Notes: Echizen finally makes his official appearance. This is a short chapter about his relationship with his family.

It's taking me a long time to update this fanfiction because I'm writing, reading and rewriting the chapters. I had some finished, but decided to make a lot of changes.

Echizen Ryoma

Ryoma grumbled and slapped the irritating alarm off. Opening his eyes, he was greeted by a familiar sight:

"Morning, Karupin…"

"Meow"

Slowly, he stood up and went to the bathroom. He hated mornings, and the previous night really spoiled his mood. Everything was alright until that idiotic father of his not only dragged him to a match but bugged him the entire time, questioning him about the school, the old coach, the team… And, of course, about girls.

Ryoma could still hear that annoying voice in his head: "How are the girls at Seigaku? Are they well-endowed *wink-wink*? Made any fans yet? Saw any panties today?" and so on…

A soft, small purring sound caught his attention. Karupin was rubbing against his legs.

"I'm fine, Karupin. Just thinking about that stupid old man."

"Mew."

"Yeah, I just need to ignore him."

He finished brushing his teeth and returned to his bedroom, where he changed into Saigaku's uniform and took his bag. Once Ryoma stepped into the kitchen, he was delighted to see a Japanese breakfast. His mother, on the opposite side of his father, was the sensitive type and always knew when he was in bad mood and how to cheer him up. The old man only knew how to piss him off.

"Good morning, Ryoma. You are early today" his cousin said with a warm smile.

"Morning, Nanako. Morning, mom." He sat and saw his mother reply a soft 'morning, dear' to him.

"Today is the registration day, right?"

"hn-n" The boy just made an affirmative sound, too busy munching an omelet filled with rice.

Nanako decided to let him enjoy his breakfast in peace and resumed eating her own food. When Ryoma finished his plate, his mother put a square box on the table:

"Here's your lunchbox. I made some fried shrimps today."

He couldn't help but smile a little. When Ryoma heard his cousin giggle, he shifted the smile with a scowl.

"Thanks, mom." He tucked the box inside his bag. "I'm going."

"Goodbye. Have a nice day." Both females said in unison.

* * *

The morning air felt crispy against Ryoma's skin. He enjoyed his time alone walking to school, not having to care about anyone else chatting out loud. Everywhere else was the same for him: Japan, America, school or home. There would always be the screaming fans (yesterday was his first day at school and some random Tomo-something girl fawned over him), bullies (like those non-regulars), yapping monkey-boys (Horio… ugh) and… his dad, samurai Nanjiroh.

He only felt comfortable around his cat and his mother. Karupin, because it took so little to please him while the animal always showered Ryoma with his full affection. Echizen Rinko, because she was a strong and sensitive woman, supportive when needed or deadly bossy when the situation demanded it.

Nanako was still a stranger for him, even after 4 years living under the same roof. She moved to the Echizen household after her father passed away and spent one whole year isolated at her room. After that, his cousin just appeared one day, all smiles, saying she wanted to be a doctor. That cheerful attitude spooked Ryoma, and the boy kept his distance.

And Nanjiroh… Well, he was just some perverted old man. An idiotic perverted old man. That always beat him in tennis.

The boy closed his cat-like eyes and rubbed his temples. Thinking about his father made him feel a headache coming. Raking his fingers through his black hair that shone green with sunlight, Ryoma pictured Karupin with the 'forget-about-him-and-play-with-me' look.

Occupying his mind with feline friends, yummy lunches and tennis, Ryoma started his day anew. With such happy thoughts, he made no effort to shut Horio away (who was waiting at the school gates), fill the registration form and mislead another grumpy second-year.