Title: Sonata
Part: 4/?
Author: Yukijorou
Genre: Yaoi
Pairing: MitRu
Rating: PG-13
Archive: Fanfiction.net
Warning: OOCs blah writing the usual snores
Author's Note: Through the Looking Glass' familiar? Written by Lewis Carroll, and of course related to the ever-famous children classic Alice in Wonderland. Dedicated to Sol-chan, to make her NOT bash me up. -_-
Disclaimer: Belongs to Takehiko Inoue, Ta-sama, who is the Ultimate Tensai! ^_^;; Denise Fernandez doesn't belong to me, anyway. glances around knowingly

Chapter 4: Through the Looking Glass

The cab finally pulled up in front of Shohoku High School. Other than new, unfamiliar faces, most of the school looked pretty much the same. Girls were gasping and squealing when they caught sight of Rukawa and Ryota walking out of the cab, and dozens rushed towards them to get autographs, ignoring the assembly bell.

Teachers ran out of the common rooms, eyes widening in surprise. Rukawa rolled his eyes as girls crowded around him and pushed him around.

This is supposed to be a quiet visit Feeling a little reluctant, he signed on the bits of papers books shirts er arms Ryota did the same, but he looked warmer and smiled at them. A girl offered to let Rukawa sign on her right breast, and he sweat-dropped. (Nah, Sol-chan is not the girl. Don't be disappointed. *pats*)

At that point of despair, the principal came out and stared at the screaming girls solemnly. The headmaster was next to him, his black eyes as though they were orbs of hot, boiling tar. Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead and limbs, and in one of his hands was a thick (kowaii!) rattan cane.

Everyone went silent and meekly went into the school building, some trembling unbearably. The boys (or should I say, MEN? *snicker*) heaved a sigh and thanked the principal and headmaster.

Welcome back, boys, the headmaster's eyes ceased and twinkled instead, extending a hand towards Ryota. What brings y'all here?

Just visiting, Ryota shook his hand. Since we have free time, we decided to come for a while. Mitsui looked at the school gym longingly.

How's the team now, I wonder?

The principal stepped in, grinning. Our pride. Still our pride, like your team once upon a time. Hanamichi blinked at Rukawa.

you were staring at me just now.

Rukawa looked up in surprise (in case you don't know, he was day-dreaming into his shoes then).

In the cab, and when we alighted. You were staring at me, do-shite?

Because I want to cherish every sight of the beautiful you



don't piss me off Hanamichi snapped, forgetting his earlier question. Relieved, Rukawa made his way towards the gym. Hanamichi blinked, and shouted after him. Kitsune! Wait for me! Mitsui shrugged and gestured Ryota to follow them as well.

Why can't you feel the same for me Why didn't you realize how I felt towards you? There wouldn't be so much pain in the first place if you did Even if you said that you hated me, pain would cease yet, I still have to wait

Memories both happy and sad were triggered by the mere sounds of the basketball court that radiated youthfulness and confidence. A game was on-going first-years against second-years. The third-year players had gone on an excursion, according to the Principal.

The basketball team is co-ed now. Most of them, the players, are remarkable and even the usual bench people play fairly well, the Principal smiled as one of the first-year girls did a three-point shot, surprising the second-year defender. Mitsui grinned at the sight. That guy reminded him of himself.

very spiffy three-pointer, guess she takes after me, hm? Mitsui chuckled. Hanamichi's eyebrow twitched. Ryota snickered and continued watching the game in awe, itching to play himself. Rukawa was in a corner, leaning against the wall and folding his arms while his eyes searched critically for mistakes.

The girl was fluid in her movements, and although she had a disadvantage as a female, she managed to score most of the points for the game. First-years against Second-Years, currently 30 to 27, First-years leading. Her height surpassed Ryota's (much to his embarrassment, of course).

Most of the girls were tall, of course, to qualify as basketball players, but she had a masculine touch to her built (If you don't get what I'm talking about here, ignore this sentence).

Her deep, brown eyes radiated ambition and power, and a few strands of dark brown hair stuck to her face due to her perspiration. A black hair-band was used to keep her bangs up. Her well-groomed short hair made her look even more like a male She could have passed for a bishounen if she wanted to.

The ball rolled in front of Mitsui when the ball sailed out-of-bounds. He knelt down, and felt the waxy texture of the ball on his skin. It had been a long time since he touched it, and he felt the warmth of his skin linger. The girl stared at him and raised an eyebrow.

Mitsui grinned at her. She cast him a dark look before snatching the ball away and continued the game. He blinked, feeling awkward. She's pretty odd. Kind of familiar though

She's from Yokohama District Junior High. Denise Fernandez, who was one of the MVPs in the nationals for junior high basketball teams before graduating.

Hanamichi turned to look at Rukawa. How did you know?

I watch TV, he answered briefly, not looking at Hanamichi's direction. Ryota chuckled, but said nothing. Mitsui gave the girl a last look before following the principal and the others out of the gym. The translucent glass by the entrance gleamed as the group walked by. Denise watched as they passed the translucent glass and narrowed her eyes.



The windows outside the gym reflected the weak rays from the sun, and the players could still be seen inside, from the glass. The game was over, and the first years had won by five points. Hanamichi and Ryota followed the principal around while Mitsui and Rukawa left the group silently.

They walked on the gravel path, and Mitsui stole a look at Rukawa. Rukawa looked blank, his expression unreadable. He sighed and eyed Rukawa grimly. You said that you have something to say to me. What?



Mitsui blinked and scrunched his eyebrows in annoyance. Rukawa raised an eyebrow.

Fine. There is something, but promise me not to tell anyone

Mitsui heaved a sigh.

Rukawa stopped in his tracks and faced him. Do you remember that time, I told you me and Hanamichi He looked flustered, and Mitsui chuckled.

Kawaii, that Rukawa

I remember. You told me you liked him, right?

yeah Rukawa tensed. I thought that it was only a temporary infatuation demo I think I still like him. I feel a little ashamed at myself for being homosexual

Mitsui smirked. Nothing to be ashamed about

Mochiron. I Oh. I like him. Too. Shit happens. Matte NANI? YOU STILL LIKE HIM?

Mitsui sensed fury in the man's voice not thunderous, more of menacing. I thought I was a straight man a REAL man, Mitsui. Being gay sounds like sounds like

Rukawa winced, and Mitsui nodded in understanding. The poor guy was really stressed out. Apart from his usual workload, which was too much for him to handle, he was also worried about his sexual orientation. If that went public Mitsui shuddered at that thought. The paparazzi was not the friendliest thing in the world, and it might devastate some fan club of his.

He felt sad, knowing that Rukawa still liked Hanamichi He expected it, since Rukawa acted weird when Hanamichi was around. He was weird now, as well. He was never the type to tell people what he thinks. Difficulty in expression, to sum it up. Rukawa already had difficulty expressing himself just now.

Mitsui scratched the scar on his chin (KAWAII! *drool*), deep in thoughts, and realized with a start that Rukawa's blue eyes were staring at him, as if they were azure spears piercing into his body. He flushed with embarrassment. Rukawa pointed to the ground and grunted. Mitsui looked down and went even redder.

His pants were not zipped.

Micchy: NANI? vein pops
Yukijorou: evil chuckle
Ryota: blush
Yukijorou: *squashes Ryochin's nose* This is not a MitRyo, peep.
Rukawa: -_-;; -silence-