A/N: So here it is. The final chapter. Sorry it came out so late. I intended to have it up a week ago, but due to house construction, I have had no access to a computer until now. So, without further ado, the final chapter to Smile For Me.

I don't own Prince of Tennis

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"Therefore, we can conclude that there is a relationship."

Atobe confidently closed the presentation much to the teacher and class' relief. He and Jiroh were the final group to present and Atobe made sure everybody knew that the best was for the last.

"Any questions?"

Nobody raised their hands as they wanted to now move on with their lives except for the teacher who seemed quite reluctant to do so.

"Because I'm required to…You say that there is a relationship, but were there any outliers?"

Majority of the class banged their heads on the desk in defeat. This might take a while. However, they were pleasantly surprised when Atobe nodded over to Jiroh.

"Actually, there was an outlier. See, as shown earlier, when people play a certain position in tennis, they want to stay with that position. For example, a singles player generally wants to only play singles whereas doubles like to stay together. Now, that's not saying that they're incapable of playing in different positions. In many instances, people who are made solely for singles wind up playing doubles together."

Jiroh stole a quick glance at Atobe who decided to look to the side. Everybody remembered the memorable match where Atobe and Sanada, the two royalties of tennis, had to play together. Grinning like normal, Jiroh continued.

"But these cases don't qualify as an outlier because it was not their choice. Other tennis players are the same way. They may even choose who they play with, but that doesn't mean they want to. However, in one instance, there were two people, who shall remain anonymous, that were only singles players who actually wanted to play doubles."

The class nodded their heads though Atobe could tell few could follow. He decided that he was more than capable of clearing things up.

"You see, doubles requires a definite kind of teamwork. Those who usually only play doubles, grow too dependent on their partner and have problems when they are alone on the court or with somebody else. Those who play singles are not used to sharing the court with anybody else. Singles requires a certain type of independence. Throw those people into doubles and there will most definitely be some issues."

Jiroh nodded energetically with Atobe and they switched off once again.

"That's why it is easier for them to stay with their respective positions and never prefer any changes. That's why we found a relationship. However, as stated earlier, there were two people who were singles players and actually didn't mind switching around and playing doubles."

"Make note however, that they were only willing to play doubles so long as it was with each other. As mentioned before, there is a dependence required when playing doubles and very rarely can two people be so coordinated when they never play together. However, these two were able to pull it off quite nicely."

Much to the relief of all, the bell rang, releasing them from their class. Jiroh grinned happily at Atobe who calmly grabbed his memory stick from the computer and projector. As they were gathering their belongings, the teacher approached them with their grade.

"In all honesty, you really found nothing, didn't you?"

Jiroh shrugged. He had no idea if there was something or not. He just took his cue from Atobe and left it at that. Atobe, however, just smirked.

"Not really. But there really was a relationship between the two, but there are many other instances to take into account, but for this level of course, it would not be necessary."

"Thanks. Anyways, here's your grade on the project."

Atobe grabbed the paper with the notes written on it as the teacher walked away shaking his head. Jiroh came up beside him and latched onto his arm to get a better view.

"Alright! Hey, Atobe? How come if we didn't really have anything, we still got an A?"

"Because, ore-sama's eloquence could cover it all up. As long as you have a good story and can sound like you have something, then that is all that matters."

"How come we didn't really have anything?"

Atobe paused a moment and sighed.

"Because the people around here can't give ore-sama a semblance of a real answer. Nobody could actually give me a simple answer. Ore-sama actually received an e-mail that was probably the length of an essay. In fact, somebody did write me an essay. Good grief, ore-sama swears that these people lack any skills outside of tennis."

Jiroh chuckled as he followed Atobe towards the tennis courts. As they approached, the other regulars were already getting lined up and milling around the clubhouse.

"So how did the report go?"

"Ore-sama's stunning brilliance-"

"Scared the class!"

Everybody chuckled as Jiroh merrily finished Atobe's statement for him. Atobe could feel his eyebrow twitch ever so slightly. Oshitari looked at Gakuto thoughtfully.

