Notes from a Muddy Writer:

First off, I'm so so so sorry for the extremely loooooooooong wait. I got busy over the last two months and I could have done it this summer, but… well life interfered. XD I had this one sitting in my computer, collecting dust. I planned to publish this once I reached the 5000 mark. Yet, it didn't happen. T_T As always, I hope you enjoyed this update, and hopefully the story would be updated much faster next time.

Again, thank you so much for being patient, and for reviewing the last chapter. It means very much to me. ^_^


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Awkwardness Settles

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"I have always considered marriage as the most interesting event of one's life, the foundation of happiness or misery."

-George Washington, Letter to Burwell Bassett

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'You may now read the tale.'

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Week 2

Tuesday Night

Sakuno did not remember feeling this way before. Her palms were slick with sweat, and her heart was pounding against her chest as if wanting to rip her flesh open. She lay down on their bed as she waited the minutes to trickle down. They were only meeting his parents. How hard could it be?

It really isn't that hard. That is, if everything was real and normal. Which it wasn't. And that really scared her. What if the two of them bicker in front of Ryoma's parents and his parents would find out they aren't really living a sweet life but just a sweet lie?

Deep breathe in, deep breathe out. "Focus, Sakuno and relax," she reminded herself.

A knock on her door disturbed her thoughts. She turned her head to see who it was.

"Are you ready?" Ryoma asked as he peeked from behind the door. It seemed like his body was divided in half.

"Yes," she managed to choke out. In slow movements, Sakuno got up from the bed and walked up to the mirror, checking herself if she looked presentable enough.

"You look…okay," Ryoma chimed in. His sudden presence frightened Sakuno she nearly jumped. She focused her eyes on him, but she found out that he was looking away from her, as if embarrassed by what he just said.

"Thanks then," she said with a raised eyebrow.

Together, in silence, they exited their bedroom and went to where their parents were.

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"Okay, just remember we have to act like a couple," Ryoma whispered as they neared the dining room.

"How do we do that? Our relationship hasn't improved in any way," she whispered back. It was the truth. Ryoma did not almost stop himself from stiffening. He mentally sighed.

"Just act… naturally." When a full second passed and she did not reply, he looked back at her. Her expression clearly said what?

"I meant how couples normally would act!" His whispers were now with force. "I know you watched enough dramas to know that."

Sakuno rolled her eyes. "Yeah," she muttered, and to herself, "whatever."

They took their final step together and were instantly greeted with the warmth of Rinko's smile and Nanjiro's cheeky one.

"How's it been, Sakuno-chan? Ryoma-kun?" she asked as she directed them to the table.

"We're… okay," Sakuno replied, all the while eyeing Ryoma who shrugged.

Ryoma pulled the seat for Sakuno as a sign of being gentleman. She was surprised at his gesture, but when she noticed that Ryoma did it more out of habit, Sakuno felt a pang of disappointment.

Once they were all seated comfortably, they began their dining –savoring the flavors of the food Rinko cooked for her family.

"So, Seishounen," Nanjirou spoke. He was the first one to break the silence. Sakuno, who was beside Ryoma, noticed that he was suddenly tense. She got the feeling that he somehow knew what he was going to ask, and whatever it was, it was not good. "Have you started on your making your own family?"

Sakuno paled as she heard his father-in-law's remark. Ryoma, on the other hand, became rigid.

"Oh ho! Now, don't tell me he hasn't been satisfying you, Sakuno-chan?" Nanjirou joked. He was on the verge of laughing.

Sakuno blushed. She laughed a little shakily. "That's not it, Dad." She added a shy smile.

"Just shut up, Oyaji." Ryoma said it so low that no one could have heard it.

"Oh, stop it Nanjirou," Rinko intervened. She might not have realized it, but Sakuno was thankful. Rinko unconsciously saved them from an embarrassing topic. Then she turned to the couple. "But when are we going to see the babies?"

Ryoma choked on his way of sipping the soup. Having noticed this, Sakuno reached out to pat his back while Ryoma coughed.

"Are you okay?" she asked. Her eyes drooped because of worry.

"Y-yeah," Ryoma managed to say.

As he was staring at her, he noticed there was a smudge of soup on the corners of her lips. Ryoma reached out a hand.

