A/N: Umm…. Hi all… It's been so long… hehehe….Thank you for all the reviews… I'm sorry for making you guys wait and I hope that you're not angry at me for not updating for so long. I have many reasons for not updating until now but I still try to keep my story going so I hope you would forgive me.
This chapter timeline is around one and a half month after the last chapter, chapter 11. So please notice that Ryoma and Keigo have been dating for a while and Ryoma hasn't seen or heard from his mother since she moved out from the house. Well then, please read and hope you enjoy this chapter :)
12. Calm Before the Storm?
Usually, a great start of the day makes the day went well without any problems or relapse while a bad start of the day would makes the day went slightly off and sometime he would feel the pain in his chest although not as bad as before. Although his chest is not as painful as it used to be, he still needs to drink his medicine regularly to prevent it making it worse. Ryoma wakes up feeling slightly off. So, hopefully everything is going to be okay for him today as he can't be bothered by his illness as he's really looking forward for today's date with Atobe.
Ryoma smiled widely remembering today's plan. He then look at his side to see the clock, only making him jump out of the bed, literally.
"WHAAAT!?" Ryoma shouted, panicked. "It's already 9 AM! He's going to be here soon!" Ryoma jumped out from the bed and run around the house to get ready for the morning. He hurriedly went down the stairs and run to the kitchen to only see Nanako and Nanjiroh both sitting on their respective chair with a serious expression.
Ryoma frowned "Oi Oyaji, Nanako….. What's wrong?" Ryoma asks while sitting on his own chair and start to eat his breakfast. He looks around then noticed that something is amiss. "Where's Yuuka?"
"Oh, Yuuka-chan is still sleeping in the other room." Nanako said to him then the silence continued, only making Ryoma worry even more, although he won't show it.
"So…. What is it? And don't say that it's nothing."
"Well…" Nanjiroh said then make a discrete glance to Nanako who encourage him to say it. "You see…. Last night, your mother called."
"Kaa-san?"
"Yes. And you see…. Well…"
"Rinko ba-chan said that she would like to meet you and have dinner together." Nanako said.
Ryoma stared at them confused. His mother called and wants to meet up with him and have dinner together? It's been more than two months, almost three months since he last saw his mother and the last time he saw her was when she moved out from the house. After that, there has been no communication at all between them.
"Why would she wants to meet up with me all of sudden when she never even bothers to finds out how I'm doing these few months?"
"Well…. She must have missed you Seishounen. You are after all, still her son." Nanjiroh said, smiling. "So, would you meet her?"
Ryoma stays silent, thinking about the answer that he has to give. Truthfully, he doesn't really want to meet his mother as not knowing what he would say and do to her. However, on the other side, he wants to see her and he knows he has to meet her because she's still his mother. Therefore, with a heavy sigh, he nods his head as an answer. Not daring to voice it out loud.
Suddenly the doorbell ringed, breaking the tensed and silent atmosphere in the room. Ryoma then realized that it's already 9.30 AM.
"I'll go. It must be Kei." Ryoma said as he walks towards the front door to open it. As he opens the door, there Atobe stood with a charming smile while holding a bouquet of roses, making Ryoma gape at him.
"Ryo, are you ready for today?" Atobe said while grinning widely at him "Oh, this is for you." He said as he shoves the bouquet to Ryoma. Ryoma could only gape and stare strangely at him, while a few steps behind him, Nanjiroh and Nanako stares at them wide eyes then snickering loudly.
Ryoma, hearing them snickering, turn around and glares at them then back to Atobe. "Keigo…. What is this?" Ryoma asked with a bored tone.
"What are you talking about Ryoma? As you can see, it's a bouquet of roses of course. That is if you know what a bouquet is…." Atobe told Ryoma slowly, as if he's explaining to a child, making Nanjiroh laugh out loud.
"I know what a bouquet is monkey king. What I mean is…. Why did you give me this?"
"What? Don't you like roses? Maybe next time ore-sama will change it to other type of flowers like Daisies, or maybe tulips oh ore-sama think he'll give you lavenders next time in hope that their scent can help you relax so that you're not going to be this grumpy in the morning and it's purple too." Atobe said smirking widely at Ryoma's scowling expression from hearing Nanjiroh and Nanako laughing out loud.
"What do you mean by that monkey king!?"
"Nothing…. Well here, ore-sama is trying to be romantic by bringing you a bouquet of roses but the response that he gets was a 'what is this?' Usually if a boyfriend give his girlfriend some flowers they would blush and smile sheepishly while saying 'thank you' and an 'I love you'. You know, just like those romantic dramas. But your responses are none of that!"
"I'm not a girl!" Ryoma shouted, making Nanjiroh and Nanako laugh even harder.
"Well, we're still dating and ore-sama is the man in the relationship. So you should at least say thank you and let the romantic feeling and atmosphere out." Atobe said with a dramatic pose. He then stares at Ryoma intently. "You know what? Ore-sama thinks that you don't have any sense for anything that is romantic! Shame on you Ryo…. Shame on you… So to fill up for two persons, ore-sama will be the most romantic man that you ever see!"
"Aaaaagh! Just stop it will you!?"
"WAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!"
"BOTH OF YOU STOP LAUGHING!" Ryoma yelled but they continue laughing. He then turns his glare to Atobe who's also laughing. "This is all, your fault monkey king!"
"Hahahaha…. Ore-sama is sorry… he's just joking…." Atobe said to him as he circled his arm around Ryoma's waist. "But the part that next time ore-sama will bring lavender for you is true so you'll just have to wait for it."
"Ugghhh…. Please don't…."
"Well then, shall we go now?" Atobe asked him. Ryoma nodded at him. He stare at the roses in his hand and smiles slightly before give the roses to Nanako to take care of it and went out of the house towards the car. Of course, Atobe wouldn't miss to see the smile on Ryoma's face when he stares at the Roses and it makes him happy.
