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manaikaHe was exactly fourtythree minutes late for practice. As he entered the courts, it was as if an atom bomb had exploaded. Every chatter stoped, every movement ceased, but Atobe was only grinning into himself and whistling a tango melody. Suddenly he stoped and everyone flinched. As he eyed them, almost everyone averted their gazes.
„What?“
Gakuto dropped his racket.
„Nothing!“
Atobe only smirked and headed to the bench, from where the coach was glaring daggers at him.
„You’re late.“
„Ore-sama overslept.“
Someone (Atobe suspected it was Shishsido) snorted, but Atobe was still looking at the coach.
Suddenly, Sakaki said something unexpected, that made his good mood fly away with a litteraly last minute flight: „Atobe, do you know the word ’shame’?“
Atobe blinked, in confusion what the coach wanted to hear. Of course he knew the word, only never acted to it. He had the sneaking suspicion this was a catch question. „Of course I know. I know everything. My mind is incredible.“
„Very well. Then your incredible mind should know that it’s exactly what you should feel now. And since you know and yet are not doing it, means that you’re still the spoiled and arrogant brat. You are the captain of this team. As such, you should be half an hour before practice present, not over half an hour late. If you oversleep, you have to run. As I already told you, if you want to be independent, you need to grow up and stop being a spoiled brat. You’re starting today. First thing will be that you apologize to your team for being an irresponsible captain. Then you will run 50 laps around the court.“
Neither of the regulars expected Atobe to obey their coach. The more of a surprise it was for them, to see Atobe turn around, facing the courts, sink to his knees and bow deeply, with his head touching the ground. „Right now I did not deserve to be called captain. I apologize for my irresponsibility.“
The entire courts were silent. Atobe’s face was pressed into the dirty ground and no one could see what he was thinking or feeling, his eyes hidden. He didn’t move. No one realized that he was waiting for a word from them that he was forgiven. They were too stunned to move. They didn’t notice until there was a hand in front of Atobe’s face.
„Hey, get your ass up. It’s creeping me out to see you like this. It’s totally lame.“
Atobe looked up into the blue eyes of his brown-haired teammate. Then he looked at the hand.
„Shishido. If I remember correctly, you are considered higher midclass.“
Shishido scowled. „So what if I am?“ Seriously, here he was, trying to help and was made fun off. But even though he really felt offended, he didn’t withdraw the hand. He wasn’t one to hold a grudge against a hurt person. But the next words shocked him.
„Right now, I am in the position where I should be rolling a red carpet in front of you.“
Suddenly Atobe felt himself being yanked upwards and before he knew it, his cheek was swelling where the clenched fist has collided.
„You selfish loafer!“
„Shishido-san!“
„I was trying to help you, you spoiled brat! You’re the captain of this team and yet you behave like a pitifull, kicked, abandoned, rain-soaked puppy! Where’s the arrogance?! Gone with one night on the street?“
„With one night in the rain, waiting for help, actually.“
„Atobe!“ the fist clenched tighter. „Snap out of it already!“
Atobe frowned. „Easy to say for you.“
They stared at each other with equally fierce gazes, boring daggers into each other. That was when the coach decided it was enough.
„Alright, this is enough. Shishido, get back to practice. Atobe, laps.“ Shishido reluctantly released Atobe and with a snort he went to continue practice with Choutarou.
Without any other word, Atobe started running. Sakaki turned to the other regulars.
„Have I allowed you to take rest?“
„No sir!“
„Then why aren’t you practicing?“
In that instant balls were flying again, the rhytmic clacking when they hit a racket resonating through the courts. As Atobe heard it, his scowl turned into a smile and his body relaxed. He had been tense all morning, since he set foot out of the Sanada household, even though the passionate night with Sanada had helped him to calm down a lot. But nothing in the world could help him as much as Tennis. He needed it. He needed to play.
He looked around the courts. Shishido and Ohtori were having a practice match with Oshitari and Gakuto. With a pang of pride, despite the situation, Atobe noted that apparently it had been a wise decision to make Shishido play doubles with the boy. Right now they were practicing the formation of double-advance guards. A wave of nostalgia washed over him. It was the first formation he and Sanada did as a pair and Atobe thought of it as of something like a beginning. Even if, to be honest, during the camp, rooming wasn’t the only thing they were doing together.
On the second court, Jiirou was having a match with Hiyoshi and judging from Hiyoshi’s scowl and Jiirou’s grin, he was winning. As he was along their side of the court, Jiirou’s eyes settled themselves on him for a moment, worry etched into them. Atobe gave him a small smirk. He was alright. And it would stay that way. Jiirou grinned wide and winked and his friend. And exactly at that moment, something yellow flashed by next to his ear.
„Gekokujou.“
Jiirou laughed. „Don’t get cocky, or you might have it cut off.“
Hiyoshi scowled, Jiirou grinned and Atobe laughed silently.
„He’s right Hiyoshi. Take a lesson from the prime example.“
Before any of them could say anything, Atobe had turned the corner.
*
After Atobe finished his laps, the coach called him over.
„Atobe. You understand why I made you do, what I did, do you?“
Atobe nodded, but otherwise stayed silent. He wasn’t supposed to talk now anyway.
„You are one of the most responsible persons I know Atobe, but that’s not everything. Up untill now the life you led was devoid of the harshness of reality. It was like a story, a fiction, a drama, like a game to be played. Contrary to other persons your age, you had no problems. And suddenly you are faced with a great problem. This will determine how much of a man you are. Will you stand, or bend? How strong is your will, Keigo?“
Atobe looked straight into the eyes of his coach, but still didn’t say anything. Even if he could now, there were no words that could express his feelings now. He let his eyes talk for himself. Sakaki always said, that his eyes talked better than his mouth.
The coach regarded him for a long moment. „Well,“ he smirked, „Since it’s you, it will be good.“
Atobe smirked right back. „Be awed by my prowess.“
From where they were training, the team watched from the corners of their eyes how he was being read a curtain lecture.
