Haruka's Fanfiction

Discipline Fiction asylum

2008-01-02T03:04:05Z

I have created the first asylum for discipline stories on InsaneJournal:

http://canadian-haruka.insanejournal.com/

Please join if you have an interest. :)

TO INSANEJOURNAL! :D :D :D

2007-10-14T20:41:42Z

Like many others in fandom, I'm disgusted with LJ's recent actions regarding 'inappropriate' content (which apparently, is decided by their own whims and personal tastes), and will be moving this fanfiction journal over to InsaneJournal where I have permanent accounts. I've been working toward this for a while by posting links here instead of the fics themselves, and now it's time to make the move. Although the old links will remain, there will be NO MORE NEW LINKS posted here, so if you want to continue reading my standalone fics and Changechildren, please go here:

Haruka's Fanfiction InsaneJournal

and feel free to Friend it as you did this one. Thank you! ^_^

FICLET: Ineffectual Justice (Loveless)

2007-10-11T21:30:12Z

http://canadian-haruka.insanejournal.com/73104.html

DRABBLE: Sweet Dreams (Death Note)

2007-10-11T14:18:21Z

http://canadian-haruka.insanejournal.com/72828.html

FICLET: L the Voyeur (Death Note/X-Men crossover)

2007-10-04T18:05:18Z

http://canadian-haruka.insanejournal.com/72528.html

FICLET: Backfire (Prince of Tennis/X-Men)

2007-09-27T17:55:12Z

http://canadian-haruka.insanejournal.com/72431.html

FICLET: Separation Anxiety (Prince of Tennis/X-Men)

2007-09-26T16:37:12Z

http://canadian-haruka.insanejournal.com/71942.html

FICLET: The Not-So-Great Car Caper (AAA)

2007-09-23T20:50:35Z

http://canadian-haruka.insanejournal.com/71803.html

FICLET: Late Arrivals (AAA)

2007-09-23T01:58:02Z

http://canadian-haruka.insanejournal.com/71615.html

FICLET: Try, Try, Again (Prince of Tennis)

2007-09-20T18:17:30Z

http://canadian-haruka.insanejournal.com/71399.html

FIC: Changechildren - Part 69 (Prince of Tennis)

2007-09-12T20:03:14Z

http://canadian-haruka.insanejournal.com/71150.html

FICLET: Not One Word (Sailormoon)

2007-09-12T02:14:13Z

http://canadian-haruka.insanejournal.com/70564.html

FICLET: Game, Set, Spank (Prince of Tennis)

2007-09-03T23:38:35Z

http://canadian-haruka.insanejournal.com/70305.html

FICLET: Schedules (Prince of Tennis/Crossover)

2007-09-03T15:54:18Z

FICLET: Schedules (Prince of Tennis/Crossover)

New Yahoogroup for writers!

2007-09-02T20:54:47Z

When I had writer's block, I made great use of prompts I found in journal communities and realized no one had anything like that on Yahoogroups, so here it is:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/15minuteficlets/

Originally, I intended to make this a prompt community for family-style discipline-oriented ficlets only. However, Yahoogroups has a weird quirk lately where they slap any new list with certain keywords in the description straight into the 'adult' section, and I didn't want that (apparently, 'spanking' is one of those words. Go figure.)

So while this prompt list is open to ALL kinds of fics, keep in mind that there WILL be discipline-oriented fics there and that they are welcome by the list owner. :)

You can alter the prompts to suit yourselves in your own ficlets. You may or may not include the actual prompt in the body of your ficlet, or just use it for inspiration. It's all up to you -- the prompts are just there as an aid to get you started.

Check out the Links over there to find out how to get your own Cool Timer. It's a great little program that can help you to make sure you don't go over those fifteen minutes when writing!

The Database will be kept up with every weekly prompt, so that way you can utilize the older ones as well as the current ones.

Happy writing!

FICLET: Reflections (AAA)

2007-08-26T23:28:56Z

FICLET: Reflections (AAA)

You'll notice this is a link to InsaneJournal. I've been working for a while to set things up for myself over there, where I now have permanent accounts. I'm disgusted with the way LJ has treated fandom in general, and their customers overall. I will only be using this journal for linking to there from now on.

FIC: Power Outages (X-Men/Spiderman/Prince of Tennis crossover)

2007-07-31T23:19:22Z

This collaboration was originally part of an alternate-universe, crossover, spanking RPG in which various unusually-gifted characters from several different fandoms all live in the same school. In the following, Rogue from X-Men has had offers from Peter Parker from Spiderman, as well as Oishi Syuuichirou, Ohtori Choutarou, and Shishido Ryoh from Prince of Tennis (Changechildren in the game) in helping her control her absorption power.

Rogue's posts are by bewize
Peter's posts are by milleniumrex
The PoT charas are by canadian_haruka

Power Outages

--

Sorry I never explained what happened when Syuuichirou tried to turn my power off. Things didn't quite go as hoped and it took a few days before I was ready to talk about it.

I went over to Syuuichirou's room. We hadn't actually met before, so I really do appreciate him trying to help out. About 20 minutes later we were joined by Peter and Choutarou. Ryoh came, too, but he was about 15 minutes later than everyone else.

I was pretty nervous. I don't really like absorbing people. The powers can be a little fun, but they are usually hard to control and I've obviously not had the practice that their rightful owners have had. Also, I usually get more than just powers... memories, other talents, habits... I can and do absorb a lot of these at random.

Syuuichirou asked me about my powers and how they work, so I explained the best I could. Truth is, I don't really know much about how they work. Professor Xavier still thinks that some day I may be able to control them and only absorb at will, instead of by just contact, but so far I've not managed that.

Just before anyone else got there, I told Syuuichirou to go ahead and see if he could turn it off. He nodded and told me he'd already tried. I didn't feel any different, but then, it's been so long since I've had these powers that I don't know what it feels like to be without them.

A few minutes after that, Pete and Choutarou were there. Peter knows about my powers, so he was pretty willing to just jump in and see what happened. I took off one of my gloves and reached out to touch him. For a minute, nothing happened.

Before I could get too excited though, all the familiar feelings started. I felt stronger than normal, faster than normal, and I could sense Choutarou moving around behind me without even seeing him.

I guess this is what Pete calls his Spidey senses.

I won't even pretend that I wasn't horribly disappointed. Pete staggered a bit and I let go. He sort of slumped down, but he didn't pass out. I was grateful for that at least.

Syuuichirou seemed as disappointed as I felt, but he shook his head and said he thought maybe he saw something he could do differently. He tried again and told me to go ahead and touch Choutarou. Choutarou looked as nervous as I felt, but when I asked him if he was still willing to try it, he nodded.

I reached out and took his hand.

Again, for a minute, there was nothing. Choutarou even smiled at me before I felt my powers kick in. He gasped and so did I. I could feel his power, not like a mutant power, and not even like Peter's powers, and it sort of flowed into me along with a whole bunch of ideas for different tennis shots. (I really had no idea that he thought about his practices so much!)

His power, the ability to control his own density, is similar to Kitty's. I've absorbed her before, so it was easier to control and I let go of Choutarou. He was really pale and he sat down in a hurry, eyes sort of closing, but he said he was okay.

At this point Ryoh walked in. He took one look around and went to Choutarou. I think he may have given him a shot of luck, because Choutarou's coloring got better and he didn't pass out. Looking over at me, Ryoh shrugged. "Try me, next," he offered. "I can give Syuuichirou and you both some luck first, and then, if you absorb me, you'll just get more luck and maybe you can figure out how to control it."

I wasn't sure we should keep trying, but Pete and Choutarou also both told me to try again. So we did. With pretty much the same results as before... Ryoh must have used up a lot of his reserves, though, because he pretty much went down like a sack when I absorbed him. I jerked away from him and accidentally shot webbing at Syuuichirou. He ended up sort of stuck to the bed and wall. Apologizing, I tried to shake off the web and ended up shooting another strand at the door...only this time, I must have activated Choutarou's power, too, because instead of the sticky web like material, the web, still attached to my arm, was solid and shot straight through the door, like a lance.

I heard a shriek in the hallway and someone dropped something. A second later, there were running footsteps and someone shoved at the door. It wouldn't open because the web lance was still sticking through it, but I finally was able to soften it back up and it sort of sank through the door as Mystique pushed it open. She was with Coach Sakaki.

It probably didn't take them very long to put together what had happened, since I was standing in the middle of a group that consisted of someone webbed to a bed, two people looking like they were on the verge of passing out and one person who was actually unconscious.

I admit it. I was so upset at this point, that I actually started to cry. I rarely cry and I think that's what most spurred Mystique into action. She came in and helped me get the web off of myself, while Coach Sakaki went to Ryoh and patted his face until he woke up.

Then they freed Syuuichirou and checked on Choutarou and Pete.

I'm sure anyone who has been in a power practice is familiar with the lecture that we got next, about not using our powers unless we're supervised and not trying dangerous things without having an adult around. I was still crying; between guilt and embarrassment and disappointment, I wasn't sure which one was worse.

I guess Ryoh's power must have kicked in when the web spear went through the door, because I missed Winry, who had been walking down the hallway, by about half a foot. (Sorry again, Winry.)

Mystique and Coach Sakaki did that adult conversation with their eyes thing and Mystique finally said that she was going to take me to my room. I was still crying a bit when we got there, but I wasn't surprised at all that she was angry. I was a bit surprised that she told me to lay down and rest for a while. She left then, I suppose to go back and help Coach Sakaki clean up and take care of the boys.

I'll write up what happened when she came back in a different post, since I've rambled here long enough...

The short version, I guess, is that it just didn't work.

Rogue

--

Ryoh-san and I knew we were in trouble when the teachers came back. Oh, who was I kidding? We know Sakaki-sensei well enough that we knew punishment was inevitable. It was weird for us to be facing Mystique, though, and I was pretty nervous (okay, I was terrified. Peter was nervous, Syuuichirou was contrite, Ryoh-san was sullen.)

