Title: When Angels Fall
Author: Rage Cross a.k.a. Crystalline Methane
Rating: T
Pairing: SenRu
Type: One Shot
Notes: I posted this fanfic like a year shrugs a year and a half ago, probably. It was reported by some jackass to the Mods--apparently I was violating the rules about "rated" fics. I'm like, whatever, you don't even half the shit some writers load in their accounts. I got some fairly good reviews, I guess... so decided to put it up agan. However, I am just posting the first part of this One Shot... the not-so-"ban-nable" part. Yeah... I invent words, so whatever. I posted the whole story over at my AdultFanfiction account. So just follow the link at the bottom to read the rest of the story... okay? Thanks.
Disclaimer: Slam Dunk and its characters belong to Inoue Takehiko. I am in no way claiming any ownership over them. However, Keisuke and Taku are mine. The name Niikura was taken from Niikura Kaoru, a band member of Dir En Grey. This story has no ill will towards Mr. Niikura or his band. The author just ran out of names to use.

When Angels Fall

He leaned against the brick wall, right underneath the yellowish glow of the old light bulb that illuminates the dark alley. He wondered why he chose that spot that night. He usually stayed in the darker areas of the notorious street. It stank of piss, garbage, and stale cigarette smoke, but he didn't care. He was used to it anyway. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his black, suede jacket to keep them from going numb. The air was starting to get chillier every night. It was autumn after all. In a few more weeks, the heavens will start crying a chilly haze of crystalline flakes. When that day comes, he won't be able to do his part time job anymore.

He was scum and he knew that too well. Having people say it in his ears too many times in the past left undying echoes bouncing inside his head. He started to believe it and now, he knows he is one. However true the claim maybe, he is 'still' human scum. And dying in between the walls that recorded his sins is not acceptable.

The leave of absence he's about to take is just around the corner. He had to earn enough money to get him through the winter months. He had three month's worth of rent left unpaid and if he didn't pay it in the following week, he will be kicked out. His landlord was non-too-gentle in shoving him up against the wall and giving him an ultimatum.

If he gets lucky tonight, this might be his last day before his long overdue vacation. He didn't know if his body can take anymore abuse.

He let out a loud sigh and rested his head against the wall. His eyes turning into slits as the horrid, yellowish glow assaulted his sensitive blue irises. Tiny insects were flying around the bulb, attracted by its glow and warmth. Had it been a lamp, they would've burned even before they landed. Was he just as lucky? He's been playing the same game over and over again, but somehow, he always found some sort of fallback that hid his dark side and pampered his conscience. If his luck was to run out, he'd be dead sooner than you can say basketball.

The mere thought of his favorite game put a ghost of a smile on Rukawa's angelic face. He was painting a beautiful and erotic picture of himself as he did so. A long and slender neck arching beautifully against the rough surface of the brick wall, his pale skin tone contrasting against its deep red color, and his model-like body softening its hard edges. He need not try hard because it was natural to him. A mere flick of the wrist after a fade-away or a minute nod to acknowledge an acquaintance was apparently 'beautiful'.

Yet another word that twisted his face into a frown. It is something so common and so abundant in his physical features that he's beginning to feel sick from it. All the unwanted attention just because of a characteristic that he can live without. Why do they adore him? Don't they know that underneath the beautiful gift wrap was a dirty and disgusting surprise? All they had to do was unravel the pretty ribbon that he aptly called his sanity to reveal it. His body and his mind were his own version of Pandora's Box. Anything that will come of it will roam free and destroy the very world that kept him alive.

Can you say ironic?

As the saying goes, life's a bitch and then you die. Rukawa could only shake his head at the terrible road his life is bound to take. He finally looked around him, remnants of the light still flashing in front of his eyes. There were other young men around him. All were there for the very same reason he had.

To live.

It's funny how someone must die first before he is able to live and survive. All his beliefs and morals, the very essence of his being, broken down and left to rot at the very bottom of a pit. Live and let die. He had no choice.

