Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis and any of the characters. All of the characters belong to Takeshi Konomi Sensei except for the OCs.

Pairings: Tezuka X Echizen

A/N: *evils laugh* I'm back~ or not... Thanks for those that review the story even though I've went into 2 years of hiatus. Seeing those reviews makes me feel like typing the ficcie again. So here am I after 2 years and hopefully, I can go on a regular update this time. I shall keep my A/N short since I know some of you are eager to read the story, so here it is.

To the story then…

Chapter 13

Kuniyori and Kuniyosu had a shocked when their nephew came to the main house during the noon and requested to see both of them. When they had settled down, Kuniaru told them about the phone call they received from Mikoto regarding Kunikazu. They didn't expect that their little brother will be that stupid as to get addicted to gambling and now he is in debt. Currently, they are seated in the living room across from Ayana and Kuniharu and wondering what they should do about the debt. Even if they were to combine their saving together with Kuniharu's and Ayana's, it didn't even total up to ¥200million. They are seriously out of idea on how to clear the debt Kunikazu has accumulated. The only way they could think of is to borrow the money from the bank but the four of them are retirees. To get the money from the bank is not impossible but to be approved in a week is definitely impossible seeing as there are so many requirements and procedures to be done.

"...Maybe we should talk to Kunimitsu regarding this matter..," said Ayana hesitantly. She knew that his son is a busy person since he's a doctor and combined with Ryoma's pregnancy, he's been rather busy these days but this matter is really out of their control as they are unable to collect ¥500million in a week's time. The amount is just way too much.

"I guess we should. There's no way we can collect that amount in a week. The company is already no more since that man betrayed us and lead it to bankruptcy. The only way is to consult Kunimitsu and hopefully with his help, we might be able to collect that amount," added Kuniyori with a sigh.

"If that's the case, then we'll talk to Kunimitsu about it tomorrow," Kuniharu said reluctantly after letting out a frustrated sigh. Inwardly, he's rather reluctant to let his son know about this seeing as how Kunikazu had treated Ryoma. Although he knew his son is not the kind of person as to not help his own family members when they are in a pinch. "We should leave. It's already late..."

"Aa...," agreed Ayana before both of them got up and left the house.

The next day came to fast to their liking. After the both of them had their breakfast, Kuniharu dialled his son's handphone number. After the third ring, his son picked up the phone.

"Kunimitsu."

"Otou-sama."

"...Are you free tonight?" Kuniharu asked hesitantly.

"Aa. There's nothing much today in the hospital. So, I'll be back at home around afternoon," replied Tezuka.

"I see..."

"Otou-sama, did something happen? You sounded...tired."

"...Aa. We need to tell you something. Is it okay for us to come over to your place?"

"Of course, Otou-sama. I'll be home approximately 4pm. I'll let Ryoma know that you'll be coming today. Staying for dinner Otou-sama?"

"Aa. If that's the case, then we'll see you around 5pm."

"Hai. I'll see you later then, Otou-sama."

"Hnn," Kuniharu replied before putting down the phone.

"How is it?" asked Ayana who has stayed beside Kuniharu all the while.

"We'll be going over to Kunimitsu's place around 5pm."

"I see..."

'Wonder what happen. Otou-sama sounded tensed and worried...,' thought Tezuka as he dialled Ryoma's phone number.

"Ryoma."

"Kunimitsu. That's rare for you to call me at this hour. Did something happen?" asked Ryoma worriedly as he look over the children eating their lunch happily.

"Nothing happen Ryoma. Just letting you know that Otou-sama and Okaa-sama will be dropping at our place for dinner tonight. Otou-sama said he has something to tell me. He sounded tensed and worried though...," Tezuka trailed off as he remembered the conversation he had few minutes ago with his father.

"Souka... What time will they be dropping by?"

"Around 5pm. I'll be back around 4pm. Do you need anything on the way?"

"Iie. If that's the case, then I'll see you later then. Don't worry too much and stop frowning."

"Aa," replied Tezuka but the next moment he said, "...wait. How do you know I'm frowning?" Over the phone, Tezuka can hear his spouse chuckled lightly before replying his question.

"How many years do you think I've been together with you," said Ryoma in a slight teasing voice.

"..."

"'Kay then. Got to go. The kids are starting to get rowdy..."

"Hnn. I'll see you later then. Be careful," warned Tezuka.

