A/N: Exams are over!! Now I can concentrate on this fic more! WHOO! Chapter 4 now! I'm so happy!! Thank you for all the reviews you guys gave me!! I appreciate it, but I'm too damn lazy to reply to them. Sorry for the delay!! Oh yeah, a happy belated birthday to Oshitari Yuushi and Yagyuu Hiroshi.
TheTensaiMaRuiBunTa: Dunno if you're reading this or not, but I'm so happy!! Thank you for making that AMV 'cuz of my fanfic, "We Were Just a Little Too Late" !! It's beautiful!! Anybody who's interested in watching it, go to her profile and click on the link EijiSaku.
Warnings: Dirty pair fluff. Mentioned Perfect Pair. Those who don't like yaoi, skip it. OOC regulars as well. More specifically Atobe.
Disclaimer: See 1st chapter.
"blah" – talking
'blah' – whispering
'blah' – thinking
Chapter start
Sakaki-sensei decided that Sakuno should stop playing, and despite her protests, ordered Choutarou to carry her to the tennis courts. After a short argument, which not surprisingly ended in Sakuno losing, Sakuno was carried piggyback style to the tennis courts. The tennis club members all stopped what it was they were doing. I mean, who wouldn't be shocked at the sight? Ohtori Choutarou, the sweetest, kindest member of the Hyotei tennis regulars was carrying a girl, namely Sakuno piggyback style. He was walking behind Atobe, listening to the regulars chattering (arguing) behind him. However, they were soft enough to not let Atobe hear what it is they were talking about. Sakuno on the other hand, was able to hear their entire conversation clearly.
"So what d'ya think?"
"Think about what?"
"DUH! Atobe-buchou, he's been acting SO out of character since this morning!"
"Keep your voices down you two! If Atobe hears this, we can all forget about being able to live through the next hour!!"
"Sheesh. You're such a worry wart Yuushi."
"Yeah."
"I am not, I like my head where it is right now and I don't want to lose my position as a regular here."
"Drama queen."
The glare Oshitari shot Gakuto was enough to shut him up for the rest of the way. Choutarou gently got Sakuno off his back. Sakaki-sensei sat next to Sakuno for the rest of practice, conversing with her and asking questions about why she was transferring to Hyotei, the girls' tennis team in Seigaku. So far, he has avoided mentioning the boys' tennis team. Sakuno was grateful for that.
The regulars on the other hand, even though practicing hard, they were still talking non-stop with each other. Atobe was annoyed, no, seething with anger. He likes his teammates, sure he does. But he cannot stand their love/need for gossip and chatter every single minute of the day. Actually, there were only three talkative ones. Luckily the third was most of the time, asleep. Yeah, Jirou is talkative whenever he's awake. Obviously the other two are Shishido and Gakuto. It's total pandemonium if the three of them start arguing. It wouldn't matter if the three weren't so loud, but they were. Their arguments could be heard within a 10 metre radius. He was having a hard time concentrating on the game, which actually surprised him. 'But then again, who would be able to concentrate when a couple of gossips nearby are talking about you and your love life?' Atobe smirked to himself. He was going to set them laps for this later. Hiyoshi, seeing his captain was distracted, snatched the opportunity to get a point and win the set. Atobe snapped back to the game, barely able to return Hiyoshi's shot. Their next rally lasted for a full 10 minutes with Hiyoshi finally winning his first set throughout the whole game. It didn't do much to change the outcome though; Atobe won 6-1.
Gakuto had wanted to ask if Atobe liked Sakuno, straight out, but when Shishido heard him, he whacked Gakuto's with a tennis ball. Shishido hissed.
"Baka, are you freaking insane or what? If anybody else hears that, which is a high probability, seeing as your loudmouth always spills secrets unintentionally, you'll get poor Sakuno in trouble."
"Really? How? Why?"
Shishido smacked his forehead. How the hell could his friend be such an idiot?
"Cherry head no baka, you know that this school passes rumours quickly!! If anybody finds out Atobe likes Sakuno, Sakuno will be dead the moment she's out of our sight!! Who knows what those fan girls of his will do to her?"
"Erm…..bind her tightly in rope and throw her into the ocean?"
Oshitari joined Shishido in smacking his forehead this time. However unlikely Oshitari seems by doing it, he couldn't help it; his doubles partner was sometimes even dumber than that Donald Duck like person from St. Rudolph.
"OK, fine, I won't argue about that with you. But get this, they'll probably do that to her. And imagine what will happen to us when that happens."
Oshitari nodded his head at this.
"So far, Atobe has been acting rather protectively of her. He sees her, in my opinion, more of a little sister than anything else. So it wouldn't be a wise idea, once you take a look at the highly possible negative consequences. If you want to try it, do it yourself. I have no want of putting myself in a noose."
The talking trio, and Choutarou who was listening as usual, failed to notice their 'beloved' buchou strutting towards them like a peacock. As he was just about to open his mouth and set them laps, he was interrupted.
Sakaki-sensei dismissed the students. Atobe wasn't really happy, unable to give his teammates their deserved laps. Oh well. There was always Monday.
Atobe wasn't ecstatic in letting the regulars join him in showing Sakuno the school. After all, he has experienced firsthand what sort of ideas they can implant into a student's brain. He known for a fact that some of the students who hung around with Gakuto (who hadn't liked them all that much) last time transferred out of the school in a hurry. Some even migrated to the other end of the world. Okay, the migration part wasn't exactly true. It was just a rumour. But Atobe was willing to bet half his fortune that it is, or will be real, someday.
Atobe first brought Sakuno to the school library. It was at least three times the size of Seigaku's, and it was filled with rare, expensive books that would be hard to find, even if you went to rare books museums (if there's actually such a place. I heard my sister talk about it, so I decided to put this down). Hiyoshi, who liked reading books, informed Sakuno of the best books in the library; whilst Oshitari sauntered off to look for a romance novel with Gakuto in tow. Shisido on the other hand dragged Choutarou to the reference books section. Shishido seriously needed help on geometry. But he didn't want to look like he was going there willingly, thus dragging Choutarou along.
Sakuno listened to Hiyoshi's description of the library and the books they had; all the while wondering why Atobe was so silent. From what she had seen and heard, Atobe wasn't exactly like the sort of guy to actually keep silent for most of the time. Sakuno shrugged it off, continuing to listen to Hiyoshi's chatter. 'What other people do is no concern of mine if they do not wish to tell me.' She had learnt that from Himura-senpai in the tennis club. Himura Takiko was the brisk, no nonsense 2nd year regular. Sakuno couldn't help smiling when she thought of what Himura-senpai had done to fukubuchou when she had joined in one of Haruka-senpai's pranks.
"So, that's all really. What type of books do you prefer? I can possibly recommend some books found here."
"Iie. Arigatou, Hiyoshi-senpai. I think I'll just look around myself then."
"Hn. Well, we can stay here for an hour. Afterwards I'll show you the school buildings."
"Hai."
Hiyoshi and Sakuno wandered off. Sakuno to look for English reference books and Hiyoshi to find out what new books there are. Kabaji left to find books concerning his worse subject, modern literature.
Atobe on the other hand, sat down at a nearby table, picking out a favourite thriller; Goosebumps. Strange why Hyotei lets these sort of books in the library, ne? Then again, Hyotei can bend a lot of rules that apply for normal schools.
Sakuno sighed to herself in frustration. Why couldn't she grow any taller? It's always very bothersome to have to ask people to get it for her; some would just laugh at her and walk away; others were kind enough to get it for her; some on the other hand, would take it for her, providing she did something for them in return.
"Sakuno-chan, is there something you need?"
Sakuno looked up, relieved to find Choutarou and Shishido standing next to her. Now she didn't need to ask for someone else's help.
"Hai. Can you get that book for me, onegai? That one, second from the right on the eighth shelf from the top."
Shishido glanced at the cover. "Oh. English also a killer for you, huh?"
"Hai."
"You won't need to worry much. You can always ask Atobe. His English is good."
"Souka."
"Join us?"
Nodding her head, Sakuno followed them. Shishido sank down in the plush seats. Choutarou sat down next to Sakuno. While Shishido and Sakuno were studying for English, Choutarou went through several music sheets, wishing he could just pick one for the piano exam coming up.
With Oshitari and Gakuto
"Gakuto, remind me why I'm letting you drag me all around the place when all I actually want to do is read that new romance novel, and why I'm speaking to you?"
"Yuushi, sshhhh……"
Gakuto, still holding onto Oshitari's hand pulled Oshitari around the school, looking for an empty room. Peering into one of the lesser-used music rooms, he nodded approvingly.
"Ah, this is deserted. Quick, quick. Get in."
Questions wanting to make themselves heard were spinning in Oshitari's mind, but he kept silent. For Gakuto to be so focused was rare. Whatever it was, it had to be important.
Shutting the door softly behind him, Oshitari strode towards the piano, leaning on it casually. Gakuto was extremely nervous. He was fiddling with his shirt using his right hand; his left fingering something in his pocket, and he wasn't even looking at Oshitari. Oshitari had to admit though, Gakuto did look cute doing that.
"Gakuto."
