Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis

A/N:Yo! Thanks for the reviews/favorites/follows ;3 I really appreciate it :D And btw, I will write Marui as "Bunta" if he's with his family to avoid some confusion I guess (idk for me it just kinda doesn't sit right with him being called Marui when his whole family is "Marui".

Chapter 2: Happy Day and Discovery

6 years later:

In America:

"I want to go to Japan," Ryoma blankly stated as she faced her parents. They were seated in the living room as Ryoma called them to ask them a "favor".

"NANI?!" Nanjirou shouted as he stared wide-eyed at his daughter, "Bishoujo, this isn't a funny joke if it is."

"It isn't a joke," Ryoma deadpanned then calmly sipped her tea, "Besides, Okaa-san's work is done here and I need to take a break from the tournaments you've been throwing at me."

"Maa, my work is done here and don't you think it's about time for her to meet with Bunta-kun again, Anata?" Rinko said before sipping her tea.

"But but but but..." Nanjirou whined as fake tears came out of his "puppy" eyes.

"But I agree with her that she needs a break and we will go to Japan." Rinko said with a tone that leaves no room for argument.

"...When?"

"Within the next 2 weeks since we still have to pack up and fix some documents."

"Fine... But I get to choose where we'll live and where she will study," Nanjirou 'attempted' to compromise. Keyword: Attempted.

"No, it's already a given she'll go to Rikkaidai and we'll live in Kanagawa where Bunta-kun is," Rinko raised an eyebrow at her husband's 'offer', "And besides, Ryoga and Nanako is also at Japan. I think Ryoga and Nanako are studying in Todai. It would be nice to see them again."

"But..."

"I heard that Bunta-kun's school's tennis club won the national tournament two times in a row."

"Fine..." Nanjirou sat in the corner, drawing circles as a depressed aura surrounded him.

Ryoma and Rinko ignored him and just continued to drink their tea while Karupin was just staring at them.

Later at night:

Ryoma sat in front of her laptop and signed onto Skype.

AmaiHime has logged on.

AmaiOuji: Yo, how's your day hime-chan? :D

AmaiHime: It's been fine. By the way, I've got some news for you. OuO

AmaiOuji: Surprise me.

AmaiHime: I will. We're going to Japan within the next 2 weeks. ;3

At this, Bunta almost choked on his bubblegum and stared wide-eyed at his laptop's screen.

AmaiOuji: ...Really?! OwO

AmaiHime: Yes. See, I surprised you. What's my reward? :3

Certainly, she would be cold and mature most of the time to people but Bunta has been the only one who could make her childish and sweet.

AmaiOuji: Hmmmm.. How about a kiss? ;3

Ryoma blushed at this. They certainly were aware that they loved each other but hadn't really been able to hang out with each other as they are living in different countries.

AmaiHime: ...Fine.

AmaiOuji: I'm betting a pack of bubblegum that you're blushing right now.

AmaiHime: Urusai.

AmaiOuji: I know you love me~ :D

AmaiHime: Hai hai... I can never win against you.

AmaiOuji: But you already won against me if you captured my heart. :3

AmaiHime: Stop it with the pick up lines.

AmaiOuji: Hai~ But you will still get the reward. ;3

AmaiHime: =-=. Anyways, how was your day?

AmaiOuji: It's just morning here, Ryo :) But I heard that Sanada will take my bubblegum away for the whole practice if I don't complete the 100 laps this morning.

AmaiHime: Uwa... Slave-driver?

AmaiOuji: Yep. Along with Yanagi's juices. I don't know where the hell does he get those juices but he said that he got them from a friend.

AmaiHime: Juices? O_o Why are you so afraid of it?

AmaiOuji: It isn't any ordinary juice. I don't know what it's made out of (and I don't want to know) but it's quite disgusting. Especially the Vegetable juice. Which is green in color and it has a really horrible taste.

AmaiHime: Feels like there's chaos every time in your tennis practice.

