Date: Thursday morning (March 1)
Rating: G
Summary: Ryoma apologizes for being his stupid self, and he and Tezuka play a match and eat pancakes and take a nap. :D;
Ryoma: ::has been up since 4:30am or so, and is waiting for Tezuka out on the tennis court in jersey, shorts, and a jacket this time with his second-best racket, ambling around a bit trying to both stay awake and still work out what he wants to say::
Tezuka: *gets up at his usual time around five, gets dressed in his warmups and heads out for his run - he pauses by the tennis courts when he notices someone is already out there* Echizen. *he opens the gate and steps out onto the court, a little bemused*
Ryoma: ::blinks a little blearily, looking both relieved and nervous, and nods a little at Tezuka:: Buchou. ::pauses, but his expression turns resolute and he sets down his racket, getting down on his knees and bowing his head:: I owe you an apology.
Tezuka: *watches Ryoma, his eyes fixing on the back of his head, but says nothing*
Ryoma: Look. I'm... I'm sorry. I took everything you were tryin' to give me an' I threw it in your face. An'... I won't pretend I can really make it better, but I can't stand that I hurt you an' I never meant to make it seem like I thought so little of you. Because I don't. An' I know you prolly don't wanna hear this now anyway, but... I guess I still thought I should say it. ::falls silent::
Tezuka: ...*for a moment, he doesn't know what to say - honestly... just showing up made a real impression on him. He was starting to cool down about the whole thing, anyway. Some part of him knew Ryoma did not think so little of their... whatever it was. He speaks a bit more softly* Ryoma. *holds out a hand to help Ryoma up*
Ryoma: ::glances up; he wasn't expecting Tezuka to say or do anything, but he's kind of relieved all the same, taking the proffered hand, breaking into a small, relieved smile and getting to his feet:: Sorry - thanks. ::doesn't *quite want to look Tezuka in the eye, but mostly because he's afraid he'd blush or something stupid like that, so he picks up his racket instead::
Tezuka: *goes to get his own bag and his own tennis racquet - also bringing back the other racquet that belongs to Ryoma* Did you want to play?
Ryoma: ::accepts the racket with a nod:: Thanks. ::glances up:: Were you gonna? I mean, you c'n run first f'you want. ::he doesn't really know Tezuka's morning schedule that well, since he's generally barely awake when he *does* practice with the other this early::
Tezuka: My intention was to run and do footwork drills. *remove the warm-up pants, folding them neatly on the side of the court* I have already stretched. If we take it easy the first game, I will be able to warm up.
Ryoma: ... Okay. Lemme stretch real quick. ::hits all the basics, making sure to take enough time but trying not to take *too* long, knowing he can warm up during the game just as well. Sets one racket on the other side of the court and takes his place to receive:: You c'n serve. ::is hoping for no more zero-shiki serves, but he'll only let one go by him this morning if there are any::
Tezuka: Very well. *sets up on his side of the court, going through his usual serving ritual - a normal serve. He wishes to warm up in this game. He is already moving, anticipating Ryoma's volley*
Ryoma: ::desperately needs a warm-up game more than he'd like to admit, returning the ball easily but knowing Tezuka's already one step ahead and moves as soon as the ball is away from his racket, trying to calculate where the other will hit it, trying to lose himself so he can fall back into the normal pattern of play he's always had with Tezuka::
Tezuka: *falls into a familiar and comfortable game - one he has played countless times. It's a lot like dancing where he knows all the steps both of them are going to take - even the so called "surprises" are handled with grace. Ryoma does seem tired, but his drive has returned. Tezuka is winning, but he does not feel the need to make this about winning or losing*
Ryoma: ::It's taboo to go into a game expecting to lose, but he knows he's still not in top form. Nonetheless, Tezuka doesn't seem to be exploiting that today, and things slowly begin to feel like the past few days never even happened, and he doesn't think he'll ever be able to give this up, and is ashamed he did something that nearly made that happen. He tries to put that into his game::
Tezuka: *understands tennis - he would have understood everything if Ryoma had just faced him on the court to begin with. As it comes to be five games to two and he can see Ryoma has broken a sweat, he suggests lightly* Are you up for breakfast after this?
Ryoma: ::his stomach has been growling - loudly - since their second game; it's been far too long since he ate dinner, and now that things have fallen back into some semblance of normal, he'll more than gladly take Tezuka up on that offer:: ... Yeah, definitely. F'it's all right - don't lemme cut into anything else you were gonna do. ::still immensely relieved, and his game has gotten better::
Tezuka: *rests his racquet against his shoulder* Very well. I believe the score is currently tied. *lying horribly, and fighting in a smile as a result* We can always train, later, when the sun is up.
