A/N: Thank you for all of those who reviewed, namely Crescent Quetzalcoatl, cris, Kenren19 and frozenfemale. I really appreciate it!

'thoughts' "dialogues"

Chap 2: Packing

9:00 PM Saturday: Sakuragi Residence

"Aaaaargh! Why won't this stupid suitcase close! Damn it!"

The redhead tried sitting on it but to no avail. Why would it be, since he packed all his junk…errr.. precious possessions into the poor luggage. Not giving up, he jumped on it. Success!

"There! Now the Tensai is all prepared! Nyahahahaha!"

Rukawa's House

'What to pack…what to pack…aw hell, just dump all my clothes and get it over with. I need my sleep.'

After unceremoniously dumping his stuff in a heap in his sports bag, he promptly went to la-la land complete with chibi red-head do'ahos playing basketball.

Mitsui's Bachelor Pad

'Must look good for Min-kun…gotta have all the accessories. Cool hat, shades, boxers (drool!) …I reckon that boat has a pool. I wonder if I'll see Min-kun topless? I'll get a nosebleed….note to self: buy lots of tissues, the 4-ply kind.' (sweatdrop)

Point Guard Miyagi's Place

'Aya-chan, I'll bring all your pictures so I can hang them in my room….'

Miyagi's stroller was overflowing with pictures. The essence of packing is lost to this guy. Maybe like clothing?

'Looks like I need another bag….I haven't packed my clothes yet. Ehehehehe.'

Kogure's Abode

"I need sunscreen since skin cancer is high nowadays, my physics textbook, my English textbook, blah blah blah…."

Gori's Room

'I wonder if there is a basketball court there. Being in a boat doesn't mean there will be no practice! I'll bring this just in case.' (sweatdrop)

Ayako's House

"Hmm. Five paper fans should be enough.'

7:00 AM Sunday: Pier 40

All of the Shohoku basketball members were gathered at their meeting place. Ayako was taking roll call.

"Everyone here?" said Akagi.

"Anou sempai, Rukawa's not here yet." stated Ayako, looking around.

Veins in Akagi's head popped suit.

"I'm sure he wouldn't miss this vacation Akagi." assured Kogure.

"THAT BAKA!"

"Nyahahaha! The Kitsune must've forgotten to wake up again! Not like me, because I'm the Ten-AARGH!" howled Sakuragi, Rukawa's bike hitting him from behind.

"Speaking of the devil…" snickered Mitsui.

"Why you no-good Kitsune! I'm gonna..." said Hanamichi, grabbing Rukawa to punch him.

Apparently, Rukawa's still asleep even after he crashed into the redhead. How he managed to cycle all the way from his house to Pier 40 in one piece remains a mystery.

"Hey Hanamichi, if you meet any girls there you will tell us right?" said Noma winking cheekily.

"Yeah, so we'll know if we need to celebrate if you got dumped again!" laughed Takamiya. Ooksu guffawed.

"What did you say Buta!" yelled Hanamichi. He grabbed all of his three friends and gave them each a headbutt.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

"ITAAAIIIIII!"

Yohei tried to appease the angry redhead. "Maa maa Sakuragi. I'm sure you won't get dumped this time."

"Of course! I'm one good-looking Tensai! Nyahahahaha!"

Sweatdrop.

'Yeah right…'

"Listen, we need to go now. We have to be early at the Pachinko Parlor so we can get past the guards. Have fun minna-san!" waved Yohei, dragging his three friends still sprawled on the ground.

"Bon voyage! Hope your boat doesn't sink!" hooted Takamiya. Noma and Ooksu grinned.

"Heh! You guys are just jealous!" yelled Hanamichi back.

Ryonan's POV

'Can't believe that Taoka-sensei gave us a free boat cruise. Our defeat in the elimination must've hit him hard. He is off his rockers! Yeah, that must be the reason… not that I'm complaining….' thought Uozumi. For once he looked forward to a week without basketball.

'Hmph. We should be practicing right now! What am I supposed to do for the next seven days! Not to mention I'm with hentai Sendoh. He better keep his hands to himself..' frowned Koshino. He looked at the boat with distaste.

"Must check…must check…," mumbled Hikoichi.

'I hope the food is good here.' thought Fukuda.

'Hiro-kun, you looks so cute when you pout…hey is that Hanamichi?' wondered Sendoh, spotting the loudmouth. 'That's strange….the whole Shohoku team is here. Even Rukawa.'

"Still sleeping Rukawa?" Sendoh joked.

Rukawa glared at him.

'I see he is still an ice block with legs.' smiled Sendoh. "Hello minna-san! What brings you here?"

Shoyo's POV

'I wonder why Fujima wanted a boat cruise. Maybe this whole going- out- to- sea-thing has something to do with basketball again.' thought Hangata. He was worried of Fujima's behavior lately.

Being a curious person, he asked the question that has been bugging him for the past few days.

"Ah Fujima? Is this cruise somehow connected to our uh…loss to Shohoku?"

A flash of sadness crossed Fujimas' eyes.

'You know me too well.' thought Fujima wryly. "Partly yes. But I have other reasons."

"Oh? What reasons then? You can tell me." wheedled the tall center.

"Don't worry yourself too much. It's okay." said Fujima gently. 'You'll know soon.'

"Okay. But no keeping of secrets from me, promise?"

Fujima smiled. "Hai. I promise Toru-kun"

'Toru-kun?' wondered Hanagata, turning red. He saw Hasegawa running towards them.

"Sempais! You won't believe this! Ryonan and Shohoku are here!"

Kainan's POV

"Hurry up Kiyota! Jin, get a move on!" barked Maki, motioning for them to walk faster.

"Coming!" said Jin, out of breath.

"You don't know much about packing light do you?" grinned Kiyota. Jin groaned.

"I do. It's just that my mother insisted on bringing half of my closet. She's afraid I might catch a cold or something. I couldn't say no." said Jin, shrugging.

"I'll help you with that. You look worn out already. Eeep! I see why. Your bag weighs a ton!"

"Thanks." mumbled Jin, getting uncomfortable from Kiyota's attention.

"Cut the chat you two! Coach will get mad if we miss this trip!" said Maki impatiently.

"Hai sempai. We wouldn't want that." sniggered Kiyota. 'He always breaks his fan in half if he gets upset. Hehe.'

Jin looked at the people crowding at the pier. "Maki-san, those guys look very familiar…"

Maki's jaw hit the ground with a thud.

"Red-haired monkey!" exclaimed Kiyota.

"Still sleeping Rukawa?" came a teasing tone. 'That annoying voice ..….oh no kami-sama, this can't be happening'... Rukawa instantly came to life and glared.

"Sendoh."

"Hello minna-san! What brings you here?" said the Ryonan's ace, flashing his trademark smile.

Akagi's eyes bugged out. "Uozumi!"

"Akagi! Why the hell are you here?" said Uozumi, incredulous.

Then came Shoyo and Kainan. To say they were surprised is an understatement. They were downright shocked.

"NANI?"

To be continued….

Opal: Gomen if it's a bit dragging, but some of their conversations will play a part in the later chapters. I also didn't include some of the minor players because I don't know what I will do with them. I'll just spare them the torture of being marooned. So there are only 3 ppl in Shoyo and 3 in Kainan. Hope you understand.

Pls. REVIEW :puppy dog eyes: