AU Chapter 8: Our Journey Begins

Rated M

Mature content for crude words. You have been warned. Read at your own risk.

"Marriage is not a destination, it is a journey"

"What do you think about this Rinko obaa san?" Nanako handed the brochure she was holding to her aunt.

"Hmm... This is pretty, but I think this would do?" This time, Rinko shoves the piled of magazines in their front, handling the newest one she bought earlier.

"Aaahhh!" Nanjirou unmannerly yawned, with a single tear on his languid eyes he approached his wife who seriously discussing something in the patio of their rented house. "What are you doing?" He asks. However, his query turns into deaf- ear when no one answered him, he stared at his eldest son, Ryoga who simply shrugs his shoulder while tossing the orange in the air. He never bothered to asks his youngest son, who seems forcibly drag here by just looking at his face and his future daughter in law who keeps blinking towards the two ladies. Realizing that there is no one will sustain his curiosity, Nanjirou decided to peek on the piles of magazines in the table, a smirk form on his lips as he grasps what is happening. Right. His youngest is getting married.

"How about this?"

"I think this will be better"

Sakuno keeps her curious look towards her auntie Rinko and Nanako- neechan. She stared at them animatedly as they keep exchanging opinions. It was an hour passed since her Aunt Rinko knocked on her door, smiling sweetly to her asking her to come outside, upon going outside of her room, she saw Ryoma leaning in the hallway, grumpily yawning as if, he was snatched away from his precious bed. He stared at her for some more before finally glaring his cousin, who keeps grinning while hugging some pile of magazines in her hands.

"What do you think about this Sakuno-chan?"

Sakuno blinks as the two pairs of eyes focus on her, waiting for her response. She stared at them for a long time before she finally looks down. "Anou... Aunt Rinko" she paused. "I think it would be better if we just go to the ministry office and-"

"NO!" Sakuno's suggestion been cut-off when the Echizen's unanimously disagreed in her, the only difference they made was the tone of their voices.

"It's a big no! No! Sakuno-chan!" Rinko waggling her point finger in the air. "There is no way we will welcome you in our family without a proper celebration!"

"That's right! That's right! Whether it is a secret union between you two, we should give you at least a proper wedding! It's your wedding! It's ones in a lifetime experience, so don't take it so lightly Sakuno-chan!" Nanako uttered. Just like her aunt Rinko, she shakes her head disapprovingly.

"Besides, this is the only way we can do, don't you think you deserve more than this?" Ryoga intervened. He even put his arms to his brother, grinning " marrying this stone-like brother of mine is a pain in the ass" he added as he keeps tossing the orange in the air, smirking.

"That's right! So don't be bother about it Sakuno-chan!" Nanjirou grinned.

Ryoma scoffed, "You should let them be, Sakuno" the tennis prince said, he even shrugs away his brother's arm on his shoulder before giving him his deathliest glare "Afterall we were going to have another wedding once we graduate. A grand one as it be" he said smirking, he looks at her making Sakuno gasps in surprise.

"Mou! That's not necessarily!" Her cries turn into deaf ears once again when her aunt Rinko shouted.

"Finally!" Rinko exaggeratedly uttered, her hand claps in excitement as she looks at her son beamingly. " We have something we both agreed about son! "Seems satisfied with her son remarks "but we we're going to talk about that once you both graduate" she dismisses, getting back on their left business.

"Che."

"Demo- it is really okay, I'm fine with everything" she smiled timidly. Afterall what she was asking for? Ryoma-kun is marrying her, it's just like a dream come true!

"No buts okay? We will be going to make it in your taste, so, just tell us what you want, okay?" Rinko smiled reassuring

"So, shall we start this?" Nanako asks, her eyes twinkles in anticipation her hands claps getting all their attention.

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"KAWAIII!" Both Nanako and Rinko squeak in delight seeing Sakuno in her wedding dress.

"You're so beautiful Sakuno-chan!" Rinko holds her hand, admiring her beauty.

Sakuno blinks a couple of times; astonished on her own as if the person standing in front of the mirror was not her.

"See? I told you Sakuno-chan! This really suits you" Nanako winks through the reflection in the mirror.

Sakuno was wearing a long-sleeved sweetheart mermaid gown, it was perfectly hugging her body, giving emphasize her hidden curves from her chest down to her waist. Though the back of the dress is open down to the waist, it still looks descent and pleasing in the eyes. It gives an illusion that she looks taller than her actual height. The sleeves were made by finest soft tulles with embroidered flower pattern. It is immaculately embroidered in extremely beautiful and delicate floral pattern that covers the entire body, perfect combination on its scallop edge. It is very beautiful indeed.

"Mou! But it looks weird on me" Sakuno shyly said, she was so embarrassed by the praises they were showering on her.

"None sense!" Rinko quickly dismissed "look closely, you really look wonderful dear" Rinko hugs her from side.

"That's right! Where did you hide this body of yours? Mou! I' m getting envy!" Nanako smiled. "Ryoma-san would definitely drool over when he finally sees you in your wedding dress!"

"Mou! Nanako-neechan!" Sakuno blushed tenfold, she can't, even imagine the tennis prince in that state.


"Okay! Last shot!"

Click

"Okay, perfect! We have 2 hours break before we resume, thank you Mr. Echizen" the photographer announces before putting his camera down.

"Thanks"

"You are surprisingly good huh" Kei Takashima commented as he walks tailing the tennis prince.

"Che" Ryoma retorted. He continues walking towards their respective room, checking the fridge for a possible drink, luckily enough there are tons of ponta inside, the tennis prince took two cans on each of his hands before tossing the other two to Kei.

"Well, I'm still surprised you agreed with this y'know" Kei muttered, he quickly sips on the can, staring at him intently as if he was deciphering him from his sudden change of mind.

For Kei, Echizen Ryoma is a hard nut to crack, he was so hard to read nor understand, from the moment he became his manager at the tender age of twelve, never in his entire managing career of the tennis prince, he didn't have a hard time to try to figure out what's inside of his head. For years of being his manager slash personal assistant slash maid in many occasions slash driver slash errand boy slash friend or older brother, if the tennis prince considered him one, up until now he still trying to figure it out his unpredictable mind. His unreadable expression, wordless demeanor, mada mada dane's taunting and arrogant behavior that everyone took notice for the prince of tennis, however, despite all of this, only few can decipher and understand the true meaning behind his actions.

"You did beg for this right?" The tennis prince retorted, sitting comfortably in the rotating chair in front of the vanity mirror.

Ever since he started being active in participating to tournaments, Kei, never miss any opportunity to convince him to accept projects like cover magazines, modeling, endorsing, commercials, interviews from left to right and lots more, however he quickly rejected the idea. Though occasionally he did some because of his manager's unending whims and nonstop begging, but those moments were could only count onto his fingers.

"Don't be like that! Grab the opportunity once it throws to you!" Kei laugh nervously "Besides, it's once in a lifetime experience. You should experience everything under the sun you know" he beams.

"Che."

The door opens as one of the staff smiles nervously to them, blushing like a tomato, she handed them a pack lunch for each of them. The tennis prince nodded his head and uttered his silent thanks before the staff went outside once again.

Ryoma grunt as he took a peek of their lunch. Western food. He badly wanted to go home right now; he misses eating Japanese food courtesy of his lovely wife. 'wife' for a seventeen-year-old guy like him, this word might be scary to think, but surprisingly, he thinks otherwise, just thinking of her, a certain brunette girl waiting for him to come home was more than enough for him.