"You would think they would be used to him after having him in their class the whole year."

"Hah, like anybody could understand that guy. Even classmates. It's a wonder that he's class president and all that. He's a flashy, frilly and kind of annoying, huh, Yuushi?"

"I guess today is talk smack to Atobe day. Might as well cash in while the goings are good."

Otori slapped his forehead. His doubles partner was just asking to bring Atobe's unnatural fury upon them all. He glanced over at Hiyoshi hoping he would remain the normal, silent member. Unfortunately, he hoped too soon.

"Why don't you people just shut up already? That sadist is going to make us all run. It's obvious tennis buchous have insecurities and that's why they make people run. Seigaku and Rikkai are the same way."

They were now doomed. Otori could tell by the calm and steady gaze from Atobe. While he seemed fine, there was a certain aura of doom looming in the air. Hiyoshi's less than tactful little speech did nothing to help.

"Ore-sama is glad you are all enjoying yourselves…Tennis just wouldn't be right if we weren't having some fun…"

Everybody paused what they were doing. Atobe slowly glided towards them with a smile that sent chills up their spines. It was unnerving how sinister and slightly crazed his voice sounded.

"So how about we have some fun?…"

The tennis buchou was currently glaring down his subordinates. His mind was turning over the multitude of running exercises he was going to inflict upon the unsuspecting fools daring to mock him. Being the buchou does have its benefits.

"Ore-sama knows that you think you will be running…But there is vengeance so much sweeter…Half of you on one side of the court and the others on the other side of the court."

All the regulars stared at each other and then back at Atobe. It sounded harmless enough, but knowing Atobe, everybody was on guard. Atobe was never harmless. Atobe was a sadist in its most poetic form.

"We're going to play, 'around the world'…Of course, it will be ore-sama's world…and you will all be the little puppets…Oh yes…This is going to be so much fun…"

"Yuushi…I suddenly feel uncomfortable…"

"I know, Gakuto…I know."

As they were slowly splitting into two groups, the mood was somber, thick with tension and fear. That is, it was for everybody who was not Jiroh. He, unlike the others, was excited. Bounding up and down he began talking about how much fun this would all be.

"Can you believe it? Atobe is going to let us play a game! He never does that! This is going to be so great!"

"What drugs are you on and can I have some?"

Shishido stared at the other boy dead serious. Only somebody on drugs would be happy to play a game arranged by Atobe. If the events from Atobe's arranged tennis appreciation day were any indication of his idea of a game, then they were all doomed to some horrible and humiliating demise.

"I'm not on drugs. If I was, I wouldn't be allowed on this team."

Everybody just shook their heads and went to their side of the court. After they were lined up accordingly, Atobe came out with his supplies. They all knew something was wrong when somebody like Atobe says they're going to play "around the world" and comes out with rope, brightly colored cones, and Popsicles.

"Do I even want to know what we're going to be doing with all that?"

"We're going to have fun, of course."

They all stared at their tennis buchou as he slowly approached. They were afraid. They were very afraid.

"I'm sorry Choutarou…I should have listened to you…"

A distance away, the Hyotei tennis coach sat quietly at his desk and looked out the window. Out in the distance, he could faintly see the tennis courts. He usually left practices for Atobe to handle, but for some reason, he felt like today, he might go visit the courts before practice is over. Some coaching instinct made him suddenly curious.

"Hmm, I suppose I'll finish up these few papers and see how the team is doing."

Returning to his paperwork, Sakaki hurriedly graded the papers before him. Upon finishing the final paper, he glanced at his watch. He saw that it was about time for practice to be over. Quickly straightening out his jacket, he stood up and walked to the courts. As he got closer, that same feeling from earlier began to grow stronger. It took most of his self-control to keep from running to the courts. When he finally reached his destination, he was stopped dead in his tracks.

"Good heavens…What…What happened here?"

Sakaki surveyed the scenery before him. Strewn across the ground were the bodies of the regulars. At closer inspection, he became even more confused. Some were tied to each other and others were sprawled out with what appeared to be melting Popsicles smeared on the ground and around their faces. He knew not whether to start laughing or to be concerned. As he examined the bodies littered across the court, he saw Atobe in the distance smirking triumphantly.

