Rukawa Kaede bounced the ball absentmindedly as he mulled over his problem. He ignored the girls successfully save one. Kishia Muno, the new girl from the next district was screaming his name in that annoying high-pitched voice of hers. She followed him everywhere, to practice, to class even the showers. Rukawa shuddered remembering that awful scene and threw the ball. "Rebound!" Rukawa's head snapped up and blinked. 'He'd missed!' He watched as the do'aho Sakuragi caught the rebound and dunked it. "Eh, baka kitsune! You losing your touch?" Rukawa's eyebrows snapped together to form a dark line as he frowned. "No, I was just giving a do'aho a chance to show if he was useful." Sakuragi predictably turned red and shouted, "What! You dare say the Tensai has no talent! I, Sakuragi Hanamichi challenge you The Perpetual Cloud of Doom to a man to man match after school!" Rukawa was surprised. He hadn't expected the do'aho to take it so seriously. Seeing Rukawa hesitate Sakuragi smiled broadly, "Afraid you'll lose?" Rukawa gritted his teeth fighting the urge to punch the red haired boy's face in and replied coolly, "You're on."
Sakuragi was waiting at the courts near his house when Rukawa arrived. "Hey there Rukawa. See you made it." Rukawa eyed Sakuragi suspiciously. He felt uncomfortable being civil with Sakuragi but if the do'aho could manage it the by Kami-sama so could he! "Of course. Shall we begin?" he replied in his usual monotone, picking up the ball. "No, first we talk. There are some things I want to discuss with you," answered Sakuragi taking the ball away. Rukawa began to think that perhaps this was all just a dream. Sakuragi, talking? To him? He could only nod dumbly and sat down next to the red haired boy curious in spite of himself at what the do'aho could possibly want to discuss. "Look, I know we haven't actually been the best of friends and I wanted to apologize for hitting you. I had a crush on Haruko and I get carried away at times. So here it is, I'm sorry." Rukawa stared at Sakuragi incredulously, his composure broken. "you are...apologizing...to me?" He was stunned. Sakuragi never apologized at least not to him and yet the do'aho had just done it and looked completely sincere.
Rukawa worked his jaw for a few moments and finally managed to voice his acceptance. "Is this why you asked me to play one-on-one?" "No, I decided to make peace with you after I got home. I've been wanting to but the time never seemed right." Rukawa nodded in understanding. Up until now, they managed to work together forming the perfect pair of partners but still fought. About a month ago however, they had both by unspoken agreement tried to get along better for everyone's sake. It had been the foundation of larger more intimate feelings but neither had spoken about it. "I see, but what about Haruko? Don't you still like her?" Sakuragi gave a snort of laughter as if enjoying a private joke, "Rukawa you really don't pay attention to your surroundings do you? I gave up on Haruko a short while after we won our first title. She's too engrossed with you and I've realized that I can't hang on to dreams forever." Rukawa couldn't believe this was Sakuragi talking to him. He sounded so logical and collected very unlike the loud-mouthed idiot he was in school. "Don't you get tired of it Kaede? Of playing, 'just pretend'? Just pretend the girls aren't there. Just pretend I don't care. Just pretend..." Sakuragi looked at Rukawa with the tired eyes of a soul weary person. "How do you do it?"
Rukawa's breath caught as he stared into those eyes. He could see loneliness and bitterness that rivaled his own in those depths. Yet mixed in with those black emotions were one that he longed to see. Love. Here was someone he could be with and not pretend to be anything but himself. 'How do you do it?' the do'aho had asked him. "By pretending. Just pretend that's who you really are. Make your life what you wish it to be not what it is." Rukawa watched in shock as Sakuragi closed his eyes and saw tears tracking down his cheeks. "Sou desu kah?" the red haired boy breathed out before burying his face in his knees. Reaching out, Rukawa placed an arm around Sakuragi trying to give comfort. "I know you're lonely and I know what it feels like. But if you want, we could be friends," Rukawa whispered gently, "or perhaps even more than friends." Lifting Sakuragi's face towards his, he wiped away the tears and kissed the red haired boy. Sakuragi melted in his arms as he leaned into the kiss. Rukawa tasted the salt from the tears on Sakuragi's lips and licked at them. Sakuragi parted his lips allowing Rukawa entry and they began to explore each other's mouths reveling in the sensations each touch and caresses brought out. Sliding his hands under Rukawa's shirt, Sakuragi ran his hands along the well formed back and silk-like skin. They finally had to come up for air and Rukawa just stared at Sakuragi as he whispered softly, "Hana-kun, let us stop pretending."
Sakuragi woke up the next morning to the pleasant feeling of being held. Remembering what had taken place the day before, he smiled sweetly and turned to kiss his new found love while climbing out of bed. "Wake up kitsune. It's time for school." Rukawa blinked sleepily and was about to go back to dreamland when he spotted the naked derriere of his lover entering the bathroom. He got out of bed immediately, wide-awake. Some things were worth getting up for. As they sprinted to school since they had to stop for Rukawa to collect his basketball gear, they received several surprised looks from passing schoolmates at seeing them together. Just as they were entering school, Rukawa saw that Muno girl again. Grabbing Sakuragi's arm he whispered, "Sorry Hana-kun," and kissed him passionately. When he released his lover the girl was gone but in her place was the whole student body plus the basketball team. Instead of being upset, Sakuragi smiled lovingly at Rukawa and said softly, "I saw the girl. Don't worry I'm not mad. Besides, you said to stop playing 'just pretend'." Steeling themselves, they continued their walk into school prepared to face whatever new challenges that arose together.
And Then...