„Say, Yuushi...“ Gakuto said as he landed onto his feet, next to his partner, after returning Shishido’s well-aimed volley. „Now that Atobe is poor, the coach is suddenly really hard on him.“
„I don’t think it has to do something with money, Gakuto.“
Gakuto raised an eyebrow.
„It’s more like he’s being stricter. Up untill now, Atobe has been sheltered and his future was guranteed and sure like the Sun would rise, so there was no reason for teaching him about the hardship of life. But now, Atobe has to learn exactly that. It’s gonna be hard for him. You can consider this as a test. Whether he passes it, is determined by how serious he is about this. And according to that, it will form his future.“
There was a snort from behind the net. „In simple words, our captain needs to learn how to work. And in order to learn that, he needs to harden up.“
„Shishido-san...“
Oshitari only smiled into himself and lobbed.
*
After practice Jiirou approached him.
„How are you?“ he asked straightout.
„Brilliant, Jiirou. Brilliant.“ Atobe grinned wickedly from ear to ear, his good mood returning again. From what Sakaki had told him, he read between the lines, using his unmistaken insight, that the coach would guard his back, at least while he was in school. Combined with the night he spent with Sanada and the refreshing morning practice, he was near to laughing like a madman. And Jiirou being Jiirou sensed it a mile away and grinned right back at him.
„I love to hear that. Ah, by the way,“ he handed him a bag. „Your clothes. I dried them in the machine.“
Atobe’s eyes widened slightly for a split second, then he frowned. „Thank you, but unfortunately, I cannot return the favor.“ He looked at Jiirou. Sanada threw them out, because the were ruined by the rain and thought, that I’ll refuse to wear them anymore.“
Jiirou smiled and waved it off. „That’s fine. I have tons of clothes. One shirt and one pair of pants less doesn’t matter.“
Atobe nodded.
„Shall we?“ Jiirou gestured to the school. „Otherwise we’ll be late...and besides, I’m“ a yawn „so sleepy...“ he stretched like a lazy cat and rubbed his eyes.
Atobe shook his head. „You’ll sleep over your life, Jiirou.“
„What are you saying? When there’s nothing interesting going on, why should I keep my attention focused?“
Atobe guessed he had a point. „Well then, let’s go, so you can catch up with your beauty sleep.“ With that and a smirk he turned and walked away.
„Atobe, you meanie...“ Jiirou called, as he jogged after him.
*
The day went by normal enough, without any occurence, or incident, but Atobe noted a few differences, especially in how the teachers were treating him. Before, everything he did, ended with a perfect score and a praise, but now it seemed as if everyone was ignoring him. Not once had he been called out, or asked what his opinion was, or if he knew something interesting about the current subject, of which everything was a daily routine. Today, there was no special treatment. He was one of the crowd.
It was a weird feeling.
Of course he knew why this was. If it wasn’t for Tarou, Atobe wouldn’t have been walking the halls of Hyoutei right now. And the teachers knew that. They have been probably instructed not to give him a special treatment, if not completely ignore him, as if he didn’t exist. It wouldn’t surprise Atobe one bit. He knew his father, this was his handwriting.
Even though the day was weird enough, no incidents happened, untill lunch came around. He had just opened the boy Sanada had pressed into his hands before they parted ways, as, for the first time that day, a teacher spoke to him.
„The principal wants to see you.“
He noticed the skipping of his name. No ’Atobe-san’, or ’Atobe-sama’, or ’Keigo-sama’, but he knew better than to pursue it. He knew the reason anyway. He looked at the lunchebox and sighed invardly. He wouldn’t get to eat this, that much was sure. Not during the lunchbreak, at least. The principal liked listening to his own voice. This was going to take long...
*
He entered the office the same way he always did – flamboyant and over-confident, an arrogant smirk on his face, inappropriate in such a place as the principal’s office. He might know the reason why he was here, but that didn’t mean he was going to show how much he understood it.
„You called, principal?“
He laid a hand on his hip, like he always did. It was rude, but it never mattered to the old man. Untill now.
„It’s rude to stand like that, in the presence of an older person, Atobe.“
Ah, he still knew his name, good. He skipped the honorific though.
„I apologize.“ He put the hand from his hips down, but he didn’t change his pose into a humbler form. This wasn’t going to be dictated neither by his father, nor by that man on the opposite side of the room. He could tell the principal sensed this, but didn’t comment on it.
„I have been speaking to your honored father.“
Duh. Though, to be fair, the man had to start his speach somewhere. Atobe didn’t reply. There was no need to and if the principal wanted to tell him something, he would have to do that by himself, without using Atobe for smalltalk.
The man caught the hint.
„I will say this only once, so listen closely. Up untill now, you always had perfect grades, you passed the exams with top scores and were the ace, the star of this school. As of today, it ends. No one will give you any special treatment. You will have to earn yourself the grades. And there’s to say, that it will be a lot harder than for the others. Have you understood?“
Oh yes, and how he did. Not only had the principal made it clear, that the teachers would be harder on Atobe than on anyone else, he also put it as if he was...had been just some stupid rich boy. Alright, he had been a rich boy, but he was nowhere near stupid. The man had th enerve to hint, that the only way he earned those top scores was money. The both of them knew that it was a tremendous lie. Even though Atobe could’ve bought himself the scores, he liked to deserve what he got, contrary to what others thought. But he understood, the intentions: It would be the new policy. Atobe, the star of the school, was without money, just a stupid boy, who would most like fail his finals. Fine. The principal wanted a fight? He got a fight. But Atobe was the winner of the two.
„Yes, sir.“
„You will continue to study at this school, but the financing of your studies will be taken over by Sakaki Tarou.“
Atobe figured as much. But he didn’t like the tone the principal said it with.
„You understand, don’t you?“
And it dawned on him. By taking the financing his studies onto himself, nasty rumors will spread about his patron. Atobe’s expresison darkened.
„Yes. I do.“ He made sure to add a tint into the tone.
„Also, concerning the tennis club...“
Atobe felt himself pale, though he fought for his face to remain straight.
„We will have to cut the budget short. We don’t have any more money for the accomodities.“
It was hard to swallow that one. His father’s handwriting indeed, clear as never before.
„Yes.“
The principal looked at him for a long time, before he looked away, chosing to instead read the paper he was about to sign.
„You may go.“ The voice that said it was silent and in spite of everything, Atobe felt he won the first fight.
*
He made sure to be first at practice and first thing he did after having changed into his tennis clothes, was to approach the coach.
„Tarou.“
The moment Sakaki looked at him, he knew what it was about.
„Keigo. I heard you talked with the principal.“
„Oh yes...“ he nodded, frowning.
„Good. Then you know everything that’s going on and can develope a strategy, how to face it.“
Atobe looked at Sakaki for a long time. He understood what the man told him – that it was unchangeable now and it was upon him not to screw this up. Slowly he nodded.
„I will do my best.“
„I suggest, even more than your best.“
„There’s no such thing as something better than my best.“
The look Tarou gave him was almost surprised, but slowly a satisfied smile formed on the firm lips.
„That might be even true.“
„No. That is true.“
He swore Sakaki almost laughed.
„I give you that one. And now to business.“ His expression became serious again. „There’s something I wanted to talk to you about.“
„What is it, coach?“
The man handed him a paper. „I want to know what you think of it.“
Atobe read it. „It sounds good. It certainly would be an opportunity to show Hyoutei’s prowess yet again.“
The coach nodded. „I think the other schools think of it similary. And also, it could help not only the school, but also you.“
„As the captain of the best team in the history of sports, ahn?“
„Exactly. A win will be-“
„A clear message to the schoolboard.“
„I’m glad we see the things the same way.“
Atobe smirked. „We’re a great team, coach. And you know what? Ore-sama, as a magnificent captain, will lead this team to a victory, that will write history.“
„It’s always nice to hear that.“ The coach smirked and then stood up. „We will adjust our training according to this. There are only two weeks left. Get the regulars together.“
Fiteen minutes later, everyone stood lined up in front of the courts. Sakaki clapped his hands. „Listen up! We have recieved an invitation to an exhibition tournament. It won’t be only in tennis, competitions from other disciplines, like soccer, volleyball, baseball will be also held. It is a chance for schools to show their qualities, and for beginners and amateaurs to test their skills and try what they’re good at. It would certainly be a good opportunity to show the prowess of Hyoutei. When we win, we might get more students as originally expected.“
„Our team would gain an even better name, more members and of course, victory.“ Atobe continued. „Even if it’s only an exhibition, victory always gains higher status, even for such a recognized school as Hyoutei. We’re going to participate and I expect of each of you to win.“
„Also, it’s the last tournament we play together as a team.“
„Oshitari, would you kindly refer from interrupting ore-sama?“
„My apologies, captain.“
„The school board will be pleased if we gain more study expectants.“
„And pleasing the schoolboard is exactly what we should be doing now, isn’t it?“
„Oshitari, one more word and I’ll make you run a hundred laps around the schoolground.“
„Yes, captain.“
„As I said, the schoolboard will be pleased and in addition to that Hyoutei will show once again that it stands at the top of japanese schools. That’s why we are going to participate and win. All clear?“
„Yes captain!“
„Good. I expect you to practice hard, starting today.“
„Harder than we already are?“
„Oshitari!“
„Yes, captain.“
Atobe put an effort into stoping his hand from reaching out to massage his temple. It was not 30 hours ago that he had high fever and Oshitari was working hard on restoring it.
„Yuushi, you should stop now. Our captain is going through a difficult phase and I think you are adding even more stress. It might affect his health.“
Mukahi’s words shot through Atobe like a dagger. Did his team-mates just make fun of his misery? His teammates? Even though Atobe didn’t allow himself to admit it, it hurt. He really expected more...thought more of them. Mukahi’s words neared treachery. And it had to be now, that he begun to feel better. Did they think it was funny?! Well, it wasn’t. And he wouldn’t tolerate it a minute longer.
„Wouldn’t want that, Gakuto.“
Oshitari was the last person Atobe expected to make fun of the misery of others. He was just about to open his mouth and make his threat about hundred laps around the schoolground true, when two voices out of nowhere shouted like one.
„Will you two just shut up?!“
It wasn’t such a shock that they said it, as who said it. A shouting Jiirou wasn’t a regular occurence, and the probability for the second person to stand up for Atobe was...well wasn’t. And yet...
„Really funny how Atobe got thrown out on the street into the rain by his own father. I wonder how you would laugh if it happened to you spoiled brats. You two are just so lame!“
„Calm down, peasant. We were just trying to lighten the mood...“
„Shishido-san!“ Choutarou tried to grab Shishido from behind and restrain him, but his senpai was faster. He was already in front of the acrobat, his clenched fist raised high. It would’ve colided with the cheek, if a strong hand didn’t stop him midway.
„Stop now!“
„Atobe...“
As much as it lifted Atobe up, violence on the courts, moreso during the training, was not acceptable in his eyes.
„I won’t tolerate violence on the court! If you want to behave like two cocks, go on a dunkyard! 20 laps around the court!“
„But Atobe...“
„30 laps!“
It was no use – Atobe spoke in that voice. His most authoritative voice, with every trace of arrogance gone. A captain’s voice. And both Shishido and Gakuto, for once in agreement, started running without any arguments.
As they were out of earshot, a voice from beside Atobe sounded. „He was only trying to help, you know. Everyone knows you had a hard day.“
He turned to see Jiirou, his permanently smiling face for once serious.
He closed his eyes. „I know. However,“ he opened them again „I don’t allow the courts to be used for such scenes. That’s not what they’re made for.“
Jiirou regarded him for several moments and in spite of himself, Atobe felt unease. Then out of the blue Jiirou grinned widely a called out, out of the blue: „You’re still our captain!“
This surprised Atobe.
