Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Dun dun dun! I got inspired to finally start that new PoT fic. After reading all these cute fluffy PoT Dream Novels, I just...started writing my fic. I don't have much of it written, but I will post what I do have. I may post it at one of the Dream Novel sites...guess it depends. I also have more of my other PoT fic ^-^ There may be mature scenes so um...beware? =P

***

Eiji seemed happier than usual the next day. Oishi knew his friend and doubles partner could be eccentric and hyper, but this was ridiculous. Maybe it would have been better for Shiori to come to Seigaku High School. At least then, Eiji would have someone else to keep him in line. There was only so much Oishi could do.

“Eiji, you’re attracting a lot of attention,” he said nervously, watching the faces of their fellow classmates.

“Hoi! Hoi! Nya!” the red-head cried. “But I’m soooo happy, Oishi! Do you know why, nya?”

“Something good happened…?”

“Yep! But not just anything, Oishi! Guess!”

“Eiji…”

“C’mon, nya!”

“Um…you saw Shiori-chan?”

“Hai!” If the grin on his face was any indication, something really good must have happened between him and Shiori. “And you’ll never guess what we did.”

Oishi’s green eyes widened a fraction. “Wait…Eiji, you’re not saying you…and Shiori-chan…you didn’t…did you?”

“Nya? We didn’t what, Oishi?”

No…he’s too innocent to really understand that, Oishi thought. And I don’t think Shiori-chan would force him or anything. At least…I hope not. “N-Nothing. Forget I mentioned it.”

Eiji blinked. “Okay. Nya, it felt so good!”

Oishi gulped. “It…did?”

“Hai! Shiori-chan is the best!”

He was sweating like crazy now. Just what had Shiori done to make Eiji so happy? “T-The best at what?” he asked gently.

Eiji merely smiled and shook his head. “I’m sure Tonya-chan would do the same for you if you just asked her, Oishi.”

“B-But—”

“Bye-bye, Oishi! Shiori-chan is waiting for me!”

With that, the red-head was gone in a flash.

***

Skyler had known Atobe most of her life. She was used to his dramatics and other strange behavior. He had many moods, depending on what was going on around him. He could be generous, friendly, sad, obsessed, determined, angry, and self-centered. However, to see him giving her this depressed pout as he sat in a corner of the spacious living room was driving her crazy.

“Keigo, you realize England is my home, right?” she said calmly.

“Yeah,” he mumbled, hugging his knees closer to his chest.

“I can’t stay in Japan forever. This was just for this school year.”

“I know.”

“So then why, when I said I’ll be going back to England, did you get so depressed?”

He turned to face her, frowning. Skyler wanted to punch and hug him at the same time. “Ore-sama doesn’t want you to go,” he said stubbornly.

“You’re such a spoiled brat, Keigo,” she sighed.

“No I’m not,” he grumbled.

“Who knew that under all that over-confidence would be a shy little boy?”

His eyes narrowed. “Stop making fun of ore-sama.”

“Well if ‘ore-sama’ stopped being all emo, I’d stop making fun of him.”

He looked appalled. “Ore-sama is not being emo.”

“Well you’re pretty damn close.” She rolled her eyes and sat next to him. “You can come visit me in London.”

“I don’t want to.”

“But it’s a beautiful city.”

“I don’t care.”

“Keigo, you’re being an idiot.”

He glared at her. “You probably have some English boyfriend waiting for you back there, don’t you?”

Skyler smiled. “Is that what this is about? Are you jealous I might meet someone in England?”

He avoided her gaze. “You haven’t then?”

“No. You’re my only guy friend, Keigo. And you’re my only boyfriend.” She blushed slightly. “I like you and only you.”

Atobe felt his cheeks heat up. “O-Ore-sama is glad for that.”

“Good.” She wrapped her arm around his shoulders and leaned against him. “I don’t leave for another few weeks. Let’s make the most of it, shall we?”

He nodded and wrapped his arm around her. “Ore-sama will do whatever you want, Skyler.”

“Thanks.”

***

Hitomi couldn’t look her cousin in the face the next day. She was so embarrassed! She had let him kiss her! But…then again, he had been the one to start it. Shouldn’t he feel ashamed as well? When she saw Yuushi at school, he greeted her like always, as if nothing had happened the day before.

I’m going to give myself a stroke if I keep stressing like this, she thought frantically. I should just ask him about it later. During the lunch break, she hoped to get him by himself. “Yuushi,” she said softly. “Can we go talk privately somewhere?”

“Of course, Hitomi.” He followed her into an empty classroom. “What is it?”

Her eyes were narrowed. “You know what. Why did you do it?”

He sighed and shrugged his shoulders. “I really don’t know. It just happened.”

“Yuushi…”

“Are you angry with me?”

“Of course I am!” she hissed. “You can’t go around doing that! It’s sick!”

“I know,” he mumbled. “But…” He reached a hand out to brush her hair out of her eyes. “…I care about you very much, Hitomi.”

Hitomi stared into his dark eyes, wondering why her cousin was so attractive. Red tinted her cheeks. She did NOT have a crush on him. She couldn’t! Yuushi smiled at her sadly before turning away. What the—that’s it? That’s all he’s gonna say after he KISSED me? she thought incredulously. She bit her lip. “Yuushi,” she said softly.

He looked over his shoulder. “What?”

She walked up to him and stared at him for a long time, telling herself it wasn’t right. So what if he was gorgeous and sweet and cared about her? He was her cousin. Still…they were only second cousins. It wasn’t really considered incest then, was it? Hitomi reached a hand up to touch his cheek. He closed his eyes as though savoring her touch. Finally, all rational thought left her when she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Yuushi stumbled back in surprise. Her mouth was tentative against his and he smiled. He kissed her back, letting his hands fall to her waist.

They both knew it was against school rules to be doing what they were, but neither of them cared at the moment. Hitomi felt tears falling down her cheeks and pulled away, blushing. Yuushi wiped her tears away with his thumb. “Have I hurt you that much, Hitomi?” he asked.

“No. You could never hurt me, Yuushi,” she replied. “I’m just happy.”

He smiled lovingly at her. “Good. I am as well.”

***

Yuuta wasn’t sure WHY he had agreed to go shopping with Bonnie. He was even more curious as to why she had even asked him to accompany her in the first place. Why couldn’t Mizuki go? Wasn’t HE her boyfriend? Wasn’t HE obligated to go shopping with her? “Bonnie-chan,” he said after they had browsed through several stores, “why did you invite me to come along? I mean, why not ask Mizuki-san?”

She turned to smile at him. “If he came it would ruin the surprise.”

“Surprise?”

“It’s his birthday this weekend. I want to get him something special.”

Yuuta blinked. “And you brought me…why?”

“Because you’re a boy and you’ve been around Hajime long enough to know what he likes.”

He hung his head. “I’m really bad at picking out gifts though, Bonnie-chan.”

“Just think about what he likes.”

“Um…” What DID Mizuki like? He was a data-collector, like Seigaku’s Inui; He was a gossiper; He wore clothes that would make people question his sexuality… “Maybe…some clothes?”

“Hajime’s got tons of clothes. Actually, I think he’s got more than I do.”

Yuuta face-faulted. He didn’t need to know that. “Okay…so…um…”

“Maybe I don’t need to buy him anything.”

Yes! Oh my god, you read my mind, Bonnie-chan! he thought happily. He wanted to get out of the mall and fast while he still had some dignity left. “I’m sure Mizuki-san will like whatever you do for him,” he supplied, inwardly grinning like a madman.

“I guess. Well, thanks for coming with me, Yuuta. I know it probably wasn’t all that exciting for you and I’m sorry.”

He blushed slightly. “No, it’s okay, Bonnie-chan.”

“Yuuta!” he heard a familiar voice call. The younger Fuji groaned and counted to ten in his head. “I didn’t know you’d be here.” He turned around and came face to face with his smiling brother.

“Hello, aniki,” he said grumpily.

“Hi Syuusuke,” Bonnie greeted. “Nice seeing you here. Oh, is this your girlfriend?” She smiled warmly at the black-haired girl who was holding the prodigy’s hand.

“Hai, this is Sapphire Tsukino,” he replied. “Sapphire, this is Bonnie Adams, one of Yuuta’s friends.”

“Nice to meet you,” the two girls said at once.

“So what brings you and Yuuta to the mall, Bonnie-san?” Fuji asked.

“I was trying to find something for Hajime’s birthday this coming weekend, but I’m out of luck.”

“Who?”

“Mizuki-san, aniki,” Yuuta mumbled. “You played him once.”

“Hmm, I don’t recall.”

“In other words, he’s blocked it out,” Sapphire stated.

“Well, I’ll see you later, Yuuta,” Bonnie said walking away.

“Wait, where are you going?”

“To figure out what I can do for Hajime. You hang out with your brother. See ya!”

Yuuta stared after her with his mouth hanging open. She…She abandoned me. She left me with aniki and his girlfriend.

“Yuuta, you wouldn’t mind going shopping with us, would you?” Syuusuke asked casually.

Yuuta felt his whole world crumble beneath him.

***

Takara didn’t know why she hadn’t waited for Akutsu to come pick her up at her house. Maybe she wanted to prove to herself that she wasn’t completely useless. But if she hadn’t left, then she wouldn’t have been in the dilemma she was in now. She had passed by a few tennis courts (she could tell by the sound of the ball being hit back and forth) and had bumped into one of the players accidentally.

This then resulted in her getting pushed to the ground and having her walking stick taken from her. “Who uses a walking stick, honestly?” a boy sneered.

“Please…give it back,” Takara pleaded. “I need it.”

“What for? You just want people to pity you!”

“No, I—”

She heard something snap and she felt tears come to her eyes. The boy threw what was left of her walking stick at her feet. “Man, what a wimp!” he crowed. Takara felt truly helpless at that moment, wanting to crawl under a rock and die. Her shoulders shook as she tried to hold in her tears. “Heads up, girly! It’s not my fault if you don’t dodge this!”

Takara raised her head slightly, just in time to get hit by the oncoming tennis ball. It hit her left shoulder. The redhead bit her lip as she held in her cry of pain. Why is this happening? she thought. All I did was bump into him…

“Here I go!”

She braced herself for another hit. This time it bounced in front of her and grazed the side of her cheek. The boy was laughing. She heard him prepare to serve another ball at her. Just as it was nearing her head, someone stepped in front of her and blocked it. Takara took a few deep breaths to calm herself.

“What the hell are you doing?”

Takara felt tears of relief fall down her face. “Akutsu-san,” she whispered.

He knelt down in front of her. “Why didn’t you wait for me, idiot?” he growled. She shook her head. “Whatever. What’d you do to piss this brat off?”

