I do not own Slam Dunk or any of the characters, yada, yada, yada. Don't
sue me since it is really pointless. Comments welcome at
shinigami_chan6@yahoo.com
THE KEY OF LIFE 2
When was the last time I brought flowers for him? He asked himself, walking down the streets, a bouquet of red and white roses, the color of love and eternity. Yes, I remember it like it was yesterday. It was the day of his funeral. He entered the cemetery, the lush green grass opening to endless poking head stones from the earth. I vowed that I shall never bring flowers to honor his death until I have fulfilled my promise. My promise to be the best. The best in Japan! And the US! He saw the familiar white headstone that belonged to his lover. It's been six years now. Hanamichi, my love, I've kept my promise. Now I can finally rest, I've already reached the top. He slowly knelt in front of the grave, placing the flowers in front of the headstone, bowing his head and whispering a silent prayer. A cold wind blew and he began to cough. He coughed hard, and by the end of his coughing fit, he was pale and out of breath, throat throbbing, ribs aching.
Rukawa held the necklace he wore, and closed his eyes. It was then did he feel another presence. Lifting his head up, he found another lone figure, knneling in front of a headstone, paying respects. He watched as that figure stood up, wearing a black trench coat, black pants and a white button down shirt underneath. Only then did he finally realize who it was. That familiar, striking scar on his stubborn chin.
"Hisashi Mitsui." He whispered. AS if hearing him, his old teammate faced him, and slowly a smile came to his face.
"Kaede Rukawa." He said, and approached him. "How are you? Last time I saw you was in magazine covers and headlines of sports section of the newspaper this morning." They shook hands, then hugged. "Good to see you."
Rukawa slowly smiled and nodded. "Same here." He looked at Hanamichi's headstone and closed his eyes. "Who was that?"
"Who?" Mitsui tilted his head slightly.
"The one over there." He pointed at the headstone Mitsui was previously kneeling in front of.
"Oh." A sad look immediately appeared on his face. "Kogure." He sadly mumbled and closed his eyes.
"What?" Rukawa asked, deeply shocked. Kogure? The glasses boy? Peacekeeper? Mother hen? He is dead? No freaking way! How? Why? What happened? "Mitsui? What happened?"
Mitsui had a faraway look on his face. "Long story." His voice broke and he quickly turned around, his hand covering his face, shoulders slowly shaking. Rukawa placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Come to my house. We'll talk." He said gently, and they both exited the cemetery.
*
The mansion was just the way he had left it. He mixed them both a cup of hot chocolate and they both sat on the same soft, red couch, cup of hot chocolate in hand. Rukawa watched as Mitsui nervously took a sip from his cup.
"It was about two months after you left." Mitsui began. "We – We got together after Hanamichi's death." Mitsui looked out the window, staring at the stars in the sky. "This is what happened.
**Flashback**
It was a quiet evening in Kogure's duplex. His parents, divorced, now arguing on who should take him, the only child and continue paying for his education. Kogure was tired, being pushed from one side to the other. He had thought that his parents loved him, but he was wrong. It had been going on for quite a long time now, that he was used to all the shouting. Then there was Sakuragi, who had just died. It was already a week after the funeral. Kogure had been affected greatly by Hanamichi's death that he was slipping from his participation in class, his hopes of earning a scholarship being shattered.
His front doorbell rang, and he slowly closed his text book and stood up, placing his glasses on the side table. He was wearing a pair of loose pants and an old t-shirt. AS he opened the door, her gasped and nearly shouted at what he saw.
"Mitsui!" He caught the boy, before he fainted. "What – what happened?" He asked, kicking the door close. Mitsui, now half standing, thanks to Kogure's support, was bleeding badly.
"I got in to a fight." He said. "I'm sorry for disturbing you Kogure. But I don't want to go home. My mom is drunk and she's with someone else." Kogure winced slightly at what Mitsui said.
"Never mind. Come on, I've got to take care of your wounds." He said, escorting the ex-gangster to his room. He rushed around his neat home, collecting bandages and disinfectant. He tore Mitsui's shirt off, who was now on his bed, and began to clean his wounds. Once all the blood was gone, Kogure saw more than a thousand scratches and bruises practically all over his torso. Mitsui would hiss in pain when he touched his scratches. He wrapped his torso with bandages, then went about to nurse his slightly swollen face, not to mention bruised and cut. "Finally!" He sighed, and now watched as Mitsui closed his eyes. "Why did you get in to a fight."
