*King's Apple*

by: WhiteGloves

"Rivals tend to attract each other... whether it is in game,

love or when living together!"

*It always excites me to read all the feed backs!

THANK YOU! and I say that with LOVE!

Makes me feel like Atobe's attraction to people is real! xD

There'll be more under my sleeve just like Fuji!

And more perfectness like Tezuka and Shiraishi!

So then let's hit it and continue this

-drama/fluff/romance/love/action packed-

in this next

King's Apple chapter-

XI

A cup of coffee was laid down a saucer on the table inside a dark room filled only with lights from a number of monitors.

The man who put it down was at the center of it all—a man wearing an authoritative white cloak mostly used by scientists. He was one of those other two coaches assigned in the U-17 camp to monitor each participant's progress and make sure they evolve into perfect prodigies in tennis.

He was not your average coach though.

Like the other two coaches, his name was well known in the field by all the best players in Japan and even those who did not manage to make names for themselves for he was the man who made dreams come true… and the man who shattered them to pieces. Just hearing his name would make people in the circle of Tennis Association turn heads and even make some tremble.

His name was Yukio Kurobe. He serves as the temporary director of the whole U-17 camp since the real director was out for some other business.

So in other words this was his camp and they were his players. Under his rules everyone must follow… and those who dared disobey might as well consider this the last place where they can play tennis. This field was his playing ground and here he was god.

Now, as Kurobe watched the monitor, he couldn't help the sudden crossing of his arms and the curling of lips. The effect was followed by the crossing of his legs. It was clear he wasn't pleased with what he was watching.

On the monitor he was keeping an eye on flashed a number of highschoolers being led by other highschoolers in charge. Kurobe recognized Irie Kanata and Tanegashima Shuuji to be leading the call toward the exit where Shinji Arata was also waiting. He remembered Arata's last message to Irie warning them about the suspicious movements of some highschoolers against middleschoolers. It was an expected feat, Kurobe thought; seniors who were overwhelmed by their juniors tend to bore hatred. It has always been like that. What more with these bunch of young miracle players on his hands— Kurobe wouldn't think twice of replacing all the highschoolers he has on his list with them.

But then as Kurobe thought about it, he remembered that the list has already been replaced by middleschoolers.

Most of it anyways.

The coach's eyes glinted.

All the middleschoolers of this generation were all strong. He wondered deeply if there would be another chance for strong players like these to gather in one place. It seemed too incredible for him. And to think there was still a next stage for these middleschoolers in highschool… there will be more monsters in this camp next year.

Kurobe's lips would have turned into a smile if not for the monitor flashing the raging highschoolers who were about to be kicked out. He knew something like this was bound to happen… but the idea that the attack was focus on one male participant in his camp disturbed him a little.

Turning his eyes down on the file folder on the table, he took it and stared at the profiles of middleschoolers and read the name he was looking for—

Fuji Syuusuke?

Next to his concern was the other middleschooler that somehow got involved in the riot. This middleschooler was someone he was also looking forward to for he was more than a monster. Indeed, this middleschooler has caught his attention from the very beginning—arrogant, self confident, self centred—calls himself King—and able to surpass anyone's expectations any time—

Keigo Atobe.

Coach Kurobe's eyes glinted as he stared at Atobe's profile. This was the guy who kept on climbing unstoppably at the top and threatening all other participants with his tennis. A true tennis monster right under his clutches—Kurobe decided he wouldn't take his eyes off from this kid. Sooner or later this Kegio Atobe's potential will be seen… and in the end it will be realized if he was really King.

After awhile, Kurobe frowned.

He looked back at Syuusuke Fuji's profile and studied it again. Then he looked back at Atobe's.

The crease on his eyebrows increased.

That was strange, he thought with his slim fingers scanning both profiles, between the Hyotei Captain and the Seigaku genius, it was more likely for Atobe to be attacked by the highschoolers. That arrogant and haughty kind was someone no highschooler would look over. And if it was about provoking highschoolers then definitely Keigo Atobe would fill in the job, no doubt. That aura of extreme superiority says it all. No one would notice Fuji Syuusuke—or any other players for that matter—if Keigo Atobe was standing around.

That must be what it means to be King.

Kurobe stared back at Fuji and remembered the Seigaku genius' easy prowess in the camp too. Yes, he thought, this one was also another monster… a deceitful-angel like monster whose potential even he seemed unaware. He and the other coaches had long agreed that Syuusuke Fuji was not an easy person to read unlike the other players. He was one of those natural players with innate abilities. There was always more to him…

But he doesn't look like someone who would incite any attack no matter how you look at it. In fact, he looked like one of those rare guys who'd always take the high road. So how come this gentle looking middleschooler was a favourite among the seniors?

The coach studied Fuji's profile again and then looked up at the highschoolers on the screen.

Then slowly he understood why they would attack him.

Coach Kurobe closed his eyes, shook his head and sighed in disbelief.

Highschool libido, huh?

The door opening and closing suggested another presence but Kurobe didn't have to turn to see who it was.

"We're eleven highschoolers down." said Coach Saito's voice as he appeared behind Kurobe with a calm look, "they've been rounded up to be sent home as we speak."

"Take their names and never let them in any national tournament," the cold coach on the screen said dismissively as he set the middleschoolers' profiles aside, "we should have let go of those incompetent players from the start."

"You're just saying that because of the rapid ascending of the middleschoolers in ranking," the long haired coach said with a little smile as he joined Kurobe on the screen, "well, I can't say I'm not the same as you… these middleschoolers are far beyond my expectations too… that is—I meant their numbers. All of them evolve faster than you can say go and they just keep on becoming stronger and stronger every day that it feels like there'll be different rankings every week. Even the list of the First Stringers is surprising."

"Saito-sensei," Kurobe replied with obvious reservation, "you're too easily taken. Not all of them are that good…"

"Hmm… You don't say?"

"I'll say… and if there really are that much promising talent then… all those in the First Stringers already have them."

Saito noticed the profile folder in front of him and took it.

"You're right," he said quietly after awhile as he scanned the content and staring at Sanada's profile, "these players on the new list always give me goosebumps… I wonder… we are going to send them to him, right? These middleschoolers?"

"It has been a tradition," Kurobe said without much than a nod, "he won't have any problems dealing with those who have been sent to him before… although I won't give them that much advantage either… those who will have a tough time are the ones who we trained here."

Coach Saito gave a chuckle.

"But that's the difference, isn't? The ones we trained here are the real thing. I'm sure even he cannot deny that."

"That is a given," Kurobe saw that Saito was scanning Atobe's profile and it made his eyes glint, "but I do wonder who's the real one that will have a hard time."

"?" the long haired coach blinked at the cold coach and then looked at the profile in front of him.

Then he too smiled as he understood its meaning.

Keigo Atobe stared at his appearance in the mirror and had to admire it.

"Wonders of all wonders…" he muttered to himself as he recited one famous line from a play he has watched recently in Spain. He was standing in front of the mirror with his upper garment left on the hospital bed. His chest though was not much exposed with a clean bandaged wrapped around it up to his shoulders—a mark of the recent event he got himself involved with few hours ago. He was admiring the dramatic effect of the medicine cloth that has first touched his pristine body while checking himself on the mirror, "I look like a hero."

"What are you doing?"

Atobe looked at the reflection on his mirror and saw his team mate, Oshitari Yushi, came in and closed the door.

"Yushi," the Hyotei captain said, turning around and putting both hands on his waist with a satisfied smile Oshitari would never understand, "explain to me why I look so stunning right at this moment?"

A good mood Atobe, huh? Oshitari thought with less disdain, it's the same as having his bad mood… I knew it.

"Your back has just been clubbed and you're now covered in this silly bandage," the Hyotei genius pointed out sarcastically as he stood in front of his captain, "so do not blame me why I cannot comprehend your action as easily as I could have done so before."

Atobe gave a loud laugh that made Oshitari's eyebrows line together.

Well... it seemed like the impossible happened after all...

Oshitari didn't know what the full detail was. All he knew was that at 8:00 pm that evening, all the highschoolers involved were gathered for assailing middleschoolers. Everyone in camp has heard about the news and was speculating on their own but those who were truly there has neither confirmed nor denied anything yet. Atobe has yet to unveil the truth to him, although he, Oshitari, already has his own speculation which to him was 80% to be accurate.