"We're not going to rehash the whole lecture we gave you earlier," Mystique said. "But I'm just going to add something now that Rogue isn't here. She's very sensitive about her power and lack of control, and it was nothing short of cruel to get her hopes up like this."

Tears welled up in my eyes. I had thought we were trying to help Rogue, not hurt her! But I remembered that she'd been crying, and I began to feel even worse.

I guess Syuuichirou was, too, because he looked as miserable as I felt. Peter was frowning, like maybe there was something he wanted to say, but was holding back. Typically of Ryoh-san, he didn't hold back.

"What the hell are you talking about?!" he demanded. "You make it sound like we dragged her in here and grabbed hold of her without her consent or something! We didn't get her hopes up; she did that herself!"

"Shishido-kun!" Sakaki-sensei snapped.

"It's natural for Rogue to want to experiment, Ryoh," Syuuichirou said quietly. "She has a lot riding on this. We all wanted to help her." He looked at the adults. "I'm sorry if we somehow gave her false hope, but if she never tries these things, how will she ever find out if changes can be made?"

"Tests are fine, but under controlled circumstances," Mystique said firmly. "THIS was not controlled!"

Syuuichirou couldn't say much about that, since he was still picking web out of his hair.

"No matter what your intentions or reasons, the hard fact is that you all knew it was against the rules to perform experiments without proper supervision, and for that you're going to be punished," Sakaki-sensei told us. "Go to your own rooms -- we'll be there shortly."

Syuuichirou was staring at the floor. I left his room wiping my eyes. Ryoh-san took a couple of jogging steps to catch up with me, giving me silent support even while his eyes were stormy with words unspoken. I didn't see Peter leave, so I don't know if he lingered or left quickly.

More later. -_-;

Choutarou

--

Oh, I lingered. You can bet I lingered.

I really liked what Ryoh said, and I agreed with just about everything. I knew Rogue was hurt that it didn't work, but none of us forced her into it. She came to us, and it would have sucked to just leave her hanging. And it wasn't FALSE hope as they put it. It was hope! All experiments are questionable at first! 95% of them fail! That doesn't mean you don't try!

So, that's basically what I said to them. But as I was about to leave, something came over me. And like I said, I'm not usually this bold, but this time....Here's what I said.

"I know I can't stop you from punishing us. Even if I think you're completely and utterly wrong this time, you're the adults. But if you think I'm going to learn a lesson from this, you're wrong. I knew what I was getting myself into. Rogue wanted help, and she had a great idea. If it had worked, you wouldn't be punishing us right now. You would be celebrating. We all would. That's what happens in experiments. Either you succeed or fail. We failed this time, but it doesn't mean we were wrong to try. We all knew what we were getting into. We knew the dangers, and they weren't as great as you want us to believe. So I'll take my punishment for breaking the rules. But I'm ready to take it again another time, if it comes to that. Because, be honest, if we had come to you and asked you to supervise this....what would you have said?"

They blinked at me for a second, and then Coach Sakaki crooked a finger at me and said quietly, "Room. Now".

I had said my piece, and I went to my room to wait. More on that later, but this is something I feel really strongly about. I'm just sorry they couldn't be more understanding, especially about Rogue.

So, yeah, that was my ill-advised rebellious outburst of the decade.

Peter

--

Since Ryoh-san and I share a room, we both went there together to wait for Sakaki-sensei.

Ryoh-san dropped onto his bed, fuming. "Geki dasa daze!" he snapped.

You've probably heard him say it before; it's kind of his catch phrase. It means, `Super lame!'

"I wish I knew how Rogue felt about all this," I admitted. "I don't like that the adults are mad at us, but if Rogue is upset with us, too, I'll feel worse."

"Choutarou, she's not. She was upset that the experiment didn't work - not upset that we made the attempt."

I wasn't so sure, but it wasn't something I could do anything about just then. Especially as Sakaki-sensei was coming in.

"I'm ashamed of you both," he said frankly. "Do you realize what could have happened as a result of your actions?"

"Yeah," Ryoh-san snorted, "Rogue might have been able to lead a normal life. What WERE we thinking?"

I winced, knowing that our Coach would not appreciate the sarcasm.

Sakaki-sensei's glare was frightening to behold. "Shishido-kun, I warn you now that further attitude will result in additional punishment."

Ryoh-san looked like he might say more, but I put a hand on his arm and he fell into broody silence.

"I think the point that you both are missing is that rules are there for a reason, and it's not to make your lives less fun or to prevent someone from exploring their powers," our teacher said, looking back and forth between us seriously. "In this case, they're to keep people from getting hurt."

"We knew what we were getting into!" Ryoh-san objected.

"What about Winry?" Sakaki-sensei demanded. "She could have been killed, and she certainly didn't volunteer for THAT!"

"That was an accident," Ryoh-san muttered.

"And that is precisely why these rules need to be obeyed; so that `accidents' like that can't happen." Sakaki-sensei met my eyes and nodded. "Come here, Ohtori-kun."

Reluctantly, I started to get up. Ryoh-san looked horrified. "NO!" he protested.

"You don't have to watch, but it's going to happen," Sakaki-sensei told him, taking hold of my arm. He brought me over to the wall and told me to brace my hands against it and bend over (somehow those two words, `bend over', sent chills shooting down both legs and through the pit of my stomach. I'm surprised my knees didn't buckle.)

I did as he said, though, and felt heat rising in my face, knowing Ryoh-san would hear all that happened (I had no doubts that he wasn't watching - he wouldn't do that to me.) I braced myself, feeling my nerve endings tingling in horrible anticipation.

I saw Sakaki-san's arm swing and grit my teeth for the impact. It didn't come.

"Choutarou!" he yelled. "Solidify this instant!"

Huh? I looked back in time to see him drawing back his hand again and rubbing his shoulder. I guess he'd thrown it out swinging at my butt and not connecting because I'd phased without meaning to.

"Better that than going totally solid, huh, Sensei?" Ryoh-san commented.

Considering Sakaki-sensei once broke his wrist attempting to spank me when I'd gone solid, this was a touchy subject. I sensed more than saw him give Ryoh a warning look just before he turned back to me and started spanking me for real.

I'm no good at bearing this kind of punishment. Or any punishment. Or even scoldings. Tears come to my eyes right at the start or even earlier, and by the end, I'm sobbing like a baby. I really didn't want to do that this time, especially not with Ryoh-san there, but I did, anyway. The whacks were hard and painful, and I felt like such a little kid for all my height.

"All right, Choutarou," our Coach said grimly. "Trade places with Ryoh."

We passed each other and Ryoh-san let his hand catch my shoulder briefly in comfort. I tried to borrow some of his strength as I stretched out on my bed and buried my face in the pillow.

Even covering my head with another pillow didn't block out the sound of Ryoh-san's spanking, but he was much braver than I and didn't make a sound except for a very soft grunting at the last few whacks. I was proud of him and ashamed of myself.

"I don't ever want to hear of you two pulling a stunt like this again," Sakaki-sensei told us. "These powers of yours are not toys to be played with. They are to be respected as weapons and treated as such. Now go to bed."

He left and I turned my head to watch Ryoh-san ease onto my bed beside me, hissing a little as his sore hip made contact with mine. He put an arm around my back. "I tried to give you some good luck, but I think my reserves are tapped out after everything I did earlier," he said softly. "I'm sorry."

I laid my forehead against his. "It's okay," I told him. "I'm sorry we got punished, and I'm really sorry Winry almost got hurt, but I'm more sorry if Rogue regrets what we tried to do. Because if she asked me again, I'd still do it."

He sighed and nodded agreement, then we lay down our heads on the same pillow and fell into uneasy sleep together.

Choutarou

--

It's taken me a while to write up what happened after Mystique left me in my room. It seems like all I've been doing is making apologies since then.

Before I say anything else, I just want to say again how much I really am grateful that y'all tried to help me. Despite it all, I am really glad we tried. Otherwise, I'd never stop wondering if it might have worked.

I read Choutarou's post about what happened after I left and I also want to make clear that I wasn't angry at anyone, except maybe myself. I knew it was a long shot, but it seemed like a good one. I let myself hope it would work and I probably let myself get distracted from the fact that I was encouraging everyone to break the rules because of that.

After Mystique left the room, I just lay on the bed. I knew I was in a lot of trouble and I felt bad because I knew that the boys were probably in as much trouble as I was, because they tried to help me.

Worse, I was still struggling a bit with Choutarou's powers. As long as I didn't move too much, I wasn't risking shooting webbing anywhere, but I kept phasing in and out of the mattress.

Kitty is my roommate, and she came in during this, without a clue what was going on. Thankfully, she has some experience with phasing and was able to help me get a grip on it before I ended up through the floor.

Mystique was gone for a while, I don't really know where she'd gone, and I didn't really care. I was pretty sure I knew what would happen when she got back and I was right.

She knocked on the door and came in. Kitty took that as her cue to leave. I didn't even bother to get off the bed. Mystique came over and sat next to me and I buried my face back in the pillow. Then she surprised me by putting her hand on my head and just rubbing me through my hair for a while.

That made me start crying again, even though I had just gotten it under control. Before I knew it, I was telling her everything, about how I had wanted it to work, and how I had asked for volunteers, and how great everyone was to help me. I told her about all the tries and how for a minute, just a minute, I had thought it worked. Then I told her about how awful it was when it hadn't worked and how I kept thinking about things that weren't my thoughts, like chemistry homework and tennis practices, and how I could read Japanese on the posters in Syuuichirou's room before we'd left.

She just kept petting my hair and let me cry it all out until I was done. Then she just sighed. "Rogue, I understand how much you wanted that to work."

"How could you?" I whispered. She was quiet for a long time and I thought I'd offended her, but she finally nodded.

