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Christmas used to be Ryoma's least favorite time of the year. The jolly spirit had been disgusting to a teenage Ryoma, and the fact that his birthday was on Christmas Eve had made him hate the season even more. His mom liked to say that he was her birthday present, again gross. Teenage Ryoma was a sack of repressed emotions and tennis.
The now twenty-one year old man was more open to the jolly spirit partly because he understood it now. He'd been dating Tezuka Kunimitsu for three years and counting. The two young men had enjoyed a quiet Christmas their first year, choosing to spend it with one another. Year two they went to their separate family homes to celebrate. Ryoma refused to take Kunimitsu to his home. His father and brother were embarrassing to introduce.
This year would be their third year celebrating Christmas.
“Ryoma, why don't you bring Kunimitsu over for Christmas? We've been wanting to spend time with him.” His mother ever so diligently called to remind him to bring his boyfriend over as he had accidentally forgotten to tell him last year. (He hadn’t.)
“Mom, dad's embarrassing and Ryoga's not any better.” Ryoma found sound logic in his argument. His dad would never let him hear the end of it, and while he can deflect and defend himself he didn't want to put his boyfriend in an uncomfortable position.
“Oh dear, he'll behave.” Bless his mother's soul for defending his dad.
“Not even you believe that mom.” He could hear her gentle laughter through the speaker phone.
“He's not that bad Ryoma, and Nanako is joining us this year. I would love to have the whole family together!” Ryoma heard the door to their home open.
“I'm sure he'd rather spend the holiday with his family. Hell, even I would rather spend the holiday with his family.” Kunimitsu leaned against the wall looking unimpressed.
“Ryoma, please promise you'll at least ask him?” His mom used that pouty tone that always worked for his dad.
Ryoma watched Kunimitsu with eagle eyes and a smirk as the older man approached Ryoma, “I don't know mom, I don't think Kunimitsu is ready t-”
Kunimitsu leaned in to give the brat a quick peck effectively silencing him. The momentary distraction was just what Kunimitsu needed, as Ryoma's mouth chased for a second kiss he snatched the phone away
“Mrs. Echizen, we'll be there.” Ryoma looked flabbergasted and played.
“Kunimitsu dear! I am so glad! Tell Ryoma no take backsies! See you soon boys!” With that she hung up the phone content knowing that Kunimitsu could handle Ryoma's wrath.
“Here.” Kunimitsu handed the phone back to Ryoma.
“Buchou!! I-” Ryoma blinked.
“You?” Kunimitsu teased.
A pretty pout formed on Ryoma's lips “Don't say I didn't warn you. My dad's so embarrassing.”
“It's time I meet you parents. It's only fair, you've already been formally introduced to mine.” Kunimitsu had been hurt over Ryoma not introducing him to his family. He'd thought that Ryoma had been ashamed of him, but that fear was washed away quickly because when Ryoma introduces him to anyone it's always with the title boyfriend. Then he speculated that maybe his family was not very accepting. Once again, that idea was quickly debunked when he heard Ryoma talking to his mom about him. He steeled his resolve and had asked the boy, why?, the reason was silly. Ryoma didn't want him to be hounded by his “idiot dad”.
“You've met my parents.” Reasoned Ryoma.
“Yes, as your captain.” He placed his arms around the shorter man's waist.
“You've also already met Ryoga.” Ryoma wrapped his arms around Kunimitsu's neck.
“Yes, as your ex-captain.”
“I guess… since you already promised my mom we were going it's fine. But if Ryoga tries to hit on you, punch him in the throat.”
Kunimitsu leaned down to meet Ryoma half way for a kiss. “Of course.”
-----
Christmas with the Echizen's was every bit chaotic as Ryoma had described. He was quite literally tackled by Echizen's mom the moment they arrived. She hugged them both tightly and had insisted on Kunimitsu calling her mom as well.
Ryoga threw winks toward him whenever Ryoma was looking. Kunimitsu got the feeling he only wanted to rile Ryoma. Which worked perfectly, “Mom! Ryoga won't stop winking at Kunimitsu!”
Ryoga had bellowed with laughter. “Aw, is Chibisuke worried I'll snatch his man?”
“Hah! As if, Kunimitsu wouldn't go for a good for nothing like you.”