'Swish!' The ball went in with perfect precision. Rukawa grimaced as the crowd erupted in cheers. He glanced over looking for Sakuragi to find the other boy red faced as he stared at something in his bag. Walking over he took a peek into the do'aho's bag. Little paper and chocolate hearts littered the inside of the bag with sealed notes addressed to 'Sakuragi Hanamichi'. He sighed softly and rubbed the red heads back lovingly. It had been like this the whole day after the kissing incident. Well almost. Mostly guys now replaced the girls who had filled the courts. "C'mon Hana-kun. Let's go." That was where the notes were coming from for him and his Hana-kun. As they walked home Rukawa thought back to this morning and what had happened after he had kissed Hanamichi. Akagi was still in the infirmary.
:Flashback:
"Well, its about time you two came round." Hanamichi's jaw dropped as Ayako cheerfully shook his hand and slapped Rukawa on the shoulder. To say Rukawa was stunned would have been a major understatement. "You guys..." Mitsui nodded. "Yep, we knew it would happen one day. The way you two went at each other it would either be death or bed. Pretty obvious which you guys picked." Rukawa felt a blush to match Sakuragi's rising in his cheeks and he almost stepped forward to pound the senior when a high-pitched voice was heard. "Rukawaaa-saannn!!!" Haruko appeared out of nowhere to glomp onto Rukawa hugging him tightly before releasing him to congratulate Sakuragi who had entered the advanced stage of shock. "Oh Rukawa-san. I'm so glad you and Hana-kun are together! Thanks to the two of you I can now tell the truth!" Beaming at everyone, Haruko pulled a blonde girl to stand beside her. Facing them, she kissed the girl softly and turned to them addressing her brother especially, "This is my girlfriend Shinna Yukatori."
:End Flashback:
They reached the end of the road and paused at the split. "Meet you at the court say about 5?" Rukawa nodded and they split up to return home and bathe. He made a mental to be at Sakuragi's by 4 and this time he would bring what he needed for school tomorrow. Sakuragi jogged back to his house whistling tunelessly much to the neighborhood dog's misery. Upon reaching home he looked at the floor and groaned as he spotted letters and notes with the logo's of other schools on it. "How the hell do they find out so fast? And how do they even get the time to do all this?" As he read through the letters his face turned redder than his hair. "I'm not going through the rest. This is too much," he muttered as he threw all the letters and chocolates away. He cooked and bathed in record time. The doorbell rang at 3.30.
"Hana-kun, do you think we'll always be together?" Unlike Hanamichi, Rukawa had read through all the letters and had promised himself that his Hana-kun would not be stolen from him. He knew who they were and oblivious to his own charms felt a little worried. Sakuragi turned in his lover's embrace and kissed him gently. "Of course kitsune. We'll only be apart if we LET ourselves be. I believe however that although the road ahead isn't easy, if we love each other we'll always be together." Rukawa smiled a beautiful thing that light up his eyes and made Sakuragi's heartbeat faster. "I'm glad, for you are the first to receive my love and I rejoice that it was you. With you I know it is safe." Sakuragi exhaled cuddling closer to his fox, "It is the same for me. Tread softly my love for you tread upon my weary heart that I would lay at your feet as a gesture of my devotion." They passed the night in tender embrace and were late for school the next morning.
Youhei watched Hanamichi and Rukawa together in surprise. He had been on a trip to Kobe for the past week and only just got back. He was surprised true but not overly so. When asked by Sakuragi he had laughed and said, "I had a bet going with the gang. I am now richer by 8000 yen." The two lovers had also taken to sleeping in class to make up for their lack of it at night. Sakuragi would snore like a quiet thunderstorm rattling his desk but did nothing else except for the occasional blush. Since he still passed in his schoolwork, his teacher decided not to risk his life by waking Sakuragi up. Rukawa on the other hand was driving his teacher and class to distraction. Usually a quiet sleeper, Rukawa had begun to talk in his sleep and shift about. It was no secret what he dreamt as his hands would grab the nearest object caressing it as he murmured, "Mmm, do that again..." The teachers and students prudently said nothing and did nothing except avoid being grabbed. Akagi who had recovered from his sister's 'confession' shook his head and scolded them for their behavior. The next few days, the dreams were all along the lines of, "Hahaha, Gori is no more..." and "Hn. Baka Akagi..." Otherwise life proceeded normally at Shohoku High.
"Koshino c'mere a sec! I want to ask you something!" Sendoh gestured wildly at his friend who approached warily. "What is it Sendoh?" Koshino asked suspiciously watching the spiky haired boy carefully. The last time Sendoh had asked a 'favour' he had gotten the crap beaten out of him by the girls karate club. "I just heard something that I want to confirm with you that's all. Are Rukawa Kaede and Sakuragi Hanamichi really a couple?" Koshino blinked then his face stretched into a smile. Now he knew what was going on. Sendoh had been interested in them since their first match against the Shohoku boys' basketball team. "Yeah, it is. You can see them together everywhere nowadays. Their inseparable." Not that anyone was an idiot enough to try in the first place. Sendoh raised an eyebrow in thought, "Hmm, interesting. I wonder.." he trailed off and walked away with an absent wave to Koshino who snorted and left. 'Whatever he's planning it's better not involve me.'
"Oi, baka kitsune wake up!" Rukawa grunted and snaked an arm out to grab Sakuragi. A startled 'oof!' and a comforting weight beside him told him he had succeeded. "Come on kitsune, we have to..mmmf!" Rukawa surged up from his cocoon of blankets and kissed Sakuragi deeply pulling the red head on him as he fell back against the cushions. Sakuragi muttered something about 'insatiable foxes' before succumbing. Rukawa became sulky when he didn't have his way and Sakuragi didn't really want to fight his advances anyway. Once again they were late for school the third time in a row that week. As they stood outside the corridor Sakuragi said under his breath, "This is getting old." 'Whap!' A perfect white rectangle now decorated Sakuragi's face. "No talking! Even out of class!" said the teacher popping outside to retrieve the duster.