"Hai hai, you worry wart," replied Ryoma before he cut off the line.

"Tadaima," Tezuka called out as he reached home and he was greeted with the sight of Ryoma wearing his clothes again. Nowadays, Ryoma has been ransacking his wardrobe and wearing his clothes to hide the bump that is getting rather prominent.

"Okaerinasai, Kunimitsu," replied Ryoma before giving him a peck on the cheek.

"Where's Shun?" asked Kunimitsu when he didn't see the little devil.

"Sleeping. You should go and have a bath," said Ryoma as he took the overcoat that Tezuka has shed the moment he took off his shoes.

"Aa. I'll do that", said Tezuka before adding, "Want to join me?"

"Yadda. I'm going to prepare for dinner," replied Ryoma before handing back the overcoat to the owner. Then, he walked to the direction of the kitchen. Before Tezuka manage to ascend the stairs, he heard Ryoma said, "Wake Shun when you are done. He's been sleeping since we came back from the nursery..."

Tezuka grunted loud enough for Ryoma to hear before going up the stairs to head to their bedroom. When he entered, he saw the little kid sleeping so peacefully while hugging Ryoma's pillow. Tezuka treaded lightly to the closet to get his clothes but was shocked slightly when he sees how little clothes he has left. He chuckled lightly and thought, 'I'll be out of clothes to wear soon at this rate since Ryoma started wearing my clothes instead of his own...Oh well...'

Tezuka quickly choose the clothes he wanted to wear before heading to the bathroom quietly so as not to wake up the little devil. 15 minutes later, he walked out of the bathroom with his hair dried and fully clothed. He headed towards his bed and sat on it before waking up Shun.

"Shun, wake up." said Tezuka as he shook him lightly. The little boy turned away from Tezuka and continued sleeping, ignoring Tezuka's call. 'From the look of it, this will take long...' thought Tezuka as continues to wake Shun up but the kid decided to continue ignoring his otou-san's call.

Meanwhile, at downstairs, Ryoma had already finished preparing for dinner. Now, he only needs to wait for Tezuka's parents to reach before he starts cooking for dinner. Seeing as he still has time, he decided to go to their bedroom and see whether Tezuka manage to wake Shun up. He knew it will be a challenge since he's the one that usually woke the kid from his afternoon nap. When he reached their bedroom, he heard Tezuka letting out a sigh and his hand ran through his dried hair.

"Having trouble?" asked Ryoma as he walked towards his husband.

"Aa...How long do you usually take to wake this brat up?" asked Tezuka as he continues to shake the boy up from his slumber.

"Hmm...5 minutes, maybe." Tezuka stare at Ryoma incredulously. Ryoma smirked at his spouse before sitting down right in front of Tezuka on the bed. Then he place his hands on Shun's side and starts tickling the kid. The next thing they know, the whole room is filled with laughter.

"Ah..hahahahaha... st-stop it Ryo-otou-san! Hahaha..Hahahahaha! Shun awake! Hahahaha!" Ryoma did stopped when he sees that Shun is already wide awake.

"Good. Now go and wash your face," said Ryoma as he sees the little boy gets off the bed and ran to the bathroom to wash his face. Ryoma then turn around and lean on Tezuka as Tezuka snaked his arm around Ryoma's middle. Both of their eyes follow the kid's movement in the toilet while enjoying each others' presence.

"Interesting way to wake him up," said Tezuka. Few minutes later, Shun came out of the bathroom and ran to where Ryoma and Tezuka are seated. The kid practically collided with Ryoma's leg and hugged him. Then he looks up at Ryoma and gave him a toothy smile as Tezuka ruffle the kid's hair. Ryoma just flashed a smile at the kid. The next thing he knows, both his husband and the little kid are rubbing his bump which has become their habit whenever they are close to Ryoma. As for Ryoma, he just let them be. After all, the feeling is quite good although he will never admit it out loud. Their moments were disturbed when they heard the door bell rang.

"I'll go get it," said Tezuka as he got up and walk towards the bedroom door and down the stairs.

"Let's go Shun," said Ryoma as he too, gets up and follows after Tezuka.

"Hai!" exclaimed Shun as he hopped after Ryoma and took hold of Ryoma's hand. Both of them walked down the stairs hand in hand and when they are at the foot of the stairs, Shun let go of his hand and ran to the living room to meet his foster grandparents.

"Obaa-san! Ojii-san!"

