Disclaimer: I don't own Prince of Tennis or any characters. You're not allowed to sue me. So there:P

Warning: This fic contains shounen-ai and non-explicit yaoi.

Author's Notes: This is my most interesting idea for a fanfic ever. I know I'm going to have a lot of fun with this one. Keep in mind that it is an AU... You should see my weird cast of characters. XD All of Rikkai are people involved with Sanada somehow, I have something special planned for Seigaku, and everyone else ended up as various servants in Atobe's house. And just to make it easier/weirder/more interesting, I've made a few random characters female. XD Just because I couldn't deal with a cast of 100 guys. So watch out for that, and... don't kill me. XD

Please enjoy! Tell me what you think!

"Seventeen years of martial arts training, four years of firearm experience, and an internship with the police…" Oshitari placed the piece of paper he was holding onto his desk and peered over the rims of his glasses at the man sitting across from him. "Impressive resume."

"Thank you, sir." The man nodded once and continued to sit very stiffly in his chair.

"'Sanada', is it?"

"Yes, sir."

"Tell me, Sanada…" Oshitari pushed up his spectacles and clasped his hands together. "Why are you here?"

"Excuse me, sir?"

"I mean, why did you apply to be Master Keigo's personal bodyguard?"

Sanada shifted, but gave a very confident answer. "Frankly, sir, because it pays well."

Oshitari smiled. "Blunt and honest… I like that." He picked up the resume again. "Well, you certainly seem qualified for the job."

There was a short silence. Oshitari looked back up at Sanada.

"Are you really sure you want this job? I mean, what with the unfortunate loss of the previous holder of the position… You would—"

"I'm not afraid to die," Sanada said forcefully.

Oshitari held eye contact for a few more moments. Then he stood up. "As far as I'm concerned, you're hired. But I'll need to consult the master of the house. Come with me."

Sanada got up and followed the head of the guard down the hall. Oshitari stopped in front of two large wooden doors and knocked on them.

"Atobe-sama?"

"Come in, Oshitari."

Oshitari opened the door to reveal a large library, furnished with endless rows of shelves and a large desk in the center. Behind the desk was a rather imposing, busy-looking man with dark grey hair.

"What is it, Oshitari?"

"I found a replacement for Tachibana."

Atobe (1) stood and started to make his way around the desk. "It certainly didn't take you long. No wonder I hired you." This caused a smile to appear on the face of Sanada's blue-haired companion. The master of the house continued by asking, "Is this him?"

"Yes, sir."

Atobe looked Sanada over. Then he leaned closer to Oshitari and muttered, quite audibly, "May I speak with you for a moment?"

"Certainly, sir. Sanada, you'll excuse us?"

"Of course, sir." Sanada bowed sort of awkwardly and left the room, careful to shut the door behind him.

"What is it sir?" Oshitari asked when he was gone.

Atobe watched his own fingers tap on his desk. "I'm not sure this man will be a good… fit."

"What do you mean, sir? I think he'll—"

"He's a little young, maybe," Atobe interrupted, obviously trying to imply something.

Oshitari gave a wary nod, not sure what his boss was trying to get at. "He's only twenty-two, but he has quite an impressive resume. And I think he'll fit in very nicely."

"I see…" Atobe considered this for a moment. "Maybe we don't want him to fit in… too nicely."

Oshitari narrowed his eyes, still trying to understand the subtle implication. After remaining silent for too long, he finally conceded, "I don't understand what you mean, sir."

His boss stepped closer, and looked around as if he thought someone might be listening. Quietly, he explained, "I don't want my son to get… attached."

Oshitari smiled, suddenly understanding. "You won't have to worry about that, sir," he retorted brightly. "This man has the personality of cardboard."

Atobe sighed and put his hands behind his back. "I'll trust you then, Oshitari. Tell him he's hired. He'll have to start tomorrow."

"Very good, sir." Oshitari bowed and left the room.

"Congratulations." He held his hand out to Sanada once he closed the door. "You're hired."

Sanada shook it quickly and firmly. "Thank you, sir."

"Follow me and listen carefully." Oshitari began again down the hall back towards his office. "Because the sudden lack of protection is an inconvenience to our young master, you'll be starting tomorrow. That's not a problem?"

It was more of a command than a question. Sanada swallowed. "No, sir."