Ryoma: ::pauses, more winded than Tezuka but mostly because he's tired and hungry - Tezuka is totally lying, he was winning by.... but, well, if he wants to let it go... He can't help a small smile, and nods:: Yeah... after breakfast. ::stomach growls again::
Tezuka: *goes to the net and offers his hand for a handshake*
Ryoma: ::heads for the net, shaking Tezuka's hand like he means it, head still a bit bowed but out of respect, not shame::
Tezuka: *does not release Ryoma's hand, immediately, though his grip loosens* You aren't wearing your jacket. *it computes that after what he said, yesterday... he gives Ryoma's hand another tight squeeze* I want to see you in my - in Japan's - colors.
Ryoma: ::blinks:: I... gave it to Momo to... ::trails off, blushing unintentionally, feeling stupid for even having briefly considering offering it back:: I'll wear it tomorrow. ::grins a little to hide his embarrassment::
Tezuka: *smiles back, warmly, and steps away from the net to collect his warm-up pants* Are pancakes alright with you? I seem to remember you mentioning them, before.
Ryoma: ::feels like he might die of relief - but then he wouldn't get pancakes. He nods, going over to pick up his spare racket:: Yeah - God, yeah, I think I could eat at least ten.
Tezuka: *wonders if Ryoma might actually eat ten - he's heard of stranger things. He pauses at the door so Ryoma can catch up before heading back to the house and into the kitchen to prepare pancakes*
Ryoma: ::jogs a bit to catch up and nods his thanks, setting his rackets down just inside the kitchen doorway and tries to look like he doesn't really, really just want to collapse into one of the chairs:: You want help?
Tezuka: *glances around, taking inventory - he can make pancakes from memory* Would you mind getting the utensils together? I will get the ingredients. *may be making a mistake in assuming Ryoma knows what he needs*
Ryoma: .... Uh.... ::figures a spatula is good, for flipping them, but he's not exactly sure what else you need, and pulls open the drawer, finding the spatula and then just staring blankly at the rest. Finally just holds it up, looking sheepish:: You need more'n just this?
Tezuka: ...*wonders how Ryoma lived to be twenty-three* I will need a whisk, a measuring cup, a teaspoon, a mixing bowl, and a skillet. *collects the eggs, milk and butter from the fridge - he already has the dry ingredients and the vanilla extract on the counter*
Ryoma: ::blink:: Right. ::begins hunting for the things Tezuka's just listed, finally finding them in the giant kitchen and setting them out sheepishly so Tezuka can pick which he needs first, standing there a bit awkwardly and feeling like he should help, but also feeling like Tezuka might do better without help such as his::
Tezuka: *once everything is together, glances at Ryoma* Thank you. You may go sit down, if you like. You look tired.
Ryoma: A little. ::nods, feeling relieved (again) and stumbling over to the nearest chair, all-but-collapsing into it, but turning so he can watch Tezuka so he can see how this is done, and try to offer some conversation:: Sorry m'not much help in the kitchen.
Tezuka: *measures out each of the dry ingredients, first, mixing them* It's no trouble. I am used to cooking for myself... and often Sengoku. *makes a bit of a face, but adds two egg whites and starts stirring in the milk*
Ryoma: ::watching, though he's not sure he'll remember all this later anyway:: Mm, yeah. Never learned how to cook, but I guess I prolly should one a'these days... Maybe I'll actually be able to *help* next time.
Tezuka: When you are more coherent, I will teach you. I know how to make hamburgers, too. *smiles wryly where Ryoma can't see it, and adds in the vanilla, stirring the batter to the right consistency and moving on to the skillet. He heats butter in the skillet, first, and then goes to find a ladle, looking through the drawers*
Ryoma: ... Heh. All right. ::thinks he could handle basic cooking, but more coherent sounds like a good idea - especially if Tezuka can tell. He tries to wake himself up a bit, still watching:: Doesn't look too hard. ::after a moment, thinks to get up and find plates and utensils for eating, as well as syrup:: .... Hey, you want tea?
Tezuka: *pouring pancakes on the skillet* Tea? ...Yes, I would like tea, if it is not too much trouble.
Ryoma: Yeah, s'no problem. ::small grin:: I *can* make tea, at least. ::pulls down the cannister from the cabinet, then finds the teapot and sets about heating up the water::
Tezuka: *flips the pancakes on the skillet, watching Ryoma* Are you really going to want ten?
Ryoma: ::considers this:: ... Maybe five.
Tezuka: *can cook about three at a time... so...* Alright. Do you like syrup hot or straight out of the bottle?
