Log: Shinji/Nanjirou/Echizen (Closed)
Who: Shinji and Nanjirou (And Ryoma later)
When: Saturday Afternoon.
Where: Temple tennis court.
Summary: Shinji finally plays a match against Samurai Nanjirou.
Warning/Rating: PG
Player Comments: Cracky? Maybe just weird!
Comments/Crits Allowed: Of course~
Shinji: *Out on the tennis court behind Ryoma's--his--house, working on his kick serve. Looks around, feeling like someone is there, but sees no one and thinks he's just imagining things.*
Nanjirou: *Bored out of his mind because his idiot son, once again, refused to play a match with him, he's wandered the grounds before hearing the unmistakable sound of tennis being played, and since Ryoma was in the house... Grinning, he snuck up to the court he'd made with his bare hands and crouched down in one of the bushes surrounding the area, watching the kid his son had shacked up with*
Shinji: *Shifts from his kick serve to trying to duplicate some of the other serves he's seen people do, but stops, looking around, and mumbling to himself* Alright, I don't see anyone, but I feel like someone's there, so maybe this court is haunted, but who ever heard of a haunted tennis court, unless this was built on a burial ground or something....
Nanjirou: *Looks a LITTLE impressed as he watches, nodding his head from time to time and humming to himself. On realising Shinji's talking to himself, flashes what can only be assumed to be a trademark 'Echizen Smirk' and gives it a minute longer... before abruptly standing up from his bush, hands on his hips and acting like it was the most normal thing in the world for a grown man to be standing in a bush with leaves in his hair* Not bad! Not bad! Still needs work though!
Shinji: *Jumps, sending a ball wild, and turns to give Nanjirou a flat look* You know, some people would wonder what it means that you're hiding in the bushes watching an underaged boy, and I don't want to think that about you because Ryo would be upset if that was true even if he wouldn't admit it, so I'm assuming you're talking about tennis and not my ass or something like that.
Nanjirou: Well, you ARE kind of weedy, you could do with toughening up a bit more! *smirks and steps out of the bush, the hem of his robe catching on a branch. Glaring down at it, he gives a hard tug, almost ripping his clothes and stumbles the rest of the way onto the court* Ahem... I was talking about your tennis, boy. Don't you know the difference?!
Shinji: *keeps that same flat stare* I'm still growing, so yeah, I'm not looking my best, though I am glad to know it's tennis you're looking at. *looks him over* Did you want to do something other than watch?
Nanjirou: Hmph... when I was your age I wasn't nearly as... *Pauses for a second, for once actually hearing what someone else was saying to him, because he's heard the offer in those words, the offer for perhaps a game of tennis. And since he was bored and the brat wasn't being nice... One little game couldn't hurt. He'd just say that Shinji begged him* You want to play me? *he asked the question with a barely hidden grin, already eyeing the temple where he knew his racket to be*
Shinji: *shrugs* It's kind of boring playing alone, and the empty court doesn't actually return the balls, so sure, why not?
Nanjirou: *Gives Shinji a winning smile and rubs his hands together as he practically bounces off to the temple, vanishing only for a minute, and then returns with a beat up looking wooden racket resting across his shoulder* Can't argue with that! No, what kind of man would say no to such a heartfelt request!
Shinji: ..... *stares after him* I'm not exactly sure that Ryo actually shares any genes with him because he's just too weird for words.
Nanjirou: *Wanders over to the other side of the court, giving Shinji a funny look when he stops* You always talk to yourself, kid? It's one of the signs of madness you know?
Shinji: What's sanity, anyway? Everyone's mad, Echizen-san. *goes over to the net* Smooth or rough?
Nanjirou: You're too young to be so cynical! Not everyone's mad! They're just living life and... what? *looks a little surprised to be given the choice, as normally he skips this part and just lets the other serve first* Uh... smooth.
Shinji: Doesn't matter that I'm young, because life sucks no matter what, right? *looks at Nanjirou like he's crazy and spins the racquet* Smooth.
Nanjirou: Ehh? How the hell did a kid like you end up with my son? Che... attitude like that... *rolls his shoulders slightly, fixing Shinji with a rather emotionless stare* You can serve first, kid. Don't hold back.
Shinji: We were lucky, I guess. We complement each other. He makes me believe that life doesn't suck completely. *moves back to serve* Are you ready, sir?
Nanjirou: *Thinks about that, idly spinning the racket in his hand* Lets hope he can keep it up, ne? *Flashes a smirk* Drop the 'sir' and serve already!