"They insulted you and Hanamichi." He said. "They called you guys worthless and they said that Hanamichi deserved to die. God I hate them! They've got no right to say that! They're really dumb! How can they say that when they don't even know what he's been through? Why can't they just –" Mitsui turned his back to Kogure and silent tears escaped his eyes. "I miss him you know. I really loved that guy. He always made me laugh and gave me high spirits, not only on the court but outside. Why was he taken away?" Mitsui clenched his fists, then shouted. "Why?"
Kogure closed his eyes, tears escaping. "We all die, Mitsui." He said slightly. "It's okay. I'm here." He said and placed a comforting hand on Mitsui's shoulder. "Do get some sleep, Mitsui. You'll need to heal." With that said, Kogure left the room, heading for the kitchen, where he sat on a stool and began to sob silently. "Hanamichi, how we miss you so much." He whispered.
A week later, neither Kogure's nor Mitsui's parents did much improvement. The two stuck with each other, working hard and trying to get back to normal. It was hard, but with each other, they made it. It was one rainy night, when Kogure was waiting for Mitsui in his house for dinner. Mitsui appeared, soaking, and tired from running all the way. One look at Mitsui, Kogure felt butterflies swarm in his stomach. Lately, he'd been feeling it a lot. As for Mitsui, he liked Kogure. He never really told him that, afraid that it might sabotage their friendship. That night ended all worries. Mitsui walked up to Kogure, in his soaking clothes, and grabbed him for a deep, hot and loving kiss.
"What was that for?" Kogure asked, flabbergasted.
"I love you." Mitsui said and hugged the 'nerd'. Kogure, sighed and hugged him back. "Do you love me?"
Kogure smiled and placed a light kiss on Mitsui's lips. "Yes. I love you Hisashi Mitsui."
They made love for the first time that night. Now, as they both lay naked, holding each other under the moonlight, they did not know that from among the stars, one smiled.
**End Flashback**
Rukawa wasn't breathing. He was way too shocked. But then again, he was still hungry for more information. "And then what happened?"
"We moved in together." Mitsui said, sipping again from h is cup. "Actually I moved in. Kogure's parents finally agreed that he could have the house and that they would both equally support him. He is big enough after all. AS for me, I just left, not knowing how to stand a drunk woman everyday." He closed his eyes. "We entered University together, he taking medicine and me business accounting. On our second year of college, four years ago, that was when it happened." He opened his eyes and looked at Rukawa.
**Flashback**
Kogure had been angry with the grades he got. He was so pissed that he nearly broke every thing made of glass in his house. Mitsui was quite afraid, since he had never seen his lover act that way. He saw him angry, but not this fierce.
"How dare he give me a C? I worked so hard and all I get is a C?" Kogure screamed, his hair flying in all directions. Angry, he grabbed his car keys and left the house, slamming the door.
Mitsui shook his head. "Let him go! He'll sort his thoughts after shouting his lungs out in Tokyo Tower." Kogure was like that. Mitsui knew him so well, that he did not worry at all.
But when midnight came and Kogure was not home yet, Mitsui got nervous. He was debating whether to go and find him or not, when the phone rang. He picked it up.
"Kogure residence, Mitsui here." He said.
"Hisashi Mitsui? I have news for you. Kiminobu Kogure has been in a car accident."
Mitsui dropped the phone. He was paralyzed, mind blank. He saw flashes of blood, then a wrecked car and finally Kogure's dead body. He grabbed his motorbike keys and drove to the hospital in top speed, jumping stop lights and ignoring the police patrolling the street. He reached the hospital in time and the nurse kindly told him where he could find Kogure.
He was sleeping, very pale that he looked like a ghost. "Kimi-chan! Kimi- chan!" Mitsui panicked and took his hand, lightly kissing it. It was then did Kogure's eyes miraculously opened.
"Hisashi." He whispered and smiled weakly at him.
"Don't talk. You have to rest." Mitsui said, hushing him with his finger, but Kogure shook his head.
"Open the drawer." He gestured towards the side table drawer. Mitsui slowly opened it and found a tiny velvet box inside. "Open it, Hisashi."
Doing at what he's told, he opened it. Inside, he found an earring. It was a diamond stud. "Kimi-chan? What – what is this?"
"This is for you. A gift from my heart." Kogure silently whispered. "You will not forget me, won't you Hisashi?"
"What are you saying?" Mitsui panicked. "How could I? Are you crazy?"
Kogure smiled, his warm, loving smile. "Be happy Hisashi. As long as you have that earring, I'm always with you." He held Mitsui's hand. "Diamonds are forever. Be happy, okay, Hisashi?"