He watched his captain turn around and gather the Hyotei jacket hanging at the end of his bed and put it around him.

"Are they still outside?" Atobe went on in his business tone like manner, "Gakuto and the others I mean,"

"No... I've already told them you were okay," his eye glasses flashing, he pushed it back a little at the bridge of his nose, "although driving them away from the door took time knowing they were very inquisitive about tonight's events...too inquisitive in fact that I needed to be a little stern."

Atobe eyed his teammate for a moment before looking at the clock. It was already past 9:30 in the evening. He wondered if he was still there on the other side of the corridor. The Hyotei captain decided to head toward the door while the Hyotei genius watched.

"Leaving the nurse's office without permission?" he asked although he followed suit nonetheless.

"I know my own body," Atobe said dismissively as they walk along the corridor, "if there's any serious damage to myself I assure you my medical team in U.S would be the first one to know."

Oshitari closed his eyes in satisfaction as he put his right hand inside his pocket.

"Hai, hai... but I'm really lost for words you let yourself get a bruise as ugly as that. It's very unlike you, Atobe."

Atobe kept walking with eyes straight forward but didn't answer. Oshitari has been with the King for a long time so he knows the meaning of this silence. It was at times like this that the Hyotei genius would present his snide remarks. After all—it was not frequent for Atobe to be in a touchy mode.

"So?" he started conversationally, "What actually happened back there, Atobe? When you and that Shitenhouji captain went to look for Fuji-kun?"

"You've got the bigger picture," the King answered without looking back, "what's the point going through those details again?"

"But there are points I need to understand for myself... like why that last person to attack Fuji-kun had to target him alone... and then to think you'd risk your own body for the well being of another—that is illogical."

A smirk came from the King.

"You must think I am selfish, Yushi." Atobe's eyes glinted as he looked over at the Hyotei genius, then he continued walking. "I've no idea why that man targeted Syuusuke alone... but as to why I had to risk my body... who knows? Maybe this is what they call instinct."

"Instinct?"

Atobe paused for a while, and then shook his head with a smile.

"Forget about it. Being a King and a Hero works together after all."

"Huh?"

"Hey, Yushi... how many percent do you think I have now?"

Oshitari blinked at the sudden change of topic.

"Percent?"

"I think... I've got more than enough now."

As Atobe said this, Oshitari couldn't help but to stare for there in the King's eyes were sparks of absolution. This made the Hyotei genius wonder what has been going on between Fuji and the King since his own announcement of Atobe getting 5%...

But then the Hyotei genius had to paraphrase it— he wondered what Atobe has been doing in order to sway the firm resolution of the Seigaku genius. Surely Fuji would not move the percentage on his own so it's got to be only the King's will... Oshitari stared at Atobe's back.

Scary.

As they turned the last corridor, Atobe's company abruptly came face to face with Shiraishi Kuranosuke who was with his own teammate, Chitose Senri whose eccentric curly black locks never ceases to amaze many. It appeared like the two were having a discussion as well before their sudden meeting.

The two teams paused in front of each other.

"Shitenhouji..." the Hyotei genius whispered.

"Hyotei..." the legendary Senri whispered.

Oshitari noticed Shiraishi's arms covered in full bandaged that made him whistle. Chitose had the same reaction as he saw a glimpse of the bandage wrapped around Atobe's chest.

Then Chitose followed where Oshitari was looking and had to smile.

"You've got it wrong; this guy did not hurt his arms or whatever like that. He has always worn something like this since before."

"Ah, I remember," Oshitari nodded quietly, "Atobe on the other hand has just recently acquired this. Normally it's too unsightly for him to be wearing something as tragic... but under such circumstances... I think he's glad to have it."

He glanced up at Atobe at the same time as Chitose glanced up at Shiraishi.

Two pairs of eyes rounded at what they saw—

There standing inches away from them were two grim looking captains staring at each other as if an important tennis match was about to take place. Indeed, Atobe and Shiraishi were looking at each other with such intensity you won't expect from people who had just met in the corridor—no less than from two astounding looking captains of respected teams.