Shinji: *mumbling* He'll be able to keep it up because it's who he is and I don't think he'll ever change who he is, and I hope he doesn't, because he's amazing how he is, and I'm still amazed he puts up with me.... *gives his kick serve while still mumbling*
Nanjirou: *Hops to the left and returns the ball, calling as he does* Are you concentrating over there?! Talking to yourself doesn't win matches, boy!
Shinji: *thinks that Nanjirou has never actually seen him play if he can ask that* Does it matter if I'm talking or not? I mean if it bothers you, then why should I stop doing it? *returns the ball, not his best return, but still*
Nanjirou: If you're going to talk, then speak up so I can hear you! It's rude to mumble! *Just to be funny, returns the ball from under his leg, grinning as it sails easily over the net* Thought I told you not to hold back? This the best you got?
Shinji: *narrows his eyes and gets quieter, muttering under his breath as he returns the ball, controlling the spin for his Spot, watching Nanjirou to see what he does*
Nanjirou: *Raises a brow at the much quieter Shinji, looking rather amused as he practically dances to the side to lightly hit the ball back over the net*
Shinji: *bites on his lower lip, returning his shots, trying to induce the Spot reaction*
Nanjirou: *Grins as he idly tosses the racket into his right hand, pulls back and hits the ball with a powerful swing sending the ball flying over the net almost quicker than the eye can follow*
Shinji: *watches the ball go past him* ...ah. Two-handed player, just like Ryo. I need to remember that....
Nanjirou: *Throws his head back and laughs* I taught the brat everything he knows! *Looks kind of pleased as he tosses the racket back and forth between his hands* But he's not nearly as good as me.
Shinji: *still watching Nanjirou carefully* He's going to surprise you one day. He's better than all of us.
Nanjirou: *Chuckles, lifting the racket to point at Shinji* Oi, are we here to talk about my son or play tennis? Serve already!
Shinji: Talking about tennis and your son are almost the same thing. *narrows his eyes and serves, putting more power into his serve*
Nanjirou: Hn... Is that what you think? *Tosses the racket to his left hand and returns the serve* You've got a lot to learn, kid!
Shinji: No, not really. *returns the shot, deciding to try out some of the adjustments he'd come up with for two-handed style to make Spot work*
Nanjirou: *Passes the racket to his other hand, dancing to the side to return the ball* Heh, what do you think you know, kid?
Shinji: I don't think I know anything, sir. *returns the ball again, watching him*
Nanjirou: What'd I say about that 'sir' thing? *The racket goes back to his left hand, swings... and pauses for a moment, but still manages to hit the ball, just barely sending it over the net* ...
Shinji: I can't do it, because then I just end up saying 'Ryo's father' and that doesn't sound right and it's hard to say, so I'll stick with 'sir'.... *eyes widen some, seeing, then narrowing again, pressing his attack*
Nanjirou: *Mutters something about kids and not listening to what they're told as he tosses his racket from hand to hand, returning the shots, earning himself another point, but after a few minutes finding his swings getting a little... harder to manage, one ball actually hitting the net rather than going over*
Shinji: *his eyes a bit wider, but not showing any other expression on his face as he presses his new version of Spot, not really expecting to get a point off of Nanjirou, just hoping to at least make it harder for him*
Nanjirou: *Carries on like that for a little while longer, until on the next toss off the racket, the racket actually slips from his hand and falls to the ground. Muttering a soft curse, he bends to pick up to, glaring at the thing as it it was to blame* ... Maybe it's time I got a new one of these things after all. Oi! What do you think? *Lifts the racket and waves it a bit* I need a new one?
Shinji: *looks over at the racquet, unable to keep from smirking a little* It might not be the racquet, but maybe the strings are bad, or it could be the grip tape, you really need to use the good kinds of tape, and not many people realize how important it really is
Nanjirou: Ehh? The grip tape? *Lowers the racket and gives it a once over, before shrugging and gives it a few practice swings* Come to think of it, this is probably your doing, isn't it? *Grins and laughs a bit* I didn't realise you were that guy.
Shinji: *blinks* What do you mean by 'that guy'?
Nanjirou: The one who almost blinded my kid! *Snorts a laugh, shaking his head* Couldn't believe he actually got himself hurt in a tennis match! Kids not more balls than brains... *waves the racket at Shinji again* We done playing now? Or do you wanna finish this?
Shinji: *looks down at the ground* I'm sorry, sir...I didn't know that was going to happen...I didn't want him to get hurt, even though we weren't together or even knew each other, and I still fel bad about it....
