Prince of Tennis - Yanagi Renji -094. Independence
Title: Door to the World, Part 2
Fandom: Prince of Tennis
Characters: Yanagi Renji, Yanagi Kana, Yukimura Seiichi, Sanada Genichirou, Inui Sadaharu
Prompt: 094. Independence
Word Count: 1,580
Rating: PG
Summary: Renji is filled with angst about saying goodbye to Japan and his friends.
Author's Notes:
My LDT found here
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“I can’t believe my baby brother is heading to Spain!” Yanagi Kana squealed in her brother’s ear. “Think all that Spanish is going to pay off?” She asked, helping him pack up for his trip.
“I think it will.” He said, pausing a bit. “I’m sure it will be quite an experience, anyway.” Renji grinned a little. “It’ll get me away from you for a year.”
“That’s not fair!” Kana pouted. “I am trying to help you here, you know. Be a bit more respectful, brat.” She said, stretching her leg out to kick Renji in the shin. Renji jumped back before it connected.
“And I appreciate it greatly.” Renji said, sitting down. “I’m honestly surprised Mom and Dad are allowing this.” He said.
“I am too. We’re going to miss you.” Kana said, gathering her little brother up in a hug. “Have you told your friends yet?” She asked.
Renji froze. “Not yet.” He admitted.
“Renji. Don’t make the same mistake twice in your life.” Kana said, sighing softly.
“This is different. I’m coming back.”
“You’re still leaving.” Kana said. “Even if you are coming back, everyone is going to miss you.”
Renji snorted. “I doubt that.” He said. “They’ll be fine without me.”
Kana shook her head and got up. “You’re stupid sometimes.” She said, flicking him on the back of the head and headed downstairs.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*
“So you were accepted to the program?” Yukimura Seiichi asked Renji, knowing full well he had. There was list of students that had been accepted on one of the school bulletin boards.
“Seiichi, don’t start.” Renji said.
“When are you leaving?” Yukimura asked, his head tilted in curiosity.
“I’m not telling you. You’ll drag the team to a going away party, and I don’t want one.” Renji informed him. “I’d feel better if anyone didn’t know.”
Yukimura gave Renji a fake pout. “You’re not even going to say goodbye to your best friends? That’s not fair!”
“Seiichi, you’re being childish. We’re third years in high school.” Renji calmly informed him. “And I will say good bye when I’m ready to leave. I just can’t face everyone all at once though.”
“You like it, and you know it.” Yukimura said, sticking his tongue out at Renji. “Fine. No party.” Yukimura promised, fingers crossed behind his back.
Renji glanced around his room. It seemed so bare. It hadn’t looked like that since they had moved into the house. Beloved posters, a few trinkets to remind him of home and most of his clothes had been packed into a trunk that was being shipped across a continent.
Kana poked her head into his room. “What’s wrong?” She asked, noticing the rather down look on his face.
“Nothing really.” Renji answered. “It just reminds me of what it looked like when we moved in.”
Kana shook her head. “It is rather bare. But you’ll have things to remind you of home. And I expect letters from you at least every week.”
Renji smiled a little. “Of course. I couldn’t leave you in the dark like that.” He said.
Kana paused, a thought on her mind. “Have you said goodbye yet?”
Renji bristled a little at the question. Kana frowned, picking up Renji’s cell phone from his desk and tossed it at him. Luckily, his tennis honed reflexes allowed him to catch it in his hands. “Do it.”
Renji glared a little at her.
“Your flight leaves tomorrow, right? You only have today left here in this glorious country. You should be spending it with your friends, making the most of this day.” Kana said. “Not moping around the house, wondering if you’re going to regret not saying goodbye again.”
“I’m not going to regret it. I just don’t want anyone making a fuss over me. I’ve always hated that.” Renji responded, setting the phone down, just as it started ringing. Renji reluctantly answered it.
“Ren~ji~~” Yukimura’s voice singsonged through the earpiece. “My house. Within the next half hour.” He ordered, not letting Renji getting a word in before hanging up on Renji. Renji stared at the phone, a sinking feeling in his gut.
“I hate you, Seiichi.” He said to his phone while Kana giggled.
