Title: Lost & Found
Chapter: 12/15
Author: Yukijorou
Genre: Yaoi
Paring: Ru + Some girl (Fuyuzawa Miyabi), SenHana
Rating: PG-13
Archive: SDBC, soon-to-be in Homepage.
Disclaimer: SD Original Characters belong to Takehiko Inoue.
Warning: There's a *blank look* thing behind you. *gasp* And it seems pretty long. O.o;;;
Chapter 12: The Challenge
For almost the whole day, Sakuragi was not able to concentrate, neither in school nor at basketball. He had been unlike himself, and everyone was getting worried. The sun was high up in the sky, and Sakuragi was sitting at the corner of the open-air basketball court nearby alone, doing nothing at all. Occasional birds flew by, and other than the rustling of leaves from trees, there were no other sounds. Haruko peeked from the corner of the building at Sakuragi, who was fidgeting with his fingers.
"Kawaii ne. I wonder if Sakuragi-kun has ever liked me at all." Haruko muttered to herself softly, trying not to alert Sakuragi. A while later, Mitsui and Miyagi were talking and approaching her. Mitsui noticed her first.
"Akagi Haruko? What are you. Sokka." Mitsui noticed Sakuragi nearby and raised an eyebrow. "Suki desu. ka?" Haruko blushed slightly and shook her head in denial. Miyagi glanced at him, making a face. "I think Hana here has some problem in the love department." Haruko blushed even redder. Mitsui and Miyagi looked at each other and blinked.
"Ne, ne. Enough about me. What are you two doing?"
Mitsui grinned slyly. "On our way to the cinema." Miyagi smacked his head, blushing furiously. "We're NOT supposed to tell anyone, Sashi-kun." "Why not? She won't tell." Mitsui rubbed the back of his head warily. Haruko gaped. "Dating?" "Ah." They replied in unison. Haruko felt shocked. "You mean, you two are." Miyagi gave her an annoyed look.
"Hai, we're in a relationship. So?"
Haruko shook her head and smiled. "Nothing. Just a little surprised. Because I saw Mitsui-kun with a girl yesterday, and I thought they're dating or something." Miyagi raised an eyebrow and stole a look at Mitsui, who just had a vein popping onto his forehead. "Iie! That's not my girlfriend. That's onee-chan!" Miyagi looked relieved. Haruko continued looking at Sakuragi.
"Forget it. Let's go, Ryochin."
"Ah."
Days passed, and finally, it was the day of the practice game between Ryonan and Taokiya. Spectators were wondering why Taokiya did not pick Kainan or Shohoku for their practice game. After all, they should know that Kainan had the top basketball team in Kanagawa, or even Shohoku, the second. Everyone was whispering among themselves, but stopped as they saw some Shohoku members looking at them curiously. Warily, they moved away.
Somehow, Sakuragi had dragged most of the basketball team there, much to their confusion. "Sempai! I have homework undone!" one of the first-years wailed. That particular first-year was already a fantastic basketball player, and was only slightly shorter than he.
Looked promising.
But Sakuragi couldn't care much for the moment. Miyabi was also there, and so was Rukawa. After the spectators seated themselves properly, the game started. The Shohoku members were awed by the amount of people present. It was only a practice game, yet it looked like an official game.
"Kuso, Taokiya must be really popular. I wonder if Ryonan stands a chance against them. I mean, I saw them on TV. And their captain is." the freshman muttered. Rukawa grunted as the referee blew the whistle. Taokiya was first to get the ball and the player started running. He looked even taller than Uozumi, even though it was hard to judge on the spectator stand. Sakuragi smirked, "Another gori." "Shut up, do'aho." Rukawa mocked.
"You're a primate yourself."
Sakuragi ignored Rukawa (surprisingly) and concentrated on the game. That player passed the ball to someone who looked familiar. VERY familiar.
"Aki," Miyabi said briefly. Takimoto moved smoothly and Sendoh defended the basket. A new Ryonan player, probably a first year, blocked him first, but Takimoto faked and passed the ball to another unknown player. A good one too. Koshino defended him tightly, but the player eluded him smoothly and went for the basket, much to Koshino's shock.
