AN: ok those who have been reading this story may be confused. I have completed a number of changes. I changed the rating back to "T" as I think i was a bit prude to give it an "M" rating. I also combined chapters 1&2, 3&4 and 5&6 to make 3 longer chapters and so the story woudn't be so cut up and choppy! Therefore it is differant amount of chapters now! Hope you enjoy it! And enjoy chapter 4, previously would have been 7!

Chapter 4

"—and be sure to keep your head up at all times! Being Ore-sama's date is a privilege and we can't have you looking frumpy."

"Nya! I get it!" Eiji interjected. It was the night of his date with Atobe and ever since he got in the limo, the drama king wouldn't stop listing his expectations. "Atobe-kun…"

"Sama! Atobe-sama!"

"OK… Atobe-sama. Aren't I already doing you a favor by coming in the first place? You only want to make Hiyoshi-san jealous, ne?" Eiji asked, stretching against the limo seat.

Atobe's mouth straightened ino a stern line, and he looked like he wanted to say something. He just looked away.

Eiji giggled, "Nya. Sorry Atobe…sama. Let's enjoy ourselves!"

Atobe turned his attention back to Eiji and Eiji flashed him a winning smile.

"Kikumaru-san?"

"Yes, Atobe-sama?"

Atobe pointed to his own cheek. "Ore-sama was wondering about this."

Eiji made a confused face but then began to laugh when he realized Atobe was referring to his bandage.

"Nya, don't you think it suits me?"

"Ore-sama think it's stupid," Atobe replied, closing his eyes and turning away from his date. "And trivial… and cute."

Eiji blushed. Did Keigo Atobe just say something about him was cute?

"Nya, Atobe-sama," he began, and the other boy in the back seat turned to regard him once again.

"I think this is cute too," Eiji admitted, pointing to right beneath his own eye in reference to Keigo's 'charm point' mole. It was Atobe's turn to blush.

It wasn't long until they reached the party. As Eiji suspected, it was really extravagant and everyone looked excessively rich! As soon as he stepped out of the limosene his eyes bugged out in awe. It was all so plush! His date was already walking off so Eii trailed behind him.

Everyone knew who Atobe was, of course and many of the other guest stared after the two as they made their way through the crowd. Every once in a while, Atobe would stop and speak briefly with someone, and then afterwards motion for Eiji to come follow him again.

"What kind of party is this?" Eiji asked, finally walking at Atobe's side.

"Coach Sakaki's cousin's party."

"Huh? A birthday? All of this?" Eiji gestured with hs hand.

"Yes? Why not all of this?" Atobe aslso gestured with his hand. "And Ore-sama cannot seem to find the birthday girl."

Eiji looked around him. He didn't notice before, but he and Atobe were among the oldest people at the party. Children were everywhere. Ok, so maybe children wouldn't be the correct term. Preteens or maybe jr high school students.

"You drug me to a jr high school party!?" Eiji shouted suddenly in realization!

Atobe's eye twitched and he quickly grabbed Eiji's hand and led him away from the crowd.

"Why are you being so loud" Atobe questioned. "And yes this may be a 'child's' party but she's a very important child! Ore-sama would be in big trouble if didn't come. Besides, Ore-sama's friends are supposed to be coming too."

Eiji's shoulders slumped. "Aw. I wanted to go to a rich person's party."

"You are at a rich person's party."

"I mean a rich person's party with—" Eiji grabbed a flute of cider from a passing waiter' tray. "With wine and cheese!"

Atobe's mouth twitched up into a smile. "Well, aren't you a cheeky little fellow?"

"Hmmm?" Eiji asked with the glass to his lips. "I don't know what you mean, nya."

"Ore-sama likes it."

Eiji's face began to grow red. Atobe always knew what to say to get a boy to fall for him. Eiji cursed himself for being so weak.

"Atobe—"

Keigo and Eiji both turned to see Gakuto Mukahi and Yuushi Oshitari.

"Oh, hello!" Eiji greeted, happy for the distraction. He recognized these two as Atobe's team mates. He waved happily but sent a glare towards Mukahi that didn't go unnoticed by the other acrobat.

"So," Mukahi began. "I see Atobe has lowered his standards greatly."

Oshitari quickly cut in, "How long have you two been here?"

"Only a few minutes. Have you two seen Maki-chan?" Atobe asked.

"Actually we just saw her. Want us to show you?" Oshitari asked.

"That would please Ore-sama greatly."

"Atobe-sama, is Maki chan the birthday girl?" Eiji asked as they began following the dirty pair.

Mukahi turned to regard his rival. "What are you? Stupid? She's Coach's cousin!"

"Well you act like I go to Hyotei or something," Eiji huffed.

"I hope you're ready, Atobe. She thinks this year you'll finally accept her proposal," Oshitari warned.

Atobe waved Oshitari's warning away with his hand.

"Don't be silly. She knows I'm with Hiyoshi.—" Atobe paused abruptly. "I mean, I'll just tell her I'm with Kikumaru now." He seemed to be grinding his teeth, and Eiji, Gakuto, and Yuushi all gave him a worried glance. Oshitari shook his head.

"So you're really with Kikumaru now?" Mukahi questioned.

"Tonight I am, and that's all Maki-chan needs to know."

Just then a little girl approached them.

"Kei-nii-sama!" She said running into Atobe's arms.

"Maki-chan!" Atobe gasped in surprise, while keeping his balance. Eiji jumped out of the way.

"Kei-nii-sama! I'm 13 now!" the girl said, not letting go of Atobe's waist and looking up at him with wide eyes. "Can you marry me now?"

The girl was so cute! She was really small, only about 4'7 in shoes and her dress was so puffy Eiji thought it might eat her. She completed the look with big bouncy curls.

"Ma,maki-chan," Atobe stammered. "Happy birthday."

Eiji was awed. Atobe was usually so arrogant and proud, but he seemed to be gentle to this girl.

"Aw, Kei-nii-sama!" She hugged him again. "So you will marry Maki-chan?"

"Maki-chan!" Atobe started, eliciting snorts and giggles from Mukahi. "You know I can't marry you…"

"But… but Maki-chan saw Wakashi-nii-san with a girl earlier! Doesn't it mean you can marry me now?"

"What? Wakashi-kun was with a girl?" Atobe visibly darkened.

"Yes. Tell him, Yuu-nii-san!"

"Well?" Atobe reverted to his normal tone and turned to regard Oshitari and Gakuto who suddenly was looking everywhere else but toward Atobe.

"Well, Maki-chan," Atobe turned his attention to the girl again. "I may not be with your Wakashi-nii-san anymore but I'm with Kikumaru."

Maki turned her attention to the stranger beside Atobe that she failed to recognize.

"Hi maki-chan! I'm Eiji Kikumaru! I hope we can get along, nya!" Eii greeted enthusiastically.

Maki didn't return his vigor. She gave Eiji a look once over, crossed her arms, and turned away from both Atobe & Eiji.

"Hmph! Maki-chan cannot believe Kei-nii-sama would choose this poor looking boy over Maki-chan-ohime-sama!"

Eiji's eyes widened. Were all rich people crazy or what?

To be continued….

AN: thank you for reading! I really appreciate all readers and especially reviewers!