FIC: Prince of Tennis - TezuRyo - drabbles100 challenge
Title: see below lj-cut cuts for individual drabble titles - 20 in all
Author: Innusiq
Fandom: Prince of Tennis
Pairing: Tezuka Kunimitsu/Echizen Ryoma
Rating: Pretty much PG
Summary: Basically these drabbles are TezuRyo fifth year being in a relationship.
Author's Notes: Other than my apologies to Fuji for drabble #49... this is a continuation of my table and the story being told by its drabbles. Part 1 can be found here: Year One - Tezuka's POV, part 2 can be found here: Year One - Ryoma's POV, and part 3 can be found here: Year Two. And now, onto the next drabbles in the series.
004 - First
His twentieth birthday celebration is one of massive proportion, complete with Kikumaru being comforted by Oishi while crying about their Ochibi being all grown up.
When the party ends, Tezuka announces having a birthday surprise. They travel three train stops and three blocks before being brought to a neighborhood he's never been to before.
"Where are we?" Ryoma asks, looking at Tezuka when they stop in front of a house gate.
Tezuka digs in a coat pocket and hands him a keychain with one lonely key.
"We're home," Tezuka replies, as if it's the most obvious answer.
Their first home.
009 - Months
Tezuka watches Ryoma with critical eyes as the younger man explores their new home. It took him three months to find the perfect house, and Tezuka hopes he has made the right decision, both with the home and assuming Ryoma wants this too.
Ryoma's eyes are wide and observant, taking in every detail of every room, but he doesn't say a word, the silence making Tezuka second guess the decision.
"Karupin will love it," Ryoma finally states once he's investigated the entire house.
"What about Ryoma?"
"I would be happy anywhere," Ryoma replies thoughtfully. "As long as you are there."
014 - Black
He stares at his reflection in the mirror, looking as uncomfortable as he feels. Formal wear has never been his thing, and is the main reason he avoids events like these. The only reason he agreed this year is because Tezuka's up for an award at the annual sport appreciation ceremony.
Ryoma fumbles with his bow-tie, getting his finger stuck in the process, and curses.
"Here," Tezuka orders, turning him and taking over.
"I'm only doing this for you," Ryoma grumbles.
"And I appreciate the sacrifice," Tezuka returns, mocking him.
Is that a smirk?
Ryoma returns one of his own.
019 - Pink
Tezuka knows Ryoma is stealing his drinks when he's not looking. He knows this by the rosy color of Ryoma's cheeks and the bowtie that now hangs loosely around his still under-the-US-drinking-age boyfriend's neck.
"You've had enough," Tezuka warns, snagging the smaller wrist reaching for his glass again.
"I haven't had nearly enough if this is still boring," Ryoma argues back.
"You didn't have to come."
Ryoma glares, but the automatic annoyed response is followed quickly by a look of guilt.
"Sorry," Ryoma mumbles.
"I know exactly how you feel," Tezuka assures, smiling and squeezing Ryoma's knee under the table.
024 - Family
Ryoma isn't used to a big family. It has been his mother, father and himself most of his life, and even adding Tezuka didn't make his family overabundant, but seeing their crowded living room makes Ryoma realize his family has grown tremendously, right under his nose.
Everyone is here: Momoshiro, Kawamura, Fuji, Oishi, Kikumaru, Kaidoh and Inui. Even Ryuzaki-sensei is here, which annoys his father to no end.
"Was Ochibi surprised?" Kikumaru asks, bouncing in front of him. "Do you like your housewarming party?"
His throat is too tight to answer.
"He likes it very much," Tezuka answers for him.
029 - Birth
The journalists call it The Birth of a New Style of Tennis, but what they don't understand is that this is what tennis has always been between them. This isn't new, just something better than what has been considered the norm in the world of professional tennis.
When the match is over, he is lying on the court, heaving for breath, knowing Ryoma is in much the same position, neither aware of whom the winner is.
"Game and match won by Echizen."
The gathered spectators erupt into a rumble of excitement, and Tezuka smiles and laughs, still panting for breath.
034 - Not Enough
The press never know when to stop, especially when suspecting there is a story to break and they want to be the first to break it. To the press, no matter what is said, it's still not enough.
"Mr. Echizen! Mr. Echizen!"
Ryoma cringes, hearing an American reporter shout out his name. He hates being called mister.
"Is it true you've been dating someone for the last five years? Is this possibly a high school sweetheart?"
"Che," Ryoma mutters under his breath. "No comment."
The room explodes with excitement as if he's answered yes. He hates after match press conferences.
