Title: Twilight Escape

Pairing: Atobe Keigo/Sanada Genichiro, Past Sanada Genichiro/Yukimura Seiichi

Characters: Atobe Keigo, Sanada Genichiro
Tags: Romance, Angst, Hurt/Comfort

Summary: In the span of a week, Atobe had lost two official matches: one against Sanada and a second in a rematch with Tezuka. Already he could hear the rumors swirling around him, whispered in secret behind his back. He was loath to admit it, but his tarnished reputation was more devastating then he led others to believe.


BETA: TheSupernova


Chapter 1: Fear Alone


In the span of a week, Atobe had lost two official matches: one against Sanada and a second in a rematch with Tezuka. Already he could hear the rumors swirling around him, whispered in secret behind his back, striking down his reputation as a national tennis player.

"Atobe's game was terrible. Seems all his bragging is nothing but hot air."

"It's embarrassing, right? I thought Atobe was better than this."

Atobe threw the tennis ball in the air and swung his racket, smashing the ball against the chain link fence. Instead of bouncing back, it caught in the wire. He picked up another tennis ball and aimed for the ball currently stuck in the fencing, popping it out to the other side. The new ball stuck in its place.

Jeers and laughter haunted his thoughts. Sanada had tried talking to him afterwards, but it was hard listening to the winner when the score came out 6-3. Tezuka's match was 6-4, which was closer but not by much. Atobe was beginning to doubt his abilities as a tennis player.

He had been practicing since dawn, ever since the strong, lingering heat wave overtook the cool, misty morning. Sweat beaded down Atobe's face, dripping from his hair and thoroughly soaking his shirt. He had run out of water almost a few hours ago, but replacing it would require driving almost three miles to get to the nearest town.

Atobe had chosen to play in some abandoned courts beyond the town limits. A secret spot he frequented when he needed to be alone, with nothing but his racquet and tennis balls for company. He was loath to admit it, but his tarnished reputation was more devastating then he led others to believe. Atobe couldn't face Sanada like this; he didn't want to face the possibility of seeing Sanada's disapproving gaze and harsh words making light of the situation.

The setting sun colored the sky in an array of beautiful oranges and purple, with twilight waiting just beyond the horizon. Atobe was exhausted; barely able to focus on the ball in front of him but he couldn't stop. Playing tennis allowed the world to drop away, to provide an escape from reality and right now, he was desperate to forget.

If only the darkness wasn't so keen on dragging him spiraling down against the broken, concrete floor. He felt a hot, sharp pain surge through the back of his skull and then… nothing.