"Hello Shun. How are you?" Ayana asked the boy as she picked him up and let him sit on his lap.

"Good!"

"Otou-san. Okaa-san," Ryoma said as he walked towards where Tezuka is seated.

"Ryoma-kun," Kuniharu said as he sees the man walked towards his beloved. Kuniharu spotted that the man is actually wearing his son's clothes instead of his own. As he sat down, he saw his son place an arm around his spouse's middle. Nowadays, his son has been rather open in showing his affection towards his spouse and inwardly, he's glad.

"Ryo-otou-san... Me hungry...," whined Shun. Seeing the antics of Shun, Ryoma just shook his head lightly before getting up and excuse himself to go to the kitchen to cook.

"I'll help," said Tezuka as he made a move to get up.

"It's okay. I'll manage," Ryoma said before giving Tezuka small smile and walked to the kitchen direction.

Currently, Tezuka is lying down on the bed waiting for Ryoma to come out of the bathroom. Shun has already went to sleep in his own room which they have prepared after they came back from Ryoma's parents' place. After they had finished their dinner, they went back to the living room when his father said that he has something to tell him.

"Kunimitsu, there's something that we need to tell you and ask for your help," said Kuniharu.

"What is it, Otou-sama?"

"Two days ago, Makito called us up regarding Otou-sama," said Ayana.

"Ojii-sama? What's wrong with him?" asked Tezuka with a slight hint of worried tone. Even though he is still somewhat angry at his grandfather, he knew that he can never be angry at him for long. No matter what, Kunikazu Tezuka is still his grandfather.

"Apparently, Ojii-sama has started gambling and right now he's in debt..."Ayana trailed off. She really doesn't know how to break the news to her son.

"...That can't be true. I know Ojii-sama hates gambling."

"That's what we thought too but just 4 days ago, when I was cleaning Otou-sama's room, I saw a few receipts that are from the pawn shop," Kuniharu added. Tezuka was left speechless when he heard what his father has uttered.

"How... much was his debt?" Tezuka asked hesitantly.

"...¥500million."

"That's...a lot."

"Aa. That's why we wanted to ask your help regarding this matter. We've consult Kuniyori-jii-sama and Kuniyosu-jii-sama. With our savings, it didn't even total up to ¥200million."

"I-," Tezuka said but was cut off.

"I'll pay." Tezuka whipped his head towards where the voice came from and saw Ryoma walking towards where he is seated.

"No," Tezuka replied him immediately.

"Why not?" asked Ryoma as he settles down beside Tezuka.

Before Tezuka manage to reply his spouse, Ayana said, "We can't have you pay for it Ryoma-kun. After all, this is our family matter."

"Am I not your family member?" asked Ryoma frankly as he looks directly at his father and mother-in-law. That question renders the three of them speechless. Ryoma just smiled at their respond before saying, "So... ¥500million right Otou-san?"

"Aa..."

"Okay then. I'll call Sam up tomorrow and asked him to deal with the bank." (1)

"...Ryoma-kun..."

"Hai, Okaa-san?"

"...Arigatou."Ryoma just gave her a small smile.

"We should get going. It's really late," said Kuniharu as he makes a move to get up.

"Aa," agreed Ayana as she also stood up and the couple head to the door.

"Thanks again Ryoma-kun," said Ayana before they say their goodbye.

Tezuka was snapped out of his reverie when he heard Ryoma walking out of the bathroom with his own pyjamas, the only type of clothes that he won't ransack Tezuka's closet.

"What are you thinking about Kunimitsu?" asked Ryoma as he goes under the cover and snuggle closer to Tezuka.

"Ryoma."

"Hmm?"

"...Are you sure about-," Tezuka started but was cut off immediately by Ryoma.

"Yes," said Ryoma as he more or less knew what he is trying to ask.

"But-."

"No 'buts'. I'm sure and after all, am I not your husband? If I am, then what's wrong with helping you, who is my wife?"

"Aa...wait! Aren't you the wife seeing as currently, you are the one that carrying the little juniors," replied Tezuka jokingly as his left hand went to Ryoma's middle and starts rubbing it. Ryoma practically glared at Tezuka for making that statement.

"Hmph! Am sleeping!" uttered Ryoma as he can't really think of a comeback. He slid under the cover and turn to his right which is away from Tezuka. Tezuka just chuckled lightly before hugging Ryoma and brought him closer but the emerald haired man just shrugged off Tezuka's hug and scuttle further away from the brunette.