Seeing his outstretched hand, Sakuno flinched. She was unsure of what he was going to do when his long fingers swiped the corners of her mouth.

What the—?

"You had something on your mouth," Ryoma said while pointing at his own mouth. It was apparently the spot where she had the smudge. On instinct, her fingers flew towards her own mouth.

"Don't worry," he said while looking back at his plate. He almost seemed shy. "It's gone now."

"T-thank you," she could only stutter in response.

"Aw, that's adorable." They heard Rinko whisper.

The family resumed eating. Rinko decided to stop bombarding the couple with highly humiliating questions –questions that are not even meant to be talked about at dinner. But Nanjirou continued his assault of questions which almost made the couple flee from the room.

They finally arrived at the end of their meal.

"That was a good dinner," Sakuno said once they were finished. "Thank you, Mom."

"Aw, you're entirely welcome, Sakuno-chan." Rinko smiled at her.

"Well, I guess we'd better get going then." This came from Nanjirou. At that moment, Ryoma swore he could almost sigh in huge relief.

"It's getting pretty late too," Rinko agreed.

Ryoma's parents headed towards the front door, but not before saying their goodbyes to their lovely children, as Rinko would put it.

"Goodbye, Sakuno-chan!" Rinko kissed each of Sakuno's cheeks. She went next to Ryoma. "Remember to take good care of your wife, Ryoma. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Mom," he said almost in impatience.

"That's a good boy." She also proceeded to kiss his cheeks. After which she went to slip on her shoes and waited for Nanjirou to say his own goodbyes.

"Well, Seishounen, I could see that you can't wait to some time alone with your wife—"

"Come now, Nanjirou," Rinko said as she pulled his husband away. "Take care you two!"

And they were gone.

They exhaled in relief.

"Do you think we did well?" Sakuno asked him.

He looked back at her. "I don't know." And that was the truth.

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A cool breeze blew as Sakuno stared up at the night sky. The twinkling stars were so beautiful that she was entertained by just watching them. It wasn't so late though. She guessed that it was around nine in the evening. Not too early, not too late.

Besides, she couldn't sleep. She needed to clear her head. And probably just relax.

But as she sat there on the bench, doing nothing, thoughts surged into her mind.

How was their relationship going, if she was going to assess it? Were they getting better or worse? Or were they just downright slow? Ryoma's tender care when she was injured told her that that was not nothing. It was something. Or was she just trying to make herself believe it was something?

However, before she could think further, someone took a seat beside her. She need not even guess who it was. There was only one person in the house anyway.

"What are you doing out?" he asked.

She was slightly taken a back. He never did start conversations with her. As far as she could remember. It made her narrow her eyes in suspicion.

When she did not reply, Ryoma looked at her. Sakuno immediately straightened.

"Nothing, really. Just wanted some fresh air, I guess."

An awkward silence settled.

"What are you—"

"Do you want—"

They spoke simultaneously.

Silence.

Sakuno was the first one to giggle. "Okay then, you first."

Ryoma raised an eyebrow. "No, you. Ladies first."

"Eh?"

"You heard me."

"Certainly."

He eyed her.

"I just wanted to ask what you are trying to do by talking to me first." Sakuno widened her eyes when she realized what she said. She did not even think before speaking! Oh for goodness' sakes!

"I'm sorry!" she said.

"Heh." Ryoma smirked. "Is it really so wrong to talk to your wife?"

Sakuno settled back on the bench. "No, I guess not."

Ryoma noticed that she likes to scrunch up her face in weird ways. However, he surprised himself that he likes it when she does that. And even if he does not want to admit it, he finds her cute. He stared at her a moment longer than he wanted. As he did, he observed that she had smooth, porcelain-like skin. Her nose was pointy, but it was just right for her face. And her hair. It was just like on that night when they first met: silk-like. Then he realized he had yet to touch it.

"But I didn't think you thought of me as your wife."

Her voice brought him out of his stupor. "Uh, right."

Damn him for not paying attention. What was she saying again?

"Are you even listening?" Sakuno had a stern expression on now.

"Of course."

Lying is bad, but he found that he had no choice.

"If so, what was I saying?"

