Ponta



"Ponta," A deep voice said, a lace of amusement hidden in it. The owner of the voice pushed back a curtain, now having a clear view of a certain tennis player. And it happened to be the only tennis player that would always be seen drinking a can of Ponta. "Che, I don't get how this brat can find this liquid so ... enjoyable." The owner of the voice threw up said can of liquid, catching it quickly and rubbing his thumb over the cold aluminum, able to feel the surface where it had frosted but melted, leaving it slightly wet, dripping. "If you find these things so enjoyable, then Oresama will send you some."


"Perfect timing," Atobe said to himself. He could see Ryoma walking close. He was only up the sidewalk some feet away. Everything was going all according to his plan. Ryoma was drawing closer. An arrogant smirk spread across Atobe's face as he made eye contact with the brat, who continued to look straight ahead.

Finally, Ryoma stopped before Atobe, facing forward for some time before he side glanced at him, frowning, as if questioning what the heck he was doing, but looking as if he were the least interested. That was when the small Prince of Tennis noticed the suddenly shiny can of Ponta wrapped in Atobe's hand. Ryoma looked back up to Atobe, then to the can, and simply proceeded to walk away.

"Hey!" Where was Ryoma going?! Couldn't he see this was for him? "Brat, what do you think you're doing?"

"Home."

It wasn't even a complete sentence. Ryoma couldn't even give him a complete sentence. This only irked Atobe more. He quickly walked to catch up with Ryoma so that he was now alongside him. "What for? Don't you want this?" Atobe proceeded to stop, and then hold up a can to Ryoma. Only, in the few seconds he took to stop and hold the can, Ryoma had sped up.

Ryoma must have known Atobe was going to call for him again because he replied, "For the Ponta." Obviously Ryoma had yet to see the can again.

"Why would you go home if Oresama specifically was giving this to you?" Atobe waved the can furiously, trying to steady his temper as he caught up with Ryoma once again. Before Ryoma could take off again, he shoved the can into the younger one's hands and stood back, waiting.

Ryoma stared at the can for some time before, opening it. He leaned his head back as he (painfully) slowly started to down the liquid. He took one gulp, then another, he opened his eyes, looking at Atobe playfully as he seemed captivate by him drinking, and finally Ryoma took one more swallow before removing the can from his now moist mouth, licking at his lips. His golden eyes lit up as he stood before a speechless Atobe. Then he turned his attention the can. Hmm ... he had almost finished it.

Was Ryoma doing this purposely? Atobe had to pry his eyes away from Ryoma momentarily to regain his composure. What a brat. He had come out of his way just to give him a stupid soda ... Speaking of which, Atobe realized what his true intentions were. He looked to Ryoma who seemed to be expecting him to finally say something. "That's going to cost you."

Ryoma frowned and turned his head, looking into the streets. "Don't have any money."

"That's perfectly fine." He smirked when he saw he gained Ryoma's attention when Ryoma turned to face him again. "I had another idea." Atobe leaned forward, leaving a reasonable space in between their faces. Oresama was thinking that maybe you would come back with him to his house." Atobe hadn't even posed it as a question. "What do you say? How about we become more acquainted, Echizen?"

Ryoma stared up at Atobe, searching his eyes. After some time, he hung his head slightly, and through half lidded eyes, glanced downwards, digging in his pocket. He pulled out a sensible amount of money for the Ponta can and pushed it into Atobe's hand as Atobe had pushed the can into his own hands earlier. "Thanks." Ryoma smirked, glancing back up at the furious Atobe and walked around him, sipping his drink.

Atobe made no movement to stop him. As he as too stunned to see his perfect plan fail. "Che," He brushed it off. "Stupid Echizen." Atobe would not give up. He had his eyes out for Ryoma for some time now. He would just simply have to go home and rethink another plan with Oshitari or something.


Hey, Samayo speaking! This is originally a request by animephantom! I haven't written a Prince of Tennis fanfiction in awhile -- let alone for any of my fanfictions. However, I've got this one all planned out! So it shouldn't take a year to finish. Surely less than a month though!

I feel a bit rusty writing this. I don't think I got Atobe's character quite down. And keeping characters in character is a peeve of mine ... so if you think they're ever out of character, let me know. Thanks!

Anyway, hoped you enjoyed the first chapter! I think with the way I'm writing this it'll be one of those semi-drabble-ish short written stories. Sorry.

And my apologies for taking so long, animephantom! (I'm working on chapter two now!)

(Also, a sorry to the Changes fans! I have this Prince of Tennis fanfiction practically done! So I'm going to get it out of the way so I can finally work on the next chapter!)