"Ryoma..." Tezuka said but he didn't get any reply from him. Tezuka leaned over Ryoma and saw that his wife has fallen asleep. Tezuka laughed inwardly and thought, 'That's fast!'

Tezuka hugged Ryoma and brought him closer to him so that he is further away from the edge of the bed. Then, he gave him a small kiss on the nape before saying, "Oyasuminasai Ryoma."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Tezuka was preparing breakfast when he heard someone running upstairs and the retching sound coming from the bathroom. 'Looks like Ryoma's awake,' thought Tezuka as he goes up and see how his pregnant spouse is doing. Apparently, even though Ryoma has already entered the 2nd trimester, his morning sickness still remains as bad as ever. On his way up, he saw Shun's door open and came out the little boy wearing his pyjamas.

"Ryo-otou-san alright?" asked the little boy worriedly.

"Don't worry about it Shun. Go and change. Otou-san will look after him."

"Hai," said the boy as he headed towards the bathroom. Tezuka entered the bedroom and see Ryoma bending over the toilet bowl and empty whatever that's available inside his stomach. Along the way, Tezuka grabbed Ryoma's face towel and head to where the man is.

"Still that bad?" asked Tezuka as he bend over and pat the emerald haired man's back while wiping the sweat away from Ryoma's forehead. Ryoma just nodded before coughing piteously into the toilet bowl. When he's done, Ryoma looked up at his husband and said tiredly, "It's your entire fault..."

"Hai hai..." said the brunette as he pat Ryoma's back. He knew Ryoma was just joking and doesn't mean it seriously. After awhile, Tezuka asked, "Has it stopped?"

"...Think so..." With that answer, Tezuka helped Ryoma up and let the smaller man rinsed his mouth and brush his teeth. All the while, Tezuka stood beside him and helped him with it.

When Ryoma is done, Tezuka helped him to the bed before tucking him. "Go back to sleep. I'll bring your breakfast up when it's done." Ryoma just nodded before closing his eyes and drifted off to sleep. After all, today is a public holiday and neither he nor Tezuka needs to go to the nursery and hospital respectively.

They had just finished lunch when the phone rang. "I'll get it", Tezuka said as he walk to where the phone is situated.

"Aa. I'll clean up then," Ryoma said as he clear the table.

"Shun help!" said the boy as he eagerly collects the cutleries and place it inside the side.

"Arigatou (Thank you) Shun," Ryoma said as he brings the plates to the sink and starts washing. When they are done, Ryoma went to the living room and settle down with Shun following him. Both of them were watching television when he felt Tezuka sitting by his left side as his left hand circled Ryoma's middle.

"Who is it?"

"Otou-sama."

"Souka (I see)."

"Aa. Otou-sama said the time and place has been set."

"When is it?"

"Tomorrow noon...and I need to go too."

Ryoma immediately whipped around and stare at his husband before asking, "Why?"

"..."

"Why?"

Tezuka sighed before saying, "Otou-sama said Makito's grandmother wanted to see me."

"Why?"

"We don't know either... Even I've never seen her before. I've only heard the story from Otou-sama that Makito's grandmother betrayed the family causing the company to fall into bankruptcy."

"Can't you ask Otou-san to lie to her saying that you have to go to the hospital tomorrow?"

"Otou-sama thought of that and told her but somehow, she knew that I'm off tomorrow too..." sai Tezuka. "Don't worry. We'll just hand over the money and get Ojii-sama back, that's all," he added as he sees the worried expression on Ryoma's face. 'I hope...'

"Hopefully..." Ryoma said before he felt something dropped on his lap. He looked down and saw Shun sleeping on his lap. "Heh. Looks like Shun fell asleep. He must be quite tired seeing as it's still before his sleeping time."

"Aa. He's been playing with you for the whole day after all. You should rest too..." said Tezuka as he got up and carried Shun while Ryoma switched off the television.

"Usu." Ryoma made a move to stand up but he sat back down when he was hit with sudden dizziness.

"Ryoma?"

"I'm fine... Just stood up too fast."

"Stay here. I'll be back after I place Shun in his room," ordered Tezuka.

"Yadda. I'm fine!" protested Ryoma as he stood up much slower this time and he was not hit by any dizzy spell. "Let's go."

