Disclaimer: I still don't own them, but I never stop praying that someday I Will --- like everybody else. Hehehehehe... J

Author's Note:

                Keep the reviews coming… Arigato minna-san.

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(inner thoughts)

Ten Sakura Tree

Chapter 13     Tantrums

"What will be the consequences that you have to face upon this event? Tell me Keita and don't leave a single detail. I know how the Academy rules work and goes." Hanamichi's tone was stern and serious and this time he mean business. After all his patience is hanging by a thread since many events occurred that almost went out of their control.

"The Academy is not my concern right now but you. Michi-kun you know with that slip of the tongue that occur hours ago would lead to big consequences." She tried to avoid involving his brother with her affairs as much as possible, in order not to add up to his burden. But by doing so Hanamichi got irritated and felt left in the dark. And Hanamichi didn't like being left in the dark.

"Darn it… don't change the topic. You are shifting it the direction that does not concern you. You know that we have to make sacrifices to make this damn thing works… okay. SO please do tell me what you know." Hanamichi's patience snapped but somehow tried to control it but failed miserably. 

She wasn't expecting the outburst of his brother. She knows him too well but she didn't understand why would he be this outrange about her effort to exclude him of her affairs. "Yes, you are right, we have to make sacrifices. But damn you too, to tell me these things. I know them too well for the past ten years. It is my way to survive just like what you are doing for the past years. If you think that topic is none of my concern then THAT is not also your concern." She burst in anger to match Hanamichi's temper. The trademark that all of them share once sipped out all of their patience. {Though I believe Hanamichi's temper is always shown yet no one was able to witness how he got really mad. You know… really MAD! J}

Silence filled the air as both of them find it useless to continue bickering and getting to each others throats like that. They both gaze at the evening sky and star as they seek refuge in its mystical powers. They remained at that position as both their anger sink and got back their composure.

"I usually gaze at the sky like this and look at the stars for me not to feel so alone even depressed without you bunch by my side. I felt like you too was gazing at the same sky and stars like me and we eventually link and an understanding was created between us. Up until now, I do this silly thing to find comfort and refuge from the harsh world and even from my relationship." Hanamichi speak up to break the deafening silence that enveloped both of them.  He was expecting a great big and hearty laugh coming from her; she use to do that every time he became mushy since the time they were reunited.

Out of the blue, controlled sob was heard instead of laughter. Hanamichi approach and hug her to comfort her. In a low voice she spoke in between her sobs that Hanamichi's tears began to fall as he listens to her. "I was doing the same thing as you were Michi-kun. Nighttime has been the favorite time for me since the day we parted. I prefer it because I can dream that we are still together. My dreams and memories keep me sane for the past years. They keep me going and praying that someday… someday we would again meet. My wish came true when I receive the red envelope from Pierre together with the celphone. I was ecstatic when you guys called me. I can't believe that at long last I can hear your voices. AT least by that it can fill up the void that I was feeling that filled my very soul." Hanamichi felt her sister shiver due to her last statement. He too felt that same ache and void in his very soul, that every time he would think about it would make his world came tumbling down his feet but his Kitsune was always there to catch him falling in the abyss. He held her closer in fear that the night will take her away just like the last time.  "Everyday, I would gaze at the sky and make wishes. I never failed or even miss a day that I wouldn't gaze at the dark sky and make a wish. Every night it was just one wish. Every falling star I saw – just one wish… one wish that little by little became true at this moment."

They stayed in that position for 5 minutes then they parted to return to the gym. No emotions are evident in Kieta's eyes though she is smiling. Hanamichi became serious and stern.

