Hyoutei's First Date
By: NarutoandBleach
When Ryoma gets word that the Hyoutei Captain has become obsessed with him, everyone knows that something is up and Ryoma is keeping secrets from his friends. Are they really dating each other or is this simply a plan to bring two rivals together as one?
Disclaimer: The original manga, Tennis no Oujidama, is the work of Konomi Takeshi. Characters and settings have been adapted without authorization or approval, and I am making no profit from their use.
[Confrontation and Surprises]
As the dance continued throughout the night, it seems that everyone has either exhausted their energy from competition with the lovers on stage, the sadistic pair from Rikkaidai, and the loud-mouthed pair from Higa. Furthermore, no one seems to be able to keep up with the dance moves. Once the last piece of music is played, the only ones that were left standing were Kite/Kei pair, Sanada/Yukimura, and Atobe/Echizen since these three have been fighting fiercely for the first place trophy, but the people from Rikkaidai and Higa are at their limits already and decided to call it, leaving Atobe and Ryoma as the last pairs standing on the stage.
Once the music stopped, Atobe and Ryoma held onto each other before leaving the stage.
"Well, looks like we had some fierce competition, but those other people gave it all they got. I think I got to hand it to them, they really gave it their all." Said Ryoma.
"Ahn, but we ended up as the real winners of tonight's love fest, brat. So, I got to give them credit for trying. Furthermore, we managed to come out on top and we will do the same with the pool table. Anyway, let's clean up and get this party over and done with." Said Atobe gleefully.
As Yukimura and Sanada sat down for a quick drink of water, Kei was on the floor exhausted after dancing like crazy on the stage. Furthermore, Kirihara and another teammate from Higa cooled down the big fat slob while the rest of them drank orange juice at their seats. None of them could believe that Echizen and Atobe still have the strength to keep going even when everyone else didn't warm up before the dance started.
Elsewhere, Oshitari was watching with amusement while Inui recorded the data in his notebook since he could use this information to keep track of Echizen's progress. Furthermore, Renji's special drink had enabled most of the students to pass out after their wild party. Some of them barely could walk out the door afterwards so their tennis partners had to escort them home.
Once the dance was over, the music teacher from Hyoutei stepped up and presented the three team contestants with awards before announcing the first place winners being Ryoma and Atobe. Afterwards, everyone congratulated the duos for a job well done while Yukimura shook Ryoma's hand.
"You did great for a first time dancer. But I promise you, the next time we meet, it will be at the tennis courts." Said Yukimura.
"I look forward to that day, Yukimura Buchou! Mada mada dane," said Ryoma as he sat down to drink his ponta. Sanada could only crack a smile while Shishido and kevin could only shoot death glares at Atobe since he glued his attention only on Ryoma and no one else. Furthermore, Yukimura smiled softly that the kid still had great respect for the Rikkaidai captain after his defeat since he had no ill will towards him
"That brat has learned everything that I've taught him, right Sanada?" said Atobe while smiling.
"Yes, but I won't falter next time. Still though, where did that brat learn how to dance anyway?" asked Sanada
"I think he must have been practicing during his younger years at school, but who knows?" Still though it was a good competition. We gave you a run for your money, but you came up short."
"Next time we have a contest like this, I will be sure to get stronger." Said Sanada as he shook Atobe's hands before sitting down next to Ryoma and grabbing a ponta.
"So, Atobe still has his eyes for you I assume?" asked Sanada.
"I am afraid so, it seems that he won't leave me alone since his affairs with me are going through the roof. However, this has nothing to do with my best friend Kevin or Shishido-sempai for that matter since they had no idea how far that captain will go. They still think that their captain has gone a bit off track since he is less focused on tennis and more focused on finding love." Continued Ryoma.
"I see, so it seems that Atobe has you dead to rights eh? Honestly, you are still too soft and by letting him win, you are making yourself an easy target for the girls. I tried to convince you to abandon this madness, but you took it upon yourself that this whole love scheme will keep following you around like a lost puppy, am I right?" said Sanada.