*/*/*/*
Kikumaru walks happily while whistling a merry tune. He's on his way to Ryoma's house to take him to meet up with the others to the bowling arcade when suddenly he stops in his track right in front of Ryoma's house. Seeing Atobe Keigo came out from his car with a bouquet of roses, he hides behind the bushes and decided to peep at them. After a while, he saw Ryoma and Atobe walk out of the house and in to the car.
Kikumaru gape at the sight. "Nyaaa! They're going on a date!" Kikumaru never thought of seeing this scene. It seems that he should change the plan slightly.
Well, actually in the beginning, it was just a last minute decision from Kikumaru who wants to play bowling and call the others to attend. However, he decided to pick up his beloved ochibi by himself, knowing that Ryoma is hard to wake up in the morning and Ryoma would say no and wouldn't come. Therefore, he should come and literally drag him out of his bed and house. Well that was the plan. However, with this, the plan definitely changes.
"I have to call the others nyaaa!"
*/*/*/*
Oishi Shuichiro looks at his watch and wonders why his best friend and partner is late when he's the one who wants to go bowling.
"Oishi, maybe we should call Eiji and Ryoma…. They're really late…" Syuusuke said
"Yeah… you're right…. I'm getting slightly worried" Oishi said, thinking that something happen to two of his friends when suddenly his phone start ringing. He looks at the caller and see Kikumaru's name on the screen.
"Hello, Eiji? Where are you? Everyone is here already…."
"Nyaaa Oishi… Forget about bowling! Change of plan! We're going to follow Ochibi's date!"
"What!? We're going to follow Echizen's date!"
"WHAAATTT!?" The others shouted hearing Oishi's statement
"Echizen has a new girlfriend!?" Momoshiro said, shocked
"Fshuuuuu….."
"Ma… maa… everyone let's calm down…" Taka-san said to the others. Tezuka could only sigh as he feels a huge headache about to come.
"Well, this is interesting…." Syususke said. 'So, Ryoma has moved on I see….'
"Ii data…. 80% is someone we know and 20% we don't"
"Nyaa…. Oishi let's all meet up in front of the public tennis court to make a plan to follow ochibi's date nya!" Kikumaru said as he ended the conversation.
Oishi stared at the phone for a while then at his friends. Seeing their expression, he could only sigh. They look so excited and curious. Yup, the plan definitely changes.
*/*/*/*
Meanwhile, Ryoma and Atobe were having a small conversation in the car when suddenly Ryoma feels shiver run up his spine.
Atobe looked worriedly at Ryoma "Are you alright?"
Ryoma nodded slightly "Uhn… it's just suddenly I feel something is going to happen."
"Maybe it's nothing. Don't worry too much; it's not good for your health."
"I know…" Ryoma sighs deeply "I've been feeling good for a while so you don't need to worry yourself about me."
"That's good because today we're going to have fun all day!"
Ryoma smile brightly at Atobe's exclamation. That's right; today they're going to Disney Sea for their date. Ryoma remembered when he said that he would like to go to Disney Sea on their first date and happy that Atobe remember it all this time.
He just hopes that today's date is going smoothly, without any interruption.
*/*/*/*
Kikumaru and the others meet up in front the public tennis court, trying to make a plan to follow Ryoma. Like how to hide and what they should do to not being recognized and all.
"By the way Kikumaru, did you see who Echizen's date is?"
Kikumaru is snickering with glee inside. He wants to keep quiet for a bit more so he decided to pretend that he didn't know who it is. "I don't know nya…. I didn't see his face…"
"HIS!? So… it's a boy?" Momoshiro shouted
"90% we know who the person is and 100% that he play tennis."
"So… it could be from other tennis school club?" Taka-san asked, receiving a nod from Inui. Tezuka sighs deeply and starts to imagine Ryoma with Sanada being lovey-dovey or Ryoma with Yukimura or with Atobe. He shrugged slightly. 'It couldn't be with Atobe or anyone from the Hyoutei... Echizen isn't really close with them so maybe with Rikkaidai. Ryoma surely catch the attention of Sanada and Yukimura. Or could it be Kintarou?' Tezuka shuddered thinking about it.
'Echizen's date… if it's a boy then could it be…' Oishi wondered and look at Kikumaru mischievous smile and confirmed that he is right. 'Maybe I should just keep quiet about it if somehow turn out that it's not him.'
"Saa… we would find out who Echizen is going out with later so there is no problem, ne?" The other nodded at Syusuke's statement and start planning again.
'Nyaaa…. I couldn't wait to see their face when they found out who is ochibi's date!'
"Ne, Kikumaru senpai…" Momoshiro called, gaining the attention from the others. "Although it's great that we're making a plan to follow Echizen's date, but…."
"But…?"
"Do you know where they're going to go for their date?"
Kikumaru and the others blinked owlishly. Then they realize they didn't know the place. "Nyaaa! Oishi… where do you think they're going nyaaa!?"
"How should I know Eiji…."
"Eiji, did you listen to their conversation about where they are going?"
"No nyaaa! It's too far from where I'm hiding…"
"Then… why don't we ask Echizen's father or his cousin?" Taka-san said
"Good idea Taka-san! Okay! let's go everyone!" Kikumaru shouted as he lead the way to the Echizen household.
Oishi stared at Syusuke, worried. He try to see if there any change of emotion in the tensai. After all, they are going to follow his ex-boyfriend's date. He doesn't think that it's a good idea for them to follow their youngest regular member on their date as it's their privacy and maybe bad for the tensai. But he couldn't say no to Kikumaru and with the others also become curious, there's no way he could stop them.
"What's wrong Oishi?" Syusuke asked him.
