Disclaimer: Ya da…ya da…ya da… The usual disclaimer that everyone's annoyed about applies. Slam Dunk does not belong this lazy neko, and it'll never be, 'cos Takehiko Inoue sensei is its rightful owner! But…the OC's are mine and mine only! Bwahahahahahaha :D K…so what if this neko's a loony? Hahahahahaha :P .

Yet again…another big thank you to the reviewers!

RGP Hui Hello again… n txn for da review!! Er…guess you can say Kumori is a bishounen, and I think he'd be the Kogure kind, i.e. looks friendly on the outside, but inside, he's as cold as the artic ice? ;; or something like that ;; n…I'm off to copy ur fics for posting soon thankies for the permission

Akira-akisame tnx for the comments ne blush blush hehe… well…here's the next chappy, hope u like it cheers

Rheia Thank you. Well…let's just say that Kumori's identity is slowly opening up as the fic progresses there are some hints in this chappy so…hope u enjoy this chappy ne .

Kiku Rukawa Thanks.

Krappkarmin hahaha well…guess I'm messing up Rukawa's personality/behaviour in this fic :P hahaha oh, about the 'no', just insert it as a symbol if you're using officeXP, if not, think you'll have to have a jap wordprocessor to cut and paste? But I just inserted 'no' as a symbol

Iluvenis Telperien Thankies Eddy!! Well…too bad lah…Kumori is Miei, so…u can't have him:P hehe…

Kka 10Q hope you'll enjoy this chappy :)

Unquestionable Thanks pal! Well…think this chappy will clear things up a bit more for you... heheh... :P

Nothingtodo Thanks for the reviews!! So happy :D here's the next chappy, hope you'll like it .

NB: "…" Character's speech

… Character's Thoughts

(…) See neko's notes…

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Chapter 3 The Shadow's Trust

Kumori had just stepped out of the local grocery store and saw someone on a purple bike crashing into the lamp post in front of the store. He sweat-dropped at the scene before him. He walked over to the dishevelled person who was rubbing his hand through his raven tresses groggily. He knelt down beside the person and asked, "Are you ok, Rukawa-kun?"

The raven head looked up at the familiar voice and nodded. He crawled to his feet and pulled his bike up to inspect the damages caused by the crash.

Kumori also stood up and smiled. "Finished practice a little early today ne?"

Kaede nodded and began to push his bike along as he walked, with Kumori beside him. Being a quiet person himself, Kumori did not try to stir up another conversation with the kitsune. He looked at the setting sun and was mesmerized by its beauty as the last ounces of sunlight reflected off his spectacle's rim. A small smile graced his lips and the coldness in his eyes melted slightly, those black diamonds began to flicker as they warmed.

It's been so long since I've let go of all my worries and obligations. This moment…just this moment, let me be myself again… Kumori sighed inwardly.

Kaede happened to looked towards at Kumori at that moment and saw the softening of the shorter boy's features. He raised his eyebrows curiously. His eyes…they're not as empty and emotionless as before…

Kumori felt a pair of eyes on him and turned to face Kaede unexpectedly, catching the kitsune off-guard. "Something wrong?"

Kaede shook his head and looked ahead again. His eyes are back to that empty void again… Strange…

Kumori shrugged off the weird feeling of Kaede observing him and said, "I've just got the ingredients for tonight's dinner, Wiener Schnitzel. And, the dessert will be Austrian Gugelhupf."

"Did you learn your cooking from some master chef before?" Kaede asked out of the blue, not being able to hold back his curiosity, for he had been curious about how Kumori was able to cook all these wonderful dishes. For the past week, Kumori had whipped up different dishes each day and all of them were scrumptious.

"Not really, it was just that there was a time a few years back when I was interested in cooking, so I hung around my mother whenever she was to cook a meal. So…guess you can say that I learnt my cooking skills from her." Kumori shrugged.

"Naruhodo (1)." A flat reply from Kaede, although his mind was running wild with thoughts. Wonder what sort of family he comes from, he's so complex, it's like he's the gentle spring breeze and the harshest winter storm all roll into one. Wow…stop Kaede, stop right there! What the hell do you think you're doing? Why in the world are you so interested in this guy's affairs? Other than the reason that he's heck of a great cook! For goodness sake, stop looking and thinking about this guy all the time! Stop! Pronto!

