Warning/s: Not Mine. SenRu. Typos. Grammars. No Beta-Reader.
CHAPTER 17-
Twelve years. It felt like a life time, for him, it did. He adjusted his coat and pulled it closer to himself as the cold temperature got into him. It has been a long flight and truth is, he was a bit tired as well. But his tiredness is the least of his worries as of now as his anxiety kept him company for the past 23 hours or so. It is often said that our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength. Over thinking can truly ruin the situation, twist things around, makes us worry, and just makes everything much worse than it actually is—truly, a day of worry is more exhausting than a week of work. He heaved a sigh and waited for his luggage to appear; there were a lot of people in the airport that night and he could only wander his eyes discreetly as he try his best to embrace the ambience of his native land—the land he has left twelve years ago. Japan hasn't changed much-well, it had probably, but he can sense that it must have been for the better. He took note of the neatly decorated walls of Narita Airport-sashed with garlands and confetti and blinking lights to match the atmosphere. Not from a far, people can be seen getting excited over a few weeks until the holidays. There was obviously an unparalleled excitement in the air as families and friends came to be with each other again, the laughs, the pats on the back, those hugs, the kisses… the warmth of it all is undoubtedly there and he could simply watch with almost solemn eyes. His silent reverie was broken when he was nudge from behind by something. He turned to look down and saw a boy… a 4-year old boy who was playing with his remote controlled car that somehow bumped onto his foot.
The said boy tried to press a few buttons on his pad and the said vehicle beside his foot pulled back and turned the other way-the boy's face lit up, as if that simple action has enough joy and contentment that could solve all of his worries away. The boy simply stood there as he manoeuvred those tiny joysticks with his hand, constantly making the car dodge and bump onto people and such. But none got angry with him, they all understood that he was merely a kid who was simply enjoying his toy. He was even being regarded as someone adorable- the boy's eyes widened when he heard his name being called by a female voice, he turned to his right and instantly smiled when he saw his mom approaching him and bowing to a few people who probably found his son quite entertaining to watch. He watched as tiny hands curled around the woman's neck and soon enough, the mother-son tandem was walking away.
He would have ignored everything when he caught sight of the toy car that has been left behind by the kid. He felt himself gasp a bit as he found himself taking a walk towards the forgotten vehicle on one corner and instantly searching for the woman who has a kid that left it. His eyes did not search long as he spotted the said kid who was looking at his controller with certain amusement, still constantly pressing the buttons as he was being carried by his mom. He instantly strode to where they are heading and just when he was about an arm's length away, he cleared his throat and, "A-anou, excuse me…" his voice, sounded low but clear as the woman was made to stop to turn around.
He sighed and stretched his arms with the toy on one hand. "He left this…" he said nonchalantly, eyes not showing any form of emotions or anything at all. The said woman smiled and bowed, as she softly chuckled and caressed his toddler's head. "Oh my, arigatou gozaimasu… Kenji, you left toy car- what would you say?" The boy seemed surprised too that he left his toy around but of course, he wouldn't know. He was put down by his mother and he immediately handed him over his car- the kid blinked his eyes twice before breaking into a wide smile, eyes bright and all as he bowed politely as well. "A-arigatou…" Her mother chuckled softly and bowed once again at him and he could only partly opened his lips in sheer surprise, no words escaped him—he bowed slightly as well and was left alone once more; only then he turned around on his heels to once again see if his luggage has finally appeared—and alas, indeed his two luggage is now in sight and he could only sigh quietly to himself as he strode himself away and out of the busy airport.
He found himself queuing on one last check point and when it was his turn, the lady on the counter briefly looked at his passport for a while before turning back at him- her face passive and stoic, a sign of professionalism and not even the joyous spirit seemed to be taking a seeped in her—just probably like him.
"Your first visit in Japan since years ago?"
He nodded. "Yes ." He answered and slightly bowed his head.
"How long have you been gone and from where you are?"
He sighed a bit. "Watashi wa hanarete juni-nen kandeshita." A pause. "New York." He felt his throat tightened but he didn't mind.
"Nyūyōku no anata no shigoto wa nandesuka?" The lady asked as her eyes remained unfazed and is fixated right at him.
He stared back as well with his own cerulean orbs. "Zaimu anarisuto." Short and crisp, not like as if it need any more introduction. The lady nodded. "Raisensu?" He sighed and reached for his back pocket and handed her over a small piece of laminated card to which she accepted and placed under a scanner.
The lady nodded and stamped a few pages in his passport as well as on his papers. Soon an officer approached him and carefully inspected him from his eyes, down to his neck, his body, his waist, his legs… he could only raise both of his arms sideways as he allowed himself to be inspected—not that he appalled the security, it was the last anyway; what probably made it a bit hard was the last question.
"Anata no namae futatabi, soshite Nihon de no hōmon no riyū?"
He found himself gulping involuntarily.
"Mamoru. Rukawa Mamoru." A pause. His voice low but clear.
"Watashi no homon shimasu tsuma no haha…soshite watashi no… musuko."
Soon after, the lady nodded, handed him back his papers and everything and only then half-smiled as she bowed and greet him in return. "Nihon e yōkoso. Anata no taizai o tanoshimu."
Akagi blew the whistle as it signalled the start of the second half and the last part of the game to be exact; the last twenty minutes of the game before it all ends. Fujima puffed out a sighed and smirked. "Phew, this is it I guess, Shin. After this I could finally rest." He grinned. Maki simply snorted but smiled back in return. "In case you forgot, you still have that party committee to get going to." Fujima found his eyes widening a bit as he partly gape. "Oh I hate you, I almost forgot! Tsk! You really, really have to help me on that!" He almost whined and almost asked Kainan's captain with authority. Maki for some reason found himself chuckling softly but he nodded. "Fine, but I don't want any form of participation in this, am I clear?" Fujima simply stared back and blinked his bright eyes. He nodded. "Sure." But one can never be truly sure around Fujima, as Maki simply snorted back and shook his head in return. Maki followed his slightly hyper lover and stopped a bit when they were almost at the middle. Fujima turned to him and grinned. "Ne Shin, we're just behind by five points, don't you think its about time we truly attack?" Maki simply shrugged but kept his trained eyes across the two taller opponents who are now walking towards the centre. He simply smiled. "Yeah, sounds like a good idea." He paused. "You wanna try guarding Sendoh?" Fujima blinked ang gave his beau the stare- Maki simply chuckled upon hearing the latter's comment. "Oh so you want me to guard a tree?" Fujima grinned nonetheless. "I mean, no problem for me, he may be tall but I can ran fast." Maki simply shrugged and grinned. "Ken, he's a runner as well, he's one of Ryonan's fastest, actually." Fujima rolled his eyes."Ne Shin, you wanna try guarding the oni?"
Maki held gaze from Kenji to the said Shohoku rookie from across who was busy adjusting his armband and jogging pants—but he smiled as well. "Probably. He seems pretty uptight." Fujima grinned and put his hand on his hips. "I cant believed we're battling those two." He paused then with that glimmer in his eyes, he found himself smiling. "I'll definitely show them who Fujima Kenji really is. I'm not a playing coach for nothing." Maki simply snorted softly and nodded faintly. Its about time to start the second half and to finally put an end to it all. There has been a lot of happenings during their stay in Osaka, and Maki, being one of the many witnesses of the many significant events that took place amongst them and as well as the others. He found himself sighing softly nonetheless as the last train of thoughts occupied his mind. 'Life is indeed always better, when we're all playing basketball.'
Lose. Did Sendoh literally meant the word? How easy is for him to say that he wanted to lose this suddenly after openly admitting at first that he wanted to win this. Rukawa twitched his lips- Sendoh must be a bit out of his mind. But the truth is, Rukawa didn't mind that much. Thing is, he actually thought that while Sendoh may not truly mean what he said; the taller guys simply wanted to get away with the dreaded proposition that Fujima made after the game. And for Rukawa, he, himself as well, doesn't want to get involve with any form of recreation or some sort. Rukawa eyed the two aces from afar-Fujima who was busily saying probably something to Maki who was simply nodding in return. Thing is, he thought those two looked mighty cozy together. It is as if they have literally found each other. He felt a familiar feeling of certain emotion sinking into him as he came into his other realization—love. He gulped involuntarily as he continued walking in a slow pace towards the center, aware at the fact that he was followed from behind by none other than Sendoh Akira. Rukawa stopped when he was midway just as Sendoh suddenly came into his side view.
"Remember our plan, Rukawa-kun?" Sendoh muttered, his voice calm, low but with sincerity. Rukawa found himself nodding in return. Of course he remembered—he would guard Fujima for the first pick and would roll onto Maki-as in screening. He just wished the Kainan Ace would buy it, else they're toast. Akagi motioned for them to approach the centre and soon after, the last and final half is about to start.
The ball was tossed in the air just as about Sendoh was obviously able to tap it near Rukawa; the said Rookie ran after the orange ball but Fujima was somehow there. Rukawa clacked his tongue. 'Missed chance.' He muttered. He saw Sendoh mildly shook his head as the Ryonan star went on to guard Maki. From afar, hoots and cheers from both the Kainan-Shoyo bench erupted as per lead by no other than Kiyota Nobunaga. Sakuragi can be seen with a gnarl on his face as he threw in some expletives from the Kainan's monkey.
Fujima ran and dribbled as he eyes for a possible three- yes, he was vying for a three-point shot and was going to fake a pass to Maki—Rukawa for some reason, actually thought that it was indeed going to be a pass as he was getting ready to intercept it but was held wide-eyed when Fujima threw in from behind the line. Everyone gasped in surprise since they seldom see Fujima hitting a three. From Shohokus bench though, Mitsui can be seen standing up and shouting 'No good!' But the said shot found its way sinking into the net for that 8-point lead. The Shoyo bench clapped and cheered in glee as Maki simply smirked and grin at Fujima who has that cheery look on his face. Sakuragi howled in annoyance as Ayako simply smack his red head with her paper fan.
"Is that a freaking three?! Gori, that was a two!" Sakuragi shouted, obviously he was siding Sendoh-and he did said, he is only siding Sendoh Akira. Akagi went bug eyed as he simply ignored the antic earning a few laughter from around the bench. "Kso, spiky you! Get that goddamn ball!" Sakuragi hollered as if being a madman. Uozumi passed the ball to Sendoh to which the Ace simply dribbled back inside the court- he simply smiled at Sakuragi who was fuming. Thing is, it is somewhat obvious to see that Sakuragi may have placed his bet on him. Sendoh was about to jog as he dribbled the ball in steady pace when he was somewhat approached by no other than Rukawa himself, to his partly surprise.
Rukawa huffed a small sigh and wipe his mouth with his shirt. "I… I never thought that he'd take on a three." Rukawa for some reason, found himself saying that. "I…I mean, I didn't see it coming…" He trailed ahead softly as his eyes somehow looked suddenly below. It wasn't a big deal really, him approaching Sendoh, the thing is… he actually surprised himself when he actually said it as if he were Sendoh's young brother that suddenly got bullied by his playmate. He felt his eyes widened a bit as he gasps to himself. They were actually supposed to go on the pick and roll and Rukawa actually got annoyed at himself for falling openly at Fujima's fake attack.
Sendoh found himself blinking in return as he felt his lips tugging upward. Honestly? He thought he actually felt giddy inside. What's not to feel giddy at—Rukawa actually approached him and well, initiated the talk. Sendoh would have dropped the orange leather and cupped the latter's face if only he could do so. If only. Sendoh's eyes softened as he shrugged involuntarily. "Hey its okay…I thought he was actually going to pass too." He grinned. And he was being honest, he thought Fujima's fake was executed cleanly that anyone would have fall for that. He saw the younger guy blinked his eyes twice before nodding shortly. Sendoh chuckled softly to himself alerting the pale rookie. "Lets make this basket, shall we? Besides its only an 8-point lead." Rukawa would have protested at the 8-point lead but there was something in Sendoh's voice that made him believe they could actually catch up and win this.