Nanjirou: How I heard it, it was the brats fault for thinking he was in the ballet and not a tennis match! *Taps his racket against his leg and sighs* Look, I don't blame you for what happened, and he's fine. And if he blamed you he wouldn't be with you... *Looks a little weirded out actually saying that, but shrugs it off*
Shinji: *nods, quiet for a minute, then looking over at Nanjirou* We might as well finish this, right? No sense in leaving anything half done.
Nanjirou: *Just looks over at Shinji, an odd expression on his face... but at Shinji's words he nods and quietly moves back in to position* Whenever you're ready.
Shinji: *nods and serves, trying to get his focus back again*
Nanjirou: *Seems a bit more serious this time, his returns more accurate, more powerful, and his aim obviously to win*
Shinji: *tries to keep up his pace, getting in some good shots, but starts to find himself slipping some, being pushed to his limit and beyond*
Nanjirou: *Smiles as he stands in the one spot, every ball coming to him and returned with ease, but still with that same power, making Shinji work for his game*
Shinji: *starts finding himself being pushed to the ends of his stamina, getting a little more sloppy with his returns and muttering curses against Nanjirou when he never moves*
Nanjirou: *Laughs as he hears his name being cursed on the wind, and as if to add insult to injury, actually closed his eyes as he returns each and every ball, made easier to do now they were all being nice enough to come to him*
Shinji: *growls softly, throwing everything his has into his next shots, hoping to make Nanjirou stumble even a little bit*
Nanjirou: *Opens his eyes, the last point his as he turns slightly, pulls back his arm, and swings, the ball shooting over the net like a bullet*
Shinji: *winces a little as his racquet is blown out of his hand* ...that ended almost like I thought it would. *rubs his wrist a little* Thank you for the match, sir.
Nanjirou: *Waits a beat, and then grins like an idiot, lifting the racket to his shoulder and laughing* Hahaha, you're not too bad, kid! *walks up to the net and nimbly vaults over it* You alright?
Shinji: I'm going to take that as a high compliment. *flexes his wrist a little and nods* I'm fine, sir. Nothing's broken or sprained or anything like that.
Nanjirou: Well I can see why my brat of a son likes you, anyway. *Walks up and reaches out to poke Shinji's wrist a bit* You sure? That's good. He'd kill me if I broke you!
Shinji: You can tell that from one game of tennis? *is a little confused and also decides not to comment on the other things that Ryoma likes about him* I don't think he'd kill you. Glare at you, then send Karupin to do it for him, because no one suspects the cat.
Nanjirou: *Looks a bit confused himself for a moment, then flushes and splutters slightly* Oi oi, I was talking about tennis! And he'd not kill me but he'd stop talking to me if I went and broke you... *Again, looks a little confused he even said that, but shrugs and moves away to head for the steps leading back to his house* You coming, kid?
Shinji: *blinks, not sure he's seeing the man who's always looking at a girly mag blush* Yeah...I'm coming. Ryo's probably going to want to know about this, if he wasn't watching already, and I should get cleaned up, and I don't think you'd have broken me, because I don't think you were playing completely seriously.
Nanjirou: *Grins broadly, any trace of a blush or his discomfort gone as if it were never there* The brat was probably watching. *Laughs* No, not too serious. I wanted to see what you were made of, not beat you in 5 minutes.
Shinji: And what am I made of, do you think?
Nanjirou: Potential. *Glances over, his gaze sharp and focused* If you let go of your hang-ups, you could be better than you are. But you're young. You'll learn. *Suddenly starts grinning again* Life's too short to be worrying about the little things!
Shinji: *finds himself wondering just what Nanjirou considers a 'hang-up,' then wonders if he really wants to know that* There's time, right? I don't want to conquer the tennis world or anything like that, just be the best that I can be.
Nanjirou: Play for fun, kid. Because you want to. *laughs and hops the last two steps to the path leading to the house* Don't take it too seriously. And... *Stops and turns to face Shinji* ... take care of my kid. I can't stop you two from being together, but I can ask that much. If you can knock some sense in to him, I'd be in your debt.
Shinji: *looks at Nanjirou, completely serious* Ryo means more to me than anything in the world, sir. I'll take care of him, whether he likes it or not. I'm not going to hurt him. As for knocking sense into him...we both have to take turns at that. I'll do my best.
Nanjirou: *Looks back, holding Shinji's gaze for a long moment* I'll remember that. *Smiles and turns, walking once again* Ahhh... all this serious talk is making me hungry!
Shinji: I think I just..want a shower. *and a couple painkillers and a nap, but he doesn't want to say that*
Nanjirou: *Waves a hand toward the house* Go go, get your shower! Don't forget to eat either! Growing boys need their food or they become weak and easily beaten in tennis!