However, unnoticed by Kaede, Kumori's eyes hardened and his voice cooled a few notches. Yes, his mother had been a great cook, but that was no more. Not after she was killed along with his father three years ago. Kumori bit down on his lip as the memory of his parents' death flashed across his mind. He bit his lip harder and it was only when his tongue tasted the metallic taste of blood did he pulled himself away from the old memory. Musaraki, I swear I will have my revenge on you!

For the rest of the way back to their apartments, both boys remained silent. Kaede wasn't a talkative person to start with and neither was Kumori, therefore the deafening silent between them did not bother them at all. Each wrapped in their own thoughts.

ef ef ef ef ef

After dinner, the two boys started on their homework as usual. But today, Kumori felt something was wrong. It was a very odd feeling and he couldn't place on finger on what it was. He looked at Kaede who was sitting across from him, and the kitsune was scribbling away on his notebook trying to solve the integration problem. However, unknown to him, the kitsune was actually eyeing him from the corners of his eyes.

His shoulders are narrow for a guy… And his features are too soft for a guy too… Chotto matte kudasai! Why the hell are you thinking all these for Kaede? Why are you attracted to how this guy looked!? What the!? Did I just say attracted!? What the hell are you thinking about Kaede? For pete's sake, he's a guy! The kitsune rolled his eyes at himself, thinking himself pathetic to be attracted to a guy whom he'd only knew for a few weeks.

On the other hand, Kumori was wrapped in his own thoughts. Everything is normal, but…something is just not right. This thought repeated itself over and over again in Kumori's mind, and it was bugging the hell out of him. He could feel that something was about to happen, and the nervousness made him chewed on the end of his pen involuntarily.

His answer soon came from the news being broadcasted on TV.

"Just this afternoon, the spouse of Kawa-Ha Corporation's president, Rukawa Sho, Rukawa Naemi was involved in a freak car accident, and is currently administered to TouDai Byouin (2). We now cross life to TouDai Byouin for the latest progress on Rukawa-san's condition…"

Kaede jumped at the news. "Can I borrow your phone?" He asked as he strolled over to the lounge room and picked up the phone to dial his father's number.

Although Kumori looked calm at the time, he in fact also jumped at the news. They've attacked okami-sama (3)!

"Tou-san! Is kaa-san alright?" Kaede shot with a worried filled voice as the phone was answered.

Across the line, Sho's calm voice rang, "Hai. Your mother is alright, she only received minor scratches. But the doctors said they'll keep her overnight to run some scans to make sure she's 100 fine. So, don't worry son."

Kaede let out a sigh of relief. "I'll come back now. I want to be sure that kaa-san is alright."

"No Kaede, do not come back now. It's too dangerous. You know that people have been trying to attack us for unknown reasons. If you come back now, you will be a target for them too, because they'll try to hurt both your mother and I through hurting you. So, I don't want you to come back just yet. Stay in Kanagawa for the meantime. We have Kaku Dou's protection, so don't worry about us."

"Demo tou-san…"

"No Kaede…hold on, your mother wants to speak to you."

"Kaa-san, daijoubu desu ka?" Kaede asked as he heard his mother's voice across the line.

"I'm fine Kaede, don't worry ne." Naemi said softly trying to calm down the anxious Kaede. "Soshite…remain there, and take care of yourself ne?"

"Demo kaa-san, how can I not be by your side at these times?" Kaede yelped exasperatedly. His usually expressionless face now marred by panic.

"Kaede, did you not hear your father's words? If you come back now, you will become one of our opponent's targets too, and if you're hurt, then that would mean they have defeated us. So, please stay calm and stay in Kanagawa for now. We are already close to finding out the person responsible for all these, so please have patience and wait a little longer."

"Kaa-san…" Kaede said weakly.

"Listen to us Kaede; we don't want to see you hurt. Seeing you hurt is worst than killing us. So, please remain in Kanagawa until the whole matter is dealt with?" Naemi pleaded with her son.

"Hai…but you guys take care of yourselves, k?"

"Hai. Now, it's late, shouldn't you be in bed already?" Naemi said in an amusing tone, trying to lighten the mood a little.

Kaede smiled at his mother's words. "Hai kaa-san. Oyasuminasai. And say good night to father for me."

