Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis.

A/N: So.. I just found out that Marui's younger brothers are 5 and 8 years old D: But oh well OuO Let's just say they're both 8 in this fanfic ahuehuehue and Ryohei is the older one btw.

Chapter 4: Arrival

~A week later~

In Japan:

In the Marui Household:

Marui sighed as he sat on his bed. Like Ryoma said, a week really flew by. He can only remember few things that happened during the last seven days. Of course, it involved his teammates asking about Ryoma and he only gave short replies that satisfies their questions. That or he would pretend that he didn't hear them.

"When did you guys meet?" Ignored.

"How did you guys meet?" Ignored again.

"Is she really that good at tennis?" A nod.

"Are you guys really in a relationship?" Well...Yes. A nod.

Marui got his laptop and turned it on. He wanted to make sure that Ryoma will go to Japan the next day and what time her flight will probably arrive on Friday morning.

He quickly logged onto Skype and wasn't surprised at the fact that Ryoma was online.

AmaiOuji: Yo, Hime-chan~ :3

AmaiHime: Konichiwa, Ouji-kun ouo

AmaiOuji: So, you're going to take the flight tomorrow night? Just wanna make sure~ And what time are you expected to arrive on Friday morning?

AmaiHime: Yea, we're going tomorrow. Let's see... We're expected to arrive on 7 am.

AmaiOuji: Oki. By the way, I will go pick you guys up :3 My mom and dad would love to come with me but they can't because of business trip.

AmaiHime: Really? Arigato. Maybe you can also show me the school and play a match? Oh yea, don't you have school at that day?

AmaiOuji: Ahehe... It's our school's foundation day on Friday so no school. Maybe except for tennis practice at 10 am.

AmaiHime: Oh..That timing.

AmaiOuji: I know right?. Also, I can show you around school and have a match with you when I go for tennis practice.

AmaiHime: Thanks :)

AmaiOuji: No problem, Hime-chan ;3

AmaiHime: Eh... Baka Oyaji's causing a ruckus again. He wants to have a match and tell my "boyfriend" to go sleep already...

AmaiOuji: Ahaha, I can imagine Nanjirou-san doing that. Go play with him. We can chat again tomorrow before you leave. Or, you can call me :)

AmaiHime: Hai~ Sleep well, 'kay? I don't want to see you like a zombie when I go there.

AmaiOuji: Right back at you :3 Jaa. Oyasumi o/

AmaiHime: Jaa o/

AmaiOuji has logged off.

Marui turned off his laptop and laid on his bed. He soon drifted off to sleep with his last thought being: Ryoma...

~In the morning~ (Thursday)

Bunta woke up with a start and blinked his eyes sleepily. He looked at his digital clock which said "5:30 AM". He was surprised that it was quite early and decided to go downstairs so he can help his mom make breakfast.

He went downstairs to find no one and saw a note instead of his mom and dad. He read the note aloud,

"Dear Bunta, Ryohei, and Kohei,
Your Tou-san and I are leaving early for work. Bunta, I trust you to make a bento for the three of your and breakfast.
Love, Okaa-san"

"Wow, good thing I woke up early today. I think Tou-san reminded Okaa-san to set an alarm for me to wake up early but she probably forgot again.." Bunta sighed as he prepared to cook breakfast and three bentos for him and his younger brothers.

30 minutes later...

Bunta felt so proud of himself that he accomplished the task his Okaa-san gave him. Since he still had 30 minutes before he woke up his brothers, he took a quick shower and changed into his uniform. After that, he woke up Ryohei and Kohei before having breakfast with him.

"Bunta-nii made breakfast today?" The twins chorused upon seeing the traditional Japanese breakfast. Shizuka would usually make their breakfast western-style but Bunta finds it quite dry for his taste.

"Un. So you guys better eat well today. Okaa-san and Tou-san already left for work. I'm also betting they didn't have breakfast when they left...By the way, your bentos are on top of the counter." Marui said as he took a seat.

"Hai!~" The twins also took a seat.

"Itadakimasu!"

There 5 minutes of silence before Ryohei asked a question that both twins were wondering about, "When is Ryoma-nee going to arrive here?"

Bunta blinked at the honorific his otouto used before answering, "Around 6 tomorrow morning. And Ryoma-'nee'?"

"Un. I mean, she's going to be our Onee-san soon so why not call her that." Ryohei responded before drinking his miso soup. Kohei finished eating his breakfast as Ryohei also finished his rice.

"Thanks for the food. We'll be going now!" Both grabbed their respective bento and bags before putting on their shoes and running out of their house.

Bunta can only sigh as he was also tasked to wash the plates and prepare to go to school. Good thing the twins left early so he still has spare time to wash the dishes.