Sendoh hummed cheerfully to himself as he studied. In fact he had been humming for the past ten minutes, which wasn't so bad except for the fact that he was tune deaf and studying with Koshino who was contemplating suicide. "Sendoh, stop that awful racket!" Sendoh stopped and shrugged. 'Oh no,' thought Koshino as the spiky haired boy opened his mouth to speak, 'I'm in for it now. Why can't he ever be quiet?' "You know Koshino, you're really cute when you're mad." Koshino froze gripping his textbook tightly and looked up to see Sendoh grinning like a maniac. "Just kidding! Don't get so upset!" Koshino swore under his breath and gave up trying to study. "Sendoh why did you really ask me to stay the night for?" Sendoh grinned triumphantly and Koshino realized he had fallen into the trap of inadvertently offering assistance. "Why Koshino since you asked. There is one thing..." Koshino groaned mentally and promised that this time Sendoh WAS paying his medical bills. After a moment, Koshino's voice rang out dripping disbelief, "You want me to WHAT?!"
Sakuragi yawned wide enough to make his jaw click as he walked home. Rifling through his mail he blinked blearily as he stared at a letter with no postmark or return address in his hand addressed to him and Rukawa. 'Huh, what kinda nut is it this time?' Tossing the rest of the junk mail Sakuragi spotted his second letter of interest for the day. Opening it he read through it, "Aw shit. I can't believe I'm being evicted. Damn, I gotta get a night job." Sakuragi exhaled noisily. Living alone wasn't all fun and games as Sakuragi knew from an early age. His parents had paid a certain amount for a number of years and it looked as if it had run out. Sakuragi didn't really know since he hardly ever touched his parent's stuff after the accident. Sprawling wearily onto the couch, he opened the newspapers and began looking for a cheap apartment and a job.
'Ding Dong!' Sakuragi jerked awake abruptly. "K'so I can't believe I fell asleep! Coming!" The door was opened to reveal Akira Sendoh with his usual cheery grin. "Konbanwa Sakuragi-san. Did you get my letter?" "You sent that letter? Yeah, I got it but I haven't read it yet. I'm waiting for Kaede. Um...Do you want to come in?" Sendoh bounced right in causing Sakuragi to give the Ryonan senior a strange look. "Oh, looking for a job? And a place to stay?" Sakuragi nodded, "Yeah, I live alone as you've noticed. My parents are dead and the lease is expired so I have to find a new place to stay and a job to keep it." Just then the doorbell rang causing Sakuragi to miss the thoughtful look that crossed Sendoh's face.
Rukawa wasn't pleased to see Sendoh in Hanamichi's house. He wasn't pleased at all. "What is he doing here?" Sakuragi picked up the letter and passed it to Rukawa, "I'm not sure but my best bet would be this letter." Opening it this was what they read,
To my dear Hana-kun and Ru-chan,
I hereby challenge both of you to one-on-one. Should either of you lose, I get to take you out on a date. If you win, I won't bother you again.
Lovingly,
Sendoh.
"Aaack! What the hell!" Rukawa crumpled the letter his eyes narrow slits of jealousy and anger at the thought of ANYONE taking his Hana-kun out and the fact that he still hadn't beaten Sendoh in one-on-one yet. Still, neither would back down. They had their pride.
Sendoh smiled as Rukawa stalked into the room. "Konbanwa Rukawa-san. Did you know Hana-kun is looking for a place to stay? I was thinking perhaps that I should offer mine. After all, I live alone so I have a spare guest room." Rukawa gritted his teeth and took all this in a matter of seconds and stated flatly, "He will live with me. About this challenge..." Sendoh immediately took the opening, "Let's raise the stakes a little. If I win, he lives with me. If you win, he lives with you." Sakuragi stared wide-eyed unable to articulate a word. He didn't know how to diffuse the situation and that left him silent. Finally, having no choice Rukawa spoke, "Agreed."
Sendoh turned around as Sakuragi murmured a soft, 'Sendoh-san'. Suddenly his expression shifted and became frighteningly serious and intense. "I do not intend to lose this bet. Please don't dishonor this challenge by refusing to accept it." Sakuragi let out a defeated sigh and nodded tiredly, "Fine, I agree. This Saturday at the court down the street. 10.00 a.m." Sendoh nodded and stood up. "I'm glad the two of you are in agreement. I'll be leaving now. Ja ne." When Sakuragi returned to the living room after seeing Sendoh out, he immediately sank into Rukawa's waiting arms. "Aah, baka kitsune it looks like we've got a serious problem." Rukawa said nothing instead nibbled on his lover's ear. Taking the hint, Sakuragi let the matter of the challenge drop and for the next few hours the only challenges they were thinking of had nothing to do with basketball or Sendoh.
The sun shone brightly lighting up the basketball court, its rays lighting three figures standing there. Sendoh bounced the ball his ever-cheerful smile present as he said, "Okay, who's first?" Inside however, Sendoh was just as nervous. He had spent the whole night before cleaning up his place of the photographs he had Koshino take of Hanamichi and Rukawa in the showers. He wanted Hanamichi to stay with him so badly that he was afraid he might screw up this match. Hanamichi stepped forward, Rukawa moving to stand off to the side. They had agreed that since Hanamichi would probably not be able to defeat Sendoh yet on one-on-one he would go first to tire Sendoh out.
'Swish!' Rukawa's eyes widened fractionally as the ball went through the basket. Hanamichi was gaping as well as they both stared at the sheepish Sendoh who had lost the first point to Hana. "Oi, hentai. You feeling okay?" Hanamichi walked over puzzled. The block should have been easy for someone like Sendoh but he had missed it, his reaction was down. Sendoh plastered his regular grin on his face praying to whatever gods were listening to help him. "Ne, nothing's wrong Hana-KUN. Now that I've evened the odds let's not waste anymore time." Predictably Sakuragi and Rukawa turned red. Sakuragi because he believed Sendoh HAD given him the first shot and Rukawa because Sendoh was referring to his lover so intimately.
As the two played Rukawa watched enjoying the way Sakuragi played. 'He's improved a lot. He's actually lasted against Sendoh for more than ten minutes.' They had set it for fifteen points maximum. Sendoh was leading with ten but surprisingly Sakuragi had managed to score eight. If he hadn't been watching closely, Rukawa would probably have missed it. Hanamichi had just managed to break through Sendoh's defenses but stumbled for no apparent reason. Rukawa shot to his feet immediately. Sakuragi had stumbled because Sendoh had taken the chance to run his hand lightly on Sakuragi's thigh. "Akira Sendoh keep your hands to yourself!" Sendoh turned wide innocent eyes to Rukawa, "I don't know what you mean." Rukawa's face had a very un-Rukawa like expression on it. "I said, keep your hands away from my boyfriend. The bet is off. He's living with me." A shadow suddenly loomed up behind Rukawa a vice like grip was placed on his arm as a voice boomed out, "So! The truth at last!" Rukawa whirled around his eyes wide in horror, "TOUSAN!"
The other two basketball players stood in shocked silence. This hulk of a man was Rukawa's father? The man loomed over Rukawa by at least a head and was twice the size of his son. "So, you lied to me. All those rumors I heard when I came back were true. You are sleeping with another guy." Rukawa gulped, for once in his life wishing he had the gift for words that normally eluded him. "Konnichiwa Rukawa-san. My name is Sakuragi Hanamichi and this is Sendoh Akira. We're friends of Kaede." The piercing gaze shirted from Rukawa to focus on the redhead. "I'm Rukawa Shin. Perhaps you can tell me who corrupted my son?" Hanamichi almost stepped back from the man, the loathing in his voice was like a physical force. Only the firm pressure of Sendoh's hand pressing against his back reminded him not to react and for once he didn't mind the other boy's touch. The man knew that his son's lover was either one of them but they weren't sure if anyone had described Hanamichi to him.
Finally honesty won out. Sakuragi shifted uncomfortably and mumbled, "I am Kaede's boyfriend..." He didn't finish as he suddenly found himself sprawled on the ground, his head ringing. "Your relationship to Rukawa is ended here and now. I don't want you near him again. Rukawa will be coming with me to the States in two weeks." The startled exclamation from Rukawa proved that the dark haired boy known nothing about his father's decision. "Tousan! You can't! There's a match in two weeks..." "Urusai! I'm not leaving you here to be perverted anymore. I thought it was safe to leave you here alone but I was wrong. I will speak to your headmaster tomorrow about your changing of schools." Hanamichi listened struggling to stand. 'Man, that guy is strong!' he thought then realized that blood was in his eye. "Hana-kun!" Rukawa knelt in front of Hanamichi wiping the blood away as he checked the wound in his lover's scalp.
"Nani-" Rukawa felt a blow to his head and sank unconscious into his father's grip. Carrying his son, Shin cast a last disgusted at Hanamichi before turning and leaving the two boys behind. Sendoh retrieved his water bottle and towel and cleaned Hanamichi's wounds. For once his face was completely serious. There was no spark of mischievousness in his eyes. "Are you alright Hanamichi? I think a stone or the ring he was wearing got your head." Hanamichi kept quiet and stared unnerving Sendoh. Finally he closed his eyes his tall frame seemed to sag giving him a tired air. "Yah I'm fine. Thanks...Akira." Sendoh was surprised. The match had yielded some very unexpected if mostly unpleasant surprises. Looking straight at Sendoh, Hanamichi managed a small grin. "Looks like you've got a new housemate." Sendoh raised an eyebrow and helped the red headed boy up. Definitely unexpected.
Sakuragi walked into the room and turned watching as Sendoh shut the door and indicated where to go. Entering the living room he looked around noted the immaculate surroundings and walked towards the far end where several photographs were on the TV. He picked up one that showed Sendoh with his family at the age of six. 'Hmm, that hair must have contributed a lot to the birthing pains.' The next few were of Sendoh at different ages all with his family. The later ones also depicted a young baby girl whom Sakuragi assumed was Sendoh's imouto. The last photograph was of Sendoh sometime recently apparently on holiday with his family at the beach. Picking it up Sakuragi smiled wistfully wondering what it would be like to grow up in a proper family. He frowned when he realised there was something sticking out behind the frame and opened it to put it back in. Out fell a photo of him and Rukawa sitting together smiling at each other. He recognised the place and time it had been taken. Putting the frame back he pocketed the picture and went into the kitchen where Sendoh was cooking and humming to himself. He stared for a minute as the Ryonan's star player literally bounced around the small kitchen in a frilly pink apron over his shorts and T-shirt humming the theme song from Nadeisco. Sakuragi desperately wished he had a camera right now bringing him back to the point.
"Sendoh can I speak to you for a moment?" The spiky haired boy turned quickly at the sound of Hanamichi's voice and slipped, arms flailing wildly. Sakuragi caught him in time and snorted, "That's real graceful Sendoh. Can't wait to see that on the courts." He released the other boy who had regained his balance and withdrew the photo holding in front of Sendoh's face. "How did you get this?" Sendoh stared for a moment before narrowing his eyes and said sharply losing his characteristic smile, "You were messing around with my things." Sakuragi glared at him, "No, I wasn't. I was looking at the family photographs you had and this was sticking out of the backing. Now tell me Sendoh Akira before I beat you into the ground. How did you get this photograph?!" Sakuragi had always been explosive but the icy chill and low growl was something new. He was really upset that someone had invaded his privacy and Rukawa's and even taken pictures. He had never felt more furious in his life. Sendoh put his hands in front of him in a gesture of surrender, "A friend of mine did. I..I wanted a picture of the two of you together so I asked him to get me one." Sakuragi glared hard at Sendoh his eyes burning before blinking and cooling down. Sendoh raised an eyebrow in surprise. He never knew Sakuragi could control his emotions so well. "Koshino took the pictures right? Sendoh you've got to stop using him like that. It's gonna hurt your friendship." The number of fiasco's Koshino had been involved in the name of Sendoh was very well-known to most of schools.
