Disclaimer: Standard Disclaimers Applied

A/N: This was supposed to be posted earlier but well, after reading the first draft, I ended up deleting the entire chapter. But I really worked hard to improve this time. So…yeah. I really hope you would enjoy this chapter. Oh! And thank you for the previous reviews. I really, really am grateful. I abuse 'really' don't you think? Really? Geez. So anyway, here goes nothing. Happy reading!

Thanks to: Akemi-chan; for all the ideas and partial editing, Karen-chan/matsukanishi09; for major –really- editing. And of course to all my reviewers who supported this fic. Kyah!

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A phone call a day… keeps a doctor away?

~Anonymous

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"Do you want to talk to…my father?"

Chapter 3: Phone Call

"I… think that isn't really a good idea," she said, slightly smug about the fact that she managed to reject his wonderful offer.

Ryoma seemed stunned by her refusal. Good, she was expecting a pout.

She honestly considered a confident 'yes' as an answer. His father was her friend after all. But as far as the situation was concerned, there would be a high probability that he wasn't serious. He would surely want to avenge himself from all the betrayal which ensued to his embarrassment. And she, as a mature babysitter, wouldn't be tricked.

"Why not?" He asked, his voice emitting apparent curiosity that interrupted her from her trance.

She stared at him for a moment "And why yes?" was the most intelligent reply she could muster.

He shrugged nonchalantly, "Whatever, I was just asking."

And then she realized that they were finally home. The car screeched to a halt in front of the mansion's driveway, overlooking the dazzling garden illuminated by lights coming from the house. She was about to give a comment to divert the topic but was abruptly interrupted when Ryoma immediately hopped off the car and, without a second glance, headed inside.

Sakuno couldn't help but let a small smile escape her lips. She knew she had won this time. His father wouldn't be enough to distract her from being professional - the word repeating for the nth time of the day- or so she thought.

She followed him inside, already prepared to put the idea of the phone call off. Yet some things just didn't go the way she wanted them to…

"Her name is Sakuno, my girlfriend." She overheard the junior muttering on the phone. He became silent for a few moments, listening to the other person on the other end of the line.

Sakuno inched closer trying to hear more of the conversation, 'He can't possibly be talking with—' she gravely thought, instantaneously hiding herself behind one of those tall green plants along the hallway. 'And he introduced me as his girlfriend?' she added as an afterthought.

"Yes," he said on the phone and, as if sensing her presence, entered his room.

Sakuno frowned. He had let her eavesdrop purposely. He wanted her to get curious. And in fact, she already was.

She breathed deeply, 'Sakuno, hold it. The child's just teasing you. You will not let him—'

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted when the doors of the younger Echizen's room opened, his head popping out the door. "Here," he said, handing the phone to her. She almost jumped in surprise. He really knew she was hiding. "You want to talk to him," he said in a matter-of-fact tone.

Sakuno blushed knowing it was true. Her heart thumped faster than it was required as her eyes helplessly scanned the place back and forth. She had to find a way, an excuse… just anything to leave.

"Oi," the boy called her attention once more.

"What?" She replied offhandedly, showing herself from where she was hidden.

She took a white handkerchief from her pocket and started wiping vases randomly for alibi. In case he asks, that is. Fortunately, the boy seemed not to bother and only gestured for her to come closer. And even though she was puzzled and reluctant enough, she followed.

"Here," he said yet again, putting the phone in her right hand immediately. "Five minutes," he added and, just when Sakuno was about to protest, shut the door close.

'Couldn't he be a little bit more respectful?' She thought exasperatingly and brought the phone to her ear.

"Hello?" she called uncertainly.

There was a small pause before the receiver answered, "Sakuno?" the familiar voice answered.

And it was him.

It was really him.

Echizen Ryoma.

And he was addressing her by first name! But of course, she was introduced by the younger Echizen by her first name.

'Stupid Sakuno,' she thought frustratingly.

"Ne," the voice called, verifying if someone's already on the other line.

"A-Anou. Sorry," she replied, wracking her brain for any topic.

"You're Ryoma's girlfriend?" he said wryly.