“Apparently you have better friends than I thought.” She said.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*
Renji reluctantly wandered the streets to the Yukimura’s doorstep, and glared at the door once he arrived. He was filled with dread at imagining what Yukimura could have thought up. Renji took a deep breath and knocked on the door, not surprised when a grinning Seiichi answered the door.
Yukimura took his hand, and pulled him into the living room. Renji was relieved to find the only other person in the room was Sanada.
“Seiichi…” Renji said, not quite knowing what to say.
“You’re going to spend time with us whether you like it or not.” Yukimura said. “But I have a condition. You have to call the rest of the team and say goodbye to them before leaving tomorrow.”
Renji narrowed his eyes at Yukimura a little. “Fine.” He said. Yukimura smiled, and placed the house phone in front of Renji.
Everyone had known Renji was going to leave the next day, and most were actually surprised that he was calling to say goodbye to them. Of course, if they had known it was Yukimura’s orders, that might have changed their opinions a little.
Finished with that chore (even though it was a great weight lifted off of Renji), the three friends sat in comfortable silence for a while.
“You’re going to write us, right?” Yukimura asked.
“I’m sure I can email you or something.” Renji replied. “And I’ll bring something back for you both.” He promised. He had plenty of people he planned on bringing something home for them.
“This year isn’t going to feel the same. No more crushing people in tennis together.” Yukimura complained. Sanada grunted in agreement.
Renji chuckled. “Spain has some talent. I’m sure I’ll find some interesting people to play against there.”
“Of course you will.” Yukimura reassured him. “We should kidnap your spare racket. Then you’ll have to come home.”
“I’ll be back next year, Seiichi.” Renji dryly reminded him.
“You had better come home.” Sanada said, glaring at Renji, even though he wasn’t really upset. “We’re going to sweep the tournaments next year, and we need you to be able to that.”
“Glad to know that I’m appreciated.” Renji said, smiling a little. “I’m sure you’ll do just fine this year and will let me know who all you’ve crushed on the way to the top this year.”
Yukimura finally gave in and hugged Renji. “We’re going to miss you.” Renji was surprised, but hugged back.
“I know. I’ll be thinking of you guys.” Renji said, starting to feel just a little bit embarrassed. “I should probably be getting home now. I still have a bit of packing left to do.” Renji was lying, but he did have a few things he needed to do before the morning.
The three teenagers walked to the door together. Renji said goodbye for the last time, and headed for a nearby park before going home.
Renji stared at his phone, debating making one last call before the country tomorrow. He sighed, dialing a familiar number that was rarely called anymore.
A familiar voice answered the phone, and Renji breathed out quietly.
“This is quite a surprise.” The voice said, not entirely surprised.
Renji smiled. “Sadaharu. I’m afraid I may be about to surprise you even more. I’m leaving the country tomorrow for a student exchange program.”
“Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me, but the fact that you’ll tell me you’re leaving the country does.” There wasn’t a trace of bitterness in Inui’s tone. If anything, there was more amusement in it.
“Still holding that against me?” Renji asked, as he walked distractedly towards his house, the two friends chatting away until the first cell phone’s battery died.
Renji made his way to his room, smiling.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*
The next morning, Renji was still looking somewhat happier than he had. His father had driven him to the airport, both his parents escorting him around to make sure he actually got on the plane.
Kana wandered off at some point from the rest of the family.
Once Renji had a moment, he sat down in the waiting area, glad to have a short moment to himself.
That moment was shorter than he had expected when Yukimura and the rest of the team advanced on him.
Yukimura snuck up behind Renji, engulfing him in a hug that turned into one rather large group hug. “I know you said you didn’t want this, but…” Yukimura trailed off.
Renji chuckled lightly. “I understand.” He said. “I’m going to miss you guys.” He said, as his flight was announced. “I’ll bring you all something back.” Renji promised, picking up his carry on.
“Renji~~!!” Kana called before he got to his gate, holding out something to him. “Here!” She said, kissing her little brother on the cheek, thrusting the book at him.
“Ah…” Renji breathed, trying to get onto the plane. He glanced at it, taking note that it was a book.
“Something to read while you’re in flight. I think you’ll like it.” Kana said. “Now get going!” She said, smiling. “The rest of the world is waiting for you.”
Renji nodded, jogging to the gate. Kana was right. It was time to see what’s waiting for him without looking back.