Five minutes into the game, Maki and Fujima still holding onto that 8-point lead, both teams seemed too keen on tightening their defence. It was Fujima who was now planning on an offensive attack with Rukawa guarding him close by, the eyes of the playing coach very much aware that he is closely watched by a pair of blue ones. He could smirked to himself as he literally found enjoyment in all of this. Fujima dribbled in between his legs and tried to sneak in an attack but Rukawa was there and so he backed a few steps and sighed, his eyes turning cheery for a while. "Ne, Rukawa-kun, if you guys win today, what'll you do later, hmm?" Rukawa almost gasps and felt his brows furrowed. Is Fujima trying to pull a trick on him so that he will lose concentration? He could only snort in reply. Truth is, he didn't want to lose, but he doesn't want to perform either. Fujima held that grin as if waiting for a response as he keeps on dribbling the ball in a changing pace. Rukawa kept his eyes directly on Shoyo's point guard—he was wondering though if he still needs to answer Fujima's query but settled for his usual silence. Fujima clack his tongue a bit. "Tsk, you are way too serious, Rukawa-kun, sometimes you gotta loosen up… you're always frowning." He paused, then chuckled. Rukawa felt his vein throbbed a bit. If this is Fujima's cheap way of distracting him, then its not working- he would have to make a steal and run towards their court. Fujima sense a split second of inattentiveness coming from Rukawa and sped pass to his left, to make another layup—but Rukawa was too quick not to respond this time as he made a dash in attempt to guard Fujima. Maki was able to escape Sendoh's defence to the surprise of the Ryonan Captain and ran behind Fujima as well—Sendoh followed suit nonetheless. Fujima sped off, and was about to pull a jumper, making Rukawa believe that he was indeed firing only to pass it to Maki who was behind the line and somewhat free to fire a shot—he threw in the ball to Sendoh's surprise and to the resounding cheers, claps, and hoot from the crowd inside the gym—the ball went in. The 8-point lead, now eleven.
Groans were obviously heard from the Shohoku-Ryonan bench as Sakuragi fumed ever as before. Koshino stood up and stomped his feet as he was readying to approach the bench of Sendoh. Akira glanced at Rukawa for a while to check if the younger guy is probably tired or exhausted from guarding Fujima—but didn't see that of course. Rukawa was simply huffing, eyes a bit passive but very much focus. He felt his lips tug upward for a while before shaking his head.
"Are you still good?" It was Maki. Sendoh was taken aback at the sudden approach but he smiled nonetheless and nodded. "Yeah." He paused. "Fujima's fired up today." Maki's eyes widened but he nodded and kept his smile business-like as usual. He chuckled softly though. "Yeah. He was telling me a while back on how he vows on beating you both." Sendoh chuckled softly and shrugged. "So it seems." Akagi whistled signalling the continuation of the game-both players nodded their heads off and positioned back on court. This time, it's Sendoh and Rukawa's ball. Uozumi threw in the ball to Sendoh to which the Ryonan Ace simply made an inbound pass to Rukawa—both Maki and Fujima at theother end of their court, somehow just waiting. Rukawa made a mental note to himself that he would try this time to drive hard and hopefully foul Fujima. He knotted his brows and to Sendoh's surprise, dashed off to their court.
The crowd in the bench shouted in attempts to cheer on. Mitsui stood up and hooted as he clap in glee. "Haha, there we go now kid, get that goddamn basket now!" Sakuragi simply scowled and clack his tongue. "Cocky brat!" He threw a glare at Sendoh who was jogging towards the other end. "Teme Spiky! What's happening to you! Are you still daydreaming about your date from the other night?!" Sakuragi's voice was so loud that everyone around him literally looked at him with their somewhat confused and surprised faces.
"Eh?!" Ayako was surprise but her eyes somewhat lit up. Did this redhead just mentioned the word date? Miyagi too was surprised but he kept his reactions at bay—not the gullible type. Mitsui simply cackled and ignored the stupid reactions from the others.
"He had a date?!"
"With whom?"
"Sendoh-san… dated?"
"Whoah, how come I never heard of this?"
"Hikoichi, are you doing your job?"
Apparently, some people from the benched seem shaken up as they continue to both cheer and murmur at the same time. Sakuragi clacked his tongue and sat down with his arms crossed. Mitsui elbowed him and grinned like the villain he is. "Yo, never thought you're the gossiper type, Tensai! Hahaha!" Sakuragi scowled. "Shut up Mit-chan. I aint no gossiper. I'm telling the truth, I heard from Fukusuke that Spiky asked the receptionist out for dinner!" He grinned his usual and laughed his Tensai laughed. A paper fan landed on his red head, Sakuragi simply shout 'ite' but never resorted back, he knew who it was. Ayako sneered behind him and smirk. "How are you sure it's the receptionist?" Sakuragi shrugged but kept his smile at bay. "Nyahahah, Ayako-chan, even you are interested. Fukusuke told me!" He grinned. Miyagi simply rolled his eyes and smiled. "What if he told you instead, was a joke?" Sakuragi fumed. "Teme Ryo-chin, if that happens, I'll kill that bloody Fukusuke in an instant!" Ayako laughed and shook her head. Thing is, the boys around him seemed to have no clue or whatsoever—and she's loving it. Because Ayako is feeling otherwise—for some reason, she can sense something else. Miyagi looked at a chuckling Ayako and smirk. "Aya-chan, you seemed to be feeling giddy, care to share?" A grin. Ayako simply shrugged and grinned. "Oh it's nothing really Ryota. I just happen to remember something I've read." She paused and went back to look at the game in front of her. She smiled when Rukawa made a jumper, cutting the 11-point lead to nine.
"When two people love each other, they don't look at each other… they look at the same direction." Then she smiled—just as about Sendoh tapped Rukawa's hand for that jump shot.
The icy wind softly whistles through the finger like branches of the bare trees, a light covering of snow lying heavily on their extremities. As the cab passed by, he saw children skating on the icy surface of the pond making large cracks like gaping wounds. Small sledges hurtle down the piebald hills, rosy faces glowing and laughing, amidst the flurry ice particles. Soon after, the cab pulled on a stop. He fished inside his pocket and handed over some paper bills. He got out as well as the driver that had help him with his luggage. He saw the driver rubbed both of his gloved hands together to create friction and heat. The man went back inside the cab and soon after, drove away. He momentarily followed the trail left behind by the old Celica model and was taken aback once again when he heard the laughter of a few people nearby. He saw another group of kidult playing on a frozen pond. They stamped their frozen feet and thumped their chilly bodies to warm up. Soon, these kidult started throwing snowballs at each other. He sighed momentarily and turned to walk on the path—lifting his luggage on one hand, and with another bag on his back. He huffed and puffed snow as he breathe.