"Ah.. no... it's nothing..."
"Really? You seem in a deep thought"
"No.. it's just..." Oishi mumbled as he look at the ground, don't know how to voice his concern for his friend. He look at Syusuke who's waiting for a response from Oishi. "Well, i just wondered if you're alright with us following Echizen's date."
"Why?"
"Well... you used to date Echizen before right? so... "
"Aah... i see..." Oishi nodded. "Well, it's okay. Everything is fine. You don't need to worry about anything. I like Ryoma and i want him to be happy after everything i did to him. Although i'm a little jealous of the person he's dating now. That guy sure is a lucky guy to have him…." Syusuke said with a sad smile on his face.
"Oh... okay then... if you say so..."
"Arigatou, Oishi" Syusuke smiles, making Oishi calmed down a little.
"Oishi... Fujiko... hurry up!" Kikumaru shouted. Oishi and Syusuke nodded at him and quickly walk towards where the others are.
After walking for a while, they arrived at Ryoma's house only to see Nanako sweeping the front garden.
"Ah! Meino-san!" Kikumaru greet her. Nanako looked up and see all the seigaku middle school ex-regular member gather together in front of her.
"Ara, Kikumaru-san and everyone... what can i help you?"
"We are wondering if Ryoma is in." Syusuke asked her. The others looked at him weirdly.
"Ne Fuji-senpai, why would you asked if Echizen is in when we kn-hmphhhnhnhh!" Syusuke covered his mouth quickly and tightly to stop Momo from completing the sentence, making the other sweat drop.
"Oh my, If you're searching for Ryoma-san then he's out right now..."
"Do you know where he went, meino-san?"
"Hmm? Oh, he went out for a date at Disney sea!" Nanako said to them while giggling like a fan girl.
"Disney Sea...?" The boys said together then look at each other then smirked.
"I see... well then, if he's not in then we should go now! Bye Meino-san!" With that, they run as fast as they can with a wide grin to their new destination, Disney Sea!
*/*/*/*
At Disney sea, Ryoma is about to enter the theme park when suddenly he shivered. He look around for anything or something amiss but there's none.
"What is it Ryoma? Are you really okay?" Atobe look at him with worry.
"Uhn... i'm fine. i's nothing. Let's get in! What should we try first?" Ryoma grin happily at his date, excited for today's activity.
"Well, we definitely have to try it all but for the first ride, you choose."
"Hmm..." Ryoma look around and stared at the map of the place on his hand as he's trying to decide wich ride they should try first. He then grins widely "Let's go to the American Front area first."
"Well then, shall we?" Ryoma nodded and grab Atobe's hand and walk together.
As they arrived at the American Front area, Ryoma immediately drag Atobe in to one of the attraction, tower of terror which make Atobe worried for himself and Ryoma. Ryoma understand his boyfriend worries of him but he just touts Atobe of being scared of the rides. Atobe, trying to proof to Ryoma that he's perfectly fine with any kind of rides, drags Ryoma in to the attraction. When they came out, people could see a snickering face of Ryoma and Atobe's pale face.
After that, Atobe drag Ryoma into Village Greeting Place which makes Ryoma protest loudly. There, They too k a picture with Duffy, to Ryoma's annoyance. They then continue travel to the Port Discovery Area. There, they ride Storm Rider and then Aquatopia which they enjoy the ride immensely. They quickly went to the next are to the Lost River Delta. They ride the Indiana Jones attraction and also Spirit Rage, where they are slightly scared, hearing the name of the ride. But as they take the ride, they really enjoy it. They then went to Mickey&Friends greeting trails. Going to Disney Sea without meeting with Mickey and Friends it's not like going to Disney Sea at all, so they went there, trying to meet with them. They manage to find them and shyly, Ryoma asked for a photo together with them which makes Atobe snickering loudly and earning a glare from him but as Ryoma is still blushing, so it looks more like a pout which makes Atobe snickering even more.
After that, they went to Arabian Coast Which for the first attraction there; they enter Jasmine's Flying Carpets. It's like Dumbo in Disney Land but instead an elephant, its Aladdin's flying carpet. They also enter the Magic Lamp Theater which is a show so they could enjoy the attraction but also taking a little rest.
They then went to Mermaid Lagoon Area where their first stop is Sebastian's Calypso Kitchen, a seafood restaurant with an under the sea little mermaid interior. They are quite hungry as it's already past lunch time. They quickly find a table and start ordering. After a while, their food came and they start eating.
"Ne, Keigo, where should we go after this?"
"Hmmm... Ore-sama thinks that we should go to the Mermaid Lagoon Theater first as we would just finish eating then after that maybe we could go to Flounder's Flying Fish Coaster." Atobe said as he looks at the map.
"After that, let's go to The Whirlpool." Ryoma said as he peeks at the map in Atobe's hand.
"Why do you loves some rides that make people dizzy!? Why can't we just ride some slow rides or watch some shows?"
"What are you saying monkey king? If we're in a theme park, then riding some fast attractions is a must!" Ryoma said pointedly. He stares at Atobe for a while then smirks. "Could it be Monkey king, you're afraid of fast rides!"
"Brat! Ore-sama would never be afraid of something like that!"
"Yeah yeah... Whatever Monkey king."
Atobe grumbled slightly. He's just worried about Ryoma. After all, someone with a heart condition mustn't ride some extreme and fast rides right? He's not afraid of any rides or anything really. What would make him afraid if something happen to Ryoma. He just couldn't imagine what it would be like.
"Anyway Kei, tonight I'm going to have dinner with Kaa-san."
"What? Tonight?"
Ryoma nodded. "Hnn. Oyaji and Nanako told me this morning that Kaa-san wants to meet me tonight. Wonder why suddenly she wants to meet me after a while."