"You're right. I can't know how much you wanted that to work. I am really sorry that it didn't. It was a possibility that we had considered..."

"You didn't tell me!" I accused and turned to glare at her.

"No, because we were afraid it wouldn't work and Hank wanted to consider the possibilities a little more before we tried it on you. I'm sorry that it didn't work, but it could have had any number of effects. The Changechildren aren't mutants. We weren't sure what absorbing their powers would do you to... or them."

She was quiet again for a bit and let me think on that more than I really wanted. I hadn't thought about the fact that mixing mutant and Changechildren powers might have some affect other than what I was used to.

I sighed and sat up and told Mystique that. She nodded, her expression serious. "It was dangerous, what you kids did. You could have been really hurt... or worse. Why didn't you come and talk to one of us about it?"

I looked away. The truth was that I didn't think they'd agree... for probably all of the reasons that she'd just said. "I just wanted it to work so bad... I didn't stop to think."

"I know. That's why I'm going to punish you. Not because you wanted to try something, but because you didn't think about how to try it and be safe. It's not fair that your power is so isolating, Rogue, but you must think before you act. Is that understood?"

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. She stood up and went to get my hairbrush. My stomach clenched but I wasn't really surprised. She sat down on the bed again and I ended up stretched across her lap. In just a few seconds, she had my skirt up and my underwear down.

It hurt, but I didn't feel as bad as I had before she started. I didn't even struggle, but I did cry. I didn't count. I have no idea how many times she spanked me with the brush. It felt like forever before she stopped, but it was only a few minutes.

An ironic side effect of my little adventure, I started feeling better from the spanking pretty fast. Pete, I'm guessing that was your power. Either that or Ryoh's luck was making it heal faster. Even so, I was still kind of sore the next morning and it took me a while to feel up to starting the apologies.

Winry, I really didn't mean to almost skewer you. Thanks for being so understanding about it.

So, I guess that's the end of my tale. At least for now.

Rogue

--

So, I guess I'll conclude our tale of woe. I got to wait the longest of anyone, I think. Either that was my little reward for my speech, or they were just trying to figure out who would get to do it. Anyway, after what seemed like an interminable wait, I got a visit from Logan. I was surprised to see a third party, but he's one of the only adults who can actually spank me without too much effort, due to my spider-strength, so I supposed it made sense. Still, I'd have rather faced Coach Sakaki, I think.

I figured Logan would have been furious once he heard the whole story, so I braced myself for the worst. Surprisingly, though, he didn't come right for me. He sat down on the bed next to me and looked me in the eye.

"So, Mystique filled me in on the whole damn fiasco. Can't say I'm surprised you were involved. She also gave me the gist of your little speech. Didn't know you had that in you."

I just kept my gaze fixed on the floor and said, "I can't apologize, if that's what you want me to do. I'm sorry, but I believe what I said."

He crooked an eye at me and said "I know you do, but that's why we're here. You kids....you all think you're right, and even when you've got the best intentions in the world, you overlook a lot. So we're here to set you straight, and that's exactly what I'm going to do, like it or not."

At this point, before I could say anything else, he yanked me over his lap. But he wasn't actually going to get started, nooooo...I think he just wanted me in position before he finished his lecture.

"Let me make this clear, kid. You ain't being punished because you tried to help Rogue. That was a great thing you did, and you're right, if it had worked, it would have been a great day. But it didn't. And you didn't know what would happen. Anything could have happened when Rogue touched a non-mutant. It could have killed you, or her. And I ain't about to stand by and let that happen. So you're being punished for puttin' yourself at risk. Because like it or not, our job here is to keep you kids safe. Hopefully this'll help you remember to come to us the next time you want to do something like that!"

And with that, he was ready to begin. Not that I was relieved. I know some of you know about Logan's hand, and he's all business. He just went to work, whacking me hard about fifteen times. He's hard and fast, so it didn't seem all that drawn out or embarrassing, but man, did it hurt! Spider-strength is no match for adamantium hands!

Finally, when he was done and I was trying to keep from blubbering, he stood me up and looked into my eyes again. "Listen, Pete. I get what you were trying to do, and believe me, none of us think you had anything but the best of intentions. You're a great kid, and it's wonderful that you'd stick your neck out for a friend. You've just got to learn some better judgment. You get me?"

I nodded furiously, he patted me on the back, and left. So that ends my part of the "Tail" (what can I say, I'm a sucker for bad puns too). I think we all got pretty much the same, and that seems fair. We were all willing participants in this, and I don't have any regrets. Well, maybe that I didn't think about what would happen when webbing meets density powers (Sorry, Winry! Glad you're okay!), but certainly not about the experiment. I'm just sorry it didn't work out the way we intended it to. So no need for any more apologies, Rogue! Really. Trust me. :)

Peter

--

Of everyone, I was the only one who really knew how dangerous my powers could be. Actually, it wasn't too terrible of a spanking, as they go. I've had worse...

The whole mess was mostly my fault. Ya'll were really sweet to help me out, and I do appreciate it.

I'm sorry we all got into trouble, but I'm glad we tried. It really sucked that it didn't work. But, I want to keep trying.

Thanks again for y'all's help and support. It really means a lot.

Rogue

--

(2007)

X-Men and Spiderman belong to Marvel.
Prince of Tennis belongs to Konomi Takeshi.

FIC: Games of Logic (X-Men/Death Note AU crossover)

2007-07-29T11:55:34Z

This collaboration was originally part of an alternate-universe, crossover, spanking RPG in which various unusually-gifted characters from several different fandoms all live in the same school. In the following, the brilliant teenaged characters Light and L from Death Note have to face their equally-brilliant teacher Hank McCoy from X-Men, who is none-too-pleased with them.

(For those with no knowledge of Death Note or its characters:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Note)

Light’s point of view (the first half) was written by bewize and L’s point of view (the second half) was written by canadian_haruka.

Games of Logic

I have made it a point not to offend or rouse suspicion about my behavior since I have come to this school. I appreciate that nearly everyone is willing to give me the benefit of the doubt, or at least the benefit of nearly constant supervision during my stay here. While I am certainly used to a high level of scrutiny, I will not deny that the occasional promise of some time alone is a siren song that I proved too weak to resist this morning.

Several of you are in the philosophy class on Logic taught by Dr. Henry McCoy. While at first it was a bit disconcerting to be taught by a giant acrobatic man with blue fur, the physical manifestations of his mutation are quickly eclipsed by the fact that he is brilliant.

I found myself enjoying a class, for perhaps the first time, that was truly challenging. I have done my fair share of study in the realm of Logic as it is a prerequisite to study law enforcement in Japan and any university or worth requires it to enroll in its legal studies program. Still, I find the class thought provoking and unusually difficult. I did not realize at first that Dr. McCoy-san is using different homework problems for his students, depending on the level of acumen each student displays with the idea of Logic Games. It does explain his methods, though. Each week we are given individual assignments which must be completed before the end of the week.

Thanks in large part to a somewhat obsessive need to be in control of my assignments, I stayed awake very late last night working on my homework. I was even awake after L had retired for the evening, which may be a first for us. I managed to finish the assignment during my study period this morning.

Herein lies my error in judgment: I turned the assignment in to Dr. McCoy and left the classroom prior to class beginning. At first, I intended only to return a book to the library that I had used to complete the assignment, but then I realized that for a short time, I was unsupervised and I confess that I recklessly decided to take advantage of that time.

I selected another book and went outside. Finding a nice place under a shade tree, I read the book until I grew sleepy and then fell asleep. I awoke when a shadow fell over my face and looked up to see L's silhouette back lit by the sun.

"Where have you been, Light-kun?" he asked, crouching next to me.

"Isn't it obvious?" I asked, yawning and sitting up. "I've been plotting to take over the world." I saw his lips quirk up into a small smile and I smiled back. "I took advantage of being done with my assignments to rest for a while." I did not mention the other advantage, but he almost certainly knew and understood my logic, because he nodded solemnly.

"Dr. McCoy-san was displeased that you did not return to participate in class." He was watching me closely, so I'm sure he saw my surprise before I hid it.

"Class is not over yet, L. If you are here..."

"Then I am not there," he finished with a slightly bigger smile. "It's only logical."

I groaned and shook my head at him for the bad pun. "I turned in my assignment."

L nodded. "I believe, traditionally, that your presence is also required." I am not sure, but I believe he may have been teasing me a bit at that point. I did not ask him why he came looking for me. That much was also obvious.

"Then we should go and make our apologies." Standing, we walked back into the school together, taking our time so that class would end, and went to find Dr. McCoy's office.

I knocked and entered the room. Bowing, I apologized. "Dr. McCoy-san, I apologize if my absence offended you. I did not think that my presence would be required in view of the fact that I turned in my assignments early."

Beside me, L also bowed. "I, too, apologize Dr. McCoy-san, for leaving your class in search of Light. But I was most interested to know where he was."

Dr. McCoy held up his hands. "One at a time, please." He chose me first. "Light, look at me, please." I looked up and he was frowning at me, but he had my homework in his hand. "I have checked your assignment already. They are all
correct."

I nodded. I had known that before I turned it in. "However," the doctor dropped the papers on his desk and frowned at me again, "I believe that I made it clear at the beginning of the class that all students were expected to attend every class."

"Yes, sir. You said that to obtain the greatest depth and breadth of knowledge on each topic that we were to cover, our presence was necessary." I shrugged, "But I have already mastered the type of Logic Game that we were covering. My depth and breadth of knowledge is sufficient without me attending the lecture."

"Do you mean to say, then," Dr. McCoy settled back on his desk and there was a gleam in his eye that I recognized from many verbal sparring matches with L, "that you do not believe that I would be able to provide you with any additional benefit superior to or in excess of that which you would find in a book?"

I hesitated. "I do not mean to insult your intelligence, sir. I am merely stating a fact, that I achieved a perfect score on the assignment, well in advance of the deadline, without having actually attended the lectures."