Chitose eyed Shiraishi while Oshitari did the same to Atobe.

Yet both captains didn't give any inkling to their attention as both continued staring at each other.

Then palpable silence.

Both the legendary Shitenhouji player and the Hyotei genius turned at each other like nothing happened.

"I suppose we both don't have much to say?" Chitose inclined his head on one side quietly.

"I suppose too," Oshitari shrugged his shoulders, "we'll be on our way then since we're heading—

"We're heading—" Chitose was saying at the same time—

"To Fuji-kun's quarters." They both finished.

There was another pause from the two as they blinked at each other and then at the two captains beside them.

The air seemed to tighten in the area as Atobe's eyes glinted and Shiraishi's eyes flickered.

Seriously... these guys... Oshitari thought in exasperation.

Chitose merely shook his head quietly and the Hyotei genius confirmed that the legendary player does know what was happening.

The evening breeze has never been too cold inside the building.

"Oooraah! You tell me who those bastards are—those bastards that hurt you—Fuji-koo-chan!" Kawamura was burning inside the room Fuji was put in for check up that evening with the Seigaku seniors around him, "I'll beat them—I'll beat them for sure!"

"Taka-san, you're not even holding a real racquet, yet you're in burning mode!" Kikumaru observed with a grin as he watched the Hadokyou player grip on a soda bottle.

"Damn those highschoolers..." Kawamura gritted his teeth with fists closed, "ganging up on Fuji like cowards! I won't forgive them!"

"It's alright, Taka-san," Fuji said calmly as he supported his right wrist which was covered in bandaged while sitting at the edge of the bed, "they were already taken by the camp authority... I don't think they will bother us again... where's Echizen and the others by the way?"

"I've already talked to them about your condition," Oishi explained quietly, "they were all very affected by the attack... you know those three...but to think a former senpai would do this against you..." Oishi's troubled expression was apparent, "and to know he was one of those who hurt Tezuka..."

Fuji's eyes opened, his emotion evoked.

"I know."

"The percentage of them not being able to play in any national tennis event is..." Inui was saying with a hand below his chin, "99%. This is an All-Japan camp we're talking about. Their records won't be tolerated."

Kikumaru and Kawamura looked at each other. To not be able to play tennis in a tournament... the idea itself was scary for them.

"In any case, I'm still glad you're alright, Fuji," Oishi and the rest turned to the Seigaku genius, "but to plan something as dangerous as that without our assistance is dangerous. Please don't do that again. I won't have any face to show Tezuka if something happened to you."

Fuji half smiled.

"What do you mean? It's not your fault, Oishi. I was the one who decided that to stop those attacks."

"That's the point here too," Inui's glasses flashed as he looked at the genius, "why didn't you inform us you're being targeted by them?"

"Yeah," Kawamura returned to his normal self, "that's not right, Fuji."

"It's expected that they would target you among us," Inui said quietly, "you keep isolating yourself from us... what exactly do you have in mind, Fuji?"

"There's nothing in particular, Inui," Fuji answered with a light smile, "I just thought I'd return the favour on my own."

Oishi gave the genius a troubled look but Kikumaru put a hand on his shoulder with a smile on his face suggesting he gave up the subject. Fuji on the other hand has looked back on his wrist and was testing it.

It was true he told them about being attacked... but it was half the truth. At least for now, they know the attackers were after physical injuries and not about their personal interest in him which he still considers an insult. Fortunately, according to Arata they would not disclose such information which was a relief for him.

As Kawamura started burning on his spot again, a knock came to the door and in came four people that surprised the Seigaku team. First came Atobe, with arms crossed around his bandaged chest. He was swiftly followed by Shiraishi who avoided standing anywhere near the Hyotei captain. Then Chitose Senri casually walked in before finally the Hyotei genius with glasses flashing came last.

"E...eh?"

Oishi and the rest blinked at the Shitenhouji group but their surprise was nowhere near Fuji as he felt the cold atmosphere between the two captains standing both on the opposite end of his bed.

"Atobe...Shiraishi..."

Kikumaru turned from the Hyotei captain to the Shitenhouji captain with a sweatdrop at the side of his face.