“Why not? We practically have the same face,” Ryoga counted on his fingers, “not to mention I'm taller, more charming, hilarious, older, and better at tennis. What more could he want? I would make a great trophy wife, isn't that right Kunimitsu?” Ryoga had the audacity to look at Kunimitsu with a dashing smile. Kunimitsu shamefully agreed internally with the fact that Ryoga and Ryoma shared similar facial features. But his Ryoma was definitely cuter and the only Echizen for him.
“I'm sure you would make a lovely trophy wife…” The death glare Ryoma sent Kunimitsu was slightly amusing, it was the same look he gave him whenever Atobe got overly friendly, “just not for me.”
“What? Got something against hot guys?” Ryoga joked.
“Calling yourself hot is cringe.” Ryoma retorted.
“I wasn't talking to you, pipsqueak.”
Ryoma rolled his eyes,“Whatever loser.”
“Oh yeah? Let's take this outside then.” Ryoga challenged, and Ryoma would be damned if he ran away from any challenge, especially one from his older brother.
The quietest of the Echizen’s had been Nanako. “Awww they're fighting over you Tezuka, isn't that sweet?” She giggled merrily.
Kunimitsu felt mortification seep into his body when Nanako spoke. His face flushed and suddenly he would rather the Echizen brother banter.
Kunimitsu briskly made his way to the tennis court the Echizen's had. Both the Echizen brothers were playing, rather obnoxiously.
“Try and return this!” Ryoga swung and yelled “Kamehameha!”
“I can see through your deception Ryoga! You cannot fool my sharingan.” Ryoma leapt and managed to return the ball and land in a childish pose.
Kunimitsu felt his small smile bloom into a smile that Fuji and Inui would kill to have a picture of. Watching Ryoma act like a kid was rather endearing. His boyfriend was usually aloof, arrogant, spoiled, bratty, and seemed like he was mature. This Ryoma, the Ryoma that came home to his family for Christmas, and acted the fool was one only his family knew and now Kunimitsu was a part of his family.
“These boys never learn.” Echizen's mother sat next to him.
“Thank you for joining us this year Kunimitsu.”
“No, thank you for inviting me. I have been wanting to meet his family.” Although Ryoma still hadn't introduced him. When he arrived at the Echizen residence everyone already knew what his name was and who he was.
“Oh dear, but you have already met us. I recall when all the tennis club members were here celebrating Ryoma's birthday.” She smiled warmly.
Kunimitsu cleared his throat, “Ah, I met formally as his partner.”
Rinko Echizen cackled. “Oh sweetie, it was as clear as night and day that you and Ryoma had feelings even back then.” She fixed her gaze back to the tennis court.
“When we left for the US Ryoma was devastated. Fortunately technology had developed so rapidly that communication was easier. It's also lucky that both of you met again because of tennis.” She patted Kunimitsu's back.
“Oi brats, you playing tennis without your old man?” Kunimitsu observed from the sidelines as Echizen Nanjirou tried to bully his way onto the court. They ended up settling for a Nanjirou vs Ryoga and Ryoma match.
“Hey old man, are you sure you can take us on?” Ryoma taunted.
“I don't want to hear that from someone that lost the last open.” Nanjirou shoved his pinky finger into his ear to remove ear wax.
“Big talk from someone that's never had a grandslam.” Ryoga defended his baby brother.
“Oi, that was by choice! Not lack of skills!” The eldest Echizen huffed and puffed. “That's it! I'm beating you both!”
The challenge was issued, “You can try.”
The Echizen males continued to play their obnoxious tennis. The dad joined in on the weird name calling of moves and poses. The game ended in favor of Nanjirou, the Echizen brothers had no team work whatsoever. “Hey Kid Captain, these boys were no match for me. Want to try and take on this old tired man?” Nanjirou tried to provoke him.
“Alright.” He got up from the porch.
“Kick his ass!” Ryoma cheered.
----
During their dinner, it was round two of trash talking only this time Nanjirou was also involved.
Ryoga innocently made a comment that started an argument, “Hey dad, the shrimp was mad because Kunimitsu said I'd make a good wife.”
“No he didn't!” Mid-bite Ryoma glared at Ryoga.