039 - Taste
Tezuka sets the book he's reading aside as Ryoma quietly slips into his hotel room with the key-card he gave him. Not one word is spoken while Ryoma crosses the room, climbs on the bed and into his lap.
No words are needed as Ryoma's lips seal over his own, part, and the hungry taste of victory explodes in his mouth. Tezuka wraps his arms around Ryoma's waist, pulling the smaller man closer.
When they part, Ryoma's forehead presses against his own, and they pant for much needed breath.
"You are mine," Ryoma whispers. "I want to tell the world."
044 - Circle
Tezuka's manager looks at his and the overly paid men share a look of trepidation. It's rare that Tezuka or even he calls a meeting like this, and Ryoma absently wonders what the men are thinking to cause such fear.
It's a small circle of people that they've admitted the truth about their relationship to, and that circle didn't include the men sitting in front of them.
"Is that all?" They question in unison after Tezuka announces their secret. "We already knew."
"We want to go public," Ryoma adds, enjoying the look of fear rising in the men's eyes again.
049 - Queen
The Kings of the Tennis Court are Actually Queens.
Tezuka stares at one of the more colorful headlines that appear the morning following the press conference announcing their coming out. The words just add another nail in the coffin, confirming his dislike of the press.
"Mada, mada, dane," Ryoma says next to him, grabbing the paper and discarding it. "They've obviously never met Fuji-senpai."
Tezuka's lip curls at the corner in humor as he realizes that Ryoma's right.
"Just don't let Fuji hear you saying that," he warns.
"Che, Fuji-senpai has no problem with that title."
Again, Ryoma is right.
054 - Air
Ryoma breathes deeply of the thick air and questions for the first time whether professional tennis is all it's cracked up to be. The logical side of his brain says it is and he is just in a bad mood over the nosy and rude press, but the other half isn't buying that logic.
"Are you ready?" Tezuka asks, joining him in front of their hotel.
Ryoma shrugs, turning to lead the way but stops when Tezuka takes hold of his hand. Head held high, Tezuka tugs on Ryoma's hand and leads the way, heedless of the looks they receive.
059 - Food
The restaurant is a four star establishment, which has received rave reviews the world round, and yet Ryoma barely touches the food ordered.
"Ryoma..." Tezuka begins, but is cut off by a heavy sigh.
"I'm tired," Ryoma states, reclining back in his chair.
"We can go back to the hotel," Tezuka offers.
Ryoma sighs again.
"No, I'm tired... of everything."
"Ah."
Tezuka understands what Ryoma is saying. No matter how strong the younger man appears, no matter how much Ryoma acts like he doesn't care, there is still a limit to what can be taken before it becomes too much.
064 - Fall
The first things he notices when they arrive are the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows of the turning leaves. The second is how much easier it is to breathe.
Ryoma shoulders his bag and follows Tezuka into the cabin they visited over a year ago, and he's surprised to find it looks exactly the same as they left it. It's comforting in a way Ryoma doesn't quite understand.
"We should buy this place."
"I never realized you liked it that much," Tezuka says before adding, "I'll look into it."
Ryoma is surprised, yet pleased, to realize he voiced his thought.
069 - Thunder
All around them the crowd roars like thunder. No matter what the press may think to print, there's no mistaking that their coming out has only strengthened their fan-base.
Tezuka looks across the court and finds Ryoma staring right back, smirking with a confidence his boyfriend has been lacking of late. It's the best sight he has seen in a long time.
"You ready, Buchou?" Ryoma asks teasingly.
"Let's not get careless," Tezuka returns, causing the confident smirk to turn into a wide smile.
"Do your best," Ryoma imitates, barely suppressing humor.
Tezuka glares back and retorts, "Mada, mada dane."
074 - Dark
Ryoma enters their hotel room and narrowly misses getting beamed in the head by a flying cell phone.
"Hey!"
His exclamation doesn't faze Tezuka, and when he finally gets a good look at his lover's face, Ryoma doesn't like what he sees.
"Kunimitsu?"
He's seen Tezuka annoyed, and he's even seen Tezuka angry on occasion, but this look, which could only be described as raw pain, he's never seen before.
"Kunimi..." Ryoma tries again, but he's cut off when he reaches out and his touch is rejected.
"It can't..." Tezuka begins before shaking his head and leaving without further word.
079 - Agony
He's been running the city's local walking track for hours trying to make sense of his life. After all, he doesn't receive a call informing him of his father's death every day.
Tezuka knows he looks ridiculous running the track in a pair of chinos and a dress shirt, but it's the only thing he can think to do to process the thoughts in his head and the painful feeling in his chest.
He has not only lost his father, but also his tomorrow, the day when his father and he can finally reconcile and put their grievances behind them.
084 - Found
There are few things in life Ryoma is concerned with losing. He is continually replacing rackets with improved models. He's lost countless sweatbands. Even his signature white cap has been replaced, but there is one thing, or more precisely person, who can never be replaced.
Ryoma's been waiting in their hotel room for hours, knowing Tezuka will eventually return, even if the wait is stretching his patience to its limits. When Tezuka finally walks through the door, Ryoma immediately goes to him and literally attaches himself to his lover.
They can talk later, but right now they both need this.
089 - She
He looks down at his mother where she clings to his arm. She doesn't weep, but he doesn't either. The only thought running through Tezuka's mind is she seems much older.
During the gathering following the funeral service, his mother approaches Ryoma and him. He doesn't know what he expects her to say, and her words surprise him.
"Thank you for coming."
He wants to tell her that he wouldn't be anywhere else, but instead quietly nods. He had contemplated not coming at all, but knew this is what's expected of an only son, and that she would need him.
094 - Solstice
It may have been the day of the winter solstice, but as Ryoma collapses onto their bed after showering, he can't help feeling like it was the longest day of his life. He is just on the cusp of sleep when it registers that Tezuka is not next to him.
The room is silent, but when he opens his eyes Ryoma sees Tezuka staring out their bedroom window.
"Kunimitsu?"
Tezuka turns and quietly joins him. Once they are both settled, Ryoma's back pulled flush against Tezuka's chest, Tezuka kisses his neck and says, "I love you."
"I love you, too."
099 - Writer's Choice: Home
When he announces his decision to retire, Tezuka expects glares, shouts and a little stomping from his lover and only rival, but what he expects never happens.
Instead, Ryoma nods and asks, "When?"
"End of this season."
"What will you do?" Ryoma calmly inquires.
"I was thinking of going back to school."
"Here?" Ryoma asks in reference to Japan.
Tezuka nods his affirmation.
"Good," Ryoma says with a smile. "It'll be nice having someone to come home to."
He should have known Ryoma better, Tezuka realizes. Even if he tried, he couldn't love Ryoma any more than he does now.
Author: Innusiq
Fandom: Prince of Tennis
Pairing: Tezuka Kunimitsu/Echizen Ryoma
Rating: Pretty much PG
Summary: Basically these drabbles are TezuRyo fifth year being in a relationship.
Author's Notes: Other than my apologies to Fuji for drabble #49... this is a continuation of my table and the story being told by its drabbles. Part 1 can be found here: Year One - Tezuka's POV, part 2 can be found here: Year One - Ryoma's POV, and part 3 can be found here: Year Two. And now, onto the next drabbles in the series.
004 - First
His twentieth birthday celebration is one of massive proportion, complete with Kikumaru being comforted by Oishi while crying about their Ochibi being all grown up.
When the party ends, Tezuka announces having a birthday surprise. They travel three train stops and three blocks before being brought to a neighborhood he's never been to before.
"Where are we?" Ryoma asks, looking at Tezuka when they stop in front of a house gate.
Tezuka digs in a coat pocket and hands him a keychain with one lonely key.
"We're home," Tezuka replies, as if it's the most obvious answer.
Their first home.
009 - Months
Tezuka watches Ryoma with critical eyes as the younger man explores their new home. It took him three months to find the perfect house, and Tezuka hopes he has made the right decision, both with the home and assuming Ryoma wants this too.
Ryoma's eyes are wide and observant, taking in every detail of every room, but he doesn't say a word, the silence making Tezuka second guess the decision.
"Karupin will love it," Ryoma finally states once he's investigated the entire house.
"What about Ryoma?"
"I would be happy anywhere," Ryoma replies thoughtfully. "As long as you are there."
014 - Black
He stares at his reflection in the mirror, looking as uncomfortable as he feels. Formal wear has never been his thing, and is the main reason he avoids events like these. The only reason he agreed this year is because Tezuka's up for an award at the annual sport appreciation ceremony.
Ryoma fumbles with his bow-tie, getting his finger stuck in the process, and curses.
"Here," Tezuka orders, turning him and taking over.
"I'm only doing this for you," Ryoma grumbles.
"And I appreciate the sacrifice," Tezuka returns, mocking him.
Is that a smirk?
Ryoma returns one of his own.
019 - Pink
Tezuka knows Ryoma is stealing his drinks when he's not looking. He knows this by the rosy color of Ryoma's cheeks and the bowtie that now hangs loosely around his still under-the-US-drinking-age boyfriend's neck.
"You've had enough," Tezuka warns, snagging the smaller wrist reaching for his glass again.
"I haven't had nearly enough if this is still boring," Ryoma argues back.
"You didn't have to come."
Ryoma glares, but the automatic annoyed response is followed quickly by a look of guilt.
"Sorry," Ryoma mumbles.
"I know exactly how you feel," Tezuka assures, smiling and squeezing Ryoma's knee under the table.
024 - Family
Ryoma isn't used to a big family. It has been his mother, father and himself most of his life, and even adding Tezuka didn't make his family overabundant, but seeing their crowded living room makes Ryoma realize his family has grown tremendously, right under his nose.
Everyone is here: Momoshiro, Kawamura, Fuji, Oishi, Kikumaru, Kaidoh and Inui. Even Ryuzaki-sensei is here, which annoys his father to no end.
"Was Ochibi surprised?" Kikumaru asks, bouncing in front of him. "Do you like your housewarming party?"
His throat is too tight to answer.
"He likes it very much," Tezuka answers for him.
029 - Birth
The journalists call it The Birth of a New Style of Tennis, but what they don't understand is that this is what tennis has always been between them. This isn't new, just something better than what has been considered the norm in the world of professional tennis.
When the match is over, he is lying on the court, heaving for breath, knowing Ryoma is in much the same position, neither aware of whom the winner is.
"Game and match won by Echizen."
The gathered spectators erupt into a rumble of excitement, and Tezuka smiles and laughs, still panting for breath.
034 - Not Enough
The press never know when to stop, especially when suspecting there is a story to break and they want to be the first to break it. To the press, no matter what is said, it's still not enough.
"Mr. Echizen! Mr. Echizen!"
Ryoma cringes, hearing an American reporter shout out his name. He hates being called mister.
"Is it true you've been dating someone for the last five years? Is this possibly a high school sweetheart?"
"Che," Ryoma mutters under his breath. "No comment."
The room explodes with excitement as if he's answered yes. He hates after match press conferences.
039 - Taste
Tezuka sets the book he's reading aside as Ryoma quietly slips into his hotel room with the key-card he gave him. Not one word is spoken while Ryoma crosses the room, climbs on the bed and into his lap.
No words are needed as Ryoma's lips seal over his own, part, and the hungry taste of victory explodes in his mouth. Tezuka wraps his arms around Ryoma's waist, pulling the smaller man closer.
When they part, Ryoma's forehead presses against his own, and they pant for much needed breath.
"You are mine," Ryoma whispers. "I want to tell the world."
044 - Circle
Tezuka's manager looks at his and the overly paid men share a look of trepidation. It's rare that Tezuka or even he calls a meeting like this, and Ryoma absently wonders what the men are thinking to cause such fear.
It's a small circle of people that they've admitted the truth about their relationship to, and that circle didn't include the men sitting in front of them.
"Is that all?" They question in unison after Tezuka announces their secret. "We already knew."
"We want to go public," Ryoma adds, enjoying the look of fear rising in the men's eyes again.
049 - Queen
The Kings of the Tennis Court are Actually Queens.
Tezuka stares at one of the more colorful headlines that appear the morning following the press conference announcing their coming out. The words just add another nail in the coffin, confirming his dislike of the press.
"Mada, mada, dane," Ryoma says next to him, grabbing the paper and discarding it. "They've obviously never met Fuji-senpai."
Tezuka's lip curls at the corner in humor as he realizes that Ryoma's right.
"Just don't let Fuji hear you saying that," he warns.
"Che, Fuji-senpai has no problem with that title."
Again, Ryoma is right.
054 - Air
Ryoma breathes deeply of the thick air and questions for the first time whether professional tennis is all it's cracked up to be. The logical side of his brain says it is and he is just in a bad mood over the nosy and rude press, but the other half isn't buying that logic.
"Are you ready?" Tezuka asks, joining him in front of their hotel.
Ryoma shrugs, turning to lead the way but stops when Tezuka takes hold of his hand. Head held high, Tezuka tugs on Ryoma's hand and leads the way, heedless of the looks they receive.
059 - Food
The restaurant is a four star establishment, which has received rave reviews the world round, and yet Ryoma barely touches the food ordered.
"Ryoma..." Tezuka begins, but is cut off by a heavy sigh.