"Ryo-."

"I'm fine," said Ryoma as he cut in and push Tezuka towards the stairs. "Stop being a worry wart! You are getting more like Oishi-sempai!"

"Ryo-." This time, he was silenced by Ryoma's glare.

"If you don't stop worrying, you are sleeping on the couch tonight," threaten Ryoma. In the end, Tezuka gave up and both of them head to the stairs and Shun's room. When they reached the boy's room, Tezuka placed Shun on the bed while Ryoma went to the closet to get the pyjamas. After changing the kid's clothes, both of them went to their own bedroom.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Ryoma-kun, you need to relax a bit. It's not good for the babies..." said Ayana. She is sitting beside Ryoma with Shun on her lap.

Currently, Ayana is staying together with Ryoma and Shun. Tezuka has gone to the meeting place together with Kuniharu, Kuniyori and Kuniyosu while she stayed behind to help to take care of Shun and Ryoma. Tezuka knew that Ryoma was worried about this meeting, so he specifically asked his mother to stay behind since Rinko and Nanjiroh went back to America to visit someone. (2)

"U-usu," said Ryoma as his hand goes to his bump and start rubbing it. He's starting to feel the cramp that usually intensified when he's stressed out or worried about something. He's been feeling twinges now and then but it's usually not that bad.

"...Ryo-otou-san..." Shun called out to Ryoma. Ryoma look over to the kid and saw his worried expression.

Ryoma ruffled the kid's hair before saying, "Come here Shun." Shun immediately crawled over to his otou-san and encircled his arms around Ryoma's neck before burying his head on Ryoma's shoulder.

"Gomen ne (Sorry) Shun for worrying you..." said Ryoma as he pated the boy's back.

Ryoma was startled when he heard his phone rang. He knew who the caller is since that ringtone is specifically on for him. Ayana took his phone on the coffee table and pass it to him. "Arigatou."

"Ryoma."

"Kunimitsu. Are you guys done?"

"...No."

"Then..?"

"They..."

"Please don't tell me you have to stay overnight." Over the phone, Ryoma could hear Tezuka chuckled light.

"Don't worry. It's nothing like that. I just need to ask for your help."

Ryoma let out the breath that he didn't realise that he has been holding. "What is it?"

"They don't want cheque."

"Then...?"

"They demand for direct money transfer instead."

"I see. What's the account number?"

"A-110-1223-145."

"Give me few minutes."

"Aa," said Tezuka as he cut off the line.

"Shun, can you go over to obaa-san for awhile? Ryo-otou-san needs to do something."

"Hai," said the boy as he crawled over to his grandmother. Ryoma then stood up and walked towards where Tezuka's laptop was placed. He then goes into the bank's website and transfer the money over to the account number. It was done in 10 minutes time. When he's done, he called up Tezuka.

"Kunimitsu, I'm done. You can ask her to check her account."

"Aa. Thanks Ryoma. Will be back soon."

"Then I'll get ready for dinner then."

"Okay. I'll see you later."

"Usu," replied Ryoma as the line went dead.

"How is it Ryoma-kun?"

"It's done Okaa-san," said Ryoma with a smile. Now he can relax seeing as there doesn't seem to be any hidden plot when that woman asked Kunimitsu to go.

"I see... That's good. Shall we prepare dinner?" said Ayana before getting up. Now she too can relax.

"Usu. Come Shun." Shun immediately ran to his Ryo-otou-san's side and the three of them walk towards the kitchen to prepare for dinner.

To be continued...

A/N: Hopefully, you guys are not that disappointed with this chapter. I added lots of skinship. Sorry... can't really help it. Hehe~ will update quite regularly right now, I think, since this part is over and done with! Hope that you guys will look forward to the next chapter!

(1) If you guys don't remember, Sam used to be Ryoma's manager but he also has other responsibility. Since he's the manager, somehow he took the responsibility to actually take care of the little thingy here and there for Ryoma as Ryoma is just plain... lazy (?) or ignorant about this kind of stuff before he married Tezuka. So, after so long, it still goes back to Sam being somewhat of a caretaker for Ryoma. :P

(2) Wanna take a guess who that someone is?

Reviews! Thanks once again and sorry for the superbly long hiatus!

P.S: Please forgive me for the jumbled up of tenses. It's been a long long time since I actually type a story. The only thing that I've been typing a lot is laboratory reports.

-Yuu