[Chapter 1/ ?] Falling Snow
Title: Falling Snow [Chapter 1/?]
Fandom: Prince of Tennis
Author: Saida
Pairing: TezuRyo
Notes: Wrote it last year and posted it in www.fanfiction.net
Summary: What will Tezuka and Ryoma do to handle his new life? How will they go through the hardships and and obstacles in their future?
“Ohayou,” Nanako greeted Ryoma when she saw him coming into the kitchen.
“Ohayou,” Ryoma greeted back.
“Here’s your favorite Japanese breakfast,” Nanako served Ryoma’s favorite rice with grilled fish and miso soup. Although Nanako is now financially secured, she still lives with the Echizens’. That was because she fears that her aunt would be lonely when her uncle and three cousins went overseas for the tennis competitions.
“Thank you,” Ryoma said as Nanako sat in front of him.
“Where is okaa-san?” Ryoma asked.
“Oh, oba-san went to work,” Nanako answered.
“Oh, I see. So, Nanako-san, why aren’t you at work?” Ryoma asked.
“I was given a day off since tomorrow I’ll be going on a travel to the United States for work,” Nanako answered. Ryoma just nodded his head and continued eating. Nanako smiled. “Ryoma-san, don’t you want to go out?”
It’s been three days since Ryoma returned to Japan and ever since than, he has been cooped up in the house. Ryoma didn’t say anything but just continue eating.
“But I’m glad you returned though,” Nanako said. Ryoma looked at her. “Oba-san would be lonely when I’m going on the travel.”
“I’m going to the tennis court,” Ryoma said, standing up. “Thanks for the food.”
“Hai,” Nanako said while taking the plates to the sink.
After taking his tennis gear, he went to the tennis court backyard. He started a rally with the wall.
“This really is a unique case, Mr. Echizen,” Dr. Charlie said. “Only a few people in the world has experience it.”
“B-But…how could it happen?”
“Well, we’re still looking for that answer,” Dr. Charlie said. “However, you don’t have to worry; I am also during researches about this.”
“I see,” Ryoma said.
“If you don’t mind, I need to ask you some questions,” said the doctor. Ryoma nodded his head. “Who are you sex partner for the last two months?”
Ryoma gave a look that said ‘like-hell-I’m-going-to-tell-you’. The doctor sighed. “I’m not a psychic who could read your mind, you know.”
“Tezuka Kunimitsu,” Ryoma muttered.
Dr. Charlie grinned. “That’s not so hard, is it?” Ryoma blush a little. “Hmm, Tezuka Kunimitsu,” Dr. Charlie said, “he could be a talented doctor in the future.”
Ryoma looked at Dr. Charlie, surprised. “You know him?”
“I’ve met him when I was visiting my trainee in Japan,” Dr. Charlie answered. He looked at Ryoma. “I’m guessing you live at the Kantou region?”
Ryoma nodded his head. “Yes.”
“Well, this will make things easier,” Dr. Charlie said.
“As I told you before, I’m researching about this kind of cases. My trainee is also helping me out with it,” the doctor explained. “So, I could recommend you to him when you return to Japan.”
“Who is your trainee?” Ryoma asked.
“Yukimura Seiichi,” answered Dr. Charlie.
“Are you crazy?” Ryoma yelled out.
“Judging from your reaction, I’m guessing you know him,” said the doctor.
“Of course I do,” Ryoma said. “He’s the ex-buchou of Rikkaidai, one of the three Rikkai demons.”
“It’s settled then,” Dr. Charlie said. “I’ll call Seiichi tonight and tell him about it. I’m sure he’ll be glad to take this case.”
“No!” said Ryoma while glaring at the doctor. Dr. Charlie stared back at him. It went on for a few minutes, neither one of them back down.
Ryoma caught the tennis ball with his hand. “I think I’m going to sit,” he said to himself as he walked to the bench nearby.
“Ryoma, there is one way out,” Dr. Charlie said.