Sendoh was blocking Takimoto, their eyes fixed together. Takimoto's eyes were cruel, and rather ruthless. Fukuda guarded the other player, and the Ryonan first-year immediately headed for the basket as well. The player with the ball jumped and slammed the ball into the basket. First point went to Taokiya. The Ryonan players were furious and counter-attacked. Sendoh had the ball, much to Taoka's relief, and Takimoto blocked him.
"Miyabi's brother, eh? Sendoh-san?"
"Ah. Stop harassing her." Sendoh gave him a smile that he could not intepret and faked a shot. Takimoto was unfooled, and stopped his pass to Koshino. The spectators gasped, and Sakuragi looked at Sendoh worriedly. *Kuso. That bastard is guarding Akira too tightly! Look-out for the 30- second violation, Aki-kun!* Sendoh winked at Takimoto and without a notice, passed the ball to the waiting Hikoichi.
Sakuragi realized that he never noticed that Hikoichi was on court. "E? He's playing?" Hikoichi was free, as the Taokiya players never paid any attention to him as they underestimated him and his height. Hikoichi went straight for the basket and made a simple throw. One point went to Ryonan. Taoka grinned, glad that he had trained Hikoichi well and vigorously in secret. After the Kanagawa finals, he saw potential in the dedicated Hikoichi and started to train him, making him a fairly good enough player and an immediate member of the team.
"Minna! Let's make the next point!" Takimoto shouted as he dribbled the ball. (Hai! Both Sendoh and Takimoto are point-guards) Sendoh held back his annoyance and concentrated on the game, guarding against Takimoto. The latter aimed for a three-pointer and shot, to everyone's surprise.
"That. is so direct," Sakuragi gasped. The ball never touched the basket, due to Sendoh's defence, but the ball went over the basketball towards another Taokiya player. "Fukuda! Guard that forward!" Sendoh shouted. Fukuda was eluded by the player and he made a three-pointer. The ball went in. Takimoto high-fived the player and grinned at Sendoh again. He could not smile then.
The game went on, and Takimoto's moves were still unpredictable. Almost every move was different, and he had a lot of tricks up his sleeve. Taokiya led by twenty points. Tension had already built in the Ryonan team. Sendoh made them feel a little better, but they knew that they had to face the reality. Sakuragi was already fuming, and everyone was trying their best to stop him to dashing into the court and bashing Takimoto up.
Taoka was panicking. Even he himself could not predict Taokiya's moves, nor could he see their weaknesses clearly. So far, he only knew that Takimoto is the main point-getter of the game, but that did not help much. Not even Sendoh, who was guarding him, could stop him, but at least Sendoh was making points. Taokiya's centre player was a powerful defense player, so that made them good in both attack and defense.
It was finally half-time, and Ryonan players were panting heavily. So far, Fukuda had three fouls and Hikoichi had two. Thanks to the centre player who made them foul deliberately. "At this juncture, don't panick! Fukuda and Sendoh, guard Takimoto together and don't let him move too much. Uekusa, guard that forward what-is-his-name, Hikoichi and Tatsu, you two concentrate on attacking." It was not much of a plan, but at least they HAD a plan. Taoka sighed as the members continued their rest.
Sendoh felt tired of losing to Takimoto, and felt mad, even though he did not show much of his annoyance. *What was that guy trying to prove anyway? He should be up against Rukawa instead.* He took a drink of water and saw Sakuragi approaching him. Sendoh gave him a warm smile. "You shouldn't be down here." The red-head shook his head. "I want to see you more clearly, so I came down. Old bastard, can I stay here to watch?" He teased the coach, who was fuming. "I'm NOT in the mood to joke!"
"Whatever, I'll stay here anyway." Sakuragi smiled at Sendoh. Taoka looked at both of them suspiciously. "Nan desu ka, old bastard?" "TEME!" he roared, a vein popping on his head. The half-time ended and the game continued. Sakuragi leant against the wall, watching Sendoh move. *His moves were graceful, and he was a genius at basketball. But why?* Sakuragi clenched his fists. *Why can't he win against that Takidiot?*
Sendoh made two points, and he made the defending player foul, much to Taoka's delight. His free-throw went excellent, as usual.