„We will continue to stand behind you!“
Atobe felt a smile spreading across his face. That’s right. Jiirou struck home as always. He didn’t need his team’s pity. He needed their support. He looked over to the still running boys. Maybe they will realize it too, perhaps already at the 29th lap.
It was already after the practice and the Sun was setting and he and Oshitari were going through some arrangements about the tournament, when the unexpected happened. All of the regulars were still present, either discussing about their matches, or throwing balls at the wall and Atobe didn’t really know who was the first to look up from what he was doing and it didn’t really count, but all of sudden, slowly the courts stoped moving. Oshitari was the first one to look up from the papers and Atobe followed his look. And his jaw fell open.
„Genichirou!“
A snicker sounded right next to his ear. „Already on first name terms...“
Atobe, sick and tired of chastising Oshitari, chose to ignore that and jogged towards his boyfriend a look of genuine surprise on his face.
„Keigo.“
„What are you doing here?“
„I came to pick you up, to make sure you got on the right train.“
Atobe raised on eyebrow, an amused smirk slowly spreading across his lips, his eyes sparkling. „Ahn? Worried?“
„Not really.“
And without any warning, he was yanked forward (again) and strong lips pressed against his soft ones. Needless to say, he was caught of guard, but being who he was, he quickly regained his composure and his strong arms wrapped around broad shoulders and he kissed back with equal ferocity. He will not give in easily. Not while in front of his regulars. If they were to put on a show, it better be a good one.
Soon the stunned silence was broken by cat-calls and whistles, courtesy of Gakuto and Hiyoshi.
After they broke, due to dizziness, their cheeks flushed and lips moist, Sanada rasped, voice rough: „I just wanted to see you.“
„Getting sentimental, are we?“ Atobe snickered. „Did practice end early because of that?“
„No, we ended like always, but Yukimura said, he didn’t need me today.“
Atobe smirked.
Watching them amusedly, Gakuto turned to Oshitari. „Yuushi, why don’t you kiss me like this too?“
Oshitari smirked. „Would you want me to?“ he leaned forward and wrapped an arm around the waist of his shorter doubles partner. „Want me to devour you in the middle of the courts?“ He was a breath away from his partner’s lips.
„Sure...I’m sure it would also help our fellow doubles out...“
„Mukahi!“
„Oh? I dare to say, Shishido would really appreciate being ravished here and now by Ohtori...“
„Oshitari, you bastard!“
„Shishido-san, calm down...“
Atobe’s smirk almost resembled a fond smile as he watched his teammates. This was what he needed. Just this. He leaned more into Sanada’s arms.
„You done here?“
„Yeah. I just need to finish a few things. Give me ten minutes.“
„I’ll wait here.“
And Atobe walked away, bellowing for his vice-captain to get his annoying bottom into the clubroom. As they were inside, leaving a fuming Shishido, grinning Gakuto and a Chourarou busy with calming his doubles partner down, Sakaki approached the Rikkai vice.
„I wasn’t expecting you to come.“
Sanada regarded him for a few moments. „Neither did I. But as Yukimura dismissed me, I thought that it might be just what I need. What I want.“
Sakaki watched him for several seconds. The he said, with a certain tone in his voice Sanada couldn’t quite place: „You might not realize it, but everytime Keigo sees you, his eyes change.“
„His eyes?“
Sakaki nodded. „It’s not his expression, in which the arrogance remains, like it’s carved into it. But when he sees you, the arrogant atmosphere around him is gone and his eyes sparkle. Almost as if he’s another person. You changed him. I don’t know whether for the good, or for the bad, but he has changed. Matured.“
„I am really honored that you give me so much credit, but the one, who you should be praising is Atobe, not me. He matured by himself. Not because of me.“
„True, but the Atobe I know, would’ve never changed because of nothing.“ They looked at the ginger-haired boy, who stood next to them, racket flung leisurely over his back. When did he get there? „The Atobe I know does things because of inspiration. And so to say, that would be you.“ He was smiling, but there was edge to it. „He’s serious this time. Don’t mess up, ok?“ Sanada noted, that even if he said it with a smiling face, it was more of a threat than a wish.
„I won’t.“ And this was a promise.
„I didn’t think you would.“
Atobe chose that moment to appear next to them, already changed into his uniform, both bags swung across his shoulder in a carefree matter. „I’m done. Let’s go home.“
„Yeah. Let’s.“ Sanada took his hand. Atobe turned to the coach and Jiirou.
„See you tomorrow at practice.“
„Just don’t be late.“
„I won’t. Thank you for everything, Sakaki-sensei, Jiirou.“ He nodded his regards. „Same goes for the team.“
„Tell them that yourself.“ Sakaki said in and something in his voice and stance made Sanada wonder, why this respectable man wasn’t his boyfriend’s father, instead of...that person.
„They already know.“ Jiirou said.
Atobe smirked. „Of course they do. I have an intelligent team.“ Then he turned to Sanada. „Shall we?“
Sanada nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
And they turned around, together walking towards home.
In the end, Atobe guessed, everything turned out fine and he was sure that with the passing time, things will be alright again. As long as they were together, there was nothing he couldn’t face...nothing they couldn’t face.
---* The end *---
Well, this has got to be the longest oneshot I’ve ever written. I hope you guys liked it.
R&R!
mana
„What?“
Gakuto dropped his racket.
„Nothing!“
Atobe only smirked and headed to the bench, from where the coach was glaring daggers at him.
„You’re late.“
„Ore-sama overslept.“
Someone (Atobe suspected it was Shishsido) snorted, but Atobe was still looking at the coach.