Ryoma gave the former captain a confused look, "What do you mean? You know that's not true. Atobe's affairs will be his own undoing since he does make foolish attempts to try and get me to confess my feelings to him, but spending time with him seems to get me to understand why he is doing this for me. I feel that each time when I am around him, it just gets me to understand that he truly does care about me for all the right reasons. Try to relax, it's not like he is trying to get me to fondle with his body parts."
"I know that, but still, are you sure you should be dating a guy like him? He is going to continue to spread his innocuous details like wildfire if this goes onward. Plus, I don't want you entangled in a relationship that will go down in flames. You could be doomed." Warned Sanada.
Ryoma placed his reassuring arm around sanada and said, "Don't worry, I am not really going to transfer to Hyoutei at any point if this keeps up. I think my so called boyfriend has been drinking a little too much tonight, If I had to guess, his lunatic rants must have hit his head hard." Sanada could only smile at that remark and breathed a sigh of relief that Echizen will be able to handle this.
"That good for nothing jackass thinks he got this handled? We will just see about that!" thought Kevin as he glared at his best friend with a death stare. That bastard had so much explaining to do for tomorrow since he was not living at his father's place as he had his ways to escape from Seigaku. However, he noticed that there were four waiters that are part of Atobe's food service members who lectured Ryoma in words that he couldn't comprehend. Many of them were like "Lay off from Atobe" or "Take a break from the date and rest up." However, Ryoma feels that he could use those phrases to his advantage because there have been weird things happening so far.
Well whatever shit Ryoma has put himself in, it will get ugly. Besides, Ryoma never told Kevin that he was dancing with Atobe despite the fact that they are friends! Elsewhere, Eiji and Oishi just laughed and didn't care what happens now since Ryoma has been called a cupid since he was deeply attached to Atobe. As for the tennis prodigy, he couldn't care what anyone thinks as long as his so called rival wasn't out seducing him in bed at 3 am in the morning. Furthermore, kevin Smith has seen a clear picture of these two lovebirds and would love to give the Tannhauser Server a piece of his mind.
"Ryoma, what the hell were you thinking going after Atobe in the first place?" shouted Kevin.
"Hey, it was not my idea! The whole thing was Atobe's fault. So I supported his decision and we made the date official." grunted Ryoma.
"Very fucking funny, Echizen! You know I have been here for over 3 weeks and I see you being hooked up to someone that defeated me in the tennis selection matches previously. So, are you going to introduce me to your so called boyfriend now that the dance is over? I would love to meet him!" he then grabbed Ryoma's tuxedo when he was not paying attention.
"I do believe you met him before during the tennis selection matches since he is right there next to Choutaro and Gakuto, whom are trying to tear him a new one."
"No fucking way! So seaweed head was right. You mean that delusional peacock right there on the stage is whom you are dating?"
"We are not dating, his name is Keigo Atobe, just keep it in mind."
"maybe I might not remember it. But there is no way I am going to let you get controlled by that crazy bitch!"
"Who said I was being controlled by that diva? And did Sengoku draw this picture of me and Atobe kissing? Very cute, Remind me to thank him later."
"I don't know his name, he was a hyperactive guy wearing a green jersey and always saying "Lucky, lucky, Lucky!"
"That sounds like sengoku from yamabuki to me and so does this photo, "To be or not to be, that is the question." Ryoma studied the text carefully on the piece of paper and it gave him an idea.
"What does that text mean?" asked Kevin
"Its definitely from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet."
"Well, kudos to you, when did you become so cognitive of Shakespeare?"
"That was during my middle school year when I was invited to Hyoutei to dress up as Juliet since Atobe had me playing his wife."
"Seriously? You were fucking eleven at that time. Did you become a grave robber?" continued Kevin.
"Like I said, we are not…" Kevin was looking at his friend's dead silent face while resisting his attempt to punching him after spewing a lot of bullshit about how 'It's not what you think'. Furthermore, Ryoma had that 'I don't give a damn' look on his face and decided to put that paper in his pocket for school after spring break. By the time Ryoma took out another drink, Kevin followed him to the table.
