Author: I own the characters that are NOT from Slam Dunk…. If they are from Slam Dunk, they are property of Inoue Takehiko. Please don't sue me… Also, a foreword, I tend to be long winded when writing my fics, so at least you get the overall picture, as well as the locations/background, and worth your dollar on internets charges! LOL Please do email/review me, and I can update the previous chapters. Thanks!

Words in italics or between slashes are thoughts, words within ^^ are actions, unless otherwise stated, words in brackets are locations usually before each section.

(=^_^=)  Chapter 3 – No Pain, No Gain  (=^_^=)

"Hello."

Yumi looked to find a pair of kind blue eyes looking straight at her. "Jun-Jun! What are you doing here? Don't you have to go for practice?"

"Aa. That I do, but I didn't feel easy, letting you go back by yourself." Chuckled the giant at Yumi's obvious pout. "I remembered how clumsy you are, especially when rushing. Speaking of which, why are you such a hurry?"

"A… Ano… I just remembered, that I have my medication at home, so… I have to go back home as quickly as possible! He he he.." explained Yumi, praying that he would buy her story.

"Aa. Why don't I send you back? At least you'll get there in one piece!" laughed Uozumi.

"Datte…(but)"

"No buts, Mi-chan. I'm sending you home, and that's it!" scolded Uozumi sternly, yet softly, picking up her bag, and slinging it across his shoulders.

"Hai…" ^Sweat drop^ "Here, help me up, won't yo… Whoa!" cried Yumi as she felt Uozumi pick her up in his arms, and carried her horizontally.

"Ne, Mi-chan, it's easier for me to send you home like this, so I hope you don't mind too much…" said Uozumi softly.

"H… Hai…"

There was nothing much Yumi could do, except be carried in Uozumi's arms, and rest her head against his wide chest. Uozumi's body was warm, and it filled Yumi's heart with the aura of safety, comfort, and of protection, from all those things that could hurt her. As she brought both of her hands and curled them into kawaii fists, and rested them between herself and Uozumi, she heard his heart beat. It was thumping with constantly, and in her mind and heart, she had never had such feelings before. It was so indescribable, that all Yumi could do, was to utter the following words, before, dozing off in Uozumi's arms.

"Jun-Jun…" /Gracias por pensar en mi…/

"Aa." Replied Uozumi softly, and smiled, as he realised that Yumi was fast asleep, in his arms. /You'll be home soon. Have a good rest, ore wa no Mi-chan. (my Mi-chan.)/

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Upon nearly reaching Yumi's house, Uozumi had the dilemma of whether to wake Yumi up, or to let her sleep, whilst he opened the door to her home. Well, Yumi woke up just in time, and rubbed her eyes with her chibi fists as she chibi yawned, much to Uozumi's amusement.

"Aa. You're awake now, Mi-chan… had a nice nap?"

"H.. hai… Arigato, Jun-Jun… Gomen ne, I dozed off…" blushed Yumi.

"It's perfectly alright… you must have been tired." Chuckled Uozumi.

"Let's go in, ne?" invited Yumi, turning the key in the doorknob hole.

Entering Yumi's home, it was as if one would have stepped into a house magazine. It was stylishly designed, yet with practicality. Uozumi had been to Yumi's home often, for study sessions, and was welcome by her family, for they were happy that she had a partner who could double as her bodyguard. (L.I.D.[author]: Family jokes are like that…) Yumi's family was not back yet, and so, Uozumi went to where the first aid kit was kept, and began to clean Yumi's wound on her knee.

"Does it hurt anywhere else, Mi-chan?"

"Ano, I think I sprained my ankle, Jun-Jun." Pointing to her right ankle.

"Soka… Well, I'll just tape it for now, and then we'll see a doctor together tomorrow, alright? I'll pick you up before we go to school."

"We?"

"Hai. I know you're made of tougher stuff, Mi-chan, so we'll see what the doctor says, and I'll get you a crutch. You won't need to miss school, then ne?"

"You know me so well, Jun-Jun…" smiled Yumi.

"Hah! You're so complex… That's an understatement if I ever heard one, Mi-chan! Ha ha!"

"Baka Jun-Jun!" pouted Yumi, who gave him a playful whack on his shoulder.

"Yare yare."

Once Yumi's injuries had been fully cleaned and treated, Uozumi stood up.

"So, I'll be going back to practice now. Do you think you'd need anything later on?"

"Nah… I'll manage, Jun-Jun. Okaasan should be back soon anyway. Ganbatte ne, Jun-Jun!" cheered Yumi.

"Hai… Hai…" waved Uozumi, and off he went.

/Hope she doesn't do anything stupid to aggravate her ankle./ thought Uozumi, shaking his head. /Mi-chan can be so troublesome at times…Mattaku!!! /

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(=^_^=) Meow!

L.I.D.[author]: What I wouldn't give for someone to carry back home, and have a nap to boot! Any Uozumi's out there in Singapore? R&R and please let me know if that was saccharine sweet enough for you!