anyone. He doesn't want to lose even if he has to.

So how does this make him defective? It does not, it only makes him cuter! That'll give you an equal to a tsundere boyfriend who is too possessive to his girlfriend. And he's blonde! Mei has blue eyes! Do you know what that means? That means girls can drown in them and whoever his future girlfriend would be, she'd die early unless she was immune to his charm which Eirin was considering the fact that she's been around Yamato who's like the prince of the school since they were in kindergarten and Furuya who is also not half bad.

But too much confidence? That sometimes leads to problems, man. Not all the time, yes it's cute, but it mostly results to misunderstandings.

Narumiya Mei, isn't he supposed to be like a warrior? Well, yes, he can be a knight but that's already Yamato so… Uhh… back to the topic. He's full of justice, confidence, regality and strength. That one flaw destroys everything though. Mei is supposed to be a Raichu, electrifying, fast and accurate not Pikachu who just remains cute, still strong but it too embarrassed to actually be honest. Do you even see the point? As to where Miyuki is a cool, dark, mischievous, teasing Zoroark, we see Mei as a Raichu but deep inside he's actually a pretty huggable Pikachu—but hey, it's supposed to be progression, not reverse evolution.

And Eirin doesn't even belong to him nor are they're dating.

So why the fuck is he getting so pissed off.

"That dress is too freaking short,"

"Stop staring at her," his teammate, Yabe Koji, third baseman was stealing glances from his friend and it just irked him so much that his hands started to itch. Kami, even his teammates was starting to restrain him due to the killer intent he was releasing. "Hime-sama does not deserve to be looked at by such filthy peasants," okay, people should really hold him tighter because he's starting to go against restriction. Heck, he was ready to attack and pounce on Yabe when he just grinned at him.

"Hime-sama?" Katsuyuki asked, a bit confused. What in the world was Mei getting flustered for? He took a second look at his angel before he came unto realization. Hime-sama… princess… "So she's actually a princess and not an angel?" his hopes were not shattered at all, in fact they were brought into higher heights. To be able to actually see a living princess in this time of the day, in Tokyo, Japan… Kami, he could just die happily. Those looks, those eyes, those arms, that chest size—

"I said stop staring! And no, she's not an angel, she's hime-sama—"

The captain, Harada Masatoshi had his arms crossed before he faked a cough so that everyone would turn their attention on him, "Everyone go back to your proper places and practice. Do not get distracted." His voice almost sounded stern… extra stern for some reason. And no one knows why but no one listened and they just stood there, staring at the girl who was laughing at whatever their coach was saying. Heck, their coach was a demon! There was no way he can pull of a joke. Let's just also keep in mind that their captain hated disobedience from the members.

"Everyone. Practice. Now,"

Shivers crawled up their spines and each of them went to their proper places, still distracted but not as bad as before. It would be an understatement if one said that no one was looking at Eirin because often… very often… they would steal glances at her and see her laughing at whatever their coach was telling her.

"So Mei, what's her number?"

"Go away,"

"No… no, just no— Hime-sama, I said— No!"

"It's just a game Mei, I'll manage! Don't you believe in my prowess as a pitcher?"

"I would but you were sugarcoating the coach so that he'd let you join practice,"

"I was not sugarcoating him. I asked him politely and he agreed,"

"The coach never let girls on the mound before,"

"Are you underestimating me!? Narumiya Mei you freaking ass—"

The Inashiro team watched the two bicker back and forth. They were in the dugout with Eirin trying to walk forward and Mei stopping her by restraining her arms. And they don't know why but Mei, who was supposed to be the stronger and male, was losing… pathetically. Eirin almost had no trouble with him being extra baggage and weight. The female pitcher just grinned muttering words like 'tires are heavier than Mei who weighs like a stick'. Everyone sweat dropped, they were already on their positions waiting for the two.

"They're dating,"

"They're totally dating,"

"Look, you're injured!" Mei stood up from the ground because he got pushed and fell down before he cornered Eirin on the wall, the sight almost looking a bit shojou manga-ish to the players. Everyone thought that it was totally inappropriate but let's just say that Mei wanted to do it once in his lifetime. Luckily, his words were only loud enough for the two of them to hear. "And you're going have a checkup with Mom later, she'd know if you used your arm and I'd die," he remembered what his mother told him earlier. Never do anything reckless.

"This is not reckless. I've planned this since last night. It's a complete strategical idea I've come up with," Eirin replied, crossing her arms above her chest. She tilted her head to the side rather sarcastically,

"Seriously, Chris-senpai would be so proud that I used my brain this much—"

"Chris-senpai won't be proud!" he grabbed her by her shoulders, gently scolding her. Eirin looked at her with a baffled face. Well he didn't actually know who 'Chris-senpai' was but he was sure that uhh… he wouldn't like Eirin injuring herself further. "If you get injured, it'll just be a burden on the team. Think about your health first," he didn't know what he was talking about. All he saw was how her eyes widened.

"They need you in Ojou," her eyes were dead serious and she could see his hands go to his sides and his head turn to the ground. "You can't come with me to Seido, Takeshi," the cold wind blew and it froze her fingertips. She wasn't sure if he felt the cold since he looked the same but if you looked closely, you would be able to see how his eyes were a bit crestfallen.

Yamato… did he also feel like this?

Hopeless, despondent and desperate?

Mei clenched his fists on her shoulders before lowering his head when she turned silent, "I'm not underestimating you. I know that people acknowledge you already." He was partly right, she was acknowledged by some. Yamato and Chris were good examples, heck even Miyuki knows how much potential she had. Perhaps most of the team also does but that does not change the fact that most of them only expect.

Ace?

It's only a title.

A title that she didn't want.

"I'll be fine. I won't over exert myself, promise," she removed his arms off her, giving him a slight squeeze on the hand to assure him before walking towards the mound. "As if you'd know," Mei who had always been ahead of others would never understand what it's like being not able to catch up and being underestimated because of gender and looks.

It was supposed to be a match between the regulars and the second string players. Eirin specifically asked the coach to let her join. They don't even know where she got the Inashiro uniform from. Perhaps they lent her one from the girls' soft ball team which had an identical color scheme to theirs. That wasn't Mei's problem though. He was just worried that his mom was going to scold him if he lets her play. And her injury… what if it gets worse? Sure, she'd be playing with the regulars so she wouldn't have to do anything but… Mei clenched his fists, not really sure.

By then, she was already on the mound in front of the first year catcher Itsuki. The male had skills, it had only been a few months since he joined the club yet there he was already, in the first string. Eirin grinned analyzing him. Well she had some news to tell her team. Since she was already here, might as well scout the enemy. She wasn't sure if Inashiro's coach was just stupid or he was just underestimating her. She knew one thing for sure though, he was confident about their team and that they had nothing to hide.

"Coach, you do know that she's from Seido, right?" Mei tried for the last time, hoping that the coach would be the one to stop her from pitching. Itsuki was confirming the signals with Eirin so they had a minute or so. The instructor on the other hand, didn't look like he was going to change his mind. The male pitcher sighed as he watched his teammates grin. Ohh, so they do want to see a girl pitch.

"First to pitch, Sawamura Eirin,"

One of the second string members on the sidelines had his eyes widen, "S-Sawamura Eirin!?"

She nodded at Itsuki and started her windup. The regulars looked alert on their position— in this one throw, she'd be able to see how much ability Inashiro has when it comes to analyzing plays.

Bam!

"Strike!"

Kunimoto's eyes widened along with Mei and the other members. The batter, a second year student was stunned on his place with his bat freezing in mid-air. Center fielder, Carlos grinned at Yabe and Sugi while Shirakawa was on his place with an analyzing expression. They all had years of experience when it came to baseball. But one thing they knew for sure was that they had never seen that kind of form before. Mei's surprise immediately turned into a grin when Itsuki threw the ball at her direction.

"What. What in the world is up with her form?"

"Isn't she the new pitcher of Seido? The one who transferred from Ojou Academy?"

Ezaki forced a smile on his face when in reality, he was nervous, "Hey, she's fast."

Harada crossed his arms above his chest, "She is, but not as fast as Mei—"

Bam!

"Strike!"

The coach stood up from his seat in order to properly process what he just saw. Itsuki looked horrified as he held the mitt above his head, his hands throbbing with pain from the impact. Mei doesn't even care anymore. He wanted to see more of that pitch. The other regulars must have noticed that her throws were not that fast, she made it seem fast. I mean, how would you deal with a ball whose timing you can't time? The catcher snapped out of his thoughts when she threw a grin at him.

Bam!

"Strike! Batter out!"

"Damn it! They were all down in the middle," the batter complained as he left the batter box. Itsuki stared at the girl who was arguing with Mei who was meters away from her. He asked for the same pitch three times in a row, the batter was out. Other than that, he only wanted to know one thing. Miyuki Kazuya… was he also her catcher? The one Mei was also obsessed of? Itsuki couldn't help but click his tongue. The next batter was a third year who was removed from the regular position and was demoted to second string.

Mizushima Kuro swung his bat before pointing unto the girl's direction, "Just because you're female doesn't mean I'll be going easy on you!" Likewise, Eirin looked trigged as she started to stretch her right shoulder with a grin. Mei's face turned cold, the batter was known for his power batting. No matter how talented, Eirin can't fair with simple pitches.

"Itsuki, what will you call?" the ace looked over his teammate, silently pleading.

The catcher's mitt rose to a position, right down in the middle. The regulars themselves looked baffled, some shaking their heads while Eirin started her wind-up. They knew that Itsuki hated players from the other team, he was a sadistic bastard. They thought that he'd let it go since he was catching for a girl but unfortunately, it seems like they were wrong. The coach smirked. No matter what gender, an enemy is still an enemy.

Clang!

