Hey there :3

Yes, here is a second chapter, and no, it wasn't planned. Lately I wanted to write another Ranmasa story but had no "new" plot, so I thought "Your las story had an open ending, why not continue it?" And this is what I've done. Only problem: I ship KyouTaku instead of KyouTen now. How I "solved" this? You'll see if you read it~

I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you, have fun :3


It was suspicious. Really suspicious. Kariya peeked carefully around the corner to see Hiroto sitting in the main hall with Midorikawa standing next to him. It wasn't uncommon for those two to visit Sun Garden but something he couldn't name alerted the young boy. "Ah, Masaki, I was looking for you." Hearing Hitomiko's voice, Kariya turned around only to be pushed towards the young men. "Good afternoon, Kariya", Hiroto greeted them and now Kariya realised what seemed wrong – they were quite, too quite. Normally, the former forward used to talk with the other children and chased them around the building; much to Hitomiko's dismay. Though this time he didn't do anything, except... waiting. "Maybe we should talk elsewhere." He didn't like this idea. He didn't like this at all. Especially when he was left alone with the red haired male and a cup of tea (Valerian, he could tell from the smell, which made his suspicion grew even more).

"How old are you now?" This sudden question took Kariya by surprise but even so, Hiroto continued without an answer. "I guess old enough to be taught a few... things. " That was it. At one go Kariya know what the older one's point was. And this was definitely nothing he wanted to discuss with him of all people. Realising the younger ones shock – it was the best description he could come up with – Hiroto made an addition to his sentence."I know that this is a topic you rather do not want to talk about but we have to inform you at young age about protection." Kariya wondered for a short moment who "we" were before he said something for the first time he saw Hiroto today. "No need to. I'm able to use the internet and, honestly, our generation is not as prude as yours." Okay, he was not convinced by the last part himself because he knew enough guys at his school who looked ashamed when someone only mentioned this topic indirectly, but Hiroto didn't need to know. "Oh, really?" The defender wasn't sure what surprised him more – the fact that Hiroto didn't considered that Kariya knew how to get his information or the relief he seemed to show.

"So, if you would excuse me now", the younger one started but was immediately interrupted. "Since I don't need to explain anything, I can ask you what sister Hitomiko told me to." Now he was curious. Even though Kariya was sure that he would regret that he stayed, he couldn't help but to listen to the other one. "She wanted to know if you and your boyfriend already went this far."

With an expression torn between confusion and horror, Kariya looked at Hiroto, asking himself if he really understood the right thing. Apparently, he did since the other one looked at him expectantly, not bothered by his reaction. "Well?" Everything sounded so wrong. May it be that they were talking about a boyfriend and the fact that Hiroto didn't care about that, may it be that they considered Kariya to be this hormon-driven or may it be that Kariya had to think about Kirino. The last one might be the worse, he realised. He wasn't fond of his Senior, not at all. Alright, he was lying to himself. Maybe he liked him. But just a bit. A bit more than he liked other people. Though it was apparently enough for the adults to call him his boyfriend. "Kirino is not anything near that", he mumbled, not even able to use the word boyfriend in the same breath.

"I didn't mention him." Caught. Kariya looked embarrassed at the floor, cheeks redden furiously and hands clasping around his cup of tea. Hiroto just smiled to himself, not astonished that Hitomikos plan worked (it was her idea all along, he told Midorikawa when he wanted to lecture him). "It's fine. You should tell him though." This was the last thing Hiroto said before he bid farewell and left Kariya with his feelings alone. It was a mix between bliss, embarrassment and wrath. He was blissful because – thank god – they didn't care about this gay thing. He was embarrassed because the thought of Kirino being possibly his boyfriend made him dizzy. And he felt wrath because urgh, such a relationship would be disgusting and anyway why would he like me and this stupid prickle won't stop but it makes me happy and – help why is everything so complicated. In the end, he fell asleep on the couch, overwhelmed by all this thoughts.


"Good morning, Kariya."

He liked Hikaru, he really did, but the boy was, especially in the morning, too cheerful for his own sake. "Morning...", the defender answered with a yawn. Worriedly, Hikaru looked at his friend, asking if everything was alright because he looked like he didn't sleep much. Kariya simply said he shouldn't worry because he slept just fine – which was no lie. Kariya had been able to sleep longer than the previous days, perhaps because his special dream didn't occur. But this was something the other one didn't need to know. Easily, he moved the topic and even though the striker resisted at first, he quickly reacted to the changing topic; which was, of course, football. They talked about today's afternoon practise and even if it was something both agreed on, made them happy and lively, Kariya was nervous. It was the first time he saw his Senior after their little incident. And of course Hikaru realised his sudden nervousness, but he knew Kariya and was well aware that he wouldn't talk. So instead he decided to watch his friend in silence, to keep an eye on him if he needed any help.