“Yuh huh! I heard it with my own two ears!” The boy nodded his head.
“Then you must be going deaf Ryoga.”
“Well what can I say, this face is too irresistible.” Ryoga placed his left thumb and index finger on his face to emphasize his point.
“Just because your mom says you're handsome doesn't mean it's true.”
“Oooooo dad Ryoma said you're ugly.”
“What?! When?!”
“What?! I'll have you know this face got me out of a lot of trouble when I was younger.” Najirou caressed his face much like the way Ryoga had done so moments ago.
“And it also got you into a lot of trouble too Nanjirou.” Rinko Echizen warned.
The Echizen brothers shared a laugh.
Nanjirou cried melodramatic tears. “This is why the kid captain over here is my favorite kid. He's not laughing at my expense. You two are disowned, the kid captain here gets my inheritance.”
“Ehw dad no one wants those dirty magazines, and his name is Kunimitsu.” Ryoma scrunched his nose in disgust.
“Hah! As if I'd listen to the opinion of a kid that likes sausage over pu-”
“Nanjirou! Dad! Uncle!” Mrs. Echizen, Nanako, and Ryoma yelled simultaneously.
The laughter coming from both Nanjirou and Ryoga resonated in the kitchen. Kunimitsu couldn't help but feel welcomed and included. He was a part of the family and if banter was proof of that so be it, even if such vulgarities made him embarrassed.
“I'm so sorry Kunimitsu dear. I'll have a stern talk with him later.” She apologized profusely.
“Ah, no worries. I appreciate being included.” Kunimitsu reassured Mrs. Echizen.
“Oh my, what did I do to deserve such an understanding son. Maybe it's a divine gift for putting up with Ryoga and Ryoma.” She joked.
“I'm not that bad, am I mom?” Ryoga pulled out the puppy eyes.
“You're not bad, Ryoga.” Ryoma answered as he ate his dinner.
“You really mean that Chibisuke?” Ryoga looked like he had just won the lottery.
“Yeah, because you're terrible, horrible really.” Ryoma smirked as he continued eating.
Now it was Ryoma's turn to laugh with Nanjirou. “You walked right into that one kid.” Nanjirou chuckled.
As the banter continued throughout dinner, the feelings of homeliness and comfort radiated from the Echizen's. Kunimitsu had been blatantly called their son but both Mr. and Mrs. Echizen. He was an Echizen. The brown haired man was glad he spoke with Mrs. Echizen that day.
----
The gifts had been opened, board games were played, trash talking ensued before it was time to go to bed.
Now comfortably on Ryoma's twin XL bed. Ryoma and Kunimitsu cuddled, to ensure they both stayed on the bed. “How was your first Christmas with the Echizen's?” Ryoma asked.
“Lively.”
Ryoma snorted, “Yeah, that's one way to put it.”
Kunimitsu looked around and took in what teenage Ryoma saw every day.
“Feeling nostalgic?”
“Maybe.” The older man kissed Ryoma's nose.
“Oh, then you'll love this.” Ryoma quickly got out of bed and rummaged through his closet.
“What are you doing?” Kunimitsu grabbed his glasses from the night stand.
Clothing shuffled, “Look Tezuka-Buchou.” Ryoma was wearing their old Seigaku jersey.
“Is that my old jersey?” Kunimitsu asked. He had given one to Ryoma before he left for Germany, it was symbolic. An important piece of him would stay with Ryoma, and he was happy that Ryoma had kept it all this time.
“I keep it here and use it during Christmas when you're with your family.” Ryoma added shyly.
Okay scratch that, happy, thrilled and slightly turned on. Almost as if on cue Ryoma seemed to be on the same wavelength. “Hey, Buchou, Let's play.”
That Christmas night they slept together in Ryoma's old room sharing their longing, need and want for each other.
The next morning Kunimitsu made his way down stairs to help Mrs. Echizen for breakfast. As the man was setting the table Mrs. Echizen whispered to him. “This house is old, it creaks and the walls aren't as thick as they seem. Keep it down boys.”
Blood rapidly rushed to his face. His body felt like it was in the sun during one of Japan's hot summer days.
A clueless Ryoma came downstairs to a mortified Kunimitsu. He soon would be mortified as well when Kunimitsu told him what had transpired.