Log: What happened Monday afternoon.
Who: Saeki Koujiro, (Kisarazu Ryou!!! sort of ♥), Atobe Keiji, Atobe Keigo
When: Monday afternoon
Where: The tennis courts, corridors and Saeki-room
Why: Because the drama calls~
What: Keiji comes to get his son, but on the way he happens to meet his other son. They talk and it so happens, that Atobe-kun hears it all and makes a scene~ Let's all love the family drama~
Comments? Gimme!
Of course, a part of his reason for arriving was to take Keigo home. After all, it was rather dangerous to leave him in a place where he would constantly run to... the boy. Even if the boy didn't tell him, there was always the risk of an accidental revelation. And that was a risk Atobe Keiji wasn't prepared to take.
However, although his first plan had been to simply find his legitimate son and inform him in no unclear terms that he was to return to Tokyo immediately, he found that even the best plans could be revised. His revision came to mind as in his search for Keigo he came upon the tennis courts. And on the courts, there were boys of around Keigo's age. Not Keigo, though, but... someone else. Someone he had never met before -- but who still looked hauntingly familiar.
If he hadn't known his older brother had died years ago, he could have sworn it was Keisuke standing there on the courts, playing against another boy. Except that Keisuke never played tennis and was, indeed, dead. Had been dead years before Keigo or this boy had been born.
Proud and elegant as ever, he somehow managed not to look terribly out of place in his top-of-the-line business suit as he walked towards the courts. As he spoke, his voice was sharp and loud, certainly enough to draw the boy's attention even as he was concentrated on the match.
"Saeki Koujirou, am I correct?"
At the interruption, Saeki - instead of returning the ball to Ryou’s side of the court like he'd planned - caught the ball safely in his hand as he turned to look who it was. It couldn't be any of the senseis, not that anyone of them would've asked his name. His eyes met someone distinctly ...Atobe. A quick-witted boy as he was in his best days, Saeki immediately knew who it was. "No, sorry. Check the other courts, sir. He might be there." His words were quite rude and his tone even more so. He threw the ball to the air to continue practising. The tournament was near.
"I'm afraid that won't do." He was fairly certain he wasn't mistaken. How could he have, when the boy was a spitting image of his brother? "Not unless you have an identical brother... which I know you don't." A non-identical one was bad enough. "I fear I'm not going anywhere before you agree to give me a bit of your time." Despite the polite words, his voice certainly carried a tone of, 'Or else.'
"Excuse me, sir. You're interrupting our practise." Saeki couldn't care less about the silent threats or the person giving them life. Or rather, he cared so much it hurt. He'd never got much attention from his dad, and now here was the man who had given him his DNA. His biological father. In flesh. Someone who had - albeit unknowingly - caused him a nervous breakdown a few months back. "Who are you anyway?" It might be petty but he didn't want to give this person any power over him. This person who had ruined his life.
"I do believe you know." After all, the boy wasn't the only one with a strong family resemblance. As much as he resembled his uncle, Keigo had taken after his father, aside from his Western colouring. "But should you have trouble remembering, you might benefit from hearing my wife contacted you a while back."
"Sae," called his team-mate from the other side of the net. "We can stop here." Saeki knew it. He should do it. He was only stalling as he knew he would follow this man eventually to see what he wanted. He was just so angry he couldn't help it. Despite his smile, he wasn't feeling too calm inside. These people, when would they leave him alone? They would, eventually. He was nothing to them - only a small bug needing to be dealt with. He didn't want more half-hearted promises of money or education. He'd had enough of those! He ran to catch the last lob and jumped high. He put all his strength into that last smash sending it down with fast top-spin. The ball ended up caught in-between the wire fence, smoking.
He landed on his feet and just stood there, panting lightly. Then he looked up with an apologetic smile. "Yeah. Let's stop here. My concentration is ruined anyway." He went to his bag and put his racket in it. Incidentally, he'd left the bag near where the man was standing right now. Saeki gave Atobe-san a grim smile. "How can I help you, Atobe-san?" he asked his voice full of sarcasm, which didn't come from his mother's side of the family.