He smiled at me a bit, but shook his head. "Do not worry, Light. I do not feel that my intelligence has been insulted." There was a certain tone in his voice that made me worry that he wasn't as forgiving as his words suggested. "I am afraid, however, that I feel my authority has been threatened."

I do not know if I managed to keep my surprise hidden at this statement, but I doubt it. I could feel L's eyes fixed on my face, and although part of me wished that I could ask him to leave, I knew that I could not.

"I am sorry, sir, that you feel that way."

"Tell me, Light, you were aware of the rules, were you not?"

"Yes, sir."

"And I made it very clear that I expected my students to be in my class without fail, unless they had a pre-approved excuse or a note from another instructor, did I not?"

I hated where this was going. "Yes, sir."

"So, is it that you feel yourself to be above the rules? Or did you just not believe that I meant what I said?"

I saw L stir slightly from the corner of my eye, but he stayed silent. Briefly, I considered which answer would offer me the best chance of escaping this situation without further embarrassing myself. It is rare that I find myself verbally out sparred and even rarer that I find myself at odds with an authority figure. On those rare occasions, I have usually found that an apology works best.

"I am sorry, Dr. McCoy-san. I do not believe myself above the rules, but I can see that I have behaved as if I did. I must ask you to forgive my rudeness. It was disrespectful and arrogant of me to assume that I was beyond learning from your greater experiences."

"I notice you did not say my greater intelligence." I blushed and looked up, truly at a loss for words this time, but he was chuckling. "I am teasing you, Light. Do not look so mortified."

I swallowed, but nodded, uncertain of what to say at this point. I decided my best option was to keep silent. Dr. McCoy shook his head. "I am at a bit of a loss, Light. You have offered me no reason that I shouldn't punish you for deliberately breaking a rule. In fact, you have admitted, gracious though it was, that you were being disrespectful and arrogant." He looked at me. "Can you tell me a reason that I shouldn't punish you?"

A thousand and one personal reasons flew through my head, but I opened my mouth to answer immediately. "No, sir, I cannot. I broke a rule and am subject to the same judgment as anyone else would be."

"Very well, so be it. I would like for you to lean over the desk. L, would you excuse us for a moment, please?"

"Please, sir, let him stay." They both looked at me, considering, and I know I blushed again, but I didn't explain more. Dr. McCoy probably thought I wanted L to be there to comfort me once this was over. L probably thought I was trying to prove that I wasn't Kira because Kira would never submit to the indignity I was submitting to.

The truth is that they were both right.

I did as I was instructed and Dr. McCoy was mercifully quick. He delivered a dozen or so stinging blows to my backside, one hand pressed against my shoulders to keep me in place. I admit, I would have risen otherwise. Even though I was allowed to remain clothed, I was surprised at how much it hurt, until I saw his hand afterward and realized that his palms are rather... leathery. I took the swats as silently as I could, with as much dignity as I could manage, and then apologized again.

It took every ounce of my will power not to rub ferociously when he let me up. Then his eyes fixed on L. I suddenly switched to the role of observer, and so I will let L fill you in on the details he believes pertinent.

For myself, I managed not to embarrass myself further, although if the spanking had continued, I make no promises that I would have resisted the urge to struggle to escape.

In sum, it seems that regardless of the reason for a misbehavior, it is impossible to out logic an irate professor.

Light

--

Light-kun explained his side of the incidents that transpired in Dr. McCoy's office, and as you already know, I was witness to all of it. And I do mean all. I never turned my eyes away for a moment, although I know it would have been the polite thing to do (and as you may know by now, I am exceedingly polite.) However, this had to be the exception, for the simple fact that it was a learning experience.

I had, until that point, never been witness to nor experienced a spanking myself.

I realize you may find this difficult to believe, that I could live to be seventeen without ever having been spanked, but it is true. I was always too involved in my studies and later, in my detective work, to misbehave in a way that would be important to an authority figure. At the orphanage, Watari never spanked anyone – it wasn't his way. Roger, his assistant, would do so on occasion, and one of the younger boys, Mello, was a frequent recipient. However, these punishments were always carried out behind the closed doors of the office.

Coupling this new experience of witnessing a spanking with the fact that it was Light-kun receiving it made watching my only option. It was possible that he might give up clues as to his identity as Kira, but in addition to that, as I have admitted that I am attracted to Light-kun, I enjoy watching him in all situations. To see how his expression changes, his body language, the sounds he makes – this new opportunity provided all of that in abundance.

I must say that Light-kun handled the indignity of this punishment with all of the poise and self-control that I have come to expect from him in anything he does. He did not resist the enormous palm that pressed him into the desk and held him there, nor did he beg for mercy with voice or action. The only clues I saw that he was truly suffering were wincing, a tightening of his lips as he pressed them together, and clenching of his buttocks beneath the cloth of his pants. The first and latter were likely involuntary – the second was indubitably to keep himself from emitting his pain verbally.

Light-kun's face was red when he was allowed to rise, and that, too, must have been involuntary. After what happened next, I can fully empathize with such uncontrollable physical reactions, and appreciate even more the stoicism that Light-kun demonstrated in resistance to revealing others.

As Light-kun mentioned in his write-up, once his own punishment was over, Dr. McCoy turned his attention to me.

"I must say, young master L, that it was not very nice of you to deliberately watch your comrade's punishment when propriety would expect you to avert your gaze."

"I assure both you and Light-kun that I meant no disrespect, Dr. McCoy," I said. "As this was my first time in the vicinity of such an act, I could not resist the educational opportunity."

Even Light-kun looked surprised at that.

"Your first?" the good doctor said, blue eyebrows raised. "Am I correct in assuming that this means you have never been spanked?"

"Yes, you are correct," I answered, eyeing Light-kun and noting the minute signs of pain in his handsome features. "And while I confess to curiosity, it is an experience I believe I can make do without."

There is nothing stranger than having a giant, blue, scary-faced creature laugh at you.

"Oh, I needed that, thank you." Dr. McCoy wiped tears of mirth from his eyes with a hairy finger. "But while I appreciate the levity, I'm afraid your curiosity will still have to be satisfied. You broke the rules as much as Light did, and I'm sure your sense of justice would not allow you to go free after he has suffered."

I chewed on my thumbnail thoughtfully. "My sense of justice, no, but my sense of self-preservation could be convinced."

Dr. McCoy shook his head in wonder. "I can see that the two of you are going to make my job that much more challenging in the future." He heaved a sigh. "However, first we must deal with the present, and he have dallied too long already. L, please lean over the desk."

I moved over to where Light-kun had been only minutes earlier and locked eyes with him as I passed. For once, I wasn't sure of what he was thinking. I turned away from him and did as our teacher instructed, feeling one huge palm press against my shoulders just before the other one descended on my backside. The latter resulted in a gasp from me and a loud cracking sound from ground zero.

"Dear me!" Dr. McCoy declared. "Did I break you?"

"No," I answered, half-mumbling into the desk, "but I think you broke the M&Ms in my pocket."

Light made a noise that might have been something between a laugh and a snort. I heard Dr. McCoy murmur something that sounded like, "Oh, my stars and garters," just before he attempted another strike.

This time, he didn't stop. It is difficult to describe how I was feeling throughout the experience. Curiosity was followed by discomfort, then awareness of my own helplessness. Before long, however, the growing, burning pain centered in the targeted area took precedence over all else, and I had to fight with instincts that compelled me to move out of position. I knew that would be the worst thing I could do.

No, second worst. Allowing Light-kun to see how I was suffering would be the worst. I remembered the minute, tell-tale signs I had seen in him during his punishment and realized in shock that I was now exhibiting all of them myself. I had done no better at hiding it than he had, and had probably done worse.

After far too long, one hand left my back and thankfully the other stopped abusing my poor rear end. I pushed myself up, and kept my gaze lowered. "Well," I said in a voice that didn't quite sound like my own, "that was unpleasant."

"Good, then I did it correctly," Dr. McCoy said. "I trust we won't have to repeat this scene in the near future, gentlemen?"

"No, sensei," we both replied.

He dismissed us then, and we left together.

After having read Light-kun's write-up, I can now confess that I wanted to rub at my sore bottom as much as he had, but I resisted the impulse. Instead, I sighed, "Well, Watari wanted me to experience life as a normal teenager." I glanced at the boy walking beside me. "Was this normal?"

"More or less," he answered, then added wryly, "But I don't think many teenagers can claim to have been spanked by a man with hands the size of baseball mitts."

"How fortunate for them." I smiled ruefully and finally gave in, massaging the area that needed it most. Light chuckled and nodded, then we both rubbed our afflicted backsides in companionable silence.

L

--

(2007)

X-Men belongs to Marvel.
Death Note belongs to Tsugumi Ohba/Takeshi Obata.

MIA

2007-07-27T12:22:45Z

Apologies to readers of Changechildren for not updating recently. My RPG (in which I'm also playing the Changechildren characters) has taken up most of my writing time lately.

I do log some of the RPG posts in my Sprefvent compilation, but as the game is mainly discipline-oriented, I post it on my Yahoogroup rather than LiveJournal. The game has changed a few times over the years, so if you decide to go read the compilations, keep in mind that they're just that, and not an actual fic (which should explain why it's rather disjointed. XD)

Haruka

FIC: Changechildren - Part 68 (Prince of Tennis)

2007-07-07T23:46:48Z

*NOTE* Alternate Universe wherein I shamelessly borrowed/altered ideas from various media sources and even threw in some of my own. If anything is canon here, it’s probably an accident. Some chapters contain corporal punishment. Yaoi warning.

Earlier chapters can be found here.

Changechildren (Prince of Tennis)

Part 68

By Haruka (haruka@eastlink.ca)

--

Ritsu was using a day off from university classes to clean up around the house. With Kyo and Yuki in school, the only one at home was Shigure, and he was working on his manuscript in his office.