"Aaahh..." was all Sendoh could say at this unexpected change of topic. A smell wafted from the kitchen making Sendoh jump as if he'd been burned. "The food!!!" Sakuragi shook his head and left the frantic Sendoh to save his cooking. He kept the picture having no intention of returning it. The picture had been of a very private moment between the lovers. Sakuragi's mind turned back to the other topic that bothered him. Rukawa Shin, Kaede's father. Obviously the man was homophobic but what lengths would he go to keep them apart? Hanamichi had no intention of finding out but Kaede could be less than cooperative at times. He sighed rubbing his neck tiredly and gave up for the moment. He had to think about getting a job soon. Now that he was going to live with Sendoh he had to make money to pay the rent. "Saved! Come on Hanamichi, dig in!" The aroma of the food wafted over to the redhead making his mouth water. Sitting down he began to eat ravenously shoving the food into his mouth at the speed of light. Pretty soon the food was finished and Hanamichi insisted on helping with the cleaning up. "I'll wash and you dry. If I'm staying I must pull my weight around here. Nobody calls Sakuragi Hanamichi a freeloader." Sendoh grinned and said, "How about Sano?" Hanamichi stared uncomprehending for a moment before remembering the popular anime Rurouni Kenshin and the rurouni's freeloading friend Sanosuke. "Teme! How dare you insult the Tensai!" Splashing water at Sendoh who retaliated by snapping the dishtowel they were soon giggling madly and the downstairs neighbor had come up to complain they were making too much noise.
Rukawa woke up feeling absolutely crap. There was a throbbing in his head that made thinking impossible. Sitting up he looked around his room realising his current situation. This was his room yes, that would prove that he was in his house but this room had been uninhabited by him since his seventh birthday. The recent hours flooded back to his brain and his sleepiness vanished as he yanked his room door open to nearly scare the passing maid to death. "Where's my father?" The maid stuttered a reply and he left giving her a curt nod. Reaching the study doors he lifted his hand to knock when he heard his father speaking on the other side. "Yes I want you to make sure he stays away. No I don't care if you rough him up or if it's permanent just make sure it can't be traced back here. Fine. You've been paid a large sum of money Jin. I expect positive results." The sound of the phone clicking back into its receiver prompted Kaede to knock before his father opened the door and found him there. "Come in." Kaede opened the door and closed it his mask of indifference falling into place even though he was a mess inside with worry and anxiety. The elder Rukawa's lips stretched into a smile as he indicated Kaede should sit. "I'm glad you're awake. How does it feel to be back home? We can shift your things tomorrow."
Kaede couldn't believe his father's impudence. He was 17 dammit and had been living alone for more than eight years of his life. Now his father came back and expected to pick up where he left off? HE didn't even ask whether he was willing to come back. "I like my loft. I prefer to continue to stay there. Tousan, why have you come back?" Shin stilled the smile fading as he heard his son's quiet but firm voice. "I wasn't ASKING you to come back Kaede. I want you here where I can keep that pervert away from you." Kaede felt his anger overriding his "could" sense as he opened his mouth to say angrily, "He is not a pervert! Hana-kun is a great guy! He's the only one who really understood me and I'm not letting you or anyone take him from me!" The last was punctuated with his fist slamming into the desk. Shin stared at his son coldly and said through gritted teeth, "I'm going to let this incident slide Kaede because I blame myself for not being here to teach you the right way. However if you continue with your foolishness that boy will bear the consequences. You are moving back into the house and will cease to see that boy. I'll be changing you to Ryonan High School. I hear their basketball team is also very good so you should enjoy it." So saying, Kaede's father bent his head to his work again silently dismissing his fuming son.
Kaede climbed over the fence and hit the pavement running. First thing he did was stop by his loft to pick up his legal documents, bankbook and essentials. He then wrote a note and stuck it on the front door stating that he was going to be gone for an uncertain period of time. Making sure the place was securely sealed; he took a bus and got off three blocks from Hanamichi's house. He wasn't going to the house instead he was looking for Youhei's. He had been there once and remembered the street but had fallen asleep before they had reached the house and awakened at the front door. A hand on his shoulder caused him to whirl round fearing his father had caught him and felt relief wash through him as he came face-to-face with Youhei. "Hey Rukawa what are you doing here? Hana's house is three blocks down." Hanamichi's best friend regarded the agitated boy before him. This wasn't the Rukawa Kaede that he knew even after getting together with his best friend and he was concerned. "You guys didn't have a fight or nothin' right? I mean, you just seemed so well...perfect together." Youhei felt uncomfortable his cheeks reddening as he spoke. He never said things like this before. Kaede just ignored it and floored Youhei completely with his next words. "I'm moving in with you."
Rukawa calmly unpacked his clothes into the drawers while Youhei babbled frantically. "You can't seriously be thinking about staying here. I mean, Hanamichi would be your first choice right? I thought you had a loft anyway? Why me?" The last came out as a plaintive wail. Since everyone knew Hanamichi and Kaede were going together, he had gotten some curious looks and some disapproving ones from his family members. His youngest sister, 7 years old, had even told him that it wasn't nice to steal his best friend's boyfriend. "Do you know how this is gonna affect my family? Me? Does Hanamichi KNOW you're here anyway?" Youhei hadn't been privy to the fact that Hanamichi's house was being revoked yet as he hadn't been out lately. Too much detention. However it just wasn't his day as he got the second shock of the day, "Hana-kun is moving in with Sendoh." Youhei's jaw dropped to the floor as he watched Rukawa convey this bit of information without the slightest hint of jealousy or anger. Keeping quiet he mulled over this news storm clouds gathering in his eyes and attacked the moment Kaede faced him.