AmaiOuji: Yea... By the way, my team doesn't know about you. Even Jackal.

AmaiHime: Jackal? Isn't he your doubles partner? O_O I'm surprised even he doesn't know.

Ryoma was really surprised because from what Marui tells her, they seem to be best friends and are quite close.

AmaiOuji: Hehe.. Maa, all's fair in love and war. :3

AmaiHime: How is this even war.. o-o

AmaiOuji: :3 Anyways, they do ask about the silver ring whenever they see me wearing it as a necklace.

AmaiHime: And what's your answer?

AmaiOuji: It's my promise to someone. ;3

AmaiHime: Sweet, same answer I give Kevin and the others.

AmaiOuji: Hahaha, imagine their surprise when they find out about us.

AmaiHime: But do you plan to keep it a secret?

AmaiOuji: Maybe, maybe not~ Depends if I see someone giving you the wolf's eye.

AmaiHime: Now I doubt that.

Ryoma was quite oblivious sometimes when she's too focused on tennis to notice the glances people have been giving her. Of course, Marui knows this as he knows her very well.

AmaiOuji: Ok... o_o"

Ryoma yawned and looked at the clock, only to see that it's already late.

AmaiHime: I'm feeling quite tired for the day. Besides, don't you have tennis practice tomorrow? You also need to get some rest.

AmaiOuji: Time difference, Ryoma. :3

AmaiHime: Oh right... Well.. I feel sleepy =~= Jaa, oyasumi o/ Take care of yourself there okay?

AmaiOuji: Hai... Oyasumi Ryo o/

AmaiHime: Jaa.

AmaiHime has logged off

And with that, Ryoma turned off her laptop. She quickly changed into her pajamas and snuggled into her bed.

After his "morning" chat with Ryoma, Bunta dressed up and ate his breakfast happily. Even Sai wasn't blind to not notice his son's happy mood.

"Ara, Bunta. You seem very happy this morning. Did you chat with Ryoma-chan?" Shizuka asked her oldest son.

"Un." Bunta drank some water, "Oh yea, Ryo told me that they will move to Japan within the next 2 weeks. Not really sure when exactly though."

At this, Sai and Shizuka paused at whatever they were doing and stared wide-eyed at their son's statement, trying to process what he said. When they finished processing it, they broke out into grins.

Ryohei and Kohei looked at each other confusingly before realization came into their faces, "Is she Bunta-nii's wife?"

Bunta almost choked at his water and stared exasperatedly at them, "Not wife, she's still my fiancée." For now anyways.

"Bunta-nii said 'still'. So she WILL be your wife eh~ I wanna meet her!"

For better or worse, Shizuka interrupted Bunta's reply.

"But really? I'm going to buy some welcome gifts for Rin-chan and Ryoma-chan then," Shizuka beamed while Sai continued to eat his breakfast, "Did she say where will she study?"

"...Oh... I forgot to ask," Bunta sweatdropped and scratched his head nervously.

"It's ok, you can ask again tomorrow anyways. Bunta, if you don't hurry up, you'll be late for your tennis practice," Shizuka reminded her son.

"Oh crap, it's already that late?! Thanks mom, I'll be going now!" shouted a rushing redhead that grabbed a bento on his way out as he rushed out of his house.

"Ne Kaa-san, how is Bunta-nii's fiancée like?" Ryohei asked Shizuka.

"Yea, how is she like? I mean, she loves Bunta-nii and Bunta-nii loves her back right?" Kohei added his two cents.

"Well~ She's very sweet and kind. She might seem cold and mature on the outside but once you get to know her, she's really nice," Shizuka smiled warmly at them, "And that's why I would love Bunta to be with her rather than some random girl out there."

"Bunta-nii has many err- fangirls? Sou sou, fangirls! But they only seem to like him because of his looks and talents. Is this 'Ryoma' different?" The twins asked as they stared into their mother's face with questioning eyes.