****

 (Where is that Da'ho? HE always disappears since he returned from Tokyo.) Rukawa scanned the room for the nth time, trying to spot his Da'ho but to no avail, he can't locate him. HE soon realize that there is something amiss or should we say someone missing in the crowd – KIETA. (Damn, why didn't I realize it sooner that she is missing? Since this morning, Hanamichi has been acting strange and kept on missing by my side. I would always spot him tailing that girl. Just like now) Right on cue Kieta appeared followed by Hanamichi minutes later. (Who is that girl? Who is KIETA to Hana? Is she telling the truth that they are just FRIENDS or there is something hidden between them? Hana, since the time you left to Tokyo, you got more mysterious to me… you seem to change a lot yet I can't pin point what. Oh, Hanamichi I am worried but always remember I am here for you because I love you with all my heart.) Rukawa gaze longingly at the handsome feature of Hanamichi, which seems to vibrate with controlled emotion deep within him. His red hair seems to burn furiously complementing his kept feelings.

****

Rei and Kieta left Shohokou High after a little more chat together with other teams. They went to the train station together. Hanamichi wished to come along but Rukawa seems to be having a "tantrum" so to avoid anymore issues he pick to bade his goodbyes and went home with Rukawa, who was more silent than ever.

Youhei decided to tag along to appease his sour grapping koi and to find the reason why Sendoh's mood. Aside from that, he also wanted to make sure that his cousin and Rei would reach the Academy site in Kanagawa safely. Hanamichi asked him to take care of the two. Besides, he also wanted to have a little chat with his cousin but due to Sendoh's condition he hadn't got the chance to do so.

Koshino, best friend of Sendoh, observed the mood change of his friend and the tension that suddenly appear between Youhei and Sendoh. Koshino knows Sendoh too well that he can predict the others feeling towards a person. But he wouldn't butt in the affairs of his friend. HE knows too well that Youhei will make things all right given the chance to do so.

Sendoh's Manor

"See you tomorrow. Have a rest and Thank you for accompanying me home." Sendoh spoke in a bored tone.

"What is wrong Akira? You are not yourself today. Since the incident, you had been this cold towards me. Have I done something wrong to upset you, Akira?" Youhei was worried about Akira's tone. Akira was feeling shaken due to the incident at the same time mixed emotion that enveloped him. Out of confusion about his feeling towards Youhei, Sendoh slam the door flat in his koi's face without warning that surprise the Shohokou new basketball player.

(What the?!) HE was taken aback by Akira's action. HE was furious about the door thing that every inch of his patience was sipped out of his body. Enrage was an understatement for Youhei's reaction. Sendoh on the other hand leaned of the door panting and sweating furiously as he listens for his koi's ragging temper that never in their entire togetherness did he witness. He knows his koi's patience is longer than San Francisco Bridge but now he knows well enough that his koi's temper surpasses his buddy's temper. [Sendoh thought wrong – the reaction that Youhei showed is just the surface of a family trademark. Nobody can explode like a volcano than the Maxwell clan.]

"F*** you, Sendoh… Damn you… What the hell are you thinking? Open this damn door… We need to talk. *&^%%$^^##!@$#~$%^^&&*^*^^$^*" He uttered more colorful and beautiful words in different languages he knows out of frustration. [I don't want to write such foul words in this fic. Besides, I know only a handful of them. J]

Youhei was panting and out of breath due to his screaming and temper. (Darn, I never thought losing control of my temper the Maxwell way would make me pant like crazy. It seems I had train under coach T… intensive training that I never had experience for years since I quit the team. Okay Youhei relax… calm down. One, two, three… think wonderful thoughts and try to calm… relax… don't be like Yuri. Any moment now Kira-chan… any moment now… I know you will open the door for us to talk.) But to Youhei's dismay Sendoh didn't open the door nor budge. Sendoh remained stuck to the door and cried for their situation.

Unknown to Sendoh, his parents were watching him. They witness how their son curled in pain. Their son's usual happy façade suddenly vanished and was replace by anguished and devastation. It was evident to their eyes that their son was broken to pieces. They know how much their son loved the other guy even though such rumors about him being a playboy. They never saw their son in this state or in this kind of pain since he's in diaper. They are well aware that Akira has been with other relationships and through a lot of heartaches but he never crumble like this.

"HE really love the guy, darling."  Mrs. Sendoh started to sob as she sees her son's condition.