"What the hell is going on?!" he practically shrieked in frustration. "Why are you HERE and Hana with that...that...GUY?" Kaede snorted in annoyance and muttered, "I'll tell you later." Curling up on the futon he fell asleep instantly with Youhei gaping at him and fighting the urge to strangle the sleeping guest. "Fine, later then. But you two better tell me what's going on soon." Youhei went to his own room and lay on his bed with a sigh and worried frown. He wasn't really upset about being kept in the dark about these things but he was afraid for Hanamichi. The redhead's background was dark and even he knew very little but enough to make him sick knowing what Hanamichi had to grow up with. Now with things so happy for his friend he was afraid that like all less than luster pasts, Hana's would come back to haunt him. Youhei tossed restlessly his mind working overtime remembering their first meeting. The look in Hanamichi's eyes then was something scary. It was a futile look, the look one had when there was no hope and you had resigned yourself to that fate. Things had become better for his friend after Youhei's family had taken him in and cared for him. Giving up any pretense of sleep he phoned the only other person he knew who might be willing to talk. "Hello, Koshino? It's me Youhei."
Koshino and Youhei left the fast food restaurant and took the bus to Sendoh's house. Checking his watch, Youhei realized it was only 4.30 in the afternoon. It felt like ages. "Youhei! Koshino! What brings you here?" Sendoh smiled cheerfully and ushered them in as Sakuragi walked out of the shower dressed in Sendoh's clothes. "Youhei! What are you doing here? Are you okay? Is something wrong? Is it the kitsune or the gang?" Youhei opened his mouth to answer when the doorbell rang again this time yielding Rukawa Kaede who nodded a curt greeting to everyone before firmly seating himself beside Hanamichi on the two seater. Koshino cleared his throat. "Alright three of you. Youhei and I happen to be best friends with two of you so we would kindly like to know what the hell is going on." Sakuragi's grinned at Koshino's look of annoyance and felt a brief flash himself for the photographs but dismissed it. Still... "I wouldn't be so vocal if I were you Koshino. What would your mother say if she knew you were playing the peeping tom game on me and Kaede with a zoom lens camera too." Koshino sweat beaded while Youhei and Kaede's expressions were one of horror and surprise. "Sakuragi you wouldn't!" Koshino winced thinking a about the lecture he got after being reported for taking pictures of the girl's swim team, basketball team, gymnastics team, karate club... and it wasn't even for his pleasure! His father said it meant it was healthy but if he were ever caught spying on two guys.... Koshino shuddered. His mother was already chasing him with the broom on a regular basis thanks to Sendoh.
"My father has returned from overseas after and absence of 14 years. He's trying to break Hana-kun and I up." Kaede laced his fingers with Hana's who squeezed and picked up the thread of the story. "Basically we had a bet with Sendoh involving one-on-one. If we won I lived with Rukawa and if I lost I lived with Sendoh. I'm being evicted and I can't afford to pay for a house anyway. With Ru-koi's dad back I just kinda moved into Sendoh's place by default. Now that I think about it though, I could come live with you Youhei." Youhei snorted, "Nope, Rukawa just moved into the guest room this morning. I STILL don't know why though." Hanamichi had a very bad feeling beginning to form in the pit of his stomach as he looked at his lover askance. "My father wanted me to return to the old house. I ran away. No one is taking you away from me Hanamichi." Hanamichi smiled lovingly at his mate beside him letting everyone see his softer side for a moment before it changed into concern. "But your father will definitely come looking for you, won't he? And he might actually take preventive measures to keep me away from you." Rukawa sighed and replied stonily, "He already has. I heard him talking to someone about making sure you stay away and not caring if you injured permanently or not. Some guy named Jin." Koshino frowned, "Jin the basketball player?" A sound from Hanamichi drew their attention to him and what they saw frightened them. He was pressed at the end of the couch away from anyone shaking, eyes wide with fear and all the blood gone from his face. "No," he whispered softly as they strained to hear, "Jinpaki the Jailer."
Everyone sat in silence as Hanamichi curled up in Kaede's arms head buried in the crook of his lover's neck. He had panicked for a moment when Kaede had gripped his arm but calmed down soon after. He was still shaking and Rukawa could feel the tremors running through the body he held. Youhei and the others looked as worried as Rukawa felt and for once his face was openly expressing his worry. Hanamichi had been like that for fifteen minutes unable to face anyone just clutching at Rukawa's shirt as if afraid he would be parted from his love. "Itoshii, please you have to tell us what's going on. Do you know this Jinpaki guy? Please Hana-kun talk to us. You're scaring me." The soft admission from Rukawa made Sakuragi shudder and the redhead stiffened his shoulders and looked up but still didn't release his grip on Rukawa's shirt. "He's the one wasn't he Hanamichi? When we met as kids you were talking about him weren't you?" Hanamichi let out a whimper as he stared wide eyed at Youhei his eyes bright with fear even as he nodded slowly. Closing his eyes he seemed to steel himself. The eyes which looked out at them were completely different from anything they'd seen. A broken, abused look lurked there overshadowed by fear and submission. No one could believe this was Sakuragi Hanamichi. "It was when my parents died..."
Past:
'Ding Dong!' Hanamichi scrambled to open the door. His guardian, Mrs. Kiichi was taking her afternoon nap and if she woke up he would be in for the beating of his life. Opening the door he looked up and stuttered out, "Mrs. Kiichi i..is sl..sleeping sir." The man who was dressed in a light grey suit looked down at the young boy staring at him nervously and smiled liking what he saw. His hard blue eyes glittered as he leaned down invading the boy's private space making Sakuragi step back nervously. "And what's your name boy?" Hanamichi resisted the urge to slam the door shut in this strange man's face and run away. For some reason this man made him afraid but he couldn't go anywhere. If the man came back later and complained to his guardian things would get worse. "S..Sakuragi Han...Hanamichi," he answered softly feeling his fear grow as the man's smile widened. "My name is Jinpaki Shigure, Hanamichi. You can call me Jin-san though." Hanamichi nodded and began to close the door anyway. The man was really creeping him out. "Ah..ah..your guardian said I could come in and wait for her if she was asleep when I come. Well aren't you going to let me in?" Hanamichi had no choice not wanting to risk it and let Jinpaki in.