"I'm tired," Ryoma states, reclining back in his chair.
"We can go back to the hotel," Tezuka offers.
Ryoma sighs again.
"No, I'm tired... of everything."
"Ah."
Tezuka understands what Ryoma is saying. No matter how strong the younger man appears, no matter how much Ryoma acts like he doesn't care, there is still a limit to what can be taken before it becomes too much.
064 - Fall
The first things he notices when they arrive are the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows of the turning leaves. The second is how much easier it is to breathe.
Ryoma shoulders his bag and follows Tezuka into the cabin they visited over a year ago, and he's surprised to find it looks exactly the same as they left it. It's comforting in a way Ryoma doesn't quite understand.
"We should buy this place."
"I never realized you liked it that much," Tezuka says before adding, "I'll look into it."
Ryoma is surprised, yet pleased, to realize he voiced his thought.
069 - Thunder
All around them the crowd roars like thunder. No matter what the press may think to print, there's no mistaking that their coming out has only strengthened their fan-base.
Tezuka looks across the court and finds Ryoma staring right back, smirking with a confidence his boyfriend has been lacking of late. It's the best sight he has seen in a long time.
"You ready, Buchou?" Ryoma asks teasingly.
"Let's not get careless," Tezuka returns, causing the confident smirk to turn into a wide smile.
"Do your best," Ryoma imitates, barely suppressing humor.
Tezuka glares back and retorts, "Mada, mada dane."
074 - Dark
Ryoma enters their hotel room and narrowly misses getting beamed in the head by a flying cell phone.
"Hey!"
His exclamation doesn't faze Tezuka, and when he finally gets a good look at his lover's face, Ryoma doesn't like what he sees.
"Kunimitsu?"
He's seen Tezuka annoyed, and he's even seen Tezuka angry on occasion, but this look, which could only be described as raw pain, he's never seen before.
"Kunimi..." Ryoma tries again, but he's cut off when he reaches out and his touch is rejected.
"It can't..." Tezuka begins before shaking his head and leaving without further word.
079 - Agony
He's been running the city's local walking track for hours trying to make sense of his life. After all, he doesn't receive a call informing him of his father's death every day.
Tezuka knows he looks ridiculous running the track in a pair of chinos and a dress shirt, but it's the only thing he can think to do to process the thoughts in his head and the painful feeling in his chest.
He has not only lost his father, but also his tomorrow, the day when his father and he can finally reconcile and put their grievances behind them.
084 - Found
There are few things in life Ryoma is concerned with losing. He is continually replacing rackets with improved models. He's lost countless sweatbands. Even his signature white cap has been replaced, but there is one thing, or more precisely person, who can never be replaced.
Ryoma's been waiting in their hotel room for hours, knowing Tezuka will eventually return, even if the wait is stretching his patience to its limits. When Tezuka finally walks through the door, Ryoma immediately goes to him and literally attaches himself to his lover.
They can talk later, but right now they both need this.
089 - She
He looks down at his mother where she clings to his arm. She doesn't weep, but he doesn't either. The only thought running through Tezuka's mind is she seems much older.
During the gathering following the funeral service, his mother approaches Ryoma and him. He doesn't know what he expects her to say, and her words surprise him.
"Thank you for coming."
He wants to tell her that he wouldn't be anywhere else, but instead quietly nods. He had contemplated not coming at all, but knew this is what's expected of an only son, and that she would need him.
094 - Solstice
It may have been the day of the winter solstice, but as Ryoma collapses onto their bed after showering, he can't help feeling like it was the longest day of his life. He is just on the cusp of sleep when it registers that Tezuka is not next to him.
The room is silent, but when he opens his eyes Ryoma sees Tezuka staring out their bedroom window.
"Kunimitsu?"
Tezuka turns and quietly joins him. Once they are both settled, Ryoma's back pulled flush against Tezuka's chest, Tezuka kisses his neck and says, "I love you."
"I love you, too."
099 - Writer's Choice: Home
When he announces his decision to retire, Tezuka expects glares, shouts and a little stomping from his lover and only rival, but what he expects never happens.
Instead, Ryoma nods and asks, "When?"
"End of this season."
"What will you do?" Ryoma calmly inquires.
"I was thinking of going back to school."
"Here?" Ryoma asks in reference to Japan.
Tezuka nods his affirmation.
"Good," Ryoma says with a smile. "It'll be nice having someone to come home to."
He should have known Ryoma better, Tezuka realizes. Even if he tried, he couldn't love Ryoma any more than he does now.