"Kimi-chan?" Kogure called out. The heart monitor gave a steady alarming beep, now a straight line. "Oh god no!" Mitsui stepped back, tears escaping his eyes. "Kogure!" He screamed.
**End Flashback**
Rukawa looked at Mitsui's ear and found a diamond stud, something he failed to notice earlier. "They tried to revive him, but it was no use." Rukawa coughed a bit, and then it stopped. "The next thing I knew, I was kneeling in front of a headstone, praying for him."
Rukawa set his cup down and patted Mitsui. "I know how you feel."
Mitsui's hand balled up to a fist. "Why did hey have to go?" He demanded. "Why is it when you finally find happiness it is always taken away from you? Why?" He grabbed his hair and bowed, tears escaping his eyes. "Why Rukawa? Why?"
Rukawa closed his eyes. The next thing he knew, he was hugging Mitsui and was also crying. They remained in each others arms, silently crying, for nearly half an hour they remained like that. Rukawa felt funny suddenly, holding an older boy in his arms. Rukawa opened his eyes and stared at Mitsui's firm jaw, his cheeks slightly red from crying. But he was looking at him from a different angle. He watched as those deep dark eyes stared blankly out the window, and how light shone upon them. His natural hair that he had slightly applied gel and combed with his fingers, the golden complexion that he possessed. Rukawa closed his eyes.
I must not think this way. I must not think this way. I must not think this way. I must not think this way. He kept on repeating it in his head that he did not know that Mitsui was intently looking up at him.
Mitsui watched as Rukawa tightly closed his eyes, as if screaming at himself or in pain. His soft rave locks framed his pale handsome face. Mitsui could inhale his sweet scent, and he suddenly shook himself to reality. No! This is not right! What the hell are you thinking? But his body was not listening to him. He placed a hand on Rukawa's cheek, causing Rukawa to snap his eyes open and watch with shock. Mitsui leaned closer and slowly touched his lips to Rukawa, and felt him tense under his hold. Pulling back, enough so that he can see his eyes. Be happy. A voice whispered inside him. He snapped his eyes open when Rukawa shoved him back.
"No! You can't!" He screamed, the pain rising in his throat. Rukawa began to cough and quickly turned. He can't! I can't let him kiss me! If he does – If he does then he'll have the same sickness as me and as Hana-chan. He covered his mouth and felt warm liquid fall on his hands.
"Rukawa?" Mitsui jerked his hands off his mouth and fell back. "My God! You too?"
"It's contagious. I got it from Hana-chan, who probably did not know about it. It started about last month." Rukawa coughed more, and when he finally stopped, he was heaving heavy breathes. "Don't do that again. I – I don't want you to suffer like me."
A flash of determination flashed in Mitsui's eyes. They were just boys who had lost the person they loved the most. They had something in common, and what Mitsui did was just to fill in the hole in his heart. "Rukawa don't do this! I can't – I can't stand to loose all my friends. First it was Hanamichi, then Kogure, now you? Who's next?" He demanded and quickly wrapped both arms around Rukawa. "Let me take care of you. Just let me."
With that said, Mitsui wiped the blood away with his fingers and kissed Rukawa deeply, licking his lips and savoring his coppery sweet flavor. Rukawa was too tensed to actually react, but once Mitsui and himself were shirtless, he opened up to Mitsui.
*
Rukawa stared out the window, his naked body enveloped with the warmth Mitsui's body gave out. At that moment, Mitsui was massaging his head gently, his other hand around his waist drawing invisible circles.
"Mitsui?" Rukawa suddenly asked.
"Mmmm?"
"Will you move in with me?"
A week later, Mitsui was living with Rukawa. Everyday, the ex-gangster would watch the younger man's life slip away. He coughed more everyday, and grew paler and thinner.
"Relax." Mitsui said, kissing his neck. He bit in to it causing Rukawa to moan. Feeling sorry for what he just did, he began to lick the bite. Mitsui knew that he would die the same way Rukawa and Sakuragi would, and he did not mind. "Chill. You're too tired and worked up." Mitsui enveloped him in one of his sweet and tickling kisses, before dragging him to the bedroom. Rukawa let him take care of his tired state. Mitsui was a gentle lover, not being hard or harsh, but warm and sweet. Oh yes, one word to describe Mitsui was sweet, like icing on a cake, or dripping honey. Rukawa did not take the sex as a need, but as something that made him feel loved and cared. As for Mitsui, he did not think that Rukawa was Kogure, but accepted him the way he was. He ignored the fact that he was dying, and dying fast. He just wanted to be with a loyal friend, whom he is currently learning how to love.