Kei on the other hand, kept glancing towards the tennis prodigy, he can't point out on his finger but something seems change to him; his eyes narrowed as he watches him silently digging his lunch with unreadable expression yet knowing him for so long, he knows that something weighing on his mind base on how he keeps tapping his fingers on the table when he munches his food.

"Neh" the prince of tennis uttered he looks at his manager who keeps looking at him while sipping to his ponta, his second can in the row actually, waiting; as if he already sense that he was going to say something. "I will join this season French and Wimbledon tournament"

"You what?" Kei surprisingly uttered.

Ryoma looks at him in disbelief, as if he was accusing him if he lost his sense of hearing. "I will compete for the four grand slams tournament" he said in his monotonous tone.

"You are kidding right?" Kei muttered; he looks so surprise that he even stood up from his seat momentarily before regaining his lost composure.

The tennis prince exhaled, "I already talked about this to oyaji, and it's kind' a okay with him" he informed.

"What happen to I will finished first my high school, before I finally focus on my tennis career?" Kei quoted, he looks at the tennis prince in disbelief as if anything he says is hard to process on his mind. "I thought you want to enjoy life with your friends?" He added.

"Well, I can still enjoy high school even I start playing seriously in pro- tennis, right? It is already plan anyway; I just made some adjustments" he shrugs. "Besides, tennis world is a vast environment; there's a lots of skilled professional flaunting in tournaments, I still have a lot of tennis players that didn't face in the court, the earlier I started the earlier I can face them and enhance my skills. I can stop here by now, I have to be much, more skilled player. I have to be a number 1 player in the whole world." He said determined.

"Hah, fine. Does your mother agree with this? I don't like to be scolded by aunt Rinko for not stopping you!" Kei said, he put his hand on his forehead as if he was having a headache

"Well, sure she will agree" the young prodigy muttered confidently. Besides he has a lot of reason to play seriously. Now he has someone on his side that he can dedicate all his success and upcoming success in his life. He is now not playing for himself or for his happiness in playing tennis but for her too. His success is for her. Just thinking about it makes him eager and dedicated in playing. 'I have to win the four grand slam titles this year' he smirked.

"Fine, but are you sure you can do it? You still studying, and you still have a lot of commitments outside tennis, you still part of Seigaku tennis team and tournaments in Japan is in the way, you have to undergo intensive trainings if you want to-"

"You talk too much Kei-san," Ryoma huffed.

"Hah, I'm seriously thinking that there is something wrong with you"

"If you are that worried to me that much, why don't you cut off all of the endorsements and all unnecessary commitments you scheduled to me behind my back? That would be enough for me though" Ryoma say looking at his manager with one eye.

"Oh no! Not that!" Kei agitatedly said, "I told you, grab all the opportunities while you still can!" He added waggling his index finger.

"Che, as if I am not paying you well" Ryoma retorted. "I don't need those unnecessary stuffs in my life. It's too bothersome" He pause, "but I guess it will not hurt right? Few endorsements will be enough, just cut those annoying interviews and such, I don't like people invading my privacy" he said in his usual tone. Not now that he has someone to protect to. He still wants a life with Sakuno far from annoying people.

Kei blinks once, twice, thrice until his eyes hurt from blinking, he stared at the tennis prince in disbelief before his mouth uttered unintentionally "Are you really Echizen Ryoma? I am seriously thinking that you are not!" He said pointing his finger to him.

"Che, what happen to grab opportunities while you still can?" He mimics his words in monotonous tone of his.

Kei doubtfully look on him, with mouth slightly open. Trying his best to think what exactly happen to this guy.

"Ah! Now that you mention it, can you recommend a financial advisor to me? Someone you knew trustworthy enough. I want to talk about finances once I came back in Japan" the tennis prince said. Although his mom separates his savings from his tennis earnings and never touched any of it since he is twelve years old. He has no idea on how much he has in the bank. Money is the last thing he cared about though. However, now that he has starting to raise a family on his own, he started thinking to properly handed his earnings in good cause, he was considering to invest in some good properties or businesses. Since he will join tournaments abroad and Sakuno will accompany him, of course, she must accompany him! he plans to buy property outside Japan, it will be troublesome to book a place in hotel since paparazzi is in every corner 'a nice house in New York will be fine', but they still have to travel a lot from Australia, to London and Paris it will be troublesome. 'Right! Should I buy a house in each place?' Ryoma is clearly visualizing his life with Sakuno. Her, always on his side in every tournament he has is perfect. She will always his greatest support. 'But Sakuno might not like to live abroad, I guess I have to build a cozy home in Japan, Osaka is fine, she might like living there' He wants to give a best life to Sakuno, 'she can do anything she wanted to do though, study, hobbies, whatever it is as long as they are together it will be fine with him. They will support each other. And He was seriously thinking of securing their future together, not just them but also their future children. Right! Their future children, it would be nice if they have a lot of children in the future; but it is up to Sakuno still, since she is the one who will bear their child. just thinking about it, makes his heart swelled with unknown happiness, little mini her flaunting around the temple will be great. Ryoma smirked from that thought. His future is all set. Tennis and Sakuno. His future is so perfect.

'Is he seriously wants to talk about money?' Kei was shocked. He stared at him like a gaping fish trying to process everything. Echizen Ryoma is acting so weird in his eyes.

"Well, that's one of our many businesses Ryoma" Kei uttered in disbelief tone. "I will talk to my dad to make some appointment" Afterall, they were family friends.

A soft knock interrupt them, Ryoma and Kei look outside the door, the same girl who brought their lunch peek on the door.

"We will resume in about 20 minutes" she informed.

"Okay" Ryoma answered, he watches until the girl close the door before finally speaks. "Ah! One more thing" he pause, he was about to walk outside the door. "Are you free this Friday?" He asks.

"Yep, I just plan to arrange my stuff. Why?"

"Well, if you're not busy you are welcome to come in my wedding, I forgot the place though, but I will text you the details later" he said casually.

"Sure. Your wedding, I will come" Kei paused momentarily, his eyes grew bigger in surprised "WEDDING?!" He shouted, astonished.

"Neh, don't announce it in the world, you know. Though it will be favorable on my side, since we don't have to hide this, but I don't want to upset Sakuno over this" he said as if what he says is nothing.

"YOU Seriously what?" Kei uttered. "Wedding? Are you getting married? For real?! Why did I know this late?"

"Kaa san already inform your parents, and they will be coming this Friday. I thought your father told you already, and I kind of forget to inform you too"

Kei mouth dropped. He literally became stone on his front. Of course, Ryuuzaki Sakuno is not a secret to him, the story about the two were come to light, all thanks to his aunt Rinko who explains everything to him. According to his aunt Rinko, Ryoma kind of forgot about his fiancée whom he was engaged for ten years; and Kei was still kind of absorbing and adjusting to all the new information he knew about them. Well, Sakuno-chan is nice person, meeting her for a couple of times whenever he visits the tennis prince, he can clearly say how kind and sweet person she was. Kei was never been shock on his entire life, knowing the news of them sudden marriage shook him. Literally.

"Ah! And can you drive me to pick Sakuno? She's waiting in the boutique, we were going to pick our wedding rings" the tennis prince added, peeking in the door.

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"You can just drop us on the area and go home" Ryoma said as he leans himself on the car seat, he settled himself on the back seat.

"Am I your personal driver?" Kei glared at Ryoma.

"Yadda! Are you seriously asking me to sit in front knowing we will pick Sakuno?" He refuted.