“I…I bumped into him. He broke my walking stick.” She was glad she couldn’t see his face for once. She could feel the anger radiating off him.

“Is that so?” he hissed. He stood up and called, “Oi! Wanna play?”

“A-Akutsu-san, I thought you said you hated tennis,” Takara mumbled.

“I do,” he replied. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t kick this kid’s ass in a match.”

“You’re pretty cocky,” the other boy answered. “Why defend someone like her? She’s so useless.”

“You’re a waste of oxygen,” Akutsu spat. “Shut the hell up and serve the ball. Or are you afraid?”

“Yeah, you talk big. Let’s see you back it up.” Takara got to her feet quickly and rushed off the court. She wished she could see the match. The people around her kept complimenting Akutsu’s playing style and saying how amazing he was. The match ended within ten minutes, with Akutsu the victor.

“How bad are you hurt?” he asked after coming over to her.

“Just a few bruises. Nothing serious.”

“If you had waited for me at your house, none of this would have happened.”

She hung her head sadly. “I know. I’m sorry, Akutsu-san.”

“Let me bring you home.”

“But—”

“We can eat lunch together another time. Right now you need medical attention.”

“Thank you, Akutsu-san.”

He snorted as he helped her to her feet. “What are you thanking me for? I did what I had to.”

Takara would never admit it out loud, but inside she was jumping for joy. Akutsu did care for her, though he had a strange way of showing it.

***

Skyler had been preparing to go out with some friends when the butler came up to her room and said, “There’s a call for you, miss.”

“A call? From who?”

“From a Mister Keigo Atobe, miss.”

Skyler rolled her eyes as she took the phone from him. “Hello?”

“Is that all ore-sama gets for a greeting, aa? This phone call isn’t cheap, you know.”

“Keigo, isn’t it really late where you are?”

“Time doesn’t matter when I’m talking to you.”

“Okay, excuse me while I go vomit.”

She could just picture the angry scowl on Atobe’s face. “You’re making me regret calling you, Skyler,” he snarled.

“I’m sorry, Keigo. I know you mean well.”

He sighed heavily on the other end. “So what are you doing?”

“Well, me and a couple friends were gonna go hang out. I spent all my time with you back in Japan. I need to mingle with some girls now.”

“Are you saying their company is better than ore-sama’s, aa?”

“No, they can never compare to you.” And that was the truth. NO ONE could ever compare to Atobe.

“Good.” There was a long pause, in which Skyler thought perhaps he had hung up by accident. “Ore-sama…really misses you,” he mumbled.

Skyler smiled and replied, “I miss you too, Keigo.”

***

Tezuka strangely liked the idea of having a secret relationship with Alana. It was dangerous and risky, but he was willing to take some risks. Perhaps the most amusing part of their agreement, was the fact that since nobody knew they were seeing each other, his fanclub would find and talk to him at the worst times. He could see Alana seething from where she sat when the fanclub girls tried offering him their lunches.

If he was the type of person who smirked at other’s misfortune, he would have given Alana the biggest smirk he could muster. However, since he was Kunimitsu Tezuka, Seigaku’s expressionless captain, he didn’t smirk. No, he just ignored the girls and stared at Alana, silently wishing for class to end so that he could take her into an empty classroom and…

“Tezuka-sama,” one of the girls interrupted his happy thought.

He fixed her with a cold glare. “What?”

“Ano…would you like to have lunch together?” Apparently the lunch bell had chimed.

Tezuka continued to glare at her. Were these girls that stupid? He told them no everyday and yet they still asked him. Alana looked ready to pounce. The corner of his lips lifted slightly. “No,” he replied. “Wilson-san, would you walk with me? There’s something I need to discuss with you.”

Alana tried to hide her grin of satisfaction as she stood up. “Sure, Tezuka.” They left the classroom together, waiting until they were far enough away before Alana threw her arms around his neck and kissed him hungrily. “I would have murdered those girls if you hadn’t called me out here,” she said as he leaned down to kiss her neck.

“I wouldn’t have been able to get you out of trouble if you did that,” he answered, letting his hands roam up and down her thighs.

“Who cares? It would have been worth it.”


***

Akaya Kirihara had never once been happy about summer vacation ending. But as he counted down the days for when Chris would return to Japan, he became more excited with each passing day. When it was the day for her to come back, he made sure to buy some flowers on his way to the airport. He waited in the lobby for about a half hour. Then a voice over the speakers said that the flight from Boston was just coming in.

The black-haired boy smiled eagerly. He spotted Chris’ father and waved. Walking beside him and dragging her suitcase was Chris. He noticed she had cut her hair as well. Akaya didn’t want to cause a scene at the airport, but his legs seemed to have a mind of their own as they rushed him towards the unsuspecting girl. Chris looked up barely in time to catch him in a breathtaking hug. Several heads turned.

A woman mumbled to her friend, “Isn’t that cute? Such young love.”

Akaya blushed as he pulled away. “Welcome back,” he said sheepishly.

Chris smiled. “It’s good to be back.”

Her father cleared his throat. “I’ll just go get the rest of our luggage, sweetie,” he said. “You two catch up.” He walked away, leaving the two in an awkward silence.

“Um…I got you flowers,” Akaya muttered. He held them out for her.

“Thanks,” she replied, taking them and sniffing them. “They’re nice.” Another long pause. “So…”

He took her into another hug. “I missed you so damn much,” he whispered against her ear.