“What is it?” asked Ryoma.
“I don’t recommend it though,” Dr. Charlie said.
“Just tell me already,” Ryoma said impatiently.
Dr. Charlie sighed, “Abortion.” Ryoma remained silent. “Abortion is-”
“I know what abortion means,” Ryoma snapped.
“People who are unwilling to go through this went through with abortion,” explained Dr. Charlie.
“In other words, killing it?” Ryoma subconsciously moved his hand to his abdomen.
“Aah,” Dr. Charlie said. “That will get rid of your problem, and you could play tennis again.”
Ryoma looked down at where his hand was placed. ‘Kill the baby?’ he thought. ‘I can’t…but if-if I do, I could-play tennis again. I want to play tennis.’
Then, everything went black for Ryoma.
Ryoma opened his eyes. “How did I-” he was surprised that he was in his room, and not outside at the courts.
“Ah, Ryo-chan, I see that you’re awake,” a voice that clearly doesn’t belong to either his mom or cousin, said.
“Y-Yukimura-senpai,” Ryoma said, clearly surprised to see the older man there. It seems like coincidentally they all went to the same high school, and thus, they were teammates in the tennis club. It also seems like the label ‘senpai’ is stuck forever.
“You shouldn’t be stressing yourself too hard,” Yukimura, who was sitting on a chair next to Ryoma’s bed, said. “You don’t know how worried I was when I found you unconscious at the tennis court.”
“Yukimura-senpai, what are you doing here? Where’s Nanako-san? Karupin?” Ryoma asked.
“Nanako-san left a message on the counter,” Yukimura answered. “It seems like there’s some last minute things her boss asked her to do. Karupin, on the other hand, is sleeping at the end of your bed.”
“Oh,” Ryoma said. Then, remembering his earlier question, he looked at Yukimura and asked, “What are you doing here? And how did you get in if Nanako-san isn’t here?”
“Dr. Charlie told me about you and I’ve been waiting for three days but you still didn’t come so I decided to visit you instead,” Yukimura said. “And I’m glad I did, for who knows what will happen to you if I didn’t,” he added in. Ryoma’s hand immediately went to his stomach. “For the key, well, it was always, under the carpet at the front door, ne?” Yukimura gave his trademark smile while Ryoma just nodded.
Yukimura moved closer to Ryoma a.k.a sitting on the bed next to the golden-eyed tennis pro. He put a hand on Ryoma’s shoulder. He knows, although how much Ryoma tried to look tough but he’s actually fragile and delicate. “Don’t worry,” Yukimura said, “the baby is fine.”
“How long was I unconscious?” Ryoma asked.
“Two hours thirty minutes,” Yukimura answered.
“Oh,” Ryoma said. After a few minutes of silence, he said, “Yukimura-senpai, I don’t know what to do.”
Removing his hand from his kouhai’s shoulder, Yukimura said seriously, “Ryoma, has Dr. Charlie told you about the options you have?” Ryoma grimaced while nodding his head. “Have you made your decision?”
“I-I want to play tennis,” Ryoma said softly.
Yukimura sighed silently, there was a glint of disappointment in his eyes but he never stopped smiling. “It’s your decision, Ryoma, and nobody could make it for you.” Ryoma tugged Yukimura’s sleeve. “Nani?” the blue-haired former demon of Rikkaidai, asked.
“Yukimura-senpai, I said I want to play tennis…but the feeling to keep this baby is stronger,” Ryoma said, caressing his still flat stomach.
Yukimura chuckled. “Well Ryo-chan, sorry for doubting you,” he said. “What made you make that decision?”
Ryoma smiled.
It was early in the morning, 19 year-old Ryoma and 21 year-old Tezuka had went to Ryoma’s summer house in Prague. With nothing covering them but bed sheets, Ryoma and Tezuka lay on the king-sized bed. Ryoma rested his head on Tezuka’s chest, while the older teen caressed Ryoma’s black-green hair.