Ryoma: ... Guess outta the bottle's fine. Unless you want it hot? ... ::wonders if Tezuka even eats pancake syrup?::
Tezuka: No. I prefer pancakes with strawberry jam. *takes the first batch of pancakes off the pan and starts three more*
Ryoma: ... Huh. Never tried that. ::hunts for the strawberry jam, in that case, and sets it on the table as well - and goes to tend to the hot water, adding the tea and letting it steep a few minutes:: Lemme know how strong you want it.
Tezuka: *voice a bit coy* I'll let you guess. *flips the pancakes*
Ryoma: Strong it is, then. ::tries not to laugh, and leans against the counter, keeping an eye on the clock so as not to overdo it, also watching Tezuka with the pancakes:: Huh. How d'you do it so they don't fall apart?
Tezuka: ...Fall apart? Why would they fall apart? *looks at Ryoma like he's grown a second, stupider head*
Ryoma: .... Well... I mean... they're... ::looks sheepish:: I never watched my mom make pancakes before, s'all. How c'n you tell they're solid enough to flip?
Tezuka: ... *waits for these pancakes to finish and takes them off the pan, pouring three more - nine should be enough for the two of them* Watch the edges. *quietly moves enough so that Ryoma can see, and motions with the spatula* You see how the outside edge looks like cake and the center bubbles up... *waits until they're ready and flips the pancakes*
Ryoma: ::comes a little closer to watch, actually kind of fascinated, and nods:: ... Huh. I guess that works. ::will try to remember that if he ever makes them - then remembers the tea and figures it's steeped long enough, searching out some of the nicer teacups::
Tezuka: *waits a moment more for the pancakes to finish before removing them and turning off the burner - he moves the skillet to another burner to cool down and takes the plate of pancakes over to the table* Would you like me to grab you something else to drink, or are you alright with tea?
Ryoma: ::mulls this over a moment, but shakes his head:: Nah, tea's all right. You c'n have most of it though. ::brings the teapot over and pours out two cups, then settles down and waits for Tezuka to grab a pancake before doing the same, totally drowning it in syrup::
Tezuka: *puts a bit of strawberry jam on the pancake and takes a sip of the tea, first. It is nearly perfect... he wonders if Ryoma has been studying his tea-drinking habits, for a moment, before the thought is replaced with a small bubbling feeling in his chest* It is delicious.
Ryoma: ::glances up from his third bite of pancake already, grinning:: Glad I got it right. ::indicates the half-gone pancake on his plate:: S'really good too. Thanks f'r breakfast. ::eats!::
Tezuka: ...*thinking Ryoma is going to choke if he keeps eating that quickly, but does not voice this, calmly eating his own pancakes and enjoying the tea*
Ryoma: ::is actually quite good at speed-eating, grabbing another pancake and devouring it, but after the third he finally slows down a little:: Much better. ::still plans on eating the other two, though:: You okay with just four?
Tezuka: I believe three is enough, should you decide you want another. *starting on his second pancake, once more applying a bit of the strawberry jam. Normally, about this time, he would be reading the newspaper while having breakfast, but it would be a crime right now... he has not seen Ryoma smile in a few days. This is so much better*
Ryoma: ::is ready to take him up on that offer, but still...:: Aren't I supposed to be helping with the 'Feed Buchou' campaign? I don't care f'you want four. ::drowns another pancake in syrup::
Tezuka: *wondering what the exact syrup:pancake ratio is... suspects it would make him a bit ill to think about it* Is it a campaign, now? I thought you were not concerned about my weight. *finishes off the second pancake really thinking three is going to be his limit until he has slept properly and has a real appetite*
Ryoma: Heh. Well, I mean, it's ongoing, right? Pancakes're prolly better than applesauce bein' shoved down your throat.
Tezuka: *pauses to sip his tea, looking thoughtful* Indeed. Though... there is something to be said for the tireless efforts of little hands.
Ryoma: ... Heh. Yeah, I guess so. Oishi-sempai's kids sound like good girls. ::shovels another bite of pancake into his mouth::
Tezuka: They are. *grabs a third pancake, spreading jam on it and eats it a bit more slowly - he is definitely not very hungry, anymore* I am going to take a stab in the dark and say you do not want to return to practice, today.
Ryoma: ::considers:: Well... I will f'you want. ::is determined not to do anything to let Tezuka down right now, though even though the sugar of the syrup is helping, he's still exhausted:: Might do better with some real sleep first, though...
Tezuka: We both would. *has not slept properly in three days, himself, and it's probably starting to show, now that anger is no longer fueling him* Neither of us will forget how to play tennis should we take a day off - we can continue per usual starting tomorrow.
Ryoma: ::starts in on the last pancake in the stack, finally slowing to a real normal human pace, nodding and pushing it around to pick up the syrup pooled on the plate:: Yeah. ::was thinking Tezuka looked tired a bit too:: Usual bein' five in the morning, or later?
