Hello anybody reading this!

Blufox- I'm not sure if I can add Saeki, due mostly to numbers, but I'm not sure yet. He might show up for a little bit. All of the pairs you asked for are going to be in the story as well! As for the drinking, I can't have them drink at a bar, because there are the chaperones, you know, but I -shifty eyes- Don't tell anyone! -Whispers- I plan to have some Hyotei boys spike the punch... -Whistles.- You heard nothing though.

Yoshikochan- Well, AtoJi has made an appearance, but you're not the only one who forgot, so don't sweat it. I was a little freaked out when I read that, because I know I wrote it, and I checked and it is there. Check chapter 13 if you don't remember (Or maybe you just meant that there needed to be more, Haha!) but there will certainly be more in the future!

Alaena Flame Dragonstar- After the main section of the ball is over, I'm going to post a list of what everyone is to use as reference. It's just one of those things that is a bit difficult to tie into the story, so for specifics, you can look at that.

AnimeFan06- Yep, I've realized the Eiji 'Oishi vs. Shuichiro' battle, but I think it's more of an in private kind of thing, you know? As for Taka... Read to find out!! Thanks for reviewing!

3arPlug- Kamio and Shinji will certainly be in the next chapter! They are coming to the ball, they just aren't there yet, so please do not worry! Thank you for reviewing!

Shimizu Miki- Thank you for Reviewing, and please keep reading!

DarkDemonCat- Why didn't you want to read it? Anyway, the pairing is likely to be YukimuraSanada, because most people asked for that!

BloodySamurai- You can guess, but you'll have to read to find out!

Kagerou Fuji- I'm sorry about the Shitenhouji, but though I do know them, I don't know enough about them to really feel comfortable writing about them! Sumimasen! And thank you for the praise! I'm very flattered.

KaL KeY- Well, the two pairs you mentioned are indeed going to be there. (Even though I share Fuji's distrust of Mizuki...) And thank you!

KiriharaAkaya- Yeah, so I feel kinda bad, because you've been reviewing every chapter for a long time, but I can't fulfill most of your requests... I can't have Uke Pair, because most people who reviewed wanted Yukimura and Sanada (And I like both pairs...) and I can't do Tango because I put Atobe with Jirou earlier on (13th chapter). I'm sorry! I CAN, however, do Platinum Pair, and plan to, so please look forward to that! (Sorry again...)

Skyblue147- Se-cr-et ad-mir-er! -Is happy. Has been planning this from the beginning!- Thank you for your support, and please enjoy the ball as it begins!

Disclaimer- I do not own Prince of Tennis

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hmm?" Jirou turned his head slightly to the side. He had just woken up, but he was sure that something wasn't quite right. He peered at the courts through squinted eyes, hoping that the fan girls weren't looking too closely. No, there was something wrong. He leaned over slightly, and tried to see if Atobe was paying any attention to him. The buchou, standing only a couple feet away and observing the practice as well, was.

"Good to see you plan to join us today," Atobe said, sounding completely sincere. Jirou laughed quietly to himself. Atobe was very good at that; seeming entirely candid. Jirou realized that he had probably been watching him out of the corner of his eye all along. Jirou knew better then to think that Atobe's sarcastically sincere attitude meant that he was mad at him. Ever since the change, it had been decided that it might be best to let Jirou sleep during practice, so that he didn't have to be too careful about getting hyped up and opening his eyes, and so that he could get a little bit of sleep in the day time.

"Something isn't quite right today," Jirou said, stretching out a bit in what he figured made him look like a large cat. Oh, wait, he was a 'large cat'. 'Silly me,' thought Jirou, still smiling infectiously. The tiger-boy returned his thoughts to the situation at hand, "With Kabaji, I mean. I think Gakuto-chan has asked him to hand over that towel three times already."

"Five, actually," Atobe answered, nodding that he had seen it was well. "I suppose you were asleep for the other two." Jirou figured that Atobe thought that few enough people were close enough that he didn't have to say 'Ore-sama'. "Ah, here he goes." Both watched as Kabaji slowly reacted and handed Gakuto the towel he had been asking for.

"Something on his mind?" Jirou asked, moving into a sitting position, smiling with his eyes closed for the sake of all the girls crowded around the fencing.

"I don't know," Atobe answered softly, giving Jirou a quick look that told him that he had mixed feelings about Jirou's smile.

Jirou in turn gave him a look that said that he couldn't help it, in the given situation. "Should I talk to him?" There were few people that Kabaji would really talk to, but Atobe and Jirou were among them.

"Perhaps." Was Atobe's answer, which pretty much said yes.