"Dating? Of course you are. You've been hanging around with that diva for too long. And besides, hanging out with someone is still dating."
"Hmm!"
Kevin looked at him for a moment and said, "Come on now! What's hmm?"
"He is just a friend! How many times do I have to remind you so that you can understand?"
"You can fake it all you want because there is no way you can fool me. So how long have you been seeing Atobe? I demand that you tell me now!"
"You will get the answer soon enough." Said Ryoma as he winked at his best friend before leaving.
"Okay, wise-ass! if I don't get an answer from you, then I will force it from your boyfriend in person tomorrow." fumed Kevin.
~/~
By the time spring break was over, Monday usually brings a lot of headaches at Hyoutei's after school budget meeting since school started a bit early for Oshitari. Furthermore, with the tennis club undergoing some intense training and student council sessions, there wasn't much to be done since the year was drawing to a close. Furthermore, Atobe will still continue his ruthless dictating to Hyoutei academy since he will always be in charge of everything.
However, Atobe is more of a fair and honest man since he cares about his team since no one complained about his teachings or authority to the tennis club and he even approved trips and expenses due to his richness. At this point, it seems that the diva has the means to make ends meet no matter how much expectations are there to be fulfilled.
Just then, a violent knock came rushing through the gates but no one cared to listen. Gakuto just checked and rushed outside to open the door and surprisingly enough, Kevin showed himself in.
"Can I speak with your captain? This is important." Said kevin
'We are in a middle of a budget meeting right now, can't this wait?" said Gakuto while trying to push kevin away.
"Step aside, red-haired woman! I am here to settle matters with Atobe and I am not leaving until I get answers from that freakshow!" shouted Kevin.
Gakuto immediately vein popped while Oshitari and Hiyoshi laughed at that insult.
"Just a fucking minute! Who the hell do you think you are talking to? I demand to know your name!" shouted Gakuto angrily.
"I am the famous American tennis Prodigy Kevin Smith. I met your captain and he has been hitting on Ryoma for the last several months. It's about time that I get some answers out of him and the reasons behind his scheme."
"I don't think so. Atobe is not going to reveal his secrets to you at this time. Please calm yourself down, I am sure there is a better explanation for all of this." Continued Gakuto.
"It's okay, Gakuto. I am sure he wants to know what Atobe was even thinking as well. Follow me, Kevin." Said Shishido as he leads the American Player up the stairs towards the meeting room. Kevin then proceeded to bang on the door, scaring the classmates in the other rooms.
"Hiyoshi, would you mind seeing who that could be?" said Atobe without looking up from whatever he is writing.
"It's the American kid, Kevin Smith. He always arrives around 8:30 on Monday. Why didn't you add him to your list of meetings?" asked Hiyoshi.
"I am sure he will get over this whole fiasco about me and Ryoma being together, there is no need for me to explain it to him further." said Atobe as he submits the form to Oshitari who was trying not to interfere with Atobe's messed up love life.
As Kevin marched in, he slammed the door behind him causing all the papers to fly off the desk and then rushed towards Ryoma's boyfriend. "Keigo!" he shouted. "You have gone too far! Are you finished flirting with Echizen, or should I take action right now?"
"That would be lovely." Muttered Hiyoshi as he leaned on the window to get a better view of the confrontation.
Atobe could only laugh anytime that kevin rushed in to question his decision to date that kid without infuriating him further since he did it with such force. "I understand that you are upset, but I got the situation under control. Now, if I wasn't his lover, what kind of a man would I be if-"
"Don't you EVEN go there!"
"Excuse me?"
With a loud groan, Kevin popped his hand into his head "Echizen… he is a kid who loves tennis to death because it has served as an inspiration to us all. And here you are, trying to crush his spirit with your gay love affair. Also, why are you still treating him like a little girl?"
"I can assure you that I did nothing of the sort." Replied Atobe as he discarded some old documents into the trash can while sitting in the chair. "He isn't what I call 'common' because my goal is to show echizen the true meaning of love while spurring my feelings for him as any unique teenager will do." He then sighed and asked "What is it about him being a school girl?"