Ryoma hurriedly went outside the car from the moment they reach the boutique; Kei silently observing the tennis prince, 'he seems to be happy indeed' though he always wears his casual stoic expression, his eyes telling otherwise, there is an unseen emotion that can be seen in his eyes, the way he looks to the certain pigtail girl is something he never witness before. As he watches the tennis prodigy open the glass door of the store, went beside his fiancée and took her hand, intertwined it with his, Kei silently watch him, Ryoma's grunting face when his older brother seems teasing him, and an unending litany towards his mom. Kei smiled. 'at least he acts like a normal person now'

"Konichiwa Kei-kun" Sakuno greeted Kei, she smiled to him the moment they both went inside the car

"Konichiwa Sakuno-chan" Kei greeted back, as he started the engine, sensing how the tennis prince scoff on the other side.

Their journey to the jewelry store is quiet long, Ryoma is slowly getting bored, he stared at his soon to be wife who seems occupied on his side.

"Oi, what's the matter?" He inquired, he even pulled one of her braids to caught her attention which he succeeded by one try and swirl it on his finger, one of the things he enjoyed most when their together.

"Mou! Stop messing with my hair, Ryoma-kun!" Sakuno uttered quietly.

"Yadda!" The tennis prince quickly answered, he keeps twirling his finger in her hair, smirking while watching her expressions.

Sakuno looks at him pouting. For some reason, Sakuno wondered why he loves twirling her hair like that. Just like before. Ever since they were little, Ryoma's weird obsession on her hair was too much for her to understand. There were times when the young him would yank her hair out of nowhere; or complaint on how long her hair was, but will complain if she told him she will cut her hair, but most of the time, he will volunteer himself as her personal hair assistant, as in demanding her that never ever let anyone guy touch his hair aside from him, he likes combing her hair and tried his best to ponytailed her hair way before even he once told to her that she looks ugly in ponytail. Looking back before, Ryoma has always been like that to her, his unusual teasing, his contradictory words, his bluntly complaints and remarks, his endless demands, yet, he is the only person who always comes first and there aside from her grandma. Now, looking at him, Sakuno can't help herself but to feel nostalgic; this certain feeling of euphoria that once she felt before, if God willingly to give, she was hoping and wishing will happen again once more.

"Neh, kaa san is being silly, why don't we hauled ourselves straight to the officiant and get married right away?" Ryoma huffed, he stared intently in her eyes watching how her face slowly change reaction.

Sakuno eyes doubled its size as she stared at him in disbelief, baffled and surprised. Amused from her expression the tennis prince smirked.

"Mou! Aunt Rinko is trying her best in our wedding"

"Che." Ryoma grunted, he drooped his head on Sakuno's shoulder, making the young lass flinched, the tennis prince glanced at her briefly, noticing her blushing face, he smirked inwardly satisfied from her reaction, for unknown reason, Ryoma found it amusing whenever she made different reaction from time to time. He enjoys looking at her face; but what makes him likes most and he considered his favorite one, was when she will blush in different shades of red whenever they were together. He set himself comfortably on her shoulder. Feeling unsatisfied, Ryoma took her hand and intertwined on him, gently squeezing it. 'Her hand is kind of small, but I like it' Ryoma took a moment of how their hand perfectly fitted on each other. This warmth feeling, he felt whenever he was this kind of close to her was something comfortable. Ryoma couldn't believe what gotten to himself to be like this; sure, he wasn't the type who likes skinship and the last thing he wanted to do was to display his affection openly. However, it seems his own body reacts and moves on its own before his mind even process it; as if it's natural thing for him to be like this when it comes to the certain pigtail hair. The way he holds her hand like this, nor the couple of hugs their shared since and before the day of acceptance of his proposal gave his heart an indescribable feeling inside. Though he knew from himself that he was not an affectionate person, though he knew once in his life he shared a couple of kisses, hugs, holding hands and even more than that he was used to do with Miyu, however, none of this beat this strange feeling of comfort he felt when he was with Sakuno. This certain relax feeling, as if, whenever she was around with him, whenever they are together, whenever he felt her warmth, this simple gestures and touches; he found his heart at peace, his safest zone. Still unsatisfied on their distance, he moves a little towards the brunette girl, invading her personal space, he can feel his hair fanning towards her face, but he didn't mind, slowly her sweet smell welcomes his nose in the process, a honeysuckle smell like jasmine tinged with vanilla but that's more than that. 'She smells like strawberry' her addictive smell that nullifies him slowly drowning him from sleep. He moves his face, nose almost touching her neck, his eyelids getting heavy as yawned escape from his lips.

"I'm sleepy" the tennis prince uttered; he rubs his eyes in the process while gently squeezing her hand.

Sakuno looks at him, there is an overlapping image of his 7-year-old self-cross her mind by just looking at him right now, she smiled warmly to him, gently tapping his greenish locks as if lulling him to sleep "Okay. Sleep well Ryoma-kun" with that, a satisfied smirked escape from the tennis prodigy lips, his free hand hugs her from her waist, pulling her closely to him, making her as his personal human pillow.

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"Uhm, where are we going Ryoma-kun?" Sakuno asks, they were walking side by side with hands intertwined together in the seaside of the ocean, after they picked their wedding rings from the jewelry store that she didn't knew they already had; well, according to the tennis prince, he already did a purchased since the very first day they came here in Hawaii. Unluckily, it took almost a month before it finally done. They both paused upon reaching their destination; the sky was raging with the fire of setting sky. The competing color of rammed- orange hue is a magnificent view to see, it was a picture-perfect scene, Sakuno can't help but admired the view from where they standing. Ryoma smirked, he swiftly moves on her back, as he put both of his arms on her shoulder giving her a back hug, he felt the pigtailed girl flinched.

"Why are you always this jumpy when I did something like this?" He asks, tilting his head to see her face, he saw how badly beaten red her face.

"Mou! I-I'm just surprise y'know" she said, not meeting his gazed.

"Heh, still surprise even we often do this?" He asks, not wanting to let go this conversation.

"Mou! I am not used to this kind of things y'know, I never been a relationship before, it's my first time experiencing any of this of course I will be surprise!" She guiltily admitted. Of course, Sakuno was new to all of this, she never been in a relationship before, let alone of all people it was him! The tennis prince who's being affectionate to her. She felt her heart jumping inside her chest every time he's too close like this, her heart beating erratically as if it will burst any moment. The joy she felt whenever they are together, is indefinable feeling.

"Heh" Ryoma smirked amused on her "you should get use to this wife."

Sakuno face blushed once more, "Mou!" She hid her face by looking down, focusing her eyes on the sand

"Look, Sakuno" the tennis prince points the scenery from their front.

Sakuno eyes doubled in size, amazement was written on her lovely face. The sun seems splits in half and different shades of red and orange hues scattered. It is a mesmerizing view to see; Sakuno can't help herself but to point the scenery on her front, with her arms straight pointing towards the sky, she looks at the young prodigy delightedly.

"Ryoma-kun, look it's very beauti-" Sakuno stops midway as she felt something cold brushes her wrist, she looks in her hand; a thin bracelet with shining, glistening and shimmering stones reflected to the sun's rays catches her eyes. It looks like the stars went down to her hand.

"It's unfortunate that we can't wear our wedding rings" he said, smirking. "That's why I asked them if it possible to make a bigger one"

Sakuno seems surprised, she stared the bracelet, it looks exactly of the wedding rings she saw and wear earlier. The diamonds were delicately cut in petal setting. She smiled as she realized it is the same pattern design in her wedding ring.

"Thank you Ryoma-kun" she smiled warmly to him; eyes close as if her eyes were smiling too to him.

"I'm glad you like it" The tennis prince smirk, he hugs her again as they both watch the sun until it finally concealed in the sky.