"And I think the other guy returned his affections with the same intensity." Mr. Sendoh stated while comforting his wife. With his statement, Mrs. Sendoh gazes at him with questioning look for his statement.

"Honey, can't you tell? He has been screaming for over an hour before he became silent because of exhaustion and agony. He loves our son as much as our son loves him. I just pray that their problem will be ironed out quickly to avoid much pain in their expense." The couple is hopeful for the outcome of their son's relationship.

Early the next morning, Sendoh woke up curled near the front door. He already got a pillow and a blanket covering him. (Mom, she must have cover me with blanket and given me pillow.) Sendoh smiled touch by his mom's affection towards him. The events that occurred last night came rushing back in his memory and remembered about his koi's voice pleading and asking for explanation. He opened the door to check for his koi. As the door opened, Sendoh's heart swelled for his koi's love and affection. There lying and sleeping, eyes tear stained, in the cold marbled floor near the front door without blanket and pillow to comfort him from the blistering cold of the night.

Sendoh gaze lovingly to his koi's angelic face. His face was relaxed at the same time marred with anguish and pain. Sendoh touched the sleeping boy's face tenderly and affectionately so not to wake the other up. Slowly Youhei opened his eyes because he felt the caress of Akira and once his vision is focus he was transfixed to a deep blue orbs that sparkles as tears signal to fall.

"Akira, what is wrong? Have I done something wrong? Akira, tell me… I don't want to lose you. I love you so much, Akira. That I will die without you… You're my life and air." He uttered this affectionately towards Akira while he hugs him close to his heart. Sendoh's tears began to fall as Youhei's words filled his heart and soul.

"Husshh… You-bun, I know… I know that you love me so much. I am sorry for acting such a jealous boyfriend last night, You see I felt insecure towards Kou. After all he looks more handsome and appealing than me. He is also a better basketball player than me. Who wouldn't feel insecure towards him?" Sendoh pouted upon remembering Kou and his childish act last night.

Youhei smiled upon knowing the reason why his beloved acted silly last night that almost cause them their relationship if they didn't 'hang-on'. "Kira-chan, he should be the one to feel jealous not you. You have me remember… the handsome Mito Youhei. Always remember that I love you and nobody will break us apart unless you - yourself decided to leave me. That will be the day when death will strike me." His smile faded and his face became serious and tears threatened to fall but he let it at bay.

"Oh, You-kun… I'm sorry… I love you too." The two hugged each other and ended in a very sweet kiss.

"Thank goodness the two made up already." Mrs. Sendoh was in a brink of crying seeing the his son happy and contented in the loving arms of his boyfriend.

"Honey, you know that when our hearts talk… we usually listen and understand its own language of LOVE." Mr. Sendoh was as happy as his wife for their son.

They left the couple in their sweet moments [in front of the door… ehheheheh….] and proceeded to the dinning room. There they will wait the arrival of the two couple. Soon enough the two immerges before their eyes. Youhei was grinning due to his koi's 'tantrum attack' again while Sendoh was pouting like his favorite toy was just taken away from him, for the main reason that the old butler interrupted them of their 'romantic talk'. The butler was only concern for their own welfare for them not to be late for school.

~ OWARI ~

Author's note:

Sorry bout the swearing thingy… hope you understand… J I tried to avoid it but I think it fit the situation… you know… ummm… anyway hope you enjoy reading this one.

I think it's kindda long and confusing.. I hope not.. I am so sorry if some of my chapters are confusing and crazy… it got out of my hand… Bout my grammar thingy and the sentence fragment… ummm… I wish I could blame the computer but I can't I am one hell of a sucker in English… but I try to improve with your help of course and consideration and support coming from you… Actually the GHOST WRITER is at fault why I have wrong spelling, grammar and sentence fragment in my chapters… hehehehhee… J

Enjoy reading and don't forget to review.. Please also support other stories they are all great.. J

Thanks for those who reviewed the chapter of my story.. greatly appreciated and thankful. Tilll next time…