Aie... for them to be here now...

"This is a surprise," Inui started as he pushed his glasses back at the bridge of his nose, "I never thought we'd all gather here in this little space."

"It doesn't matter if the goal's here," Oshitari said quietly as he stood near the doorway.

"Simply put, we're visiting Fuji-kun," Chitose looked over at Fuji and smiled, "I heard what happened from my captain—about those highschoolers that attacked you tonight. We're glad you're okay. It'd be a shame if something were to happen to you considering you're a member of the First Stringers."

"Thanks," the Seigaku genius' reply was short but his genuine smile was there, "Both Atobe and Shiraishi helped me a lot tonight..."

He gave the two a meaningful look, hoping that he would get them to respond and throw the atmosphere they brought along away but Atobe merely looked away haughtily. Shiraishi, on the other hand, smiled warmly and took a step near the genius.

"How's your wrist?"

Atobe sharply looked around as Fuji replied, "Its okay. It was sprained in the struggle but other than that I'm fine."

"I see," Shiraishi held his hand and gently took Fuji's hand, "a simple bandage like this is not enough. They should have put a supporter around here—"

Fuji was about to reply when he was cut off by another voice—

"A supporter is not enough," it took Atobe a single step to stand beside the Shitenhouji captain and grab Fuji's hand into his own, "I'll call my private doctor and have this scanned right now."

Shiraishi found the King's dark eyes on him and answered it with an equally dark look.

"That is overreacting, even for someone like you, Keigo Atobe-san."

A twitch of eyebrows from the King.

"That's entirely none of your business, Kuranosuke Shiraishi-kun."

"Geez..." Oshitari found himself saying this in exasperation as Chitose chuckled.

"You guys..." Fuji murmured with a problematic look as he pulled his hand away from the King, "seriously..."

Eiji pressed his own chuckles as he remembered he did not tell Oishi and the others about the Shitenhouji's interest in his friend. All he told them was Fuji's relationship with Atobe and nothing more. It wouldn't be surprising no one else noticed this interaction except him and Fuji in the Seigaku field.

"Atobe, Shiraishi," Oishi said quietly from behind the two, "we're really in your debt. Thank you for taking care of Fuji."

And the Seigaku Vice-Captain bowed his head.

Atobe looked taken aback for a moment but was not able to react as Oishi turned to Shiraishi and bowed too.

"Don't take it to heart, you...they attacked me too..." Atobe said facetiously, "it's normal to stick to our group of middleschoolers. I've had enough of them rubbing that to our faces. We can't have those fools take us as jokes and I'm sure you feel the same."

"And we can't just let them hurt any of us like that," Shiraishi nodded at Fuji and the two stared at each other, "especially not if the one in question is someone important."

"I am important," Atobe suddenly said with a nasty look at Shiraishi.

Kawamura raised a confused eyebrow while Oishi and Inui stared as the two simmered at each other. Kikumaru enjoyed the scene as he put both hands at the back of his head. It was truly interesting to watch things like this, he thought smugly, especially if Fuji was looking torn between them in the middle.

"Fuji," Atobe then said abruptly, "I'd really like to check your wrist closely myself so meet with me tomorrow, okay? I'm the only one who can see through you after all."

Fuji's eyes widened a little as he realized what Atobe meant.

Atobe Kingdom?

"Yeah...but I'm really fine... more importantly..."

Aren't you the one who's most hurt between us?

Shiraishi frowned a little, but then kept his cool as he turned to the Seigaku genius with a smile again—

"I'll see you in our room later, Fuji."

Atobe's eyes formed daggers as the genius nodded quietly but were unable to give any retort. Even Eiji knew the Hyotei captain has no counter to that as Shiraishi turned his back on him with a triumphant smile.

Chitose invisibly smiled as his captain went pass him toward the doorway, leaving the Hyotei captain gaping at him in annoyance. Even Oshitari thought Shiraishi's final word was a good one despite their difference in team.

He turned to Atobe and saw the King didn't look too pleased.

He got you there, Atobe.

"Atobe," he called quietly, making everyone look at him, "let's go. Everyone's tired."

The King looked sideways at his team mate and then back at Fuji.