Shinji: I'll eat after I'm cleaned up and everything like that. *stops and bown* Thank you for the game, Echizen-san. *runs up to the house*
Nanjirou: Any time! *Grins and waves before making his way to the kitchen to see what Nanako-chan would cook for him*
Shinji: *nods and goes up stairs and into his room, falling back onto his bed*
Ryoma: *After a handful of minutes, there's a light knock on the door before it's pushed open, Ryoma popping his head around it to look inside, scanning the room before letting his gaze settle on Shinji* ... Can I come in? Or are you sleeping?
Shinji: *looks up at Ryoma and smiles* No, I'm not asleep. Come in.
Ryoma: *Slips inside and quietly closes the door behind him, leaning against it for a moment, before pushing away to walk over to the bed* You look like you could use some sleep.
Shinji: *reaches up and pulls Ryoma down next to him* Just a little rest. I got worked over hard.
Ryoma: *Blinks at being suddenly grabbed and pulled onto the bed, but smiles a little as he wraps an arm around Shinji* I know.
Shinji: Let me guess...you were watching? *nuzzles Ryoma's hair*
Ryoma: *Curls a little against Shinji's chest, eyes closing at the nuzzling* Hmm... a little. You were good.
Shinji: I was trashed. *kisses Ryoma's hair and closes his eyes*
Ryoma: It was your first time, Shinji. You did good. Better than most... You made him falter. *Opens his eyes and tilts his head up and smiles* I was impressed.
Shinji: At least I didn't nearly blind him. *kisses above Ryoma's eye* I wasn't expecting to beat him.
Ryoma: *Closes the eye Shinji kissed for a moment* ... Not allowed to beat him until I have.
Shinji: I'll remember that... *smiles* I'm in no danger of beating him.
Ryoma: Never know. *Lowers his head again and rests his cheek upon Shinji's chest* You could.
Shinji: No. I don't think I can reach that level. Not quite competitive enough, I think.
Ryoma: *Nods a little* That's fine. You don't have to be.
Shinji: I just want to enjoy it. *kisses his cheek*
Ryoma: Then enjoy it. *Turns his head just a little, just enough to kiss back*
Shinji: Can I enjoy you, too?
Ryoma: Hmmm... don't you always?
Shinji: I like to think I do.
Ryoma: *Lifts his arms, slipping them around Shinji's neck* 'Think'? You're not sure, Shinji?
Shinji: I do enjoy you, whenever I'm with you, however I'm with you.
Ryoma: Good. *Leans up to kiss him gently* Glad to hear it.
Shinji: *kisses him back, softly* I should've showered...I must smell
Ryoma: *Laughs quietly* Can't tell. You smell fine to me.
Shinji: *blushes a little and pulls Ryoma closer to him*
Ryoma: *Rests his head against Shinji's shoulder and wraps himself a bit more around him, getting as close as he can*
Shinji: You know I love you, right, Ryo?
Ryoma: *Blinks open his eyes and pulls back, looking a bit confused* ... of course. Why... do you ask?
Shinji: *caresses Ryoma's face gently* I just...want you to know how much you mean to me. How much I care about you.
Ryoma: ... *Leans a little into the caress* I know you do, Shinji. I know all that. I know you love me. I love you, too.
Shinji: Good...never forget that, Ryo, alright. *closes his eyes again and nuzzles Ryoma's neck*
Ryoma: Why would I forget...? *Lets his own eyes close as he tips his head back just enough to make the nuzzling easier* ... Is something... wrong?
Shinji: No, nothing's wrong...just thinking, plus I had a small chat with your father, so...I just wanted to let you know that in case you weren't sure how important you are to me.
Ryoma: What are you thinking? And what did that idiot say to you? *Frowns* ... I should disown him or something...
Shinji: You don't need to disown him, Ryo. It's fine. *kisses his neck*
Ryoma: *Sighs softly and nods* Okay... I won't...
Shinji: *cuddles Ryoma a little closer and yawns*
Ryoma: *Leans in to nuzzle Shinji's cheek* Ne... Shinji? Why don't you sleep?
Shinji: Just a short nap...are you going to stay, Ryo?
Ryoma: You're holding me, not like I could leave, even if I wanted to. *Smiles softly* I'll stay till you wake.
Shinji: God...because you're...comfy.... *murmurs drowsily*
Ryoma: *Snuggles a little closer* Shh... just sleep, Shinji.
Shinji: Mmmm...love you, Ryo..... *starts to doze off*
Ryoma: Love you too... *Closes his eyes, not the least bit sleepy, but just comfortable himself*
When: Saturday Afternoon.