“Me too, Akaya,” she said as she hugged him back. “You have no idea how much I missed you.”

***

“Yuushi, it’s very difficult for me to concentrate on math equations when your foot is molesting my leg,” Hitomi said crossly.

Her cousin smirked at her. The two were studying in Hitomi’s room, away from the prying eyes from their parents. Hitomi really wanted to study. Yuushi did not. He was living up to his ‘crafty’ name. The two were sitting on Hitomi’s bed, so his foot had enough distance to do whatever it wanted. At the moment it was stroking her leg.

“Are those math equations really so interesting that you would ignore me?” he teased.

“Don’t push me.” His foot pushed her. “Oh, real cute, Yuushi.” He chuckled. “Why do I bother myself with you?”

He leaned across the bed so that he was inches from her face. “I don’t know, Hitomi. Perhaps you need a…reminder.” His lips lightly brushed against hers. His soft, gentle kiss became much more when he felt Hitomi bite his lower lip and delve her tongue into his mouth. His arms came to rest on her waist as he pulled her closer to himself. His hand traveled up her thigh and up a skirt. He broke the kiss and breathed deeply. “Remember now?” he said smirking.

Hitomi moaned and arched her back. “Not quite,” she said playfully. She then brushed his hair away from his neck and kissed him at the base. Yuushi groaned happily and threw his head back.

“No fair,” he mumbled.

She smiled. “Life’s not fair,” she replied.

They would have continued if they hadn’t heard the footsteps signaling that someone was headed towards Hitomi’s room. They broke apart quickly and groomed themselves so that they looked presentable. The door opened and in stepped Hitomi’s mother. “Dinner’s ready, you two,” she said.

“Okay, Okaa-san,” Hitomi answered. “We’re almost done studying.”

“Good. See you downstairs when you’re finished.”

“Yep.”

As soon as she left, Yuushi took Hitomi into his arms and kissed her. “Have I ever told you how much I love you, Hitomi?” he mumbled.

She blushed. “I’ve lost count.” She reached up to remove his glasses. His dark blue eyes stared at her hungrily. “We’ve still got roughly five minutes before we have to go eat dinner, you know.”

He smirked. “I like the way you think.”

***

“Skyler, who is that waving to you over there?”

“What is he wearing? Are those frills?”

Skyler felt embarrassed beyond anything when her friends and her had exited the mall, only to see (guess who) waiting outside for her. Sure, Keigo had told her he’d be visiting. He had just failed to mention when. Apparently showing up out of the blue was a favorite past time of his.

“He’s um…my boyfriend,” she answered. Her friends gaped at her.

“Seriously? Wow, he’s actually kinda hot.”

“And those frills suit him.”

Suddenly their opinion of him changed. Atobe literally pranced up to her, smiling happily. “Skyler, surprised to see me?”

“You have no idea,” she said through gritted teeth. “I thought you weren’t coming for another week.”

“Well, I would have, but I just wanted to see you so badly.”

“Aww! Skyler, your boyfriend is so sweet!”

“Why doesn’t my boyfriend travel from a foreign country to come see me?”

“Uh, Dalilah, that’s because your boyfriend lives here.”

“Shut up. It’s the thought that counts.”

Atobe seemed amused. “Your friends?” he asked.

Skyler sighed. “Yeah. Dalilah, Shivone, this is Keigo.”

He bowed his head. “I hope you two can excuse us; Skyler and I need to talk.” He took her hand in his and directed her towards his waiting limo.

“Keigo, showing up in England out of the blue in a frilly shirt isn’t exactly a turn on for me,” Skyler grumbled.

“This shirt is nice,” he argued.

“Yeah, for a woman maybe.”

He grinned. “Does that mean you want me to take it off?”

“Yes…I mean no.” She blushed crimson. “You prat.”

Atobe tapped her nose playfully. “Don’t lie, Sky.”

His smirk made her want to punch him. They crawled into his limo. Before Skyler could even utter another word, Atobe’s mouth had pressed to hers. He pulled her down on top of him, still kissing her. Skyler broke the kiss and stared down at him. “That felt nice,” she said. “But seriously, this shirt needs to go.”

He didn’t stop her as she unbuttoned the delicate material. It fell off his body like water, gently rippling down before it landed on the floor. She let her hands roam up his chest before lowering her mouth to his navel. Her tongue dipped inside and he chuckled. “That tickles,” he muttered. She surprised him by unzipping his pants. Her tongue went lower until it reached the waistband of his boxers. She gave his cock a squeeze before zipping him back up and sitting down as if nothing had happened. “You’re a horrible tease,” he complained.

“I know.”

***

Mizuki didn’t particularly like how friendly Bonnie was with Yuuta. Not that he had anything against his fellow teammate. Mizuki was fiercely possessive and hated when other boys looked at Bonnie. Their relationship was fragile and delicate and he knew he was in danger of losing her. Lately he had been paying more attention to his school activities rather than spending time with Bonnie. He knew he shouldn’t feel guilty since she told him that she was fine with what he was doing.

But he was worried. He had seen her look so sad when he told her that afternoon that they couldn’t go out like they had planned. He didn’t like seeing girls sad or upset. It made him feel so helpless. He scowled when he realized that Bonnie was probably with Yuuta now. It should have been him comforting her and laughing with her. Her time in Japan was limited. He knew she’d be going back to Ireland at some point. That thought hadn’t crossed his mind in a long time. But now that it had, Mizuki was very worried.