"Why are the stars so bright?" Rukawa suddenly asked.
"They are souls. Kogure told me that one day, we'd be together in the sky. All of us will! You, Kogure, me and Hana-chan. I can't wait to see them again. I really can't." Mitsui smiled, wrapping an arm around Rukawa, who was feeling very cold. "Don't leave without me, okay? Take me with you. I never want to be alone again."
Rukawa nodded. "Yes Mitsui. I will take you with me." Rukawa planted a kiss on his chest and soon fell asleep.
*
One month slowly came and went. Rukawa was down with a fever and never really got over it. Mitsui took a leave and stayed next to him through out. Days slowly went by and poor Rukawa could not even sleep for about five minutes without waking up and coughing hard, spitting blood out.
Rain poured hard that night, and Rukawa shivered. He already wore warm clothes, and was under two thick blankets. He had given up hope of getting well. He felt his time coming. He slowly reached for the pendant around his neck, 'the key of life' according to the Egyptian hieroglyphics. He loved it, because it always seemed to comfort him when he was really alone and cold.
Oh, Hana-chan. I don't feel good. Is this my limit? Am I to leave this cruel world? Will I be with you again? Will Mitsui be with Kogure? We're all going to be happy right? Like before? A team? A happy team? Right, Hana- chan? Rukawa felt tears springing to his eyes. Oh Hana-chan take me away now. I don't awnt to suffer anymore. Please, take me away now. Rukawa practically begged for death.
He suddenly heard a whisper. The windows opened harshly by themselves, and the whisper, that light, yet deep whisper sounded with the cold wind.
Kaede. Come home Kaede. Come home with me. It whispered. Rukawa got out of bed, holding support on walls. He knelt next to the window, light rain touching his tear stained cheek. Come home Kaede. I'm waiting for you. There was some laughter. Warm laughter that dripped like syrup and rang like bells. Rukawa knew that it was Sakuragi, his lover. I'm here. I'm waiting. Hurry soon, ne Kaede? The voice began to faint and Rukawa could only cry more.
"No, Hana-chan. Hana-chan, please don't leave me. Oh god, I don't want to be alone anymore." He suddenly shivered. The cold was really getting to him. "Hana-chan." He called to the wind. He closed his eyes, his breathing growing deep and labored. God, the pain he endured everyday was torture.
"Rukawa, I –" Mitsui entered the room and gaped. "Rukawa, what are you doing?" He hollered an dknelt next to Rukawa by the window.
"Mitsui, it's cold." Rukawa said weakly, now paler than before. "But I like the cold. Look, Mitsui! The stars are shining on us!" He pointed at the sky, now a bit soaked from the rain.
"Rukawa." Mitsui mumbled and held him.
"I want to go there. That's where all the sould go, right Mitsui?" Rukawa leaned on Mitsui, closing his eyes. "Let's go home. Let go home to Hana- chan and Kogure." He closed his eyes, inhaling one last deep breath.
Come home Kaede! Kaede! Light and innocent laughter rang in Rukawa's ears.
"Mitsui." He said finally and eternally fell asleep. Mitsui closed his eyes, now holding a limp body in his arms. He picked the cordless phone and dialed 911.
"Help me." He said, his voice weak. He then dropped the phone, leaving the line open. He punched the glass, the crash loud. He began to throw things around the room, breaking everything for more effect. Picking up a piece of glass, he shut his eyes and slice his wrist open, cutting an artery and a vein, blood gushing out. He kissed Rukawa on the forehead once and leaned against the wall underneath the table. Light rain showed his face. Blood continued to come out, the life draining out of him. He closed his eyes and smiled.
"Kogure." He whispered and sucked in his last breath, the last thing he heard was the wailing sirens of a police car.
*
A new headstone was placed next to Hanamichi Sakuragi's and Kiminobu Kogure's. It was the bodies of two amazing people who found a way with love. Kaede Rukawa and Hisashi Mitsui, upon request in a will, now lay peacefully beside the person who changed their hearts and souls.
From a distance, the light sound of laughter and the familiar dribbling of a ball could be heard. Just plain happiness; no tears and no pain.
OWARI
Someone pointed out to me that Tuberculosis is contagious. So I could not resist in writing a sequel. I know it's quite boring, not much of action, but, well I tried. Thank you, thank you, thank you Ally for pointing that out to me. I forgot that and this fic is dedicated to you. Feedback please.