Gakuto looked up. The surprise on his face was evident. He hadn't expected Oshitari to call him.
"Yes?"
"Why did you drag me here?"
Gakuto turned red. He looked away, still fiddling with the thing in his pocket. Oshitari was sure he knew what it was. Yes, he went through Gakuto's backpack every time before practice secretly, and even read Gakuto's diary once when he accidentally brought it to school. So? It was interesting, especially that bit where he found out of Gakuto's greatest 'secret'. What? He could look through his doubles partner's backpack and diary if he wanted to! He was allowed to, for kami's sake!
"Err……Yuushi……."
Oshitari wanted to smirk. He wanted to laugh even. Gakuto, stuttering? Oshitari never thought that he'd see the day. But then again who wouldn't stutter at a situation like this? Wait, Atobe was one of them.
"Well? I'm not going to stand and wait here all day."
"Yuushi………..I……….I……….."
Oshitari was already starting to laugh, hard. In his mind of course. If he laughed out loud, Gakuto would know that he knew, and Gakuto would never ever forgive him for that. Oshitari bit down on his lip. This was too funny. And Gakuto looked so kawaii……..
"Yuushi, daisuki!"
Gakuto had yelled out the last part, then squeezed his eyes shut. He did it……..any minute now, Oshitari was going to reject him…….definitely…….. But at least he told him…….Mukahi Gakuto can handle any pain directed at him, even if it was being rejected by his secret love…….
Oshitari couldn't help it. He contented himself with giving the quietest chuckle ever, before striding to Gakuto's side. Leaning down, he whispered into Gakuto's ear.
"I already knew you liked me, Gakkun no baka."
Gakuto turned a violent shade of red at the proximity. It wasn't until around 10 seconds later did Oshitari's words sink in.
"WHAT?!"
Gakuto was staring at Oshitari as if though it was the first time he had really looked at him. His mind was going through a thousand possibilities, each more unlikely than the last.
"I read it."
Gakuto's jaw dropped.
"Huh?"
"Your diary. You brought it to school one day. You know I always go through your bag, right? I read it. But I honestly didn't think you'd be the kind to keep a diary."
"Why did you-"
The rest of Gakuto's sentence was unheard as Oshitari swooped down, placing a soft kiss on his lips.
One hour later
Atobe Keigo, exceptional diva of Hyotei, was pissed. No, make that extremely pissed. The regulars and Sakuno were smart enough to keep away from him for a 10 feet radius. Reason Atobe was pissed? Well, he specified that they were going to go tour Sakuno around the school after staying in the library for an hour. Problem: Oshitari and Gakuto still weren't back from the music room.
After another 15 minutes of waiting for them, Atobe concluded that they, meaning Sakuno and everyone except for the missing pair, would go and leave them wherever it is they were. Next, they went to various places like the school's basketball courts, badminton courts.
Sakuno was more than just a little awed at everything. Seigaku was clean, yes, but Hyotei was just, plain spotless. Sparkling with cleanliness, even. So far, Sakuno couldn't see anything out of place or the leas bit stained at all. It was starting to scare her. The facilities were also all in top condition, but that was expected. Hyotei is one of the most prestigious schools in the whole of Japan after all.
Sakuno fervently prayed to kami that she would be able to remember the way to her new classroom. She hoped that she wouldn't have to ask for directions, and be able to sink into somebody almost non-existent here in Hyotei, like she did in Seigaku.
"And this corridor are all music rooms. There's a piano, mike, music stand and some scores for those who only play for fun. Come on, this one's empty. You can see what's it's like."
Choutarou opened the door wide.
And right in front of them, backs facing them were the two missing players, kissing each other so fiercely passionately. They stopped their actions when they heard the door close. Gakuto blushed, looking away from them. His hair was tousled, his cheeks flushed. His clothes were also wrinkled. Oshitari, on the other hand was just a bit scuffled.
"Gomen. But then again, it's rude to go into a room without knocking, you know."
Atobe was about to give his second best doubles pair a long lecture about doing these things in public, when he was interrupted by a soft giggle. Turning, he saw Sakuno stifling her giggles with her hand. Everyone stared at her incredulously. Noticing everybody's stares, she hastily stopped it.
"Summimasen. Demo, this seemed so much like last time."
"Last time?"
"Hai. One time I walked in on Fuji-nii and Mi- Tezuka-senpai kissing."
Gakuto gaped.
"Fuji…… and Tezuka?"
"Hai. But don't tell anyone, please! Tezuka-senpai won't be able to have a moment of peace if anybody finds out…….."
Sakuno looked ready to cry. In truth, it was just crocodile tears. She learnt the trick from Tomoka, who used it countless of times to try and get out of babysitting her younger brothers.