"I'll take care of it later," Jirou promised.

Atobe was quiet for a moment, then with out turning, softly said, "Go ahead and sleep, Only One." Jirou smiled at being called that in public, even if it was said so very quietly. It was Jirou's only 'pet-name', so to speak, but he loved it. Atobe didn't say things like 'I love you' very often, but when he called him his 'Only One', it meant the same thing.

"Thanks," Jirou smiled, "G'night, Kei-chan." Atobe turned to look at him with a questioning eye.

"What was that?" he asked, and this time the sincerity in his voice was genuine. Jirou decided he should probably have Atobe get his ears checked. In stead of answering, he repositioned himself, and soon fell asleep.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fuji sat back in his chair and practicably ignored the teacher. On impulse, he reached back into his back and pulled out the little 'nilla folder he hadn't gotten to read the night before. So much had been going on, he had almost forgotten about it, but now seemed as good a time as ever to take a look. He began to read.

'The Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides) is the largest member of the genus Corvus in Australia. It is a more slender bird than the Common Raven of the Northern Hemisphere but is otherwise similar. Like the other Corvus members in Australia and some species from the islands to the north, it has a white iris distinguished in this species by having a light blue ring around the pupil. The totally black feathers have a blue or bluish-purple gloss in bright light. The area under the bill near the throat is usually naked unlike any other species. Like virtually all members of the genius Corvus, its flight is strong and purposeful. It shows the same intelligence and resourcefulness as the rest of the genus.' (Disclaimer: Information from Wikipedia)

Fuji smiled slightly. It was just like Kunimitsu to have the blood of something simple, but powerful. He wondered for a moment if Kunimitsu's golden-brown eyes were a side effect of his animal type. After all, the gold in them had been a bit more prominent lately.

Fuji shoved that thought out of his head and continued to read.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Taka had received two more notes since that morning's practice. Meaning, consequently, that he had gotten two more gifts, which had caused a small ruckus in his classes. Thank goodness they weren't quite as extravagant as the ones from that morning had been. One was a teddy bear, holing the note in it's paws, and the other was a string of twenty paper cranes. The notes told him that the person was indeed from another school, played tennis, and had actually played against Taka before. They hadn't said how the game had turned out, but it also told him that the school this person went to was in the same region as him.

He had shown Fuji all of the gifts before their afternoon practice, and
Fuji had given him a knowing smile. Taka had a feeling that the tensai had figured out who it was, but the slim senior had revealed nothing. It was starting to drive Taka insane. He normally had a good temperament, when he wasn't in burning mode, but he was quickly losing his patience with this. No, that wasn't it exactly, it was more like he was becoming more and more anxious. This person was so sweet in his notes, and Taka felt himself feeling embarrassed and flattered with each gift. Somehow, this person knew just what to say, or rather write, to make Taka get those unfamiliar butterflies in his stomach. He got nervous a lot when he wasn't holding his racket, but Taka could never really say that he had felt those butterflies before now. Perhaps a little bit when Tezuka had once brushed his hand, but nothing like this.

'Kami-Sama...' Taka thought to himself. 'Could I be...'

'Falling in love?'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was time. Kunimitsu took a deep breath as he stepped out of the bathroom. He was wearing a black suit, with his wings out of holes in the back, as Atobe had said was required. Atobe had bought the suits for them, because Kunimitsu had argued that cutting holes in the perfectly good suit he had was a waste. Fuji had insisted that he change in the bathroom, and Kunimitsu was extremely curious as to why. Every time Fuji asked him to do something with that sweet smile on his face, Kunimitsu knew for a fact something was going on in the other boy's mind. He referred to it as the 'Tensai Smile', when he saw it. The truth was, Kunimitsu didn't really like it when Fuji smiled at him like that, because it made him feel more like one of the pack. It was the same smile he gave to people he knew he was better then.

Still, lately, that smile had meant other things, and had been followed by some wonderful surprises. So, he took another deep breath and knocked on the door of his own room. He noticed that a few of the other regulars were watching and listening as Fuji's voice came through the door saying, 'just a minute'. Kunimitsu stood there patiently and tried to define the way Fuji's voice had sounded with an emotion. Hmm... Rushed, a little nervous maybe? Interesting...

"Hey," Fuji said, smiling as he opened the door to their room. Kunimitsu had to remind himself to close his mouth as he stared at what was before him. Fuji was wearing a navy blue suit, that was cut to bring out his trim figure and even somehow make him look taller. His wings made him look even more angelic then normal, and his smile was genuine. He looked handsome, gorgeous, beautiful... But then, when didn't he?