Right, she overlooked the fact that she was introduced as the junior's lover as well. "Uhm…yes," she admitted. She agreed anyway.

Then there was silence. Honestly, the thought of talking with Ryoma on the phone already occurred to her. And she knew it wasn't a good idea. He couldn't hold a decent conversation even for a minute. And sadly, the same goes for her.

'What do people usually talk about on the phone?'

She tried to recall her past phone conversations with her best friend, Tomoka, and helplessly shook the idea off as soon as it came. She couldn't possibly mention him the latest sale of underwear in the nearby mall or even her new recipe or that it was Robert Pattinson's birthday last May 13. He wouldn't give a damn, and she doubt that any guy would do either.

The silence wasn't comfortable anymore, for her at least. He wasn't talking and she was wondering if he was still there. She was pressured to talk. She just had to say anything.

"A-Anou…" she mumbled almost inaudibly. "How are you and your wife?"

Oops. Crap. Too much personal.

"What?" He didn't hear it.

'Great.' Sakuno sigh in relief, "I was just asking, how are you and… tennis. Your tennis, I mean." Much, much better.

"Fine, just getting busier," he said sarcastically.

"Uhm…Ryoma-kun, will you visit Japan?" she asked before she could have stopped herself.

"I don't know," he said, his voice sounding slightly bewildered. "Why?"

Another slip. She had to remember that he doesn't remember her. He didn't know –at least couldn't recall- that they were friends –if they were friends- back then and he wouldn't understand why she missed him.

Did she just think that she missed him?

She shook her head vigorously and struggled to form a believable excuse. "Ryoma, your son, misses you," she lied and, for some odd reasons, she felt like hurt.

"My son?" he asked.

Sakuno berated herself mentally. Of course, he would know his own son's attitude. He would know that he didn't miss him and he would know that she was lying. "Uhm…I was just guessing," she withdrew as her fingers fiddled with the hem of her shirt nervously.

"I need to go," he said without warning, sending a pang of pain through her heart.

'You're not supposed to expect him talking with you all day don't you?' Sakuno reprimanded herself silently. "Ye-Yes…of course," she replied dejectedly.

And the next thing she knew, the lines were cut.

She heaved a sigh as she regarded her indistinct sullen image on the picture frame fixated on the wall- poorly reflecting her face. She acted like the Sakuno before. Not that she was attempting to change her attitude in the first place. But heaven knows it's a serious crime to covet somebody else's husband.

She hadn't really thought about it since she came on the doorstep of Echizen's residence…all the odd sensations in her stomach whenever Ryoma mentioned his father's name; or the nauseating feeling as she tried to keep their conversation longer not so long ago. As much as she wanted to deny it, she wasn't entirely over him. She was too busy trying to think that she was for the fact that she knew that Ryoma was a married man. Not until that call. And it was all thanks, ironically, to his son.

Sakuno shut the phone close and faced the big oak doors of the young master's room. She knocked thrice but heard no answer. She suppressed the urge to bang her head on the said door; she hadn't even agreed to this. Hypothetically, it was his entire fault. Him acting like he knew it all while he didn't irritated her further. He even used her state of shock against her. She had no intentions on accepting the call initially. But now, she was sinning.

'Does he even think about his own mother?' she thought, feeling guilty herself.

After the efforts of composing herself and eventually gathering that it wasn't the child's absolute liability, Sakuno finally decided to open the door, "Ryoma-sama," she called, calmer than before, as she approached the lying figure on the bed. "Here's your phone," she whispered, putting the small gadget on the bedside table.

She sat on the bed and stared at the sleeping boy. Though a part of her was itching to have a talk with him; she couldn't risk waking him up. She guessed it couldn't be helped. He did her a favor after all. Even if meant realizing she still did like his father and had to restrain the feelings once it occurred.

"Thank you," she knew he wouldn't hear, but she had to give him credit.

It wasn't everyday that a child would know what an adult wants.

She gave him one last glance and turned for the door.

0.0

Unbeknownst to the retreating figure, after the doors of the prince's room closed was the same time his black eyes fluttered open.

He smirked towards the sealed doors, his orbs revealing an expression of amusement.