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"Neh, I am planning to join in the four major tournaments this year" Ryoma spoke from the silence they have as they walk together.

Sakuno paused, she stared at the young prince for a while with so much excitement from her eyes. "That's great Ryoma-kun, I know you can do it!" She smiled warmly. "I'll be cheering and supporting you no matter what, even from a far" she smiled genuinely. "I'm glad that you will participating this time to French and Wimbledon, Afterall tennis tournament without you is nothing!" She excitedly mumbled

Ryoma smirked, something welled inside his heart that he can't contain. "Thanks." He chuckled "but you missed something," he raise his one eyebrow. " You have to come with me"

"Eeehh?" Sakuno gasps. "But why?"

"Huh? What why? Of course, you have to come! You are my wife; your place should be on my side!" Ryoma retorted. "I thought you will cheer and support me no matter what?" His expression looks like a sad puppy.

"Mou! Ryoma-kun is being silly again, of course, I will support you no matter what"

"Then you should come with me, I need you in my side" The tennis prince said straight looking at her chocolate eyes. "Besides some of the tournaments held during our school breaks, so there is nothing to worry about; for the others, you can just come during semi-finals or finals, I don't mind, I just want you there Sakuno" he said, kissing her knuckles. "Please?"

'Mou! How can I say no, if you keep looking at me like that?' Slowly, Sakuno nodded her head, beaming at the tennis prince.


Miyu was stretching her body, when Elizabeth together with the others runs towards her

"Miyu! Look, Echizen Ryoma is having his press interview" Elizabeth shove her mobile phone towards the young lass.

"Mr. Echizen, what can you say about winning this tournament?" A man with the same features like Elizabeth asks.

"Is this your dad Elizabeth?" Chloe curiously asks

"Yes. Be quiet!" Elizabeth immediately hissed.

From the screen, Ryoma seems bored upon answering, he stared momentarily with Elizabeth's dad before answering.

"Nothing much." He answered with his usual monotonously tone.

"What are you plans after this?" One of the press people ask again.

"Well, I plan to go back in Japan, Tennis tournaments in our school will be starting, I plan to join with our team" he said.

"I heard you are in the same team, with one of most anticipated players, Tezuka Kunimitzu, is he one of the reasons why you are not participating in any French or Wimbledon tournaments because you don't want to play with him?"

Ryoma smirked, "Mada, mada dane." He taunts "I always play with my captain, and I can say he's really one of the best, but I never back down in any opponent"

"Oi...Oi...Oi... Tezuka! It seems ochibi is challenging you! Nya!" Kikumaru said beaming.

Tezuka on the other hand was silently looking on the screen.

From the Seigaku Tennis grounds, his teammates as well as senpai-tachis were all listening to his interview. Of course, they also watch his matches in order to support him and to gather "data" in Inui's point of view.

"Echizen seems very bored at this time" Momoshiro commented, looking at his kouhai on the screen he can surely say how bored he was.

"Probability of Echizen being bored 100%" Inui said, while scribbling something on his notes.

"So, he is not the reason?" The other press asks. "So, when we will see you play in French and Wimbledon tournament?"

Ryoma smirked, "this season" he announces.

"Nani?!" Kikumaru shouted, his eyes bulging in surprise.

"If Echizen will join in the four major titles, is it means he will not accompany our team in tournaments?" Momoshiro asks.

"Oh no!" The trio said in unison.

"It seems Echizen is going to take seriously playing in professional league" Kawamura uttered.

"Don't be like that, I'm sure Echizen will still play with us" Oishi said trying to lighten up the mood.

"Knowing Echizen, he will not jump into something he didn't think about" this time it's Kaido who speaks.

"Yare... Yare... " Yamato sensei said in the middle of their agony."Kaido is right" he smiled lifting his team mood "Echizen inform me last time" he said. "He said that we don't have to worry since he has no intention of abandoning his team and besides, according to him, his team mates are strong " Yamato said trying his best to mimic the tennis prodigy voice.

From the other side of the globe, Miyu seems shocked from the sudden news.

"You mean you are going to participate this year?" Robbins, Elizabeth dad asks excitedly.

The tennis prince nodded his head.

"Oh my! Isn't it amazing?" Elizabeth squeaks. "Now I can see him play in our country!"

But Miyu is not happy at all, she stared in the screen, wondering. 'Why he changes his plans?' How about them? What will happen to them? It's rare for them to meet in the past when they both got busy, but now, when he became fully focus on his tennis career everything will change, they still not gotten back together, and its scare her most. They need to get back together! Before he finally takes all his mind in tennis. 'I have to talk to him and ask him to come back to me' with determine face, she went outside the studio, dialing the best person she knows who can help her out.

"Hello"


The day has finally come, today is their wedding day and Sakuno can't help herself but to sighed in front of mirror, taking a deep breath for God knows how many times she did, she stared at her reflection; she looks different than usual, her hair tied in messy bun accompanied by light make up, enhancing her face features. She is somewhat pretty in her eyes. But, regardless how lovely she looks like, nervousness slowly consuming her, her whole body was shaking as she felt her heart pounding inside her chest. 'Mou! I'm so nervous'

"Sakuno-chan!" Rinko smiled, embracing her "you look so gorgeous dear"

"I'm so nervous aunt Rinko" Sakuno uttered, she embraces her aunt.

"What aunt? Kaa san, you supposed to call me kaa san for now on" Rinko narrowed her eyes in playful way.

"Okay, kaa san" she mumbled, something unfamiliar yet familiar warmth touches her heart upon saying it. For years, since her own mother passed away, she longed for a love of mother, though her grandmother was there for her, there is still a part on her heart that wishes for her. Now, she was no longer longing for a mother's love.

"Since Ryoma can't come here, he passes on me his wedding gift" she smiled.

"Wedding gift?"

Tohru and Kyo came inside of the dressing room, both smiling towards her, the only difference was, Tohru was crying while smiling happily to her.

"Tohru-chan! Kyo-kun" Sakuno choked her own tears, she hugs her best friends

"I will leave you for a moment" Rinko announces.

"Oh! No! Sakuno-chan! Don't cry! You ruining your make up!" Tohru glared to her, yet her tears came down on its own.

"Demo! You are crying too!" Sakuno mumbled, restraining her own tears to fall.

"That's why! I am crying for the sake of us! You don't need to cry! I'm so happy to you Sakuno-chan!" Tohru sniffed.

Kyo on the other hand, handed a tissue to his girlfriend who seems crying like there is no tomorrow.

"Girls are too emotional" Kyo huffed.

"Don't mind him, Sakuno-chan, Kyo is much, happier than me, when Ryoma-san call him asking us to come here, we all know you finally accepted his proposal" Tohru whispers. "Well, they kind of talk, man to man and it seems Kyo is pretty pleased for whatever they talked about" she added

"Who said I am happy?" Kyo glared at Tohru. "Oi... Sakuno, if that twerp makes you cry even just one drop of tears, don't hesitate to come back in Osaka! Sohma Residence is widely welcome to you! You have a home to come back, okay? We are your family!" Kyo said.

Sakuno smiled warmly. It is so nice to be surrounded by people who genuinely and deeply care for you.

"Sakuno-chan, I know you will be happy." Tohru squeezes her hands. "So, be happy always, okay? We were here for you" she added smiling so brightly to her.

"It's time" Sarah, one of the wedding planners knocks on the door, informing them.

Tohru and Kyo hugs her once more before accompanying her to the venue.