The day flew by in an instant and before he realised it, Kariya was with Hikaru in the changing room, preparing for practise. "Good afternoon, Captain", Hikaru greeted Shindou who just stepped into the room. "Good afternoon", the brunet said, smiling at them before he changed into his uniform. And as quickly as he entered the room, he left it. "Captain looked a bit tense, don't you think so too?" Kariya just gave a shrug, tying his shoes while answering. "Guess he just hurries to meet up with Akane." "You still think that?", Hikaru asked, not sure if he should scold him or not. Kariya didn't answer. After all he thought that it was Kirino whom the brunet loved, not Akane. Nevertheless it was obvious, at least to him, that he talked more often and frequently to her. That's why he assumed that he just tried to escape the fact that he loved his best friend. Though since he talked to Kirino about their relationship he wasn't so sure about that anymore. Even if it was suspicious. Did Shindou love her all of a sudden, or...? This thoughts were interrupted when another member entered the room. It was – oh surprise – Kirino along with Tsurugi who chatted casually, the younger one acting respectfully like he always did towards his Seniors. Scratch that, Kariya though, it was just Kirino and the former third years he talked to like that. When he remembered correctly, he acted in the presence of Kurama, Hamano and Hayami as if they were equal. And Shindou? Now that he thought about it, didn't they quarrel a lot, especially lately?

"I said good afternoon." Kariya blinked when Kirino waved with his hand in front of his face. He was so wrapped up in his own thoughts that he didn't realise their greeting. He mumbled a half-hearted "Good afternoon" before he headed for the field, ignoring the rest. Kirino just sighed, looking after the defender.

This seemed like an amusing training session, he thought, with a hint of sarcasm behind it


Kariya couldn't believe it. At first he wasn't sure, but halfway through practise, his suspicion, that Kirino ignored their kiss, grow. And after practise it was clear to him – Kirino was really ignoring what happened between them, just acted like usual. And this upset Kariya more than he wanted to admit. Actually he should be happy about it. No stupid explanation, no weird feelings and maybe he would forget everything. Yes, that sounded nice. He would just forget it.

He didn't. After a week, he thought that these stupid feelings were almost gone and after two, he was assured. But the third one brought back that dream and all of a sudden, he was in a dilemma. It was a month after Tsurugi's birthday when he decided to talk to his Senior. He would confess whatever he felt and maybe Kirino would do as Hiroto indirectly told him. Or not. Either way he could pretend it was a joke and in the end it wouldn't be that bad, would it? That was what he thought, but when he asked Kirino to stay after practise, he wasn't certain anymore as he received a confused glanced; yet Kirino agreed.

It was awkward. Kariya didn't understand himself anymore. Why was it so hard? "Kariya? What do you want to talk about." "As if you don't know", he wanted to say, but stopped himself. At least Kirino seemed to be in a rather good mood. But how should he start without ruining this mood? "Kariya?" The older defender looked expectantly at him, waiting for an answer. "You... I...", he stammered, confusing the other one with his unusual behaviour. He took a deep breath and when he finally knew what to say, a loud noise made both of them jolt. They shared a short glance before they decided to postpone their talk and look after the sound.

"Don't make fun of me!" Kirino winced when he heard his best friend's voice. Carefully, he and Kariya looked around the corner to see Shindou and Tsurugi standing behind the club room, sheltered by various trees. The brunet seemed pretty upset – his fist against the heavy tree which has caused the sound – while Tsurugi reacted almost nonchalantly. "I'm talking to you!" It was obvious that the striker didn't care until Shindou grabbed him by the collar. "I'm not", Kyousuke answered when it looked like Shindou would punch him any seconds. Kirino almost decided to jump between them but to all of their surprise, Shindou suddenly let go and left without another word. Tsurugi was as confused as the silent observers but soon he was blind with rage – they couldn't tell if it was anger about Shindou, himself or another person – and headed back to the field (they didn't need to be a genius to know that he would shoot a few balls to calm himself down). "I'm wondering what's wrong. They got pretty well along after the Football Frontier and everything", Kirino pointed out, worried about his friend. Kariya in contrary didn't care. He had to admit that he thought that both seemed pretty close for a while though because of Kirino he assumed that the brunet loved his best friend while Tsurugi loved another certain brunet. But was it really like that? He wasn't so sure about it anymore. "Well, I guess I'll ask him later. And? What was it you wanted to talk to me?"