In Rikkaidai:

Marui held in a sigh of relief as he arrived on time for morning practice. At least he won't be subjected to his spartan fukubuchou's 'punishment'.

He quickly changed his clothes and went to the courts where he noticed that Yukimura and Sanada weren't there yet. He only raised a brow on how the two would be the first ones to be here and they weren't.

"Yukimura went for his monthly check-up at the hospital and Sanada went to accompany him," Yanagi answered Marui's unasked question.

"Oh."

Well, he can't argue with that. Yukimura's health was really being fretted over after the 50/50 surgery he went through (1).

With a sigh (he's been doing that a lot these days), he popped a gum into his mouth and chewed.

Time for morning practice.

In 3-B:

Marui was really annoyed.

Not that he hated Social Studies. It's just that he had to suffer 1 more day of waiting. Thinking about Ryoma was really making him wish for time to fast forward. What would Ryoma say at a time like this? It's just 1 day. You waited for 6 years. 1 more day wouldn't hurt. Wouldn't hurt but it's hurting him already.

With another sigh, he scanned his textbook's context with no interest.

~Time Skip~

Stretching his arms, Marui waited for the next class to start. Which was Classic Literature. They were required to bring a dictionary. He mostly forgets to bring his and borrows from Yanagi (the closed-eyed brunet always had to bring two dictionaries because of this). Let's say, a miracle happened and Marui actually remembered to bring his dictionary. Yanagi was really surprised by this and changed his data (from 0.01% to 15% chance of Marui bringing his own dictionary).

Marui can see the surprise on Yanagi's face and gave a "V" sign to him while smiling smugly. Yanagi only nodded in response and focused his attention to the teacher's discussion. Sanada saw the exchange and nodded in approval that Marui finally brought his own dictionary.

After a while, it was break time and Marui went out of the classroom to buy some donuts and went to the rooftop to eat peacefully. Not that much people went to the rooftop anyways so it was a good hiding spot from fangirls. As much as he likes to get free sweets, they could get... uh... violent.

As break ended, Marui felt a little happy about the next class which was Cooking... and it was baking cookies~ Marui literally went all out at making cookies. He made sure every ingredient was exact and the timing was perfect. His efforts resulted into a very delicious looking batch of cookies. Of course, he gave some to the teacher for grading.

He happily skipped out of the home economics room and went towards the gym where his next class is being held, which was Physical Education.

When he arrived at the gym, he flinched slightly, remembering that they were going to play basketball with 3-A... He'd rather play soccer than basketball though.

After a tiring game, he changed his clothes and went back to the classroom for lunch. Of course, he did this in speed record so the 'admirers' won't even have a chance to bother him (foul mood~).

He quickly went to the rooftop after grabbing his bento and some pudding he bought from the cafeteria. When he arrived, he saw Niou and Yukimura just about to start eating lunch.

"Ara, it's rare to see you eat lunch here, Marui." Yukimura smiled pleasantly at Marui who just shrugged it off.

"Fangirls," Marui muttered as he unwrapped his bento.

"Ah."

"But don't you usually accept their food?" Niou asked without knowing that the sweets lover was in a foul mood. At this, Marui just shot him a glare (which made him regret his question) and said "Itadakimasu!"

And so, their "peaceful" lunch begun.

Yukimura just glanced at Niou from time to time as if asking "Do you know what happened?" or "Did you do something?". Niou just shook his head as he also had no idea on what happened to the redhead. Love problems? Then again that "Echizen Ryoma" girl could only have that strange effect on Marui's personality.

Yukimura seemed to have stopped shooting him glances and continued eating his lunch. Same for Niou and Marui.

The peaceful time continued until the bell that signals that lunch break is over rang.

Marui sighed a breath of relief as he finally survived through the rest of the classes which were English and Science. He despised the latter and they even had to do an experiment. He swore that he almost blew a flask as it mysteriously boiled too much and was thankful the teacher saw it and quickly turned off the Bunsen Burner.

"And then there's tomorrow morning too..." Marui sighed as he walked towards the tennis courts, having fully changed into his tennis attire already.

"What about tomorrow?" Niou suddenly appeared beside him. At this, Marui almost tripped and looked at Niou as if the Trickster had a death wish.

"Betsuni," And with that, Marui just walked away... Leaving Niou scared of him once again. Niou just really needs to stop bothering Marui at the wrong time.

"Everyone, Let's do our best at this practice again! 1st years and 2nd years practice your swings. 3rd years will hold practice matches at Courts A & B. Regulars, do your usual training menu at Courts C & D." Yukimura's order echoed throughout the courts and was responded with "Hai!".

Marui just practiced his net play as usual. At least until halfway through practice, his phone rang. He made a "sorry" gesture to Jackal, who was his training partner, and went to answer his phone.