"I was quite hoping to talk with you for a moment," Keiji replied, raising his eyebrows at the boy's tone. Yes, most definitely his son, so very self-confident even as he was kneeling down to his bag... "I won't take much of your time, I promise. My main reason for coming here is to take Keigo home." He watched Koujirou's playmate leave the court. This... probably wasn't the, ah, friend Elizabeth had mentioned. He didn't quite fit the description.
"I see." Saeki zipped his bag and waved as he said bye to Ryou. He'd known something troublesome was about to happen when he had read Atobe's journal. He just hadn't waited for the main devil to come himself. Regardless of his less than praising thoughts Saeki felt butterflies in his stomach. This was his father. It was in his nature to give everyone a chance, no matter how bad he felt himself. "Sure. Is my room okay?"
He paused and nodded a bit to himself before adding. "It's right next to Atobe-kun's room."
"Quite so." Hopefully they wouldn't run to Keigo just yet, though. Of course, he could always just explain he'd asked Koujirou to show him the way to his son's room... but he'd much rather prefer Keigo not to suspect any connection whatsoever. "If you would be so kind as to show the way?" If there was one thing he could do, it was being polite. He could have been polite even as he was sentencing someone to death. It was called good breeding.
Saeki nodded setting the tennis bag on his shoulder. He opened the door in the fence and stepped out of the courts. "This way, please, sir." He was antsy and worried. He couldn't help but wish the man wanted to talk to him because he wanted to get to know his son better, but he also knew it was probably wasted hope. Kite-kun wasn't here to protect him this time. He'd have to do it all by himself. He couldn't afford to give openings to an opponent he didn't know at all.
He followed Koujirou, calm as ever, looking for all the world as though he belonged right there at the camp -- no, as though he owned the camp. Thankfully nobody happened to show up on the way -- he didn't like excuses and explanations, especially when they could be avoided simply by not being seen. Finally, they stood at a door in a corridor that seemed no different from all the other ones they had passed by.
Saeki put a key to the lock and turned. The door opened and he let the man in ahead of himself. "My roommate is not the most organized of the people," he apologized. If nothing, his mother had taught him manners ever since he was too young to understand what the word meant. "You can choose to sit wherever you want." His side of the room was quite tidy. After all, he'd cleaned the day before. On the table was a detective book in English. One he'd borrowed from sensei.
Keiji followed Koujirou into the room, giving it a furtive glance before seating himself in a rather plain-looking chair. "My wife told me she had informed you of the... circumstances," he said, deciding to cut to the chase.
Unbeknownst to them, though, they had been seen on their way to the room... by the very person who should not have. The person who, rather than questioning seeing them together, had chosen to trail behind, just out of sight, waiting for them to close the door before settling himself behind it, listening closely. His ears might not have been as sharp as his eyes, but he could do a bit of eavesdropping nevertheless.
Saeki set his bag against the bed and sat down on it. He fixed his eyes on the man trying to figure out what he was thinking. "Circumstances," he repeated dryly. "Yup, I know all about it." He felt negative vibes and that was never a good thing.
"Excellent." Keiji sighed. "Even I know that 'I am your father' is somewhat too clichéd a line."
On the other side of the door, someone froze.
"Now, there are two reasons I wanted to talk with you."
"I'm not gonna tell him," Saeki countered immediately. "And I'm not after inheritances or anything, so you don't really have to say anything." He swallowed hard. This was getting harder and harder by the second, keeping this face and this charade up. He envied how easily Wakato did it. "Isn't the reason you're pulling him out of this school me? Because I'm here?"
"...Well, that quite answered one of the questions I had for you." Keiji raised his eyebrows. "Though I must say that I'm not one to flee from my responsibility... So, although I would prefer to leave Keigo's inheritance undisputed, if you ever need anything... you need but ask." At Koujirou's question, though, he couldn't do anything but nod. "True. Even if you were not to tell him, the risk of accidental revelation is too high. And if my wife could make the connection, there may always be someone else -- and the closer the two of you are, the higher the risk."