Where: Temple tennis court.
Summary: Shinji finally plays a match against Samurai Nanjirou.
Warning/Rating: PG
Player Comments: Cracky? Maybe just weird!
Comments/Crits Allowed: Of course~
Shinji: *Out on the tennis court behind Ryoma's--his--house, working on his kick serve. Looks around, feeling like someone is there, but sees no one and thinks he's just imagining things.*
Nanjirou: *Bored out of his mind because his idiot son, once again, refused to play a match with him, he's wandered the grounds before hearing the unmistakable sound of tennis being played, and since Ryoma was in the house... Grinning, he snuck up to the court he'd made with his bare hands and crouched down in one of the bushes surrounding the area, watching the kid his son had shacked up with*
Shinji: *Shifts from his kick serve to trying to duplicate some of the other serves he's seen people do, but stops, looking around, and mumbling to himself* Alright, I don't see anyone, but I feel like someone's there, so maybe this court is haunted, but who ever heard of a haunted tennis court, unless this was built on a burial ground or something....
Nanjirou: *Looks a LITTLE impressed as he watches, nodding his head from time to time and humming to himself. On realising Shinji's talking to himself, flashes what can only be assumed to be a trademark 'Echizen Smirk' and gives it a minute longer... before abruptly standing up from his bush, hands on his hips and acting like it was the most normal thing in the world for a grown man to be standing in a bush with leaves in his hair* Not bad! Not bad! Still needs work though!
Shinji: *Jumps, sending a ball wild, and turns to give Nanjirou a flat look* You know, some people would wonder what it means that you're hiding in the bushes watching an underaged boy, and I don't want to think that about you because Ryo would be upset if that was true even if he wouldn't admit it, so I'm assuming you're talking about tennis and not my ass or something like that.
Nanjirou: Well, you ARE kind of weedy, you could do with toughening up a bit more! *smirks and steps out of the bush, the hem of his robe catching on a branch. Glaring down at it, he gives a hard tug, almost ripping his clothes and stumbles the rest of the way onto the court* Ahem... I was talking about your tennis, boy. Don't you know the difference?!
Shinji: *keeps that same flat stare* I'm still growing, so yeah, I'm not looking my best, though I am glad to know it's tennis you're looking at. *looks him over* Did you want to do something other than watch?
Nanjirou: Hmph... when I was your age I wasn't nearly as... *Pauses for a second, for once actually hearing what someone else was saying to him, because he's heard the offer in those words, the offer for perhaps a game of tennis. And since he was bored and the brat wasn't being nice... One little game couldn't hurt. He'd just say that Shinji begged him* You want to play me? *he asked the question with a barely hidden grin, already eyeing the temple where he knew his racket to be*
Shinji: *shrugs* It's kind of boring playing alone, and the empty court doesn't actually return the balls, so sure, why not?
Nanjirou: *Gives Shinji a winning smile and rubs his hands together as he practically bounces off to the temple, vanishing only for a minute, and then returns with a beat up looking wooden racket resting across his shoulder* Can't argue with that! No, what kind of man would say no to such a heartfelt request!
Shinji: ..... *stares after him* I'm not exactly sure that Ryo actually shares any genes with him because he's just too weird for words.
Nanjirou: *Wanders over to the other side of the court, giving Shinji a funny look when he stops* You always talk to yourself, kid? It's one of the signs of madness you know?
Shinji: What's sanity, anyway? Everyone's mad, Echizen-san. *goes over to the net* Smooth or rough?
Nanjirou: You're too young to be so cynical! Not everyone's mad! They're just living life and... what? *looks a little surprised to be given the choice, as normally he skips this part and just lets the other serve first* Uh... smooth.
Shinji: Doesn't matter that I'm young, because life sucks no matter what, right? *looks at Nanjirou like he's crazy and spins the racquet* Smooth.
Nanjirou: Ehh? How the hell did a kid like you end up with my son? Che... attitude like that... *rolls his shoulders slightly, fixing Shinji with a rather emotionless stare* You can serve first, kid. Don't hold back.
Shinji: We were lucky, I guess. We complement each other. He makes me believe that life doesn't suck completely. *moves back to serve* Are you ready, sir?
Nanjirou: *Thinks about that, idly spinning the racket in his hand* Lets hope he can keep it up, ne? *Flashes a smirk* Drop the 'sir' and serve already!