Suddenly, Sakaki said something unexpected, that made his good mood fly away with a litteraly last minute flight: „Atobe, do you know the word ’shame’?“
Atobe blinked, in confusion what the coach wanted to hear. Of course he knew the word, only never acted to it. He had the sneaking suspicion this was a catch question. „Of course I know. I know everything. My mind is incredible.“
„Very well. Then your incredible mind should know that it’s exactly what you should feel now. And since you know and yet are not doing it, means that you’re still the spoiled and arrogant brat. You are the captain of this team. As such, you should be half an hour before practice present, not over half an hour late. If you oversleep, you have to run. As I already told you, if you want to be independent, you need to grow up and stop being a spoiled brat. You’re starting today. First thing will be that you apologize to your team for being an irresponsible captain. Then you will run 50 laps around the court.“
Neither of the regulars expected Atobe to obey their coach. The more of a surprise it was for them, to see Atobe turn around, facing the courts, sink to his knees and bow deeply, with his head touching the ground. „Right now I did not deserve to be called captain. I apologize for my irresponsibility.“
The entire courts were silent. Atobe’s face was pressed into the dirty ground and no one could see what he was thinking or feeling, his eyes hidden. He didn’t move. No one realized that he was waiting for a word from them that he was forgiven. They were too stunned to move. They didn’t notice until there was a hand in front of Atobe’s face.
„Hey, get your ass up. It’s creeping me out to see you like this. It’s totally lame.“
Atobe looked up into the blue eyes of his brown-haired teammate. Then he looked at the hand.
„Shishido. If I remember correctly, you are considered higher midclass.“
Shishido scowled. „So what if I am?“ Seriously, here he was, trying to help and was made fun off. But even though he really felt offended, he didn’t withdraw the hand. He wasn’t one to hold a grudge against a hurt person. But the next words shocked him.
„Right now, I am in the position where I should be rolling a red carpet in front of you.“
Suddenly Atobe felt himself being yanked upwards and before he knew it, his cheek was swelling where the clenched fist has collided.
„You selfish loafer!“
„Shishido-san!“
„I was trying to help you, you spoiled brat! You’re the captain of this team and yet you behave like a pitifull, kicked, abandoned, rain-soaked puppy! Where’s the arrogance?! Gone with one night on the street?“
„With one night in the rain, waiting for help, actually.“
„Atobe!“ the fist clenched tighter. „Snap out of it already!“
Atobe frowned. „Easy to say for you.“
They stared at each other with equally fierce gazes, boring daggers into each other. That was when the coach decided it was enough.
„Alright, this is enough. Shishido, get back to practice. Atobe, laps.“ Shishido reluctantly released Atobe and with a snort he went to continue practice with Choutarou.
Without any other word, Atobe started running. Sakaki turned to the other regulars.
„Have I allowed you to take rest?“
„No sir!“
„Then why aren’t you practicing?“
In that instant balls were flying again, the rhytmic clacking when they hit a racket resonating through the courts. As Atobe heard it, his scowl turned into a smile and his body relaxed. He had been tense all morning, since he set foot out of the Sanada household, even though the passionate night with Sanada had helped him to calm down a lot. But nothing in the world could help him as much as Tennis. He needed it. He needed to play.
He looked around the courts. Shishido and Ohtori were having a practice match with Oshitari and Gakuto. With a pang of pride, despite the situation, Atobe noted that apparently it had been a wise decision to make Shishido play doubles with the boy. Right now they were practicing the formation of double-advance guards. A wave of nostalgia washed over him. It was the first formation he and Sanada did as a pair and Atobe thought of it as of something like a beginning. Even if, to be honest, during the camp, rooming wasn’t the only thing they were doing together.
On the second court, Jiirou was having a match with Hiyoshi and judging from Hiyoshi’s scowl and Jiirou’s grin, he was winning. As he was along their side of the court, Jiirou’s eyes settled themselves on him for a moment, worry etched into them. Atobe gave him a small smirk. He was alright. And it would stay that way. Jiirou grinned wide and winked and his friend. And exactly at that moment, something yellow flashed by next to his ear.
„Gekokujou.“
Jiirou laughed. „Don’t get cocky, or you might have it cut off.“
Hiyoshi scowled, Jiirou grinned and Atobe laughed silently.
„He’s right Hiyoshi. Take a lesson from the prime example.“
Before any of them could say anything, Atobe had turned the corner.
*
After Atobe finished his laps, the coach called him over.
„Atobe. You understand why I made you do, what I did, do you?“
Atobe nodded, but otherwise stayed silent. He wasn’t supposed to talk now anyway.
„You are one of the most responsible persons I know Atobe, but that’s not everything. Up untill now the life you led was devoid of the harshness of reality. It was like a story, a fiction, a drama, like a game to be played. Contrary to other persons your age, you had no problems. And suddenly you are faced with a great problem. This will determine how much of a man you are. Will you stand, or bend? How strong is your will, Keigo?“
Atobe looked straight into the eyes of his coach, but still didn’t say anything. Even if he could now, there were no words that could express his feelings now. He let his eyes talk for himself. Sakaki always said, that his eyes talked better than his mouth.
The coach regarded him for a long moment. „Well,“ he smirked, „Since it’s you, it will be good.“
Atobe smirked right back. „Be awed by my prowess.“
From where they were training, the team watched from the corners of their eyes how he was being read a curtain lecture.
„Say, Yuushi...“ Gakuto said as he landed onto his feet, next to his partner, after returning Shishido’s well-aimed volley. „Now that Atobe is poor, the coach is suddenly really hard on him.“
„I don’t think it has to do something with money, Gakuto.“
Gakuto raised an eyebrow.
„It’s more like he’s being stricter. Up untill now, Atobe has been sheltered and his future was guranteed and sure like the Sun would rise, so there was no reason for teaching him about the hardship of life. But now, Atobe has to learn exactly that. It’s gonna be hard for him. You can consider this as a test. Whether he passes it, is determined by how serious he is about this. And according to that, it will form his future.“
There was a snort from behind the net. „In simple words, our captain needs to learn how to work. And in order to learn that, he needs to harden up.“
„Shishido-san...“
Oshitari only smiled into himself and lobbed.