"Yeah, I guess..." Saeki was unsure and he knew he looked it. "It's just that, there's someone, some people actually, who'll be sorry to see him go. Everyone's kinda fond of ...him." As much as he might want Atobe to leave, he didn't want to see him go. Now, it had nothing to do with suddenly awakened brotherly feelings or anything. It was just that... Well, Kite-kun, for example and Kin-chan. They would definitely be sad. "And as to that person, he won't tell. He swore to his ancestors he wouldn't say a word to anyone. Is it really necessary for Atobe-kun to go?"
"It is the only way to ensure he won't accidentally find out something." Keiji shook his head. Normally, he let his son do whatever he wished as long as it wasn't harmful to the family name, but in this case... the risk was just too big. "It's regretful he'll have to part from his friends," as though he cared; besides, chances were Keigo wasn't that attached to anyone anyway, his son was just as antisocial as he was; "but it's the best for his future."
The door was locked, so it couldn't be opened just like that. However, the two of them certainly both heard the sharp knock on it, perhaps even the somewhat muffled call of, "Too late."
Oh, shit. "It might be my roommate." Saeki got up and went to the door. Opening it took everything he had. As if he wouldn't recognize Kinpon's voice. Or Atobe's for that matter. He didn't even try to smile as he looked sharply at Atobe. "Go away." If your life is dear to you. Not that he said it out loud, of course.
"Not after what I just heard." Atobe Keigo crossed his arms over his chest. "Or, rather... if you can give me a plausible explanation as to what my father would have to discuss with you of all people, I might consider it."
It took all of Keiji's composure not to swear aloud as he heard his son's voice from the doorway. This did really not go as planned.
"Well..." Saeki wasn't new to lying with clear eyes. Now if ever he'd have to think of something and fast. "I happened to pour something on his shirt and offered to clean it. After I did we ended up talking -about you! in fact. Your dad was just leaving anyway. Weren't you, sir?"
"What would you have to talk about me, anyway?" Keigo raised his eyebrows. "Besides, as I said... I heard some... interesting things."
"Keigo." Keiji's voice was sharp as he stood up, looking at his son -- both of his sons. "It's no concern of yours."
"You were the one who complained about having to leave," Saeki hissed annoyed. His nerves were stretched really tight. He so didn't want to have to handle this. "I was just doing you a favour, playing to be your friend."
"I don't mean what you said." Keigo's voice was chilly as ice. "I mean what MY father said earlier."
"Oh? Well then, it has nothing to do with me." Saeki straightened his back standing in his full height. Dressed in his tennis uniform, he maybe wasn't as magnificent-looking as in the school uniform, but he was tall and strong. "Can you continue this somewhere else. I don't want to take part in other people's family fights."
"Oh, I'd be all too glad to take this far away from you," Atobe replied bitingly. "As soon as my dearest father explains why he called himself your father instead. It's true we don't see each other all that often, but I should hope he would at least have some kind of an idea as to what I look like."
"Well," Keiji said, doing his very best not to react, "the last time I saw you, your hair was not even nearly this long."
Saeki returned to his room leaving the two to the door. He flopped down on his bed trying to look like he heard nothing as he picked up his book. He used this very underlined body language to say: Tell me when you're finished, or better yet - leave when you're finished.
Keigo glared at his father. "Explain, please."
"There's nothing to explain."
"Fine. Then answer one question." Keigo raised his eyebrows in an expression that perfectly mirrored that of his father's. "Is Saeki your son?"
It would have been all too easy to lie. However, he quite felt that at this point, Keigo would not have accepted even the most carefully constructed lie. However, he couldn't bring himself to actually say it, even if avoiding the question was as good as an answer. "That does not concern you," he said coolly. "You are my heir, period."
"...Only by chance, it would seem."