Fandom: Prince of Tennis
Characters: Yanagi Renji, Yanagi Kana, Yukimura Seiichi, Sanada Genichirou, Inui Sadaharu
Prompt: 094. Independence
Word Count: 1,580
Rating: PG
Summary: Renji is filled with angst about saying goodbye to Japan and his friends.
Author's Notes:
My LDT found here
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“I can’t believe my baby brother is heading to Spain!” Yanagi Kana squealed in her brother’s ear. “Think all that Spanish is going to pay off?” She asked, helping him pack up for his trip.
“I think it will.” He said, pausing a bit. “I’m sure it will be quite an experience, anyway.” Renji grinned a little. “It’ll get me away from you for a year.”
“That’s not fair!” Kana pouted. “I am trying to help you here, you know. Be a bit more respectful, brat.” She said, stretching her leg out to kick Renji in the shin. Renji jumped back before it connected.
“And I appreciate it greatly.” Renji said, sitting down. “I’m honestly surprised Mom and Dad are allowing this.” He said.
“I am too. We’re going to miss you.” Kana said, gathering her little brother up in a hug. “Have you told your friends yet?” She asked.
Renji froze. “Not yet.” He admitted.
“Renji. Don’t make the same mistake twice in your life.” Kana said, sighing softly.
“This is different. I’m coming back.”
“You’re still leaving.” Kana said. “Even if you are coming back, everyone is going to miss you.”
Renji snorted. “I doubt that.” He said. “They’ll be fine without me.”
Kana shook her head and got up. “You’re stupid sometimes.” She said, flicking him on the back of the head and headed downstairs.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*
“So you were accepted to the program?” Yukimura Seiichi asked Renji, knowing full well he had. There was list of students that had been accepted on one of the school bulletin boards.
“Seiichi, don’t start.” Renji said.
“When are you leaving?” Yukimura asked, his head tilted in curiosity.
“I’m not telling you. You’ll drag the team to a going away party, and I don’t want one.” Renji informed him. “I’d feel better if anyone didn’t know.”
Yukimura gave Renji a fake pout. “You’re not even going to say goodbye to your best friends? That’s not fair!”
“Seiichi, you’re being childish. We’re third years in high school.” Renji calmly informed him. “And I will say good bye when I’m ready to leave. I just can’t face everyone all at once though.”
“You like it, and you know it.” Yukimura said, sticking his tongue out at Renji. “Fine. No party.” Yukimura promised, fingers crossed behind his back.
Renji glanced around his room. It seemed so bare. It hadn’t looked like that since they had moved into the house. Beloved posters, a few trinkets to remind him of home and most of his clothes had been packed into a trunk that was being shipped across a continent.
Kana poked her head into his room. “What’s wrong?” She asked, noticing the rather down look on his face.
“Nothing really.” Renji answered. “It just reminds me of what it looked like when we moved in.”
Kana shook her head. “It is rather bare. But you’ll have things to remind you of home. And I expect letters from you at least every week.”
Renji smiled a little. “Of course. I couldn’t leave you in the dark like that.” He said.
Kana paused, a thought on her mind. “Have you said goodbye yet?”
Renji bristled a little at the question. Kana frowned, picking up Renji’s cell phone from his desk and tossed it at him. Luckily, his tennis honed reflexes allowed him to catch it in his hands. “Do it.”
Renji glared a little at her.
“Your flight leaves tomorrow, right? You only have today left here in this glorious country. You should be spending it with your friends, making the most of this day.” Kana said. “Not moping around the house, wondering if you’re going to regret not saying goodbye again.”
“I’m not going to regret it. I just don’t want anyone making a fuss over me. I’ve always hated that.” Renji responded, setting the phone down, just as it started ringing. Renji reluctantly answered it.
“Ren~ji~~” Yukimura’s voice singsonged through the earpiece. “My house. Within the next half hour.” He ordered, not letting Renji getting a word in before hanging up on Renji. Renji stared at the phone, a sinking feeling in his gut.
“I hate you, Seiichi.” He said to his phone while Kana giggled.