Oshitari pulled out a map of the mansion from his desk drawer. "You will show up promptly at five o'clock tomorrow morning. By that, I mean that you will be inside the front doors precisely when the clock strikes five, not at the gate. Someone will be there to show you to your room, and you will leave your things there. You will not have time to unpack. Your uniform and equipment will be in the closet. (I'll need your shirt, jacket, and pants sizes. Fill this out, please.) You will get dressed and join us for breakfast at five-thirty in the servants' dining hall, here. (Your room is here.) You'll only have twenty minutes to eat. You'll then accompany young Master Keigo into town to go shopping. He's asked to have the car ready to leave the estate at exactly six o'clock. Take this hallway, here, out to the front driveway, and wait for him in front of the limosine. Any questions?"

Sanada took the map from Oshitari's hands, quickly trying to make sense of all the red circles and lines. "No, sir."

"Good. Since you'll have no time tomorrow morning, I'll have to explain the rules of the house to you right now." Oshitari pulled out another piece of paper. Sanada tried to hide his discomfort. "Do exactly as you are told. Never ask questions. Only speak when spoken to. Always address the masters as 'sir' and the mistress as 'madam.' Maintain eye contact when they are speaking. Don't touch anything unless you have permission. Don't touch the walls or windows. Servants are not allowed in certain areas of the house. (Hand me your map.) You may not go here, here, here, here, or anywhere in this wing. Unless, of course, there is some reason Master Keigo wishes you to accompany him to these places. Meals are at five-thirty, noon, and six o'clock. Be prompt or you will not be fed. Servants are not allowed to leave their rooms between the hours of midnight and three o'clock in the morning. Except, in your case, when the security alarm goes off. Then you must immediately go to Master Keigo's room and guard him until everything's clear. Take no more than thirty seconds to get there. Always be prepared to be on duty."

Oshitari handed the map and the list of rules to Sanada, who took them reluctantly. "Is that all, sir?"

"Yes. I'll have someone show you out."

To say that Sanada left feeling overwhelmed was an understatement. He took a taxi cab home, wondering the whole way what the next day might hold.

…

Ootori stepped cautiously into Oshitari's office.

"You wanted to see me, Oshitari-san?"

"Ah, yes, Ootori." The head servant stopped what he was doing and looked up. "Please tell young Master Keigo that his shopping trip may go according to his schedule. We found a replacement for Tachibana."

Ootori blinked. "So soon?"

Oshitari pushed up his glasses with a smirk on his face. "You may save your praises for later. I'm sure Master Keigo will want to be informed right away."

"Of course, sir." Ootori left the room.

On his way to Keigo's bedroom, he stopped by the kitchen. He was greeted by a servant who worked there. "A glass of water, right?"

"As always," Ootori replied with a smile. He leaned in the doorway slightly, looking around the room. All the kitchen servants were busy cleaning up from dinner.

"Looking for something, Ootori-san?"

He snapped to attention. "No! No… sorry…" Scratching the back of his neck, he quietly stuttered, "It's just that… Well, is…? Never mind." He took the glass of water. "Thank you, Taki."

Taki shook his head knowingly as he watched Ootori disappear down the hallway.

Ootori knocked on the open door of his master's bedroom. "Master Keigo?"

"Ah, Ootori." Keigo was sitting on the edge of his huge bed. He put down the book he was reading.

"Your water, sir." Ootori handed him the glass.

"Thank you."

"I've been told to inform you that a new bodyguard has been hired, and he's starting tomorrow. Which means that you can go shopping like you planned."

Keigo lowered the glass away from his lips and set it on his lap, holding it with both hands. His eyes were far away.

Ootori leaned closer. "Sir?"

Keigo looked up, and his expression changed in an instant. "That's wonderful. I was hoping I wouldn't have to wait long. But I was beginning to think that I'd be stuck at home again tomorrow." He set his water on his nightstand. "If you get the chance, thank Oshitari for me."

Ootori nodded. "Of course, sir."

Keigo fingered the cover of his book. "This new bodyguard… What's he like?"

"I'm sorry, sir; I didn't ask. I don't know anything about him."

Keigo sighed, and his voice quieted a little. "You know, Ootori… no one could ever really replace Kippei."

Ootori placed his hands behind his back and looked at his shoes. "I understand, sir."

Keigo chuckled softly. "Do you?"