*
After practice Jiirou approached him.
„How are you?“ he asked straightout.
„Brilliant, Jiirou. Brilliant.“ Atobe grinned wickedly from ear to ear, his good mood returning again. From what Sakaki had told him, he read between the lines, using his unmistaken insight, that the coach would guard his back, at least while he was in school. Combined with the night he spent with Sanada and the refreshing morning practice, he was near to laughing like a madman. And Jiirou being Jiirou sensed it a mile away and grinned right back at him.
„I love to hear that. Ah, by the way,“ he handed him a bag. „Your clothes. I dried them in the machine.“
Atobe’s eyes widened slightly for a split second, then he frowned. „Thank you, but unfortunately, I cannot return the favor.“ He looked at Jiirou. Sanada threw them out, because the were ruined by the rain and thought, that I’ll refuse to wear them anymore.“
Jiirou smiled and waved it off. „That’s fine. I have tons of clothes. One shirt and one pair of pants less doesn’t matter.“
Atobe nodded.
„Shall we?“ Jiirou gestured to the school. „Otherwise we’ll be late...and besides, I’m“ a yawn „so sleepy...“ he stretched like a lazy cat and rubbed his eyes.
Atobe shook his head. „You’ll sleep over your life, Jiirou.“
„What are you saying? When there’s nothing interesting going on, why should I keep my attention focused?“
Atobe guessed he had a point. „Well then, let’s go, so you can catch up with your beauty sleep.“ With that and a smirk he turned and walked away.
„Atobe, you meanie...“ Jiirou called, as he jogged after him.
*
The day went by normal enough, without any occurence, or incident, but Atobe noted a few differences, especially in how the teachers were treating him. Before, everything he did, ended with a perfect score and a praise, but now it seemed as if everyone was ignoring him. Not once had he been called out, or asked what his opinion was, or if he knew something interesting about the current subject, of which everything was a daily routine. Today, there was no special treatment. He was one of the crowd.
It was a weird feeling.
Of course he knew why this was. If it wasn’t for Tarou, Atobe wouldn’t have been walking the halls of Hyoutei right now. And the teachers knew that. They have been probably instructed not to give him a special treatment, if not completely ignore him, as if he didn’t exist. It wouldn’t surprise Atobe one bit. He knew his father, this was his handwriting.
Even though the day was weird enough, no incidents happened, untill lunch came around. He had just opened the boy Sanada had pressed into his hands before they parted ways, as, for the first time that day, a teacher spoke to him.
„The principal wants to see you.“
He noticed the skipping of his name. No ’Atobe-san’, or ’Atobe-sama’, or ’Keigo-sama’, but he knew better than to pursue it. He knew the reason anyway. He looked at the lunchebox and sighed invardly. He wouldn’t get to eat this, that much was sure. Not during the lunchbreak, at least. The principal liked listening to his own voice. This was going to take long...
*
He entered the office the same way he always did – flamboyant and over-confident, an arrogant smirk on his face, inappropriate in such a place as the principal’s office. He might know the reason why he was here, but that didn’t mean he was going to show how much he understood it.
„You called, principal?“
He laid a hand on his hip, like he always did. It was rude, but it never mattered to the old man. Untill now.
„It’s rude to stand like that, in the presence of an older person, Atobe.“
Ah, he still knew his name, good. He skipped the honorific though.
„I apologize.“ He put the hand from his hips down, but he didn’t change his pose into a humbler form. This wasn’t going to be dictated neither by his father, nor by that man on the opposite side of the room. He could tell the principal sensed this, but didn’t comment on it.
„I have been speaking to your honored father.“
Duh. Though, to be fair, the man had to start his speach somewhere. Atobe didn’t reply. There was no need to and if the principal wanted to tell him something, he would have to do that by himself, without using Atobe for smalltalk.
The man caught the hint.
„I will say this only once, so listen closely. Up untill now, you always had perfect grades, you passed the exams with top scores and were the ace, the star of this school. As of today, it ends. No one will give you any special treatment. You will have to earn yourself the grades. And there’s to say, that it will be a lot harder than for the others. Have you understood?“
Oh yes, and how he did. Not only had the principal made it clear, that the teachers would be harder on Atobe than on anyone else, he also put it as if he was...had been just some stupid rich boy. Alright, he had been a rich boy, but he was nowhere near stupid. The man had th enerve to hint, that the only way he earned those top scores was money. The both of them knew that it was a tremendous lie. Even though Atobe could’ve bought himself the scores, he liked to deserve what he got, contrary to what others thought. But he understood, the intentions: It would be the new policy. Atobe, the star of the school, was without money, just a stupid boy, who would most like fail his finals. Fine. The principal wanted a fight? He got a fight. But Atobe was the winner of the two.
„Yes, sir.“
„You will continue to study at this school, but the financing of your studies will be taken over by Sakaki Tarou.“
Atobe figured as much. But he didn’t like the tone the principal said it with.
„You understand, don’t you?“
And it dawned on him. By taking the financing his studies onto himself, nasty rumors will spread about his patron. Atobe’s expresison darkened.
„Yes. I do.“ He made sure to add a tint into the tone.
„Also, concerning the tennis club...“
Atobe felt himself pale, though he fought for his face to remain straight.
„We will have to cut the budget short. We don’t have any more money for the accomodities.“
It was hard to swallow that one. His father’s handwriting indeed, clear as never before.
„Yes.“
The principal looked at him for a long time, before he looked away, chosing to instead read the paper he was about to sign.
„You may go.“ The voice that said it was silent and in spite of everything, Atobe felt he won the first fight.
*
He made sure to be first at practice and first thing he did after having changed into his tennis clothes, was to approach the coach.
„Tarou.“
The moment Sakaki looked at him, he knew what it was about.
„Keigo. I heard you talked with the principal.“
„Oh yes...“ he nodded, frowning.