No love lost it would seem, Saeki humphed to himself. It worked to remind him this was the Atobes they were talking about. It wasn't a place for someone normal as him. Atobe could've just left it when he gave him a good excuse to ignore the whole thing. Why hadn't he taken it? Saeki wondered. Was he as hung up on this money business as the rest of his family?
"Why won't you just let the matter be?" Keiji snapped. "What does it matter to you whether I have other children or not? I have given your mother my word your inheritance won't be touched," of course, he'd also promised Keigo wouldn't hear of the matter at all, but it was a bit too late for that, "so what exactly is your problem?"
"I could ask you the same," Keigo replied bitingly. "Do you really think the only thing I'm concerned about is my inheritance? If that were the case, don't you think I'd still be in Tokyo, in my mansion with my servants and all the luxury?"
"Then do enlighten me, my dear son, what exactly is so dear that it keeps you in this poor little camp?"
Keigo stiffened just a bit. Keiji raised his eyebrows. Now what was this? "...Tennis," Keigo finally replied. "Tennis, and my friends."
"Don't make me laugh." Keiji sneered. "You have no friends."
Saeki froze. This was getting ugly and his desire to help a friend in need was lifting it's pretty head as he heard such cruel words from the man's mouth. He slammed his book closed. "That was unfair. I told you most of the people in this camp like him."
Keiji glanced towards his older son. "Oh, don't be ridiculous. Keigo's never had any friends; the most he has is servants -- like Kabaji-kun. I fail to see how the situation would have changed."
Keigo's eyes narrowed. "Don't talk about Kabaji like that," he hissed angrily, looking just about ready to strike his father if he hadn't been raised not to use something as barbaric as physical violence. "I do too have friends. Of course, you wouldn't understand it, seeing how you have no human emotions whatsoever."
Keiji frowned. This was simply not acceptable. "Keigo," he started with a warning tone, only for his son to interrupt him. Interrupt him. Him, Atobe Keiji.
"I will stay here." Keigo looked at him challengingly. "I will stay here, and if you try to take me away, I will -- I will tell everyone just what I heard through the door."
"Don't!" Saeki slapped a hand on his mouth. Seriously, he wanted no one to know. It was stressing as it was. He wasn't much for charity, especially giving up on what he wanted for someone he didn't care that much about, but... "Then I'll go. Instead."
Keiji glanced at Koujirou. "After I've told Keigo I'd take him away from here, as I'm sure he's told his so-called friends? As though that wouldn't be suspicious." He turned back towards Keigo, then. "Surely you wouldn't be foolish enough to do that... if it were to become public knowledge, I would have to acknowledge Koujirou... and he is older than you. You know what it means."
"Then the solution is simple. Let me stay here -- let both of us stay here," Keigo replied. "I quite fail to see why either of us would have to suffer simply because you can't keep your damn cock in your pants."
He really didn't belong in this conversation. Saeki sighed to himself. "...I have an essay to return. Close the door when you leave. It locks on it's own..." He needed to get away from these people. At least sensei would hold him and cheer him up, as these people couldn't care less.
It might have gone on for quite some time, but Keiji really didn't want to give his son any reason to cause any more drama over this. Either of his sons. "Fine. You stay here, though for the life of mine I don't understand why you would want to. But remember... if anyone else hears -- if there's even half a rumour -- you're leaving. I'm taking you to Tokyo, and making sure everyone knows you are my one and only heir, and I'll be damned if you aren't the most perfect and well-behaved heir. Understood?"
Keigo nodded. "Understood," he replied. "But you're a fool if you think this issue is over with so easily."
"Oh, I would never call myself a fool," Keiji replied. "I really don't understand why you insist on jeopardizing your own future... but if it amuses you to pretend to be free, by all means, do so. Just remember that any damage to the family name is damage to you."
"Like I could forget," Keigo murmured, then turned on his heels and walked to the next door, quickly opening it, stepping inside, and closing it after him. Sighing, Keiji stepped out of Koujirou's room, closing the door behind himself as well.
Well. Get Keigo to Tokyo, make sure Keigo doesn't find out, make sure Koujirou isn't about to demand the inheritance for himself. One out of three wasn't all that bad, was it.