Mamoru stared from beneath his black fringes the path ahead. It has been twelve years since he last came across this small path. Truth is, he could honestly feel a small pang of apprehension; it has been with him since he took the flight back home. Deciding to go back was never easy for him, but for him, wanting to just stay and do nothing may be the worst ever. Somewhere inside of him, he longed for this—of going back. Of going home. He travelled in order to come home. He could almost feel himself wistfully smiling at the thought of it… twelve years ago, he decided to left. He felt as if his whole world came crushing down the moment he lost her. He felt pain. And the sudden responsibility seemed to have cast a burden on him that his sanity caught the best of him so he had to leave… leave his native Motherland to be in a strange place, to work and toil day in and day out in order to forget—but most of all, he left him—his son, just because seeing him looking a lot like his deceased wife is enough to make him remember her and miss her—that it saddens him. It has always been clichéd that time heals all wounds, but for Mamoru, while it did not completely heal anything… it taught him how to live with it; and that pain changes people. His boots crunched through the powdered snow. Somehow, they detonated like Christmas crackers every time his feet hit the ground. The place around him was imprisoned in glair-white silence. Nothing sounded. Nothing stirred. Nothing sang. Just the soft and steady falling of those tiny snowflakes that hung all over the place like white garlands. A soft wintery wind blew by sending him chills—he clutched his coat tighter and furrowed his brows. Occasionally, a tree limb would creak, crack and collapse. He stopped walking just as he arrived at a familiar-looking abode. He felt uncertainty seeping in. He suddenly felt a bit reluctant but a bit motivated as well. He involuntarily gulped and soon enough found himself knocking softly on that wooden door.
High above him, the evening stars were winking out sadly. They flashed their last, like bling-silver grains of sand in the sky. Their bejewelled brilliance fading into nothingness was a wonder to behold. A ghostly, orb-white, winter moon hung there, imitating a pale strobe light. A corona of shimmering yellow ringed its dying glory. The sky around it was a wide sheet of grate-grey, hemmed in the horizon with a blue-grey tinge. It was a snow sky, Gods perfect gift for Christmas. Fluttery snowflakes puffed down on him, sylph-like in their airy silence. They imitate a mantle of Lapland-white and when they landed, they glinted like pulverized diamond dust.
A knock again. Soon after, the wooden door slid down slowly as Mamoru braced himself to look for words- he just came back from New York after twelve years, and is feeling all-too uneasy now if ever he came face-to-face with his one and only son. Thing is, Mamoru wouldn't know what to say. He wanted to apologize but he doubt if that alone is enough.
The door opened and Mamoru's cerulean eyes widened a bit on their own, just as the said owner of the one who opened the door had on her eyes as well; the etched of surprised—and Mamoru, somewhat felt a bit relieved.
"M-Mamoru?" Her eyes widened as he placed a hand on her mouth. Her greyish-black hair tied on a bun behind her as she was simply wearing a traditional kimono in light blue—a shawl wrapped around her. Her eyes softened and somewhat sparkled. She found himself bowing a bit just as the newly arrived did so too without hesitation.
"C-Chiyo-san…I-I'm back."
"Tadaima…"
The door closed as she ushered him to get in.
He stood at the middle of the living room, feeling all too warm up and cosy- eyes quietly surveying the whole place, looking for a tiny hint if change or a furniture probably moved but sensing none. The old lady came back with cup of tea and as she placed it slowly on the table, she smiled—eyes somewhat glistening with impending tears that is probably threatening to go down but she kept at bay. Mamoru momentarily looked from the hot cup to the old lady with softened eyes and bowed down politely. Izumi Chiyo, sixty years of age and with gunmetal grey long hair that is neatly tuck in a bun. Her eyes were of dark brown and almond-shape that goes well with slightly wrinkled round face. And although her face can appear world weary at times, but usually she is alert and active. In the winter, her fingers would get slightly inflamed from the cold but she says it doesn't hurt her. One can never see her wear shabby clothes and they are always clean and fresh. She has an angelic smile and, even though her voice can appear feeble at times, she is remains healthy. The old lady sat down across Mamoru who sat as well-eyes focused on the cup of tea in front of him.
"You should have told me you were arriving…" Chiyo's soft voice reverberated in the silent room. Mamoru looked up with his rare blue eyes, blinked back and shrugged a bit. He reached for the cup of tea and sipped from it—savouring the taste of good green ocha prepared for him.
"I could have prepared something for your homecoming…" She added softly. Mamoru shook his head. "No, its okay Chiyo-san." He paused. "Tea is good enough." He nodded curtly. Chiyo simply smiled gently and shook her head as well. "You never changed, Mamoru. You were the same person as before… you have always been the reserved one." She smiled, eyes turning into upside-down crescents. Mamoru found himself looking at the smiling old woman before him-blinked his eyes twice and for odd reason enough, found himself tugging the small corners of his lips upward. Chiyo's eyes widened for a second before sighing. "I rarely see him do that."
"Do what?" Mamoru asked back, his voice low and deep but full—exuding with authority but not unreachable. Chiyo stood up from where she was and walked a few steps to the nearby cabinet. She held one frame in one hand and gently caressed the glass cover. "He seldom smiles…" Mamoru knew then who Chiyo is referring to. He simply waited for the older woman to continue. "How long has it been again?" She queried in her soft and seemingly feeble voice. She handed him the frame that she has been holding; Mamoru reluctantly reached for the wooden framed photo of them. He could honestly feel the pounding on his chest as he bravely stared at the picture of him, her and…
Mamoru involuntarily gulped as he took slight notice of one thing. "By the way, where is he?" He asked with utmost curiosity and with concern that of a Father. Chiyo smiled back. "Osaka." Mamoru kept staring at the photo of him, his deceased wife Emi and found himself mouthing the words…
"Kaede is in Osaka."
Chiyo took a few steps and around and replenished his cup of tea. "Don't worry, he will be back tomorrow evening, I think." A pause. The old lady then decided that it will probably better if she fill in a few details since she doesn't think that there has been any proper communication between the two and that… after her daughter, Emi, passed away because of an illness, the relationship between father-son has been a bit restraining. Chiyo definitely knew that while the incident happened years ago, there are certain memories that will always remain and would have been hard to go by. It is as exactly what Mamoru told her way back before. While pain changes people, somehow, it also teaches them to learn how to live with it. And for her, these two has been living with it for the past years in their own ways.
"Its school-related, so you need not to worry."
