Title: Prelude
Author: shy-hinata
Rating: G
Summary: Everyone needs time to get ready for a dance.
Disclaimer: I don't own PoT

Author's note: I apologize profusely to everyone for how long it's taken me to write chapters. I'd also like to apologize for the fact that this chapter is so short; I figured I'd post something up while I worked on the next bit. I think part of what is taking me so long is the fact that I keep changing my mind as to how I want it to end. But I guess we'll all have to wait and see! Thank you to everyone who has been so kind as to leave reviews, and to all of you who have continued to read this fic! I definitely appreciate it!!

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In the time leading up to the dance, both Ann and Atobe became so caught up in projects, tests, and tennis practice that they barely had any time to co-ordinate anything. Over a few rushed phone calls, they agreed to meet by Fudomine's entrance gates. Atobe had offered to pick her up, but Ann refused saying that it would be too much for her to have to deal with the looks and questions after being picked up and dropped off at the school by a chauffeured car. To his credit, Atobe acquiesced gracefully to her wishes, but couldn't help making a light jab about Ann being embarrassed to be seen with him.

"That's not fair, Atobe-kun. It's just that not all of us like being the center of attention," was the reply Ann gave him.

"Well, as long as you're alright being the center of my attention, I won't complain."

Ann couldn't remember the last time a phone call made her blush.

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Ann had gone to her friend's house to get ready, not wanting to miss out on the traditional gossip session. Usually, Ann spent the time listening to what it was her friends had to say, especially gleeful when she heard some interesting tidbit about any of the boy's tennis team. However, tonight found Ann at the center of attention among the girls.

"Oh my goodness, Ann! Your dress is fabulous!" squealed Sachiko.

"When did you get it?! No fair! I thought we always went shopping together!"

Though she did her best to change the topic, Ann's friends were not easily derailed. When she finally revealed that her 'mystery date' had bought it for her, the squealing seemed to reach record levels, and Ann wondered if she hadn't made the wrong choice in asking Atobe to escort her. Except, somewhere along the way, she had grown accustomed to him, and was starting to actually enjoy talking with him on the phone, or catching him on occasion at the street courts. Ann swallowed for a moment as the realization hit her: was it really possible that she was starting to fall for Atobe Keigo?!

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Atobe checked his watch for what was probably the twentieth time that day. He had finished his own preparations, selecting something that he knew would compliment Ann's dress, but wasn't as showy as his usual formal wear. He had a feeling that he would stand out far too much if he wasn't careful with his selection. It wasn't that he had any aversion to standing out, after all, that's what he usually prided himself on. However, the fact remained that he got the distinct impression that Ann wasn't so fond of the idea, and thus curtailed his usual tendencies for her sake. Atobe was even going so far as to have his driver drop him off about a block away from Fudomine so he wouldn't draw any extra attention when going to meet her. As he got into the car to head to the florist's, he wondered just why it was that he was going to such great lengths for her. After all, it wasn't because he actually cared for her, was it? Atobe's brow furrowed as he considered things. Over the weeks leading up to the dance, they had spoken a few times over the phone, and even run into each other at the street courts a few times (and in retrospect, Atobe wondered why the heck he was going to the street courts anyway considering he had is own private courts), and he had to admit that he had started to become accustomed to her; her cheery voice as she answered the phone, the way her eyes glinted dangerously when she was determined to win a point, that fierce pride and self-confidence. And that's when it hit him: was it really possible that he was starting to fall for Tachibana Ann?!

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Gakuto, Oshitari, Shishido and Ootori agreed to meet up at the Hyotei clubroom before heading over to Fudomine. Shishido had swore up and down that there was no way he was going to even risk his family seeing him in a dress, and while Gakuto usually didn't agree with the dash specialist, he had to admit Shishido had a point. After all, it was never wise to just hand siblings blackmail material like that. And so, that explained why when Hiyoshi stepped into the clubroom to pick up something he had forgotten in his locker, the unfortunate second year spluttered before averting his eyes, yelling an apology for accidentally walking into the girl's locker room, and ran out the door. The other four regulars looked at each other wide-eyed before bursting out into laughter. Yes, it would have been mortifying to be caught by Hiyoshi like that, but this turned out to be even funnier. If this was a prelude to what was in store, it looked like tonight was going to be full of surprises.