Ootori glanced up. His master wouldn't look at him. "I… suppose not, sir."

Keigo smiled for a second, nodding. "I miss him," he whispered.

"I know," Ootori whispered back.

"In any case…" Keigo looked up with a smile. "You may go, Ootori. Thank you."

Ootori smiled back and bowed slightly. "You're welcome, sir. Call me if you need anything else."

"Will do."

Before Ootori closed the door, he looked back at his young master. Keigo had already returned to his reading.

"Sweet dreams, Master Keigo," he whispered.

…

Sanada glanced around at his empty, one-room apartment.

Somehow, it seemed less lonely when his stuff was no longer in it.

He'd fit everything except his clothes in the same cardboard box he'd used to move in. As for the things in his dresser, he knew those could fit in his large suitcase. He began with the bottom drawer and worked his way up. One by one, his drawers became empty. When he was almost done getting the socks out of the top one, he stopped.

Since when had he put that photograph in there?

He pulled it out carefully, as if afraid that he would hurt it if he handled it too roughly. When he had first moved in, he had set the picture on top of his dresser. He must have moved in into the drawer after realizing that it was too hard to look at.

Sanada set the photo on the dresser and dug around in the drawer again. Sure enough, he'd put the candle in there too. He set it next to the picture. He finished stuffing socks in his suitcase and dove into his box, looking for a lighter. He found a box of matches instead. Silently, he lit the candle. Then he re-packed the matches and sat on his bed, facing the dresser.

It had been more than two years now.

He wanted to get over it, wanted to put his sadness behind him and be able to cherish the memory instead. But every time he tried, what happened was just the opposite. It seemed that all he could do was come closer to forgetting, and still the ache remained.

Sanada glanced at the clock. It was late, and he had an early day tomorrow. Regretfully, he blew out the candle and packed it and the picture in his suitcase. He set his alarm and tried to get some sleep.

He was awakened not by his alarm clock, but by a knock on the door. He rubbed his eyes and checked the time. 3:59. He switched off the alarm and got up.

When he opened the door, he was greeted by a glare. "I hate you," his friend declared.

"You're early…" Sanada noted, not quite sure how else to respond.

His friend peeked around him at the clock. "What do you know? A whole minute! Whoop-dee-do." The clocked changed. "Whoops. Not anymore. Now I'm a second late."

Sanada stepped aside. "Thanks for doing this, Kirihara."

"Yeah, well, you're not so welcome. You're lucky to have me as a friend. Not everyone would get up at three o'clock in the morning to help someone carry a box." Kirihara leaned down to pick it up.

Sanada stopped him. "Actually, that box is pretty heavy… I'll take it. You can take the suitcase… thanks."

Kirihara took the handle and looked his friend over. "Slept in your clothes. How… efficient."

"Yeah, well, I didn't want to get up any earlier than I had to."

"Don't blame you. Me? I'm going back to sleep as soon as I get home. I don't have class until one."

"That must be nice."

"Trust me, it is. So, have you cleared everything at the police station?"

"Yeah, I called and told them about my new job. Nioh-san said he'd take care of the paperwork for me."

Kirihara looked around the room. "What about all this furniture and bedding and stuff? I mean, I know you won't need it, but…"

Sanada looked down at his bed, then back at Kirihara. "Well, I figured you could have it. You know, for helping me. Keep whatever you want and sell the rest. I honestly don't care what happens to it."

Kirihara whistled. "Man. I should help you more often."

The two of them walked basically in silence down to the parking lot. A cab was waiting there. They placed the box and the suitcase into the open trunk.

Kirihara closed it and turned to his friend. "Well. This is it, I guess." He stuck his hands in his pockets. "Good luck with your new job, new life… all that."

"Thanks," Sanada replied without smiling.

Kirihara inwardly sighed at his utter lack of enthusiasm. "I'll take care of everything here. Call me whenever. Just not too early in the morning." He patted Sanada on the shoulder.

"I won't. Thank you, Kirihara." Sanada opened the cab door for himself. "See you."

"See you."

The door shut and the taxi drove away. Kirihara stood there, watching it go. Somehow, he doubted that his friend would ever call him. It was even likely that he would never see Sanada again.

He sighed.

Maybe he can finally move on.

…

Sanada's cab drove up to the gate of the Atobe mansion forty-five minutes later.

