STANDARD DISCLAIMER APPLY

Introduction ; Maki Shinichi is a very admirable character for me. However, as I read through the fan fictions, I found only few fics focused on him, and most have him as a homosexual guy… So I decided to write one myself, it may not be good, so do criticize :P

Note ; This fic is dedicated to all Maki and non-yaoi fans out there :)

Fatal Fate
formerly known as 'The Strength Behind'

Two more days before Inter-High. Two more days before going to Hiroshima, before his final game in High School. Or perhaps, his last game ever. It was not because he had lost his passion for the game. It was the last thing that could ever happen, for it was the only thing that linked them together. The vow he made to her. A promise which brought them back to each other through years of separation.

Maki Shinichi watched as his teammates trained with all they had. Even the usual 'troublemaker' was paying full concentration. All of them wanted to be in the best condition for the tournament in Hiroshima. They were among the best four the previous year, but they aimed higher. They aimed for the best. Nothing but the best. That was what their captain emphasized day after day. However, it was no longer Maki Shinichi's aim alone; it was the aim of the whole of Kainan's basketball team. To be the best among the best.

Yet, at times, fate was cruel. Maki was to inherit his father's business. Unlike her, he did not have a father who wanted him to take 'basketball pro' as his profession. He was strongly discouraged from continue involving himself in that sports. Basketball. A game he had known for life. A passion 'she' introduced to him. A girl he devoted his life to. A girl he loved with all his heart, but never had the courage to admit.

He vowed to win the tournament for her. There was nothing much he could do for her, besides fulfilling her few wishes before her last day. A tiny voice rang in his head. How about confessing to her your real feelings? It was probably the best gift she would ever want…

He immediately scolded himself for such thoughts. He remembered she had not been visiting their practices for several days. He realized how much he missed seeing her encouraging smile, how much he missed her over-excited-silent-praising-eyes. He missed her, but he knew he should not. He was not in the place to miss her. Not after how he treated her. Not after how he scarred his innocent love.

Perhaps their love was never meant to be. Perhaps, that was how is was supposed to be. Their love was a mistake from the beginning. A love without its place. A love unknown to everyone. A love that never was. Stop finding excuses, the same tiny voice scolded him. It was a love he was hiding from. A love he rejected cruelly, though it was all that he ever wanted. For he fell in love with the wrong girl. They both fell in love with the wrong person. She was a girl he could never love. Not as long as his ego stands.

"Maki-san, Saeko-chan isn't going to come again today, I assume?" his classmate as well as teammate, Jin, asked innocently. Maki forced a smile, knowing his friend's crush on the only girl in his life. He shook his head, feeling envious as he watched his friend sighed in disappointment.

If only he could be in Jin's place. If only he could fell in love with her without anything to hold his love back. If only he could put aside everything. Sometimes, he wished he had not known her that well. On top of all, he wished he could lay down his pride, and gave in to his feelings. The feelings he had put aside for so long.

Let loose the sails of love and let them fill
With breezes sweet with tenderness today;
Scorn not the praises youthful lovers say;
Romance is old, but still it is lovely still.
Not he who shows his love deserves the jeer,
But he who speaks not what she longs to hear.
There is no shame in love's devoted speech;
Man need not blush his tenderness to show.
'Tis shame to love and never let her know,
To keep his hear forever out of reach.
Not he the fool who lets his love go on,
But he who spurns it when his love is won.
Men proudly vaunt their love of gold and fame,
High station and accomplishments of skill,
Yet of life's greatest conquest they are still,
And deem it weakness, or an act of shame
To seem to place high value on the love
Which first of all they should be proudest of.
Let loose the sails of love and let them take
The tender breezes till the day be spent;
Only the fool chokes out life's sentiment.
She is a prize too lovely to forsake.
Be not ashamed to send your valentine;
She has your love, but needs its outward sign.

A younger boy of about 13 stepped into the hall, trying to catch his breath. "Maki-kun," he gasped, panting heavily, "quickly, to the hospital." He took a deep breath before continuing, "Oneechan… her situation is critical. This might be her final treatment, and she wants to see you!"

To Maki, everything seemed to stop. The whole world seemed to stop spinning. The noises in the hall, his heart beat, the wind, everything. There was only one thing in his mind then. Only two words registered. Saeko Shizuriku...

Be not ashamed to send your valentine;
She has your love, but needs its outward sign.





To be continued…

Author's Note ; Hope you like it... I might not continue this if no one likes it... :( Please review, be it good or bad comments...
P/S ; I do like Maki Shinichi, but it's still Fujima Kenji whom I like the most~ Love him :)))