Shinji: *mumbling* He'll be able to keep it up because it's who he is and I don't think he'll ever change who he is, and I hope he doesn't, because he's amazing how he is, and I'm still amazed he puts up with me.... *gives his kick serve while still mumbling*
Nanjirou: *Hops to the left and returns the ball, calling as he does* Are you concentrating over there?! Talking to yourself doesn't win matches, boy!
Shinji: *thinks that Nanjirou has never actually seen him play if he can ask that* Does it matter if I'm talking or not? I mean if it bothers you, then why should I stop doing it? *returns the ball, not his best return, but still*
Nanjirou: If you're going to talk, then speak up so I can hear you! It's rude to mumble! *Just to be funny, returns the ball from under his leg, grinning as it sails easily over the net* Thought I told you not to hold back? This the best you got?
Shinji: *narrows his eyes and gets quieter, muttering under his breath as he returns the ball, controlling the spin for his Spot, watching Nanjirou to see what he does*
Nanjirou: *Raises a brow at the much quieter Shinji, looking rather amused as he practically dances to the side to lightly hit the ball back over the net*
Shinji: *bites on his lower lip, returning his shots, trying to induce the Spot reaction*
Nanjirou: *Grins as he idly tosses the racket into his right hand, pulls back and hits the ball with a powerful swing sending the ball flying over the net almost quicker than the eye can follow*
Shinji: *watches the ball go past him* ...ah. Two-handed player, just like Ryo. I need to remember that....
Nanjirou: *Throws his head back and laughs* I taught the brat everything he knows! *Looks kind of pleased as he tosses the racket back and forth between his hands* But he's not nearly as good as me.
Shinji: *still watching Nanjirou carefully* He's going to surprise you one day. He's better than all of us.
Nanjirou: *Chuckles, lifting the racket to point at Shinji* Oi, are we here to talk about my son or play tennis? Serve already!
Shinji: Talking about tennis and your son are almost the same thing. *narrows his eyes and serves, putting more power into his serve*
Nanjirou: Hn... Is that what you think? *Tosses the racket to his left hand and returns the serve* You've got a lot to learn, kid!
Shinji: No, not really. *returns the shot, deciding to try out some of the adjustments he'd come up with for two-handed style to make Spot work*
Nanjirou: *Passes the racket to his other hand, dancing to the side to return the ball* Heh, what do you think you know, kid?
Shinji: I don't think I know anything, sir. *returns the ball again, watching him*
Nanjirou: What'd I say about that 'sir' thing? *The racket goes back to his left hand, swings... and pauses for a moment, but still manages to hit the ball, just barely sending it over the net* ...
Shinji: I can't do it, because then I just end up saying 'Ryo's father' and that doesn't sound right and it's hard to say, so I'll stick with 'sir'.... *eyes widen some, seeing, then narrowing again, pressing his attack*
Nanjirou: *Mutters something about kids and not listening to what they're told as he tosses his racket from hand to hand, returning the shots, earning himself another point, but after a few minutes finding his swings getting a little... harder to manage, one ball actually hitting the net rather than going over*
Shinji: *his eyes a bit wider, but not showing any other expression on his face as he presses his new version of Spot, not really expecting to get a point off of Nanjirou, just hoping to at least make it harder for him*
Nanjirou: *Carries on like that for a little while longer, until on the next toss off the racket, the racket actually slips from his hand and falls to the ground. Muttering a soft curse, he bends to pick up to, glaring at the thing as it it was to blame* ... Maybe it's time I got a new one of these things after all. Oi! What do you think? *Lifts the racket and waves it a bit* I need a new one?
Shinji: *looks over at the racquet, unable to keep from smirking a little* It might not be the racquet, but maybe the strings are bad, or it could be the grip tape, you really need to use the good kinds of tape, and not many people realize how important it really is
Nanjirou: Ehh? The grip tape? *Lowers the racket and gives it a once over, before shrugging and gives it a few practice swings* Come to think of it, this is probably your doing, isn't it? *Grins and laughs a bit* I didn't realise you were that guy.
Shinji: *blinks* What do you mean by 'that guy'?
Nanjirou: The one who almost blinded my kid! *Snorts a laugh, shaking his head* Couldn't believe he actually got himself hurt in a tennis match! Kids not more balls than brains... *waves the racket at Shinji again* We done playing now? Or do you wanna finish this?
Shinji: *looks down at the ground* I'm sorry, sir...I didn't know that was going to happen...I didn't want him to get hurt, even though we weren't together or even knew each other, and I still fel bad about it....