Mizushima grinned and Eirin's eyes widened when the ball hit the fence.

Right down in the middle.

Those kind of throws were his absolute forte.

It was nearly five in the afternoon when the Narumiya family's car pulled over in front of Seido's gate. Eirin stepped out and closed the door while Mei had his arms crossed, looking obviously bitter. "Come on Mei, you'll see each other next time," his mother assured him from the driver's seat with a smile. The female pitcher smiled while he glanced at her with a frown. "It's not like this is the last one, right?" Mei almost scoffed at that one.

"We'll meet at the finals next time, Mei," for some reason, it never failed to make him blush with the way she said his name. "I don't know if Inashiro's going to make it though. Seido is very strong ya' know," and there it was, her signature grin that everyone was familiar to. Seriously, this girl was going to be the death of him. He just listened to her babble on and on with how great her team is going to be and how much practice she's going to do.

"Is your shoulder fine now?" Mei asked worriedly, glancing at her bandaged left shoulder which was not visible due to the long sleeved shirt she was wearing. It was not like he didn't trust his mother or something. His mother was an expert for kami's sake. It was just to uhh… double check, or so he said.

"Good as new," with that, she threw him a peace sign.

"That's good," Mei smiled in relief when she assured him, Eirin blinked. "Well then, see you at the finals hime-sama," he smirked when he saw her cheeks light up with carnation pink, his mother bidding goodbye to her before she drove off the car. From afar, the Narumiyas could hear a faint 'Don't call me hime-sama!' as they drove off and Mei couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Eirin's smile became a worried frown after she took a deep breath and faced the gate. Kami, everyone is going to flip out. She was so sure that Kuramochi was going to scold her for not telling anyone of her whereabouts. She didn't even bother to call someone. Yep, they're definitely going to kill her. Maybe if she hides behind Chris-senpai then she'll get saved.

She passed the field and it was surprisingly empty… except for the regulars who usually trained during day offs. With his sharp ears and eyes, Kuramochi immediately spotted the girl from the corner of his eye. Without second thought, he used his speed and ran towards her, leaving his position. The regulars looked confused for a second before seeing Eirin in a blur of takeoff. Haruichi and Chris who were observing practice were stunned and stood up from their place to follow.

"Ohh, shit, Mochi-senpai," no one was there to correct her of her language, really. Eirin just started to run for her life hoping that she'd get to the dorm and lock the door before her cheetah senpai lashes out on her for being irresponsible. "Please don't kill me!" he was literally behind her and there was no way she was going to outrun him.

"Sawamura!" when he got a hold on her, he put her in an elbow lock. He looked obviously pissed so now she was starting to feel guilty. "You moron! Where were you yesterday!? Do you have any idea how much trouble you've caused!?" those who just caught up to them huffed in exhaustion. Eirin laughed awkwardly while giving Kuramochi explanations. He didn't look satisfied though. He wanted to know everything.

"And what was that about!? You were going to an omiai!?"

"So you have a boyfriend now, huh!?"

"Kami, Sawamura Eirin! Where in the world did you go last night!?"

"E-Eirin-chan! I'm sorry but I agree with Kuramochi-senpai this time," Haruichi shook his head when his best friend shot him her puppy dog eyes which she somehow developed. Well, Chris-senpai was the one who triggered it but over the week everyone became immune to it. The first day she used it to them was hell, don't even mention it. The only thing that probably kept them sane was Eirin's unfeminine antics that made it less effective the more you knew how brash she was.

"You should really answer your phone next time, Ei-chan," everyone nodded at the younger Kominato's suggestion and she sighed as she agreed. She couldn't help it, it was Haruichi. And Haruichi was always right when it came to these things so… "We were very worried," his voice sounded really concerned, it was something only Haruichi could pull off and Ryosuke was almost proud.

Well, she might have used all of her phone's battery power into texting… Sanada…

"She has a lot of explaining to do," Kuramochi threw his arm around her shoulder and everyone almost raised a brow at the somehow affectionate manner before he tightened his grip around her neck because… cough… cough… M-Mochi-senpai…. Can't…. breathe… air… "Be glad that its day off day today or the coach would've hanged you upside down for skipping practice!" by then he was already dragging her to the direction of their dorms.

The other regulars grinned at each other before walking while Chris exhaustedly sighed, his eyebrows somehow knitted with each other before following.

He needed to ask her about it later.

Sooo… in the next chapter school officially starts.

And I'm also putting an A/N here since I know some of you don't read the things above LOL.

Do you guys want to see some things happen? Please do tell me and I'll try to incorporate them into the next chapter. And yes, Eirin didn't actually go to an 'omiai'. To those who don't know what an omiai is it's basically a match making event. The regulars and Masuko-san were just being delusional. You'll see their reactions in the next chapter. Before you ask, yes, Eirin has uhh… issues, you know with all the expectations and underestimation and stuff. You'll see how she'd deal with it soon, perhaps in the next chapter. For now, good bye~! Ciao~!