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.
[Atobe's New Future Date]
Now that Ann Tachibana has returned home for the night, Ryoma and Atobe could finally have some alone time together in the villa since it has been a while. At this rate, Atobe still has his heart out for that brat after his little one-on-one date with the queen of tennis because this gives him a chance to try and make an example of himself: show the girls how much he really cares about them. However, Ryoma feels that Atobe went a little too far flirting with Ann but he didn't really worry too much as long as they had a great time together. Since then, the diva still considers going out with people that he desires the most even if it means that he has to keep tennis practice shortened for the remainder of the school year while keeping tabs on his second lover.
"So, how did you fall for a girl like Ann?" asked Ryoma.
"That's easy! Remember when you guys were at the tennis courts during the metropolitan tournament? I spotted Ann with Kamio and Momo and decided to follow her for a while. At that time, she seems to be really a cute girl and I have developed feelings for her. Also, when I asked her out on a date with me, she rejected and told me if I can beat Kamio and Momo in a match, then she will reconsider my offer." Said Atobe.
"Oh yes, I do remember that time during your freshman year at Hyoutei Academy you were trying hard to win Ann's heart. But are you really serious about your relationship with her? What about our love relationship?" asked the Raven-Haired boy.
"To answer your question, yes I am very serious about my relationship with Ann because I can see my future with her if she ever attends Hyoutei like you are doing right now. Besides, this isn't a question about a relationship, it's more like me falling in love with her." Sighed Atobe with a blush on his face. "Boy, I can imagine what Ann will say to me if we do get back together."
Ryoma was confused and paused to clear his head of any migraines before talking again. "Okay, you are seriously weird, you know that? I mean come on; you know that I am your supposed "boyfriend" right? I myself wanted to confess my love to you. But now, you are too focused on Ann instead of me because she seems to be one that can eat your heart out."
"I am not weird, I was born to be a lover and raised to court people. That's how my parents got married and therefore, I will choose the next person to be my true heir. Besides, I will try and focus on you more, but right now, I cannot let go of Ann because I want to make sure she is safe since she is also very important to me." Said Atobe as he placed his hand on the Seigaku Rookie.
"Whatever, dude! Like I said, you and I should keep our relationship low-key since everyone knows about what we are doing together as lovers! Furthermore, let's just have a friendship thing with each other since I feel that too much love would not suit me." Added Ryoma.
Atobe looked at him for a moment and asked, "What do you mean keep it on the down low? You know I love you and Ann very much right? You are still my lover so don't keep denying it! I know that deep down in your heart, you will see me professing my love for you right? I promise that we won't get married, but one thing is for certain, you will remain as my one true love!" he then paused to clean the magazines off his nightstand. "I am doing what is best for both of you since you both have a heart of a blooming cherry blossom while your soft tender voice is like the wind blowing calmly in the morning sky."
Ryoma was not even sure where this deranged captain is getting these metaphors from and decided to step out of the room for a bit in order to stop himself from listening to anymore of those whacked-out mumbo jumbo since there was no way he could process all of this in his head. Furthermore, Ryoma feels that Atobe is seriously out of his mind trying to date Ann instead of him because he feels like being shut out by someone who is twice as smart and popular as he is. Furthermore, Ryoma decides to head over to the control room so that he can de-stress for a while.
In another part of the house, Yuushi and gakuto were busy getting ready for bed when they hear footsteps in the hallway. As they went out to check, they could see Ryoma heading towards them. Sio, the blue-haired Tensai decided to take Ryoma into his room for a little talk since the senior vice captain was the only person that the brat could turn to when Atobe was too busy dispelling quotes from famous poets.
"Something troubling you, Ryoma?" asked Yuushi.
"Well, either Monkey King is not right in the head or he is in his own little world now. He still thinks he is serious about his relationship with Ann other than me because that girl could probably have enough money to own the entire planet with him. Second, I feel that with her at Hyoutei, I might not be able to practice tennis in peace and therefore, finding my quiet area to concentrate will be even harder than before. Honestly, I am starting to think that this whole relationship thing is starting to dwindle on me." Said Ryoma.