"Oyasumi Kaede. Ja mata ne."

"Ja…" Kaede whispered into the phone before slowly placing the phone back on its holder.

Kumori watched as Kaede dashed over to the phone and how his expressions changed throughout the conversation with his parents. He's not that cold or aloof after all. You just have to see pass that aloofness to see the kind and caring soul that he really is… He smiled at that knowledge. Riku Dou had increased their pace. Guess they really want to get the job done and collect their bounty. So far, Midori had made her move on youkun, trying to injure him first with that glass show then maybe attack him when he was wounded. But, nothing followed from then, maybe she had held back because of my intervention? Now, they've made their move on okami-sama… Plus these few days, I've sensed eyes on us everywhere we go…looks like the real battle is about to begin…

Kumori was snapped out of his thoughts as Kaede made his way back to the dining table where they've been doing their homework on. The raven head slumped down on the chair and buried his face in his hands.

Kumori walked over and patted the kitsune on the shoulders comfortingly. "Everything ok?"

Kaede moved his hands away and shook his head weakly. "No, not exactly…"

"You want to talk about it?" Kumori asked as he sat down on the seat next to Kaede.

Kaede looked at him and sighed. "Guess now you know my identity… The son and future heir of Rukawa Sho, president of Kawa-Ha Corporation."

Kumori shrugged. "I've never thought of it until I saw you ran to the phone panic-stricken just now." A lie, because I've already known of your existence since forever…

"Well…now you know…" Kaede smiled dryly. "I'm the son of one of the richest families in Japan."

"What's so bad about it? Are you not satisfied with your family?"

"No, not that. I love my family and my parents love me too. It's just that the weight of it all is overwhelming sometimes, if you know what I mean…"

Kumori nodded. "I know what you mean…"

"You know?" Kaede looked at him surprisingly.

"Yes I know. Although I'm not the first born and the one to bear the family's obligation on my shoulders, I still know how it is to be loaded down by the weight of it all. You see, I come from a family that…shall I say rather similar to yours, but in a different way."

"Misaki… I've never heard of a family by that name in the higher society though… No offence of course." Kaede frowned slightly as he searched his memory for anything similar to the name Misaki.

"Hai. The name Misaki is not known amongst the higher society in Japan, but the name Yu is well known in China." He replied with a half smile. "You see, my mother was a Chinese and she married my father when they met accidentally on her trip to Japan. Her family, the Yu family was a family that was and still is very well known in the field of Chinese Medicine since the eighteenth century. My grandfather is a professor in the field at Beijing University's School of Medicine, and all the relatives from my mother's side are well known in the discipline And as you know, I use acupuncture needles once in a while, like those I've used on you to keep you awake in class, and I've learnt these principles from my mother. So…my point is, even though I don't live in China, I'm still obligated to learn the skills that are passed down through generations and have to live up to the family's name and pride."

"Naruhodo…" Kaede nodded. "Guess we are one of a kind when it comes to family obligations and all."

Kumori nodded. "Hai…"

"So…you want to hear my side of the story?" Kaede felt the urge to share his family's story all of a sudden, and he spoke his mind before he could stop himself.

"Sure, if you want to talk about it to relieve some of the stress." Kaede smiled sincerely at Kumori. "Thanks for being my listener then."

"You're most welcomed." Kumori smiled back unconsciously, a genuine smile that he only show in front of his family. "Let me make us some tea then we can start." Kumori stood up and went into the kitchen. Why in the world did you tell him all that? He smacked himself mentally. He didn't have to know of your family history! You could've slipped in between and told him your true identity. Miei no baka!

When he returned to the table and poured each of them a cup of tea, Kaede began to tell Kumori his family story. He told his new found friend, yes friend, about how his family had been one of the most powerful during the Edo era, and how his family struggled through the Meiji era, and how the Rukawas stood so firmly in the business world today. He also told him how he hated all the formal appointments such as social balls where he had to dress up in monkey suits and listened to reputable conversations while the ladies drooled all over him, and…

This night was the night when a friendship formed was between the master and the servant. It was a night which Kaede had broken his speech record of speaking more than ten words in every sentence he spoke. In addition, he smiled and laughed occasionally as he spoke of his experiences as a member of the high society. His coldness and aloofness had melted away with each word he spoke. Kumori also dived into the conversation talking about his own experiences, not as a high société, but as a child that was loved by his family. Through this, Kumori had gave out his trust to Kaede without knowing, telling him about his life. Of course he held back about being a member of Kaku Dou and was currently assigned as Kaede's bodyguard. Kumori had let Kaede seen the other side of him, the living side which was normally only seen by his family but not others.