"Your name, sir?" a voice said over the speaker.

Sanada leaned slightly out the window. "Sanada Genichiroh."

"Ah, Sanada-san. You're early." The gate opened. "Drive up to the front."

As they were driving up to the house—if it could be called a house—Sanada marveled once again at how huge the estate was. The front gardens and the driveway stretched for a long distance, and amazingly he'd heard that the yard behind the house was even bigger.

The cab stopped. Sanada paid the driver and got out. He was met by a young-looking boy with a bellhop cart.

The boy looked up at Sanada with huge brown eyes. "Can I help you with your things, Sanada-san?"

"Sure, thanks."

The boy went to the trunk and tried lifting the box, but to no avail. "Here, let me get it." Sanada picked it up and set it onto the cart.

"Thank you, desu." The boy held out his hand sheepishly. "My name's Dan Taichi. I'll be showing you to your room."

Sanada shook Dan's hand lightly. Then he took his suitcase and followed him inside.

As they came through the front hall, they were stopped by a voice. "Sure, Dan. Don't introduce me."

The boy whirled around. "So sorry, desu! Sanada-san, this is Saeki Kojiroh-san. He's our doorman. It was his voice you probably heard over the speaker at the gate."

Sanada held out his hand to the nice-looking man with white hair. Saeki cheerfully shook it. "Nice to meet you, Sanada-san."

"Likewise."

"Make yourself at home here."

"I will, thank you."

Dan and Sanada continued their trek down long hallways. The servants' quarters looked a lot like a fancy hotel. Dan stopped in front of a room marked "72" and opened the door. After doing so, he gave the key to Sanada. "This is your room, Sanada-san."

Sanada looked inside. The room was smaller than his apartment, but much nicer. He rolled his suitcase into the closet and went to get his box.

Dan was opening the curtains. "You're lucky. You get a nice view of the front yard. Half of us get stuck looking across a small courtyard at other servants' rooms."

Sanada looked out the window. Just outside, he could see part of the huge koi pond that snaked around the garden. There was a cherry blossom tree to the left of his window. It wasn't in bloom, but he supposed it would be very pretty when it was.

"Is there anything else you need, Sanada-san?"

He shook his head. "No. Thank you."

The boy looked at his watch. "Breakfast is in thrity minutes. See you then!"

Sanada was now alone in the room. He took in his new surroundings.

He could definitely get used to living here.

He peeked into his bathroom. How could these people afford to give every servant their own bathroom?

Sanada walked over to the closet, where he could see his uniform hanging. He actually had two, which he supposed was very handy when you had to wear it every day. It was very basic: black pants, black jacket, black tie, white shirt. Sitting on the floor was a pair of black shoes. On the top shelf, he discovered a pair of sunglasses and a belt furnished with a gun. He removed the firearm and looked at it. Nice piece of machinery. Fully loaded, too.

Sanada took his time getting dressed. The suit fit remarkably well. As he was putting on his belt, he noticed a note on his nightstand and walked over to read it. Beside it lay a wallet and an earpiece. Before reading the note, Sanada opened the wallet. Inside was a credit card and a badge that would allow him to enter almost anywhere fully armed.

The note read:

"Sanada-

I hope you've found everything to your liking. Here is your equipment. Hook the earpiece to your cell phone, and if you ever need to contact us, just press the button on the side. Keep the wallet and badge with you at all times. Inside you'll find a credit card. All of your pay will be deposited directly into that account. We find this system easier than dealing with hundreds of checks every week.

Enjoy your breakfast. Remember: be ready and waiting in front of the limosine at five 'til six. And try not to get shot on your first day.

Yours sincerely,

Oshitari Yuushi,

Director of the Guard"

Sanada winced. The man had a strange sense of humor.

He finished getting ready and looked at his watch. It couldn't hurt to show up to breakfast a bit early. And who knew how long it would take to find the dining hall…

When he reached the door, he turned back. It felt like something was missing.

As a complete afterthought, Sanada opened his suitcase. His katana was lying at the bottom. He took it out carefully and tied it onto his belt. Then he walked out the door and headed down the hallway.

Hope you liked it! Next chapter should be out soon.

Notes...

(1) I'm referring to Atobe as "Keigo" and his father as "Atobe." It's just easier that way. So whenever you see "Atobe," it's not the same Atobe we all know and love.