THE KEY OF LIFE 2
When was the last time I brought flowers for him? He asked himself, walking down the streets, a bouquet of red and white roses, the color of love and eternity. Yes, I remember it like it was yesterday. It was the day of his funeral. He entered the cemetery, the lush green grass opening to endless poking head stones from the earth. I vowed that I shall never bring flowers to honor his death until I have fulfilled my promise. My promise to be the best. The best in Japan! And the US! He saw the familiar white headstone that belonged to his lover. It's been six years now. Hanamichi, my love, I've kept my promise. Now I can finally rest, I've already reached the top. He slowly knelt in front of the grave, placing the flowers in front of the headstone, bowing his head and whispering a silent prayer. A cold wind blew and he began to cough. He coughed hard, and by the end of his coughing fit, he was pale and out of breath, throat throbbing, ribs aching.
Rukawa held the necklace he wore, and closed his eyes. It was then did he feel another presence. Lifting his head up, he found another lone figure, knneling in front of a headstone, paying respects. He watched as that figure stood up, wearing a black trench coat, black pants and a white button down shirt underneath. Only then did he finally realize who it was. That familiar, striking scar on his stubborn chin.
"Hisashi Mitsui." He whispered. AS if hearing him, his old teammate faced him, and slowly a smile came to his face.
"Kaede Rukawa." He said, and approached him. "How are you? Last time I saw you was in magazine covers and headlines of sports section of the newspaper this morning." They shook hands, then hugged. "Good to see you."
Rukawa slowly smiled and nodded. "Same here." He looked at Hanamichi's headstone and closed his eyes. "Who was that?"
"Who?" Mitsui tilted his head slightly.
"The one over there." He pointed at the headstone Mitsui was previously kneeling in front of.
"Oh." A sad look immediately appeared on his face. "Kogure." He sadly mumbled and closed his eyes.
"What?" Rukawa asked, deeply shocked. Kogure? The glasses boy? Peacekeeper? Mother hen? He is dead? No freaking way! How? Why? What happened? "Mitsui? What happened?"
Mitsui had a faraway look on his face. "Long story." His voice broke and he quickly turned around, his hand covering his face, shoulders slowly shaking. Rukawa placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Come to my house. We'll talk." He said gently, and they both exited the cemetery.
*
The mansion was just the way he had left it. He mixed them both a cup of hot chocolate and they both sat on the same soft, red couch, cup of hot chocolate in hand. Rukawa watched as Mitsui nervously took a sip from his cup.
"It was about two months after you left." Mitsui began. "We – We got together after Hanamichi's death." Mitsui looked out the window, staring at the stars in the sky. "This is what happened.
**Flashback**
It was a quiet evening in Kogure's duplex. His parents, divorced, now arguing on who should take him, the only child and continue paying for his education. Kogure was tired, being pushed from one side to the other. He had thought that his parents loved him, but he was wrong. It had been going on for quite a long time now, that he was used to all the shouting. Then there was Sakuragi, who had just died. It was already a week after the funeral. Kogure had been affected greatly by Hanamichi's death that he was slipping from his participation in class, his hopes of earning a scholarship being shattered.
His front doorbell rang, and he slowly closed his text book and stood up, placing his glasses on the side table. He was wearing a pair of loose pants and an old t-shirt. AS he opened the door, her gasped and nearly shouted at what he saw.
"Mitsui!" He caught the boy, before he fainted. "What – what happened?" He asked, kicking the door close. Mitsui, now half standing, thanks to Kogure's support, was bleeding badly.
"I got in to a fight." He said. "I'm sorry for disturbing you Kogure. But I don't want to go home. My mom is drunk and she's with someone else." Kogure winced slightly at what Mitsui said.
"Never mind. Come on, I've got to take care of your wounds." He said, escorting the ex-gangster to his room. He rushed around his neat home, collecting bandages and disinfectant. He tore Mitsui's shirt off, who was now on his bed, and began to clean his wounds. Once all the blood was gone, Kogure saw more than a thousand scratches and bruises practically all over his torso. Mitsui would hiss in pain when he touched his scratches. He wrapped his torso with bandages, then went about to nurse his slightly swollen face, not to mention bruised and cut. "Finally!" He sighed, and now watched as Mitsui closed his eyes. "Why did you get in to a fight."