Both boys had opened their hearts to each other without much of their own knowledge. When they finally realised this, it was already late into the night and both drifted off into limbo, slumped on the dinning table.

ef ef ef ef ef

A week had passed and from Kaede, also the information provided by Kaku Dou, Kumori knew of Naemi's well-being. Kaku Dou had stepped up the security around the Rukawas and they've finally found bits of information as to who was responsible for hiring Riku Dou to go after the Rukawas.

Although the two boys were on good terms and were now considered friends, they still seem to be as distant from each other and from everyone else as before. On the other hand, Kumori had finally given up on ignoring the loud red head and his gundan, accepting them as friends. In other words, he's opening up his heart unconsciously, and he did not find that as a hindrance to his job at hand or an unacceptable change. He also found that he'd felt happy since he became friends with Hanamichi and his gundan, and Kaede. A feeling he thought he had lost forever.

It was lunch time and Kaede had gone off by himself again. Kumori went out of the classroom looking for him to discuss about their project. That morning, they had been given a research project on feudal Japan by their history teacher, and the project was due in a week's time. Therefore, Kumori needed to talk to Kaede about it since Kaede was his partner for the project.

The summer sun shone on the now flowerless sakura trees. The leaves shimmered as sunlight shone on them, rays of light cast through the hollow parts of the branches. The cicadas sang their songs as the warm summer breeze blew, rustling the leaves. Kumori walked along the sakura path and finally found Kaede dozing off against a sakura. He walked over to the sleeping boy and knelt next to him. Taking out a needle, a mischievous smile curled his lips. He pricked the needle into a pressure point on Kaede's right arm and jumped away as fast as he could. Kaede let out a muffled scream as he perceived the pain caused by the small needle, and flung his right arm at the culprit as his kitsune eyes opened. He glared at his friend with the most intense icicles he could call up, but Kumori snickered, unaffected by the icicles that were darted at him.

Kaede got up from where he was seated and glared harder at the long haired boy. "What are you laughing at?"

"Oh…just a certain kitsune that was caught off-guard." Kumori smiled innocently, as the flames of mischief flickers in his black diamond orbs.

"Hn! Do'aho." Kaede humphed. "What do you want?"

"Well, I thought we'd better go over the plans for the history project. It's due next week and we really need to get a start on it." Kumori said as he walked into the shade of the sakura.

"To hell with that stupid project. My sleep is more important." Kaede grunted.

Just as the raven head was about to resume his previous position by the sakura, Kumori caught a glimpse of the sunlight reflecting off something silver. His defence senses kicked in as he sensed danger loomed near and moved in a flash, knocking Kaede to the ground. As the two fell to the ground, Kumori let out a soft humph as his left arm was grazed by something hot.

When they landed on the soft grass, Kumori was atop Kaede and their lips brushed. Both were stunned by the sudden contact of their lips, and they stared at each other wide-eyed. The brief, accidental kiss sent shivers down their spines, like an electrical shock. Kumori got off Kaede quickly and tried hard to hold back the sudden gush of blood flowing to his cheeks, but to no avail. So he started to look for the thing that was shot at him and Kaede as a distraction.

Kaede also felt the heat rise when their lips touched, and he smelt a faint scent of lavender, which was very soothing. When Kumori got off him, he actually felt disappointed because it felt so right to have him against him. But he quickly pushed the thought away and stood up. His eyes followed Kumori as the shorter boy searched the grounds. He thought back to the ephemeral moment and blushed, tinting his pale cheeks a light shade of pink.

Kumori finally found what he was looking for. He took out a small pocketknife and dug out the small metal object that was embedded into the tree. It was a bullet. A bullet with the kanji Shiroi (3) engraved onto it. Kumori narrowed his eyes dangerously and snapped his head back to the direction whence the bullet came. All he saw was the back of a figure dressed in white leaving the rooftop of a nearby building.