Mamoru momentarily opened his mouth but found no words. "It's not that…" He paused. He nodded instead. Chiyo smiled. "I know you, Mamoru… and its okay." A pause. "He is with his teammates." Mamoru's eyes looked up. "It has been that long, Chiyo no haha…" He paused. "I barely knew how he looks now, more so, what he is up to." Mamoru somehow found himself clasping his hands together- eyes a bit casted down. She softly chuckled. "He's taller than you now." Mamoru somehow gasp at the information, but found himself smiling wistfully—glad at what he heard. Chiyo decided to continue. "He has your eyes… everything else is Emi's." Rukawa Mamoru nodded but he kept his soft smile on. "I know…"
"He plays basketball—he loves the sport so much. And I think he is doing great at it. He enjoys music as well. Oh, you have all the time in the world tomorrow to catch up. He will be back." She smiled reassuringly.
The black-haired elder man kept his silence. Chiyo stood up and started walking around and found herself sitting beside her son-in-law. "While it may be true that not every father gets a chance to start his son off in his own footsteps, one thing remains; no love is greater than of a father for his son." She paused as he placed her wrinkled hand atop Mamoru's larger ones. "Kaede may be withdrawn to you when you meet him, but I'm sure he will understand. I can see it in his eyes…" She paused. "It is as if I am staring right into Emi's as well." Mamoru found himself having mixed emotions at that given moment—he found himself holding on to the old lady's hands as well.
"Words cannot express my boundless gratitude for you, I appreciate all that you have done. You have been there for him in every step when I wasn't and I…"
She heard Chiyo chuckled and he was confused; but there was something in Chiyo's soft chuckle that greatly reminded him of Emi's… the nostalgia may still continue to remind him of the hundred memories but Mamoru now knew better, coming home was probably the best decision he has made this year—after all, it is not flesh and blood but the heart to which makes us sons to our fathers and fathers to our sons.
Ten minutes in playing into the game and suddenly Fujima decided to call for a timeout. The nine-point lead now cut to two. Before that happened though, Fujima scored another three, making the previous 9-point lead to raise to twelve. But shots has been exchanged thoroughly and it is as if both Sendoh and Rukawa somehow forgot the a few facts and events that has happened between the two them since they both literally transformed themselves into the deadliest point guard and forwards ever; determined on cutting that twelve-point lead, making steals, and the whatnots in order to get back. Bu it hasn't been easy since Maki is playing good defence on Sendoh and that Fujima has been hot behind the threes. The guys watching were frantically sore from too much cheering and hoots and that some of them were practically cringing every time the lead would go up or being cut down. Over all it was exhilarating to watch that neither Akagi nor Uozumi barely had time to act funny and seemed like legit referees on court. Even Sakuragi suddenly seemed to be taking down notes, occasionally throwing a fit and expletives every time Sendoh's shot would bounce off the rim.
Sendoh sat down on the bench, instantly grabbing his towel and wiping off the sweat off his face. He huffed and puffed out as the past minutes has been physically straining. It wasn't easy guarding Maki while passing exquisite passes, making damn sure that his teammate gets the ball. The past few minutes has been a slot more serious as both he and Rukawa technically rallied those points so that they could catch up. There was even a time when both Maki and Fujima blasted off with a 14-point advantage! He saw the mortified look in Rukawa's eyes and felt like he has to do something because time has been dwindling down.
It has been way too serious and almost like an initial play in the Nationals—but a glance at the bench and he was reminded that he was merely playing a small practice game. There he saw Koshino and all of Ryonan members cheering wildly and profusely. He alos caught glimpse of Fukuda who has that unreadable look in his eyes. Sendoh went back to the game and in about less than five minutes, they were able to do a 6-0 run, cutting off the lead basket by basket, until it dropped down to two.
Rukawa, too, sat down on one edge and grabbed his bottle of water and gulped from it. It was Maki and Fujima who called a timeout as it is probably time to re-group and think their strategies over. Rukawa capped back his bottle, eyes still looking focused ahead on the court—not minding the fact that he was now sitting side by side with Sendoh. Rukawa was about to say something when Sendoh beat him to it—he would have rolled his eyes off but somehow managed not to.
"Are you tired?" Sendoh asked then smiled. Rukawa merely twitched his lips in return and shook his head. "No. Not really." Sendoh nodded. Rukawa furrowed his brows. "Why do you asked?" Rukawa somehow wanted to whack himself for asking way too much. Sendoh simply shrugged and momentarily looke up as if trying to remember something. "Because it's the second half?" He grinned, somewhat trying to joke back there and chuckled when he saw Rukawa gave him first the confused look…then that glare. Rukawa got his joke and rolled his eyes while shaking his head.
"I've prepared for this." Rukawa shot back coolly earning him a soft laugh from Sendoh. "Yeah, so it seems." He paused. "That was some run a while back, we were down by fourteen and…" He trailed off and paused for a bit. "I guess I was just happy that we were able to come back." Sendoh said softly as his eyes softened while looking at the court in front of him.
Rukawa simply found himself nodding wordlessly in return. He sighed to himself and suddenly, he remembered… after this, they will all be going back to Kanagawa—and then, it'll be Christmas a few days from now. Truth is, while Osaka made him experience and realize a number of things, he knew that somehow, he missed being in Kanagawa-more importantly, he missed his grandmother. How Rukawa wished that the old lady is doing just fine. He sighed to himself and fidgeted a bit on his seat. He saw Sendoh stretched his long arms above as the spiky-haired of Ryonan yawned and rubbed his eyes. Rukawa for some odd reason simply stared. He looked as if it was his first time seeing Akira Sendoh—and in that moment of looking and observing, Rukawa found himself mostly wondering on the how's and the why's…
Like… how come you can't get someone off your head; like as if they were really meant to be there… and the fact that why is it, since he got to know Sendoh Akira, nothing has been the same?
Sendoh felt like he is being stared at and had to look at his left to see a wide-eye Rukawa who suddenly looked abruptly away. And in that fleeting moment, Sendoh found himself wondering…but it was the special kind of curiosity. Sendoh knew, that his biggest mistake isn't the fact that he kissed the rookie the other night, nor the fact that he fell in love with him and is now contemplating as to how on Earth is he going to say it; Sendoh is probably torn at the fact that he has this audacity to think that Rukawa Kaede might have fallen for him too… and that how he wished that the truth to the latter statement.
He felt his chest raced a bit and gulped involuntarily as he tried to shake off those impending thoughts. The last ten minutes is partly crucial and aside from probably confessing, the second thing he wants to get over and done with is to win this game and talk to Rukawa Kaede—tell him everything. Somehow along the way, somehow during his stay in Osaka, his state of mind has finally got the best of him and that the fact that he needs the raven-haired Rookie next to him, and also the fact that he is trying his best not to tell him but he wants to because he is scared at what'll Rukawa would say.