Jinpaki watched the boy scurry into the kitchen and felt desire curl in him like a coiling whip. This boy would certainly make good entertainment. With hair that rare red, pouty lip and those big frightened eyes he would attract a lot of attention. Jinapaki smirked to himself pleased that he had the 'break them in himself' policy. Hanamichi returned with a glass of tea and placing it on the table muttered softly about making himself comfortable while he went to see if Mrs.Kiichi was up. As Hanamichi turned the bruise on Hanamichi's cheekbone completely undid Jinpaki. Grabbing the boy by his arm he quickly hauled the red-head into his arms and kissed him thoroughly while his other hand roved feverishly over the young body beneath him. Hanamichi was too shocked to move at first but that soon wore off. Struggling he bit Jinpaki's lip and tried to cry for help but the breath whooshed out of his lungs as Jinapki sent him sprawling to the floor. Pushing himself up he tried to run only find himself pinned to the floor by a pair of strong arms and a tie wrapped around his mouth gagging him. He twisted frantically trying to get away but was slapped until he was dizzy and couldn't move tears streaming steadily down his face. Finally he felt a searing pain and he screamed through the gag as he felt himself being violated and again tried to break free but stopped halfway as Jinpaki began to pump into him heedless of the blood streaming down his thighs making him writhe in agony until he finally came within Hanamichi. Getting up he then noticed the blood, "Whoops, guess you'll need a doctor kid," and left to clean himself up.
Hanamichi curled up on the floor lost in a haze of pain sobbing so hard his body shook. Jinpaki's lips curled into a satisfied smile. A couple more times and some mental conditioning and Hanamichi would be ready for Jinpaki's underground pleasure house. Just then a noise came from upstairs and Jinpaki looked up to see Mrs.Kiichi come down. "Ahh, Jessica dear. I've decided to let your debts slide being the kind soul I am but onlyin return for a favour." Mrs.Kiichi saw the huddled form of Sakuragi on the floor and felt a flash of pity but it was overshadowed by her relief that she wouldn't have to pay her debts. Smiling coyly she nodded, "You can have him. Just make sure he doesn't get out on the streets. His hair's a bloody beacon." Jinpaki smild and bowed, "I knew we would meet an agreement. In fact, here's another million. Go anywhere but DON'T come back here understand?" The deal was done and Jinpaki knelt over Sakuragi who cried out in fear when Jinpaki touched him. "You're coming with me Hana-chan. I'll teach you all you need to know on how to earn your keep." Hanamichi's eyes swirled with panic and overwhelming fear for this monster before him. "Remember Hanamichi, this is your first lesson. I am your master, you belong to me. Do whatever I want you to and you won't get hurt. This really didn't have to hurt do badly but your struggling made it so. You only have yourself to blame." Fire flared in the young boy's eyes., "S'not my fault..." A sharp backhand shut him up. "Don't talk back to me. If I say its your fault then it is. You better learn your place soon."
Hanamichi sat on the silk coverlet waiting for the next customer to in. The collar around his neck kept him chained to the bed. His hair had grown to shoulder length over the year and he wore nothing but a sheer white shirt. The door opened but he didn't lift his eyes until he was told to. Jinpaki had been very strict in his training and he was the master. "Well, well...Looks like you did well tonight my pet. I knew you'd make the perfect whore when I saw you a year ago and I was right. Since you've been so obedient I'm going to reward you." Joining Hanamichi in the center of the bed he stroked the boy's face. "Who is your master firecracker?" Hanamichi answered submissively as trained, "You are master Jinpaki." "What are you then?" Again Hanamichi answered automatically, "I am your slave master Jinpaki." The hand suddenly gripped Sakuragi's hair tightly and dragged him down, "Then please your master slave." Locking away his emotions, Hanamichi let the unthinking, uncaring side of him take over as he lived through his private hell. When the chance for escape came he almost didn't take it. Jinpaki had taken him to a customer's house and stopped by a shop on the way back. He had left Hanamichi outside ordering the boy not to go anywhere. He stood there silently until another boy, dark haired bumped into him. "Oh! I'm so sorry! My name's Youhei. What's yours?"
Present:
"Youhei's elder sister who was about 15 at the time came up and saw me. She saw the collar on my neck and immediately called Mito-san, Youhei's father. They had a big argument with Jinpaki and threatened to take him to court. He didn't think it was worth it so he let me go. I haven't seen or heard from him..until...now." Sakuragi sat there staring at the floor as the others stared at everything except him unable to connect the abused and hurting child in the tale to their boisterous and sunny friend Hanamichi. Only Youhei could however but even he was horrified at the extent of pain Hanamichi had gone through. One year. It was amazing that the boy was still sane. Koshino felt ashamed now for taking the pictures just as Sendoh felt lower than dirt for wanting them in the first place. Knowing what Hanamichi had borne for a year alone not even ten years old yet struck them deeply. A newfound respect blossomed then for the boy who had borne so much pain yet turned out into a great friend to have. Rukawa was radiating anger and compassion so hard it was almost physical. Nobody knew what to say as they sat there in silence. Finally Rukawa reached out a hesitant touch, "Hana-kun, itoshii. You have us now. We won't let anyone hurt you ever again. I promise." Hanamichi felt the walls around his past collapsing and he shuddered letting out a sob. Rukawa immediately wrapped his arms around him whispering comforting words. Everyone looked away from the couple tears streaming down their faces to match Kaede's and Hanamichi's as the redhead cried for innocence lost. The boy who had been forced to grow up too quickly and therefore had never grown up at all.