It was still early in the evening and he was not surprised why nobody's eyeing the buffet on Red Mist Lane. He took the afternoon train from Kanagawa to a prefecture 3 KM north of his hometown. He cannot risk anyone seeing him there. Besides, Red Mist Lane was notorious for its delectable pickings and the ample monetary return for the delight of tasting them. Rukawa could not remember the official name of the street but he's pretty sure it was named after a war hero who died in the siege of Corregidor Island. Rukawa believed that this person would rather be damned in hell than have his name stuck with a street that became the heart of the red light district in that city. Such a shame.

More and more of his 'colleagues' are starting to arrive, each of them taking their places. They were waiting for seven o'clock. It was the time when predators go out and hunt. And for obvious reasons, they go where their prey are at.

"Kaede."

He heard his name being called from somewhere at his right side. He looked at the source of the sound and saw who it was. Keisuke. Once a whore himself, he now pimps men like Rukawa to possible costumers. Unlike any ordinary pimp though, Keisuke never held them around the neck. He only wants to help them out by trapping other men with extra cash to spend with his whole plethora of skills. Rukawa could've sworn that the man had convincing powers that would rival any sales person.

He nodded as an acknowledgement and waited for Keisuke. He knew that he would be providing him with his tools for tonight. Somewhere hidden in his skintight denim pants were packets of condom and small tubes of lubricant, enough to get him through the night.

"How are you doing, beautiful?" asked the man as he neared Rukawa. "You don't look good, are you sure you're up for it?" Keisuke attached his lanky figure to Rukawa's and pinned him against the wall. Their lips meeting in a chaste kiss. Keisuke wedged his hands underneath Rukawa's arms, trapping him effectively.

"I'm fine and I'll always be fine, Keisuke," said Rukawa, not to pleased of Keisuke's assumption.

"Mmm… I see, I'm sorry then. Don't be angry at me," whispered Keisuke in Rukawa's right earlobe. He placed butterfly kisses on the perfect lobe and on Rukawa's jaw line. He breathed against his skin, leaving a hot trail on its wake. Keisuke's caressing lips made Rukawa shiver slightly. "So…," said Keisuke as he emphasized such a simple word with a good rubbing of their lower limbs together. "…I guess you'll be needing these…"

One of Keisuke's hand left Rukawa's body to go behind and dig for the condoms and the tube of lubricant in his back pocket. Keisuke pushed himself a few centimeters away from Rukawa's inviting body and raised his full hand. Six, thin, red foils and a black tube lay there. "I believe you've been waiting for these, love…"

"I didn't know you care," said Rukawa, sarcasm evident in his voice. He gave Keisuke's body a little more push and he freed himself from the other man's trap-slash-embrace. He took the paraphernalia from Keisuke and placed them inside his own front pocket. "You might make one of your little pets jealous if you keep on doing this."

"I only care about you," said Keisuke, shrugging his shoulders. Did he, really? Rukawa noticed that Keisuke's been giving him less aggressive costumers lately. Those men who only wanted to be kissed, groped, and sucked but paid big, sometimes even twice the amount. Keisuke's been transparent to Rukawa ever since they met. He said what he wanted to say and addressed his concerns immediately. That's why when he said that Rukawa was special to him, the younger man believed him. This is the closest to a 'pampering' he will ever get and regardless of his refusals and dismissals of Keisuke's affection, he rather enjoyed it in more ways than one.

"Who's coming tonight?" inquired Rukawa. Keisuke kept a long list of regulars for his boys, several of them falling under Rukawa's name. They rather enjoyed the mysterious, black-haired man who didn't do anything unless he was told to do so. Submission is his game; being flexible his strategy, and being pliant is his tactic. Everybody wants to have control at least once in their pathetic lives and Rukawa was more than willing to give them that opportunity. That is, if they have the money. His services did not come cheap, afterall.

"The usual—Niikura and two of his friends, Sato…," said Keisuke as he combed his right hand through his straight, honey blond locks. His intense, deep brown eyes focused on Rukawa's own. "Tell me if Niikura gets too aggressive again."

"I can handle him," replied Rukawa. He knows why Keisuke was concerned. He was so badly bruised the last time he let Niikura had his way. He was a well-known personality, more specifically, a lead guitarist for a rock band. He was used to getting his way with people. "The worst thing he can do to me would be just as bad as the last time."

"He's abusing you," said Keisuke plainly.

"And you're not?"

A tinge of hurt reflected in Keisuke's eyes. "I'm sorry that you feel that way. I'm trying my best to care for you and if you feel that I'm taking advantage of you, then—," said Keisuke. However, he was not able to finish his sentence. Rukawa knew that he just accused Keisuke of a grave thing. He did not mean it but the words just slipped out of his mouth. It was natural for him to do that. He has a tendency to hurt those who are trying to care for him. Rukawa captured Keisuke's lips into his own, sealing the rest of the sentence inside. He pushed his tongue into Keisuke's and tried to pleasure him. He felt the other man respond to his efforts. He knew that Keisuke can still taste the bitter words on his tongue. Rukawa's hands encircled Keisuke's neck, pulling him down to his level. He felt the brick wall behind him. His lungs started to burn but he dare not pull away from Keisuke, lest he was willing to let go of the man.

"I know you did not mean it," said Keisuke as he pulled away from Rukawa. "I should know better than to force my opinion on you… but please understand that I'm worried. I don't want to find you bruised and bleeding again."

"I won't. I'll be careful," said Rukawa as he looked into Keisuke's eyes. He hugged him tight. He honestly hugged him. "Will you and Taku wait for me outside the room?"

"If you want to, we will," said Keisuke, obviously referring to him and his friend Taku Miyamoto. They've been in the same business for years and considered each other best friends. They had each other's back and Keisuke knew that he also carries a certain amount of affinity to the young Rukawa. He would do anything for him as well.

"I would appreciate it, really," said Rukawa against the taller man's neck.

"Then we'll escort you and Niikura to the hotel," assured Keisuke. Rukawa felt Keisuke's embrace tighten around him, the warmth was still foreign but not in the least unwelcome. He felt Keisuke's lips leave warm kisses on his forehead, the last one lingering far longer. "Well, I need to make my rounds, love. I have other people to take care of," said Keisuke as he let go of Rukawa.

"I though you said you only cared about me," Rukawa pouted.

Keisuke chuckled at the sight. "You know what I mean," said Keisuke, as he gave Rukawa a wink. "See you later."

Rukawa sighed as he was left alone again, Keisuke's tall figure disappearing into the dark. It was going to be a long night and his eyes will be open to witness everything that will happen until the first rays of the sun pierce the sky.

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Sendoh was lost.

He's never been to this city and God only knows what it's called. Why did he let Koshino convince him to come here. He was holding a plastic bag containing several antique trinkets that he bought in a flea market several streets down from where he originally came from. He lost track of time and of the little cuss as well. He ended up searching through the throng of people to no avail. He had no means of contacting the other because he left his cellphone in their haste to catch the 11 AM train.

/Koshino, you idiot…/

He sighed, greatly frustrated at his current situation. Catching the Christmas buzz was good but getting submerged in it was too much. Christmas songs were blaring through the open doors of every store he passed. Original Japanese songs or Japanese renditions of Rudolph The Red-nosed Raindeer or Deck The Halls were everywhere. He could've sworn he saw a pair of horns somewhere in the crowd earlier that afternoon. Sendoh finally decided that wandering through an unknown city was useless. It was nearly 7 PM and he still had no clue as to Koshino's whereabouts.

"Excuse me," said Sendoh as he suddenly stopped a couple of teenage girls. The two girls were surprised, obviously unaware of anything and anyone around them. They were emerged in a conversation before the tall, handsome man stopped them. Sendoh smiled apologetically and said, "I was wondering if you can point me to the train station."