Tezuka: I'm sure we can come to some sort of agreement. If you do not wish to join me for my run and footwork exercises, I could be talked into seven or maybe even eight.
Ryoma: ::closes his eyes, sighing:: Eight'd be nice. But I guess I could do seven f'you really want. I don't mind running after f'you run before.
Tezuka: *finishes off the last of his third pancake, and has no desire to touch the lonely pancake remaining* Seven-thirty, then?
Ryoma: ::nods:: Yeah. I c'n do that. ::finishes his pancake and eyes the last one, cocking his head to see if Tezuka wants it::
Tezuka: *motions a bit with his fork to indicate that it is alright if Ryoma wants it and pours himself some more tea*
Ryoma: ::grins and proceeds to drench it in syrup and finish it off, leaning back, nodding:: Those're really good. ::and now he feels ready to lie down on the floor right there and sleep, but that's not an option, so he picks up both plates and heads to the sink to wash them::
Tezuka: *waits a minute sipping the tea - wanting to just comfortably melt into the chair and sleep, but manages to pull himself up after a moment and begin the process of putting everything away and handing dishes off to Ryoma to be washed*
Ryoma: ::manages to wash everything well enough without dropping or breaking it, stacking it on the side of the sink once it's clean:: I'll put it away later. ::searches for a towel to dry his hands, then puts the jam and syrup back::
Tezuka: I'm sure someone else will use it for making breakfast. *pauses glancing at the clock on the wall - it is still quite early* ...Are you going back to bed?
Ryoma: ::follows his gaze to the clock and nods, barely registering the time:: Was the plan. F'I make it that far. ::small grin:: You look kinda tired too, Buchou. ::grin fades to just a smile::
Tezuka: ...I was thinking a nap was in order. *regards Ryoma, expression calm*
Ryoma: Yeah... you look like you could prolly use one. ::Tezuka really does look tired, and Ryoma isn't sure if it's his fault or not, but feels guilty nonetheless:: Thanks f'r makin' breakfast. ::Somehow doesn't want to leave, like he'll wake up and things won't be fixed and it will have been a dream::
Tezuka: You're welcome. *grows completely silent, reminding himself not to hold his breath. It seems everything is getting to be back to normal, but some small part of him still wonders what will be comfortable for Ryoma* ...Ryoma?
Ryoma: ::cocks his head, pushing in their chairs:: Yeah? ::hopes it's... okay, that they're doing things like this again::
Tezuka: ...Sometimes... *pauses to avoid stumbling over his words* When I cannot sleep... sometimes it is helpful... *trails off*
Ryoma: ::Is... a little unsure of what Tezuka wants, but at the same time... he knows what helps *him* sleep, but he doesn't know if that's what Tezuka wants to ask him - but maybe it is. The idea makes him stupidly excited, despite how tired he is, and he offers a small smile, trying to hide his nervousness at possibly taking this the wrong way, and asks quietly:: Would some company help?
Tezuka: *infinitely grateful that he doesn't have to say it... he was not sure quite how he was going to say that one - it would be easier if he were more tired. It was always easier to be forward, then, for some strange reason* Yes. If you do not mind.
Ryoma: ::nods, smile growing just a bit, and more than happy to help if he can:: Yeah. I don't mind at all. ::picks up his rackets but will let Tezuka precede him::
Tezuka: *leads the way back to his room, dropping his warmup pants and racquet on top of his tennis bag near the door and stripping out of his jacket. The sun is just starting to come up, outside*
Ryoma: ::sets his rackets down against the wall, putting his jacket next to them and pulling off his shoes, blinking blearily at the light starting to come in through the window and finally, after a moment's debate over protocol, sits down on the bed, waiting for Tezuka because he's not quite sure where to lie::
Tezuka: *also removes his sneakers, crawling onto the bed as gracefully as possible - he likes to sleep on the side closest to the window, but it would force Ryoma to crawl over him, so he goes to the far side of the bed and gets settled*
Ryoma: ::lays down on the side he's on, then, far enough that he's not invading Tezuka's side of the bed, but close enough to try to indicate that if Tezuka wants him closer, he won't mind, thinking somehow that everyone else's bed seems much more comfortable than his own:: S'this good?
Tezuka: However you are most comfortable. *rolls on his side, facing Ryoma... and thinks that the cameras don't matter, ducking his head closer to give Ryoma a gentle, brief kiss* Sleep well. *he removes his glasses and sets them aside, closing his eyes and settling into the pillow*
Ryoma: ::blinks:: .... Yeah. You too. ::the soft smile returns, figuring maybe he still doesn't really have an answer, but this is far better than being mad, and he's too tired to think about anything else right now so he settles just a little closer, eyes falling closed and sleep coming soon after::