"You know me better than that!"
"Well, you got your proof. I am doing the best I can to handle our relationship so—"
"Atobe listen to me, this is not just about you! If this goes into the newspapers, every one of the schools will also fight for Echizen's love and we cannot turn the tennis courts into a battlefield. Since that kid is in high school, his former captain of Seigaku will not be hiding in the shadows for very long since he could come back and see how much Ryoma has improved. I hope you are ready to take on the responsibility of overseeing his progress." Kevin was seething in his teeth and waited to see what else that crazy loon has got up his sleeve.
Just then, Echizen arrived and saw the papers on the floor and decided to pick them up and organize them before placing them all on the empty desk next to the computer table. He moved past Oshitari trying to contain his laughter, Kevin's fists nearly landing on Atobe's face, and Shishido's disregard until arriving in front of Atobe's wide grin. "Hello, my dear!" He then paused to grab a soda can from the fridge and took a seat at the desk.
"This is quite a surprise. I wasn't expecting you until later this afternoon." Smiled Atobe.
"You cannot keep me at home for too long. I didn't want to get back to my own house because my father kicked me out because he feels that I am no longer a part of his life. I couldn't care what he thinks of me, so I decided to drop by and spend some time with you guys."
Atobe gave his lover a nod before looking at kevin straight in his face. "If you prefer, we can continue this conversation at my residence, I will be happy to accompany you."
The American player shook his head from side to side and was at a loss for words. He decided to take a seat since he did not know what else he could do.
Just then, Kite rushed in and placed his hand on the blonde kid. "Are you going to be okay?"
"Don't be crazy. I am fine."
"You couldn't fool me for that long." Sighed Gakuto while watching the king and prince hugging and talking like crazy. Furthermore, if it wasn't for the Seigaku kid orchestrating this prank, he would have given Atobe the win he needed. "I tried to tell him to leave Ryoma be, but he is not going to take my word for it."
Now it was Kite to be acting like crazy. "If you were in my shoes, I would have some plans of my own. You guys are his subordinates right? It's up to you to stop Ryoma from having his way."
"If you have any plans, we're all ears."
Even Kevin couldn't take it anymore and decided to concede to defeat.
Ryoma was surprised at how well the room was decorated. "I like how you refurbished the entire classroom. This is so amazing! How did your spring break go? I hope you met some interesting people along the way."
"It went well, thanks for asking. And you?"
"Well, aside from being kicked out, I did some thinking."
"Really, like what?"
"Well, just about how we could get back into the tennis competition since my school is filled with newbies that can barely even serve or hit balls. They need a teacher that can give them a good understanding of the sport itself and I hope you are ready to do that." Said Ryoma.
"Really? I would love to give them a lesson. Just give me a few minutes to finish up my work and I will be over there soon. Also give me a time frame of when to go to Seigaku." Replied Atobe.
Seriously? Did Atobe say he was going to teach the newbies at Seigaku all about tennis? Even Shishido would have stopped himself from walking the dog. No matter how much time Echizen spent with Atobe, it would always end up as the same result since that loud-mouthed brat wouldn't even stop talking about how kind-hearted he was.
"Look at Echizen's cute face, isn't it nice to see him like that?" said Atobe.
"I could care less what you think of that brat. You are the one that started this mess, not me!" boomed Shishido as he focused on his school work. Everyone else didn't have time to give their opinions since they didn't want to get involved. Atobe had to play the role of Echizen's sugar-daddy since he never hated that kid in the first place because he didn't want that kid to be lonely.
"Why is kevin here anyway?"
"Well since you were all high and mighty on me, I am here because I got announcement to make. If you are going to let Echizen stay at Hyoutei, then I might as well head to Seigaku because there is a person that I am deeply interested in." he said.
Everyone was confused at what Kevin had said. Oshitari immediately went to where kevin was and asked, "Don't tell me that you are seeing someone as well."
