Ryota Echizen

The Invitation and The Dinner Date

Ryota's POV

"Ryoma!" Nanjiroh calls out from downstairs.

Walking down them, I yell back in response. "What?"

Strolling into the living room, I see Oyaji sitting on the couch opening up a new "magazine" while holding up a letter for me. "You have mail! I forgot to give this to you last week."

Snatching it from him, I roll my eyes and head to the kitchen while opening it.

_________________________________________________________________

Dear Mr. Echizen,

We are proud to announce that we would like you to participate in this years US Open. As a participant you will receive an all expenses paid pass including air fair, hotel accommodations, and traveling whilst there. More information is enclosed in the following envelope.

We hope to see you there and congratulations.

Sincerely,

The Committee of Trustees

_________________________________________________________________

'The US Open...wants me?'

"Ryota?" A hand is placed on my shoulder and I look over to see Ryoma standing behind me with a concerned look. Glancing down at what I'm holding, he smiles happily. "I figured you would be invited as well. I got mine a couple of days ago."

Snapping out of it, I shake my head and stare at the letter in my hands. "I don't get it, I haven't participated in any events recently, why would they want me?"

The letter is snatched out of my hands and I see Onii-chan waving the letter in front me. "Come on, Ryota. Don't be stupid, you're talented and deserve to go, plain and simple." Reaching over, he grins and flicks my forehead softly. "What's going on in that pretty little head of yours?"

Giggling, I reach over and snatch it from him. Glancing at the date, I frown and look up. "This says that it's the same day as the nationals...."

Nodding, he gives me a saddened look. "I...I know. I had to talk to my team members about it earlier. They told me that they supported whatever decision I would take."

"What about Akashi? Did you tell him yet?" I ask concerned.

Blushing a bit, Ryoma rubs the back of his neck. "I told him about it before I told my team, he said that he thinks it's important for me to go and that he'll be cheering for me from home."

Nodding, I set the invitation down on the kitchen table. "I'll have to think about it..."

Smiling softly, he gives me a up. "Atobe will understand, just remember that."

DING DONG

Glancing at the direction of the door, I hug Ryoma back and pull away to answer it. Opening it, I find Atobe standing there with a single rose in his hand. Blushing lightly, I smile nervously. "Hi, Atobe."

Giving me a smile, he hands me the rose. "Hello, sweet Prince."

I hear gagging noises from behind me, turning around I roll my eyes at the sight of Onii-chan choking himself behind me. "Onii-chan." I warn.

Chuckling, he stops and walks over and rests a hand on my shoulder."Oh come on, I'm just joking." He gives Atobe a glare. "I expect you to treat my brother well."

Nodding, Atobe holds his stare. "I would never hurt him. Ryota means so much to me, to hurt him would be hurting myself."

Blushing deep red at such a statement, I smile happily while pushing Ryoma back inside. "See, it's fine." Walking to Atobe's side, I grasp his hand and wave to Onii-chan. "I'll be back later."

We leave for the restaurant, I knew that Atobe would have a couple of tricks up his sleeves, but I didn't think that he would reserve the entire restaurant to ourselves. After ordering our main course, we talk for a bit. It ranged from school to hobbies, and even what we thought of our teammates. I then decided to bring up the subject of Wimbledon.

"Um...Atobe, I got an invitation today to join the Wimbledon...I, um, I don't think I'm going to go." I explained, hesitant on my word choice.

I watch nervously as Atobe takes a sip of water. He gives me a concerned look. "Why do you think that? It's a perfect opportunity."

Unsure of what to say, I wait a couple of seconds before responding. "I just....I don't want to abandon you and the team on the day of Nationals. That's a big deal for you all."

Shaking his head, Atobe laces his hands together. "I think that you should go. It'll be a good experience and who knows when you'll get another chance."

He had a point, it's not everyday that one is invited to the tournament. But the thought of abandoning my teammates when they need me most just doesn't sit well with me....

Shaking my head, I look down at my lap. "I'm sorry Atobe, I just refuse to go."

We sit in silence, heat creeping up my neck at the awkward silence.

"We don't need you."

Shocked, I look up and blink in surprise at the cold look in Atobe's eyes. "A-atobe..."

"We'll do just fine without you at the tournament. We've made it there before without your help and we'll do it again. Just because the members of Wimbledon think you're a powerful player does not mean that you're the best on our team." He explained, his emotionless voice cutting me in half.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing, what had happened to the supporting and caring man I had just been talking to? Even the way he sat gave off a cold vibe.

Hurt, I furrow my eyebrows while blinking in shock. "Atobe, what's gotten into you? What...What happened to the caring man that sat in front of me earlier?"

Rolling his eyes, he reaches out to fiddle with the glass of water in front of him. "Listen, I know that this may be hard to believe, but the only reason you were on the team in the first place was because I wanted to date you." Scoffing, he shakes his head. "I thought that if I was a gentleman and flattered you enough you would let me in your pants."

No words came to mind on how to respond, the stinging behind my eyes became severe as tears pooled in my eyes.

Atobe goes on and gestures to the empty restaurant. "This isn't just a date, but a break up one as well." He gives me a pitying look. "Sorry, I just got bored of waiting."

Unable to handle anymore, I get up and slam my hands on the table. Reaching over, I grab my glass of water and dump the contents on the jerks head. "Go to Hell!" Holding a hand up to my mouth, I muffle my sobs as I rush out of the restaurant.

Atobe's POV

Sitting in silence as the cold water drips down my numb face, I stare at the empty seat in front of me. Reaching up, I cover my eyes and hold back a sob.

Flashback

Nodding my head, I calm down as Yukimura opens his mouth again. "So what are you going to do once the invitations for the US Open sent out?"

Confused, I furrow my eyebrows at him. "What are you talking about?"

"My sources tell me that Ryoma Echizen was given an invitation to the match, surely Ryota will go as well. If not to play than to support his brother."

Shocked, I don't even notice when Yukimura gains a point.

Raising an eyebrow at me, he crosses his arms.

"Unless, you were to hold him back, that is."

End Flashback

Sliding my hand down my face, I stare at the now empty seat where my loved one once sat. Tears falling down my cheeks, I whisper to myself in broken silence.

"I'm so sorry....."