When: Monday afternoon
Where: The tennis courts, corridors and Saeki-room
Why: Because the drama calls~
What: Keiji comes to get his son, but on the way he happens to meet his other son. They talk and it so happens, that Atobe-kun hears it all and makes a scene~ Let's all love the family drama~
Comments? Gimme!
Of course, a part of his reason for arriving was to take Keigo home. After all, it was rather dangerous to leave him in a place where he would constantly run to... the boy. Even if the boy didn't tell him, there was always the risk of an accidental revelation. And that was a risk Atobe Keiji wasn't prepared to take.
However, although his first plan had been to simply find his legitimate son and inform him in no unclear terms that he was to return to Tokyo immediately, he found that even the best plans could be revised. His revision came to mind as in his search for Keigo he came upon the tennis courts. And on the courts, there were boys of around Keigo's age. Not Keigo, though, but... someone else. Someone he had never met before -- but who still looked hauntingly familiar.
If he hadn't known his older brother had died years ago, he could have sworn it was Keisuke standing there on the courts, playing against another boy. Except that Keisuke never played tennis and was, indeed, dead. Had been dead years before Keigo or this boy had been born.
Proud and elegant as ever, he somehow managed not to look terribly out of place in his top-of-the-line business suit as he walked towards the courts. As he spoke, his voice was sharp and loud, certainly enough to draw the boy's attention even as he was concentrated on the match.
"Saeki Koujirou, am I correct?"
At the interruption, Saeki - instead of returning the ball to Ryou’s side of the court like he'd planned - caught the ball safely in his hand as he turned to look who it was. It couldn't be any of the senseis, not that anyone of them would've asked his name. His eyes met someone distinctly ...Atobe. A quick-witted boy as he was in his best days, Saeki immediately knew who it was. "No, sorry. Check the other courts, sir. He might be there." His words were quite rude and his tone even more so. He threw the ball to the air to continue practising. The tournament was near.
"I'm afraid that won't do." He was fairly certain he wasn't mistaken. How could he have, when the boy was a spitting image of his brother? "Not unless you have an identical brother... which I know you don't." A non-identical one was bad enough. "I fear I'm not going anywhere before you agree to give me a bit of your time." Despite the polite words, his voice certainly carried a tone of, 'Or else.'
"Excuse me, sir. You're interrupting our practise." Saeki couldn't care less about the silent threats or the person giving them life. Or rather, he cared so much it hurt. He'd never got much attention from his dad, and now here was the man who had given him his DNA. His biological father. In flesh. Someone who had - albeit unknowingly - caused him a nervous breakdown a few months back. "Who are you anyway?" It might be petty but he didn't want to give this person any power over him. This person who had ruined his life.
"I do believe you know." After all, the boy wasn't the only one with a strong family resemblance. As much as he resembled his uncle, Keigo had taken after his father, aside from his Western colouring. "But should you have trouble remembering, you might benefit from hearing my wife contacted you a while back."
"Sae," called his team-mate from the other side of the net. "We can stop here." Saeki knew it. He should do it. He was only stalling as he knew he would follow this man eventually to see what he wanted. He was just so angry he couldn't help it. Despite his smile, he wasn't feeling too calm inside. These people, when would they leave him alone? They would, eventually. He was nothing to them - only a small bug needing to be dealt with. He didn't want more half-hearted promises of money or education. He'd had enough of those! He ran to catch the last lob and jumped high. He put all his strength into that last smash sending it down with fast top-spin. The ball ended up caught in-between the wire fence, smoking.
He landed on his feet and just stood there, panting lightly. Then he looked up with an apologetic smile. "Yeah. Let's stop here. My concentration is ruined anyway." He went to his bag and put his racket in it. Incidentally, he'd left the bag near where the man was standing right now. Saeki gave Atobe-san a grim smile. "How can I help you, Atobe-san?" he asked his voice full of sarcasm, which didn't come from his mother's side of the family.