He cared about Bonnie very much. He didn’t want to lose her. He’d been somewhat happy since she had come into his life. His whole family had noticed a difference in his attitude. He was grateful to the brunette. But now…

The data collector reached into his pocket for his cell phone. He dialed Bonnie’s number and waited.

“Hello?” he heard her answer.

“Hey, it’s me,” he replied.

“Hey. What’s up?”

“I’m going to skip the activities today. I was hoping we could still do something tonight.”

“I’d like that. Anything specific?”

“I want to surprise you.”

He heard her chuckle. “Okay then. Where do you wanna meet?”

“The park near St. Rudolph.”

“All right. I’ll see you later, Hajime.”

Mizuki bit his lip and mumbled. “Yeah. See you later.”

***

Tonya wasn’t sure what it was that was worrying Oishi so much. She knew he was a known worrier a lot of the time, but this was plain ridiculous. “Syuichiroh, what’s wrong?” she asked.

“Eiji said he and Shiori-chan did something…something really good. He wouldn’t tell me though.” If he had more hair, she was sure he’d be yanking it out in frustration. “Then he told me to ask you to do what Shiori-chan did but I don’t know what she did!”

“Don’t dwell so much on it. It’s probably nothing. This is Eiji we’re talking about.”

His green eyes softened. “I know. But you didn’t see him, Tonya. He was so excited.”

“And that’s a new development?” she said sarcastically. “Isn’t he always excited?”

“Yes, but this time it was different. He was excited about something other than the normal stuff.”

“Maybe I should ask Shiori.”

“No! I don’t want to pry. It’s their relationship. Still…”

Tonya leaned over to kiss his cheek. “I love you, Syuichiroh. Really. But please calm down.”

“I can’t,” he sighed. “You know me. It’s impossible for me to calm down when something like this happens.”

“Look, I’m gonna ask Shiori later, okay?”

Oishi eventually nodded, though he looked pained. “Tell me when you find out.”

“Sure thing.”

***

“Um…Shiori?” Tonya asked walking up to her friend.

“Yeah?”

“I need to ask you something. Syuichiroh’s been slaving over this all day and if he doesn’t find out soon, I’m pretty sure he’s gonna go ballistic.”

Shiori laughed. “So what is it?”

“I guess Eiji came up to Syuichiroh all excited today and saying that you did something great for him or whatever. I just wanna know what you did.”

Shiori’s eyes widened. “Um…I don’t think you want to know.”

“What are you saying? Of course I do.”

“Tonya-chan…it’d be better if you didn’t know.”

“But—”

“Please.”

Tonya frowned. “Is it really bad?”

Shiori blushed. “I guess you could say that. I don’t even know what made me do it.” She took a deep breath and whispered into her friend’s ear.

Tonya paled before turning as red as her hair. “Y-You did that? Seriously?”

“Yeah. So I think Oishi is better off not knowing.”

She nodded. “I’ll just say that you didn’t do anything to Eiji.”

“You’ll be okay with lying to him?”

Tonya shrugged. “I’m protecting his worrying, virgin ears.”

***

Inui was the first to spot him. Yasu hadn’t seen Renji Yanagi in a long time, not since middle school. So it was no surprise that she didn’t recognize him. When Inui called him over, Yasu and Renji spent a good few seconds looking each other up and down. Yasu’s eyes widened behind her glasses and she gasped. “Renji-kun?”

He nodded with a smile as she launched herself into his arms for a hug. “It’s good to see you too, Yasu-chan,” he replied. “She hasn’t changed one bit, eh, Sadaharu?”

Inui pushed his glasses further onto his nose. “Not really.”

“That’s rude. Of course I’ve changed,” Yasu grumbled. “I’m taller, aren’t I? My hair’s shorter now too.”

“He meant your personality, Yasu,” Inui answered.

“Oh.” The purple-haired girl blushed. “So…how have you been, Renji-kun?”

“I’ve been well. Yourself?”

“Studying for exams, you know.”

“Aa.”

Yasu felt very small standing next to her childhood friends. Both boys had grown to incredible heights over the years, while she was barely up to their shoulders. She bit her lip uncertainly before grabbing both their hands and pulling them down the sidewalk.

“Yasu, where are you taking us?” Inui asked.

She turned and smiled. “To our favorite spot.”

Renji and Inui exchanged looks before smiling fondly at her. They each tightened their hold on her hands as they walked.

***

Oishi wasn’t sure what to think when he saw Tonya walking towards him. She looked…embarrassed. This of course made him more curious to know what Shiori had done to make Eiji so happy. If it could make Tonya look embarrassed…

“Well?” he asked. “What did she say?”

Tonya blushed. “Nothing. She didn’t do anything.”

He frowned. “Tonya.”

“Y-Yes?”

“Why are you lying?”

She gulped. “You’d be better off not knowing, Syuichiroh.”

“Why?” Then he remembered what Eiji had said. “Would you show me then?”

Tonya nearly choked. “W-What? I-I can’t!”

He gave her a firm look. “Tonya, I need to know.”

***

Fuji wasn’t sure what it was about Sapphire that interested him. When she had first come to Seigaku, they hadn’t gotten along. She openly declared her hatred for him and he countered that hatred with his unflinching smile. He hadn’t liked her either. That was why he found it ironic that they were walking together in the park, holding hands and just enjoying each other’s company.