Atobe smiles slightly at Ryoma and take his hand in his. "Everything is going to be okay Ryo. She must have missed you badly. After all, you are still her son." Atobe said, making Ryoma smile. "Well then, as you have to be back before dinner time, let's quickly finished our food and continue enjoy some rides, okay?" Ryoma nodded and continue eat his food.
*/*/*/*
A few tables away from where the couple is sitting, our supposed to be spy are having their own lunch.
"Nyaaa! That was fun! Where should we go next Oishi?"
"Hmmm... I don't know. Where do you think we should go next?"
"Let's go ride some fast rides! What kind of fast rides are there in this area?" Momo asked with a mouth full of food, making Kaidoh grimaced in disgust. Oishi continue to study the map seriously trying to find some answers to Momo while Inui and Tezuka eating calmly.
"Ne ne... Fujiko, aren't we glad that today we go here?" Kikmaru exclaim happily.
"You're right Eiji. It's been a while since I went here."
"But somehow I feel that I'm forgetting something really important nya..." Kikumaru said, thinking. "But... oh well, the important thing is that today we have some fun! Ne, Oishi!?" Oishi nodded at Kikumaru. He's really glad that today they could have fun together. It's been awhile since they could hang out together as him and Taka-san goes to different school. Usually they always meet up at Kawamura Sushi and not all of them could come together so that usually only 2 or 3 people that able to come, except their gathering last time at Kawamura sushi. Well, beside those times, Oishi and Kikumaru always meet up anytime anywhere when they have time. After all, even though the golden pair is no more, they are still close to each other. Best friend and partner.
After a while, they finally finish eating and pay the bill.
"Well then, shall we go to some attraction around this area?" asked Oishi.
"Ah Senpai, I'd like to go to toilet first." Kaidoh said to them while standing up.
"Okay then. We'll just wait here." Taka-san said to him and Kaidoh walked away towards the nearest toilet. On his way back to the table from the toilet, he saw something that makes him froze mouth agape.
Back at the table, Kikumaru, Momo and the others wait impatiently and they decided for Taka-san to look for him. Taka-san saw Kaidoh stood frozen in the middle of the restaurant and walks towards him.
"Oi, Kaidoh! What's wrong? The others are waiting. Let's go ba..." Taka-san said, as he too suddenly stood frozen next to Kaidoh.
Meanwhile, everyone at the table become even more impatient for waiting so long. Momo was about to stand up and search for their two missing friends when suddenly Inui spoke.
"Why don't we all go search for them together so that we when we find them, we could immediately go to some rides?"
"Aa... We should do that. Let's go everyone." Tezuka said. The others nodded then start to follow Tezuka in the direction where Taka-san and Kaidoh went. After a while, they saw Kaidoh and Taka-san stood frozen. They called for them but they're not responding and keep stood still. Confused, they approach both of them slightly worried.
"Kaidoh, Taka-san, what's wrong?" Oishi tap their shoulder only managed to get some gibberish words from the two, making him even more confuse.
"Oi Mamushi! What's wrong with you!? What are you staring at anyway...?" Momo half shouted at him, trying to find out what's making them so stunted and speechless. When he sees what they're seeing, his eyes wide and finger pointing. "That... they... WHA-!?" Momo almost shouted when Kikumaru quickly cover his mouth with his hands.
"Don't shout nya! Or we're going to be discovered!" Momo nodded hurriedly. "Now I remember what I've forgotten nya! We were supposed to follow on Ochibi-chan's date nya! How could I forget... na, Oishi?" Oishi could only sigh deeply. He also forget about their original mission as they are having so much fun at the Disney sea and trying to keep eyes on his friends, especially Kikumaru and Momo.
"More importantly, Senpai! Echizen! He... he... he is with Atobe!" Momo said, almost shouted.
"Nya? So what?"
The others then stare at Kikumaru weirdly. "The presentations of Kikumaru knew that Echizen's date is Atobe is 80%!" Inui says and turn to Oishi. "It's the same for you Oishi."
"Senpai! You already knew!?" Momo half shouted, while pointing his finger at Kikumaru. Kikumaru only snickers loudly in glee.
"Well... I got this feeling that Atobe is Echizen's boyfriend." Oishi smiled sheepishly at his friends, only making them protest even more or in Tezuka's case, glare at him.
While the others are chattering loudly, Syusuke keep on staring at the couple silently. He never thought that Ryoma is dating Atobe Keigo. Ryoma and Atobe always insult each other with Ryoma calling Atobe Monkey King and Atobe called Ryoma Brat. Therefore, he never thought that they could be together. 'Just how they ended up together anyway?' Syusuke thought to himself.
As he continues to stare at Ryoma silently, sad smile starts appear on his face. 'Has he ever smiled so happily like that when he was with me?' Syusuke feels a sad and jealous at them. Sad because Ryoma never smile happily like right now when they are still dating and jealous because the person that makes him smile like that is not him but Atobe. He sighs, pitying himself. 'It's your own fault Syu for hurting Ryoma like that. You should be happy for him now that he finally finds someone that truly cares for him.' Still, that jealousy feeling couldn't easily disappear and how he wish that he could turn back the time and did things differently.
A few feet beside him, Tezuka stares at the couple then turn his eyes and look at Syusuke worriedly. There's no doubt that He's worried how Syusuke's reaction going to be but still he couldn't hide his happiness that now there's no chance at all for Ryoma and Syusuke to reconcile.
"Huh? Isn't that…." Momo loud voice broke Tezuka musing and see that Momo is pointing somewhere near the couple.
"What is it Momo?" Taka-san asked him.
"There! Near that potted plant! Isn't that…." Momo said, making the others focus their attention to the place that Momo pointed.
"Eh….? Hyoutei!?"
*/*/*/*
"Mou…. Yuushi… you're blocking my view… Move a little bit won't you?" Gakuto said to his partner as he tries to take a good look at the clueless couple.