"I was quite hoping to talk with you for a moment," Keiji replied, raising his eyebrows at the boy's tone. Yes, most definitely his son, so very self-confident even as he was kneeling down to his bag... "I won't take much of your time, I promise. My main reason for coming here is to take Keigo home." He watched Koujirou's playmate leave the court. This... probably wasn't the, ah, friend Elizabeth had mentioned. He didn't quite fit the description.
"I see." Saeki zipped his bag and waved as he said bye to Ryou. He'd known something troublesome was about to happen when he had read Atobe's journal. He just hadn't waited for the main devil to come himself. Regardless of his less than praising thoughts Saeki felt butterflies in his stomach. This was his father. It was in his nature to give everyone a chance, no matter how bad he felt himself. "Sure. Is my room okay?"
He paused and nodded a bit to himself before adding. "It's right next to Atobe-kun's room."
"Quite so." Hopefully they wouldn't run to Keigo just yet, though. Of course, he could always just explain he'd asked Koujirou to show him the way to his son's room... but he'd much rather prefer Keigo not to suspect any connection whatsoever. "If you would be so kind as to show the way?" If there was one thing he could do, it was being polite. He could have been polite even as he was sentencing someone to death. It was called good breeding.
Saeki nodded setting the tennis bag on his shoulder. He opened the door in the fence and stepped out of the courts. "This way, please, sir." He was antsy and worried. He couldn't help but wish the man wanted to talk to him because he wanted to get to know his son better, but he also knew it was probably wasted hope. Kite-kun wasn't here to protect him this time. He'd have to do it all by himself. He couldn't afford to give openings to an opponent he didn't know at all.
He followed Koujirou, calm as ever, looking for all the world as though he belonged right there at the camp -- no, as though he owned the camp. Thankfully nobody happened to show up on the way -- he didn't like excuses and explanations, especially when they could be avoided simply by not being seen. Finally, they stood at a door in a corridor that seemed no different from all the other ones they had passed by.
Saeki put a key to the lock and turned. The door opened and he let the man in ahead of himself. "My roommate is not the most organized of the people," he apologized. If nothing, his mother had taught him manners ever since he was too young to understand what the word meant. "You can choose to sit wherever you want." His side of the room was quite tidy. After all, he'd cleaned the day before. On the table was a detective book in English. One he'd borrowed from sensei.
Keiji followed Koujirou into the room, giving it a furtive glance before seating himself in a rather plain-looking chair. "My wife told me she had informed you of the... circumstances," he said, deciding to cut to the chase.
Unbeknownst to them, though, they had been seen on their way to the room... by the very person who should not have. The person who, rather than questioning seeing them together, had chosen to trail behind, just out of sight, waiting for them to close the door before settling himself behind it, listening closely. His ears might not have been as sharp as his eyes, but he could do a bit of eavesdropping nevertheless.
Saeki set his bag against the bed and sat down on it. He fixed his eyes on the man trying to figure out what he was thinking. "Circumstances," he repeated dryly. "Yup, I know all about it." He felt negative vibes and that was never a good thing.
"Excellent." Keiji sighed. "Even I know that 'I am your father' is somewhat too clichéd a line."
On the other side of the door, someone froze.
"Now, there are two reasons I wanted to talk with you."
"I'm not gonna tell him," Saeki countered immediately. "And I'm not after inheritances or anything, so you don't really have to say anything." He swallowed hard. This was getting harder and harder by the second, keeping this face and this charade up. He envied how easily Wakato did it. "Isn't the reason you're pulling him out of this school me? Because I'm here?"
"...Well, that quite answered one of the questions I had for you." Keiji raised his eyebrows. "Though I must say that I'm not one to flee from my responsibility... So, although I would prefer to leave Keigo's inheritance undisputed, if you ever need anything... you need but ask." At Koujirou's question, though, he couldn't do anything but nod. "True. Even if you were not to tell him, the risk of accidental revelation is too high. And if my wife could make the connection, there may always be someone else -- and the closer the two of you are, the higher the risk."
