Chapter 7: So In Preparation
Disclaimer: Tennis no Oujisama by Konomi Takeshi. Not me.
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A/N: At last, I'm back from the dead! This holiday- break-work would surely be not a waste because as promised, I'm continuing this fiction with a very long chapter. I hope you'll enjoy reading this lengthy chapter seven (this is my gift for all you there), here goes!
~oOo~
His Eyes on Hers
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Seventh Chapter: So In Preparation...
He tugged his shoulder bag behind his back and walked a few steps before halting in front of his house. He reached the handle for opening the gate and sighed. Chilly autumn wind blew his black locks glowing with green hue, and he sighed once more, this time the sigh he made was matched with the furrowing of his eyebrows.
That darned party, ruling over the things that I wanted to do. Why should that even take place anyway?
He was now inside their huge, old Japanese-style residence. Yes, the wind is cool and soothing there; the atmosphere was heavenly-like- but, Ryoma was not affected by such environmental beauty. He'd rather go to the old tennis street place and smash tennis balls to somehow relieve his annoyance. But first things first, he'd deposit his school bag, get changed, then head straight to the place.
"I'm home."
Nanjirou, who was almost drooling at the images he neared his face to, became distracted when he heard his son walk in front of him. Ryoma wanted to somehow nag his father for doing such thing, namely, reading that "magazine" all day long.
"Oyaji, don't you have other better things to do besides looking at those stuff?"
Nanjirou readily hid his precious magazine. "Ryoma my son, you're home early!" Nanjirou pretended to act innocently, as he used that sweet sing-song voice to displease Ryoma. As usual, he succeeded with his act.
"And why are you early, may I ask you, Ryoma-sama? Got tired of watching high school girls with their cute, little skirts? Oh, it must be heaven to be a high school guy again and watch those high school girls clad in their school uniform and with the wind…"
"Stop talking about me like I'm you, baka Oyaji," Ryoma shot back at his father who almost let the magazine he was 'reading' be thrown away because of his surprise. This stupid son of mine is getting grumpier than the usual, eh?
"Afternoon practices were canceled because of some acquaintance party for the freshmen so I don't have any more reason to stay at school."
Nanjirou's face beamed with happiness and curiousness.
"AN ACQUAINTANCE PARTY?" he loudly asked, making Ryoma's ears to hurt. "Can I join, can I join too, Ryoma-sama?"
Ryoma stared in disbelief at his father, who was now a little older when one would examine his face. Some tiny wrinkles were on his face, and the face appeared mature as a whole. Nonetheless, he still retained his old habits and most especially, his style in playing the sport tennis. Of course, his habits included the things that he fancied doing most of the time- reading perverted magazines and teasing his son whenever he could.
Ryoma just told his father that he didn't have anything to do today, did he not? Nanjirou grinned to himself. It was just another perfect chance to have some fun.
"You can go there on my behalf if you want," the tennis prince said matter-of-factly to his father as he made his way to the stairs, "but I do wonder if the old, perverted audience would be permitted at that event."
Nanjirou's right eyebrow twitched when he felt something furry rub his back and also when he heard Ryoma about the "comment."
"What are you taking about, my dear son Ryoma?" the older man scratched his head, "I'm a perfectly decent man with fair manners and-"
The tiny fur ball-like thing ran away from Nanjirou then jumped towards Ryoma, who caught it by surprise with his open arms.
"Karu…?" Ryoma affectionately cuddled the little kitten in his arms. Karu purred softly, as if to answer that she missed her master. The little fur ball was the offspring of the late Karupin, who died a year before. She was an exact replica of the former cat only that was smaller.
"You have eaten Karu, haven't you?" Ryoma asked, the annoyance in his face replaced by a smile pertaining towards his pet. A small meow was heard as an answer.
Ryoma went up the stairs after the small Karu jumped down from his arms and followed him to his room.
"Oi, Ryoma! We haven't finished talking yet!" Nanjirou called from below before the teenager reached his room. "Is the acquaintance party you are talking about a beach party? You know, it's chilly today and…"
"I'll get changed and head to the tennis street place. Talk to yourself if you want," came the reply then a shutting close of the door was heard. Nanjirou could only scratch the back of his neck.