"I can't move Gakuto... Why don't you ask Kabaji to lift you up?"
"What did you say!?"
"Would you be quiet? If not we could be found out!" Shishido said loudly.
"You're louder than we are!" Gakuto glared at him.
"What are you guys doing here?" A voice said from behind them, making them jump, startled. They turned around to see ex-Seigaku middle school regular standing in front them, looking at them weirdly.
"Seigaku!?"
"Well, technically, they are. I'm not in Seigaku anymore though…." Oishi said on a small voice.
"Never mind the detail. What are you guys doing here nya?" Kikumaru said, stared at them while giving some suspicious glare.
"Uhm… We….Well, what about you? What are you all doing here?"
"Uhm…. Ah… well…"
"Shhh…. Be quiet. I can't hear what they're saying." Jirou said to them, still staring at the couple.
The other stares at Jirou then their clueless target and at each other. They grin widely, happily. "It seems that we have the same mind don't we?" Yuushi said to Kikumaru and the others. Kikumaru cackled with glee.
"So, you followed Atobe here?" Momo asked them
"Well technically, we followed both of them here from that brat house." Shishido said to Momo, still staring at their target.
"Nya!? I don't see any of you near Ochibi's house at all!"
"Well, we saw you though." Ootori said to Kikumaru, smiled sheepishly.
"Wait! So, Hyoutei know that Atobe and Echizen are together? As in... 'Together'!?" Pointed Momo.
"Usu" Kabaji answered while the other nods their head, making the Momo jaws dropped.
"Actually, we guessed. With how Atobe acts and especially when he and Echizen are together, it's kind of obvious don't you think?" The Hyoutei member plus Kikumaru and Oishi nodded at Shishido.
'Yes, it really is obvious. Especially with how Atobe acts and treat Echizen. Ever since that time when we last went to Echizen's house, I always got the feeling that they will definitely ends up together. Just don't know when because that time, Echizen just only broke up with Fuji. So it's not really a surprise that they are going out. Well, maybe it really is a surprise to the people that don't have a clue about their relationship at all.' Oishi thought while staring at the couple then at his clueless friends.
"Ah! They're moving!" Jirou said, gaining the others attention. "Hurry! Let's follow them!" They all start follow their target from a distance from one attraction to the other. Of course, sometimes they almost forget about their mission because they're having too much fun, again.
*/*/*/*
Ryoma and Atobe are having so much fun together. They entered almost every attraction and watch almost every show and Ryoma couldn't be much more happy than spend the day having fun with his boyfriend. He's really glad that today Atobe take him to Disney Sea although he's not happy with the event that will happen after their date.
"Where do you want to go next Ryo? We could enter 2 more attractions before we go home."
"Hmm... I don't know. Where do you think we should go?"
"Ore-sama thinks that we should go to Fortress Exploration then we ride Venetian Gondolas for the last one."
Ryoma nodded, take Atobe's hand and walk to Fortress Exploration. There, they try many things that make them feel as if they are an explorer. As they are having fun, Atobe sometimes stares at Ryoma, happy to see Ryoma being happy and cheerful. He sometimes stares at their joined hand and smile widely. Sometimes he still couldn't believe that he and Ryoma are a couple but when he could feel the warmth in his hand just like now, he knows that he's not dreaming at all.
"What's wrong Kei?" Ryoma asked him as he stares at Atobe's face, worried.
Atobe shook his head. "No it's nothing." He looks around. It seems that they are the only one in this room. He suddenly got an idea and smirked mischievously. "Actually, there is something..." he drawled.
"Huh?" Atobe quickly grab Ryoma's hand, drag him to the corner and pinned him to the wall. "Kei...?" Atobe stares deeply into Ryoma's eyes as the distance between their faces decrease.
*/*/*/*
"Oh! There they are!" Jirou said, pointing to where Ryoma and Atobe are. "Oooh….! Aren't they so cute holding hand like that…!" Jirou jump around and hug the closest person to him that is Kabaji while fan-boying the clueless couple.
"Calm down will you… We can't have too much attention on us." Momo said loudly to him.
"Fssshhhhh… You're the one who make us getting many attentions with your loud voice you stupid."
"What did you say!?"
"Maa… maa… Let's all calm down shall we?" Ootori said, try to calm the two of them. Tezuka, Syusuke, Inui, Oshitari and Kabaji just watch how their other member of the group acts. Tezuka sighs deep and loudly, feeling that a huge headache is coming. Inui just like always, taking some data on his friends while on beside him Oshitari just stand still watching them. Syusuke sometimes smile at the scene in front of him but most of his focus is on Ryoma and Atobe. He keeps on staring at the couple, thinking how happy they look and how they seem to love each other. He smiles slightly when he sees Ryoma's happy smile while chatting with Atobe and Atobe's smitten expression when seeing Ryoma's smile. 'They look so happy together.' He sighs and closes his eyes, remembering his time with Tezuka then with Ryoma.
"Oh my god! They're going to kiss!" Jirou said loudly taking the others attention.
"WHAAAATT!?"
"Let me see! I wanna see!"
"Are you serious!?" They all shouted at each other while trying to get to the front so that they can see Ryoma and Atobe more clearly.
"Hey! Don't push!"
"But i couldn't see them!"
"WOOAAAAHHH!" They all fall down, crushing each other. They keep bickering with each other, never notice the approaching people.
"Well, this is going to be interesting." Syusuke chuckled at the scene in front of him.
*/*/*/*
As his lips about to touch Ryoma's, some shouting voices could be heard near them.
Atobe quickly pulled away from Ryoma, leaving both of their faces beets red and Ryoma smack Atobe's arm. "Really, what were you thinking in this kind of place!?"