"They insulted you and Hanamichi." He said. "They called you guys worthless and they said that Hanamichi deserved to die. God I hate them! They've got no right to say that! They're really dumb! How can they say that when they don't even know what he's been through? Why can't they just –" Mitsui turned his back to Kogure and silent tears escaped his eyes. "I miss him you know. I really loved that guy. He always made me laugh and gave me high spirits, not only on the court but outside. Why was he taken away?" Mitsui clenched his fists, then shouted. "Why?"
Kogure closed his eyes, tears escaping. "We all die, Mitsui." He said slightly. "It's okay. I'm here." He said and placed a comforting hand on Mitsui's shoulder. "Do get some sleep, Mitsui. You'll need to heal." With that said, Kogure left the room, heading for the kitchen, where he sat on a stool and began to sob silently. "Hanamichi, how we miss you so much." He whispered.
A week later, neither Kogure's nor Mitsui's parents did much improvement. The two stuck with each other, working hard and trying to get back to normal. It was hard, but with each other, they made it. It was one rainy night, when Kogure was waiting for Mitsui in his house for dinner. Mitsui appeared, soaking, and tired from running all the way. One look at Mitsui, Kogure felt butterflies swarm in his stomach. Lately, he'd been feeling it a lot. As for Mitsui, he liked Kogure. He never really told him that, afraid that it might sabotage their friendship. That night ended all worries. Mitsui walked up to Kogure, in his soaking clothes, and grabbed him for a deep, hot and loving kiss.
"What was that for?" Kogure asked, flabbergasted.
"I love you." Mitsui said and hugged the 'nerd'. Kogure, sighed and hugged him back. "Do you love me?"
Kogure smiled and placed a light kiss on Mitsui's lips. "Yes. I love you Hisashi Mitsui."
They made love for the first time that night. Now, as they both lay naked, holding each other under the moonlight, they did not know that from among the stars, one smiled.
**End Flashback**
Rukawa wasn't breathing. He was way too shocked. But then again, he was still hungry for more information. "And then what happened?"
"We moved in together." Mitsui said, sipping again from h is cup. "Actually I moved in. Kogure's parents finally agreed that he could have the house and that they would both equally support him. He is big enough after all. AS for me, I just left, not knowing how to stand a drunk woman everyday." He closed his eyes. "We entered University together, he taking medicine and me business accounting. On our second year of college, four years ago, that was when it happened." He opened his eyes and looked at Rukawa.
**Flashback**
Kogure had been angry with the grades he got. He was so pissed that he nearly broke every thing made of glass in his house. Mitsui was quite afraid, since he had never seen his lover act that way. He saw him angry, but not this fierce.
"How dare he give me a C? I worked so hard and all I get is a C?" Kogure screamed, his hair flying in all directions. Angry, he grabbed his car keys and left the house, slamming the door.
Mitsui shook his head. "Let him go! He'll sort his thoughts after shouting his lungs out in Tokyo Tower." Kogure was like that. Mitsui knew him so well, that he did not worry at all.
But when midnight came and Kogure was not home yet, Mitsui got nervous. He was debating whether to go and find him or not, when the phone rang. He picked it up.
"Kogure residence, Mitsui here." He said.
"Hisashi Mitsui? I have news for you. Kiminobu Kogure has been in a car accident."
Mitsui dropped the phone. He was paralyzed, mind blank. He saw flashes of blood, then a wrecked car and finally Kogure's dead body. He grabbed his motorbike keys and drove to the hospital in top speed, jumping stop lights and ignoring the police patrolling the street. He reached the hospital in time and the nurse kindly told him where he could find Kogure.
He was sleeping, very pale that he looked like a ghost. "Kimi-chan! Kimi- chan!" Mitsui panicked and took his hand, lightly kissing it. It was then did Kogure's eyes miraculously opened.
"Hisashi." He whispered and smiled weakly at him.
"Don't talk. You have to rest." Mitsui said, hushing him with his finger, but Kogure shook his head.
"Open the drawer." He gestured towards the side table drawer. Mitsui slowly opened it and found a tiny velvet box inside. "Open it, Hisashi."
Doing at what he's told, he opened it. Inside, he found an earring. It was a diamond stud. "Kimi-chan? What – what is this?"
"This is for you. A gift from my heart." Kogure silently whispered. "You will not forget me, won't you Hisashi?"
"What are you saying?" Mitsui panicked. "How could I? Are you crazy?"
Kogure smiled, his warm, loving smile. "Be happy Hisashi. As long as you have that earring, I'm always with you." He held Mitsui's hand. "Diamonds are forever. Be happy, okay, Hisashi?"