What's wrong with that brat? Getting fussy over small things and all… This isn't fun anymore!
He decided to get back to his reading when he came up with an idea. Just as then he was smiling evilly that his wife, Rinko, arrived with her grocery bags and another woman by her side. The woman was younger than Rinko, about twenty four years of age, and also beautiful. Her long black hair moved with her as she walked towards the living room while carrying some luggage.
"We're home," chorused the two women. Nanjirou eyed the younger woman before recognizing who she was.
"Nanako-chan! So you did follow us after just a few months!" the man said gleefully. Nanako smiled at his uncle.
"I missed our country, Oji-san."
"Nanjirou, help Nanako with her luggage, will you?" Rinko asked of her husband while she arranged the grocery bags on the kitchen's table. Nanjirou readily remembered Ryoma upstairs and so he jumped out of his sitting place, carried the luggage as swift as he could towards the kitchen, then dragged Rinko Nanako towards the kitchen as well. He signaled the two women to come closer.
"Do me a favor, will you?" the man whispered as he eyed the stairs, "Ryoma's upstairs, and I'm planning to talk with him privately about… well, life and some other things… Don't you think it's interesting to listen to Ryoma talk about those stuff?"
The two women eyed Nanjirou.
"What?"
"No wonder Ryoma hates you…" Rinko said rather to herself, and the younger woman had to suppress her laughter. Rinko's husband heard it anyway.
"Just for once, do me the favor of staying quite at the corner while I talk to my son… Please, pretty please?" Nanjirou pleaded at the two, "You can eavesdrop if you want… but I have something very interesting to ask him that YOU won't dream of missing!"
Before the two could complain further, the three persons downstairs heard the door in Ryoma's room opened. Nanjirou winked at the two before hurrying to his previous place at the living room and sat on where his magazine was thrown at.
Not later then that Ryoma, with Karu by his side of course, went down the stairs, his shoulder carrying his sports bag. Nanjirou faked a cough and sat in the Indian-style position. He called his son with a serious voice.
"Do you think we should really agree to him?" Rinko whispered to Nanako who was beside her, "he's really into something, Nanako-chan."
"Let's just see what Oji-san will do, Oba-san." Nanako replied to her anxious aunt while still suppressing the laugh which threatened to come out anytime.
Ryoma went towards his father. His mood was lighter now, although confusion was all over his face.
"I thought I heard Kaa-san's and Nanako-neesan's voice…" Ryoma murmured to himself while prompting himself to sit, "Is Kaa-san not home yet?"
"Ah, it was the… phone, yes, the phone!" Nanjirou nervously answered, eyeing the phone near the both of the two. "Nanako-chan called earlier saying that she'll be arriving this afternoon from the States! Ahahaha! Don't you just love it? Our family will be having our reunion tonight!"
Ryoma just suspiciously looked at him and Nanjirou couldn't help but feel a sweat drop from his forehead.
"That's why I called your Kaa-san, telling her that Nanako-chan will be home today so she better buy more fish for a small feast tonight!"
"Eh..?" Ryoma looked away from the old man, "really…"
"I am telling the truth, young man!" Nanjirou protested as he stood up, revealing the magazine below him. Upon seeing the obscene magazine, Rinko almost flew towards Nanjirou. The good thing was that her niece Nanako was there to pull her aunt down. Their eavesdropping was still unveiled. On the other hand, Nanjirou flushed before seating back down-on his magazine.
"Then why don't we fetch Nanako-neesan at the airport?"
"That was sweet of him…" it was Nanako's turn to whisper to her aunt. Mrs. Echizen smiled at her niece.
"Well, uh… she doesn't want to disturb us further… that was what she said on the phone! And she also mentioned that she wanted to surprise us with a… something so she wouldn't want us to fetch her…" the renewed Samurai scratched the back of his neck while laughing nervously. Crap, he's asking too much questions!
"I'd start believing you if you started to become a believable man." Ryoma shook his head in disapproval before standing up. Sensing what his son would do, Nanjirou faked another cough before saying out loudly -
"Seishounen! How come you're leaving so early? I'm actually inviting you to talk with me… We haven't talked man-to-man for years, my dear son!"
"What's up with you, Oyaji?" Ryoma asked in return as he made his way to the porch. "I can't remember you being like that… why don't you just continue reading 'your thing?'"