"Yeah, I guess..." Saeki was unsure and he knew he looked it. "It's just that, there's someone, some people actually, who'll be sorry to see him go. Everyone's kinda fond of ...him." As much as he might want Atobe to leave, he didn't want to see him go. Now, it had nothing to do with suddenly awakened brotherly feelings or anything. It was just that... Well, Kite-kun, for example and Kin-chan. They would definitely be sad. "And as to that person, he won't tell. He swore to his ancestors he wouldn't say a word to anyone. Is it really necessary for Atobe-kun to go?"
"It is the only way to ensure he won't accidentally find out something." Keiji shook his head. Normally, he let his son do whatever he wished as long as it wasn't harmful to the family name, but in this case... the risk was just too big. "It's regretful he'll have to part from his friends," as though he cared; besides, chances were Keigo wasn't that attached to anyone anyway, his son was just as antisocial as he was; "but it's the best for his future."
The door was locked, so it couldn't be opened just like that. However, the two of them certainly both heard the sharp knock on it, perhaps even the somewhat muffled call of, "Too late."
Oh, shit. "It might be my roommate." Saeki got up and went to the door. Opening it took everything he had. As if he wouldn't recognize Kinpon's voice. Or Atobe's for that matter. He didn't even try to smile as he looked sharply at Atobe. "Go away." If your life is dear to you. Not that he said it out loud, of course.
"Not after what I just heard." Atobe Keigo crossed his arms over his chest. "Or, rather... if you can give me a plausible explanation as to what my father would have to discuss with you of all people, I might consider it."
It took all of Keiji's composure not to swear aloud as he heard his son's voice from the doorway. This did really not go as planned.
"Well..." Saeki wasn't new to lying with clear eyes. Now if ever he'd have to think of something and fast. "I happened to pour something on his shirt and offered to clean it. After I did we ended up talking -about you! in fact. Your dad was just leaving anyway. Weren't you, sir?"
"What would you have to talk about me, anyway?" Keigo raised his eyebrows. "Besides, as I said... I heard some... interesting things."
"Keigo." Keiji's voice was sharp as he stood up, looking at his son -- both of his sons. "It's no concern of yours."
"You were the one who complained about having to leave," Saeki hissed annoyed. His nerves were stretched really tight. He so didn't want to have to handle this. "I was just doing you a favour, playing to be your friend."
"I don't mean what you said." Keigo's voice was chilly as ice. "I mean what MY father said earlier."
"Oh? Well then, it has nothing to do with me." Saeki straightened his back standing in his full height. Dressed in his tennis uniform, he maybe wasn't as magnificent-looking as in the school uniform, but he was tall and strong. "Can you continue this somewhere else. I don't want to take part in other people's family fights."
"Oh, I'd be all too glad to take this far away from you," Atobe replied bitingly. "As soon as my dearest father explains why he called himself your father instead. It's true we don't see each other all that often, but I should hope he would at least have some kind of an idea as to what I look like."
"Well," Keiji said, doing his very best not to react, "the last time I saw you, your hair was not even nearly this long."
Saeki returned to his room leaving the two to the door. He flopped down on his bed trying to look like he heard nothing as he picked up his book. He used this very underlined body language to say: Tell me when you're finished, or better yet - leave when you're finished.
Keigo glared at his father. "Explain, please."
"There's nothing to explain."
"Fine. Then answer one question." Keigo raised his eyebrows in an expression that perfectly mirrored that of his father's. "Is Saeki your son?"
It would have been all too easy to lie. However, he quite felt that at this point, Keigo would not have accepted even the most carefully constructed lie. However, he couldn't bring himself to actually say it, even if avoiding the question was as good as an answer. "That does not concern you," he said coolly. "You are my heir, period."
"...Only by chance, it would seem."
No love lost it would seem, Saeki humphed to himself. It worked to remind him this was the Atobes they were talking about. It wasn't a place for someone normal as him. Atobe could've just left it when he gave him a good excuse to ignore the whole thing. Why hadn't he taken it? Saeki wondered. Was he as hung up on this money business as the rest of his family?