"Well, seems like you have to walk alone from here" Tohru giggles. "Good luck Sakuno-chan"

Kyo scoffed, his eyes were fix somewhere behind bushes, his frowned deepen more as his eyes twitch for unknown reason. He muttered incoherent words before finally sighing looking at Sakuno with smile "Be sure to be happy!" He said glaring at Sakuno " No matter what! Talk! You have to tell to that twerp what's inside in your head, don't let misunderstanding leads you, okay? I know you pretty well, so that's the only advise I can give you" He litany said. "I hate to say this, but I know he can make you happy, but still! I don't like him for you!" He marches out inside of the venue.

Tohru and Sakuno giggles. Typical Kyo as it seems

"Don't mind her, Sakuno-chan, Kyo is pleased, don't say I told this to you, but he cried a happy tear when the moment it's finally sink in, in his head that you are getting married " Tohru giggles. "Oh! Wait! I'm going in" Tohru said, sensing how Kyo glaring at her asking her to come and sit in his side.

"Ms. Sakuno, start walking at my signal, okay?" Sarah said smiling

Sakuno nodded her head, she took a deep breath as she felt nervousness started to kick in once again, 'focus on your way Sakuno, don't ever get trip! Mou!' She chanted inside her head, looking down, trying her best to calm herself when a pair of shoes comes in her view. Slowly, she looks up only to meet his golden eyes; blinking, Sakuno gasps seeing the tennis prince in her front, she tried to glance towards the front, however there's no one standing aside from the wedding official.

"Ryoma-kun" she mumbled, gaping like a fish, admiring how strikingly handsome her soon to be husband. Dazzling in gray suit, his unkempt green locks and his oozing charisma Echizen Ryoma looks dangerously good-looking. "W-what are you doing here?" She asks trying her best not to stutter on his front.

"Che." He huffed, she was so sure that the tennis prince muttered something in English that she can't comprehend enough, as He stared at her intensely making her knees feel like jelly.

'Mou! Whyis he looking at me like that'

A smirked form on his lips as he kisses the knuckles of her hand. "I'm here to accompany you" he said smirking.

"Is that how it supposed to be?" She asks though she was sure that she supposed to walk alone base on how Sarah told her earlier

"Nope. Got bored. I don't want to hear Ryoga's stupid banters" he uttered.

Sakuno giggles, for sure his relationship with his older brother is really good.

Sarah finally gave them a signal; Ryoma took her hand and place it on his arm.

"Are you ready wife?" He smirked.

Sakuno blushed, she slowly nodded her head.

The music started, the slow pace of music as they both walk slowly in the aisle makes her heart pound inside her chest; she trembled, her whole body seems turning into jelly in every step they make, luckily the tennis prince was firmly holding her in her arms or else, she might trip on her own. Sakuno felt a gently squeeze on her hand as she stared on his golden orbs, she smiled.

Sakuno can't help but to admired the ethereal beauty of the venue, the wedding took place in one of the forests like venue in this villa, the forestry look surrounded by enchanting dreamy wisteria strung from the overhanging trees, the stone ferns, wooden chairs, all white flower arch in the front and the lush greenery lining in the aisle as they walk together, flowers scattered on the ground. Everything feels surreal. Sakuno felt her heart would explode for unexplained happiness inside her, she saw familiar faces of people seated on wooden chairs, they all smiled as they welcome them together. Tohru and Kyo were both smiling while the lass was shedding tears together with the rest of Sohma clan in the left corner of the aisle. while Kei, with his parents same as Akio Smith, one of close friends of Echizen family and their wedding organizer was clapping her hands on the right side. Ryoga was beaming to them. Same as Nanako- neechan smiling while crying at the same time.

Upon reaching the front, they were both welcome by the warm hugs of Echizen couple, Echizen Rinko was smiling while shedding tears while her husband, Nanjirou smiled warmly to her before throwing teases to his son. Ryoma grunted while Rinko elbowed her husband, glaring at him to behave. Ryoma, who seems freed from his father nonessential blabbering, took an initiative to look towards the other side, there are three vacant seats in the front; the tennis prince bowed his head towards the unoccupied seats; its serves as the seats for the deceased parents and grandmother of Sakuno, there is a moment of silence, giving respect for the parents and grandma of the bride, Sakuno felt her heart constrict in sudden pain; if only her parents and grandmother were here to witness her happiest day of her life, if only they were here embracing them, if only; Sakuno felt a hot liquid in her eyes, slowly a warm hand caressed her hand, she looks up meeting his warm gazed. His warm smile covers the emptiness she felt for a while.

"We have been invited here today to witness and celebrate the uniting in marriage of Sakuno and Ryoma."

There is a long pause comes from the wedding officiant, as he speaks, looking at everyone. And that's how they wedding officially started.

.

.

.

It took almost an hour before the officiant finish his speech, and impromptu lines which surprisingly, the tennis prince itself listens attentively. Sakuno take a short and quick glance to the young prodigy, he was looking straight to the officiant without any traces of boredom. The ceremony continues, from exchanging of vows that unexpectedly, Sakuno didn't stutters much, she deliver her speech well following the officiant, while the young prince delivers his with his usual tone followed by exchanging of rings that makes Sakuno trembled in nervousness. Her hands were shaking, gaining a tease from the tennis prince, demanding that never drop the ring when it was her turn. Thankfully, everything seems smooth progress, and the much awaiting scene is finally come.

"I pronounce you husband and wife; you may kiss the bride"

Cheering and applaud comes in ever y corners, Sakuno couldn't even hear her own heartbeat as the wild cheering overlaps her hears.

"Way to go chibusuke!" Ryoga roared from his seat.

The thumping sound of Sakuno's heartbeat is erratic, she stared at the tennis prince whom looking at her intently.

Okay, it's not like they didn't share a kiss, right? They shared a couple of kisses in forehead and cheeks but not in the most intimate part, the lips. But if his going to kiss her right now, in front of anyone, and in the part, she was expecting, oh wait, she doesn't expect it at all, but seems a part of her brain betraying her wanting for it to happen, forget it, Sakuno watch the tennis prince slowly moving near to her, she hold her breath as blush gush on her pretty face; a warm breath touches her forehead.

"Hah! What was that? You don't kiss your wife like that!" Ryoga growled in his seat.

Sakuno blinks, her one hand touches her forehead as she realizes what he just did.

"Sheishounen don't let this oyaji down! Do it properly" Nanjirou demanded.

"Be quiet!" Ryoma shouted, he glared at his father and brother who seems the main reason for living is to annoy him to death. He mumbled something again in English that the brunette girl can't figure it out. Before finally, advancing once again, as he cupped both of her cheeks, giving her a chaste kiss. Sakuno held her breathe once more as her eyes grew bigger like a saucer plate.

Ryoma let go of her lips; he smirked, "is this the best you can do wife?" He taunted.

But before she could ever react, Ryoma claims her lips once again. This time, he guided her, leading the movements of their lips.


The night is still young, yet it feels like eternity for the certain prince. Ryoma grunted for untempt time, for reason why he was stuck in his annoying brother and idiotic father was unknown to him, all he knew was them preventing him to let go. Kei, on the other hand was sweat dropping, seeing how the tennis prince annoyance, for almost an hour of listening to the two older Echizen's about the "ways" and "techniques" to please a girl in bed was understatement. From different positions, tongue and finger techniques, fore playing, licking, fingering and up to where should hit the right spot, name it all. Even Kei Takashima, a well grown man, feels like his brain will be forever damage for the sudden pervy and dirty information they both showering on their ears and mind.

"Listen, chibusuke, I know we are pretty "gifted" in our "thing" between our legs, but don't rely on it, that's why you have to listen to our-"

"Shut up!" Ryoma grunted. For God's sake why he has to listen in any of this? What the heck they shoving this kind of information to him anyway?