„Good. Then you know everything that’s going on and can develope a strategy, how to face it.“
Atobe looked at Sakaki for a long time. He understood what the man told him – that it was unchangeable now and it was upon him not to screw this up. Slowly he nodded.
„I will do my best.“
„I suggest, even more than your best.“
„There’s no such thing as something better than my best.“
The look Tarou gave him was almost surprised, but slowly a satisfied smile formed on the firm lips.
„That might be even true.“
„No. That is true.“
He swore Sakaki almost laughed.
„I give you that one. And now to business.“ His expression became serious again. „There’s something I wanted to talk to you about.“
„What is it, coach?“
The man handed him a paper. „I want to know what you think of it.“
Atobe read it. „It sounds good. It certainly would be an opportunity to show Hyoutei’s prowess yet again.“
The coach nodded. „I think the other schools think of it similary. And also, it could help not only the school, but also you.“
„As the captain of the best team in the history of sports, ahn?“
„Exactly. A win will be-“
„A clear message to the schoolboard.“
„I’m glad we see the things the same way.“
Atobe smirked. „We’re a great team, coach. And you know what? Ore-sama, as a magnificent captain, will lead this team to a victory, that will write history.“
„It’s always nice to hear that.“ The coach smirked and then stood up. „We will adjust our training according to this. There are only two weeks left. Get the regulars together.“
Fiteen minutes later, everyone stood lined up in front of the courts. Sakaki clapped his hands. „Listen up! We have recieved an invitation to an exhibition tournament. It won’t be only in tennis, competitions from other disciplines, like soccer, volleyball, baseball will be also held. It is a chance for schools to show their qualities, and for beginners and amateaurs to test their skills and try what they’re good at. It would certainly be a good opportunity to show the prowess of Hyoutei. When we win, we might get more students as originally expected.“
„Our team would gain an even better name, more members and of course, victory.“ Atobe continued. „Even if it’s only an exhibition, victory always gains higher status, even for such a recognized school as Hyoutei. We’re going to participate and I expect of each of you to win.“
„Also, it’s the last tournament we play together as a team.“
„Oshitari, would you kindly refer from interrupting ore-sama?“
„My apologies, captain.“
„The school board will be pleased if we gain more study expectants.“
„And pleasing the schoolboard is exactly what we should be doing now, isn’t it?“
„Oshitari, one more word and I’ll make you run a hundred laps around the schoolground.“
„Yes, captain.“
„As I said, the schoolboard will be pleased and in addition to that Hyoutei will show once again that it stands at the top of japanese schools. That’s why we are going to participate and win. All clear?“
„Yes captain!“
„Good. I expect you to practice hard, starting today.“
„Harder than we already are?“
„Oshitari!“
„Yes, captain.“
Atobe put an effort into stoping his hand from reaching out to massage his temple. It was not 30 hours ago that he had high fever and Oshitari was working hard on restoring it.
„Yuushi, you should stop now. Our captain is going through a difficult phase and I think you are adding even more stress. It might affect his health.“
Mukahi’s words shot through Atobe like a dagger. Did his team-mates just make fun of his misery? His teammates? Even though Atobe didn’t allow himself to admit it, it hurt. He really expected more...thought more of them. Mukahi’s words neared treachery. And it had to be now, that he begun to feel better. Did they think it was funny?! Well, it wasn’t. And he wouldn’t tolerate it a minute longer.
„Wouldn’t want that, Gakuto.“
Oshitari was the last person Atobe expected to make fun of the misery of others. He was just about to open his mouth and make his threat about hundred laps around the schoolground true, when two voices out of nowhere shouted like one.
„Will you two just shut up?!“
It wasn’t such a shock that they said it, as who said it. A shouting Jiirou wasn’t a regular occurence, and the probability for the second person to stand up for Atobe was...well wasn’t. And yet...
„Really funny how Atobe got thrown out on the street into the rain by his own father. I wonder how you would laugh if it happened to you spoiled brats. You two are just so lame!“
„Calm down, peasant. We were just trying to lighten the mood...“
„Shishido-san!“ Choutarou tried to grab Shishido from behind and restrain him, but his senpai was faster. He was already in front of the acrobat, his clenched fist raised high. It would’ve colided with the cheek, if a strong hand didn’t stop him midway.
„Stop now!“
„Atobe...“
As much as it lifted Atobe up, violence on the courts, moreso during the training, was not acceptable in his eyes.
„I won’t tolerate violence on the court! If you want to behave like two cocks, go on a dunkyard! 20 laps around the court!“
„But Atobe...“
„30 laps!“
It was no use – Atobe spoke in that voice. His most authoritative voice, with every trace of arrogance gone. A captain’s voice. And both Shishido and Gakuto, for once in agreement, started running without any arguments.
As they were out of earshot, a voice from beside Atobe sounded. „He was only trying to help, you know. Everyone knows you had a hard day.“
He turned to see Jiirou, his permanently smiling face for once serious.
He closed his eyes. „I know. However,“ he opened them again „I don’t allow the courts to be used for such scenes. That’s not what they’re made for.“
Jiirou regarded him for several moments and in spite of himself, Atobe felt unease. Then out of the blue Jiirou grinned widely a called out, out of the blue: „You’re still our captain!“
This surprised Atobe.
„We will continue to stand behind you!“
Atobe felt a smile spreading across his face. That’s right. Jiirou struck home as always. He didn’t need his team’s pity. He needed their support. He looked over to the still running boys. Maybe they will realize it too, perhaps already at the 29th lap.
It was already after the practice and the Sun was setting and he and Oshitari were going through some arrangements about the tournament, when the unexpected happened. All of the regulars were still present, either discussing about their matches, or throwing balls at the wall and Atobe didn’t really know who was the first to look up from what he was doing and it didn’t really count, but all of sudden, slowly the courts stoped moving. Oshitari was the first one to look up from the papers and Atobe followed his look. And his jaw fell open.