However, Ritsu’s mind was only half on the cleaning. While dusting, memories of the time spent with Sakaki Tarou filtered in. It made the work more fun, and before long, Ritsu was humming contentedly.

A knock came at the door and Ritsu looked up. She almost hadn’t heard the door through her happy daydreaming.

“Yes?” she said upon sliding the door open.

“Hello there,” greeted a man holding a long box. “I have flowers here for a Sohma Ritsu.”

“Who’s at the door, Ritchan?” Shigure came in, peering curiously past his cousins.

Ritsu finished signing for the flowers and opened the box as the delivery man left. “Oh, Shigure-niisan, roses! Aren’t they beautiful?”

“Yes, they are. And expensive, too.” Shigure sniffed at them. “Ooo, and look, a card!” He took it and pulled it out of the envelope. Ritsu reached for it, but Shigure gave her hand a gentle smack and read the note out loud, “’My dear Ritsu, may these flowers bring you as much pleasure as your company does me.’” He grinned at Ritsu. “He’s a real romantic, isn’t he?”

Ritsu blushed and ducked her head.

“Oh, and look – he’s asking to meet you at the café you first went to after you met.” Shigure looked at him. “After school hours today. Are you going to go?”

“Yes, I will,” Ritsu said softly. “I should put these in water, then I’ll call him to confirm.”

Shigure clicked his tongue as he watched her go. “I wonder if that man knows what he’s in for.”

--

“So, how’d you do on that test you were worried about?” Shishido asked Choutarou as they walked down the hall.

“I think I did all right,” Choutarou answered. “There was only one question I got really stumped on.” They passed by Tarou, who was speaking on his cell phone. He nodded in greeting and continued with his conversation. The boys heard the name ‘Ritsu’ and Shishido caught Choutarou’s wrist.

“Slow down,” he murmured, then bent down to tie his shoe.

While waiting, Choutarou heard Tarou talk to Ritsu about the date they’d planned for later at the coffee shop. He was so intrigued, he was startled when Shishido grabbed his wrist again and pulled him away.

“Did you hear that?” Shishido asked in a whisper. “He’s seeing that girl Ritsu again today!”

“Yes, he must really like her.”

The older boy glanced up at the younger one mischievously. “How about we go spy on them?”

Choutarou stared. “On their date?”

“Yeah, how else are we going to see what she looks like?”

“What who looks like?” asked Gakuto as he came up behind them with Yuushi.

“Sohma Ritsu,” Shishido said. “Sakaki-sensei is seeing her again after school – if we follow him, we’ll get to see what she looks like!”

“That’s a great idea!” Gakuto enthused.

Yuushi nodded slowly and pushed his glasses up his nose. “I must admit, I’m very curious about her.”

“What if Coach catches us?” Choutarou asked uneasily. “He’ll be really mad.”

“I’ll use my illusions to conceal us and Shishido can throw some extra luck into the mix for good measure,” Yuushi assured him. “We’ll be fine.”

“Let’s find Atobe and tell him,” Shishido said. “If we’re going to follow Sakaki in his Porsche, we’ll need transportation and he’s the only one with a chauffeur.”

--

Yuuta listened to Mizuki’s description of a new move he wanted Atsushi to try on the court as part of their next matches. It sounded rather interesting, but it soon became obvious that Atsushi wasn’t paying attention. In fact, he was completely oblivious to their presence as he read a tennis magazine.

“Atsushi!” the team manager snapped. “I’m not speaking to hear myself talk. Will you kindly listen to me?!”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” the younger Kisarazu twin said sheepishly. “I picked this up on the way to school and didn’t have time to read it until now.”

“What is it?” Mizuki asked curiously. He reached over and snatched the magazine away.

“Hey!” Atsushi made a grab for it but missed. Mizuki had marked the page he’d been studying with a thumb, and now he flipped to it and raised both eyebrows.

“This is an interview with the Griffy brothers!” he said in surprise and looked at the dark-haired boy. “How on Earth could this be more interesting than learning new strategies for tennis?”

“How could it be interesting at all?” Yuuta said, puzzled. “I mean, I like the Griffys and all, but I don’t need to read about them – we LIVE with them.”

Atsushi shrugged and looked away. “Ryoh and I haven’t been in the mansion as long as you guys and don’t know them well yet. I thought it would be nice to do some research ….”

Mizuki tilted his head and studied his doubles player. “Atsushi, you’re BLUSHING. Don’t tell me you have a crush on the Griffys?”

“Well,” Atsushi tried to hide a smile, “I’m hoping to get closer to Terry ….”

Yuuta put a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. “I hate to tell you this, senpai, but he’s got a boyfriend. He and Tom are going out with the Tanaka twins from Jyousei.”

“I know that already,” Atsushi said with a smile. “But they’re not married, and we’re not giving up.”

“Fine, fine, all’s fair in love and war,” Mizuki said impatiently. “But in the meantime, we have work to do, so could you please concentrate?”

--

Youhei balanced a tray of food as he made his way through the kids and teachers toward the table where his twin was already sitting. He put the tray down and frowned at Kouhei, wondering why he had his eyes closed. “What are you doing?”

Kouhei cracked open one eye. “I was trying to overhear a conversation.”

“Which one?” Youhei looked around.

“Not here – over at St. Rudolph.” Kouhei sighed and reached for the tray. “There’s no point anymore, though. They’ve stopped talking about them.”

Youhei sat down. “What did you hear?” he asked curiously.

“The Kisarazus are definitely after Tom and Terry,” Kouhei told him seriously. “And they already KNOW about us – they just don’t care. So it’s war.”

Youhei scowled. “Well, at least we’ve got the inside edge. We’re already their boyfriends plus we can listen in and tell if they get too close to them.”

“Yeah, but we have to be careful, too. It’s fine to spy on the Kisarazus alone, but Tom and Terry won’t like it if we listen in to conversations with them that they’re involved in.” Kouhei winked at his brother. “So we just won’t tell them.”

--

“I’m not so sure this is a good idea,” Choutarou said worriedly, ducking down in his seat. “This limousine is so big – what if Sakaki-sensei sees us?”

It had been a long wait until the end of classes at Hyotei, but finally the tennis team Regulars were able to set out in pursuit of their Coach’s date and discovering what she looked like.

“It’s a public street, we’re allowed to drive on it as much as he is,” Atobe retorted. “Besides, what else could we do – hire a cab? There are too many of us for that.”

“It’s all right,” Yuushi said calmly. “Once he stops, we’ll keep going for another block, then turn back. Once we’re out of the car and no one is touching me, I can turn on the illusion that hides us.”

“Shishido, give us that dose of luck anytime,” Atobe instructed.

“Sure,” Shishido said and proceeded to do so.

“It’s funny that Jiroh-senpai hasn’t had any dreams about Sensei’s new girlfriend,” Hiyoshi commented, glancing toward his teammate, who appeared to be napping in one corner of the seat. “It’s kind of an important event, isn’t it?”

“Maybe not.” Gakuto shrugged. “Maybe it’ll be a short-lived romance and won’t be that big a deal.”

“Still, Hiyoshi’s right,” Atobe frowned thoughtfully. “Jiroh should have seen SOMETHING.”

“I did,” Jiroh mumbled, then yawned.

“WHAT?!” everyone demanded at once, making the orange-haired boy jump.

“There’s no need to shout,” Jiroh complained. “The dream didn’t make any sense, anyway, that’s why I didn’t mention it.”

“Will you just TELL us already?” Shishido cried.

“Okay, but it’s not going to be any help,” Jiroh said. “In my dream, Sakaki-sensei had a pet monkey and he had named it Ritsu.”

The other boys blinked at him in silence for several moments before Kabaji said, “That’s all?”

“Is that supposed to indicate he thinks enough of Ritsu to name an animal after her?” Yuushi asked in confusion. “But a monkey? That’s hardly romantic.”

Jiroh shrugged. “I told you it didn’t make sense, but it’s the only time Ritsu was ever mentioned in a dream of mine.”

Gakuto groaned. “So you never even actually SAW her! That sucks!”

“Not for much longer,” Choutarou pointed out. “We’ll all be seeing her in a few minutes.”

“Keigo-Bocchama, the car is pulling into that parking lot.”

The kids all watched Sakaki steer his car into a parking space by the café.

“Keep driving once around the block,” Atobe instructed. “We’ll get out once you’ve come back around.”

The boys waited anxiously while the chauffeur followed Atobe’s instructions, then they finally got out of the limo. Atobe told the driver to park down the street and wait for them.

“Everyone give Yuushi plenty of space,” the Hyotei Captain said. “We can’t afford for the illusion to dissipate once we get into Sensei’s line of vision.”

Yuushi separated himself from the others and cast an illusion over all of them that hid them from view. “Remember,” he cautioned, “not only must you avoid touching me, but no one else can see you, either, so try to stay out of the way in case someone crashes into you.”

“All right, now let’s go see this woman.” Atobe led the group to the café’s front window, where they all stood in a row, peering in. Choutarou tried to half-hide himself around the edge as if someone could still see him through the illusion.

“What if they’re seated in a section we can’t see from here?” Gakuto asked, going up on his toes as he searched. “I can’t spot them.”

“Neither can … wait, there’s Sensei, in the back corner booth!” Choutarou said. The others all looked in that direction.

“Great,” Shishido growled. “Ritsu is sitting with her BACK to us!”

“She’s got nice hair,” Jiroh commented.

“I didn’t come here to see the back of her head – I want to see her face.” Atobe strode toward the door.

“Where are you going?!” Hiyoshi asked in alarm.

Atobe turned at the door. “Inside, where else? If we go one at a time, we can avoid people bumping into us.”

“Atobe, if someone separates from us, it will get harder to concentrate on hiding everyone,” Yuushi warned. “I’m still learning how to control it that precisely, and division makes it more difficult.”