"Well, ore-sama just couldn't help it. You are just too cute."
"Cute!? Don't you ever call me cute monkey king! I'm not a girl!" Ryoma glared at him then turn to look for the source of the voices. "What's with that voice anyway...?"
"Yes. How dare they interrupt us!" Atobe exclaimed earning him another smack on the arm. Then they hear the voices again and stand still. Atobe and Ryoma look at each other, suddenly have a bad feeling.
"Somehow, don't you think we know that voice...?" Ryoma said
"Aaa... Ore-sama thinks so too..." Atobe and Ryoma walk slowly, silently together to where the source of the voices is. As they find it, they could only stare dumbfounded at the scene in front of them. There, in front of them, lay some human pile consist of Hyoutei and Seigaku tennis player plus Oishi with the exceptions of Tezuka, Syusuke, Kabaji and Oshitari who just standing calmly behind the human pile, somehow looked amused.
Atobe glared at them. "What are you all doing here!?"
The human pile all simultaneously looks up and stares at Atobe and Ryoma's angry face.
"Aaah... aha... hahahaaa..." They all laugh nervously "Uh oh..."
"Yes. Uh oh." Atobe said coldly to them. "So?"
"Ahahahaaa... well..." Atobe and Ryoma continue glare at them. "Uuh... It's a coincidence. Yes. A coincidence! Really!" Atobe and Ryoma didn't budge and only glare harder at the others, making them nervous, face become pale. In a second, the human pile becomes a line in a 'seiza' position. "Gomennasai!"
Atobe and Ryoma could only sighs at their friends. 'If all of them are always like this, there's no way we will have some private time.' Ryoma thought, feeling hopeless.
Syusuke chuckled silently, gaining some glares from Atobe. "What are you laughing at aahn? You're just the same as them Fuji." Atobe then turn to see Tezuka. "And you! Tezuka! You should control them! Prevent them from acting like this...not join them!" Complained Atobe, making Texuka blushed from embarrassment.
"We're sorry! We're just really... uhm..." Shishidou mumbled
"Worried?" Oishi said.
"Currious?" Momo supplied.
"Excited?" Jirou added.
"It's more like have nothing to do, don't you think?" Ryoma mumbled, still glaring at them. Making them smile sheepishly. "Hhh... Oh well. Let's just go, shall we? We're making a scene with all of you acting like that."
"So you forgive us!?" They all shouted with glee.
"Of course not... Just let me think for a while what I should do to you senpai tachi."
"Hyoutei will be running 300 laps around the school ground tomorrow. No excuse! Ore-sama will personally see that you do accomplish it." Atobe said to them. They all groaned, feeling hopeless. "Now let's just finish our task in this attraction, shall we? Then we could go to one more ride then go home."
"Eh!? You're going back already!? But it's not even close to closing time yet!"
Ryoma just start walking with Atobe, leaving them. They all just sighs and start follow the couple. This time, not from far. After a while, they finished their task in the attraction, which somehow become a match between Hyoutei and Seigaku, much to Ryoma's amusement. After that, they went to where the gondolas are.
While they all bickering about whom they are sitting with, Atobe talked to one of the man and 'request' so that he and Ryoma could ride the gondola just the two of them. After some much persuasion, Atobe finally ride the gondola together with Ryoma without the others join in and when the others realize, both of them are already long gone. However, unfortunately, Ryoma and Atobe's peaceful, romantic ride ended quickly as the others are catching up and start a shouting match and race between each gondola, giving Atobe and Tezuka a huge headache.
Much to Ryoma's displeasure, the ride has finally ended and it's time for him to go back home and go meet his mother. Although he misses his mother, he's really reluctant to see her. Especially that they have no contact at all after she left the house. 'It will be really awkward'. Ryoma sighs deeply, catching Atobe's attention.
"What's wrong?"
"No... it's just, I really don't want to go back." Atobe sighs and circled his arms around Ryoma's waist; know what is in Ryoma's mind right now.
Atobe turn Ryoma to face him and smiles warmly. "Why don't next time we go back here or maybe just stay at the resort for a few days so we could visit Disney Sea and Disney World? Without any interruptions of course." Atobe mumbled the last part as he secretly glare at the group behind them, making Ryoma chuckled.
"If we could do that, it will be great." Ryoma grabs Atobe's hand and start walking towards the exit with others following from behind.
*/*/*/*
"Well, that was fun." Oishi said to the other.
"Uhuh..." Ryoma said, glaring at his senpai. All of them just laugh sheepishly and bow, asking for forgiveness. Ryoma sighs deeply then smile. "Just, please don't do that again. If you really want to know whom I'm going out with, you should just ask you know..."
"Gomen, Echizen." Momoshiro said apologetically, the others nodded along with him. "Then... can I ask you just one thing?" Ryoma nodded, slightly curious to what his senpai wants to know. Momo took a deep breath and asked loudly. "WHY ATOBE!?"
"...huh?"
"I mean... Why choose Atobe? Both of you like to argue, calling each other names like monkey king and brat, also before, you're dating Fuji-senpai right? There are no similarities at all between both of them. I thought if you went with Fuji-senpai then your new boyfriend, or girlfriend type would be just like him. Maybe... Yukimura from Rikkai or other sadistic person? So..." Momo suddenly paused as he feels some murdering intense from behind him only to see Syusuke glaring daggers at him. Momo become pale instantly. "Fuji-senpai! I don't meant that you are sadistic or anything... really! I just... you know..."
"Saa... It seems that you really want to die, Momo..." Momo yelped and quickly hide behind Oishi. "So, Ryo-chan...why don't you answer the question?" Syusuke turn to see Ryoma and stare at him right in to the eyes while Atobe glared at Syusuke for the nick name he gave Ryoma.