"Now, sixteen points."
It reminded Sakuragi of their game during the Kanagawa Trials. the game that would lead to the IH. Shohoku had led by sixteen points, but in the end, Ryonan almost caught up with them. They might have won, for he knew that his mind was fully on winning at that time and never cared for anything else. He helped Shohoku win and was shameless happy about it. Now, he already did not think of it much.
In the end, Taokiya still won, and they won by thirteen points. Taoka went up to the coach of Taokiya and asked firmly, "Why did you have this game with us?" The coach looked serene. The expression reminded him of Anzai, only that the coach was of a much more athletic build and has greying black hair. "Because the captain decided the game."
"You mean Takimoto Aki?" "Aa. Since he insisted, and I don't think it would be any harm for just a game."
Taoka nodded, "Okay. Hajimemashite." They shook hands, and so did the Ryonan and Taokiya players. Takimoto gave Sendoh a smug look as they left. Sendoh finally understood and told Sakuragi, Miyabi and Rukawa.
"He played with Ryonan because he wanted to judge Rukawa first before he played with him. Pretty smart, but totally ruthless. He only cared for winning, and nothing else. Somehow, Takimoto knew that I had once challenged with Rukawa during the Kanagawa Trials, and he knew that even though Ryonan lost to Shohoku, I won our challenge. Now, I bet he thinks that he would certainly win Rukawa. That's only a theory, might not be true though."
Sakuragi interrupted him, "It is the only logical explanation, Aki-kun." He placed a quick kiss on Sendoh's lips, surprising him. Sakuragi grinned. "Don't worry about it. That kitsune will definitely win. For Miyabi."
~OWARI~
Author's Notes: One of the loooongest chapter.
I liked this. ^_^ It looked semi-decent,
At least to me. ^^;;; *wonders*
Chapter: 12/15
Author: Yukijorou
Genre: Yaoi
Paring: Ru + Some girl (Fuyuzawa Miyabi), SenHana
Rating: PG-13
Archive: SDBC, soon-to-be in Homepage.
Disclaimer: SD Original Characters belong to Takehiko Inoue.
Warning: There's a *blank look* thing behind you. *gasp* And it seems pretty long. O.o;;;
Chapter 12: The Challenge
For almost the whole day, Sakuragi was not able to concentrate, neither in school nor at basketball. He had been unlike himself, and everyone was getting worried. The sun was high up in the sky, and Sakuragi was sitting at the corner of the open-air basketball court nearby alone, doing nothing at all. Occasional birds flew by, and other than the rustling of leaves from trees, there were no other sounds. Haruko peeked from the corner of the building at Sakuragi, who was fidgeting with his fingers.
"Kawaii ne. I wonder if Sakuragi-kun has ever liked me at all." Haruko muttered to herself softly, trying not to alert Sakuragi. A while later, Mitsui and Miyagi were talking and approaching her. Mitsui noticed her first.
"Akagi Haruko? What are you. Sokka." Mitsui noticed Sakuragi nearby and raised an eyebrow. "Suki desu. ka?" Haruko blushed slightly and shook her head in denial. Miyagi glanced at him, making a face. "I think Hana here has some problem in the love department." Haruko blushed even redder. Mitsui and Miyagi looked at each other and blinked.
"Ne, ne. Enough about me. What are you two doing?"
Mitsui grinned slyly. "On our way to the cinema." Miyagi smacked his head, blushing furiously. "We're NOT supposed to tell anyone, Sashi-kun." "Why not? She won't tell." Mitsui rubbed the back of his head warily. Haruko gaped. "Dating?" "Ah." They replied in unison. Haruko felt shocked. "You mean, you two are." Miyagi gave her an annoyed look.
"Hai, we're in a relationship. So?"