"You're amazing," Kunimitsu smiled softly, deciding that the people near him didn't matter. He activated his power, removing himself from their, sight, and moved around Fuji. "But your collar is crooked." Kunimitsu began fixing the collar, his hot lips moving over Fuji's neck as he did. Finally, he got control of himself, he realized that it was a good thing his wings were already out, or he would have ruined a very nice suit. Still, it would have been worth it. He slowly let go of his power, and Fuji turned to meet him with a kiss. It lingered for only a moment, and the Fuji broke it.

"Thank you, Buchou," Fuji smiled, and they headed out of the room.

"Lookin' sharp, Fuji-chan, Buchou!" Eiji said, nearly bouncing of the walls in his excitement. The only thing holding his from doing so was Oishi's hand, wrapped tightly around Eiji's own.

"Arigatou, Eiji," Fuji smiled, "You and Oishi look good as well." It was then that the four of them heard a small commotion coming from Kaido and Inui's room.

"Please?" They all heard Kaido say. It wasn't so much that he said it very loudly, but with all of their heightened senses, he might as well have yelled. They continued listening, quite interested in whatever Kaido would ask for.

"No." Inui answered calmly.

"Please?"

"No."

"Please?" A short silence followed this.

"...No."

"Please?" A slightly longer silence.

"...Alright." There was a much shorter silence, and both Kaido and Inui came out of the room. It was then that they saw what Kaido had been requesting, as all of them noticed that Inui wasn't wearing his glasses. Two peoples' jaws dropped in shock, and two others froze in something resembling fear. Inui really did have beautiful eyes, like his fan girls had always said. This, however, was the first time any of them had seen any proof.

Kunimitsu wondered if Fuji would want him to take off his glasses. Almost immediately after Kunimitsu thought it, Fuji whistled 'I don't want to share'. Kunimitsu hid a smile behind his hand. Fuji could certainly be the selfish type when he felt like it. Taka came out of his room soon after that, and blushed.

"Um... You look really good, Buchou," Taka blushed, then added, "You too, Fujiko, Eiji, Oishi, Kaido, Inu..." Then apparently he noticed that Inui wasn't wearing his glasses and gained an expression so shocked that Eiji had to laugh. Fuji, Kunimitsu noticed, was sending Taka Glares of Death.

"You okay, Shusuke?" Kunimitsu asked, speaking for Fuji's ears only.

Realizing Kunimitsu was using his power, Fuji answered, "You know it's you he likes, right?"

"Really? I never noticed. I was too busy looking at you." Kunimitsu replied, making Fuji smile. The buchou turned off his power, and they were all left waiting for Momo and Ryoma.

Finally, the freshman and senior came out of their room, Ryoma looking adorable annoyed, and Momo looking even happier then normal. Kunimitsu could only guess that it was because he got to see Ryoma in a suit. After that, they went to find Ryuzaki, who, thank heavens, was wearing only a simple, non-revealing dress. They waited for the limo Atobe was sending for them, and kept quiet.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The long, curved drive way was elaborately decorated, and several birds flitted by the car, whistling simple tunes. Fuji chirruped back, leaning out slightly with a smile on his face. He chirped a little more, getting a few responses, and a very colorful bird flew right into the car and perched on Fuji's hand. Fuji chatted with it amiably, then turned to the others after whistling a thanks as the bird flew out again.

"Apparently," he chuckled, "This is Atobe's new obsession. The entire grounds are an aviary. Atobe himself, it would seem, is a Lilac-breasted Roller, same as that bird just now."

"Cool!" Eiji exclaimed, looking out the windows and bouncing around on the seats excitedly. "Must be nice, being able to keep all of these birds here without any nets. The birds must like it."

"They do," Fuji smiled. It had been nice to hear a bird in captivity so happy about it. He had before discovered that birds in pet shops were very unhappy. They were crowded into one cage, and the cages just weren't large enough. Pet birds were a little bit happier, with only one or two other companions. Not that Fuji could blame the humans. Before the Trivial Pulse, he had thought that birds must be happy enough, if they were let out every once in a while. Now that he was part bird himself, he understood the fear of being caged up even more then ever. Just staying indoors for too long, or going a few days without flying was difficult. It made him restless, and a little nervous.

"I wonder if I could do that with dogs..." Eiji thought, then looked very excited, "Yeah! That would be awesome! I could have the best animal shelter on earth, because there wouldn't have to be any cages!" Oishi smiled at his doubles partner's newest ambition.

"I'm sure you could, Eiji," Oishi smiled, not mentioning that it would be a lot of work to do so, and probably not quite as fun as the other senior envisioned.

