Disclaimer: If I owned the Prince of Tennis, I must be on the same level as Fuji. For now, I'll settle for Oshitari (: Kyaaaaa! fangirls

Author's Note: I've always wondered how our favourite tennis boys will grow up to become. Here's a series of drabbles on their relationships and thoughts as they age.

Atobe Keigo

It's been two weeks since the incident but the media hounds wouldn't give it up. As last resort, he had sent his infamous expressionless Kabaji to the last impromptu press conference outside his doorstep but they were relentless.

Today was the same. They were crowded on his lawn, mikes, lights and cameras all ready for his grand appearance. Not one media firm wanted to miss this out. Atobe had finally agreed to hold a press conference to settle their curiosities once and for all.

No more hide and seek. He was Atobe, after all.

As he walked out to meet them, he caught his reflection against the glass and glared.

That scar bothered him. It was barely noticeable but he found himself obsessed with it. His flawless features were marred but the paparazzi were in a twisted frenzy. They were more in love with him than before, apparently the scar made him human.

The moment he appeared, he was mobbed. Never had Atobe longed for a strong drink this much but he had an image to maintain.

"Atobe-sama, have you found out who was behind the tampering on your limo?"

"With both your parents dead, when will you be taking over Atobe enterprises?"

"Atobe-sama, will you be fit in time for the final Grand Slam match?"

"Please, media friends! One at a time," Atobe shot a grateful look to his best friend.

Oshitari Yuushi had stuck with him through thick and thin for ten years. With his devious quick thinking and superior eloquence, there was no one better as his PR rep.

"Atobe-sama, what were your thoughts when you clawed out of the wreck?"

It was strangely silent as they waited on bated breath for his response. Yuushi gave him the look but he pretended not to see it. They had rehearsed this before and Atobe knew what was expected of him, yet he couldn't bring himself to face the truth.

Atobe felt bile rise up his throat as the image flashed across his closed eyes.

It was a sea of black and red. Searing hot.

Blood everywhere and the hiss of flames overwhelmed him.

He couldn't remember how he ended up in that position and Atobe never felt more lost in his life. Everything was fuzzy and his senses were on a heightened alert.

But his survival instincts had kicked in before he knew it. And the last thing he remembered was his voice in his head before he succumbed to darkness.

When he opened his eyes, they were still there, light bulbs flashing and all. He gave Yuushi an imperceptible nod (that would be later written as the symbol of reassurance and their strong friendship) and stared hard at the reporter who dared invade his heart.

"That I promised him I will not die before him."

Owari (: Cheers!

Reviews will be appreciated much.

P.S. I thought Atobe deserved some love. Interpret it any way you want, I'm easy.