Sendoh felt himself gripping his tumbler on his right hand. And it is often said indeed that courage is simply the willingness to feel afraid and act anyway, and so he found himself hoarding a few of this so-called valour because Sendoh found himself mouthing the words…
"Rukawa… can we talk after this?" Silence. Sendoh heaved a sigh. "I mean, I think we should talk about… a lot of things."
Rukawa who was simply staring at the linoleum floor blankly found himself looking slowly to his right—felt surprised at the sudden question thrown at him. He felt his chest raced for a bit and almost dreading but somehow anticipating as well since things have come in a way wherein its either you faced them or regret forever. Rukawa thought he had gone deaf a bit but is not. Their eyes met briefly and in that instant, Rukawa knew that he didn't actually mean to fall in love, but Sendoh made it so easy.
He nodded.
"Okay! Time's up, last ten minutes!" Akagi shouted and soon enough the crowd roared back to life—it is as if the last scene is about to be unfold and that everyone is dying to know who will win this mini game. Maki and Fujima stood up from the bench, seemingly rejuvenated and all as they come forth with much gusto. Sendoh, too, was about to get up when he was playfully whack from behind by none other than Sakuragi. Rukawa who already stood up looked on but said nothing. Sakuragi cackled evilly as he playfully kneed behind Sendoh's broad shoulder. "Nyahahah, teme Spiky, you got some nerves to be coming down from a fourteen-point deficit, you really like coming from behind, don't ya?" Sakuragi laughed and goaded and for some reason, Sendoh gasps as he heard Sakuragi say that! Thing is, he actually thought there was something in the way Sakuragi unleashed those words that it didn't seemed right. 'Sakuragi you bastard.' He chuckled softly to himself and shook his head. Sendoh actually thought it sounded a bit green back there but decided not to lash out further.
"C'mon Spiky, don't tell me the old man's got this? You can't lose on those two lovebirds, hahahah!"
Rukawa gasped when he heard Sakuragi say the word-love birds? He wondered, no, he was rather surprised the least. He saw Sakuragi looking at him with that annoyed look and from the redhead looked at Sendoh who was also staring at him. "Whatcha looking fox?" The redhead clacked his tongue and snarled. Rukawa simply frowned and turned his back on them. Sendoh simply smiled when he saw the object of his affections acting a bit childish and looked back coolly at Sakuragi. "Hey Sakuragi, fancy seeing you here, are you coaching us?" He smiled. Sakuragi simply chuckled and pointed at Sendoh. "Hahaha, what is this, are you asking for my help suddenly, Spiky? Now acknowledging the prowess of this Tensai, eh?" Sendoh simply grinned and said nothing.
"Hn, I know you're probably embarrassed to asked for this Tensai's help but since you personally asked for it, I don't see any reason as to-?!" But he was cut.
"Urusai doaho teme… who needs your help. Get back." Rukawa unleashed his final statement and that did it. Sakuragi stomped his feet to where Rukawa was and Sendoh had to step forward to stop the impending fight. "Teme kitsune, you think you're so great wherein you're actually dragging Sendoh down because of your lousy play!"
"Sakuragi-kun, its okay…keep it cool will you?" Sendoh tried to coax and smile-alternately looking from the redhead to Rukawa. He looked at Rukawa meaningfully and when Rukawa saw that the raven-haired simply clacked his tongue and walked towards the court. Akagi of course saw this and approached the three. "Got any problem here, Sendoh?" He frowned while looking at his most notorious member to which Sakuragi simply stuck his tongue out. "Haha, no Akagi-san…got no problems at all." Akagi smirk and went back on the court and just as when Sendoh is getting ready to move forward as well, he heard Sakuragi say, "Nyahaha, I can feel that you're having receptionist problems rather, Spiky!" Sendoh stopped on his tracks and looked behind for a bit before breaking into that knowing grin.
"Actually…its not about the receptionist." Sakuragi furrowed his brows and blinked back his confusion, then went back to his usual Tensai look. "Oh really?" He goaded at Ryonan's Ace but held that smirk in place. Sendoh looked from Sakuragi to the back of the person wearing the number 11 jersey that is now walking across the court, oblivious to his stare.
And Sakuragi could only wonder about Sendoh Akira's words.
"More like, its about him…"
"Nyahaha! I knew it! He's giving you a hard time!"
And Sendoh could only smile back at Sakuragi's almost exact words. 'Somewhat yeah Sakuragi-kun, because I turned out liking him more than what I originally expected.'
Ten minutes. Ten last minutes before this game ends. The ball was tossed and Sendoh for some odd reason was able to tap it right into Rukawa's awaiting hands. Rukawa started speeding off their own court but was pursued by Maki instead- he was now being guarded by the tank himself and suddenly pulled on a halt-seemingly thinking on how to escape the tight defence. Rukawa dribbled in between his legs and hopped on his right, spun around and dashed for that layup. It was accurately executed that they tied the score at 60-60 each. The Shohoku-Ryonan bench shouted in glee and Sendoh could only smile as he ran at the other end. Rukawa ran beside him and jokingly goaded to which Sendoh only laughed.
"Are you tired, yet?"
"Why do you asked?" Sendoh grinned.
"Because it's the second half?" Rukawa coyly stated back to which Sendoh simply laughed off. Rukawa almost smiled too.
"Haha! No, I'm enjoying the chase actually." And Sendoh could only profoundly grin back. For some reason, Sendoh's answer sent a feeling of security at Rukawa that the raven-haired rookie found himself rather, tugging the corner of his lips ever so slightly. 'Sendoh, I don't remember having this feeling for a guy when I am a guy myself… but I do remember my first kiss.' And to Rukawa Kaede, Sendoh's actually not the only guy in the universe, but somehow, today, right now, he's the only one that matters.
The next few minutes were spent on basketball alone as their rubber soles made squeaking sounds against the floor. Fancy dribbles and exquisite passes were exchanged and so were shots. Fujima pulled a three-pointer which was no good, Hanagata saw Fujima cursed for that as the bespectacled boy simply shook his head.