"Atobe has his reasons to date Ann since he wants things to go his way, you know? In other words, he is warming up towards that girl from Fudomine because she wanted to spend more time with him. Furthermore, Atobe tells me he needs to take a break from hanging out with you for a while since he feels that you need a break as well. After all, you've gone on plenty of dates with other people so it is important that you rest up for a bit before resuming." Stated Yuushi.
"I hope he isn't trying to drift himself apart from me because I hate to see that happening. Besides, I can understand that he wants to be alone with Ann and I can respect that. Still, Atobe is no damn fool, he can sense that his relationship with me isn't very strained. Overall, I have to give him credit for extending the whole love affair. I never knew that he had this much potential, you know?" replied Ryoma.
"No, who told you that Atobe was going to break up with you? He never said anything like that and he isn't planning to break up with you anytime soon. He just has other people on his mind right now and thus, he has to shift his focus on Ann instead of just you since he can't spend all day just hanging out with men, you know that right? Sure, I could understand that his last girlfriend didn't do so great with him because of the break-up that occurred earlier, but you have to let him spend some time with people of his choosing." Finished Yuushi.
"Yes, my friend you are absolutely correct. Maybe I have been spending too much time around that brat over there. I think it's time I should spend some time dating other people." Smiled Atobe as he entered the hallway towards Yuushi's room.
"So you have overheard their conversation right? I thought you and Ryoma were—" begain Gakuto
"Dating? Yes we were but, I have my eyes set on Ann Tachibana because she knows for a fact that I am seeing Ryoma as well. Therefore, it is only in my best interest to stick with the queen of tennis for a while. Besides brat, we still care about you but you got to let us make our commitments to other people." Continued Atobe.
Ryoma breathed a sigh of relief as he watched the seniors patting the kid on his back and shoulder area while hugging him, letting him know that they still love him. "Thanks guys.
Although I will need time to think about this, I feel that I am being welcomed into the lovers club. Anyway though, I do have to head home soon since we can talk more about this after tennis practice tomorrow." Said Ryoma.
"You're leaving now? But I thought you were sleeping over tonight." Stated Atobe.
"I'll pass, but maybe next weekend we can arrange something. I just need time to focus on the sport for now. Thanks for letting me stay here guys." Said Ryoma.
"You must let me send you home at least, I mean it would be rude not for you to get a ride from yours truly right? After all, a man has to drive his beloved young prince home safely." Finished Atobe as he escorts the kid out of the house and into the limo.
"You are seriously weird, you know that?" grunted Ryoma.
"I am not weird, but given my good charming looks and a chivalrous personality, no one else can be like me to get all the girls out there." Boasted Atobe.
"Um, you're forgetting that Sanada is also getting the fangirls, aren't you?" whispered Yuushi.
"Between us top ranked tennis players, I am the only one that got the most votes so far because Sanada still needs some work in order to get the girls to be attracted to him. Besides, he will probably be kicking my ass for beating him in this match." Smiled Atobe evilly.
Yuushi sweat-dropped and wasn't sure what sort of reply he could give as he watched the car sped off into the distance. At this point, he feels that the teal haired teen may have some tricks of his own up his sleeve when it comes to dating girls. Furthermore, he just doesn't know when the captain can give up on his meaningless quest for love and move on towards more important things like thinking about tennis or going pro. Unfortunately, Atobe was too busy thinking about getting a girl of his dreams instead of shifting his mind onto sports and school since this guy has made it clear that sports is ancient history for him now.
"Looks like Keigo isn't going to change his mind anytime soon, right Yuushi?" stated Gakuto.
"Believe me, we tried to give him the best possible advice, but unfortunately, he has made it clear that he will stick with dating Ann Tachibana instead. I don't know what he sees in herm, but it sounds like she is planning to marry him or something."
"There isn't a chance in hell that she will marry him at a time like this since they just met. Do you remember the first impression date that those two went on together? It's like love at first sight you know? He also gave her flowers when they were together, can you believe it? A flower for the man of her dreams? Are you kidding me?" babbled Gakuto.
Yuushi looked at his partner for a second and said, "Maybe that girl likes hanging around our captain because when they encountered each other during the metro tournament, she didn't like him and was a little bit frightened at his behavior towards women. However, after a while, Ann started warming up to him and isn't scared at all. I have to admit; even I am impressed at how well she just walked up to Atobe and hugged him like it was nothing."