Ryoma sighs deeply and smile at Syusuke. Even though it's Momo who asked the question, the one who really wants to know the answer is Syusuke. He's been wondering about it from the time he found out that Ryoma is dating Atobe.
"Well... if you ask why, then i don't really know it myself."
"I don't really understand..." Taka-san said, unconsciously voicing others thought as well.
"Well... maybe you will understand it later."Ryoma said, smiling softly at Syusuke then at Atobe. He chuckled slightly when he sees the confused expression on his boyfriend face, just like the others. "Let's go back Monkey King..." Ryoma slowly drag Atobe to where his car is waiting.
"Wait!" Syusuke called and drag Ryoma away from Atobe for a while, earning a glare from him. Syusuke just smile then turn to see Ryoma. "Just answer this one question clearly..." Ryoma nodded. Syusuke's face become serious as he stare deeply in to Ryoma's eyes. "Are you happy?"
Ryoma blink a few times at the question the smile softly at him. "Yes. I'm happy." Ryoma turn his eyes to Atobe who's still glaring at Syusuke. "Very happy."
Syusuke could see the shine clearly in Ryoma's eyes as he stares at Atobe. He then understand that Ryoma is happy and clearly in love with Atobe. He smiles at him and walk away to where the others are feeling light. Finally, he could start to move on.
*/*/*/*
"So, what did you talk about with Fuji earlier?" Right now, Atobe and Ryoma are in Atobe's car, on their way back to Ryoma's house. From the time they entered the car, Atobe keep on pestering Ryoma for telling him what he and Syusuke talked about.
"It's nothing monkey king. It's not important."
"Then there's no problem if you could just tell Ore-sama about it!"Atobe grumbled.
"Because it's not important that there's no need for me telling you." Ryoma glared at him. Atobe was about to say something when Ryoma cut in. "Really monkey king. Won't you just shut up? There's nothing for you to worry about." Actually, it's fine for him to tell Atobe about it but it's kind of embarrassing and if he told him, Atobe would never stop being smug or teasing him about it so there's no way Ryoma is going to tell him.
"Then why don't you tell Ore-sama your answer to Momoshiro's question, ahn?"
Ryoma sighs deeply. He loves Atobe, really but sometimes his personality really annoys him. "Just like i said before to senpai-tachi, i don't know."
"But how would you not know? Ore-sama have many great awesomeness so there should be some that you could pick from. Really Ryoma, tell Ore-sama why would you finally decide to go out with him?"
Ryoma grumbled at his boyfriend. "I don't know... Should there be a reason for someone to fall in love? I love you for you. Isn't that enough?"
Atobe stunted at hearing Ryoma's answer. He smile widely, finally understand what Ryoma meant. "No, there's no need for a reason and it's enough." Atobe circled his arm around Ryoma's waist and pull him closer. He really loves his little lover and heard him say that he loves him is much more than enough. "You could just say that Ore-sama is too awesome, too great and all. Ore-sama understand."
"Baka monkey king!"
Atobe grins widely at his boyfriend and kiss his forehead, making Ryoma pout. He then remember that he has something that he wants to ask Atobe.
"Ne, Keigo..."
"What is it?"
"I was wondering if it's okay for me to tell kaa-san about us? I thought that if Oyaji and Nanako are fine about us so maybe kaa-san is fine too. She's after all is my mom so i want to tell her about my boyfriend... That is if it's okay with you... If not then i won't tell her about it." Ryoma said with a red face, looking straight in to Atobe's eyes, hoping that it's okay about it.
Atobe smile warmly. "If that's what you want, that's fine with me."
"Thank you..."
*/*/*/*
Ryoma waits patiently, fidgeting a little in his seat, waiting for his mother to come. He looks at his surroundings. The place looks classy and expensive, also full with people in business suits or fancy dresses. Even he has to dress nicely tonight. Not a place that he used to go. Although he sometimes goes with Atobe to some fancy places or restaurant or cafe, he still prefer some fast-food or family restaurant. Even sometimes he manage to drag Atobe with him to eats some burgers.
"Ryoma!" Ryoma looked up and see his mother walking slowly towards him. She doesn't look any different from the last time he saw her, although maybe she looks more relax. 'Maybe because there's no Oyaji there with his porn.'
"Kaa-san..."
"Hello there Ryoma. Sorry i'm late. Have you ordered anything yet?"Ryoma shook his head slowly. "Well then, shall we order something?"
"Aaa..."
They ordered some food and start to chat a little bit. Even lesser when the food came. 'This is awkward... I want to go home...'
"So, Ryoma. How are you these days? How's your dad and Nanako?"
"I'm fine. Oyaji and Nanako are fine too. Just like always." Ryoma said as he continue eating.
"I see... How about you? What are you doing these days?" Rinko asked Ryoma. "I mean besides playing tennis of course."
"Aaa... Well, if not playing tennis then play with Yuuka or go out with senpai-tachi."
"Aaah... yes... Yuuka-chan, how is she? She's been doing well i hope? After all, she doesn't have any mother figure at all."
"She's fine, rarely cry and all. She's a really good kid. Nanako is there for the role of mother figure i think, although Oyaji is sometime kind of hopeless as a father figure for her. Maybe because it's a girl?" Ryoma explained to her mother, making her chuckled a little.
"I can imagine how Nanjiroh act around Yuuka-chan. Just hopefully when she's big enough he won't immediately give her a tennis racket. The poor girl life will devoted only to tennis... just like you."
"I'm not always thinking only about tennis..." Ryoma grumbled, pouting slightly at her mother then smirk smugly. "There are also other things as well..."
"You mean like Karupin and Ponta?" Rinko smiling teasingly at her son.
"Yeah that too... But now there are also Yuuka and Monkey king..."
"...Monkey king?" Rinko asked slightly confused. "Well, if it's Yuuka-chan i would understand but... who is this monkey king?"