"I'm serious about that check up, Syuusuke. We don't want to take risks."

"There's really no need for that," Fuji waved his hand to show it was functioning alright, "if someoneought to be checked, it's you, Atobe. You were the one who was hit in my place."

The King gave a proud snort and shook his head absentmindedly.

"You don't need to worry about me. I am the King, remember?"

"Does that make you invincible physically?" Eiji, with a serious frown, wanted to know.

"Well, you just have to be awed by my presence now, don't you, Kikumaru?" the King flashed the acrobatic player a smile before waving a hand at the other and leaving in a dramatic manner.

The Seigaku members all blinked after the King whose back was already turned against them. Oshitari nodded at the Seigaku tennis team before following Atobe—

"What was that about?" Kawamura asked with round eyes as he turned to the people around.

"Well, that was some heated argument around you, Fuji," remarked Inui with a smile, "I expect no lesser from the guy who is driven by emotions towards you. Atobe is indeed, a real man."

Fuji sharply turned at Inui in surprise.

"Inui... you...?"

"Not only Inui," Oishi said with a plain smile, "the four of us knows about it."

Fuji stared at his friends and then his eyes fell on the red headed Seigaku who was hiding behind the vice captain.

"Eiji...!" the Seigaku genius' grim voice was full of unmistakable threats.

"Uwhaa!" the acrobatic player jumped away from Oishi, "F-Fuji—they forced me into telling! A-and yeah—we were able to get hold of Tezuka just before eveing!"

Fuji's grim face suddenly disappeared and turned into his normal surprised expression.

"T-Tezuka...?"

Outside the door, into the silent corridor, Atobe had suddenly stopped walking as he heard Tezuka's name ringing from the room they just came out to.

Oshitari also heard it and was watching Atobe's reaction quietly.

"Hey... what did Tezuka...say?" Fuji's slow and uncertain voice was enough for Oshitari to make his conclusion. He stared at the King's back and noticed Atobe had started walking again.

You ask me what percentage you are now... Atobe?

Shiraishi opened his close eyes and stared at the dark ceiling of the room.

It was no good... he could not sleep...

Not when sleeping just across his bed... was the person who was making him restless.

Shiraishi tried to close his eyes again and waited for sleep to come...

But after a few minutes he opened his eyes again. The absence of Fuji's breathing was making him restless—he was sure for he has often heard it before. It was not as loud as other people—Fuji always had that gentleness and grace in his body wherever he goes and even in his sleeps. The Seigaku genius had always been so sophisticated.

After awhile, Shiraishi found himself smiling for it was no use.

Slowly, the Shitenhouji captain sat up from the bed quietly. He stared at the bed where Fuji was supposed to be lying and eased his arms down his knees while watching that form on the bed which appeared to be the Seigaku genius.

It was no good dreaming about him, he thought with a satisfied smile, seeing the real thing is living.

For a long time Shiraishi kept his eyes on Syuusuke Fuji's form while recalling the first night he tried to kiss Fuji. Thinking about it, the Shitenhouji captain realized he was not regretting 'trying' it... but was more regretful he allowed Atobe to stop him from doing it.

I wonder if he and Atobe have already kissed...?

Shiraishi's eyes widened at his own question with eyes transfixed at Fuji's form. Why didn't he realize it before? If Atobe and Fuji has already shared a kiss then would that mean he was far behind the King?

The restlessness in the Shitenhouji's captain increased.

W-wait...That can't be, right...!?

Atobe's grinning face flashed in his mind's eye and the King's triumphant laughter echoed in his ears—

And the Shitenhouji captain didn't doubt this anymore. That King who seemed to be always there protecting Fuji from harm... was it possible that the King himself would attack the one who was supposed to be protected?

That Atobe... how dare he speak of taking advantage...

Shiraishi's eyes sought Fuji's form in the dark. By the time he was satisfied to see the genius' sleeping form, he has already made up his mind.

I'll be your knight...he vowed with a frown, your knight against that King!

*.*.*

~TBC~

A/N: Shiraishi on the move?

Is it a watch out Atobe or Syuusuke?

Or maybe... some guy with glasses?

Thanks for Reading! :D