Maki show who he is by taking a close guard at Sendoh—Akira took in the moment to have that one on one with Maki Shinichi, refusing to pass for a second. Apparently the crowd seemed to have liked the showdown between the two. Rukawa was partly annoyed at this because he was anticipating a pass. Sendoh went for a drive, keeping his dribbling low and dashed off to the left only to fake it because he spun around and ran to his right and jump up to pull off a fade away. The ball went in. And of course, the Ryonan boys went ballistic. Hanagata cleaned his lenses, a small smirk on his lips as he shook his head. "Hey that was your move, Hanagata." Takano muttered. Hanagata Toru simply shrugged and said nothing.
Sakuragi pumped his fist on the air, obviously happy about it. Mitsui and Ryota laughed and took a peep in their notebooks to check out on their bets. Fukuda kept his smug grin at bay as his trained eyes followed those two on court. 'Taichou…it seems to me that you've finally decided to do something about it.' Maki was about to drive it hard as well when the ball was accidentally tapped away from him by Rukawa! The bench of Shohoku-Ryonan went crazy as Rukawa dashed off at the other end, thought being pursued by Fujima himself, the brown-haired playing coach, obviously has that game face on. Rukawa knew that Fujima will be able to probably block him from the side and so he did that one thing that probably made everyone's jaw dropped.
Sendoh's eyes widened on their owned when the ball was surprisingly passed on him via no look on the right side—he was sort of anticipating the pass but somehow is not quite sure, but he was damn glad though that he was just behind Rukawa. Sendoh finished off the ran with a one-handed dunk making the Ryonan peeps shout in glee. Hikoichi was obviously on fire as he jump in glee, too happy that Sendoh and Rukawa were now leading by six points and with only three minutes in the game. It was Maki and Fujima's ball this time, and by the looks of it, those two are keen on getting their points back, after all, its just a matter of six-points.
Rukawa gulped involuntarily as he wiped his mouth with his jersey, feeling his body wrapped with sweat. He docked down and anticipated either a drive or a pass, he wouldn't know. He saw Maki passed the ball to Fujima and he proceed to guard the smaller guard- Fujima used his left hand to get away from Rukawa but the younger guy held close. Fujima furrowed his brows in slight annoyance and dribbled faster now as he made for a dash only to pass to Maki—Maki caught the ball with one hand and ran to the center for a layup that was not stopped by Sendoh himself. They cut the lead to four. The two tapped each other's hands sending their bench now in frenzy. Kiyota stood proud and loud, annoying Sakuragi in the process.
Sendoh looked up on the clock and saw that they barely have two minutes now—they need to pull this up by at least eight points so as to ensure victory.
"Rukawa!" Sendoh called as he was about to pass the ball—but alas, while Rukawa might have heard his name, he was a tad bit late to get the ball and the pass was intercepted by Fujima. The Shoyo Captain was very much determined to upset them two. Rukawa clacked his tongue as he ran and chased Fujima. But Fujima was ready to score as he pull on a neat layup that cut the four-point lead further to two. Shoyo and Kainan people were now celebrating with only less than two minutes in the game. Apparently, groans were heard from the other side of the bench and Hikoichi who was practically all grin a while back can now be seen scratching his head in sheer disappointment.
"Aahh! Sendoh-saaan! Please win this! Rukkaawaa-kuuun!"
"Shut up freshman, stop whining." Ikegami butted in.
Uozumi sighed as he eyes those two from his team to the other two on Kainan's side. While its true that Maki and Fujima is sure one hard team to get by, there is no doubt that the calibre being displayed before him by his predecessor is something not to be reckon at. Uozumi almost felt his lips tugging upward—the thing is, he knew that while Sendoh is obviously trying his best to win this, he cant help but feel happy as well because he can see that the young carefree Captain of Ryonan is also feeling happy while playing. Uozumi knew that Sendoh had that undoubting courage to discover that while he may not win at most times, he keeps on trying when he knows that he can actually lose and that is probably one of his strong points.
Rukawa looked at Sendoh and signalled for a timeout to which Sendoh nod his head off. He looked at Akagi and soon after, a timeout was called. Both Aces approached the bench wordlessly and the funny thing that happened actually is that they simultaneously got a grab on their towels with Sendoh apparently blinking his eyes in surprise. Rukawa placed the towel on his face and wiped off his sweat. He frowned. Sendoh was a bit more surprised when Rukawa voiced out his thoughts. "Rukawa-kun, I think…"
"It was Fujima who is attacking most often than not." A pause. "He's actually everywhere-I'm beginning to hate him." He spat out in his monotone but serious voice. Rukawa paused for a while before deciding to further continue. "Maybe an overhead pass would be better next time, since he's somewhat shorter…" Rukawa trailed off—he only halted to a stop when he saw Sendoh staring at him looking far more amused—the older boy apparently has that usual smile on his face.
Rukawa frowned even further as he felt his ears heating up, suddenly unable to pull away from the gaze. "W-what's your problem?" Sendoh heaved a soft sigh and grin. "That's my towel actually." Poor Rukawa-kun turned beet red as he just realized what he had done! He looked at the towel he has been holding onto and wiping onto and to his mortification actually saw the embroidered name of Sendoh Akira on one corner.
And as if his hands has been burned up he accidentally threw in the piece of cloth right into Sendoh Akira's face to the surprise of the taller guy and Rukawa frantically searched for his own towel. Sendoh found himself laughing the least as he handed Rukawa's own towel to which the younger simply snatched back, feeling all too embarrassed and shy at the same time. Did he just actually wiped everything off his face with Sendoh's towel? How gross can that be? Is he simply acting a bit dumb in front of the person he loves? BADUMP. BADUMP.
Rukawa felt his chest race a bit as his cheeks flushed-and he had no choice but to delve his face deep into his own towel-cursing as to why does he have to be so pale at the same time. Sendoh felt endeared and want no more than just to forget about the game and… hug him. Sendoh gulped, truly, his feelings has come a long way to the extent that one day, he just found out that it was Rukawa Kaede who was sitting atop on his list and basketball as his second. It was unnerving really. But time has an odd way of showing him what matters most and to date, it seemed that it's a matter of who matters most to him.
"H-hey…" He chuckled. "Its okay Rukawa-kun, its not like you got some acquired disease or something." Rukawa looked up as he was just about done and saw Sendoh wiping his own face and his nape with the other side of his towel. Rukawa felt his hands getting a bit clammy as his chest pounded right into his ears. It cant be that bad now, or is it?