Ryoma blushed beet red, confusing Rinko even more than before. Somehow she thinks that she heard this monkey king before but can't remember a thing about it.
"Well?" Rinko urged Ryoma to tell her about this person that could make his face this red.
Ryona sighs deeply. It seems that he has to tell her mother now. "His actual name is Atobe Keigo."
"Atobe? As in the Atobe?" Ryoma nodded. He knows that her mother would recognize the name because of her work as a lawyer.
"Keigo or monkey king as i usually called him, met at tennis tournament. He's studying at Hyotei and the buchou of his tennis club. He and Tezuka-buchou are rival then, we sometimes meet and during that time, we become close."
"Hmm..." She stares at her son. 'I never see his face so red. He never this embarrassed. There 's must be something else...'
Ryoma stares at the weird gaze his mother gave him "Wh-What is it?"
Rinko smiles at him "Oh, nothing... It's just somehow this Atobe person is somewhat different or maybe special to you. Best friend maybe? Or rival?" Rinko said to him, making Ryoma blushed even more and confused how to tell his mother about his relationship with the said Monkey King.
Ryoma turn his gaze to elsewhere. He's in dilemma. Part of him wants to tell his mother about his relationship with Atobe but another part of him not, afraid of how his mother would react. In the back of his mind, he thinks that if his father and Nanako is fine with his relationship, that his mother should also be fine with it. But still...
Ryoma take a deep breath, gathering his courage and stare straight to his mother eyes.
"Actually Kaa-san... There is something that i want to tell you." Rinko gives all her attention to Ryoma. Seeing him being so serious like this, it must be something important. Ryoma once again take a deep breath. "Actually, Kaa-san... Keigo is not really my friend. He's more than a friend." Rinko's eyebrows raised as she heard what Ryoma said. "Keigo is... special... He's my boyfriend..."
"What!?"
"Well, we've been together... dating... for a few months."
"Dating!?"
Ryoma stares at his mother, worried. Somehow, her reaction is not what Ryoma imagined after seeing Nanjiroh's and Nanako's reaction, he thought that his mother would surprised at first then start acting like Nanjiroh and Nanako. After all, after some years being together, their personality, especially his father would slightly rub on his mother right...?
"Hnn..."
"This Atobe Keigo is a boy right? How could you date another boy!?" Rinko said in a harsh whispered tone.
Ryoma starts to get annoyed at her. "I love him and he loves me. So why can't we date!?"
"Love!? Both of you are boys! Same sex! Ryoma, you know that you can't have a relationship with the same sex!"
"Well, i don't care! We like each other and that's the only thing that's important!" Ryoma glared at his mother then stares suspiciously at her. "Kaa-san, could it be... are you homophobic?" Ryoma asked, slightly worried.
"No, i'm not. I'm fine with same sex relationship or gay or homo or whatever you want to call it." Rinko said sigh deeply.
"Then... why..."
"Because you are my son! I'm worried about you. If it's about other people i don't care about it but you are my son. I don't want you to suffer from many people judgments because of your relationship with that boy. Also the law! I'm a lawyer so i know well about the law in here."
"It's not as if we're getting married!"
"But many people won't agree for you to have a relationship with the same sex. What about our family name? What about his!?" Rinko said, her tone slightly desperate for her son to understand and agree with what she's saying. "He's an Atobe right? Surely he would always appear in front of the public. Imagine when people knows about his relationship with you. His family business could go down because of it and because his partner is you, you could be drag in to the problem then our family good name would also go down with it!" Rinko said to Ryoma, hoping that her son would realize what he's been doing from her point of view.
Ryoma could only stares at his mother in silence. He understand well what his mother is saying, but still he couldn't stop his feeling for Atobe. He knows with Atobe's family, their relationship is a no go. But he still can't, couldn't let him go, just when finally he found happiness in him.
"Kaa-san, i understand really well what you're saying. But this is my and Keigo's relationship and problem. So you don't have to get involved in it."
"How can you say that!? You are my son, my responsibility. Of course i'm involved."
"But just let us solve it our self. All i want, no... We want is for your acceptance. That's all."
Rinko look at his son. She knows how stubborn Ryoma is and she knows that he would never do as what she said. That's one of a few personality that he got from her ex-husband that's good but also bad. She sighs deeply.
"Fine. I'll let it be... For now." Ryoma let a relieved sighs. "Let's end this night and go back home. Tomorrow you still have to go to school." Ryoma nodded at his mother and let her paid the bill.
After Ryoma parts way with his mother, Ryoma walks home silently, deep in his thought, thinking about what his mother said at the restaurant.
He knows that his relationship with Atobe would have many hurdles in the future but still, can't he just be happy with what they have right now? He don't want to think too far in to the future, after all they only have been dating for a few months. It's not like that they're getting married tomorrow or something. 'All i wanted is for her to accept and be happy for us. Is it wrong?'
Ryoma stand in silence in the middle of the street, looking up to the sky as rain start to fall down as if trying to hid his tears from many eyes, trying to ease his pain.
*/*/*/*
In the other side of the town, a man step out from a building. His black emerald tinted hair shine under the light. He sling his bag on to his shoulder, one hand playing with an orange, tossing it up slightly and catch it again. He walks towards a line of taxi and drove towards the Echizen Ressidence.
A/N: So... What do you think of this chapter? Hopefully you guys like it. I'll try to update the next chapter sooner and that means, this year... maybe on November or early Desember? Because actually, i would have many time to write around November and up as i'm thinking of resigning from my current job in the next few month. ;p
Well then, sorry for any OOC, grammatical errors and any miss spelling. It's been a while since i write so you know... there would be many mistakes and i hope you could bear with it.
Okay then, hope to see in you in the next chapter! ;)
Mata ne~