"Moshi moshi?" Niou (once again...he never gives up) tried to listen into the conversation. Also some of the curious regulars (Kirihara, Yanagi, Sanada [who was annoyed that practice was disrupted], and Yukimura [who was hoping for some kind of blackmail]) tried to listen on.

"Ah. So, now?"

...

"Hmm~ Well, take care and I hope that you did take care of yourself like I tell you every day." Some brows were raised here. Marui talks to this "Ryo" person every day? (some had the suspicion it's Echizen "Ryo"ma..)

...

"Hai hai. I will tell you that I have been. Anyways, tomorrow right?"

...

"O.k.~ Have a safe trip~"

Marui snap his phone shut and safely tucked it inside his bag. He picked up his racket and went to Jackal, who was waiting for his training partner, to resume their practice.

Some people just shrugged and also returned to their own practice while others were confused on how that phone call managed to brighten up a certain volley specialist in a few seconds.

After 30 minutes, practice came to an end and Yukimura gathered the members, "Well as you know, tomorrow is the Foundation Day of our school. No tennis practice except for the regulars. Regulars are expected to be here at 10 AM until 1 PM. Consider tomorrow as your well deserved break. Dismissed!"

The regulars were in the clubroom, changing their clothes. Well, except for one redhead who has already headed out after changing in record time. All of the remaining regulars blinked at this.

"Must be that "Echizen Ryoma" girl again," Niou muttered.

"Yea, he did say "Ryo" earlier," Kirihara supported.

"But there could be other people that he knows with a "Ryo" in their name," Jackal sounded like he also doubted himself.

The others stared at him for 2 seconds before- "No way."

"Tarundoru! Marui's letting this girl affect him too much!" Guess who.

"Maa maa, it's ok. It isn't affecting Marui's tennis play in any ways," Yukimura pacified Sanada.

"But-"

"It's ok." At this, Sanada just kept quiet and Yukimura had a small smile. Others just shrugged as they didn't care about Marui's personal matters and others...well, cared about it too much to the point of being nosy?

Well, if they were caught, they would face the wrath of a certain redhead and cat-eyed girl.

Bunta just happily skipped as he headed towards his home. Tomorrow~ Tomorrow~ He happily sang in his head. Can't blame him, his fiancée/girlfriend/childhood friend is finally going to Japan and as a bonus, also at the same school. Plus the fact that it had been years since they met face to face.

"Tadaima!~" He shouted as he opened his house's front door.

"Okaeri! How was your day?" Shizuka greeted as she emerged from the living room.

"Just fine. Ryo called me during afternoon practice that they're about to take the plane," Bunta chirped happily as he skipped to his room.

"Ara, how sweet of her. I can't wait to see her next week," Shizuka squealed as she returned to her chores.

Bunta just hummed happily as he changed his clothes and read some manga he borrowed from Kirihara.

Halfway through the manga, his door burst open to reveal his brothers. Apparently, he didn't hear them arrive after being absorbed into reading the manga.

"Bunta-nii! Play pro wrestling with us!" Ryohei and Kohei chorused as they bounced lightly. Those two were the epitome of energy.

"Sure!" Bunta replied as he put down his half-read manga. Oh well, there's always time for that later (or maybe not since Ryoma's coming in Japan).

The three brothers continued playing before being called down by their mother for dinner.

Dinner went by peacefully with the talk of sleeping early for tomorrow and be prepared for tomorrow. It even went to the topic of Bunta inviting Ryoma and her family for dinner.

I seriously can't wait for tomorrow Bunta chanted as he took a shower and went to bed for a good night's sleep. Oh, he made the right decision because he's going to need all the energy in the world for tomorrow's chaos.

~The next morning~

Bunta woke up at 5 AM and looked relieved that his internal clock decided to help him today. He usually woke up around 5:30 AM but he can't make breakfast for his younger brothers AND make it on time for Ryoma's arrival at that time.

He quickly dressed up and made breakfast for him and his two brothers. He ate hid breakfast and wrote a note to the twins, stating that he will greet the Echizen family at Narita airport which would explain his absence when they wake up.

Marui noted that the time was 5:20 AM and it would take at least half an hour to arrive there (A/N: I have no actual idea so let's just say that). He went out of his house and locked the front door for his younger siblings' safety.

He ran to the train station and took the train that will take him near to the airport.

After 30 minutes or so, he finally arrived at the airport and decided to buy something to drink as it was pretty hot with all of the bustling people here and there.

Flight number 304: From Los Angeles to Narita has landed. Passengers, please head to the luggage area to claim your belongings. Have a nice day.

Marui's ears perked up at that and headed towards the exit gate where passengers from the recent flight were coming from.