He's really pushing it… this brat! "Let's have a deal. A serious match after we talk. How about that, Ryoma, huh?"
The fifteen-year-old paused from tying his shoelaces. That caught his attention. He has not seriously played with his father since their return from America. To be honest to himself, the last time he played with his father, he was so close to beating his father- so close that he was very frustrated after their match. It was rare for his father to ask for a serious tennis match…Hn, what's up with him today?
"Alright, a deal. Just make sure you'll be dead serious when we play after your talk with me." Ryoma said as he removed his shoes. Nanjirou's grin was then plastered on his face.
That's right, Ryoma… be a good boy. I'll whip you lose again when we play later.
Nanjirou waited for his son to sit in front of him before he decided to start the conversation. Karu then again appeared, purring non-stop to Ryoma. The tennis prodigy then took the kitten and placed it in his lap. The two women on the kitchen neared their ears as close as they could so they wouldn't miss a detail on what the two were talking.
"So, Ryoma-sama!" Nanjirou started with the all-too-familiar-high-pitched voice, the same voice one would hear from shrieking fan girls, "What's up with life? Got any girlfriend by now?"
The irritation came back to Ryoma's face once again.
"None," came the blunt answer from the feline-eyed boy.
"None?" Nanjirou was bewildered. He went towards Ryoma and grabbed his neck by his arm, "oh c'mon Ryoma, don't be shy! You can tell me the truth… we are alone here!"
"Nanjirou… you…" Rinko could only think of words but she did not let them escape her lips.
"Stop it…Oyaji… c-can't breathe…"
Nanjirou gladly released his son from his grip. "I don't believe it. You know those infamous rumors about tennis stars being irresistible beings?" He proceeded to ruffle Ryoma's hair, "and considering you as my son, and you don't have a girlfriend! What a shame! You're already fifteen years of age!"
And after all those things Nanjirou told and did to his son, he went back to his seating place and saved his laugh. But then, he saw his son's face and cannot resist the temptation of laughing. The samurai burst out laughing.
That was more than enough for Ryoma's ego to take. If his father hadn't promised a serious match with him, he would really walk out from this talk with his stupid father. But for now, he still could take a little teasing.
"What's so funny if I do not have the thing you're asking? I don't care about those women or girls. What they only do is shout and cheer or cheer and shout, and if they aren't satisfied they will come chase you and-"
"So girls do chase you?" Nanjirou teasingly inquired.
"Why are you asking me these things, anyway?" Ryoma asked back, at the same time changing the subject, "Are you just here to annoy me to non-extent or what?"
His father patted Ryoma's shoulder, "Don't be too grumpy. It's just the ice breaker, Ryoma-sama! You should lighten up, you know?" But then, Nanjirou thought that what they were talking about should be the main topic of this talking thing. "Okay then, just tell me about that party. Formal, semi-formal, or informal?"
"Formal, they say."
"Do you plan to go at that event?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"It's a total waste of time."
"Do you think so?"
"Would I tell you it's a waste of time if I didn't mean it?"
Nanjirou sighed. Rinko should teach this one to socialize.
"What party is that, Ryoma?" Rinko finally appeared to the father and son, and behind her is Nanako. Both of them entered through the porch to look as if they had just arrived complete with the grocery bags of Rinko and luggage of Nanako.
"Tadaima," Nanako murmured then smiled at the two men.
"Rinko, Nanako-chan, welcome back home! My goodness, I didn't know you'd be back so early, Nanako-chan!"
"I was so excited to go home back to Japan, Oji-san." replied Nanako, mimicking what she just said earlier when she arrived- at the real time.
The scheme of the three elders inside the house was still unrevealed to Ryoma, but if he looked closer at his elders, he would see the forced smiles and sweatdrops in their faces. However, he was too busy thinking yet of another problem. The bad thing was that his mother heard about this party, and if that was his mother we were talking about- yes, she was one of the fussy mothers, indeed- he could guess what would happen on Friday night.
He thought that he could not longer escape especially that his older cousin Nanako came home, too. Those two would team up… there'd be nightmare. He could already hear the fore shocks of what he did not want to see, hear or even imagine.