Jinpaki watched the house silently and followed as Shin's son left. He shook his head at the naiveté of the boy. Did he really think that just because he didn't see anyone of his father's employ following him he was safe? Jinpaki knew that placing a watch over the boy would pay off. Now following the boy to his quarry he couldn't help but admire Rukawa Kaede thinking about what a lovely price he would fetch. But even that wasn't enough. Kaede may have Hanamichi for a lover but he obviously had never seen the redhead at his best. Jinpaki felt lust surge through him as he remembered the sultry eyes and pouty lips curved into a seductive smile. He thought about the silky red hair he always grasped when having Hanamichi and almost lost Kaede at the next corner. Finally arriving at a house, Jinpaki waited five minutes after Shin's son entered then went to the window where the voices were clearest. As he listened to Hanamichi describing his past, Jinpaki smiled to himself planning the best way to get Hanamichi to come with him willingly.
Once they left, he listened as the spiky haired boy spoke to Hanamichi. They planned to go to Hana's place tomorrow to pick up some stuff but Sendoh needed to stop by his auntie's and would be late. Hanamichi reassured that he would be fine at that they would meet there because he needed to go for a job interview as well. Jinpaki left then his blood singing as he went to prepare to give Hanamichi a house welcome he never forgot. Hanamichi yawned and settled down on the couch for a nap burrowing his face into the pillow that smelled of Rukawa. His lover and best friend had left for home after assuring themselves that he would be all right. Hanamichi had pushed aside all those emotions and locked them away just as he had as a child and was finally able to give them the assurance they needed. Koshino was waiting for Sendoh in the kitchen. They had a lot to talk about in Hanamichi's opinion. He hoped Sendoh would see how ridiculous he was being subconsciously avoiding Koshino's love just because he was afraid to ruin their friendship. He had seen it happen between Kogure and Mitsui and those two had nearly lost each other. The quiet voices lulled him into sleep, secure that people who cared about him were nearby.
Youhei and Rukawa were silent all the way back to the house. Once they were in Youhei's room Rukawa began his flow of questions. "Why didn't he see a therapist? To get help for the trauma?" "Back then we were new here and tousan had just landed a job. Kasaan was not well and we still had to go to school. There was almost not enough money to feed ourselves. We barely scraped by." Rukawa nodded silently acknowledging Youhei's answer as he dwelled on another question, "How did Hana-kun make it by? He said he lived with you for two years then went back to his house." Youhei coughed uncomfortably and blushed unable to meet the other boy's eyes. He didn't know if Hanamichi would be pleased but sneaking a glance at Rukawa's steady stare he knew there was no chance in hell he was escaping the question. "Hanamichi... worked. He did errands in the evening after school and... entertained at night." Youhei fell silent praying to Kami-sama that Rukawa would leave it. He didn't know how the other boy was going to handle hearing that his lover had re-entered prostitution willingly to not only survive but help Youhei's family pay off their debts. He felt indebted to Hanamichi and just didn't know how his best friends enigmatic lover would react upon hearing this next part off Hana's life. "He went back didn't he? To selling himself. I thought he hated it..." Youhei leaped in before Rukawa could get angry. "He did it to survive. No one would help him and my family was in debt. He did it for us. Please don't be mad at Hana-kun. It would kill him to lose you." Youhei babbled on not noticing that Rukawa just sat there quietly taking it all in.
Finally Youhei stopped out of breath and looked pleadingly at Rukawa. He felt relief blossom within when he saw no anger or disgust in the eyes so important to his best friend. Rukawa nodded then said in his quiet voice but this time set in steel, "Tell me." Youhei nodded, "My father was working hard but we still lacked money to buy things like food and clothes. When Hanamichi joined us it made things harder. My mother borrowed money and tried not to let Hana know but he found out somehow. Soon he began bringing back large amounts of money at the end of the week and giving them to my mom. He told her it was from a rich uncle whom he would be accompanying after school until late at night. He told her he wasn't staying with the uncle because the uncle was sick and didn't want him to catch it. She believed him because she needed the money so desperately to pay the debts and buy stuff for us. I didn't buy it though and one day I followed him. He began by doing normal stuff. Raking leaves, sending packages that kind of thing. At about six he walked to the red light district and enter this club called Youngling. I watched from a dirty alley window outside and was shocked to see his kneeling and pleasuring this guy. It went on all night. He did all sorts of stuff including crossdressing and dancing on the mainstage in the bar. There were other boys there about the same age. The only difference between him and them was that they were chained. At about twelve he left. I slipped and he spotted me. He made me promise never to tell anyone. I never did until now."
Rukawa felt an ache in his chest so intense that he found it difficult to breathe even. His Hana-kun had been through so much, lost so much but no one had ever known. He suspected that if Jinpaki hadn't threatened again it would have remained that way. "How long did he work for?" Youhei sighed sadly, "He stopped a year before joining the basketball team. Now he's still looking for decent employ unwilling to go back there again. His hair is shorter than before but he was one of the best they had and he knows if he goes back there is no escape for him." For a moment there was silence before Youhei leaned back and spoke almost speculatively, "He used to have nightmares you know. But his were silent, still nightmares. I would wake up sometimes and see him crying silently in his sleep as he grit his teeth to be quiet and trembled to stop his body convulsing. In his sleep! Goddammit he couldn't even get any peace while he slept! After awhile however he stopped. At least I think so."
Rukawa felt tears run down his face making hot tracks. Youhei was wrong, wrong about the nightmares. His lover still had them but he had become adept at hiding them. He remembered waking to feel a slight shiver run through his lover's body before the red head would wake up muttering about needing the toilet. He thought about the time he found the pillow soaked with tears and the cold feeling on Hana's skin waking him in the middle of the night. Rukawa felt a steady flame of anger growing within him and soon it became an inferno. He swore to himself to protect Hanamichi from harm no matter what and pity on those who did try.