“Then focus the illusion on just me instead of the rest of you,” Atobe told him. “Sakaki-sensei probably can’t see you from there, anyway – we had to hunt to find him. And I’ll be right by him, so I’ll need the protection more.”

“If he catches you, you’ll need MORE protection to save your butt,” Gakuto muttered.

Yuushi lifted his shoulders in a helpless shrug. “Very well, if that’s what you want, I’ll do it.”

“Just don’t let anyone touch you while I’m in there, okay?” Atobe said wryly.

“We’ll guard Yuushi,” Shishido promised. “And I’ll give you an extra dose of Luck, just in case.”

“Want me to Enhance Yuushi-senpai’s power?” Kabaji asked Atobe.

The fourteen-year-old shook his head. “It shouldn’t be necessary – just keep anyone from touching him.” He turned back to the entrance, and both Shishido and Yuushi focused their powers on he alone as he stepped into the café.

--

Fortunately, the door to the café was already blocked open to let a breeze in, so Atobe didn’t have to open it himself and make everyone wonder why no one was coming in. He simply glided inside and across the room, moving carefully in between tables and avoiding the wait staff. He glanced back toward the front window and was relieved to see that his team had the sense to duck down as far as they could get now that they were no longer protected by the illusion themselves. Fortunately with the row of plastic plants along the inside windowsill, they had some coverage that they could peek past and still be partially concealed.

When he turned back to watch where he was going, a man almost collided with him and he jumped out of the way just in time. It made him glad that the team couldn’t see him caught in such a close call.

He made his way closer to that corner booth, noting as he approached that Ritsu’s hair was indeed a lovely colour – rather like butterscotch – and appeared soft and smooth. A red ribbon held some of it back and gave it a nice feminine touch. He saw that she was wearing a furisode and found it interesting that someone so young could still be so traditional in the middle of the day. Maybe that was part of what their Coach liked.

Then he came up alongside their table, standing between them, close enough that either could have touched him if they reached out. And he saw her face.

She was stunningly beautiful.

“This is really nice, Tarou-san, I’m glad you invited me,” she said demurely, her shy, sweet smile adding more beauty to her features.

“I’m glad you accepted,” he said, and placed his hand over hers. She blushed, but didn’t attempt to remove it.

“What are those kids doing?” someone at a nearby table asked. Atobe turned and saw that other patrons were now starting to look toward the front window where his teammates were trying to get a peek at the corner table without being noticed. If Tarou hadn’t been so preoccupied with Ritsu, he probably would have looked that way himself but thankfully he didn’t seem to notice. Unfortunately, though, the boys’ presence had caught the attention of the manager, who headed for the door. Damn it! Atobe thought. He’s going to scare them off and Yuushi might lose concentration or get bumped by someone and here I am standing right beside Sakaki-sensei!

“Hey, you kids get away from here!” the owner shouted out the door just as Atobe turned and ran toward him. The Hyotei boys all took off except for Yuushi, who moved a few steps away, bouncing impatiently from foot to foot as he looked anxiously toward the window.

“You heard me, kid!” The owner started to step outside toward him. “Get lost or --OOF!”

Atobe had shoved the man out of his way as he ran out the door. He grabbed Yuushi’s arm and kept going in the direction of the limousine.

“You’re visible now,” Yuushi told him. “If Sensei looked up before we got past the window –“

“Then we’re dead,” Atobe finished grimly. “But for now, we’re out of here.”

The chauffeur already had the motor running when they arrived, and the other boys were waiting for them inside.

“Are you two okay?’

“Were you seen?”

“What did she look like, Atobe?”

“Get us out of here!” Atobe told the driver, who sped off.

“I’m sorry,” Yuushi told his Captain. “If I’d had better concentration, I could have protected both you and all of us with the illusion.”

“It’s too late to worry about it now,” Atobe said frankly. “And it was my idea; I’m not blaming you, no matter what happens.”

“So,” Gakuto peered at him curiously, “since the rest of us lost our chance, what DOES she look like?”

Atobe smiled wryly. “Not a monkey, that’s for sure!”

--

End of Part 68

(2007)

Prince of Tennis belongs to Konomi Takeshi.

This fic is not to be re-posted.

FIC: Changechildren - Part 67 (Prince of Tennis)

2007-07-01T14:49:31Z

*NOTE* Alternate Universe wherein I shamelessly borrowed/altered ideas from various media sources and even threw in some of my own. If anything is canon here, it’s probably an accident. Some chapters contain corporal punishment. Yaoi warning.

Earlier chapters can be found here.

Changechildren (Prince of Tennis)

Part 67

By Haruka (haruka@eastlink.ca)

--

“And that’s what they told me,” Sumire said.

Tarou sipped his morning coffee. “Considering their harrowing experience with Akutsu Jin, Bunta and Jiroh were in good spirits when I picked them up last night.”

“They went out again after that,” Sumire explained.

“And now Tom and Terry think we should restore Kirihara’s powers, hmm?” Aoi brushed back a lock of hair that blew into her eyes. It was a little breezy out back by the pool.

“Maybe they’re right,” Nanjiroh said. “The kid didn’t HAVE to tell the Griffys that the boys were in trouble.”

“No, but he also suggested they give his power back so HE could use it on Jin,” Sumire pointed out. “And who’s to say he would have done so once he had it?”

“I guess no one can say that for sure,” Tarou remarked. “But it’s the first positive sign we’ve seen that he’s thinking about someone else besides himself.”

Yukimura and Sanada walked out to join the adults at their patio table. “You asked to see us, Ryuzaki-san?”

“Yes, boys,” Sumire turned to look at them. “We’re debating the possibility of restoring Kirihara’s power. Did you hear about what happened at the amusement park?”

“Yes,” Yukimura said seriously. “Bunta told us all about it.”

“And what do you think?” Aoi asked. “In your opinion, is Kirihara ready to have his power back?”

The two boys looked at each other. “It’s a good sign,” Yukimura said slowly.

“In order for someone to learn responsibility, they must be trusted with some,” Sanada commented.

“So it would seem these two feel he should be given the chance,” Nanjiroh eyes the other teachers. “Are we in agreement, too?”

The boys watched the adults exchange approving nods.

“Thank you.” Yukimura bowed. “We’ll continue to keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn’t take advantage of your trust.”

“Well,” Nanjiroh said, “I guess we’d better get Kirihara and the Griffys together so we can make the switch!”

“I think all three of them will be elated to hear that.” Sumire smiled knowingly.

--

“WHY won’t you let me look in the bag?!” Kirihara demanded as Bunta snatched it away. “What’s in it that’s such a big secret?”

“It’s not a secret, it’s just none of your business.” Bunta put the bag in his drawer and shut it firmly while Kirihara scowled.

“What kind of store puts its merchandise in a plain black bag?”

“I didn’t buy this, someone gave it to me.”

A knock at the door was followed by Sanada sticking his head in the door. “Akaya, come with me. Now.”

Bunta grinned and popped his gum. “You’re in trouuubllle …,” he sang.

Kirihara backed away from Sanada. “Whatever it is, I didn’t do it!”

“Oh yes, you did, now come on.” Sanada grabbed the younger boy by the collar and began pulling him along.

Kirihara’s mind raced in panic as his Vice-Captain hauled him downstairs. He tried to ignore the looks he was getting from other kids along the way, but it wasn’t easy. He frowned when they came out to the patio and he saw the Griffy brothers, all the adults, and Yukimura there.

“Buchou,” he asked nervously, “what’s going on?”

Sanada let go of him and Yukimura smiled. “In light of your behaviour during the incident at the amusement park, the adults have decided to restore your power to you.”

“Thank God,” Terry muttered.

Kirihara turned on him. “What have you got against my power?!”

“Your power AND mine take advantage of other people!” Terry shot back. “I have enough trouble dealing with my own; I don’t WANT yours!”

“Tom,” Tarou said, “please make the transfer so these two can stop arguing.”

The elder Griffy brother took Terry’s hand, then put his own hand on Kirihara’s shoulder. He used his power to shift the Possession ability from his sibling to the Rikkaidai player.

Terry leaned against Tom in relief while Kirihara cheered. “Yes! I feel 100% again! Awesome!”

“Keep one thing in mind,” Sumire cautioned. “You’re still on probation. Your Captain and Vice-Captain will be watching to make sure you don’t backslide into using your power for mischief again.”

“Yeah, sure, no problem!” Kirihara ran gleefully back into the mansion with Sanada and Yukimura following at a slower pace.

“Thank you,” Terry said to the adults and he and Tom went inside as well.

“Another crisis over?” Aoi speculated.

“Let’s hope so,” Sumire commented. “And now we should start herding everyone off to school and get there ourselves while we’re at it.”

--

The Hyotei boys were all staring at Jiroh as they rode in Atobe’s limo to school.

“Sakaki-sensei was on a DATE?” Gakuto gasped. “Really?”

Jiroh nodded. “He told us when he gave us a lift last night. I did a little digging later and found out they went to the same restaurant as Hanamura, Echizen, and their kids.”

“Heh,” Yuushi commented, “that must have been interesting.”

“Kouhei said his date was really pretty and kind of young – only twenty. She’s a university student. Her name is Souma Ritsu.”

“Souma?” Atobe raised an eyebrow. “I wonder if she’s a member of the affluent Souma family.”

“It would make sense, wouldn’t it?” Choutarou asked. “Sakaki-sensei moves in wealthy circles himself.”

“I’ll be interested in seeing this woman if he dates her again,” Atobe said thoughtfully.

“Usu!”

“What about your own date, Jiroh?” Shishido asked. “You and the Rikkai guy -- what happened after the mess at the amusement park?”

“Oh, we went dancing,” Jiroh replied, his eyes twinkling. “It was fun.”

“Are you going to go out with him again?” Choutarou asked.

“Oh yeah, for sure! We discovered we have a lot in common.” He leaned back and gave a sigh of contentment that made the other boys look at each other curiously.