"Oh, so it's a formal event… Nanako-chan, could you please help me tomorrow? We'll buy Ryoma a new coat. His coat is too short for him now."
"I'm more than glad to help, Oba-san."
"Good thing Nanjirou has his own sources of news."
"Wait, I don't have any intention of attending that party, Kaa-san!" Ryoma protested, but his mother and his cousin were busy planning things ahead.
"I won't attend that even if you force me too."
That made the two women to look at Ryoma.
"But why, Ryoma-san?" asked Nanako, and Rinko had the same sentiments.
"I just don't feel like going there."
After a split-second, Rinko and Nanako took each of Ryoma's hand each in their own hands. He looked at them and guess what? They were pleading, complete with teary puppy eyes.
"Wha-what are you two up too?"
"Puleeeaaasssse, Ryoma-kun?" Blink, blink of two beautiful, teary eyes. "Attend the party for us, please, Ryoma?"
He sighed in defeat. He glanced at his father who was snickering behind him.
"I've got a feeling these was all his doing. That baka oyaji…!"
"Thank you, Sakuno." Sumire and Tomoka said to her as she gave them their tea.
She deposited the tray she had just used at the kitchen before going back to the living room. The other two were sipping their tea and waiting for her. She sat herself beside her best friend.
"So, Tomoka…" Sumire started after getting her teacup on the table, "you're here to discuss about the acquaintance party things. What are they about?"
Although Tomoka was used to Sumire's presence, she hadn't felt very used to the aura from the famous tennis coach. She was still scared of her- not all of the times, actually, but during the times when she asked questions about serious things, she would make her voice as clear and polite as she could.
"Sakuno, tell your grandmother…" whispered Tomoka as she nudge Sakuno with her elbow. The braided-hair girl understood what her friend wanted.
"Anou, Obaa-chan…" Sakuno explained, but she couldn't control how the muscles in her hand jerk, "Remember last night when Hiroshi-kun told you about the party, the performance, and the singer stuff...?"
"Uh-huh… What about it?" Sumire sipped tea from her cup.
"Well… uh… You never heard about the part that… I'm the one… performing for that party in a gown, have you?"
Tomoka almost burst into laughter upon witnessing Sumire about to spit the liquid she just drank.
"What? A dress? NO, A GOWN! You never told me last night!"
"Well , uh, Ryuzaki-sensei… We were so busy with the practice…" Tomoka initiated to explain things, "that we forgot about the costumes…"
Sumire found her usual aura and coughed. She looked at the two high school girls.
"The party will be tomorrow in the evening, if my memory is not failing me right now."
The two girls nodded meekly. They held each other's hand while getting ready for the old woman to continue.
"You've got any idea for the costume of my granddaughter, Tomoka?"
"Uh, Y-yes! In fact," Tomoka released Sakuno's hand and got the all-too familiar notebook from her bag, "everything is settled, Ma'am!"
Sumire's face really lightened up. "Really! Come over here and show me what's written in there." Tomoka gladly went to Sumire's side and winked at Sakuno. The older woman read everything written on the notebook.
"You sure everything is fit for Sakuno?"
"Yes, ma'am! I've planned everything ahead… Look here- here's the dress, the pumps, the accessories…"
Sakuno watched the two as they engage in a conversation they were both interested. Momentarily, she would hear "That's great! I liked this for her!" and "Oh, thank you, Ryuzaki-sensei! It took all my passion to come up with this!" from the two and a drop of sweat would come out from the side of her face.
"Obaa-chan and Tomo-chan… are both vain…" she whispered to herself.
Finally, when the two were finished, Sumire stood up and Tomoka did the same. Sakuno was so absorbed in listening to the two that she didn't notice they were already done.
"What are we waiting for? Let's head to my favorite shop! It's been ages since I've taken time to be glamorous. Bring your notebook, Tomoka."
"Yes, Ryuzaki-sensei!" Tomoka grinned.
"And, Sakuno,"
"Yeas, Baa-chan?"
"Don't protest if I want you to be the most beautiful girl that night, alright? My daughter would scold me to no extent if I did not do my best to make you the prettiest."
"Huh…? What are you talking about Baa-"
Tomoka grabbed her hand again and the two followed Sumire to the garage where the car was parked.
"C'mon! No but's, we'll handle this just don't protest."