"Yeap! She's very different. Actually, she's the one who used to play tennis with Bunta. She even helped him develop some of his moves. They were so cute together, I couldn't help but make that deal with her parents. Apparently, Rin-chan also agrees!~"

"Heh..." The twins absorbed information about their soon to be sister in-law.

"Kora kora, you two will also be late if you don't go now~" Shizuka reminded them.

"Ah! Thanks for reminding us, kaa-san. See you later!" The twins scurried out of their seats and grabbed their respective bentos lying on the counter. They kissed their mom's cheek and ran out of the door.

"Ne, Ko."

"Nani, Ryo?"

"Did you notice Bunta-nii wearing the ring?"

"Yeap, sure did. He must be really happy to wear that again. He usually doesn't because of those 'fangirls' wanting to take it for themselves. I don't know how their logic works. Seriously, because that's "Marui-sama's beloved accessory"? crazy shit Bunta-nii has to endure."

"That and some people that are too nosy for their own good."

Both twins sighed at that.

"I hope Bunta-nii can survive today."

"Yea. Good luck to him."

And with that, they continued their silent run to school.

Marui arrived at tennis practice with few minutes to spare. He was really thanking his mom for reminding him to go to school or else 50 additional laps will be added to his 100 laps for a grand total of 150. There's also the fact that Ryoma will be going to Japan within the next 2 weeks. That thought alone already fueled his enthusiasm for tennis practice.

Marui quickly changed into his tennis uniform and checked if his necklace is secured because of those rabid 'fangirls' after it. Hell no will he let them get a hold of this.

Jackal noticed that Bunta was wearing his ring necklace and asked, "You sure you'll be wearing that today? It's pretty important to you after all."

Marui grinned and replied, "Yea, I'm sure. I won't let them lay a hand on this. If someone does, I will kill them." He said the last part with so much venom that Jackal shivered slightly. That and because he hadn't seen Marui THAT super protective over anything, it's not even that much when it comes to his sweets.

"Ok.. Just take care of it."

Yanagi noticed this interaction and wrote on his notebook, muttering "Iie data".

"Time for some practice, practice~" Marui chanted as he walked out of the changing room.

The rest of the regulars, except for Sanada and Yukimura (who were already on the tennis courts), raised a brow at this and looked at each other confusingly.

"Is he really okay? He seems too cheerful. Especially with that 100 laps," Jackal asked himself and the others.

"Or maybe~ He finally got a girlfriend," Niou guessed with a grin making Akaya and Jackal blush at the thought of Marui having a girlfriend and doing lovey-dovey stuff with her.

"No, there's only a 1% chance that Marui got himself a girlfriend as 99% chance of not getting because he seems to hate most of the girls, as they want to get his ring necklace, and he isn't showing signs of having a girlfriend," Yanagi reasoned.

"Then, why is senpai so cheerful?" Akaya only had a "?" above his head.

"Maa, let's go to practice and not pry onto Marui's personal matters," Yagyuu intervened being the gentleman he is.

"2 more minutes! Let's go!" Akaya shouted and ran out of the changing room frantically in the fear of additional 50 laps.

The rest followed after realizing what Akaya said was true and breathed a sigh of relief after making it on time.

Practice went smoothly after that except for the questioning glances they sent a certain redhead because of his over than usual cheerfulness.

Practice ended and the regulars decided to stop by a sports shop on the way home. Of course, most of them went straight to the tennis section while the some (who are Marui, Yukimura, and Yanagi) went towards the magazine aisle to check the Monthly Pro Tennis Magazine.

Yukimura and Yanagi were quite surprised, but they didn't show it, as Marui would usually check the latest shoes and rackets rather than reading a magazine. Then again, he already acted weirdly for the rest of the day even in class which included him being very attentive and almost eager to get over with class, not that the latter was rare but it was still weird.

The only reason why Marui was reading the Monthly Pro Tennis is because he heard from Rinko-san that Ryoma recently won another tournament last week. In the boy's division AND 14 year old category. That definitely made Marui proud of her and couldn't help but wonder if they will feature Ryoma in an article.