Sapphire seemed nervous. Which was odd, since she was never nervous about anything. Fuji couldn’t understand why she was still blushing when they came to relax under a tree. “Tsukino-san?” he asked. She glanced up before lowering her head again to stare at her feet. Fuji frowned. “Am I making you uncomfortable?”

“No, of course not,” she replied while avoiding his gaze.

He opened his eyes and brought his face inches from hers. Sapphire gasped and tried to back away. He placed his hands on her cheeks and brought their lips together softly. “There’s no reason for you to be nervous, Tsukino-san,” he said smiling. “I like you. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”

She blushed again. “T-Thanks, Fuji.”

***

Akutsu didn’t understand romance. Or rather, he just chose not to. He wouldn’t admit it, but there were times he wished he had listened to Sengoku’s experiences with the opposite sex. He found himself in an odd friendship with Takara. He didn’t make friends; well, he had friends, but he basically ignored all of them. But Takara was someone he actually spoke to and spent time with.

His mother had kept giving him such happy looks lately. It was freaky and disturbing and it annoyed him. Why was she so happy? When he brought Takara into his mother’s work, he finally realized the reason for his mother’s happiness. It was Takara. She was happy that her son was actually being friendly with a girl. Akutsu had to scoff at that. Takara was defenseless on her own. He was just…protecting her. Any real man would do the same.

At least, that was his excuse. He couldn’t explain the excited feelings he felt when he saw her after a boring day at school. And he couldn’t explain why he felt angry whenever he thought another boy was getting too friendly with Takara. He was sure that if he had spoken with Sengoku, the red-head would have said he had a crush. Akutsu wanted to laugh out loud. A crush? Yeah right. He just felt comfortable around the girl. Didn’t mean he liked her.

-----
That's all I've written for now. Now for the new ficcy.

-----

“Where’s Sakaki-sensei?” Ootori asked as the tennis team prepared for practice. “He told us he’d be here today.”

“He left a message in his office,” Atobe shrugged. “He said he had to go take care of some business or something and that he’d be back later.”

“Business?” Oshitari repeated. “I wonder what’s so important to him?”

“Does it matter? Everyone start running laps. Now!”

“Hai…”

***

Sakaki Asami felt a smile reach across her face when she saw her uncle. “Uncle Taro!” she cried, running towards him.

He gave her tender smile and embraced her. “It’s good to see you, Asami,” he said. “How have you been?”

She shrugged. “All right, I guess. It feels good to get away from my parents for awhile.”

Taro frowned. “Are they still—”

“C’mon, didn’t you say you wanted to introduce me to some people, Uncle?”

Sakaki sighed. Asami wanted to avoid talking about her parents and he really couldn’t blame her. Still…he didn’t want his brother’s daughter to be miserable. She was only sixteen, for godssake.

***

“Sakaki-sensei, you made it!” Ootori said. “We were beginning to worry.”

“I wasn’t about to skip your practice,” he answered firmly. “Everyone assemble on the court. There’s someone I would like you all to meet.”

“Aa~?” Atobe drawled. “Ore-sama doesn’t have time for this.”

“Stand and be quiet, Atobe,” Sakaki ordered. Atobe scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest. The other regulars snickered that Atobe had been told off. “Asami, you can come out now.”

A tall girl with short sandy-colored hair and chocolate brown eyes came up beside Sakaki. She was wearing a black tank-top and boy jean shorts along with sneakers. The regulars gaped. Who was this strange girl? “Yo!” she greeted.

“Sakaki-sensei, who is this?” Shishido asked.

“You don’t think she’s his…you know?” Gakuto mumbled.

“Mukahi-senpai!” Ootori said angrily. “Sakaki-sensei would never—”

Sakaki cleared his throat. “This is Sakaki Asami.” The boys’ eyes widened. “She is my niece.”

“EEEEEHHH???”

Asami chuckled. “These guys are cute, Uncle.”

Several of the boys blushed furiously. “Asami will be attending the high school, but she will be helping out during your practices as well.”

“We don’t need help,” Atobe stated. “Na, Kabaji?”

“Ossu.”

“Really?” Asami challenged. She jumped down from the bleachers and walked up to Atobe. She was an inch or so taller than him. “Someone hand me a racket, will ya?” The closest person gave her a racket. She gave a few practice swings before grabbing a ball off the ground. She threw it up into the air a couple times before turning towards the courts. She threw the ball high and jumped. Her racket smashed the ball, sending it over two full courts at high speed. Everyone was silent as she smirked and turned back around to look at Atobe. “I think you do need help, kid.”

Kid?! Atobe snapped. “Anyone can do that,” he scoffed. “Na, Kabaji?”

“Ossu.”

Asami frowned. “Uncle, I think this one’s gonna need some discipline,” she called.

“Do whatever you see fit, Asami. They’re your responsibility now.”

“Her responsibility?” Atobe snarled. “We aren’t children, Sakaki.”

“You are,” the older man retorted. “Asami is older than you by two years and has more experience. You’ll learn a lot from her.”

“Che.”

“The rest of you better be on your best behavior for her. Or I will hear of any problems.”

Asami grinned and put her hands on her hips. “All right, boys! Just ‘cause I’m his niece, doesn’t mean I’m gonna be a pushover! He’s taught me everything I know and I plan to double that knowledge when helping you guys practice! Any questions?”

Jiroh raised his hand slowly. “What are we supposed to call you? Sakaki-sensei would be weird…”

“Ah, just call me Asami-san. That clear, everyone?”