This sudden question took Kariya by surprise since he forgot the reason of their meeting until now. "Well..." Suddenly, he wasn't so sure about his idea anymore. Was it truly the right thing? "I..." He took another depth breath before he decided for the possible worst option (but it was better than making a fool out of himself because of his feelings) "just wanted to see if you are still that easy to lure. You shouldn't be so easy to talk to alone. What if an older person had asked you, do you know what he could have done to you?" Kariya grinned mischievously, trying his best to hide the truth of this obvious lie. It worked, Kariya realised, when he felt Kirino's hand on his cheeks, slapping him, not hard enough to leave a red bruise but still hard enough to leave slight pain. He was a bit shocked – he knew that Kirino's patience was not eternally though he had never hit him before. He lay his own hand on his cheek, realising that it was the first time because Shindou had stopped Kirino all the times before. And somehow, he was glad. "Stop treating me like a toy, Kariya. I'm sick of it. If you hate me, say it. But don't make things up." And with these words he left the young man who, later one, almost drowned in self-pity.

Confessing, how stupid was he? It was impossible. Kirino wasn't interested, hated, almost loathed him. His reaction to his kiss must have happened out of pity or was even an after-effect of his own delirium. He just stood there for a while before he decided to go home. At the gate he meet Tsurugi who was his composed self again. They walked a bit together neither saying anything nor wanting to. Until Kariya couldn't bear it.

"What would you do if you really like someone?"

"Tell him."

"And if it doesn't work?"

"Show him."

It was not much, but for the moment, it was enough. "Thank you." "No problem." They didn't look at each other after that, underlining the unspoken request to forget this little talk.


Kariya thought about a way to talk with Kirino in private again after their last meeting. Waiting for him after practise? Dragging him away? No. Either he was together with Shindou or he was earlier finished changing than Kariya. The feeling, that he avoided him, grew stronger from day to day. "Kariya?" Hikaru looked at his friend, concern shining in his eyes and revealing his worry. "You don't seem okay lately." He just hummed, gaze fixing on his older teammate which dragged Hikaru's attention. "Want to talk about it?" His friend shook his head, a sign which caused Hikaru to do something Kariya might hate him for later one. But he just couldn't bear his friend's silent suffering anymore. And the short gaze he threw at Kirino had told him enough. It was time for him to take matters in his own hands.

"Kirino?" The defender turned around, looking at Hikaru in slight confusion. "Yes? What is it?", Kirino wanted to know when the younger one asked for a favour only he could grant him. "Please talk to Kariya." "I'm sorry, I – " "I know that he can be a bit stupid sometimes but please, it is important." He sighed. Honestly he had so much things on his mind – Kariya included – that his head ached but maybe, he thought, talking with Kariya would solve one problem, resulting in a chain reaction. And he just couldn't refuse Hikaru anything. "Fine, I consider it." "Thank you." A smile was on his lips when he saw their striker's happy face. "You won't regret it, I promise." And somehow, Kirino knew or at least hoped that he was right.


Kariya was surprised when Hikaru told him to go behind the school building since someone awaited him there. And if he hadn't plead so much, Kariya wouldn't have gone. But now he stood here, just a few inches away from his Senior who lent against a wall, arms crossed in front of his chest. "Hikaru asked me to talk with you." Oh, how much had he missed this voice? This clear voice without any hint of disgust or hate. "Want to explain yourself?" His legs moved on his own, guiding him in front of Kirino. "Explain what?", Kariya asked sanctimoniously, well aware that he would piss off his Senior again with this kind of question. But he wasn't prepared to meet him now and had no clue what to say – even though this was the situation which had replayed in his head for a few days now, over and over again. And the outcome was always different. However in this moment every single one of the possible occurrences vanished, leaving his mind blank.

He could already see how his Senior's arms tighten nevertheless he didn't say anything because Kirino didn't want to lose his self-control again. "Your behaviour towards me? Your actions in general. Or the kiss?" When Kirino mentioned the last point, Kariya flinched. Nothing which went unnoticed by Kirino. "So the kiss is it what you want to explain? Go on." Refusing to meet his eyes, Kariya bit his lips, still unsure about what to say. "You don't love Shindou, do you?"

"We already talked about this, didn't we? I thought you understand that we are just friends", he replied, rather annoyed at his junior's question. How often did he intend to ask this? The answer wouldn't change. The only thing which changed was Kariya's reaction as Kirino realised. He seemed pretty relieved in contrary to the last time. "Do you love someone else then?" And this caught him off-guard. Kariya still didn't dare to look him in the eyes, that's why he missed the confusion on his senior's face – not that he needed to see it. He was aware that this was a stupid question to ask a male if you weren't a lovesick schoolgirl, trying to confess; not that Kariya was on, wasn't he? The younger one paused for a moment. He didn't want to act like one of these girls. He should be on equal terms with the other one when it came to their gender and anyway – there was no way that he was the same as these stupid girls who got rejected and cried afterwards. This was it. Kariya made up his mind and finally took matters into his own hands – there was no way that he would act like a coward now. And since Kirino didn't answer, there was no problem with it, right?

"Then I guess you don't mind if I'll do this."