Finally, they pulled up to the main house, were they were greeted by a nearly sparkling Jirou. "Seishun!" He exclaimed, rushing forward. Fuji saw his striped tail and made connections rather quickly in his head.

"Amur?" He asked, to which Jirou nodded vivaciously.

"Yep, come on, inside!" He led the group inside. "Fudomine and Rikkaidai haven't gotten here yet," the normally sleepy senior told them, nodding his head again. "But a lot of people are here already."

"Inui-senpai," Momo whispered quietly, "Are tigers nocturnal?"

"Yes."

"Has Akutagawa-san always been a tiger?" Kaido asked, looking at the volley specialist with a mix of confusion and awe.

"I'm not sure," Inui shook his head. Of course the answer was obviously no, but Inui found himself doubting logic these days. After all, how logical was it for a bunch of teenage tennis players to suddenly become half-animal?

Fuji took a glance around the room. He noticed that already Yuta was there with Mizuki, (which bothered him, though he kept silent), Jin Akutsu, Sengoku, and the freshman manager Dan were there, as well as Jyosei's Takahisa and the Tanaka twins, in addition to the Hyotei players. All of them. Well, all of the notable ones, anyway. Fuji could see Yuushi and Gakuto, Yuushi already trying to get Gakuto out onto the dance floor, Shishido and Choutarou sipping at some punch while talking lightheartedly, Kabaji looking at the rest of the Seishun players with that blank stair of his, and Wakashi being a bit of a loner, sitting at the bar. (A/N: Sorry, folks, there aren't alcoholic drinks being served there.)

Jirou bounced off towards Atobe, who's wings were, Fuji had to admit, were quite pretty. They were a mix of blues, golds and even light purples and gave him an exotic appearance. It took a moment, but finally all of the Seigaku players began to settle into the ball in a more or less natural way. Eiji and Oishi headed out to the dance floor as a faster paced song came on, and Momo and Ryoma headed toward the refreshments area, as Inui and Kaido headed for the bar. Taka soon followed them, but was more watching the people dancing then taking place in the lazy conversation that had begun around him.

Fuji understood why. Eiji and Oishi were amazing to watch when they danced like that. Both of them knew how to move perfectly to accommodate the other, and Eiji had a perfect sense for the music. Apparently, Gakuto saw this as well, and finally allowed Yuushi to drag him out onto the dance floor. Gakuto's way of dancing was a bit dirtier then Eiji's, with much more provoking, but Yuushi handled it well. He knew his partner very well it seemed. Not that that was much of a surprise.

When a slower song started, more couples began to take the floor. Inui bowed to a slightly blushing Kaido, and Momo literally dragged a struggling Ryoma into the open space. Fuji smiled, knowing that Ryoma wasn't struggling nearly as hard as he could have, and even with his protests, he was enjoying this at least a little. Jirou became surprising serious as Atobe waltzed him in, and though Choutarou blushed, he managed to get Shishido to dance with him without the latter saying a single 'geki dasa'. Mizuki whispered something to Yuta, and soon they were dancing as well. As much as Fuji distrusted Mizuki, he was glad to see his brother enjoying himself. A laughing Sengoku pushed Akutsu and Dan into the growing group, and the two finally did begin to dance, Dan happily, and Akutsu looking uncharacteristically embarrassed, though somehow he still managed to pull it off as annoyed. Kunimitsu didn't act like he wanted to dance yet, but that was fine with Fuji. They shard a comfortable silence while they watched the others and Fuji couldn't help but smile.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Taka watched as another slow song started, and a few people began to filter off of the dance floor. Tezuka had decided to wait until the third song to take Fuji's hand and lead him into the empty space near the center of the room. What Taka saw made his breath catch. Tezuka took Fuji's hands in his own and began to lead him in an elegant, slow waltz. Tezuka's eyes were full of so much love as he leaned forward and began whispering something in Fuji's ear. Fuji laughed, delighted with whatever Tezuka was saying. They looked so...beautiful was the only word Taka could think of. And their wings painted the perfect picture.

"Heloise?" The voice made Taka turn, as if by instinct, and then he placed together what had been said. He knew that voice, he thought about it while turning, as if he were in slow motion. When he had done a full one-eighty, he saw that the voice did indeed belong to Kabaji, as he had thought. Kabaji was the one? All thoughts of Tezuka and Fuji disappeared from his head as Kabaji held out a hand. "Would you like to dance?" Taka blushed furiously.

"Uh... Usu..." He finally answered, and smiled as Kabaji led him out onto the dance floor.