Marui scanned over the magazines and finally found the one where they will feature players on America. He flipped page after page and finally found the article about Ryoma. It felt like she was staring at him from the page because she seemed bored and her looking bored would be like staring at you intently. Some brief description about Ryoma has been given too but Marui could care less about the since he knows what was written there.

While Marui was busy looking at Ryoma's article, Yukimura and Yanagi couldn't help but wonder what's Marui reading about and sneaked a peek behind his shoulder. After seeing the girl with emerald locks, they immediately thought that Marui fancied her (and that wasn't exactly wrong but for different reasons). Yukimura just smiled at this, thinking about possible blackmail material while Yanagi wrote this data on his notebook while saying "Iie Data".

As much as Marui would like to observe more, he felt this creepy feeling that he's going to be in trouble soon, and that his captain would be involved in it, and that he was getting observed from behind. He slowly looked behind and found Yukimura smiling at him while Yanagi was writing on his usual notebook.

"Na-Nani?" Marui nervously asked as he slowly backed off. He had a faint idea on what was the reason for their actions.

"Heh~ Marui, I didn't know you actually liked a girl," Yukimura 'teased' but it seemed like a blackmail from Marui's point of view. Yanagi only nodded at that statement.

"Eh... What are you guys talking about?" Marui was really sweating nervously as they went to the topic that he wanted to keep as a secret.

"Hm? You don't? Then why did I see you looking at that girl on that magazine? If I remember correctly, her name is Echizen Ryoma..." Yukimura trailed off and his smile turned quite devilish at the end. This gave Marui some goosebumps and shivered a bit. He definitely did not want to face his captain's sadistic streak right now. Especially if it involves her.

"I don't like her," I love her, he mentally added in his mind, "Why are you guys so interested anyways?"

"Eh~ You say you don't like her but I think you love her," Yukimura joked playfully. He had no idea that was 100% correct.

Marui just blushed at that remark, wondering if his captain had a mind reading ability.

"Oho. I really want to meet this girl now. I mean, making Marui fall head over heels for her? Now that's a challenge," Yukimura's smile turned more devilish now. Uh-oh, now Marui was sure something will happen.

"NANI?! MARUI-SENPAI LIKES SOMEONE?!" shouted a very loud seaweed hair. The shout was accompanied by a series of running footsteps and in a flash, the rest of the regulars stood before them. All of them were wide-eyed, except for Sanada and Yagyuu, and looking at the redhead in disbelief as it didn't look like he wasn't getting a girlfriend soon with all of the rejections he makes in a day.

"Hmm, for now stay here and don't say a word okay?" Yukimura smiled sweetly and it definitely gave shivers up their spines. They weakly nodded and didn't say anything as Yukimura plucked out the magazine that Marui was holding, out of his hands and went to the cashier to pay for it.

A little while, Yukimura came back with a newly purchased magazine and beckoned them to follow him outside, which they did.

They walked away from the store and went to a nearby park.

"Okay, you guys can now talk," Yukimura said before taking a seat on a nearby bench. He was pretty sure that if they talked inside the store, they would be kicked out because a lot of shouting would be involved.

"Finall- No, wait. WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT MARUI-SENPAI LIKING SOMEONE? WHO'S THE LUCKY GIRL? WHO IS IT?" Kirihara asked question after question that seemed to revolve around one topic.

The other regulars were nodding as they were also wondering who did Marui like.

"Told you he was in that mood this morning because of a girl, puri." Niou smirked, "He probably has a date or something."

All of their stares went to Marui who was currently absentmindedly playing with his ring and didn't pay attention to any of them.

"...Marui?" Jackal nervously asked.

"Hm?"

"Is it true that you like someone?" At this, all of the regulars seemed to expect some kind of bombshell that would be dropped on them.

"Err..." Marui was quite unsure to tell them that yes, he likes someone. No, not likes, it's loves someone. But then again, he was pretty sure that they won't give up asking about it, especially Yukimura since he has a blackmail material.

