Disclaimer: Prince of Tennis is Not mine

It's Not All About Tennis

1: Immortal

They don't go home after Seigaku beats them. Yes, it's a long drive but Akaya is crying like a pubescent girl, getting on a bus with Sanada right now would currently result in death, and none of them are really looking forward to explaining this to their parents. Instead they mill around the entrance as other teams leave – Akaya sitting in Yukimura's lap, crying, as the Captain attempts to calm his pacing vice-captain, Yanagi is scribbling god-knows-what furiously in his notebook, Yagyuu and Niou (mostly Niou) are talking about some prank, and Jackal is waiting for Marui to finish his cake (vanilla with cream cheese frosting and strawberries).

When he does finish, Marui stands up and brushed his hands on Jackal's shirt, "Imma go wash my hands." But Niou sees that look in the other's eyes and notices him turn the opposite direction of the bathrooms.

Naturally, he follows.

Niou turned a corner to find Marui sitting on the floor with his knees pulled his to chest and tears staining his cheeks. Silently, he sits next to Marui, places an arm around his shoulder, and pulls the boy's head closer to him.

In that moment silent tears transformed into gut wrenching sobs.

E/n: Darn. Not only did I start this late (I really did mean to do this on the first but stuff popped up) but then I start this all depressing and stuff? DARN IT!