Author's Notes: This is a fic I did for last year's RuSen day. I have no plans of revising any part of it. I like it the way it is.
To the AxKML, this is for all of you. Also, to Heiko and Aki-neesama, thanks for the inspiration. Sapphi-nee and Kim-nee, thanks for letting me know you're always there. And to Chache-sama, my love RuSen/SenRu is deep and so is my respect for you. I wish you all the best in your writings. I am one of your biggest fans.
Disclaimers: Slam Dunk isn't mine. It belongs to the great Inoue-sama.
Zutto
If I were to use three words to describe myself, it would be cold, uncaring, and unfeeling.
Though I don't like to admit it, it is true. Everyone sees me as a person full of… coldness. No one dared to befriend me. But you did. And I was happy.
Do you remember that day? It was just an ordinary Saturday morning when you approached me with that goofy smile of yours. It really irritated me so much, now that I think about it. But it didn't even bother you that my glare tried to kill you.
That's when it started. Two people playing against each other, basketball bouncing hard against the concrete land, eyes burning with passion. We didn't care if we were all sweaty. We still continued playing. And, as usual, you'd win and extend your hand to shake mine.
"Nice game, ne Rukawa-kun?"
Then I'd sigh and roll my eyes and just ignore you and walk away. For countless times, you'd just smile and let me go but there was a time when you reprimanded me from going away.
"Hey. You are so unfair."
That caught my attention.
"And why?"
"Because you don't respond to my statement."
I sighed.
"Fine. It was a nice game. Are you happy now?"
You chuckled.
And, from then on, I knew we'd be friends.
The simple wrestling in the couches, coffee after a basketball game… everything seemed to be special whenever I was with you. Everything turned out to be smooth for both of us. But there was one problem. Just one.
I fell in-love with you.
You hated guy to guy relationships that's why I kinda gave you space. I didn't want to ruin our friendship anyway.
But there came one day that you just had to fall in-love with Fujima Kenji.
It hurt me so much when you told me that you loved him. But I had to accept it. You'll never love me. But knowing that you're happy kinda takes away the pain.
It has been seven years since you and Kenji-san got together. The road was rocky at times, but you've managed to drive through. And now, as I stand behind both of you, the sun sets before us, the colors of the sky entwined with each other, serving as a perfect epitome of an everlasting relationship.
I slowly walk away from both of you and sigh inwardly.
Love isn't always fair, neither is it predictable. You'll never know hen you'll fall in-love. But, once you do, you'll know you'll love that person forever.
I love you, Akira. So much. And though you won't ever love me the same way, I'll still be here for you, your brother, your best friend…
… Your Kaede…
… Always…
Author's Notes: Wow. I can't believe I did a solo RuSen. I hope it didn't suck that much. Please R&R!
Disclaimers: Slam Dunk and its characters aren't mine. They belong to Inoue-sama.
9:14p
30Oct03