Fallen

Author: Banana-kun

Ratings: G

Pairings: SenRuSen

Disclaimer: I do not own Slam Dunk or any of its components. Sue me for all you like but I can assure you that you'll get no more than a rotten basketball sock.

Author's note: The story to 'Entwined' and 'Because I know'.

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Dare I ask you to look into my eyes?

To see the longing, want and fear within?

Would you care so much as to let me hold you?

To feel my ardor, love and tremors?

Kaede was everything he had and the only thing he had. The silent man never said anything passionate to him, but every move of his assured that his feelings were not unrequited.

When had he realized that he needed him?

Was it the first time when their vision interlocked?

Blue to blue.

Warm, laughing eyes. Cold, piercing gaze.

The start.

Was it the time when Rukawa asked him out for a game?

Hot sweat. Panting.

Cursing. Laughing.

The development.

Was it the time when Minami injured Rukawa?

Pain. Worry.

The realization.

"A penny for your thought," The quiet voice inquired.

"Ne, Kaede, was just thinking about us," Sendoh replied, pulling Rukawa into his embrace. Both of them curled on the couch, reveling in each other's warmth.

"Why?"

Rukawa eyed him, confusion in his eyes, "Huh?"

"I mean, why did you, I mean, you know," Sendoh searched for words, his eloquence lost in the intent blue gaze of his love. The slender man chuckled softly, "No, I don't know, why don't you just tell me?"

"Aye, I was wondering why you wanted to be with me…"

"Dare I take it to understand that the famous Sendoh Akira isn't confident of his charms?" Rukawa whispered, a smile tugging at his lips. Lost in the sparkling blue gaze, Sendoh was left staring at Rukawa stupidly.

"What do you think? Why do you ask?"

"I…don't know, I just don't want to lose you. I need you." Sendoh hugged Rukawa close, needing to feel the solid presence of the support of his life.

"A'ho," Rukawa nuzzled Sendoh's cheek in a feline manner, "Who'd cry for me all night when I was ill? Or stay in the rain for four hours just because I told you to stay outside? Who'd give in to me every time I sulk? Who else would cook, wash my clothes and do the rest of the house chores just because I didn't feel like doing those? Who'd put up with me? Who else would be so persistent and irritating just to get me to smile?"

Following Sendoh's stunned look, Rukawa leaned in to whisper very softly into Sendoh's ears, "You."

Sendoh felt tears sting his eyes. He hadn't thought of all those trivial details because he did those just because he wanted his Kaede to be happy. 

"With you, I can smile. Because I know that you would treasure it, and I want to see you smile because you are happy, not because you had to. I'm a selfish person. I need your adoration, your endless attention and the fact that you need me. I need you more than you'd ever know."

Sendoh hugged his love hard, pressing his face to Rukawa's sweater, to dry his tears before Rukawa would see them. It was the longest speech his Kaede had ever made, and he treasured every single word he said. It was important to him to know that Rukawa would not leave him.

"So you wouldn't leave me, would you?" He rasped hoarsely.

"Aho. No, I wouldn't. You are not to leave me as well."

"No, never, I'd be with you forever. Ever and ever."

 I have fallen long ago

Fallen so hard that it hurt

But I know you'd be there with me

Soothe my pain, kiss my tears away

Dare I ask you to love me?

With your person, heart and soul?