"Sheisounen, we are just teaching you on how to please your lovely wife, don't you think we deserve some ears?" This time, it was his father Nanjirou.

"I'm leaving!"Ryoma stood up but the father and son duo seems not letting him go until they are satisfied. The tennis prince grunted again. His annoying brother, offered him another glass of beer.

"C'mon! Don't be a pussy, I'm sure you will thank us later!" Ryoga winks.

"I don't need to hear it out Ryoga" he grunted more. He drank the beer in his front, trying to wash all the dirty information they shove to his mind. 'Damn. Why I feeling hot anyway?" He grunted more. The strange feeling, he felt since Ryoga offer him a drink was starting to kick in. 'Damn it,' Just thinking about the lovely face of his wife makes him feel excited. He can practically imagine her with all those sorts of nasty position his father keeps blabbering about. 'Damn it. No! You won't!' Ryoma wanted to shake his head violently in order to eradicate those pictures on his head. 'Stop harassing your wife!' he cascades himself. No never, he will never do something that she might feel scared of him.

First night, what so special about their first night that they are all over reacting like this? Ryoma scoffed. They have a plenty of first night together waiting for them. So, what's the rush? Plus, he didn't marry his wife, Sakuno, just to have a free access on the thing between her legs. It's never really crosses his mind in the first place. He wanted her to feel secure to his side not to be scared on him. All he really wanted is her to feel secure and safe on his side. That the safest place was him and not anywhere is. That her place is his. He is her home, so, he does to her. It's totally cringey, and Ryoma didn't expect these sudden changes on himself too. Just imagining the lass absence in his life is totally horrible.

"Mada mada daze, Ryoma. For sure, you will do all the tips we told you" Ryoga teases more. "Now! I'm really excited for my gift to come!" He giggles like a gay.

Ryoma made face, grimacing "what gfit?"

"Nah ah! Ah!" Ryoga wags his index finger. "Since I am the best brother in the whole wide world, consider my gift will soon arrive for the few more months" he winks.

"Keh! So don't let me down son!" Nanjirou laughed.

.

.

.

"So, Sakuno-chan, are you ready for the big night?" Kana asks with eyes full of excitement. They were all seated in the round table full of Sohma's girls' family relatives.

"Big night?" Sakuno asks, wondering.

"Tohru, don't tell me she's this innocent?" Kana asks.

"Kana-chan, don't tease Sakuno-chan like that" Tohru said laughing.

"No! That's a bad thing, Sakuno-chan! Guys don't like a shy, timid girl in bed! How you suppose-"

"Hai... Hai... Be quite!" Izumi covers Kana's mouth. "Our Sakuno-chan is lovely as like that, I am sure Echizen-kun will understand that" she added.

"Mou! I don't understand what are you saying" Sakuno said, her lips pouting.

"I bet Sakuno-chan is well prepare for her first night with Ryoma-san" Tohru giggles making everything understandable on her dense self.

Sakuno face flushed, different shades of red were slowly become visible on her face before she finally reacted on them. "Eeehhhhh..." Making everyone on their table laugh on her reaction.

"Heh, don't tell me it didn't cross your mind Sa-chan" Kagura teases her making Sakuno blushed more.

"Mou! Stops it"

"Oh! My gosh! Your so cute, I thought our Sa-chan will be the last person who will experience the wonders of intimacy" Isuzu winks "but just like Kana said, you should go out of your shell for once, guys like innocent girls but not for long, you should take control sometimes in order to maintain the fire in intimacy" she added.

"That's right! That's right! So, if I were you be an enchanting tigress! Rawrr!" Kana acted.

"Mou!"

The waiter came on their table, with glasses of different cocktail drinks on his tray, he places the glasses one by one their front. Different colors of drinks and refreshment were now place in their table.

"Here, takes this drink, for you to have confidence later" Isuzu offered her ladies drink that was already in Sakuno's front. "Your brother-in-law was the one who offered this, he said you should try this on" she whisper.

"But I don't drink" Sakuno interjected. She looks at their table, and saw how Ryoga raise his glass while smirking. While her husband, the tennis prince seems annoyed for some reason she didn't knew.

"It's fine, the alcohol content is not much, okay?" Isuzu quickly dismissed her.

Sakuno contemplating whether to drink or not, but in the end, she gulps the drink, 'it's taste like strawberry'

"Wow, we don't know you're a good drinker!" Kana giggled. "Here one more!"

And their drinking session has finally begun

.

.

.

"SAKUNO! .NO! Sakuno~~~" Kana keeps poking Sakuno whose face was lying flat on the table, eyes close and not moving at all.

"What's happening here?" Ryoma asks, he was standing in his wife's back leaning his hand on her chair, asking her companions.

"Chibusuke, seems your wife was really drunk" Ryoga who seems really amused uttered.

"Oi... Sakuno" the tennis prince slightly shake her shoulder. However, there is no response for his wife. He looks once again to her friends "how many drinks she drank?" He asks seriously, for a second, he wanted to scold them for letting his wife drink but seeing them in their normal state, he come to conclusion that his wife might be a very bad drinker.

"She only got a glass of this" Kana pointed the tall glass, "that drink suggested by your brother and half of this" she pointed once again

Ryoma looks at his brother with murderous glared, "what did you put in her drink?" He said seriously.

which his brother smirked, both hands lift up in the air, as of surrendering "Don't accused me chibusuke, I didn't put anything. all I did is to give Sakuno-chan a lady's drink, no harm done" he sinister smiled.

"You better be aniki" Ryoma growled in low and dangerous tone. Making Ryoga swallowed a dry saliva on his throat. The tennis prince rarely calls his older brother 'aniki' and the rarest time when he called his one, was when he was ready to cut off his head away from his neck.

Ryoma glared once again to his brother, of course it was so hard to believe the innocence of his brother. Knowing him for years, why he really forgot his brother's antics at all times, given his stupid obsession on his sex life is remarkably understatement. The nights in after parties they attend together whenever he wins in tournaments; as he spends most of his nights to his bathroom trying to calm his urging needs because of his stupid brother antics or the times he ended up sleeping on tennis court ground because of his own brother bringing naked girl on his own bed is totally hellish days to him. To think he will miss this kind of opportunity to him? Just imagining his brother putting some strange thing on Sakuno's drink like he always done to him makes him want to strangle his own brother literally. Hell yeah.

"Oi... Sakuno, c'mon! I put you in bed" he soothed softly. He gently shakes her shoulder trying his best to wake her up, she poured some soft giggles, eyes close as she was having a good night sleep.

"This is bad, Sakuno is really wasted" Isuzu said.

"Sakuno-chan, Ryoma-san is here!" Tohru helps the tennis prince in waking her up. Sakuno moves a little.

"Oi! Sakuno! Your prince is here!" Kana shouted helping the two.

"Mmmmh" Sakuno answered with a groggy voice, she slowly leans on the chair, as her eyes slowly opening. Face flushed, as her eyes languidly stares at his golden eyes. "Oh! It's Ryoma-kun~~" she says in songlike voice accompanied with giggling sound in the end. "Ara, why there's two Ryoma-kun's~~~ hehehe. There is two Ryoma-kun's~~~~" she sang happily.

Ryoma blinks, surprise on how badly shape she was. Kana snaps her hand on her forehead seeing how wasted she was. While the others were all sweatdropping on the scene. While on the other hand, Ryoga stops himself from laughing so hard seeing the face of his brother and sister-in-law. Surely enough, this night will be the best night for the two of them.