"Yes, I had my eyes on that girl of yours, Sakuno Ryuzaki. I heard that her grandmother makes delicious food. Therefore, I will be hitting on your girl since I always wanted to try out her stuff." Said kevin proudly.
Ryoma and atobe were shocked at that response. "Are you kidding me? Since when did you start seeing Sakuno?"
"Ever since I was in America, I couldn't find a single girl out there to date. Therefore, I decided that girls in japan will not be that hard to find. So, I will make my appearance at seigaku well-known. In fact, I will invite my whole posse to your school and ensure that we get the proper education and training. See to it that your coach makes us feel welcome. I will fax her this letter now." Said Kevin as he grabbed his letter of acceptance from his bag and sent it to the fax machine. A few minutes later, Coach Ryuzaki received it and saw the American tennis prodigy wanting to fit in. She decided to talk to the principal about it and eventually, he gave the all clear signal and she was off calling kevin on the phone.
"Hello coach ryuzaki, Kevin here. So good to hear from you."
"I see you wanted to become like Echizen right? Well, it will be my pleasure to welcome you to Seigaku. Please, make yourself at home. I am sure Echizen's teammates will be glad to have you on board." Said the coach.
"Arigato gozaimasu, coach Ryuzaki. And oh, I heard that your granddaughter makes good food right? I like to take a look at what she is baking." Continued kevin.
"You wouldn't miss it for the world. Stop by in a few days with your teammates and we will see what skills you have in tennis." And with that the line went dead.
Everyone couldn't believe what just happened, but Ryoma didn't seem to care as he smiled at his rival since he has found his true calling. "That sly devil thinks he can win Sakuno's heart? Well, I will love to see that." He said.
"Ryoma, you sly-devil! Why did you let your rival steal your girlfriend away from you? You think you can just take that from him?" said Choutaro.
"I think Sakuno will suit Kevin perfectly. Besides, I am already over her anyway since her foods don't suit my taste. Besides, she can win Kevin's heart easily. I could care less about Sakuno even though she is nice and all, but my belongs to tennis and of course Atobe." Said Ryoma.
"Dude! You are going to give your old girlfriend to some wannabe halfway around the world? You demon!" shouted Shishido.
"mada mada dane! Besides, I kind of like it here in Hyoutei. I could get used to this place." Said Ryoma with an evil grin on his face.
Everyone in the room laughed while Oshitari groaned in despair. "See, I told you Atobe would make Echizen a part of his life." Said Gakuto.
"He may have won the battle, but not the war. So, there are still some things that need to be done before we can officially let Ryoma join our tennis club. I should contact Eiji and tell him the news since they are going to flip." Said Oshitari as he took out his phone and dialed furiously. He somehow came across Oishi's number and waited for a response.
"Hello, this is Oishi." Came the voice from the other line.
"Hi Oishi, this is Yuushi from Hyoutei. So I take it you heard the news?"
"what is it? I hope its not Echizen humping Atobe again."
A smile came across Yuushi's face as he paused to wipe his face of the sweat that trickled down his face. "No, it's not that. Kevin was just in town and he just submitted a letter of acceptance at your school. In other words, he will be transferring to Seigaku."
A shocked look came to Oishi's face as he tried to contain his laughter. "you're not serious are you?"
"I am not lying. Furthermore, Kevin has made it clear that he and his teammates are going to be a part of your tennis club since your coach has approved them of joining. Also, it seems that we are all in the pits of hell right now." Said Yuushi.
"I see. Does Echizen know about this?" continued Oishi.
"He couldn't care less and decided that Kevin is better off going to your school since he wants to spend more time with us at Hyoutei Academy."
"So, Echizen is abandoning the Seigaku tradition and wants to join the Hyoutei tradition now? Oh God! What cruel fate has befallen on our school? And why did he decide this?"
"Well, Atobe has stated that Ryoma will transfer to our school soon if he won at the dance competition, but he did say that he will delay the process if someone can beat him in the pool table."