"Kimi-chan?" Kogure called out. The heart monitor gave a steady alarming beep, now a straight line. "Oh god no!" Mitsui stepped back, tears escaping his eyes. "Kogure!" He screamed.
**End Flashback**
Rukawa looked at Mitsui's ear and found a diamond stud, something he failed to notice earlier. "They tried to revive him, but it was no use." Rukawa coughed a bit, and then it stopped. "The next thing I knew, I was kneeling in front of a headstone, praying for him."
Rukawa set his cup down and patted Mitsui. "I know how you feel."
Mitsui's hand balled up to a fist. "Why did hey have to go?" He demanded. "Why is it when you finally find happiness it is always taken away from you? Why?" He grabbed his hair and bowed, tears escaping his eyes. "Why Rukawa? Why?"
Rukawa closed his eyes. The next thing he knew, he was hugging Mitsui and was also crying. They remained in each others arms, silently crying, for nearly half an hour they remained like that. Rukawa felt funny suddenly, holding an older boy in his arms. Rukawa opened his eyes and stared at Mitsui's firm jaw, his cheeks slightly red from crying. But he was looking at him from a different angle. He watched as those deep dark eyes stared blankly out the window, and how light shone upon them. His natural hair that he had slightly applied gel and combed with his fingers, the golden complexion that he possessed. Rukawa closed his eyes.
I must not think this way. I must not think this way. I must not think this way. I must not think this way. He kept on repeating it in his head that he did not know that Mitsui was intently looking up at him.
Mitsui watched as Rukawa tightly closed his eyes, as if screaming at himself or in pain. His soft rave locks framed his pale handsome face. Mitsui could inhale his sweet scent, and he suddenly shook himself to reality. No! This is not right! What the hell are you thinking? But his body was not listening to him. He placed a hand on Rukawa's cheek, causing Rukawa to snap his eyes open and watch with shock. Mitsui leaned closer and slowly touched his lips to Rukawa, and felt him tense under his hold. Pulling back, enough so that he can see his eyes. Be happy. A voice whispered inside him. He snapped his eyes open when Rukawa shoved him back.
"No! You can't!" He screamed, the pain rising in his throat. Rukawa began to cough and quickly turned. He can't! I can't let him kiss me! If he does – If he does then he'll have the same sickness as me and as Hana-chan. He covered his mouth and felt warm liquid fall on his hands.
"Rukawa?" Mitsui jerked his hands off his mouth and fell back. "My God! You too?"
"It's contagious. I got it from Hana-chan, who probably did not know about it. It started about last month." Rukawa coughed more, and when he finally stopped, he was heaving heavy breathes. "Don't do that again. I – I don't want you to suffer like me."
A flash of determination flashed in Mitsui's eyes. They were just boys who had lost the person they loved the most. They had something in common, and what Mitsui did was just to fill in the hole in his heart. "Rukawa don't do this! I can't – I can't stand to loose all my friends. First it was Hanamichi, then Kogure, now you? Who's next?" He demanded and quickly wrapped both arms around Rukawa. "Let me take care of you. Just let me."
With that said, Mitsui wiped the blood away with his fingers and kissed Rukawa deeply, licking his lips and savoring his coppery sweet flavor. Rukawa was too tensed to actually react, but once Mitsui and himself were shirtless, he opened up to Mitsui.
*
Rukawa stared out the window, his naked body enveloped with the warmth Mitsui's body gave out. At that moment, Mitsui was massaging his head gently, his other hand around his waist drawing invisible circles.
"Mitsui?" Rukawa suddenly asked.
"Mmmm?"
"Will you move in with me?"
A week later, Mitsui was living with Rukawa. Everyday, the ex-gangster would watch the younger man's life slip away. He coughed more everyday, and grew paler and thinner.
"Relax." Mitsui said, kissing his neck. He bit in to it causing Rukawa to moan. Feeling sorry for what he just did, he began to lick the bite. Mitsui knew that he would die the same way Rukawa and Sakuragi would, and he did not mind. "Chill. You're too tired and worked up." Mitsui enveloped him in one of his sweet and tickling kisses, before dragging him to the bedroom. Rukawa let him take care of his tired state. Mitsui was a gentle lover, not being hard or harsh, but warm and sweet. Oh yes, one word to describe Mitsui was sweet, like icing on a cake, or dripping honey. Rukawa did not take the sex as a need, but as something that made him feel loved and cared. As for Mitsui, he did not think that Rukawa was Kogure, but accepted him the way he was. He ignored the fact that he was dying, and dying fast. He just wanted to be with a loyal friend, whom he is currently learning how to love.