"You were right, an overhead pass will do." He paused and Sendoh looked at the still slightly shaken up Rukawa who was sitting on one edge. "Hey it's the final minutes, we should leave them behind now." Rukawa looked at his right and nodded slowly, feeling the weight of Sendoh's words. "I thought you wanted to lose." The raven haired guy found himself saying instead. Sendoh snorted softly as his eyes went cheery. "I don't know… I guess courage is being willing to risk the pain of failure in order to achieve success." Silence. Rukawa blinked back his surprise. Sendoh then decided to continue. "Its true that they're really strong and unwavering Rukawa-kun, Maki is Maki Shinichi, Fujima is a playing coach, and both have literally achieved their places on the pedestal. I've actually never battled upfront Maki-san like this before, and I just can't believe that he's much more capable when he's with Fujima."
Thing is, Rukawa actually wanted to say the same to Sendoh… he actually wanted to say that Sendoh seemed a lot different than before on court when they're both against each other. Today, he, too, actually felt that them together is something quite astounding as well and Rukawa would bet alone that even probably Captain Akagi would agree that they do make a great team. It is as if both of them are simply looking in one direction.
"Sendoh…"
"Hmm?"
"You're talking like an old man again."
Sendoh simply smiled back and said nothing. Rukawa felt a bit giddy at that thinking Sendoh suddenly looked appealing when he wordlessly smiled instead. He suddenly wanted to bang his head somewhere. A minute more of silence and Sendoh was the one who broke it off. "Rukawa-kun, when is your birthday?" Rukawa looked up, surprised at the sudden query but felt himself fidgeted on his seat for the second time. "Why do you asked?" He muttered back instead. Sendoh simply smiled and shrugged. "I don't see any problem on why you shouldn't tell me." He grin.
Rukawa felt his ears heat up a bit but try to didn't mind. Seriously? They're having this kind of conversation amidst the final minutes of the game.
"January. First of January." Rukawa softly stated back. He saw Sendoh's eyes widened a bit-just like everyone else whenever they asked him. He wondered if it has some sort of stigma around it. Having a birthday on a holiday sure rings a lot of attention.
"Really? That's pretty cool." Sendoh muttered. Truth is? He was rather feeling surprised but very much happy and privileged to know. "And you?" Rukawa found himself asking back as well. Sendoh's eyes turned cheery as he playfully pulled on a small game. "Let's see. Try guessing it." He chuckled. Rukawa rolled his eyes and shook his head. This bastard side again of Sendoh though. "No thanks. Own up your birthday you douchebag."
Sendoh found himself laughing instead-quite feeling happy at that given moment. "Hey what's a douchebag anyway?"
Rukawa frowned. Seriously? Sendoh can't be that nice. "Don't you ever swear or curse?" Sendoh grinned as he shrugged. "I do but, unlike you Shohoku guys, your mean vocabulary is on a higher scale. Hahaha." Rukawa for some reason found himself trying to suppress his own mirth of chuckles. He almost rolled his eyes. "Its someone who has surpassed the levels of a jerk and asshole, really." Sendoh blinked his eyes in sheer surprised and confusion and found himself laughing on the other side of the bench. "Wow, I never knew that. That's some knowledge." He grinned. Rukawa simply rolled his eyes. "You're one of 'em." Sendoh just shrugged his shoulders. "I'm probably the most handsome of them all." Rukawa merely twitched his lips but he had to agree on the last statement—albeit he cannot say that aloud. They heard the whistle being blown, signalling the end of the timeout and Rukawa found himself standing up instantly, now determined to finish everything and win this.
"So are you not guessing?" Sendoh asked back, still sitting comfortably with one leg crossed over the other and a palm cupping one side of his face, a grin on his face. Rukawa simply snorted. Sendoh laughed. "You looked cute, Rukawa." The aforementioned name simply glared at him and said nothing. "I'm used to hearing that a lot." The Shohoku rookie jokingly goaded to which Sendoh simply chuckled. "I'm sure you do." He paused for a while before stretching a bit and standing up as well. "Well, do you want to hear something else?"
Rukawa stopped dead on his tracks and looked back a bit—the last sentence definitely getting his attention, it is as if it is implicating something. He honestly felt his chest raced. And sometimes, Rukawa actually wanted to just zip his mouth shut because there can be those kind of moments that are hard to gone by, especially when he, himself, dug his own grave.
"You can tell me, after the game."
Sendoh felt his eyes widened a bit—but he kept his usual façade on. He closed his eyes and smiled his usual. The thing is, like is when you've actually talked to them, and started developing feelings for them. You started to get to really know them, and you start liking them. Its not really safe, can fall in love. Sendoh heaved a sigh and nodded.
"Let's win this now, shall we?"
And with that, the final minutes of the game, came to a start.
'Its really weird. Sometimes, all it takes to make my day is a glimpse from you. I wish you knew that I'm beginning to like you less, Kaede… because I'm beginning to love you more.'
TBC
Notes: Mabuhay! *shouts* Oh Gods, I cant believed that I am still alive! Look, I got no long notes for now because, I am keened on writing Chapter 18 of this tomorrow morning. I feel like, I just had to temporarily end this chapter on this part because I have been writing since 9:03 in the morning til now (9:07pm) That's twelve hours of non-stop typing! Ugh. I died. And it really took all of my efforts to get back to this. This is late, that I know for a fact and yes, I haven't abandoned this one and yes again, I have been getting all of your messages—thank you soo much for the endless coaxing and views and visits! It means a lot. Tomorrow is another long day, because I am continuing chapter 18! Yep, I am planning to make that a very long one! (Oh BTW, this is already 17 pages! LoL!) Tell me what you guys think, I honestly missed writing this! And yes, I am starting to make the mood around SenRu a bit light, its about time we get to see them converse like it's the most fascinating thing ever. Ugh. Not sure if this is worth the wait, but I'm guessing its… not? Hahahha! *dies* Hugs to everyone and Merry Christmas! 3
Notes2: Will I be updating "My Girl"? Of course! I've already started writing CH13 of that as well, although it only has less than 700 words, hahahah! It still got a long way to go! But I will be prioritizing Osaka for now! :D
Notes3: Hey BTW, I am planning to upload a long one-shot of mine but… I'm afraid you might feel disgusted by it. LOL! Its my first time to write a SenRu MPreg and I am not sure if you guys would find it interesting enough—I'm afraid you all might cringe at it so, I'm having second thoughts! Haha! Do tell, thank you! :D
Notes4: Oh Shoot, sorry no translations again! *bows* Sorry, I really wanted it to 'look' legit in a way. *sighs*