As expected, it worked.
"Sakuno-chan!! Don't cry, please don't! Of course we won't tell anybody about this, we swear, right? Right?"
Nodding fervently, the rest of them agreed. Sakuno stopped pretending to cry, smiling again.
"Well, since this is all that there is to see here at Hyotei, and there's really nothing else to do, not to mention it's almost lunchtime, can we leave?"
Agreeing with Shishido, the Hyotei regulars managed to walk out of the gates before Gakuto had one of his 'brilliant' ideas.
"Say, why don't we go to Sakuno-chan's place? I mean, I always wanted to see how the owners of Ryuuzaki Corps live, that is, if Sakuno-chan doesn't mind of course……"
Sakuno shook her head.
"Iie."
"Good then let's go!"
Poor Atobe couldn't even get a word in. Sigh. The Ice King, for the first time ever unable to voice out his own opinions. However unlikely that may seem, it was true.
The whole way back, Gakuto couldn't shut his mouth at all. He kept up a long argument with Shishido on what Ryuuzaki Renji and Ringo styles would be like. When they reached the front gate, they shut up instantly. The majestic entrance had already left them gob smacked.
Atobe ignored them, stepping up and typed in the password. Iron gates swinging open, they had the full view of the entrance. Western decorations mixed with Japanese, it was an unusual combination, but definitely nice.
Gakuto, who was interested in birds dragged Oshitari to the aviary. Everyone else followed. Sakuno pointed out some of her father's prize birds to Gakuto. Listening politely to Sakuno, Shishido couldn't help but be fascinated by the rest of the house. 'How strange. I didn't know they would have a style like this. Otousan and Okaasan always wanted to meet them. I wonder if they'll pretend to like them, like how they do most of the time.'
Shishido stooped down, noticing a bird that seemed to be beckoning to him. Poking a finger through the net, the bird nipped his finger. It didn't hurt at all, Shishido actually kind of liked it.
Stroking the bird's head with one finger, Shishido stood up, giving a small smile.
"Do you like the bird, Shishido-senpai?"
Sakuno was the one who asked. Choutarou was also grinning slightly. 'Why the hell is Choutarou grinning? Oh please, don't tell me it's that unusual to find me smiling without rhyme or reason.'
"Shishido-san, I didn't know you liked birds that much."
There was a slight tremor in Choutarou's voice. 'WHAT?! He's laughing at me!! It can't be that unusual that I liked birds a lot, can it? I mean, a lot of people like them, for hell's sake!'
"Shishido-senpai? You still haven't answered my question."
Shishido turned. Hopefully his face isn't bright red at the moment. He'll ask Choutarou what was so funny later.
"Yeah, why?"
"No reason. It's just that Otousan doesn't have much space left, and he wants to add another bird to his collection. He's thinking of giving away a few birds, and if you want it, you can have it."
"Oh. Okay. I'll think about it."
All of them trooped into the back door, where the chef, Monsieur Gusto was busily preparing lunch. He greeted them without even looking up from the pot.
"Bon après-midi, Keigo-sama, Sakuno-sama. Oh, are they your friends?"
"Hai."
"Ah, I shall prepare extra then. Oh yes, Ringo-sama called to say that she, Renji-sama, Kaname-sama and Tsukino-sama will be in for lunch around 2.00pm. I suggest you all tidy yourselves a bit. They said they were bringing along friends."
Atobe lead the way up to his room. They obviously couldn't appear at the dining table wearing their tennis clothes now. Luckily there were always spare clothes for the regulars on occasions like this. Sakuno stepped into her room, closing the door behind her. Atobe ushered the regulars into his room, where they all argued over who got the shower first. After listening to Atobe's 87th lecture for the year, they all let Choutarou shower first.
Donning on his favourite white shirt, and pulling on leather pants, Atobe made sure his friends looked presentable. Hopefully the guests were people he knew, then they wouldn't mind so much of his friends looks. Oshitari helped Gakuto wear his shirt properly, with a few threats. Choutarou managed to convince Shishido to take off his cap and leave it in Atobe's room. Just as they stepped out of the room, so did Sakuno.
Sakuno was wearing a rather simple blue dress with pink lace on the ends. Sakuno had tied her hair up in ponytails instead of her usual braids. She looked decidedly pretty, Oshitari noted. They then walked down the stairs, to eat lunch and meet the Ryuuzaki's.
Chapter End
A/N: I honestly think this was the best place to end it. The next update will come sooner, hopefully as my exams are over and the post-exam activities (which take up a lot of school time) are fast approaching. Hopefully my class will win the games. Don't forget to review, mind!