After ten minutes of talking and sketching out a tiny map on the back of his flee market receipt, Sendoh was on his way to the train station. The two girls were more than willing to help and even offered to escort him to his destination. Well aware of his bad navigating skills, he was close to taking on the offer but decided against it. As a payback for their services, Sendoh allowed them to ask him anything that he could offer them right then and there. They just took out their camera cellphones and took pictures. They were conveniently blocking the sidewalk but the two girls were again oblivious to that fact.

Sendoh was offered two ways. One was the long way, where in he had to cross the street, walk around the plaza, past two blocks, and a right turn that would lead directly to the station. The short cut would cut his traveling time in half but it would mean going past the notorious part of the city. He had to go back one block, cross the street, and into a series of small alleyways and back streets. Sendoh didn't want to stay any longer in the city so he decided to take the short cut. The two girls tried to persuade him against it since it was dark already. Just to appease them, he said he will take the first option and waited for them to go away before he finally turned around and headed for the shortcut.

"Of course when they said small, I didn't think they meant tiny," said Sendoh as he tried to squeeze through a two feet wide clearing between two, medium sized buildings. He walked sideways through the alley, knees banging into the hard concrete every now and then. He looked up to the sky and experienced a reversed vertigo. He suddenly felt as if he was falling down while the building threatened to fall on him. He cursed when he banged his head on the wall. He could barely see anything, the lights from the end of the alleyway was not enough to properly illuminate his path.

Finally squeezing himself out of the 'alleyway', he was greeted with a lot of neon lights and a wall of smoke. A quick look around the area and he knew why the two girls told him not to take the short cut. It went right through the red light district of the area. Hookers with short skirts and high platform boots lined the sidewalks, black and expensive looking cars passed on the street carrying their rich owners out for a good night, drunks and addicts were scattered everywhere, and the music from the bars and clubs reverberated through the ground he was standing on.

"Looks like they put out the Christmas lights way too early in this area," said Sendoh to himself.

"It's always Christmas here," someone said from behind. Sendoh was startled and turned around. A man wearing an all black attire was leaning against the wall, eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses. In his hand was a newly lighted piece stick of pot. "People splurge money every night of every week of every year. And a lot of people here are more than willing to give in able to receive."

Sendoh looked at the man oddly. Not really knowing how to reply to what he just said. He looked on as the man took the stick into his mouth and sucked in the poisonous smoke. The man inhaled, taking the smoke into his lungs, drawing every last breath of (in)sanity from just one stick filled with dried leaves. The man blew out the smoke, some escaping through his nose. Sendoh wondered if a life trapped inside a small box of rolling paper and Marijuana was worth living. It must be sad to have neon lights as the closest thing to the sun that he'll ever see.

"I would advice you not to go drifting on like that around here," said the stranger again, breaking Sendoh's reverie. "This is Wonderland my good man, but not everything in it is as nice and forgiving."

"Thanks," said Sendoh flatly. He turned around again, ready to cross the street.

"Then again, your dream could just be around the next corner."

Sendoh didn't even bother to look back. He crossed the street without even looking both ways, relieved that he was now yards away from the creepy man in black. He regained his composure and started walking again, trying to find the street he was supposed to take. Unlike the rest of alleyways he passed, this street wasn't following the original path. It was off by a few buildings to the right. He passed by pimps and drug dealers trying to sell their goods to him. He successfully shooed them away when a hooker grabbed his ass and squeezed it. He nearly shouted but swatted the hand away instead. He walked even faster this time, trying to find the street. He knew he was fresh bait for every one here since he screamed of 'newbie' and 'innocent' even from several miles away from these people.

He found the street and gladly ran into it. Finding the dark and stinky pathway safer than the main street. He heaved a sigh and looked back, checking if any of the hookers followed him into the street, mistaking his hasty retreat into the dark street as a desperate call for paid sex. Thankful that the horrible scenario was far from happening in real life, Sendoh was about to slow down and look ahead when he bumped into someone.

/Oh fuck! Not again! Please God… NOT AGAIN!/

He hesitated to look at the person in front of him but his head turned anyway.

"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to charge into you like that," Sendoh said as he bowed his head slightly.