"Atobe-kun…May I inquire as to why the team is…in this particular condition?"

"Oh, we were just playing a fun little game. Seems the little dears wearied themselves and decided to take naps."

Atobe explained in a sweet, sing-song voice with an underlying venomous tone. The coach thought it better not to ask.

"So, Coach, to what do we owe the pleasure of you coming down here?"

"Nothing really…Just thought I'd see how everybody was doing…"

He stared as calmly as he could at Atobe, who innocently smiled as best as his devil-like smirk would allow. Not really understanding what happened, and not really wanting to know what happened, Sakaki decided it was best to return to his office and pretend that he had a normal team.

"Well…I'll return…You know where to find me if anything is…needed…I'll take my leave now."

"Bye."

Sakaki nodded his head and walked off with his normal grace. After getting a distance away from the courts, he could not help it anymore. He could not help but begin to chuckle uncontrollably at what he just saw. Trying to regain his composure and failing, the tennis coach attempted to make his way back to his office without being seen by anybody.

"Hell hath no fury like Atobe scorned…I wonder what happened…No, it is safer not to ask. Atobe can be trusted with managing the team…I didn't even know we had Popsicles…"

The sun began to set and it was time for tennis practice to be over. Atobe walked around his teammates poking and kicking them as he passed by.

"Time to get moving. Ore-sama hopes you all had fun. Come on, get up you lazy bums."

Shishido and Otori attempted to stand up but found it quite difficult. They looked at the cause of their problem and found that they were tied together by rope. Shishido wiggled around in hopes of loosening the rope.

"Say anything and I will kill you."

Gakuto promptly shut his mouth. He looked over at Oshitari who was dusting himself off. He was relatively in normal condition save for the Popsicle stick in his hair. The other members ranged from relatively okay to just a miserable mess. Hiyoshi was off to the side prying off a cone from his foot while Jiroh remained on the ground. Atobe walked towards him and leaned over.

"Oi, Jiroh. Wake up. Tennis practice is over."

Jiroh opened his eyes halfway and yawned. He sat up and stretched and immediately had to stop. Rubbing his rearside, he looked up at Atobe.

"What happened…How come I'm sore?"

"Jiroh is so lucky…He doesn't remember…"

Hiyoshi mumbled to himself as he passed by. Jiroh had to clamp his hand over his mouth to keep from laughing. The whole back of Hiyoshi was covered in Popsicle sticks.

"I hope he has another shirt…I don't think those orange, purple, and red marks are going to come off…"

"He'll live. Today built character."

"And shattered self-image."

"Shishido, you never had a self-image to maintain."

"Keep sassing me, Atobe, and I'll-"

"What? Cut my hair?…Oh wait, that was you."

"I loathe you."

"I know."

"May you have a bad hair day and get a zit…"

"Otori, you should tell Shishido that he needs to grow his hair back before he looks like a witch and can hex me."

The second year wisely kept his mouth shut and ushered Shishido away from Atobe. He would never understand those two. After cleaning up somewhat, the Hyotei regulars thankfully went home. Making sure everybody was gone and things were locked up, Atobe headed for home to. On his way out of the school gate, Jiroh was waiting for him.

"You know, you have a really warped sense of fun."

Atobe shrugged at his teammates comment and then could not help but smirk.

"To each his own."

They walked together for a while in easy silence. As usual, at the one corner, Atobe and Jiroh parted ways. He smiled lightly at Atobe and said good-bye.

"See ya tomorrow, Atobe! I had fun today…in a really warped way!"

Atobe chuckled nodded as Jiroh walked towards his bus stop. As he was walking Jiroh looked over his shoulder again. Atobe was already walking off the opposite direction. He smiled again and walked to the bench by the bus stop. He set down his things and plopped right onto the bench. He fell asleep almost instantly. He was not sure how long he had been sleeping, but he was sure someone was poking him lazily in the side.

"Wha-…Huh?"