So with a sigh he replied with a nod.

Silence for 1...2..-

"NANI?!" All of the regulars shouted except for Yukimura, Sanada, Yanagi, and Yagyuu.

Most them started to ask Marui who was it, what school did she go to, how old is she, what year is she on, does she play tennis, etc.

Yukimura only murmured, "Interesting.." with an 'angelic' smile while Sanada and Yagyuu were quiet as this was a personal matter they were talking about. Yanagi was only muttering on how it would fit the reason behind the rejections Marui made everyday.

Seeing Marui was getting bombarded by questions, Yukimura cleared his throat (which immediately silenced them and diverted their attention to him) and held up the magazine he bought to a certain page where a girl with emerald hair and cat-like eyes was shown. This brought some questioning looks to Yukimura as to why would he show them this girl.

"You see, earlier, Yanagi and I saw Marui reading this magazine and it was turned into this article where a certain tennis player was featured. And it's a girl," Yukimura explained with a smile that was too gleeful.

"Ohhhhh so it's this girl then?" Kirihara asked Marui while pointing to the girl on the magazine.

A nod.

"And is she related to your ring that you're very protective of?" Niou asked.

Another nod.

"Eh? So she's the one who gave you that ring?"

Another no- "Stop nodding and give us an answer!" Niou sighed exasperatedly.

"...She's the one who gave this ring to me."

"WAH! Senpai is so lucky! Having a tennis player as a girlfrie-"

Kirihara's sentence was cut off by Marui's cellphone which played a certain ringtone that made Marui snap out of his sullen mood (which was caused by his teammates being too nosy). He quickly grabbed his cellphone and went somewhere away from them for some privacy.

"I wonder who called Marui, I mean his mood suddenly changed and he never responds to his parents' calls like that," Yukimura said 'thoughtfully'.

"I swear it has to be that girl! I mean his mood today was definitely caused by that girl and it's quite similar to his mood just now!" Kirihara nodded to himself as he let out his guess.

"Then let's play the old detective? Puri." Niou suggested towards Kirihara, which was responded by, "Hai!" and off they went.

The remaining regulars only sweatdropped (except for Yukimura and Yanagi) at their childishness.

"Yukimura, you purposely said that, didn't you?" Sanada glanced at Yukimura.

"Eh? I didn't say anything else but the truth, Genichiro," Yukimura smiled too sweetly at Sanada, that it made him flinch slightly.

Yukimura hummed a tune while turning his attention to the magazine to get more information about that girl.

With Marui, Kirihara, and Niou:

"Moshi moshi?" Marui greeted whoever called him, which was Ryoma.

...

"Really? Next week Thursday? So you'll arrive here around Friday?"

...

"Ahahaha... I can imagine Rinko-san and Nanjirou-san doing that."

...

"Un. By the way, what school will you attend here?"

...

"EH?! REALLY?! YOU'LL BE ATTENDING RIKKAIDAI?!"

...

"Gomen gomen, I guess I did over-react. But really? Will you join the tennis club then? Probably the boys' team since the girls' team doesn't look promising for you."

...

"Anyways," Marui looked at his watch, "You're up pretty early, you can't sleep?"

...

"Ah. I get it, I get it... Just take care of yourself 'kay?"

...

"Ahahaha... I love you, Ryo. Jaa. Sleep well."

...

"Bye" and with that Marui closed his phone.

"And can you tell me what are you guys doing there, playing detectives? If you don't come out right now, I will tell 'Mura that I caught a rat and a seaweed spying on me," Marui threatened with a dark aura surrounding him.

And with that, Kirihara and Niou meekly stepped out behind the trees. They were nervously smiling as they heard the confession at the end and they knew they were in big trouble.

A/N: And cut! Ahuehuehue I will tell the whole phone conversation on the next chappie where it's on Ryoma's PoV. Jaa ne! o/