Screw this.

"You said that…" his voice trailed off after that.

Sakuno sighed. "You're hopeless. Why did you even talk to me? You're clearly not listening."

"Well, was it my fault that I was staring at your face?"

Shoot!

Ryoma was only thinking about it. He did not mean to say it out loud.

Another awkward silence.

Sakuno spun her head towards his direction. Her face was all red now. "What?"

He could also feel heat rising up to his cheeks. He should have brought with him his cap.

"Nothing."

"Oh really? If it's nothing, why are you so red?" She tried so hard to not laugh. It was her first time seeing him like this too.

"Just shut up. Okay?"

Silences seemed to fall often between them. Sakuno deduced that it must be because they find the situation weird and awkward. They were awkward. And it did not help when no one could think of something sensible to talk about.

"Why did you talk to me again?" she found herself asking. But she was not looking at him. Her gaze was directed upwards, to the twinkling stars.

"I don't know," he whispered to her. His gaze followed hers. Soon, they were a young couple stargazing. "It just felt right."

For the first time, she saw him smile. Like truly smile. Ryoma, as Sakuno knew him, was not the kind of person to smile easily. He smirked and frowned easily, but never smiled.

"I'm glad you did."

"Really?"

Their eyes met, and in that moment, the world seemed to fade away. There were only them and them alone. She could almost hear a magical song in the background.

Sakuno felt her heart beat faster than usual. What is this that she's feeling? It can't be that right?

But she wished hard that it was though. She also wished that he felt it too. For a moment, she believed he did for she found him scooting closer and closer to her. When their bodies touched, Sakuno felt his warmth. It was the same warmth that she loved. His warmth that promises her protection, love and care.

Ryoma slowly entwined his fingers with Sakuno's. It was different for him at first, and he felt her stiffen at the sudden contact. But she did not pull away. When he successfully did, he found out that their hands were a perfect fit. It was as if the spaces between his fingers were made only for her.

"Ryoma-kun?" she whispered.

He stared up to her. "Hm?"

"Nothing."

Could it really be the start of something?

Deep in her heart, Sakuno wished it was.

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"Do you want to—"

Ryoma stopped in the middle of talking when he felt a heavy object land on his shoulder. He turned to see that Sakuno had already fallen asleep.

He had to smirk at that. "And here I thought you wanted to …" he trailed off.

But never mind that. Now it occurred to him that this was a perfect opportunity to run his hand through Sakuno's hair. Can he really do it without waking her up?

Slowly, he made Sakuno lay on his lap. This was tricky since he could startle Sakuno. And if she did wake up, he would have to explain what he was doing. But he did it well, though Sakuno's breath became uneven in the process.

When she was snuggly placed on his lap, Ryoma, with hesitance, ran his fingers through her hair. As he did, the smell of her shampoo temporarily filled him. It smelled like some flower that he did not know. But it definitely smelled good. Her hair was also silky, and he wondered how she was able to take good care of it.

A few more minutes was spent with Ryoma playing with Sakuno's hair. When his eyes got misty and droopy, he realized that it was time for bed.

He took hold of her arms and made them drape around his neck. Then he cupped her head against his neck. Lastly, Ryoma made Sakuno's legs wrap around his waist.

Ryoma was carrying a baby. An over-sized baby.

When he tried to stand up, he surprised himself that he couldn't. He had to take two tries before he could carry his butt off the bench.

I didn't think you'd weigh this heavy! He thought.

Ryoma was huffing by the time he reached the stairs and basically dumped Sakuno on the bed when they reached the bedroom. The tennis prince was sweating all over, and his breaths were hot and heavy.

Ryoma wanted to at least freshen up before heading straight for bed, but he was utterly exhausted that he slump next to Sakuno. Sweat and all.


Replies:

And now for the repliessss!

Ayuma-chan- I really really hoped that this update was okay, and I hope they acted cute enough. XD I supposed the 'apple' would be a reoccurring thing in this story. Hahahaha! Well, I tried writing a longer one and it did not happen. T_T I wish the length's okay to you, though.