"It's Ryoma-kun~~~~ Tohru-chan, oh! There's two Tohru-chan here! Heheheeh..." She laughed.

"Oh yeah. That's Ryoma-san, c'mon Sakuno, you need to sleep and rest okay. Your husband will take care of you" Tohru said smiling.

"Oh! right! Ryoma-kun is my husband, right? He married me today!" She squeaks, soft giggles escape on her flushed face.

"Oh boy! She will totally be embarrassed once she is sober!" Isuzu commented shyly.

"C'mon Sakuno I put you in bed" the tennis prince offered his hand to her.

However, Sakuno glared at his hand, she narrowed her eyes to him, pouted her lips like a child deprived of something. "Don't want to!" She acted like a baby in his front. Making the others felt the second-hand embarrassment on her sudden childish act. "Carry me!" She said while raising both of her arms in the air, pouting as her eyes seems pleading.

Ryoma blinks. Sure, his wife acting so differently. She transforms into different level of Sakuno in 360 degrees. She is totally and literally opposite version of herself when drunk. Ryoma started to doubt her sudden changes, whether it is a good thing or bad and he felt nervous at all.

"Carry me!" She demanded still opening her arms to him. Ryoma quickly carried her bridal style, satisfy by his action, she crammed her face on his neck, nuzzling his scent. Soft giggles escape from her lips as she kept humming incoherently. Making the tennis prince grunt silently in sudden hot feeling burning inside of him.

"Ryoma-kun smells nice, I like Ryoma-kun's smell~~~" she said in her sweet sang tone.

"Gomen, Ryoma-san, it seems your first night with Sakuno-chan is ruined" Tohru smile.

"We're going" he announce, he glared once more towards his brother, who wears a sinister smile, he smirked at him delighted.

"Have fun, chibusuke, I hope for a niece or nephew soon!" He quickly added.

"Hehehehe" Sakuno keeps giggling on his arms, she keeps nuzzling on his neck, warm breath keeps fanning on him, it sends different kind of shivers on his body. But in very good way. Great! Now he can totally feel the tightness on his torso. And this is a very, very bad sign. Sure, enough they have a very long night together

"Stupid Ryoga" Ryoma mumbled under his breathe. He held Sakuno securely on his arms, making the lass wiggled more on his hold. "Stay still Sakuno you might fall" he warned.

"Hehehe. Ryoma-kun is my husband~~~ husband~~~" she sang freely as they passed by in the hallway. She keeps wagging and wagging on his arms, making the tennis prince hugs her tight.

Great. The tennis prince was having a hard time, her soft giggles on his neck, her warm breath fanning on his skin plus those nasty things his father told him earlier started to corrupt his mind, he started imagining himself doing those stuff to hers! It's not helping him at all. It was so lucky that they are only the one who passed in hallway or else someone might see the huge budge on his pants.

Great, just great. Ryoma curses under his breathe. His wife of his is so much of a tease. How her innocent acts make him greatly affected, 'easy there Ryoma! Calm down. Relax. Your wife is drunk. Soon she will come back to her senses once sober.' he keeps chanting and chanting all over.

Ryoma's reverie cut off when Sakuno made him face her, both hands on his cheeks as their face were inches apart, almost touching their noses, the tennis prince stops from walking, eyes grew bigger.

"It is really Ryo-kun!" Sakuno happily uttered she giggles once more. Looking at him closely "Ryo-kun! Ryo-kun~~~"she started singing again.

"Ryo-kun?" The tennis prince mumbled.

"Ryo-kun is finally back! He came back to me! I'm so happy!" She giggles more. She made him face her again "I'm waiting for you for ages! You forgot me but that's okay! Your here now! Ryo-kun, I missed you so much" she sobbed hiding her face on his neck.

So, Ryo-kun is him, right? Finally realizing her mumblings, he understands that it might be his pet name when they were kids. They say that drunken words are sober thoughts makes him realize one thing, she really waited for him all those years he felt sudden pang inside his chest. What is he doing all those years? Why he didn't know about her sooner? If he knew her sooner, things might different from them, right? She might be not hurt by waiting for him. He felt totally guilty about it. If only he didn't forget about her. If only... Wait... What she was doing right now? Ryoma grunted as he felt her lips making small movement on his neck. Her innocent nibbling on his neck makes his body convulse in sudden heat, he can literally feel the heat coming out from her lips making his thing down there stiffed once again. Oh! Great! Just great!

"Oi... Sakuno stops it!" He growled. He might lose control if she continues teasing him like this. He was close of snapping.

Ryoma rashly opens the door of their room and seat her on the edge of the bed. Sakuno made soft giggles after that, he eyed her for a second before finally sighing.

"Stay still. I'll be back in the second" he ordered, he quickly went inside of the bathroom, he can practically hear her giggles before closing the door.

"Ryo-kun! It's so hot! Please open the aircon please!" Her voice echoed.

Ryoma fanning himself using his hand. Yes, it's definitely hot, thanks to you wife. He wanted to barked but realizing how drank she was he took a deep breathe instead. He opens the faucet and wash his face with cold water. He badly needs a cold shower, once he settled his wife in sleep, he will definitely submerge himself in cold water to calm himself. Right. Just calm. He talks on himself in the reflection on the mirror. "You won't lay a hand on your drank wife. Your better than this Ryoma" he keeps mumbling and mumbling. Think of something else. Right. Think. Calm down. Calm down.

"Ryo-kun!~~~" Sakuno sang out loud, gently knocking on the door "it's hot! Open the AC please?"

"Just a second Sakuno!" He shouted behind close door. Once he felt his stiffness subsided and he finally calm down, he took another deep breath before finally opening the door only to find her-

With mouth gaping widely open, eyes grew bigger than the saucer plates, Ryoma literally forgot to breathe for a seconds as if he was having a heart attack any time.

His wife was completely naked in his front.

Okay, he was sure imagining things. There is no way his Sakuno was naked in his front, right? His mind was surely playing tricks on him; her soft silky skin, her delectable pinkish twin peaks, her curvy figure and her folds were completely in his view. Wait! Wait. wait. Wait. Ryoma took a deep breath as he closes his eyes. Sure, his imagination gone run wild. Calm down. Calm down. Think of something else. Right.

"Mou! It's hot Ryo-kun"

Or not. Ryoma snaps open his eyes only to realize he was not having a wild imagination. Sakuno was surely naked in his front,

"Sakuno! What are you doing?" Not waiting for her response, he instinctively hugs his wife as he grabs the bath towel on the door bathroom's side, rolling it over her body. He heard her giggling as he carried her like a sack of rice, bouncing her to the bed and making sure he properly rolled the comforter allover her body leaving her face the only visible on his sight.

God damn it! Sakuno is testing his patience at this moment. Doesn't she realized how badly tease she was?

"Mou! It's so hot Ryoma!" Sakuno grunted, her bedroom voice is alluring, and it's too much dangerous on Ryoma's health. Sure, his cause of death is his wife, Echizen Sakuno.

"Stay still Echizen Sakuno" there is a warning tone on his voice, he sits right next to the vacant seat on her front. Trying his best to calm his mind from a spectacular view he saw earlier. Her hips, her skin, her curves are in proper places, not to mention how big her- no! You won't mindlessly harass your own wife don't you? Ryoma huffed once again. "Just sleep please" he pleaded. Seeing how she looks sensual on her flushed face makes so hard for him to calm down.

Damn. Where did his shy, timid and quiet wife go? Why she transforms drastically into a tempting, seducing and enticing vixen? Surely, Echizen Sakuno was giving him a massive headache, from both his upper and lower part of his body.