'Glad you're happy.' He thought silently and dozed off completely.

0.0

The next day was not entirely different for Sakuno. She could even say that it was better than the last two days she had at the Echizen mansion. Finally, she could breathe properly. She wasn't stressed anymore. She wouldn't have to worry about the junior or even his father. Just the thought could light up her mood.

Last night, when the child woke from his afternoon nap and finished his dinner, Sakuno immediately interrogated and reminded him of the points which he seemed not aware of. She couldn't say she had drawn the answers she needed from the child's noncommittal 'hms' and 'hns', but she was proud that at least she made a good deal. She promised to stay as Ryoma's girlfriend for as long as he wouldn't associate her with his father. She even reminded him of his betrayal to his mother which he seemed not too surprised of.

Not that his reaction mattered.

The point was having him agree that he wouldn't tease her about his father anymore. She said they were her employers so she would opt to be more professional. In return, she assured him of full cooperation whenever girls bothered him which included that she had to withdraw the words that she said to the poor little girl, Kaiya. And lecture her that kids should prioritize books over boys. In the end, after Sakuno's long speech of their agreement, Ryoma answered with a curt nod.

She wasn't particularly sure if the kid understood or listened to her. But as long as he gave his word, she would only prompt him what they talked about. It was unquestionable that he wasn't one to break rules and promises so she supposed there wouldn't be a problem anymore. If he still persisted, she would have to let go of the job of babysitting him itself.

After tidying herself up, she headed towards the young master's room with slight cheerful hops on her steps. She couldn't help but smile. For once, she actually made a point of saying that even if she was just a babysitter, she could still discipline a child and express older people's authority.

Reaching Ryoma's room, she silently tapped the door and entered. Much to her surprise, he was awake and almost done with himself.

"You do wake early, don't you?" Sakuno commented and proceeded to open the curtains of his room to let sunlight pass through. "Good morning," she said and walked straight towards him to help him button his shirt up.

"What do you want for breakfast?" she asked when she finished doing his shirt.

He shrugged nonchalantly and replied, "Japanese."

"Anything in particular?" she further queried as she started combing his hair.

"None," he said.

'One word again,' Sakuno thought and stared at the boy. He looked quite normal and he didn't seem angry either. Should she ask him what's his problem? She disagreed mentally. He probably wouldn't answer properly. Maybe he has a fever?

"Oi," his voice interrupted her from her reverie. "Your stare is scaring me."

She blinked and answered, "Oh…uhm…sorry. I'm just…you're weird today."

"Hn," he smirked and headed for the door. "Are you going to stay there all day?" he said, waiting for her at the doorway.

She smiled, stood up and followed him, "I actually thought you're replaced by a one-word-reply-humanoid."

"Really?" he replied, slipping his hands to hold hers. "You'll cooperate from now on remember?"

'Oh that,' so he was listening after all. "Right," she simply answered.

And so, Ryuuzaki Sakuno's day started. She couldn't argue with Ryoma's childishness. It was she who made the deal after all. She being affected because he was abusing his benefits of the plan would make her look like a loser. So she would pretend not to care that he was holding her hand since the day began. She had to remember that this would be the only way to take control of him…sardonically more like him taking control over her.

'Talk about expressing authority.'

At last, they arrived at the school grounds. "We're here," Sakuno informed the sleeping Ryoma.

He yawned and let go of her hand- finally, "Un."

They both stepped out of the car and walked towards the school building. Neither of them tried to make a conversation. Sakuno did attempt to think of a sensible question but ended up having nothing in mind that could probably be a good topic to say to the kid. She just found it too awkward to talk to him anymore. Since the day started, he seemed to be lost in thought. He hadn't even tried to make himself look interested when she opened her idea on her planned approach to Kaiya.

'One-word arrogant brat,' she silently thought as she trailed behind him.

She was too absorbed thinking what could have been the probable reason of the child's strange behavior that she hadn't even realized that he had already stopped walking. "Sorry!" she exclaimed when she accidentally bumped to his stationary form.

"Here," he said, taking the small familiar phone from his pocket.