“Apparently you have better friends than I thought.” She said.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*
Renji reluctantly wandered the streets to the Yukimura’s doorstep, and glared at the door once he arrived. He was filled with dread at imagining what Yukimura could have thought up. Renji took a deep breath and knocked on the door, not surprised when a grinning Seiichi answered the door.
Yukimura took his hand, and pulled him into the living room. Renji was relieved to find the only other person in the room was Sanada.
“Seiichi…” Renji said, not quite knowing what to say.
“You’re going to spend time with us whether you like it or not.” Yukimura said. “But I have a condition. You have to call the rest of the team and say goodbye to them before leaving tomorrow.”
Renji narrowed his eyes at Yukimura a little. “Fine.” He said. Yukimura smiled, and placed the house phone in front of Renji.
Everyone had known Renji was going to leave the next day, and most were actually surprised that he was calling to say goodbye to them. Of course, if they had known it was Yukimura’s orders, that might have changed their opinions a little.
Finished with that chore (even though it was a great weight lifted off of Renji), the three friends sat in comfortable silence for a while.
“You’re going to write us, right?” Yukimura asked.
“I’m sure I can email you or something.” Renji replied. “And I’ll bring something back for you both.” He promised. He had plenty of people he planned on bringing something home for them.
“This year isn’t going to feel the same. No more crushing people in tennis together.” Yukimura complained. Sanada grunted in agreement.
Renji chuckled. “Spain has some talent. I’m sure I’ll find some interesting people to play against there.”
“Of course you will.” Yukimura reassured him. “We should kidnap your spare racket. Then you’ll have to come home.”
“I’ll be back next year, Seiichi.” Renji dryly reminded him.
“You had better come home.” Sanada said, glaring at Renji, even though he wasn’t really upset. “We’re going to sweep the tournaments next year, and we need you to be able to that.”
“Glad to know that I’m appreciated.” Renji said, smiling a little. “I’m sure you’ll do just fine this year and will let me know who all you’ve crushed on the way to the top this year.”
Yukimura finally gave in and hugged Renji. “We’re going to miss you.” Renji was surprised, but hugged back.
“I know. I’ll be thinking of you guys.” Renji said, starting to feel just a little bit embarrassed. “I should probably be getting home now. I still have a bit of packing left to do.” Renji was lying, but he did have a few things he needed to do before the morning.
The three teenagers walked to the door together. Renji said goodbye for the last time, and headed for a nearby park before going home.
Renji stared at his phone, debating making one last call before the country tomorrow. He sighed, dialing a familiar number that was rarely called anymore.
A familiar voice answered the phone, and Renji breathed out quietly.
“This is quite a surprise.” The voice said, not entirely surprised.
Renji smiled. “Sadaharu. I’m afraid I may be about to surprise you even more. I’m leaving the country tomorrow for a student exchange program.”
“Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me, but the fact that you’ll tell me you’re leaving the country does.” There wasn’t a trace of bitterness in Inui’s tone. If anything, there was more amusement in it.
“Still holding that against me?” Renji asked, as he walked distractedly towards his house, the two friends chatting away until the first cell phone’s battery died.
Renji made his way to his room, smiling.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*
The next morning, Renji was still looking somewhat happier than he had. His father had driven him to the airport, both his parents escorting him around to make sure he actually got on the plane.
Kana wandered off at some point from the rest of the family.
Once Renji had a moment, he sat down in the waiting area, glad to have a short moment to himself.
That moment was shorter than he had expected when Yukimura and the rest of the team advanced on him.
Yukimura snuck up behind Renji, engulfing him in a hug that turned into one rather large group hug. “I know you said you didn’t want this, but…” Yukimura trailed off.
Renji chuckled lightly. “I understand.” He said. “I’m going to miss you guys.” He said, as his flight was announced. “I’ll bring you all something back.” Renji promised, picking up his carry on.
“Renji~~!!” Kana called before he got to his gate, holding out something to him. “Here!” She said, kissing her little brother on the cheek, thrusting the book at him.
“Ah…” Renji breathed, trying to get onto the plane. He glanced at it, taking note that it was a book.
“Something to read while you’re in flight. I think you’ll like it.” Kana said. “Now get going!” She said, smiling. “The rest of the world is waiting for you.”
Renji nodded, jogging to the gate. Kana was right. It was time to see what’s waiting for him without looking back.