Nanjirou: How I heard it, it was the brats fault for thinking he was in the ballet and not a tennis match! *Taps his racket against his leg and sighs* Look, I don't blame you for what happened, and he's fine. And if he blamed you he wouldn't be with you... *Looks a little weirded out actually saying that, but shrugs it off*
Shinji: *nods, quiet for a minute, then looking over at Nanjirou* We might as well finish this, right? No sense in leaving anything half done.
Nanjirou: *Just looks over at Shinji, an odd expression on his face... but at Shinji's words he nods and quietly moves back in to position* Whenever you're ready.
Shinji: *nods and serves, trying to get his focus back again*
Nanjirou: *Seems a bit more serious this time, his returns more accurate, more powerful, and his aim obviously to win*
Shinji: *tries to keep up his pace, getting in some good shots, but starts to find himself slipping some, being pushed to his limit and beyond*
Nanjirou: *Smiles as he stands in the one spot, every ball coming to him and returned with ease, but still with that same power, making Shinji work for his game*
Shinji: *starts finding himself being pushed to the ends of his stamina, getting a little more sloppy with his returns and muttering curses against Nanjirou when he never moves*
Nanjirou: *Laughs as he hears his name being cursed on the wind, and as if to add insult to injury, actually closed his eyes as he returns each and every ball, made easier to do now they were all being nice enough to come to him*
Shinji: *growls softly, throwing everything his has into his next shots, hoping to make Nanjirou stumble even a little bit*
Nanjirou: *Opens his eyes, the last point his as he turns slightly, pulls back his arm, and swings, the ball shooting over the net like a bullet*
Shinji: *winces a little as his racquet is blown out of his hand* ...that ended almost like I thought it would. *rubs his wrist a little* Thank you for the match, sir.
Nanjirou: *Waits a beat, and then grins like an idiot, lifting the racket to his shoulder and laughing* Hahaha, you're not too bad, kid! *walks up to the net and nimbly vaults over it* You alright?
Shinji: I'm going to take that as a high compliment. *flexes his wrist a little and nods* I'm fine, sir. Nothing's broken or sprained or anything like that.
Nanjirou: Well I can see why my brat of a son likes you, anyway. *Walks up and reaches out to poke Shinji's wrist a bit* You sure? That's good. He'd kill me if I broke you!
Shinji: You can tell that from one game of tennis? *is a little confused and also decides not to comment on the other things that Ryoma likes about him* I don't think he'd kill you. Glare at you, then send Karupin to do it for him, because no one suspects the cat.
Nanjirou: *Looks a bit confused himself for a moment, then flushes and splutters slightly* Oi oi, I was talking about tennis! And he'd not kill me but he'd stop talking to me if I went and broke you... *Again, looks a little confused he even said that, but shrugs and moves away to head for the steps leading back to his house* You coming, kid?
Shinji: *blinks, not sure he's seeing the man who's always looking at a girly mag blush* Yeah...I'm coming. Ryo's probably going to want to know about this, if he wasn't watching already, and I should get cleaned up, and I don't think you'd have broken me, because I don't think you were playing completely seriously.
Nanjirou: *Grins broadly, any trace of a blush or his discomfort gone as if it were never there* The brat was probably watching. *Laughs* No, not too serious. I wanted to see what you were made of, not beat you in 5 minutes.
Shinji: And what am I made of, do you think?
Nanjirou: Potential. *Glances over, his gaze sharp and focused* If you let go of your hang-ups, you could be better than you are. But you're young. You'll learn. *Suddenly starts grinning again* Life's too short to be worrying about the little things!
Shinji: *finds himself wondering just what Nanjirou considers a 'hang-up,' then wonders if he really wants to know that* There's time, right? I don't want to conquer the tennis world or anything like that, just be the best that I can be.
Nanjirou: Play for fun, kid. Because you want to. *laughs and hops the last two steps to the path leading to the house* Don't take it too seriously. And... *Stops and turns to face Shinji* ... take care of my kid. I can't stop you two from being together, but I can ask that much. If you can knock some sense in to him, I'd be in your debt.
Shinji: *looks at Nanjirou, completely serious* Ryo means more to me than anything in the world, sir. I'll take care of him, whether he likes it or not. I'm not going to hurt him. As for knocking sense into him...we both have to take turns at that. I'll do my best.
Nanjirou: *Looks back, holding Shinji's gaze for a long moment* I'll remember that. *Smiles and turns, walking once again* Ahhh... all this serious talk is making me hungry!
Shinji: I think I just..want a shower. *and a couple painkillers and a nap, but he doesn't want to say that*
Nanjirou: *Waves a hand toward the house* Go go, get your shower! Don't forget to eat either! Growing boys need their food or they become weak and easily beaten in tennis!