"Why won't you just let the matter be?" Keiji snapped. "What does it matter to you whether I have other children or not? I have given your mother my word your inheritance won't be touched," of course, he'd also promised Keigo wouldn't hear of the matter at all, but it was a bit too late for that, "so what exactly is your problem?"
"I could ask you the same," Keigo replied bitingly. "Do you really think the only thing I'm concerned about is my inheritance? If that were the case, don't you think I'd still be in Tokyo, in my mansion with my servants and all the luxury?"
"Then do enlighten me, my dear son, what exactly is so dear that it keeps you in this poor little camp?"
Keigo stiffened just a bit. Keiji raised his eyebrows. Now what was this? "...Tennis," Keigo finally replied. "Tennis, and my friends."
"Don't make me laugh." Keiji sneered. "You have no friends."
Saeki froze. This was getting ugly and his desire to help a friend in need was lifting it's pretty head as he heard such cruel words from the man's mouth. He slammed his book closed. "That was unfair. I told you most of the people in this camp like him."
Keiji glanced towards his older son. "Oh, don't be ridiculous. Keigo's never had any friends; the most he has is servants -- like Kabaji-kun. I fail to see how the situation would have changed."
Keigo's eyes narrowed. "Don't talk about Kabaji like that," he hissed angrily, looking just about ready to strike his father if he hadn't been raised not to use something as barbaric as physical violence. "I do too have friends. Of course, you wouldn't understand it, seeing how you have no human emotions whatsoever."
Keiji frowned. This was simply not acceptable. "Keigo," he started with a warning tone, only for his son to interrupt him. Interrupt him. Him, Atobe Keiji.
"I will stay here." Keigo looked at him challengingly. "I will stay here, and if you try to take me away, I will -- I will tell everyone just what I heard through the door."
"Don't!" Saeki slapped a hand on his mouth. Seriously, he wanted no one to know. It was stressing as it was. He wasn't much for charity, especially giving up on what he wanted for someone he didn't care that much about, but... "Then I'll go. Instead."
Keiji glanced at Koujirou. "After I've told Keigo I'd take him away from here, as I'm sure he's told his so-called friends? As though that wouldn't be suspicious." He turned back towards Keigo, then. "Surely you wouldn't be foolish enough to do that... if it were to become public knowledge, I would have to acknowledge Koujirou... and he is older than you. You know what it means."
"Then the solution is simple. Let me stay here -- let both of us stay here," Keigo replied. "I quite fail to see why either of us would have to suffer simply because you can't keep your damn cock in your pants."
He really didn't belong in this conversation. Saeki sighed to himself. "...I have an essay to return. Close the door when you leave. It locks on it's own..." He needed to get away from these people. At least sensei would hold him and cheer him up, as these people couldn't care less.
It might have gone on for quite some time, but Keiji really didn't want to give his son any reason to cause any more drama over this. Either of his sons. "Fine. You stay here, though for the life of mine I don't understand why you would want to. But remember... if anyone else hears -- if there's even half a rumour -- you're leaving. I'm taking you to Tokyo, and making sure everyone knows you are my one and only heir, and I'll be damned if you aren't the most perfect and well-behaved heir. Understood?"
Keigo nodded. "Understood," he replied. "But you're a fool if you think this issue is over with so easily."
"Oh, I would never call myself a fool," Keiji replied. "I really don't understand why you insist on jeopardizing your own future... but if it amuses you to pretend to be free, by all means, do so. Just remember that any damage to the family name is damage to you."
"Like I could forget," Keigo murmured, then turned on his heels and walked to the next door, quickly opening it, stepping inside, and closing it after him. Sighing, Keiji stepped out of Koujirou's room, closing the door behind himself as well.
Well. Get Keigo to Tokyo, make sure Keigo doesn't find out, make sure Koujirou isn't about to demand the inheritance for himself. One out of three wasn't all that bad, was it.