“Ne, Kuni-bu,” Ryoma said.
“Aah?”
“Kuni-bu, have you ever thought about wanting your-your own f-family?” Ryoma asked.
Tezuka stopped caressing Ryoma’s hair and said, “Yes, I’ve thought of it. I’ve thought about having my own family, with children from my spouse.”
“Oh,” Ryoma said. He was about to leave the bed when Tezuka embraced him from behind. “But as you said, those are my thoughts and nothing more. I wouldn’t trade you for anything in the world, Ryoma,” Tezuka said.
“But Kunimitsu, what if your parents doesn’t approve of our relationship?” Ryoma asked. “They think you’re in Prague for a course.”
Tezuka kissed Ryoma’s neck. “You don’t need to worry about that. As long as I’m here, I’ll worry about that problem. I won’t ever leave you, no matter what. This is my promise and as proof,” Tezuka softly bit Ryoma’s neck, making the younger teen moaned a little.
“I love you, Kunimitsu,” Ryoma said.
“Me too, Ryoma,” Tezuka replied.
“I see,” said Yukimura. “Saa, are you ready to acknowledge your presence in Japan to the others?”
Ryoma shook his head. “No, I’m not ready,” he said.
Yukimura asked, “Not even Tezuka?” Ryoma shook his head. “Very well,” Yukimura said. “I’ll keep my mouth shut about your presence in Japan.”
“Thank you, Yukimura-senpai,” Ryoma said gratefully.
“But you still have to go to the hospital for a proper check-up,” Yukimura said with a warning tone.
“Can’t you just check on me here instead?” Ryoma asked, pouting.
Yukimura shook his head. “No, I don’t have the equipments needed here, and even if I could borrow it from the hospital, wouldn’t it be suspicious since it will lead to your house?”
“You’re training at Kantou General Hospital, right?” Ryoma asked.
“Yes,” Yukimura said, and as if knowing what Ryoma was thinking, he added, “it’s a fat chance that you’ll run into Tezuka or Oishi since Tezuka is in the Orthopedics department and Oishi is in the Oncology department while I’m at the Obstetrician department.”
Ryoma sighed, “Hai, I’ll go to the hospital.”
Yukimura went to Ryoma’s desk and wrote something on a piece of paper. After a few seconds, he said, “I’ve written all the information you need for your first appointment. I’ll be waiting at the exact time, Ryo-chan.”
Twitch. “Don’t call me Ryo-chan.”
Yukimura chuckled. “Saa, it’s just cute to call you Ryo-chan.”
Twitch. Twitch. “Yukimura-senpai,” he growled. Yukimura just chuckled.
Then, they heard someone entered the house and a shout saying, “Ryoma-san, I’m home. Do we have a guest?”
“It seems like Nanako-san is back,” Yukimura said. “I guess I better go too.”
Ryoma nodded. “I’ll send you out.”
“There’s no need,” Yukimura said. “It’s important if you just get your rest.”
Before Ryoma could protest, Yukimura went out of the room, saying, “Rest,” before closing the door.
From inside his bedroom, Ryoma could here Yukimura said, “Konnichiwa, Nanako-san.”
Nanako replied, “Konnichiwa. Yukimura-san, I didn’t know you’re here.”
“I’m just leaving actually,” Yukimura said. “I have an appointment now.”
“Ah, I see,” Nanako said.
“Ja ne,” Yukimura told the older woman.
“Ja,” Nanako replied.
After Yukimura went out, Nanako closed the door. ‘I wonder what Ryoma is doing.’ So, she went up to Ryoma’s room. When she opened the door, a smile spread on her face when she saw the scene. “Saa, I guess he’s feeling tired after all.”
Then, there was a loud “Meow” but not loud enough to wake Ryoma from Karupin. Careful not to wake his master up, he went down the bed and towards Nanako. The said girl then closed the door and said tot eh cat, “Let’s feed you up while your master sleeps, Karupin,” she said.
“Meow,” Karupin mewl.