'I will definitely ban her from drinking from now on!' he gritted his teeth as he makes an eternal pledge that never ever let her drink again.

"Mou! How can I sleep if it's too hot? Can you do something about this please?" She pleaded; her flushed face was really enticing. She made her face so innocent and pitiful.

"No! Sleep wife." He ordered once again. He closes his eyes trying to erase her seductive face on his mind.

"Ryoma-kun~~~ please"

"."

"Ryo-kun~~~"

"."

"Hehehehe"

"."

"Ryoma~~"

That's it! Ryoma quickly grabs her body carrying her like a sack of rice as he moves swiftly untying the covers on her body and gently tossing her on a bathtub. For sure, his wife will make his lifespan shorten by her antics. He quickly opens the faucet and cold water pours down on the tub making her gasps and giggles at the same time.

"Happy?" He groaned. "Now sit still and make yourself sober a bit, I'll be back once you finished soaking" he said, "please don't make yourself drown or something." He added, he was ready to walks outside the bathroom when Sakuno stood from the tub and grabs her arms, hugging it protectively with her body making the tennis prince flinch.

"No!" Sakuno shouted horrified "don't leave me please!" She screams up the top of her lungs, hugging his arms tightly.

"Sakuno what the-" Ryoma was perplexed, first, his wife stops him from leaving with her arms hugging his one arm, second, he can completely see her naked body once again and lastly, he can practically feel her soft chest brushing to his arms.

"You were not going to leave me again! I'm done enough of you leaving me behind! No!" She cried, hugging his arms protectively not wanting him to let go.

"I'm just going outside!" He defensibly said, rubbing the tears on her eyes. "Damn. Your pretty handy when drunk" he smirked. Though she was causing him a headache, he was amazed on how she totally looks and acts different from her usual self.

"No! You stay here" she ordered. She even pulled him with all her strength causing her to slipped, the tennis prince reflexively put his hands towards her head, covering it protectively for her not to be hurt as he leans one of his hands on the rim of bath tub and thank heavens that the tub is so big and spacious for two person or else, he might be a widower now. Damn.

"Sakuno, that's dangerous!" He growled. He looks at his wife dangerously only to see her giggling. Great. So much for a trouble.

"Ryoma-kun is wet like me! ~~ let's take a bath together! ~~~~" she happily claps her hand.

Oh. Damn. What a temptation indeed. He closes his eyes sighing; his one hand brushed his bangs upward.

"You don't want to?" She stared at him innocently. Her eyes were pleading " you don't?" She asks again, this time she made a puppy look on her face.

Just damn it. Where is his wife right now? Why his the one who seems getting pushed in the corner? He supposed the one who tease her not the other way around.

"Fine. I'll just take off my clothes-"

"You can take off your clothes here!" Sakuno interjected. "Can't you?" She uttered straight with her innocent look in her face, "I won't peek, I promised!" She covers her eyes with both of her hands with wide gap, the tennis prince can literally see her wide eyes on those gaps. making his mouth gape open in shocked.

Oh. Damn. She's clearly testing his limited patience. You didn't hear anything. Pretend you didn't hear anything. You have a best self-control. Relax. Control control. Ryoma was about to leave when Sakuno grabs him again making him stops from his stance.

"Mou I told you not to leave me!" She demanded.

Ryoma huffed; this is getting worse than worst. Oh. Damn it! Please make this night a little bit faster.

But it didn't happen; it's a miracle that the certain prince was still in control of his urging to take his wife right now; how they both ended bathing together in one tub, completely naked was inexplainable. How he successfully undresses himself in her front covering her eyes while his wife giggling is a real torture. Oh damn. Ryoga I will make sure you pay for this! Ryoma gritted his teeth upon thinking of his brother's stupid face. He half opens his eyes to see his wife playing with bubbles. Her bare back is completely on his view, her neck was clearly visible on his sight. He took a deep breathe, trying to calm his senses. Nononono! You don't think of kissing that inviting neck of hers. Ryoma grunted for untempt time, her naked image from earlier is still lingers on his mind. And damn it! He was aware of growing pains on his thing right down below. No! Think of something else, right. Tennis. Just think of new volley techniques.

Ryoma twitches his eyebrows as he felt her little fingers moving from his folded knees. Ups and down, in circular motion.

Good conscience: Relax. Just focus on thinking of something else. She's not doing any harm okay.

Bad conscience: see? She was testing you. Just grab the opportunity and do it!

Good conscience: no! She's drunk! Don't took advantage of her.

Bad conscience: she's your wife. You have any rights to claim her body! She's literally throwing herself to you.

Good concience: No! You won't do that!

Ryoma twitch more, he is literally going insane. Is this how you supposed to debate on your conscience? He can practically imagine two tiny figures of him, white and black were fighting beside him. He let out a deep sighed as he keeps his head cool. Relax! Relax! Relax! Right. Easy. Take it easy.

"Neh, Ryo-kun~" she giggles once more as she keeps snickering on his front, he didn't even realize that she was already inches apart from him. Her collarbones were now in his view, since she looks on him sideways. Totally inviting. Wait. How did she move without him noticing?

"I feel ticklish" she giggles.

'Ticklish?' he stared dumbfoundedly on his wife.

"I felt something keeps poking me from my behind"

'poking' he mumbled once again, but before he could literally understand what she meant, instinct thought him so, he was about to stand up, trying his best to avoid what he was she's referring to, when Sakuno moves faster than him, his eyes literally grew wider, loud gasps came from his lips as she grabs the 'thing' she meant poking her, Ryoma literally twitch as his face redden for sudden embarrassment.

"Oh! It's too hard! And big! Ara! Why it's twitching?" She innocently asks facing her husband who seems frozen from shocked.

Ryoma on the other hand, seems embarrassed, he wanted to snatch away his thing that Sakuno holds like her dear life.

"Oh! What is this Ryo-kun?" She asks keeps holding the thing as if she tried her best to guest the thing on her hand. " Its head is like a mushroom! Can I see this?" Amazement was written on her face.

Oh. .it! Don't hold it like that. It feels so... Damn it! Good. Sakuno keeps on squeezing and holding it up and down. Ryoma's redden face was so close to edge when she took notice of his expression.

"What's wrong Ryoma? Are you in pain?" She worriedly asks. Her voice was not helping at all. Her hand was not helping either. She was pretty doing her job on his thing.

It seems like his last thread of string had finally snaps and before she can do another handful movement, Ryoma carried her swiftly on his arm, and an oofing sound came out on her lips as he registered her to their bed. Both Soaking wet, beads of water came through them, making the bed soak as the tennis prince laid her down, him, towering her above.

"You should know better what will happen next, provoking me to this extent wife" A dangerous smirked came across his lips, his golden eyes were full of heated desires.

(To be continued)


And cut... Okay, let's end this here. A little cliffhanger for a while. I'm sorry for updating this too late. It supposed to be updated last week, however I was under the weather this past few days, and all I want to do is to sleep and lay down on my bed. (I can't even think straight when I'm sicked)

Here's the update. I hope you will enjoy this. To be honest, I might finish this first, I have a lot of scenes about this story running out of my head, that is why I am pretty hyped to update this. Though the ending of this was already settled, yep. I already done the ending scene even it was way too... too... far away from it. (Same goes to Ryosaku alphabet) down to the special chapters. Double yep! This story contains special chapters. I already wrote down some parts and honestly, I enjoy writing the SC. Hahaa. (I write what I imagined) And right now, I am currently busy debating myself on how should I handle Miyu's character, dang. Please don't hate so much her character. Coz me myself, I start hating her. Haha. Kidding.