Shiro! Kumori gasped silently. He too has come for youkun's life!

Kaede followed Kumori's gaze. He too had seen the white figure leaving the rooftop of the other building, and he had a gist about who that person was…an assassin who was after his life.

"Well Rukawa-kun, looks like your parents' enemies have found their way to you." Kumori said as-a-matter-of-factly in an emotionless tone. It's my entire fault! If I've been more alert, I would've sensed Shiro's coming! Damn!

Kaede looked at him and a wry smile curled his lips. "Yeah…looks like it." He then noticed a patch of red on Kumori's white shirt's sleeve. "You're hurt!" He gasped, pointing at his left arm.

Kumori looked at his arm and shrugged. "No big deal. It's just a scratch."

"You're bleeding profusely and you said it's a scratch!?" Kaede yelped incredulously. "C'mon, let's get you to the nurse."

Kaede pulled at Kumori's right hand and dragged him towards the school's clinic before he had a chance to rebut. Kumori slipped the bullet into this slack's pocket and fingered the bullet thoughtfully. Shiro did not aim to kill just now. They must know that I'm protecting youkun against them, so if he didn't shoot to kill just now, what's his real intention? Was that a warning? Or is he toying with me?

When they reached the school clinic, the school nurse was just about to go for lunch. She led them into her office and began to examine the wound on Kumori's arm.

"What happened?" The nurse gasped at the wound.

Kumori sweat-dropped as he tried to figure out an explanation. "Err…well…you see…I was running along the sakura path and suddenly tripped, and I fell and got scratched by one of the branches that had fallen onto the ground." Good one Miei, how lame can you get with that excuse!?

"Branches? That doesn't look like a scrape from a tree branch at all. Are you hiding something?" The nurse eyed the boys suspiciously.

"No Hiyoshi sensei. Of course we're not hiding anything. That was a scratch from the broken tree branch, honest." Kumori said with a sweet, innocent smile, trying to con his way out of the situation.

Hiyoshi sensei cocked her head to one side and eyed Kumori sceptically, "Are you sure you are telling me the truth, Misaki-kun?"

Kumori nodded his head heavily. "Ask Rukawa-kun here, he saw the whole incident. In fact, I was chasing after him when this happened."

"Is that true, Rukawa-kun?" Hiyoshi sensei looked over at the stoic boy.

Kaede nodded. "Hai."

"OK. Since Rukawa-kun also confirmed what you said, then we'll patch this up now." Hiyoshi sensei finally said with a smile. "This will sting a little…"

Both boys heaved a silent sigh of relief when the nurse turned to grab the hydrogen peroxide for sterilizing Kumori's wound. Kumori didn't even wince when the cotton wool soaked in peroxide was swept across the wound. To him, that was nothing compare to the hell he went through with the injuries Murasaki gave him. With that, he touched his left cheek unconsciously, and ran his right index finger down his left cheek where the now covered scar was situated.

Kaede watched Kumori's reactions and actions with a raised brow. He's touching his cheek as if something is there…

"All done. Now, don't let the wound come into contact with moisture for the next few days, and change the dressing everyday to avoid infection." Hiyoshi sensei turned to grab some bandage and medicated cream. "Here's a week's worth of dressings. Come back and see me if you have problems with changing the dressing or if the wound opens up again. Now, off you go boys."

Kumori stood up from the chair he was seated on and stood next to Kaede. Both boys bowed before taking leave.

"Arigatou gozaimashita, Hiyoshi sensei." Kumori said.

"You are most welcomed, Misaki-kun." The nurse replied with a gentle smile.

Both boys left the clinic and head off in the direction of the cafeteria, since they hadn't had lunch yet and their stomachs were growling for a feed.

Akane の Teahouse…

Hello mina-san!! How do you find this chappy? Still a bit confusing or have some of the bits and pieces cleared up? wink wink :P hehehehe…

Okies… here are the terms I need to explain:

(1) Naruhodo I see (I think everyone knows this one, right?)

(2) TouDai Byouin TouDai Hospital, in other words, Tokyo University's Hospital

(3) Shiro(i) white

Anyways…all will be revealed in the next chappy…I hope! fingers crossed Okies then…me skipping outta here. Drop me a review ne, C&C's are much appreciated ;) Cheers

The lazy neko signing off…