"Uh-oh…"
At the dress shop…
"Welcome! Oh, Ryuzaki-san! It's been long since we've met again… What brings you here?" A stout woman who was standing behind a mannequin smiled at Sumire, Sakuno, and Tomoka. They entered the cozy dress shop with different shimmering gowns displayed all over the place. Tomoka's eyes glistened with awe, and so did Sakuno. Sumire answered the woman by showing a notebook. Shimizu-san, the seamstress, feasted her eyes on whatever was written on the pages.
"For a formal party. Can you do it, Shimizu-san?"
"Magnificent designs! Who will be wearing the first gown?"
"It's my granddaughter, Shimizu-san."
Shimizu-san looked at Sakuno.
"My goodness! Is that your granddaughter!" the chocolate-eyed girl faced the seamstress and bowed. "She has grown a lot since I've made a yukata for her. But then, that's perfect! How about the next gown?"
"It's for me!" Tomoka piped from behind.
"Excellent! So, when will you need these?"
"Tomorrow afternoon."
Shimizu the seamstress dropped her jaw.
"Can you do it, Shimizu-san? You know you're the only one I can rely on with these things." Sumire seriously said. "I'll double the price if you want."
"Err… wait a moment please, Ryuzaki-san."
The seamstress peered at the two young girls and left towards the storage room. She returned to them while carrying two gowns- the other one a sparkling yellow in color with black beads dotting the gown in a pretty rose pattern, the other one a grand white with the same sparkling effect as that of the previous gown.
"Can these masterpieces of mine do for these two young beautiful girls, Ryuzaki-san?" Shimizu-san held up the pretty things for the three to see and examine. Tomoka and Sakuno went closer to Shimizu-san.
"Shimizu! Just like the good 'ol days… You never fail to surprise me with your masterpieces!" Sumire touched the gowns with her hands. "Let's ask the young ladies in here."
"So, Sakuno, Tomoka?"
"By the way, this yellow one is for this lady in high pigtails." Shimizu pertained to Tomoka, who woke up from her 'dream.' "While for your grand daughter, this white one should fit her well."
Sakuno could not believe her eyes. It was like a dream. This thing in front of her… She just dreamt that one day she'd be wearing dresses like that- she'd be a princess in a kingdom with a prince and-
"KYAAAH! I LOVE IT, SHIMIZU-SAN! I REALLY, REALLY DO!" Tomoka shrieked with her pure fan girl voice. "Can I try it on, can I?"
Sumire and Shimizu-san smiled at her. "Go ahead. The fitting room is right there."
"Yay!" Tomoka hopped happily. She forgot about Sakuno.
"Sakuno, why not try the white one?" Sumire asked her grand child.
"Uh…" Sakuno shook her head to wake herself up from her imagination, the action which was misinterpreted by the older women. Shimizu-san frowned a little.
"Don't you like it, darling?" the seamstress asked her. Sakuno realized what she had done so she quickly explained herself.
"N-no! You misunderstood me, Shimizu-san. I really liked it so much that I was mesmerized by its elegance…"
Shimizu smiled in appreciation of her work. She pushed Sakuno gently towards the other fitting room then handed her the masterpiece.
"Try to unbraid your hair, okay? I'll just see what hair style would fit you with that gown." She was left behind, the curtain then closed. Sakuno smiled to herself.
"I could be a princess on my own... even for just a night..."
"No, not that one!"
"Just try it on, Ryoma!"
"Never."
"How about this, Oba-san?"
"Fits right! Ryoma, how about this one?"
"Whatever. I want to leave as soon as possible. Take what you want."
Rinko and Nanako looked at each other and giggled. Lots of girls who were roaming the department store that time looked at Ryoma and blushed. Some of them shared gossips, and then looked at the tennis prince. Obviously, Ryoma did not want the attention he was getting that night.
"Let's hurry, Oba-san. Ryoma-kun doesn't want to be embarrassed."
"Yes, I've got the same idea. I'll purchase this one now."
~oOo~
A/N: I'm really sorry for the late update. I hope you enjoyed this one. -smiles- Now, on with the answers to the reviews, I'd say that you should read the next chapters to find out why are there more HiroSaku moments established than RyoSaku moments. This chapter is a late present for the holidays. Be back next time!