"Ta-chan!" He quickly tried to place the location where he heard that voice but to no avail as he was tackled by a flurry of green, white, and blue. Marui grinned in delight as he heard her call him his nickname that she only uses when they're with other people. She's quite embarrassed to call him Bunta when they're with other people as they get the idea of them being lovers because of the first name basis. But don't nicknames have the same effect? Oh well.

He hugged the 'flurry' as it hugged him back. That flurry turned out to be Ryoma that was wearing a white tank top and baby blue shorts. It was simple but seemed to compliment Ryoma very well. well, he also knew that Ryoma liked simple designs. Simplicity at its best, she would say.

"Ryo," He said as he buried his face at her locks. She smelled like strawberries and vanilla. And oh, she also grew out her hair...I could pretty much guess who forced her to not cut it..

"How have you been?" Ryoma beamed at Marui causing him to grin and ruffle her hair, "I've been okay! How about you?"

"I've been okay too! Oyaji doesn't keep me bored! And your daily messages too!" Ryoma chirped. Marui was now grinning like an idiot, he knew this side of Ryoma only appears before him (He did a victory dance at this) and not to anyone else.

"Oi bishoujo! Are you implying I'm just your entertainment?!" Nanjirou squawked indignantly as he approached the two teens with Rinko, along with their suitcases.

Ryoma just stuck out her tongue, "Urusai baka Oyaji!"

"Waaahhh! Rinko-chan~ Bishoujo isn't respecting her father!" Nanjirou wailed to Rinko.

Rinko sighed and shook her head, "Anata, if you don't act like a father right now, you will never get her respect."

"But but but-"

"No buts." Rinko her husband a steely stare and he immediately replied with, "Hai.."

Marui sweatdropped at that scene. Looks like they haven't really changed during the past 6 years.

"Ara. Bunta-kun, konichiwa. How have you been? I'm really sorry for you needing to wake up at an early time to pick us up," Rinko greeted Marui with a sweet and kind smile.

"It's no problem and it's my decision to come here. I'm really sorry that Okaa-san and Tou-san can't be here. They had a business trip," Marui bowed politely.

"Iie iie. It's really okay. I understand that work is important too," Rinko just brushed off the teen's apology and called out to Nanjirou, "Anata, stop weeping there and help me carry these luggage. We need to go to our new home to settle down our stuff."

"Ah, let me help you with that, Rinko-san," Marui offered as he made a gesture to get the ones beside Rinko.

"Is it really okay? Thank you very much! You're very reliable. A perfect husband for Ryoma who is quite unorganized at times," Rinko gushed while Marui and Ryoma just blushed in embarrassment (with different reasons).

"Okaa-san! I'm organized!" Ryoma protested. Marui just blushed at being called a "perfect husband" for Ryoma.

"Hai hai, most of the times anyways," Rinko just waved her hand nonchalantly.

Ryoma pouted at that and Marui's only thought at seeing this was, "Adorable.." and pinched her cheek.

"Taaa-chwaaann...Lwet gwo of mwy chweek!" Ryoma said as she tried to pry off Marui's hand that was pinching her cheek but his grip wouldn't come off.

"Yadda~ Ryo is too adorable to be obeyed right now~" Marui sang as he ignored the younger one's protests.

"Mwouuu!"

Nanjirou and Rinko could only chuckle at that.

~Time skip~

In the new Echizen Household:

"Waaa.. This house is big like your house at America! Not to mention, the homey feeling is also here!" Marui exclaimed in surprise as he saw the house the Echizens are going to reside at.

"Arigato, we would like to invite you and your brothers for dinner tonight, is it okay?" Rinko politely offered.

"Of course! I answer on behalf of my two brothers that we accept!" Marui saluted playfully.

Rinko chuckled at this, "Arigato, I can't wait to meet them."

Marui grinned, "Hehe, be prepared. They're the epitome of energy and they really like food~"

"Ara, it's my pleasure to cook for people who love food."

Ryoma suddenly joined in the conversation, "Okaa-san, is it going to be Japanese Cuisine?!"

"I see why not since we're in Japan."

"Yay~ Okaa-san's Japanese food~" Ryoma cheered as she glomped Marui from his back, "It's really delicious so come with an empty stomach, 'kay?"

"Hai hai~" Marui just ran around the yard with Ryoma on his back, cheering for him to go faster. Nanjirou and Rinko raised their brow at that. Ryoma was being childish and that was out of character for her. She would usually act mature and more older than her age (Even more mature than her father for Kami's sake). Maybe Marui would be able to let her experience fun. They were now both thinking on how coming to Japan was a good decision for Ryoma.

And they have no idea how right they are.

(1): Well in this fic, Yukimura's operation happened before school started. OuO Ahuehuehuehue

A/N: Aaaaaand cut! Ahuehuehue. Thanks for the favorites/follows/reviews! I hope you enjoyed the chappie!~ Jaa! o/