Disclaimers: I don't own Slam Dunk. I am not making money out of this, so please don't sue. No copyright infringement intended.

Author's Notes: I should've posted this way back in August last year, but I was still uncertain if I could juggle three fics--*two* arcs (this one, and Temper of Heart--Loving Koshino) and one really major multipart fic (Slam Dunk 02, in the crossover section). But I couldn't resist. 'sides, I found out that I have almost one month summer vacation, so... *beams* This is another SenKosh fic (my favorite pairing alongside 1x2x1). Please tell me what you think! ^___^

The Guy in Between (from Two Lovers Arc)
by AJ Maxwell

Prologue: Ikari

It was a humid summer night.

I woke up panting, my thin pajama top soaked in sweat, and my pajama bottom stained with something other than my perspiration.

I gingerly got up, and put on my glasses. I peeled away the dirty covers and sheets from the bed and dumped them on the floor with one hand, my other hand busy with holding the front of my pajama bottoms away from my skin. I walked towards the bathroom that I share with my brother. I'll clean up first, and then I'll wash the sheets and my clothes right after. No point in setting them aside for tomorrow, when I'm sure I won't be getting any more sleep after tonight's dream.

I stepped inside the adjacent bathroom, its cool tiles jolting my feet from their biting temperature, or is it that my feet are just still too warm?

It must be my feet, after all, it was a very graphic dream, not to mention the surround-sound quality it took. They're driving me crazy, these dreams. Every night I could almost feel his lips on mine, my hands all over his smooth, supple skin. And his tight, velvety warmth--molten lava warmth--sheathed around me...his sweet breath coming out in heavy gasps, caressing my neck, his tongue snaking out to tickle my ear, to catch errant drops of sweat, to war with mine...and his voice--his voice thick with wanting, whispering, screaming my name...

I placed my glasses beside the sink and quickly splashed cold water on my face. Just what I need...

After washing my face and cleaning myself up, I stepped into the walk-in closet to change, but another sound made me stop.

It came from my brother's room.

I flattened my ear on his room's door, trying to decipher what noise I was hearing. And there it was again, that creaking of bedsprings. Worry felt like ice in my veins. Is Akira all right?

I carefully turn the knob, quietly opening the door. It was a bit dark, but the full moon's silver light made it faster for my eyes to adjust. I had to squint, though. It was only then that I missed the familiar weight of my glasses on the bridge of my nose.

Another creak, another strangled moan. I almost leaped to him, frantically shook him awake, but something glued me to my place. There was something that teased at the back of my mind, something familiar.

I decided to wait.

Akira's movements were more unconstrained now. He kept tossing and turning, and, as I looked on with my jaw on the floor, started thrusting in the air.

I blinked, and blushed. I shouldn't be seeing this. Akira and I may be very close, but this is just too personal.

I began to close the door as he turned on his stomach and started thrusting frenziedly against the mattress. I certainly DO NOT have to see this. Well, at least I'm sure he's okay.

The hentai Akira, as Hiroaki would call him whenever they have another bickering session. Rather, Hiroaki bickered, while my brother practically strained his muscles from grinning. This made me smile. No two people could oppose each other like they could--

"Hiro-kun!"

The passionate shout pierced through the summer air, pierced through wooden doors, shooting down the smile on my face. It was a bit muffled, but it was loud enough, clear enough.

Hiro-kun.

"M-masaka..." I breathed.

I imagined my brother getting up, wincing at the mess he made, but grinning widely as he remembered his dream of his Hiro-kun. I could only see it too well.

The sound of his footsteps padding toward the bathroom door alarmed me. Akira shouldn't see me here! He should never know!

I raced to my room, careful not to make any sound. As I noiselessly closed the door, I heard him open his bathroom door. He stepped inside, whistling softly. I closed my eyes, and breathed a sigh of relief.

So, Akira also likes Hiroaki.

I felt threatened, but I shouldn't be. It only made sense for the two of us to like him. Hiroaki's been our best friend for twelve years now, and the two of us had always been drawn to him somehow ever since I can remember.

I opened my eyes, and made my way to my bed.

I understood my brother completely.

It was then that I noticed my blurred vision. I left my glasses beside the sink!

Too late now. I'll come back for it later in the morning.

I settled into my bed, avoiding the wet spot.

I understood Akira's liking for Hiroaki, but it better stay only that--liking--no more.

He better not stand in my way.

Finished August 5, 2002.
Revised: April 1, 2003