Ange: So this is my first venture into this series even though I started reading the manga. It's more an introspective drabble than anything else. So enjoy?
The Waltz of the Game
It was off season for Rukawa Kaede and the absence of basketball made him throb with want for it.
-
And so he would often find himself watching recorded games of NBA and college basketball, trying to live vicariously through them.
-
With all the intensity of the competition it was strangely ethereal-
-
…poetic even.
-
During the game there's a point where time slows down and the shouts of the crowd becomes muted. Rukawa can barely scrounge up the feeling for it has been so long, but it's there, floating just beyond his senses, urging him to grasp it and experience it once more.
-
The hours he spent practicing, having skirmishes between team mates leads up to this moment. And then everyone is there, with him, experiencing the same feeling.
-
Rukawa could remember it all, the turmoil of emotions as sweat seeped out his every pore.
-
Attacked with out of body movements he'd race, or rather glide to the destination- to the goal.
-
He could see everything before it happens and like a game of chess, make his move.
-
Watched by spectators, he is judged, hackled, perhaps even cheered on each time he advanced or fell back.
-
Even if he didn't have the ball, they were attuned to his every move, hungry for the relief only he could grant them.
-
Another score, he could grant them that at least.
-
But Rukawa was not playing for them. Not for his coach nor his team mates.
-
Only for himself.
-
Always.
-
The surge of adrenaline is what he lived for. And then the uneasy acid that rumbles in his stomach beforehand denies him the pleasure of calmness so much so that eating is impossible.
-
The other didn't know. To them he was perfection.
-
It is only on this polished field of wood was his mind and body in sync. They moved in unison with each other, making up for what the other lacks.
-
Time and time again he would begin this dance. At times a quick foxtrot or a dangerous tango and other times slowing down to a heated waltz with a like minded opponent.
-
Hand outstretched.
-
Stepping on toes.
-
This ugly dance.
-
This beautiful synchrony of movement.
-
But Rukawa would keep the hostile closeness between a reluctant dance partner.
-
They both wanted to lead but only the victor gets that privilege, carrying the orange prized possession in hand.
-
This game is more than talent.
-
More than raw ability.
-
Rater it is something more, something deeper- much deeper.
-
No matter how hard he tried nothing else compares to it.
-
And so Rukawa will find himself yearning for the season to start up again.
-
If only to begin the dance anew.
A/N: Reviews please?