--

Kirihara was getting his books out of his locker when someone jumped him from behind, causing him to give a short, girly scream.

“Bunta-senpai!” he snapped when he saw who it was. “Would you please not DO that to me?! I may be only thirteen, but I can still have a heart attack!”

“I couldn’t help myself, I’m happy for you.” Bunta ruffled Kirihara’s dark curls. “I heard about you getting your power back; how’s it feel?”

The younger boy couldn’t conceal a grin. “It feels great. I love having my power back, and it’s kind of nice for a change not to be on everyone’s you-know-what list.”

“I’m proud of you,” Bunta told him honestly. “The other guys are, too. We thought it would take longer for you to come around.”

“Yeah, well, maybe if it hadn’t been one of my own teammates involved, I’d have kept my mouth shut,” Kirihara admitted. “But you were so upset ….” He shrugged, looking embarrassed.

Bunta popped his gum and smiled. “Thanks.”

Kirihara finished gathering his books and shut the locker door. “By the way, senpai,” he turned to look at the redhead, “you DID remember to release Akutsu from your power, right?”

Bunta stopped chewing. His purple eyes widened in horror.

“I’ll take that as a ‘no’,” Kirihara said wryly.

--

He wasn’t going to make it to school. He couldn’t get twenty feet without balking at something or someone, and it had been like that since the previous day.

Akutsu Jin made his way hesitantly toward Yamabuki Junior High, peering around corners before taking them. He needed three turns of the street light before he felt safe enough to cross the road with the other pedestrians. The sudden squeal of a baby in a nearby stroller sent him tearing down the street at a breakneck pace.

But the worst was the little girl.

She was standing outside a store licking an ice cream cone. Jin was trying to pass by without being noticed when her eyes locked with his. Her gaze felt intense; a soulless stare that stopped him in his tracks. Then she held out the ice cream cone toward him and he jumped back with a yelp. She looked puzzled for a moment, then an evil smile crossed her lips and she held out the cone again. Jin screamed and ran away, not slowing down until he reached school.

“Akutsu-senpai, wait!”

“YAH!” Jin cried out again, then realized it was just little Dan Taichi, who was staring at him worriedly.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing! Just d-don’t come near me!” Even Jin’s voice was shaky, and he was backing away as he spoke.

“How can you say nothing’s wrong?” Dan asked incredulously. “This isn’t like you at all!”

Jin was about to start begging the smaller boy to leave him in peace when he felt all the fear that had been building for hours dissipate. Just like that, it was gone.

Dan must have noticed his change in expression. “Akutsu-senpai?” he queried uncertainly.

Jin made a fist, his jaw clenching. “I’ll kill them,” he vowed.

--

Terry twirled in place and laughed joyously. He hadn’t felt this happy in a very long time.

Tom smiled, watching him. “I don’t blame you a bit; I didn’t like you being saddled with that power, either.”

“I’m glad we were able to help Jiroh-san, but it’s still not a power I wanted to ever have in my possession,” his brother said, then snorted. “No pun intended.”

“I just hope that Kirihara has learned his lesson,” Tom remarked. “There’s still the risk that he’ll decide possessing you for YOUR power would be a fun idea.”

“I know, but ….” Terry sighed and shrugged. “They had to trust him sometime.”

“Hey guys, could we talk to you for a minute?”

The Griffys looked over at the Kisarazu twins. “Sure, but you’d better make it fast,” Tom said. “You guys will be late for school if you don’t leave soon.”

From downstairs, Mizuki called out, “Atsushi! Hurry up! We’re not going to wait forever!”

The short-haired twin rolled his eyes and smiled at Terry. “We just wanted to tell you that we’re happy for you both. We heard about you being freed from carrying Kirihara’s power around.”

“Thank you,” Terry chirped. “We’re glad, too.”

“It was a nice thing you did for Bunta and Jiroh, too,” Ryoh said, meeting Tom’s eyes. “It must have been a hard decision, since we all knew Terry never wanted to use that power.”

“There were only two choices,” Tom said. “Either we did it, or we gave Kirihara his power back on the spot and trusted him to do it.”

“In retrospect, he probably would have,” Terry admitted. “But I think we did the right thing in the end.”

“ATSUSHI!” bellowed Mizuki from below.

Atsushi took Terry’s hand in his, causing the startled younger boy to look at him.

“We admire your bravery and selflessness. Both of you. Don’t ever diss your own powers again – we’re glad you’ve got them.”

Terry tried to form coherent words, but somehow the look in Atsushi’s eyes made him forget how.

Tom was noticing Terry’s dilemma when Ryoh’s hand on his shoulder distracted him. “Maybe we could play tennis together soon?” He grinned. “Or go to the mall? We never got to know you before, but we’ve got the chance now, and it could be fun.”

“Sure,” Tom answered, unable to resist smiling in return.

“ATSUSHI, WE’RE LEAVING! GOODBYE!”

The younger Kisarazu sighed. “That’s my cue,” he said sheepishly. “I’ll see you later, Terry.”

“I’ve got to go, too,” Ryoh said. “Bye, Tom!”

The Griffys watched the pair leave.

“Niisan,” Terry said slowly, “were they flirting with us?”

“I think so,” Tom told him.

“They know we have boyfriends, right?”

“Right.”

“Let’s not tell Youhei and Kouhei, just in case we’re wrong.”

“Agreed.”

--

The Tanaka twins had been waiting in their mother’s car for her to come out with Takahisa so they could all leave for Jyousei. Now they turned to stare at each other in disbelief.

“Did you hear that?” they asked each other.

“I guess we both did,” Youhei said.

“I was just listening to see if Kaasan and Niisan were on their way out yet, “ Kouhei remarked. “I didn’t expect to overhear … that.”

“You think the Kisarazus are after our boyfriends?” Youhei asked his brother.

“Tom and Terry think they might be.”

Kouhei frowned. “We don’t want to say anything yet – if they make another move, then it’s war. We’ll keep an eye on it.”

“AND an ear,” Youhei stated firmly. If the Kisarazus really did want the Griffys, they were going to have to fight the Tanakas for them.

--

End of Part 67

(2007)

Prince of Tennis belongs to Konomi Takeshi.

This fic is not to be re-posted.

FIC: Changechildren - Part 66 (Prince of Tennis)

2007-06-24T00:01:29Z

*WARNING* GO HERE BEFORE READING FURTHER!

Earlier chapters can be found here.

Changechildren (Prince of Tennis)

Part 66

By Haruka (haruka@eastlink.ca)

--

“Her name is Souma Ritsu and she goes to university. Her parents run an onsen, and she seems to be really self-deprecating. To a fault, even.”

Takahisa glanced at his brothers admirably. “Your powers come in very handy sometimes, don’t they?”

“Youhei, Kouhei, please don’t listen in on your father’s conversation,” Aoi chided off-handedly, glancing toward the other table. “University, hmm? So she must be about twenty years younger than he is.”

“Good for him,” Nanjiroh said cheerfully. “Maybe it’ll distract him from giving US a hard time.”

She turned to him with a smile. “You’re absolutely right, Nanjiroh. At the very least, he’s realizing we can both move on from the past.”

“How long do you think it’s going to be before he introduces us?” Kouhei asked.

“Depends,” Takahisa remarked. “He hasn’t even noticed us yet. If he does, he’ll have to do something right away. If he doesn’t, it’ll depend on whether or not he sees her again.”

“Yeah, I don’t suppose there’s much point in talking about her if this is a one-time thing,” Youhei replied.

--

Jiroh was having fun. He and Bunta had infiltrated the S&M club successfully to a point, but it hadn’t taken long for the other patrons to realize that the two of them were out of place. Next thing they knew, several of the regulars had joined forces to outfit the boys accordingly. The only thing was, they separated them to do it, and Jiroh had yet to see the results of Bunta’s makeover.

As for himself, he was still staring into the mirror. The new clothes weren’t an exact fit, but they weren’t bad, either. He had a pair of black leather pants now, his shirt had been removed and replaced by a leather vest covered with safety pins decorating it in various patterns. Leather cuffs adorned both biceps. He’d been handed a leash, but right now, that was all he had – nothing was connected to it.

“Jiroh!”

He turned and did a double-take. Bunta’s bright red hair identified him easily, which was a good thing considering Jiroh might not have recognized him in the outfit he was wearing. The leather shorts he’d been dressed in showed off his strong legs, and he was wearing knee-high boots to go with them. He had no shirt, but studded suspenders broke the bare line of his torso. More shining studs glittered from the collar at his throat.

“Wow, Jiroh, you look so … different!” He laughed.

“You too!” Jiroh grinned at him.

Bunta’s eyes fell to the leash in the Hyotei player’s hand. “What’s that for?”

“Well, um, they said there would be a ring on your collar for it ….” Jiroh pointed at the silver loop. “There it is.”

Bunta gave an embarrassed chuckle. “Well, I guess you’d better hook me up then.”

Blushing, Jiroh carefully attached the leash to Bunta’s collar, then stepped back. The image of the Rikkai player he both admired and was attracted to on a leash he carried was odd, but in a fun way.

“What do you say?” Bunta asked, nodding toward the dance floor. “You want to join the crowd?”

Jiroh looked down at his clothes, then back to Bunta. “I think we already did!”

Bunta covered his mouth to keep from spitting out his gum in laughter. “You’re right,” he agreed with a wink, “but let’s go dance with them, anyway.”

The two eagerly bounded toward the dance floor.

--
She was utterly charming. Tarou couldn’t remember if he’d ever met someone so completely earnest as Ritsu. It was such a shame that she had so little confidence in herself, and he told her so.

“Y-you think so, Sakaki-san?” she said uncertainly.

“I do,” he told her firmly. “And please, call me Tarou. We’ve spent a couple of hours together now, and I find you to be intelligent, kind, and humble. It’s rare to find a combination of all those qualities in one person these days.”