Haruko shook her head and smiled. "Nothing. Just a little surprised. Because I saw Mitsui-kun with a girl yesterday, and I thought they're dating or something." Miyagi raised an eyebrow and stole a look at Mitsui, who just had a vein popping onto his forehead. "Iie! That's not my girlfriend. That's onee-chan!" Miyagi looked relieved. Haruko continued looking at Sakuragi.
"Forget it. Let's go, Ryochin."
"Ah."
Days passed, and finally, it was the day of the practice game between Ryonan and Taokiya. Spectators were wondering why Taokiya did not pick Kainan or Shohoku for their practice game. After all, they should know that Kainan had the top basketball team in Kanagawa, or even Shohoku, the second. Everyone was whispering among themselves, but stopped as they saw some Shohoku members looking at them curiously. Warily, they moved away.
Somehow, Sakuragi had dragged most of the basketball team there, much to their confusion. "Sempai! I have homework undone!" one of the first-years wailed. That particular first-year was already a fantastic basketball player, and was only slightly shorter than he.
Looked promising.
But Sakuragi couldn't care much for the moment. Miyabi was also there, and so was Rukawa. After the spectators seated themselves properly, the game started. The Shohoku members were awed by the amount of people present. It was only a practice game, yet it looked like an official game.
"Kuso, Taokiya must be really popular. I wonder if Ryonan stands a chance against them. I mean, I saw them on TV. And their captain is." the freshman muttered. Rukawa grunted as the referee blew the whistle. Taokiya was first to get the ball and the player started running. He looked even taller than Uozumi, even though it was hard to judge on the spectator stand. Sakuragi smirked, "Another gori." "Shut up, do'aho." Rukawa mocked.
"You're a primate yourself."
Sakuragi ignored Rukawa (surprisingly) and concentrated on the game. That player passed the ball to someone who looked familiar. VERY familiar.
"Aki," Miyabi said briefly. Takimoto moved smoothly and Sendoh defended the basket. A new Ryonan player, probably a first year, blocked him first, but Takimoto faked and passed the ball to another unknown player. A good one too. Koshino defended him tightly, but the player eluded him smoothly and went for the basket, much to Koshino's shock.
Sendoh was blocking Takimoto, their eyes fixed together. Takimoto's eyes were cruel, and rather ruthless. Fukuda guarded the other player, and the Ryonan first-year immediately headed for the basket as well. The player with the ball jumped and slammed the ball into the basket. First point went to Taokiya. The Ryonan players were furious and counter-attacked. Sendoh had the ball, much to Taoka's relief, and Takimoto blocked him.
"Miyabi's brother, eh? Sendoh-san?"
"Ah. Stop harassing her." Sendoh gave him a smile that he could not intepret and faked a shot. Takimoto was unfooled, and stopped his pass to Koshino. The spectators gasped, and Sakuragi looked at Sendoh worriedly. *Kuso. That bastard is guarding Akira too tightly! Look-out for the 30- second violation, Aki-kun!* Sendoh winked at Takimoto and without a notice, passed the ball to the waiting Hikoichi.
Sakuragi realized that he never noticed that Hikoichi was on court. "E? He's playing?" Hikoichi was free, as the Taokiya players never paid any attention to him as they underestimated him and his height. Hikoichi went straight for the basket and made a simple throw. One point went to Ryonan. Taoka grinned, glad that he had trained Hikoichi well and vigorously in secret. After the Kanagawa finals, he saw potential in the dedicated Hikoichi and started to train him, making him a fairly good enough player and an immediate member of the team.
"Minna! Let's make the next point!" Takimoto shouted as he dribbled the ball. (Hai! Both Sendoh and Takimoto are point-guards) Sendoh held back his annoyance and concentrated on the game, guarding against Takimoto. The latter aimed for a three-pointer and shot, to everyone's surprise.
"That. is so direct," Sakuragi gasped. The ball never touched the basket, due to Sendoh's defence, but the ball went over the basketball towards another Taokiya player. "Fukuda! Guard that forward!" Sendoh shouted. Fukuda was eluded by the player and he made a three-pointer. The ball went in. Takimoto high-fived the player and grinned at Sendoh again. He could not smile then.
