Disclaimer: Sorry, I do not own PoT. Just having fun.

Warning: Two swear words and boy love situation.

Story # 1: Unwritten Rule

There is an unwritten rule/unspoken rule among the Hyoutei Regulars: No one is to get too much personally involved with another regular. In short, no dating with another regular (Hard to believe but true). Among the seniors, this is not a problem. After all, they're all guys, and guys date girls, right?

When Choutarou became a regular, he didn't pay much attention to it. But one night changed it all.

"Oi, Choutarou! Meet me at eight tonight by the abandoned building." Shishido shouted to Choutarou before leaving the clubhouse after practice.

Choutaro wondered why, but knowing it was his senpai, he knew he should be there.

"Shishido-san, why are we here?"

"You helped me become a regular again. So it's my turn to help you perfect your Scud Serve."

All night, Shishido and Choutarou worked together to help Choutarou have more control over his Scud Serve and to add power to it.

"Thank you very much, Shishido-san."

"Hoi, don't sweat it. We're doubles partners. We need to work together to elevate our game."

That night changed the way Choutarou felt about his Shishido-san. Choutarou hid his feelings, knowing that Shishido would think it lame. Choutarou tried to fight it but it was inevitable – he fell for his doubles partner, his senpai, a guy.

Choutarou was too well aware of the Unwritten Rule. He can't confess, he can't show any feelings, he can't say anything or even give any hint in his actions about how he felt towards Shishido. Choutaro was miserable and the Nationals were nearing.

Oshitari noticed Choutaro's increasing misery and confronted him about it.

"Choutarou…"

"I know Oshitari-senpai. Fuck those rules!"

Oshitari was surprised at the usually gentle kouhai's outburst. "There is a reason why the Rule's there, even if we do not speak about it."

The next day…

"Atobe-san, I resign from the club. I apologize for such short notice."

"Hn? May I ask why?"

"I-I can't talk about it now, I'm sorry."

"Choutarou, you and I both know how important is your skill to the tennis club. However, I do not want to force anyone. Very well, if that is your choice. Clear your lockers now. And no, you are not allowed to have a proper farewell with the regulars."

"I understand. Thank you for having had the chance to be a regular. I truly am grateful."

Much later…

"Choutaro, Shishido-kun is here to see you."

"Okaa-san, I don't want to talk to anyone right now, please tell him I am not feeling well…"

"I what's the problem? Did you fight? He looked angry."

"Please leave me be for now, Okaa-san. I'll tell you when I'm ready."

The next day…

"Do you really think I would just let it go at that?! Choutaro, talk to me. Tell me what the hell is going on!"

A very furious Shishido waited for Choutaro somewhere along the way to school.

"Shishido-san, I don't want to talk about it."

"You will. I will not allow you to go to school today until you talk to me. I am not begging Choutarou, I'm demanding it."

Choutarou knew there would be no end to it. Besides, could he really refuse Shishido? They went to a nearby park where they could talk.

"Choutarou, you have a lot of explaining to do. Even if you did not tell Atobe, you owe me an explanation."

Choutaro felt really nervous. It was bad enough that his Shishido-san is furious at him for quitting the regulars. How much worse would it become when he finds out why?

"Choutarou… please tell me…" Shishido saw how scared Choutaro was looking at that moment.

Choutarou relented at the pleading tone.

"Ano…Shishido-san… I-I love you."

Choutarou prepared himself for the unleashing of Shishido's fury. He looked at Shishido. Shishido's face reflected the shock he felt. And his face changed color from pale to red to pale knowing what to do, Choutaro simply sat in silence at the bench. Shishido sat on the other end of the bench.

The uneasy silence stretched for what seemed like forever. Neither looked at the other.

It was Shishido who broke the silence.

"You do know…"

"About The Rule. That's why I quit. I couldn't hide it forever, not with you as my doubles partner. Oshitari-senpai already noticed."

"I didn't know. I didn't realize…"

"It's okay Shishido-san. That's why even if Atobe-san would have allowed it, I wouldn't have been able to say goodbye to you."

"You love playing tennis."

"Yes. But I let it go."

"You love tennis."

"Not as much as… I still have my music."

"You love tennis." (Seriously Shishido, can't you think of any other line?)

More silence…

"I have to go. I ned to talk to Atobe."

"Shishido-san, I don't know what you are planning but please don't go through with it."

"It's my choice, just like you made yours."

Going to school is definitely out of the question that day. For both of them.

Choutarou returned home and feigned illness.

Later…

"Choutaro, Atobe-san's driver is here. He says you are being summoned to Atobe's house."

"Yes, Okaa-san, I will go."

"Can you manage?"

"Yes. I have to do this."

At Atobe's mansion…

"Ootori, what did you tell Shishido?"

"Atobe-san, what did Shishido-san do? What did he tell you?"

"First you quit. The he, who begged on his knees to be made a regular again, also quit. A day after you did. You both have to tell ore-sama what's going on."

"Shishido-san quit? Why?"

"If I l know, would I be asking you?" Atobe-san's fury is clearly rising.

"Forgive me, Atobe-san. I have to go."

With a quick bow, Choutarou ran from the room, out the mansion and its grounds. Choutaro somehow knew where he would be.

At the park…

"Why?"

"You're not the only one who feels that way you know."

"But, you love tennis."

"That's my line. I know what I'm doing"

"You begged. You cut your hair. You went down on your knees for tennis."

"Those are nothing compared to how I feel about you."

"Shishido-san…"

"Call me Ryou."

Meanwhile, Atobe is on the phone…

"Oshitari, I'm sure you know what's going on. Anyone else who's going to quit?"

"Shishido and Ootori?"

"And you did not inform me."

"It was not mine to reveal."

"What was that about? I demand that you tell me."

"The RULE Atobe."

A week later…

Shishido and Ootori are back as regulars. None of the other regulars mentioned about their brief absence. Neither did the two speak about it. But, in the Hyoutei Regulars the seed of silence was planted.

A/N:

1. Situation #22 – all sacrificed for a passion.

2. I wanted to challenge myself by going through Georges Polti's 36 Dramatic Situations. This is the first. And my first foray into fanfiction world. I chose this pair because I think Choutaro is the most adorable creature in the anime kingdom.