“Why, thank you,” Ritsu said, giving him a sweet smile of genuine pleasure. “I’ve really enjoyed myself. It was so nice of you to buy me dinner and listen to me like this.”

“Now don’t make it sound like you monopolized the conversation; I did as much of the talking as you did.”

Ritsu’s eyes widened. “Oh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to imply anything! I should never have –!”

Taroh put a hand on her arm. “Relax, my dear, you’ve done nothing wrong. Would you allow me to escort you home?”

“Oh … sure,” Ritsu said, visibly trying to contain herself. “I mean – you don’t have to – but it would be very nice.”

Taroh pulled out Ritsu’s chair for her and offered his arm. She stood and accepted it.

As they turned to leave, Taroh spotted Youhei and Kouhei’s bright hair at a table across the room. Not only were they and Takahisa looking at him, but so was his ex-wife, her apparent date, and the date’s son. He had no choice but to introduce Ritsu.

“I hope you don’t mind,” he said, “but my ex-wife and children are over there. May I introduce you?”

“I-If you want to. Are you sure it’s all right?”

“Certainly, come on.”

--

“They’re coming over!” Kouhei hissed to the others.

“This should be interesting,” Takahisa remarked.

“Hello, everyone,” Taroh said as he and Ritsu arrived. “I apologize that I didn’t notice you sooner.”

“That’s okay, Tousan; we can’t all have supersonic hearing.” Youhei smiled.

“Well, I’d like to introduce you to Souma Ritsu.” He nodded toward the young woman at his side. “Ritsu, these are my children, Takahisa, Youhei, and Kouhei. This is my ex-wife, Aoi, her … friend, Echizen Nanjiroh, and his son, Ryoma.”

Ritsu bowed formally. “It’s very nice to meet you.”

Everyone greeted her, then Youhei piped up, “How old are you, Ritsu-san?”

“I’m twenty,” she replied.

“Only six years older than Niisan,” Kouhei said mischievously.

“We’re just on our way out,” Taroh remarked. “I didn’t see you all until I stood up.”

“That’s all right, we’re leaving, too.” Nanjiroh said.

Taroh nodded. “I’ll see you all back at the house later. Come on, Ritsu, I’ll take you home.”

They watched the two of them head for the exit.

“Well, she’s nice, at least,” Youhei commented. “Do you think Tousan will see her again?”

“If he doesn’t, he’s crazy,” Kouhei replied. “How often does a guy his age get to date a pretty girl her age?”

--

Atobe smiled as Tezuka’s hands glided over his shoulders from behind. He fought the urge to pull away when his boyfriend’s lips trailed the outer curve of his ear. It was very ticklish, but also felt good, and he didn’t want it to stop.

“Do you have any idea how this makes me feel?” he purred.

“Hopefully, something close to what _I’m_ feeling or we’re going to be sitting here just staring at each other.”

Atobe looked over his shoulder with a raised eyebrow. “While staring at you would certainly be a worthwhile activity, I can think of better ones.” He shifted in place to face Tezuka and slid his arms around him. They kissed softly, then with more urgency. Atobe slipped his hand up under Tezuka’s shift, and the Seigaku Captain moved his hand under the rim of Atobe’s pants.

“WOOF!”

A big, hairy body suddenly shoved its way in between the two boys and Tezuka found himself facing bared fangs and a growling visage.

“Grrrrr ….”

“Beat, shame on you!” Atobe scolded, pulling the dog back. “Don’t growl at him; he’s a GOOD guy.”

Tezuka tried to reach around the dog to his boyfriend, but Beat snarled and the growling intensified.

“Rather protective, isn’t he?”

“I guess he thinks you’re trying to hurt me,” Atobe said helplessly. “I’m sorry, Mit-chan. I can put him out of the room.”

“That might make kissing you easier,” Tezuka said dryly.

“Come along, Beat.” Atobe snapped his fingers and the dog followed him to the door. When his master opened it, the dog padded out, expecting Atobe to follow. Then he turned around and found the door shut in his face.

“Now then,” Atobe gave Tezuka a heated look, “where were we?”

Tezuka reached out a hand that Atobe accepted and pulled him back down onto the bed. They both leaned forward, eyes closing.

A whine at the door followed by scratching against the wood interrupted them. It started quietly, then became louder and more demanding.

Tezuka sat back. “Obedient pet you have there,” he remarked dryly.

“Now that’s not fair,” Atobe pouted. “He’s in a new home and he doesn’t know you. He doesn’t know WHAT you’re doing to me in here.”

“It’s not his BUSINESS to know,” Tezuka stated.

“Well, yes, since he’s my dog and hence, my protector –“

Tezuka grabbed Atobe and pulled him close. “Forget the dog; I’LL protect you.”

Atobe tipped his face up and chuckled. “I’m sure you will.” They kissed, forgetting about the noise at the door.

“Now what’s this all about?” Sumire’s voice on the other side of the barrier was heard. “Did you want in? There you go ….”

The door opened and Beat charged in, leaping onto the bed and taking up his former position between the two tennis players. He licked Atobe’s face eagerly.

“I’m sorry,” the Hyotei Captain apologized to Tezuka, ruffling the dog’s fur.

Not as sorry as I am, Tezuka thought, locking eyes with Beat, whom he could swear was smirking at him.

--

Tarou walked Ritsu to her front door, which, she admitted, was not her own home. She was staying with family, an older cousin who was a writer. The house she directed him to was traditionally Japanese with sliding doors, set in a quiet area surrounded by woods.

“Dinner was wonderful,” Ritsu said. “It was very kind of you to invite me.”

“The pleasure was all mine, I assure you,” Tarou told her. “But what I would like to know is whether you will allow me to do it again.”

Ritsu blinked at him in surprise. “Y-you want to take me out to dinner again?”

Tarou smiled, amused by the reaction. “I believe that’s what I just said. Will you do me the honour?”

The young woman blushed. “I would like that, if it’s not too much trouble,” she said demurely.

“Not at all, it would be my pleasure.” He kissed her hand and she giggled softly.

The door opened and a man looked between them. He was as handsome as Ritsu was beautiful, and Tarou knew they had to be related. “Are you Ritsu’s cousin?”

“One of them,” the man said cheerfully. “I’m Souma Shigure.”

“Shigure-niisan, this is Sakaki Tarou,” Ritsu said. “He helped me when I was lost, and took me out to dinner.”

“Aw, and that means you missed out on the dinner Yuki burned,” Shigure remarked. He leaned against the doorway and grinned at Tarou. “Thank you for taking care of Ritchan. My younger cousin can be worrisome for the rest of us.”

“She was no problem at all, I assure you.”

Shigure raised an eyebrow and glanced at Ritsu, who smiled nervously. “I – I should go in. I have studying to do.”

“May I call you about our next dinner date?” Tarou asked.

She ducked her head bashfully, but nodded. “Yes, if you want to.”

“Good, I’ll call you tomorrow then.” He gave Shigure a nod. “Souma-san, it was nice meeting you.”

“You, too!” the younger man chirped. “I’m sure I’ll see you again.”

Tarou headed for his car, and Shigure glanced toward Ritsu, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief. “Now THAT was interesting!”

Ritsu went from sedate to panic mode in a quarter of a second. “I’M SORRY I DIDN’T TELL HIM! I’M SORRY THAT YOU FELT LIKE YOU HAD TO KEEP QUIET ABOUT ME! I’M A TERRIBLE PERSON, CAUSING MY OWN COUSIN TO KEEP MY SECRETS AND –!”

Shigure poked a finger in Ritsu’s side and his cousin slid to the ground in a silent heap. Two teenaged boys who had entered the room stopped just short of walking on him.

“What was Ritsu freaking out about this time?” asked the one with orange hair.

“Boys, it looks like our very own Ritchan has caught the attention of a handsome older man who drives a Porsche,” Shigure declared gleefully.

“Oh?” the silver-haired boy commented dubiously, glancing toward Ritsu, who was just coming around. “Sounds like a disaster in the making to me.”

--

Tarou hummed along with the radio as he drove home. He really HAD enjoyed Ritsu’s company, and that fact made him feel less guilty about having enjoyed rubbing Aoi’s face in it. Truthfully, he realized he should be grateful to his ex-wife. If she hadn’t started dating Nanjiroh, he himself might not have realized his own opportunities until it was too late.

A flash of bright red on the side of the road drew his attention and he recognized two of the Changechildren from the mansion walking along hand-in-hand. One of them was his own student. He gave the horn a honk and the two of them stopped and turned. He pulled up alongside them.

“It looks like we’re all heading for the mansion,” he said. “Would you like a lift?”

Jiroh and Bunta exchanged a look and shrugged. “Sure, thanks Coach.” They got in and Tarou continued to drive.

“Looks like you two had a good time,” he remarked, taking note of their hands, which had intertwined again.

Jiroh blushed and grinned at Bunta. “Well, it started off a little rough at the amusement park, but the second half of the date was a success.”

“It sounds like we all had a romantic evening then.”

The boys both looked toward Tarou with wide, curious eyes. “Were you on a date, too?” Bunta asked.

“Indeed I was. And I plan on seeing her again.”

“Wow!” Jiroh smiled broadly. “Good for you!”

Tarou tried to suppress a smile of his own. He distracted himself by noticing the small black plastic bags that both boys were holding. “Did you go shopping?” he asked.

The pair glanced down at the bags and exchanged an unreadable look. “Not exactly,” Bunta said, smiling slyly. “You could say these are hand-me-downs from some friends.”

Jiroh chuckled, and Tarou decided not to press them any further. They’d obviously had fun together and he’d had fun with Ritsu. For now, he would just enjoy reflecting on his evening and leave the boys to their secrets.

--

End of Part 66

(2007)

Prince of Tennis belongs to Konomi Takeshi.

This fic is not to be re-posted.