The game went on, and Takimoto's moves were still unpredictable. Almost every move was different, and he had a lot of tricks up his sleeve. Taokiya led by twenty points. Tension had already built in the Ryonan team. Sendoh made them feel a little better, but they knew that they had to face the reality. Sakuragi was already fuming, and everyone was trying their best to stop him to dashing into the court and bashing Takimoto up.
Taoka was panicking. Even he himself could not predict Taokiya's moves, nor could he see their weaknesses clearly. So far, he only knew that Takimoto is the main point-getter of the game, but that did not help much. Not even Sendoh, who was guarding him, could stop him, but at least Sendoh was making points. Taokiya's centre player was a powerful defense player, so that made them good in both attack and defense.
It was finally half-time, and Ryonan players were panting heavily. So far, Fukuda had three fouls and Hikoichi had two. Thanks to the centre player who made them foul deliberately. "At this juncture, don't panick! Fukuda and Sendoh, guard Takimoto together and don't let him move too much. Uekusa, guard that forward what-is-his-name, Hikoichi and Tatsu, you two concentrate on attacking." It was not much of a plan, but at least they HAD a plan. Taoka sighed as the members continued their rest.
Sendoh felt tired of losing to Takimoto, and felt mad, even though he did not show much of his annoyance. *What was that guy trying to prove anyway? He should be up against Rukawa instead.* He took a drink of water and saw Sakuragi approaching him. Sendoh gave him a warm smile. "You shouldn't be down here." The red-head shook his head. "I want to see you more clearly, so I came down. Old bastard, can I stay here to watch?" He teased the coach, who was fuming. "I'm NOT in the mood to joke!"
"Whatever, I'll stay here anyway." Sakuragi smiled at Sendoh. Taoka looked at both of them suspiciously. "Nan desu ka, old bastard?" "TEME!" he roared, a vein popping on his head. The half-time ended and the game continued. Sakuragi leant against the wall, watching Sendoh move. *His moves were graceful, and he was a genius at basketball. But why?* Sakuragi clenched his fists. *Why can't he win against that Takidiot?*
Sendoh made two points, and he made the defending player foul, much to Taoka's delight. His free-throw went excellent, as usual.
"Now, sixteen points."
It reminded Sakuragi of their game during the Kanagawa Trials. the game that would lead to the IH. Shohoku had led by sixteen points, but in the end, Ryonan almost caught up with them. They might have won, for he knew that his mind was fully on winning at that time and never cared for anything else. He helped Shohoku win and was shameless happy about it. Now, he already did not think of it much.
In the end, Taokiya still won, and they won by thirteen points. Taoka went up to the coach of Taokiya and asked firmly, "Why did you have this game with us?" The coach looked serene. The expression reminded him of Anzai, only that the coach was of a much more athletic build and has greying black hair. "Because the captain decided the game."
"You mean Takimoto Aki?" "Aa. Since he insisted, and I don't think it would be any harm for just a game."
Taoka nodded, "Okay. Hajimemashite." They shook hands, and so did the Ryonan and Taokiya players. Takimoto gave Sendoh a smug look as they left. Sendoh finally understood and told Sakuragi, Miyabi and Rukawa.
"He played with Ryonan because he wanted to judge Rukawa first before he played with him. Pretty smart, but totally ruthless. He only cared for winning, and nothing else. Somehow, Takimoto knew that I had once challenged with Rukawa during the Kanagawa Trials, and he knew that even though Ryonan lost to Shohoku, I won our challenge. Now, I bet he thinks that he would certainly win Rukawa. That's only a theory, might not be true though."
Sakuragi interrupted him, "It is the only logical explanation, Aki-kun." He placed a quick kiss on Sendoh's lips, surprising him. Sakuragi grinned. "Don't worry about it. That kitsune will definitely win. For Miyabi."
~OWARI~
Author's Notes: One of the loooongest chapter.
I liked this. ^_^ It looked semi-decent,
At least to me. ^^;;; *wonders*