Shinji: I'll eat after I'm cleaned up and everything like that. *stops and bown* Thank you for the game, Echizen-san. *runs up to the house*
Nanjirou: Any time! *Grins and waves before making his way to the kitchen to see what Nanako-chan would cook for him*
Shinji: *nods and goes up stairs and into his room, falling back onto his bed*
Ryoma: *After a handful of minutes, there's a light knock on the door before it's pushed open, Ryoma popping his head around it to look inside, scanning the room before letting his gaze settle on Shinji* ... Can I come in? Or are you sleeping?
Shinji: *looks up at Ryoma and smiles* No, I'm not asleep. Come in.
Ryoma: *Slips inside and quietly closes the door behind him, leaning against it for a moment, before pushing away to walk over to the bed* You look like you could use some sleep.
Shinji: *reaches up and pulls Ryoma down next to him* Just a little rest. I got worked over hard.
Ryoma: *Blinks at being suddenly grabbed and pulled onto the bed, but smiles a little as he wraps an arm around Shinji* I know.
Shinji: Let me guess...you were watching? *nuzzles Ryoma's hair*
Ryoma: *Curls a little against Shinji's chest, eyes closing at the nuzzling* Hmm... a little. You were good.
Shinji: I was trashed. *kisses Ryoma's hair and closes his eyes*
Ryoma: It was your first time, Shinji. You did good. Better than most... You made him falter. *Opens his eyes and tilts his head up and smiles* I was impressed.
Shinji: At least I didn't nearly blind him. *kisses above Ryoma's eye* I wasn't expecting to beat him.
Ryoma: *Closes the eye Shinji kissed for a moment* ... Not allowed to beat him until I have.
Shinji: I'll remember that... *smiles* I'm in no danger of beating him.
Ryoma: Never know. *Lowers his head again and rests his cheek upon Shinji's chest* You could.
Shinji: No. I don't think I can reach that level. Not quite competitive enough, I think.
Ryoma: *Nods a little* That's fine. You don't have to be.
Shinji: I just want to enjoy it. *kisses his cheek*
Ryoma: Then enjoy it. *Turns his head just a little, just enough to kiss back*
Shinji: Can I enjoy you, too?
Ryoma: Hmmm... don't you always?
Shinji: I like to think I do.
Ryoma: *Lifts his arms, slipping them around Shinji's neck* 'Think'? You're not sure, Shinji?
Shinji: I do enjoy you, whenever I'm with you, however I'm with you.
Ryoma: Good. *Leans up to kiss him gently* Glad to hear it.
Shinji: *kisses him back, softly* I should've showered...I must smell
Ryoma: *Laughs quietly* Can't tell. You smell fine to me.
Shinji: *blushes a little and pulls Ryoma closer to him*
Ryoma: *Rests his head against Shinji's shoulder and wraps himself a bit more around him, getting as close as he can*
Shinji: You know I love you, right, Ryo?
Ryoma: *Blinks open his eyes and pulls back, looking a bit confused* ... of course. Why... do you ask?
Shinji: *caresses Ryoma's face gently* I just...want you to know how much you mean to me. How much I care about you.
Ryoma: ... *Leans a little into the caress* I know you do, Shinji. I know all that. I know you love me. I love you, too.
Shinji: Good...never forget that, Ryo, alright. *closes his eyes again and nuzzles Ryoma's neck*
Ryoma: Why would I forget...? *Lets his own eyes close as he tips his head back just enough to make the nuzzling easier* ... Is something... wrong?
Shinji: No, nothing's wrong...just thinking, plus I had a small chat with your father, so...I just wanted to let you know that in case you weren't sure how important you are to me.
Ryoma: What are you thinking? And what did that idiot say to you? *Frowns* ... I should disown him or something...
Shinji: You don't need to disown him, Ryo. It's fine. *kisses his neck*
Ryoma: *Sighs softly and nods* Okay... I won't...
Shinji: *cuddles Ryoma a little closer and yawns*
Ryoma: *Leans in to nuzzle Shinji's cheek* Ne... Shinji? Why don't you sleep?
Shinji: Just a short nap...are you going to stay, Ryo?
Ryoma: You're holding me, not like I could leave, even if I wanted to. *Smiles softly* I'll stay till you wake.
Shinji: God...because you're...comfy.... *murmurs drowsily*
Ryoma: *Snuggles a little closer* Shh... just sleep, Shinji.
Shinji: Mmmm...love you, Ryo..... *starts to doze off*
Ryoma: Love you too... *Closes his eyes, not the least bit sleepy, but just comfortable himself*