"Do you think they are a couple?" asked Gakuto
"They could definitely be a couple, but we will not know for sure until they spend a little more time together in the long run. In fact, I am certain that Ann and Atobe will ensure that their little date will go smoothly. I can't make any promises, but what I can say is that she really is serious about this relationship and giving Ryoma a break." Finished Yuushi.
"Are you just saying that to please me or are you trying to piss me off?" bellowed Gakuto.
"I am doing nothing of the sort, and I am not trying to hide anything from you. All I am saying that if they are really serious about getting together, then Ann has to fulfill her end of the bargain." Continued Yuushi.
"What bargain? All I see is her trying to win Atobe's heart because Tezuka wasn't here to try and steal Atobe away from her. I have a feeling where this is going to go. There is no doubt in my mind that Atobe is definitely attracted to Ann ever since they first met."
"Maybe she really respects him a lot and admires his endeavors to woo her." Stated Ootori as he headed off to bed in his pajamas.
"When did you get here, Choutaro?" asked Gakuto.
"Atobe invited me here because of Ryoma being his special guest of honor. However, I have seen that An was made the maid of honor. Isn't it obvious? Anyone who does not believe that Atobe and An are together are either too stupid or dense to understand the feelings they have for each other. It's like hearing him say, 'I like you, Ann Tachibana, I want you to be my lover' sort of thing."
"Looks like you understand our captain much better than I do, Choutaro. No matter how messed up Atobe is, we still have to trust his instincts." Replied Gakuto.
Everyone else agreed to that response because there is no way they can doubt their captain.
~/~
Once Ryoma reaches his house, he thanked the driver and his lover for a well spent night. "Be careful around Ann, she can be a bit stubborn at times, but as long as you develop a strong relationship for her, she will ask you to take her wherever she likes to go."
"Of course, it's just like our date so this should be a walk in the park. Besides, I can promise you that her tenacity is well respected. Still she has guts to show up at my doorstep asking me out on a date right on the bat, but no matter. She and I will have a great time together as our relationship thickens, so don't worry about anything just as long as I take good care of her." Replied Atobe.
"Like I said, you and I are just hanging out together as friends, not dating. Still though, I am glad that our relationship didn't go down in flames or else I would be the one whacking you with a tennis ball and telling your friends that I broke up with you. But we all know that will not happen since Yuushi and Gakuto sempai convinced me to stay in touch with you even though they asked me to take a break from the whole date thing." Continued Ryoma.
"Really? I can understand you need a break and since you are already aware that I am seeing Ann, I can grant you a break from dating me. You were wise to listen to my teammates and followed through on their commands. Anyway, get yourself a good night's rest, you will need it if you plan to keep your strength up to beat Byodoin later on." Said Atobe as he returns to the limo.
"Of course, you take care of yourself as well. Good night to you." Replied Ryoma. As the limo disappeared into the distance, he entered and took off his shoes before heading towards the dining room to quench his thirst. Just then, he could see his father and his cousin in front of him.
"So, how did your date go with your boyfriend?" asked Nanjiro.
"What boyfriend? You mean Atobe? He is just a friend, and no we are not officially there yet since he is seeing someone else now." Replied Ryoma.
"Oh, really? Who is he seeing?" continued nanjiro evilly.
"It's Ann Tachibana from Fudomine. She started developing feelings for him and decided to date him because she feels that only he can cheer her up and make her stronger to defeat opponents in the tennis matches later on. I don't know why Atobe is so interested in her, but I can honestly say that those two could possibly be a couple someday. Also what the hell is that acrid smell?" said Ryoma as he held his nose.
"It's just the cigarette dude! Get a grip! Anyway, dinner is almost ready, we made your favorites." Continued Nanjiro. At that moment, Ryoma was about to punch some sense into his father, but decided against it since it would be foolish to argue about it now. Furthermore, Ryoma hated the smell of cigarettes since he didn't want to get sick. However, Nanjiro reassured him that the mask was there to protect him and as he used it, the bad air didn't get into his lungs as he ate dinner.