"Wha-What?" she asked disbelievingly. "Lest you forget, Ryoma-sama, we already talked about this."

"You're not calling my father," he explained, a self-satisfied smirk forming on his lips. "Just hold it."

"This doesn't make—" again, when she was about to protest, the doors of the room were shut close.

She resisted the urge to growl in frustration. The child was getting on her nerves. He promised not to tease her anymore. But the phone… though he made no clear indications that he broke the rule, there was still a high possibility that his father would call. She should have known better. The child was more cunning than she could have imagined. Now she knew why he was silent all throughout the ride. He was too occupied thinking how to benefit himself and avoid breaking the rule at the same time.

But it still didn't make sense to her. Why was he too eager to make her talk to his father? It was too well-planned- too much to be done by a nine-year-old kid- added the fact that it hadn't even been a week since she came. Why was he so willing to let a third party enter the beautiful relationship of his parents? Did he have some kind of anger towards his mother? Or was it just done because he wanted to infuriate his babysitter?

A lot of questions were filling her mind. She knew she had to get a hold of herself. Besides, time would definitely come when she would have to talk to Echizen Ryoma himself with his wife face to face while still having her dignity as a proficient babysitter.

She sighed. Putting the former fact aside, she caught herself forgetting her primary dilemma. What she wanted was to know why the junior was doing this to her. Though there was one thing she was sure of- it wasn't a prank anymore. If it was, he wouldn't have to push it when she almost rubbed it on his face that it wasn't funny. He wouldn't have to get through all of this, and neither would she. She wondered if someone was controlling the child or if he was a mere sadist. For a nine-year-old, what good would it do to him if it turned out that she still liked his father?

Beep. Beep.

The sound and vibration of the phone intruded her internal battle. She grudgingly pushed the answer button and bravely spoke despite the name written on the caller identification, "Hello?"

"Ryoma? Your mother's coming."

Sakuno was befuddled. It took her a moment before the words sank through her. Why on earth would Echizen Ryoma's wife come to Japan? "Uhm…excuse me, I'm sorry Ryoma-kun. But I'm afraid that your son's still on his class," she managed, but it came as a whisper.

"His girlfriend?" he asked.

"Ye-Yes," she answered , suddenly feeling tensed.

"His mother's panicking," Ryoma continued. "She will come to see you."

"Wha-What?"

"She wants to see Ryoma's girlfriend," he said furthermore. "Sakuno, I have to go," he added, his voice in a hurry. "Just inform him," and then, the next sound she heard was the sound of a cut line.

0.0

In the end, Sakuno ended up doing nothing. Ryoma's mother was coming to see her. What would his mother think? She was too old for his son and once she found out that she was a mere sitter, she would probably fire her right away. There would be no way for his mother to tolerate her acts. She would definitely come to conclusions that she was a hideous and devious cradle snatcher.

Her mind was in complete disarray. She was too afraid that she hadn't brought the topic to Ryoma since they saw each other or even talked.

"Silent much," Ryoma taunted, noticing Sakuno's unusual muteness. "Did my father call?"

She simply nodded and stared at him with slight accusing eyes.

"I didn't tell him to call," he said defensively. "Hm, that's odd."

And before Sakuno could have noticed, the horrible thought came; they were already at the Echizen's driveway. "We're here," Ryoma said and tugged her off the car and walked straight towards the mansion.

"Wa-Wait!" Sakuno exclaimed. "Yo-Your mother—"

"My mother will not mind if my dad calls you," Ryoma interrupted. "It's not like she's going to come here and kill you."

"Ryoma-sama—" Sakuno desperately explained.

He stopped and turned to face her, "Nee-san," he said seriously. "Did my mother call you?"

"N-No," she answered.

He sighed, looking relieved, "Then everything's fine."

"Bu-But," Sakuno was determined to finish her sentence this time but was halted all too soon when a high-pitched and overexcited voice of a woman erupted from the mansion's entrance.

"Ryo-chan! Mommy's home!"

Ryoma himself was dumbstruck, his hand loosening its grip to Sakuno's, "M-Mom?"

…To be continued

0.0

Date Published: May 30, 2009