"We have been pool experts for a long time. We will accept his challenge, but I think we need to have a talk with our little ochibi before the competition begins. Have him meet us in the school grounds around noon time and we will see what his side of the story is. By the way, thanks for looking after our ochibi. I hope he didn't give you too much trouble." Said Oishi.
"Hey, no problems, that kid has taken quite a shine to us. And no, he didn't give us any trouble at all. We love having him here just as much as you guys do." Smiled Oshitari.
"Again, thank you. I will see you soon my friend." And with that the line disconnected. Oshitari can't wait to see how this will turn out since both rivals are planning to change schools if Atobe wins the next sport of his choosing. At that moment, Ryoma and Atobe decided that it was time for them to start their training session.
"Oshitari, Kite, can you guys give us a moment?" said Atobe.
"Of course, atobe-sama. Let's go, Kite." Said Oshitari as he and Kite left the room while leaving the door open. Oshitari shook his head subtly since he never had seen these royal nutcases dancing the night away. "Kind of makes you feel sorry for that kid right?" murmured Gakuto to Hiyoshi.
Kevin was twitching, but at the same time decided that he will leave Atobe be. "My business is done here, Atobe. So whatever problems you got with Echizen, you can handle it on your own."
"See you on the tennis courts. And also, tell Seigaku that I said hi." Replied Atobe as he nodded towards the American. Furthermore a crowd of eavesdroppers could almost hear that response from in the room. Afterwards, Ryoma showed Atobe the note from Sengoku and he found it to be amazing.
"This is amazing, I am going to laminate it." Said Atobe.
"Wait up Kevin!" called Ryoma as he chased after his best friend while watching Atobe decorating the paper. He could have sworn that he heard Atobe saying 'Romeo has fallen for Juliet and it's like two peas in a pod. The storm has brought these two closer together and no clouds can take them away'
At that instant, Kevin was hissing out a whisper, "That is so not what I meant!" They could hear Oshitari and Kite on the court laughing.
"Looks like I will have to take this blooming flower and add him to our responsibility list on the court." Said Oshitari.
"So, Kevin, what is your relationship with Seigaku?" asked Ryoma.
"Excuse me?"
"Why did you want to join Seigaku anyway?" he asked again.
"Well, your school has a lot of nice people and I wanted to learn a lot from them since this will be my chance to prepare for the U-17 camp later on. Furthermore, Sakuno wants to share her sweets with me and I will propose a date with her soon." Continued Kevin.
"you are weird, you know that?" said Ryoma as he picked up a ball and hit it towards the walls. Some of them even flew past Kevin while the others were on the opposite end of the courts.
"I don't have anything to say to you since I made up my mind." Finished Kevin as he and Ryoma played for a bit while Oshitari watched from the classroom window.
"You are really making my life a living hell, you know that Atobe?"
"Hey, I call them as I see them. Need I remind you that I am still holding to my promise? It will be about six months for Ryoma to get used to our place. I think you can manage that." Said Atobe.
"What the hell did you draw this time? Did you seriously make Ryoma your royal subject?"
"I think he looks good in that suit." Smiled Atobe.
"This isn't a tennis competition; it looks more like a mental hospital."
"You are very observant, four eyes."
Oshitari was about to give up when Echizen entered the door again and saw the picture, but he didn't take much notice until Atobe took his cap off and whispered something in his ear. "If my love could convince you" before putting it back on his head "then my writ for you will be gone and you will have me as your man."
"You are still a delusional jackass, you know that?" said Echizen as he narrowed his eyes at his lover.
"Yes, but do you accept a six month stay here in Hyoutei if I win at the pool table?" asked Atobe.
"We shall see about that, In the meantime, my seigaku teammates are going to be expecting me soon, I will see you later tonight at the pool hall." Said Ryoma as he left the classroom.
"Let me know if you do change your mind. I will be waiting for you."
"Don't count on it, dork!" Everyone else sweat-dropped at Ryoma's reply while Gakuto and Shishido breathed a sigh of relief while smiling.
Ryoma was still trying to contain his laughter and he could have gotten a big bop on the head for leaving Sakuno to his new fiancé.