"Why are the stars so bright?" Rukawa suddenly asked.
"They are souls. Kogure told me that one day, we'd be together in the sky. All of us will! You, Kogure, me and Hana-chan. I can't wait to see them again. I really can't." Mitsui smiled, wrapping an arm around Rukawa, who was feeling very cold. "Don't leave without me, okay? Take me with you. I never want to be alone again."
Rukawa nodded. "Yes Mitsui. I will take you with me." Rukawa planted a kiss on his chest and soon fell asleep.
*
One month slowly came and went. Rukawa was down with a fever and never really got over it. Mitsui took a leave and stayed next to him through out. Days slowly went by and poor Rukawa could not even sleep for about five minutes without waking up and coughing hard, spitting blood out.
Rain poured hard that night, and Rukawa shivered. He already wore warm clothes, and was under two thick blankets. He had given up hope of getting well. He felt his time coming. He slowly reached for the pendant around his neck, 'the key of life' according to the Egyptian hieroglyphics. He loved it, because it always seemed to comfort him when he was really alone and cold.
Oh, Hana-chan. I don't feel good. Is this my limit? Am I to leave this cruel world? Will I be with you again? Will Mitsui be with Kogure? We're all going to be happy right? Like before? A team? A happy team? Right, Hana- chan? Rukawa felt tears springing to his eyes. Oh Hana-chan take me away now. I don't awnt to suffer anymore. Please, take me away now. Rukawa practically begged for death.
He suddenly heard a whisper. The windows opened harshly by themselves, and the whisper, that light, yet deep whisper sounded with the cold wind.
Kaede. Come home Kaede. Come home with me. It whispered. Rukawa got out of bed, holding support on walls. He knelt next to the window, light rain touching his tear stained cheek. Come home Kaede. I'm waiting for you. There was some laughter. Warm laughter that dripped like syrup and rang like bells. Rukawa knew that it was Sakuragi, his lover. I'm here. I'm waiting. Hurry soon, ne Kaede? The voice began to faint and Rukawa could only cry more.
"No, Hana-chan. Hana-chan, please don't leave me. Oh god, I don't want to be alone anymore." He suddenly shivered. The cold was really getting to him. "Hana-chan." He called to the wind. He closed his eyes, his breathing growing deep and labored. God, the pain he endured everyday was torture.
"Rukawa, I –" Mitsui entered the room and gaped. "Rukawa, what are you doing?" He hollered an dknelt next to Rukawa by the window.
"Mitsui, it's cold." Rukawa said weakly, now paler than before. "But I like the cold. Look, Mitsui! The stars are shining on us!" He pointed at the sky, now a bit soaked from the rain.
"Rukawa." Mitsui mumbled and held him.
"I want to go there. That's where all the sould go, right Mitsui?" Rukawa leaned on Mitsui, closing his eyes. "Let's go home. Let go home to Hana- chan and Kogure." He closed his eyes, inhaling one last deep breath.
Come home Kaede! Kaede! Light and innocent laughter rang in Rukawa's ears.
"Mitsui." He said finally and eternally fell asleep. Mitsui closed his eyes, now holding a limp body in his arms. He picked the cordless phone and dialed 911.
"Help me." He said, his voice weak. He then dropped the phone, leaving the line open. He punched the glass, the crash loud. He began to throw things around the room, breaking everything for more effect. Picking up a piece of glass, he shut his eyes and slice his wrist open, cutting an artery and a vein, blood gushing out. He kissed Rukawa on the forehead once and leaned against the wall underneath the table. Light rain showed his face. Blood continued to come out, the life draining out of him. He closed his eyes and smiled.
"Kogure." He whispered and sucked in his last breath, the last thing he heard was the wailing sirens of a police car.
*
A new headstone was placed next to Hanamichi Sakuragi's and Kiminobu Kogure's. It was the bodies of two amazing people who found a way with love. Kaede Rukawa and Hisashi Mitsui, upon request in a will, now lay peacefully beside the person who changed their hearts and souls.
From a distance, the light sound of laughter and the familiar dribbling of a ball could be heard. Just plain happiness; no tears and no pain.
OWARI
Someone pointed out to me that Tuberculosis is contagious. So I could not resist in writing a sequel. I know it's quite boring, not much of action, but, well I tried. Thank you, thank you, thank you Ally for pointing that out to me. I forgot that and this fic is dedicated to you. Feedback please.