"It's okay. I'm used to that. Most people would give me a good wallop on the back… a small bump is nothing. What can I do for you?"

Sendoh looked before him and was met by two, piercing eyes. They were black in the poor lighting but it could be dark brown or dark blue in the day. The man was as tall as him, was good looking, had blond hair, and was the first 'normally' dressed person he saw ever since he stumbled into the accursed street.

"Well, I'm a bit confused. It's nothing really… just a small dilemma—," said Sendoh.

"Don't tell me," said the stranger.

"Umm, okay."

"You're not sure if this is the right thing to do…"

"Umm, yeah. Sort of."

"Well, you're here, aren't you?"

"I guess I am."

"So, you wouldn't be here if you didn't have a reason."

"I guess so…"

"So why are you having second thoughts now?"

"It's not that I'm indecisive or anything it's just that everything here just freaked me out…"

"It tends to be that way for new comers."

"You said it. I mean, have you seen those gir—"

"I know. I don't need to be told twice. You did not come here for them anyway."

"Yeah, but they're so insistent."

"Well, speaking of that, I do insist that you let me help you."

"Oh great! So you know the way?"

"Mmm… yeah, you can say that. Though usually, I'm told that I'm a genius when it comes to deep throating."

With that, the stranger turned around and started walking. Sendoh didn't know what his last statement meant but he didn't care. He was just happy that someone in this district was sane enough to lead him the right way. He knows that he still should be wary of course but the guy had a calming aura about him. He followed the stranger into the dark alleyway regardless of his concerns.

"Hey, wait up," Sendoh called out as tried to catch up with the mysterious blond man. "I'm sorry. I didn't ask for your name."

The man looked sideways, one eyebrow raised. "They usually don't ask for my name but for formalities sake, you can call me Keisuke."

"Ah. Okay. Mine's Sendoh. Sendoh Akira," said Sendoh as he showed a toothy smile.

The other man laughed lightly. "You are quite different from most of them. They'd usually say, 'enough chit-chat, just show me where 'it' is'," said the man.

"That's a bit rude, isn't it?"

"I don't expect much from them either. It's life. I've learned to deal with it. I just do what I do."

"I see…," replied Sendoh. From the way the man talked, Sendoh assumed that he was some sort of saint or hermit, always ready to reach out and offer a helping hand to lost idiots like himself. His constant reference to 'they' or 'them' must mean that he's been doing his 'civic' duties for a long time. What pushed a man like Keisuke to do such a simple but helpful act was beyond Sendoh. All he cared about really is that the man was there to help him out.

And that the gods will bless him for his actions, of course.

"Damn. Why doesn't the local government do anything about streets like this?" Sendoh asked to no one in particular.

"Beats me. We could use a little more lighting though," replied Keisuke.

The mention of 'we' made Sendoh aware of the other people around him. Shady their figures maybe but he could tell that they're young men just like him. Probably hooked on drugs like the ones he saw in the main street. The ones who like to hide out so other people won't see them committing a sin. Sendoh wondered why they had to hide in the dark when all the people knew what they do in the first place. If they're spending their nights here, they're either getting drunk to drown out their sorrows or getting high to numb out all the pain.

It's as simple as that.

"He's over there, the one under the light bulb," Keisuke said suddenly. He was pointing towards a tall man with his back facing them. The yellowish glow was garish and so anyone who would stands underneath it would look somewhat odd. The man was talking to another guy who was slightly shorter than him and was sporting dread locks. Why Keisuke even bothered to point the guy out was beyond Sendoh.

Maybe he just wants him to meet his friends.

As they neared the figure, Sendoh was starting to feel as if he recognized the person. As if he's seen the guy before. Then again, he did not know anyone who would go here. Only Koshino. Then again, he wasn't that tall. They were just a couple of yards away when Keisuke called out the man's name.

Sendoh nearly dropped his plastic bag.

"Kaede!"

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Alright, this is where the story ends... well, not really... Please go to my profile to find the link for the rest of the story. It's a pretty long story so bear with me. Thanks for the support.