He looked at the person poking him and saw Atobe staring at him with a bored expression.

"Atobe, what are you doing here?"

"Making sure you get on the bus. You already missed two of them. Ore-sama does not want to get a call from your mom telling me you have been abducted by aliens or something."

Jiroh stared at Atobe as he adjusted himself to sitting on the bench rather than sprawled out on it. As he did, Atobe took a seat next to him.

"So when's the next bus?"

Atobe took out his cell phone and looked at the clock.

"Probably in about five minutes."

"Thanks, Atobe."

"For what?"

"Coming here and waking me up."

"Of course, as buchou it is important to keep an eye out for my teammates."

The other boy nodded his head slowly in agreement.

"Besides, as a friend, ore-sama is required to make sure you get home so ore-sama doesn't have to go out and find you."

Jiroh grinned ear to ear at Atobe. Once again, Atobe proved to be a good friend in his own unique way. Others might not be able to see it, but Jiroh did and he was glad for it. Atobe quietly continued to look forward while the other boy stared starry eyed at him.

"What?"

"I'm glad we're friends. I like it and I like you."

"Same here…though this is the first time ore-sama has received a declaration of love from a teammate."

"Atobe!"

Jiroh promptly slapped Atobe in the shoulder at his comment. This seemed to amuse Atobe who still looked forward but was smirking.

"Like I said, you have a warped sense of humor."

"Well, ore-sama has been called a warped individual, so it makes sense. Anyways, here comes the bus. Make sure you don't fall asleep on the way home so you get off at the right stop."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Ore-sama will pretend that wasn't said."

"Hey, Atobe?"

"Hm?"

"Smile."

Atobe stared blankly at Jiroh's sudden request. At first, it did not register in his mind and when it did, he was confused. Jiroh stared right back with a serious expression.

"What now?"

"Smile for me."

He continued to stare at Jiroh at a loss of words. That was something he was not expecting. Jiroh kept looking at the approaching bus and back at Atobe in an almost agitated manner.

"Please?"

Atobe was still having difficulty registering what was being asked of him. Jiroh looked at him pleadingly. Atobe hated when he did that. He had trouble saying "no" when his teammate looked like that. The bus soon pulled up and opened the doors. Jiroh slowly got on and finally gave up getting an answer from Atobe.

"Jiroh, ore-sama is ore-sama."

Jiroh chanced a glance back at Atobe again but was surprised at what he saw. Even though Atobe explained again that he did not do things comprehendible to others, he was smiling.

"Thanks, Atobe!"

He happily waved at Atobe who simply nodded his head. As soon as it was there the smile was gone. He was his normal collected self again. However, even though it was for a moment, Atobe smiled. He decided that was enough. He would keep smiling at Atobe who he knew enjoyed it, and he did not need to have Atobe smile back at all because, just once, Atobe smiled for him.

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A/N: So what did you all think? Yes, the ending is kind of sappy and what not, but that's as best as I am capable of putting out. Sentimentality and emotional stuff is not my forte. Anyways, for a little side note, when Jiroh said that he like Atobe, I was playing around with words. In Japanese, instead of saying "I love you" they say "I like you." You can imagine that it can be taken as either liking somebody as a friend or a lover or spouse. For some reason, they decided that "I love you" is too long, so it was easier to say "I like you." Here, Atobe is making fun of Jiroh by taking it as though Jiroh were in love with him. Just in case anybody wondered. I couldn't resist putting it in though. Not to mention it kind of fits. Atobe would be full of himself just enough to make that kind of remark.

As far as the tennis practice went...it might be better not to ask. Around the world is really fun in tennis but is really tiring after a while, especially when there are only a couple of people left. Anyhoo, Atobe obviously made the game much more tiring and involving Popsicles. I like Popsicles...And don't play tennis with popsicles...bad things can happen...Well, it was just a little filler for the chapter. It started out with weird humor and so I thought it should end with weird humor.

Well, thanks to all who stuck with it and left such lovely reviews. I am truly thankful. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Thanks so much

NarcissisticRiceBall