“Hai!”

***

“She’s tough,” Oshitari mumbled after everyone went to change in the locker room.

“She’s gonna end up killing me,” Gakuto whined. “I couldn’t breathe after she made me run all those laps.”

“She’s trying to help you conquer your stamina problem, Mukahi-senpai,” Ootori explained.

“I know, but still…”

“She doesn’t seem to like Atobe all that much,” Shishido said with a grin.

He could see the captain stiffen in the corner of the locker room. “Ore-sama doesn’t care for her either,” he spat coolly. He pulled his jersey up over his head and threw it into his bag.

“It’s a shame she wears those long shorts,” Oshitari sighed. “An athletic girl like her would have marvelous legs…”

“Is that all you can think about, Oshitari?” Atobe growled. “I don’t understand why Sakaki dumped her on us anyway. She’s nothing special.”

“Is that so?”

All the boys whirled around to see Asami standing before them, a huge grin on her face.

“W-What are you doing in here?!” Atobe managed to shout. “This is a boys’ locker room!”

“I know,” she replied airily. “It’s not like I’ve never seen a shirtless boy before. Jeez.”

Several of the regulars flushed red. “You’re not allowed in here!” Atobe snapped.

“I’m in here, aren’t I?”

The others could sense Atobe’s anger. “A-Atobe-senpai, it’s fine,” Ootori mumbled. “She’s not bothering anyone.”

“She’s bothering me,” he hissed. “I want you out of here, Sakaki.”

Asami raised her eyebrows. “You can’t order a senpai around, Atobe-kun.” He twitched at the nickname. “I’ve been warned about you by my uncle. He said you’d be stubborn. For once, I had hoped he’d be wrong, but oh well. We’ll just have to work on your manners while I help out here, won’t we?”

“My manners are fine!”

“Not from where I’m standing, kid.”

“I am not a kid!”

Asami smirked and flicked his forehead playfully. “Yes you are. Now get changed. You’re not that great to look at.”

She left without another word. Atobe’s face was crimson red, either out of anger or embarrassment, no one knew. The other regulars knew not to make any comments about what just happened. They quietly continued dressing. Once Atobe had finished and left the locker room, they each glanced at each other.

“Can you believe she actually told Atobe off like that?” Gakuto laughed. “I’ve never seen him so pissed.”

“Atobe will not take this lying down,” Oshitari mumbled. “His pride is not something to trample on.”

“Asami-san is a bit…” Ootori started, unsure of what to say.

“Straightforward and honest?” Shishido supplied. “To tell you the truth, Atobe had it coming to him. He kept badmouthing her. I mean, she’s related to Sakaki-sensei. Does he really think she’s useless?”

“You know how Atobe’s mind works,” Oshitari said. “He perceives her as a threat and will automatically lash out.”

“Asami-san doesn’t realize what she’s getting herself into,” Ootori said sadly.

“Oh I think she does,” Shishido smiled. “Sakaki-sensei has told her about all of us, so she knows exactly what she’s getting herself into.”

“Atobe will be an obstacle,” Oshitari added. “But I’m sure Asami-san can handle him.”

***

“What do you think of them?” Taro asked his niece on the drove home.

“They’re loud, obnoxious, and talented,” she replied. “For junior high school students. I’ve never seen such talent in kids that young. It’s amazing.”

“How about individually?”

“I didn’t get to work with all them yet, but for the ones I did work with today…Mukahi-kun seems like a lot of fun. He’s lacking in stamina, but I’m sure I can help him with that. Jiroh-kun is an amazing player when he’s not sleeping. I’m not sure there’s anything I can do that’ll make him stay awake more during practices. Ootori-kun’s serves are really good, but the control needs some work. He seems to be the nicest guy on the whole team, from what I could tell.”

“And what about Atobe?”

Asami scowled. “He’s such a typical rich boy.”

“He’s talented, Asami.”

“Oh, I have no doubts there. There’s no possible way he could have that big an ego if he wasn’t talented. He just needs to tone it down a bit. Who’s he trying to impress being like that?”

Sakaki shrugged. “Atobe has always been like that, ever since his first year at Hyotei. You’ll get used to it.”

“I can’t stand people like him though. You know that, Uncle.”

He nodded. “I know. But give him a chance. He may surprise you.”

Asami shrugged. “Whatever you say.”

***

The servants didn’t know what to do when their young master returned home in an angry huff. He immediately stomped up to his room and slammed the door shut. Needless to say, they were worried for his health. The butler that had known Keigo the longest carefully knocked on the young master’s door and waited.

“What?!” Atobe snapped.

“U-Um, young master Keigo, is there something wrong?”

The door flung open to reveal a disheveled Atobe Keigo. His eyes were narrowed dangerously. “What do you think?”

“D-Did something happen at your tennis practice?”

“That damn coach…dumping his damn niece on us…” he mumbled.

The butler’s eyes widened. “Sakaki-sama? Did Sakaki-sama do something, Keigo-sama?”

“Yeah, he did!” the boy growled. “He brought his stupid niece with him so now she’s going to be helping out at our practices.”

“O-Oh.”

“She has no respect for me either. Just because she happens to be older than me doesn’t give her any right to be so familiar with me!”

“Of course, young master.”

“I’ll show her just how good I am. Ore-sama doesn’t need her help. Sakaki Asami will be awed by the sight of my prowess!”