Afterwards, Ryoma decided to play with his cat for a little while as he thinks about what Atobe said to him earlier since this is new to him. He did not expect a girl to waltz right in and start asking his lover for a date. At that moment, Ryoma feels that Atobe was really trying to make sure to let the super rookie catch up on his own things for a while so that he doesn't get overworked too much. Overall, Atobe was looking out for Ryoma's best interest and that's why he started caring about the kid. Furthermore, Ryoma could see that Atobe would likely have more plans in the near future if he sees him again.
As Ryoma headed to bed, he scooped up Karupin and said to him, "you know, we have a strong bond as friends, but as your master, I can clearly see that I will need to take care of you more and pay close attention to you for a while until those two lovers get fully acquainted. It is only fair to let Atobe do his own thing because I can't just keep bothering him despite letting that delusional creep stalking me every week. Overall, I think spending time playing with you is ALL I need right now." He then stroked his cat on the head before handing him a chew toy to play with. Once that was done, Ryoma retired to bed for the night.
By the next morning, breakfast for Ryoma was still the usual since he wanted to have a light meal before he heads off to practice tennis with his friends at Seigaku. After he was finished, he grabbed his tennis equipment and meets up with Momo, Eiji, and Oishi along the way.
"Good morning guys, hope you all slept well." Said Ryoma.
"Good morning Oichibi, hope you had some fun with Atobe last night? If so, I think you really have made him happy already." Smiled Eiji as he hugged the boy tightly.
"Do you really have to do this early in the morning? I mean seriously!" groaned Ryoma.
"Why? I miss you, O-chibi! You're no fun." Said Eiji.
"I know, I missed you guys too, but the guys at Hyoutei have finally convinced me not to leave atobe no matter what happens. Besides, I still have to see him after he completes his date with Ann. I can see that they got a strong relationship together and will become a great couple together." Replied Ryoma.
"Really? Atobe finally has a girlfriend? Well good for him! That means he will stop coming after you for a while. Glad that you finally gave him some space. That guy finally has someone to keep him busy while you are practicing tennis. I am glad that you are finally letting go of your lover." Said Momo.
"What do you mean? Atobe never said to let me go. We are not breaking up anytime soon." Replied Ryoma.
"What will it take for you to understand that Atobe is not in love with you? Do you really think he can win your heart when he is falling for that girl from Fudomine?" said Eiji.
"He said he is still in love with me, but he said that he needs time to focus on his relationship with that girl first since he cannot spend time around me every single day. That's why he wanted me to take a break. So I had to respect his decision and his wishes. I have to admit, even I know my own limits when I'm around Atobe." Finished Ryoma.
"Oh, I see. So you are both still seeing each other from time to time and yet he wants to check out Ann. How deranged is that guy?" asked Taka.
"Not that deranged, I mean I can understand when Ann didn't take me as her lover, but seeing her going out with that diva from Hyoutei makes me wonder how did she even fall for a guy like that? I mean she didn't even text him her phone number or address unless she called him to come and pick her up to go to school." Added Momo.
"As a matter of fact, she did tell him her address, including her phone number so that they can keep in touch with each other." Put in Ryoma.
"Did she tell you that in person?" asked Eiji.
"I can tell you more about it when we get to school. We should really hurry or else we will be late for class and tennis practice." Replied Ryoma.
"You're right, but if we find out you're lying again, you owe us food big time!" said Momo as he grabbed the rookie and placed him in a headlock.
"Seriously? Is there anything else you can think of besides food?" groaned ryoma as he was being let go since he knows that these guys are really not playing with him. As they dashed off into the distance of Seigaku, they know that something big was about to happen between Atobe and Ann. After all, Ryoma has kept with him some of the messages and texts that those two have exchanged when they were in bed last night because he is planning to show them to everyone in all the schools so that they can get a kick out of this. Furthermore, Atobe would have a lot of explaining to do later on with his teammates.
Author's Note: Looks like Ann has her reasons for texting Atobe so much since she really is in love with that guy. But really, her phone number and home address should have been kept private and not divulged in public. Oh well, looks like Atobe has a new stalker to contend with since he doesn't have to worry about going after Ryoma for a while.
