A/N: Yeah, really short, I know. But seriously, I had forgotten all about this until like ten minutes ago, so please bear with me. Plus, I actually got a title with a phrase, and not just a word, this time! Go me!
I know this is fairly similar to the basic start I had with Nomura, but without the... St. Rudolph-ness. Oh well, I tried. Please give it a chance, and tell me what you think! It takes you abot ten seconds to leave a review, fifteen if your system is slow...
Disclaimer: Do. Not. Own.
Warnings: Un-beta'd text.
To Be Noticed
Mori Tatsunori always wanted to be acknowledged. Be it acknowledged for existing, or something else.
So far in his life, there were a limited number of people who had done so.
First of all, his family. Naturally. But even in his own home, he was constantly overlooked, while his older brother received the attention. His parents were not cold, no, just simply less attentive than most parents.
The others were the tennis team. His friends. But even there, he was just one of those guys who happened to be there, only to blend in the tapestry, not really adding any color and personality to the gang.
Kamio was the one who received the most attention, most glances. He was perky and aggressive, but at the same time nice and caring. Ibu was definitely one of the most notable of them as well, what with his intelligence and somewhat schizophrenic mutterings. The rest of them were of varying notableness, in lack of a better term. It was pretty much impossible to ignore Ishida, with his great size, even if he did not do much. Both Uchimura and Sakurai were pretty easily forgotten, just like Mori himself. One would believe these sought comfort in each other, so to speak, but no, they were all a pack, who acted in unison, not creating groups within.
But one day, Tachibana had come. He had noticed. He had noticed their fight against their seniors, even applauded them for it. He had noticed every single one of the rebellious first years, every one, including Mori.
It had felt good, back then, to be noticed, to have someone give you the attention you had always yearned for. Mori loved it.
Every day, when Tachibana and his younger sister came to the tennis courts, urging them to train to get better, he smiled, realizing that it was still real, and not just a dream.
Never before had anyone bothered correcting his awkward grip of the racket, until Tachibana noticed. He had yet to experience someone smiling approvingly at him at his newest achievement, before Tachibana saw him perfecting his smash. It was still unknown to him what constructive criticism was, when Tachibana reviewed his practice match against Sakurai.
It felt so good, being noticed.
That's why he wanted to cry as Tachibana brought the team together at his house to celebrate Mori's birthday. But then again, he would not cry, he was, as Ann had pointed out, a big boy now.
Random ending? Nah, why do you say that?
Seriously, I'm running out of ideas for birthday fics to odd characters. I need someone to make crack with!
Again with the review, it would be gorgeous of you! Pwetty pwease!