Before Kariya could see the hesitation and the conflicted emotions on Kirino's face – a result of the last question – he came closer and stood on tiptoe right in front of his Senior. He pressed his lips against Kirino's, not yielding when no reaction came. He wouldn't stop even if his lips were swollen afterwards or his breath faded away. And suddenly, Kirino's hands were on his hips, pushing him away before they grabbed his wrist and pressed him against the wall.

"You'll regret this", Kirino said, seemingly struggling with himself. It was then when Kariya realised that Kirino was preoccupied with the same thoughts he had been, that it was harder for him since he was the older one who had to fulfil the "wise" role. And that he had been upset because Kariya had obliviously played with his feelings the last time. "Shut up." It was not as commanding as he intended it to be but it took the tension away and elicited the older one a soft laugh. "Fine, as you wish."

And before he could comprehend, Kariya felt his lips – which were not as soft as he remembered – on his own, one arm around his hip, pressing them closer and one hand brushing trough his hair. It felt more right than wrong and if it weren't for their current location, he would have gone further. Kirino looked like he had the same idea since his hand in the blue hair made his way down to Kariya's thighs, caressing his neck and side along the way, tempted to go further. The touch sent shivers down his spine, such a new feeling yet at the same time it was a pure pleasure. However it was not just the current location nor his common sense which made them pause. As if the whole universe was against their little time together – Kariya almost believed this – a loud voice disturbed them. At first they wanted to ignore it though when it turned out to be Shindou's voice, Kirino let go of Kariya, though not without cursing slightly.

"Let's take a look." Without another word, Kirino took the younger one, who was not able to handle the other ones actions yet, by the hand and pulled him towards their Captain.

This time it was Tsurugi who almost screamed at Shindou. "It's not my fault!" "And why did you even do it in the first place?" The defenders shared a short, confused glanced, not having the slightest idea what the two were talking about. "How could I've known that Matsukaze liked me in that way?!" So that was it. Finally Kariya understood their problem in contrary to Kirino who still hadn't any clue. "It's about Tenma. Everyone thinks he and Tsurugi were going out but it seems Tsurugi thought otherwise", he whispered to this Senior who looked even more confused now, whispering a "They aren't?"

It was amusing how wrong their interpretation of one single action was, Kariya realised not for the first time. He really was a cautious person – he had to be, after all he didn't want to trust any person who could harm him – but when it was about love, his first guess was always wrong, so it seemed. "Are you stupid? It was obvious. Damn it, you shared a bed with him and you always smile when he is around! And so does he!" Like the last time, Kirino prepared himself to jump between them any seconds as soon as he saw how Tsurugi clenched his fists. "So what? He IS my friend! Don't you and Kirino act like this too?"

Shindou realised that he had a point there. Indeed the two friends have shared his bed often enough though they had been younger when they did so. But since Tsurugi's and Tenma's friendship wasn't as long as theirs had been, it explained this new experience. Didn't they have any friends back then whose friendship was similar to the one they had now? Surely not, Shindou thought and suddenly, he felt guilty. What was he thinking? He overreacted, just because he couldn't control his own stupid emotions.

"You should talk to Tenma. He needs your view to comprehend", he finally said quietly. "Yeah, I guess so." It seemed like both of them had calmed down, as if the whole tension faded away. Kirino sighed in relief, still a bit confused about his friends action. He decided to talk to his best friend later on about this issue – and casually he could tell him about his and Kariya's relationship.

Suddenly he paused for a second, glancing at the younger one – they were together now, weren't they? He really wanted to confirm that but the younger one rather paid attention to his other teammates who started to talk again. "I'm sorry." Tsurugi's sudden excuse was a bit confusing however Shindou just shook his head. "Don't be. It was my fault. I just..." Shindou stopped himself as if the was afraid of his own words. "I wonder what's wrong", Kirino whispered, curious about their next step. Honestly it was something Kariya had thought about the whole time and still he had no idea. But then it hit him – he remembered the sudden occasions Shindou and Tsurugi bickered, the brunets frequent talks with Akane he was suspicious about and his own reaction when he realised his feelings for Kirino. "He loves him but isn't aware of that yet. Or he is and doesn't want to admit it."

"Just like you?" This question surprised Kariya and he immediately turned a shade redder which already answered Kirino's question. "Let's go", he said, rather amused about Kariya's reaction. "Don't you want to know how it ends?", Kariya asked him when he was dragged along, away from the scene. "You know as well as I do that this won't come to a solution right now, besides..." Kirino paused a moment to turn around and look at Kariya. "There are better things to do, don't you think?"

In this moment, Kariya decided that this seductive look suited Kirino more than an angry one.


That's it. I hope you liked it somehow. It's my little christmas present~ I wish you a happy Christmas (even if you don't celebrate it) and a good start for the next year~

I just hope I can finsh my Fudou/Kidou fic next year, untill then...

Bye for now :3