0202- Dudeeeeee! What's up?! XD Yeah, I'm working on that. I have to think more about it. See ya on the next update! :D

heartluv- Oh yeaaaah! Ryoma and apples~We should start that. Hahahaha… just kidding! It's more of like "Ryoma and takoyaki" or "Ryoma and Karupin". Hahahahaha!

yukina-chan15- Oh gods! Yukina-chaaaaan! Hahahaha! I'm not pressuring you to review every chapter~~~ So it's okay if you are late or something. :D But thank you so much for keeping up with the story. Aaaaaaaand! I'm glad that you think there relationship is improving. APPLEEEES! Really, see ya in the next chapter!

Lyfa- That line just was inspired by true-to-life stories. XD *cough* girls *cough* Hmmmm… maybe not too soon, but we are nearing the end? But with my slow updates, I guess it'll be far into the future before it actually ends. Hahahaha! And yes, I have a finished story right here in my computer. I'll publish whenever I'd take a long time updating this one so you guys have something to read? Gooooooosh~ I'm still mada mada dane.

ulquihime7980- I know right? I'm sorry!

ShizureiX2- I'm happy to know that it's interesting to no end! I hope I keep up~ :D

JC-zala- Thank you very much for your insight, and of course, for deciding to review! :D True, true, the concept is pretty common, but I decided to have my 'version' of it. It was actually conceived during my 2nd year in high school. XD Then I lost the paper containing the original titles for each chapter, and basically the plot. I've written the first chapter and decided to keep it in FFN's document manager, but the story life was just 90 days before FFN would remove it. After everything that has happened, I decided to abandon it altogether. However, I decided to try to revive it, and this was the result. XD As for Sakuno's tennis, well… I thought that she can't focus being a pro player if she was an interior designer which reminded me to give that more focus. Yes, the anime did portray her poorly thus, made a lot of people hate her for her clumsiness. And her proficiency in arts was something I did not know about! Hahahaha!

Yuki Kineshi- Yes! Call me that! Hahahaha! Hmmm… yes I do have a Facebook account, but I'd rather give it to you via PM if you have an account in FFN? :D I' love to! But… you'll pay for my fare, right? Nyahahahaha! I'm a freshman in college. ^_^ Well, some kids around here started playing their songs. I only know "Kamu" though. My Ryoma is good? *pak* I sure hope so. But I don't feel it that way. T_T I hope you got your answer~ ;) Gaaaaaaaah! Did you somehow feel a connection between the two of them in this chapter? I want to know!

DearestELFriend- Aaaaaaawww~ Thanks for loving it! ^_^ You also think their relationship is improving? Truly? :D Yup, it was inspired by that song. The video that came with the song was what inspired the chapter, if I remember correctly. (Or not.) Yeaaah! I may not be the biggest fan, but I like UKISS, BEAST, SHINEE, SNSD, and many others. XD

Nightlocka- Thank you~ :D Although the end might not be as near as I assume (?). I've only seen Full House once, I think and I wasn't very consistent. But, I really loved it! The whole thing was just cute. :3 Hahahaha! That's so cool that we like the same songs! I especially love the theme song "Geu De Ji Geum"… I think that was the title. Hahahahaha! Me toooo! Thanks for loving the fic! 3

Guest- Guessst! (Is this the same guest or…? XD) Anyway, I'm sorry if it feels like the story's dragging. I think it's because I want a slow approach when it comes to their relationship. I also asked a friend of mine, who's also a writer here in FFN, about the pace of the story. She said that it was okay or something like that. Don't worry though; I'm with you with regards to the pace. T_T I wish I could speed things up. But being a slow writer, it seems next to impossible. :'(

asuna11- Asuna-chaaaaaan! This so reminds me of SAO. XD Thank you for the review and love~ :D

Sandra- Sandra, Sandra, Sandra… This update was made because of you! Hahahaha! I felt guilty when you had to review twice to get me updating. T_T Hopefully I didn't disappoint.

yana19- Hello~ I love that kind of romance too! XD And thank you so much for reviewing~ :D

Notes from a Muddy Writer:

Is that enough progress? Hahaha! *people screams NOOOOO!* I'm sorry if they are a tad bit slow. For me, it would look weird and hasty if I just plop them with a very established relationship. So sorry if the pace is toooooooo slow. T_T And sorry for the late updates. T_T