The butler knew that whoever this Sakaki Asami was, she would be in for a rough time. Atobe Keigo wasn’t a pushover and wasn’t to be taken lightly.

***

“Are you guys girls?! C’mon, pick up the pace!”

Oshitari could feel his legs starting to cry out in agony. At first he had liked the idea of having Asami help the team. Now he was having second thoughts. She was ruthless with her training. “Yuushi, I’m gonna die!” Gakuto cried as he collapsed on the ground. “I see the light!”

“For godssake, Mukahi-kun!” Asami grumbled as she came onto the court. “You’re not dying! The only light you see is the sun, got that?”

“Hai…”

She handed him a water bottle. “Here, drink this.”

“A-Arigatou…”

“With all due respect, Asami-san,” Ootori panted. “Don’t you think you’re pushing us a little too much?”

“What was that, Ootori-kun?” she said sweetly.

The others glared at him. “N-Nothing.”

“Good. Now get back out there and continue running laps. You’re not done until I say you are.” She glanced around. “And where the hell is Atobe?” The other regulars looked around. Where WAS Atobe? Asami clenched her fists. “If he decides to show up, he’s running double what you guys are!”

Everyone winced.

“She’s a slave-driver,” Jiroh groaned as he tried to stay awake and run.

“Why does Mukahi-san get to sit on the bench?” Hiyoshi growled.

“He lost his energy,” Oshitari replied. “Asami-san gave him some water to help replenish his stamina.”

“No fair,” Jiroh whimpered. “I want some water.”

“Did I hear that right?” Asami called. “You guys want water?”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“Then come get it! I didn’t forbid you from getting water. I’m not that cruel.”

The regulars looked at each other in exasperation. She opened up the cooler and watched as all the boys reached in for an ice-cold water bottle.

“This tastes like heaven!” Jiroh said happily.

“I don’t think I’ve ever wanted water so much in my entire life,” Ootori said softly. He took a large gulp and smiled. “Arigatou, Asami-san.”

“Don’t mention it, Ootori-kun,” she replied. She looked down at her wristwatch and scowled. “Okay this is getting ridiculous! Atobe is not getting special treatment from me just because he’s the captain! I swear, the nerve of that guy!”

“Aa~? Did you say something, Sakaki?” The familiar drawl caused everyone to turn their heads towards the bleachers. There stood Atobe, looking like a proud king. Asami was livid. She climbed up the bleachers and towered over him. “Yes?” Atobe sneered.

“Get down there and run 100 laps!” she ordered.

“Ore-sama doesn’t feel like it,” he shrugged.

“Oh? Too bad! You’re the captain, Atobe!”

“Right. As the captain, I shouldn’t have to practice the same way as the others.”

Asami counted to ten in her head. “You are a brat, Atobe Keigo. A spoiled brat.”

He rolled his eyes. “Think up something more original, Sakaki.”

“Atobe, stop antagonizing her!” Shishido shouted. “You’re only digging a deeper hole for yourself!”

“Thank you, Shishido-kun,” Asami said. She turned back to Atobe. “You have five minutes to get down on the court and start running.”

“And if I don’t?”

“My uncle will hear of your insubordination to me. I’ll let him deal a punishment.”

Atobe’s eyes widened a fraction. He puffed out his cheeks angrily before stomping down the bleachers and removing his jacket. He made sure his shoes were tied tightly and began running. Asami smiled as she slowly walked down to join the others.

“I’m sorry about that guys, but rules are rules,” she stated. “He showed up late.”

“So what are we doing today, Asami-san?” Ootori asked curiously.

“I’m going to talk with the other players that I didn’t get to see yesterday. I need to get a feel for all of you and how you guys play. So who haven’t I spoken with yet?” Oshitari, Hiyoshi, Shishido, and Kabaji raised their hands. “Okay, I’ll start with you, Oshitari-kun.” The Hyotei tensai nodded and went to get his racket from his bag. “Everyone else, hold practice matches against each other!”

Asami walked over to Oshitari. “So…do you think I was a little too hard today?” she mumbled. Oshitari blinked in shock. “I’m still new to all this…I don’t want you guys hating me or anything.”

“Nonsense, Asami-san,” he replied. “To tell you the truth, Atobe can sometimes be the same way when he’s in a foul mood.”

“I see.” Her expression turned dark.

“Not that I’m trying to compare you to him or anything,” he said quickly.

She didn’t reply immediately. “Your accent…is Kansai, right?”

Oshitari stared at her for a few minutes. “Uh…yes.”

“I only ask because my mother has the same accent. When did you come to Tokyo?”

“A year or so ago.”

“Ah. Anyway…” She studied his form and applauded his style. “I can see why they call you a tensai, Oshitari-kun. You’re good at planning ahead.”

“Arigatou, Asami-san.”

She continued to smile. “If you don’t stop trying to see my legs, Oshitari-kun, I may have to hurt you.”

He blushed slightly. “Right. Sorry.” He walked away as Shishido brushed past him towards Asami.

“So you’re the Shishido Ryou-kun that my uncle mentioned, huh?” Asami said grinning.

“What’s he told you?” the dash specialist asked.

“That you’re a determined young man. I want to see some of this determination.”

Shishido felt his cheeks burn. “H-Hai.”

-----
That's 9 pages in Microsoft word, baby! ^-^ Not too bad for only two days' worth. So yeah...that's about all for now. Byes!


Comments (0)