„Genichirou!“
A snicker sounded right next to his ear. „Already on first name terms...“
Atobe, sick and tired of chastising Oshitari, chose to ignore that and jogged towards his boyfriend a look of genuine surprise on his face.
„Keigo.“
„What are you doing here?“
„I came to pick you up, to make sure you got on the right train.“
Atobe raised on eyebrow, an amused smirk slowly spreading across his lips, his eyes sparkling. „Ahn? Worried?“
„Not really.“
And without any warning, he was yanked forward (again) and strong lips pressed against his soft ones. Needless to say, he was caught of guard, but being who he was, he quickly regained his composure and his strong arms wrapped around broad shoulders and he kissed back with equal ferocity. He will not give in easily. Not while in front of his regulars. If they were to put on a show, it better be a good one.
Soon the stunned silence was broken by cat-calls and whistles, courtesy of Gakuto and Hiyoshi.
After they broke, due to dizziness, their cheeks flushed and lips moist, Sanada rasped, voice rough: „I just wanted to see you.“
„Getting sentimental, are we?“ Atobe snickered. „Did practice end early because of that?“
„No, we ended like always, but Yukimura said, he didn’t need me today.“
Atobe smirked.
Watching them amusedly, Gakuto turned to Oshitari. „Yuushi, why don’t you kiss me like this too?“
Oshitari smirked. „Would you want me to?“ he leaned forward and wrapped an arm around the waist of his shorter doubles partner. „Want me to devour you in the middle of the courts?“ He was a breath away from his partner’s lips.
„Sure...I’m sure it would also help our fellow doubles out...“
„Mukahi!“
„Oh? I dare to say, Shishido would really appreciate being ravished here and now by Ohtori...“
„Oshitari, you bastard!“
„Shishido-san, calm down...“
Atobe’s smirk almost resembled a fond smile as he watched his teammates. This was what he needed. Just this. He leaned more into Sanada’s arms.
„You done here?“
„Yeah. I just need to finish a few things. Give me ten minutes.“
„I’ll wait here.“
And Atobe walked away, bellowing for his vice-captain to get his annoying bottom into the clubroom. As they were inside, leaving a fuming Shishido, grinning Gakuto and a Chourarou busy with calming his doubles partner down, Sakaki approached the Rikkai vice.
„I wasn’t expecting you to come.“
Sanada regarded him for a few moments. „Neither did I. But as Yukimura dismissed me, I thought that it might be just what I need. What I want.“
Sakaki watched him for several seconds. The he said, with a certain tone in his voice Sanada couldn’t quite place: „You might not realize it, but everytime Keigo sees you, his eyes change.“
„His eyes?“
Sakaki nodded. „It’s not his expression, in which the arrogance remains, like it’s carved into it. But when he sees you, the arrogant atmosphere around him is gone and his eyes sparkle. Almost as if he’s another person. You changed him. I don’t know whether for the good, or for the bad, but he has changed. Matured.“
„I am really honored that you give me so much credit, but the one, who you should be praising is Atobe, not me. He matured by himself. Not because of me.“
„True, but the Atobe I know, would’ve never changed because of nothing.“ They looked at the ginger-haired boy, who stood next to them, racket flung leisurely over his back. When did he get there? „The Atobe I know does things because of inspiration. And so to say, that would be you.“ He was smiling, but there was edge to it. „He’s serious this time. Don’t mess up, ok?“ Sanada noted, that even if he said it with a smiling face, it was more of a threat than a wish.
„I won’t.“ And this was a promise.
„I didn’t think you would.“
Atobe chose that moment to appear next to them, already changed into his uniform, both bags swung across his shoulder in a carefree matter. „I’m done. Let’s go home.“
„Yeah. Let’s.“ Sanada took his hand. Atobe turned to the coach and Jiirou.
„See you tomorrow at practice.“
„Just don’t be late.“
„I won’t. Thank you for everything, Sakaki-sensei, Jiirou.“ He nodded his regards. „Same goes for the team.“
„Tell them that yourself.“ Sakaki said in and something in his voice and stance made Sanada wonder, why this respectable man wasn’t his boyfriend’s father, instead of...that person.
„They already know.“ Jiirou said.
Atobe smirked. „Of course they do. I have an intelligent team.“ Then he turned to Sanada. „Shall we?“
Sanada nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
And they turned around, together walking towards home.
In the end, Atobe guessed, everything turned out fine and he was sure that with the passing time, things will be alright again. As long as they were together, there was nothing he couldn’t face...nothing they couldn’t face.
---* The end *---
Well, this has got to be the longest oneshot I’ve ever written. I hope you guys liked it.
R&R!
mana
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2010-08-24 06:56 am (UTC)I hope you consider writing a sequel about Sanada's family's reaction :)
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Date: 2010-08-24 02:25 pm (UTC)I wanted them to make the most in character as possible (and by my standards, it was a success) and I figured that really, even if Atobe IS a good and responsible captain, he doesnt know much about rough life. So I tried to figure out how he would react to such a drastic change and this wa sthe result.
Im happy you loved it!
Actually, I thought about inserting the Sanada family into this "small piece", but in the end, I decided against it, because I started to losing myself in the other characters and struggling to write everyone in character was hard enough.
But sequel(s) are planned. :))))
no subject
Date: 2010-08-24 02:28 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-08-24 02:31 pm (UTC)Roger that! *huge grin*
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Date: 2010-08-24 01:18 pm (UTC)I loved every word, the suspense, the love, the sadness and despair, *giddy* I loved it!
I didnt want it to end!
I still have the shivers~ oooohhh~~
The Tango pair, you portrayed them so beautifully~ :D
This is going into my LJmem's!
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Date: 2010-08-24 02:20 pm (UTC)*hugs*
Such a wonderfull comment....
Its such a nice feeling to know I pleased my readers... *grin*
Thank you!
no subject
Date: 2012-12-29 06:42 pm (UTC)