Epilogue.
The news spreaded like a wildfire throughout the Kanagawa region. By the next day, everybody knew about the hottest couple in town. The best rival, the two top players in the prefecture, the two aces, handsome and beautiful, the contrasting couple, many names, yet, only belonged to each other. Maki Shinichi and Rukawa Kaede.
Surprisingly, it's like any other days for them. Nothing changed, not really. Maki had vow never again to behave like he did on Friday, after he apologized to his teammates of course. He also reminded himself not to kiss Rukawa while they were on the court, or any other public place really. Because it only lead a more passionate and intimate encounter between the two of them.
And Rukawa, Rukawa is still Rukawa. He cycled to school while sleeping and continued his sleep in the class. Even during the practise, he didn't say anything while his teammates blushed continuously with yesterday's images on their minds. The name-callings and one-liners between and him and Sakuragi were still exist.
After the game, Sendoh and Sakuragi had decided to end their friendship, and instead exploring a new type of relationship. A deeper type of relationship. Much to everyone's delight, because Sendoh was one of the two people in the world who can handle Sakuragi. Jin, meanwhile, still had weak knees, everytime the image flashed through his mind.
"I'm sorry, I know my behaviour is something I would not do normally, and I can promise you it won't happen again."
"Of course not, you're retiring, and as long as we keep Rukawa away from you in the remaining games, you'll be fine. But me…" he pointed at himself. " I have to bear that, that, embarassment. And do you know how difficult it is to explain that situation to Akagi? And to the General? They didn't ask you, they asked me. And Kiyota and Sakuragi are not helping at all."
"Well, think of it this way, at least you have experience if this situation arise again in the new future." Maki reasoned.
Jin falls down again. Knees have to be checked. "hmp!"
"Forgive me still?"
"No."
"Ok, ok, I'll do anything you ask. Just name it." Maki had to try the last resort.
"Anything?"
"Ok, almost anything. As long as you don't tell me to keep my hands off Rukawa, then, anything."
"Well…Kiyota is an important member in our team."
Kiyota? "Yea, I agree."
"From now on, you'll be responsible for his Math score. Push his marks above 50 points. He's at 24 points currently. I'll forgive you if I don't have to worry about his failing marks. Make my job as the next captain easier."
"That…" Maki didn't know what to say about this new deal.
"Anything remember?" Jin argued.
"Yea. Ok, I will." Maki accepted the deal. "By the way Jin, you'll make one fine captain next year, I'm glad the way you handled the situation. Top quality."
Jin had to smile. Then he fell. Shesh, weak knees.
And Kiyota had to refrain himself for giving Rukawa rude names, just because he didn't want to mess with his captain, especially not with the love-struck Kainan captain. The referee of the game swore he could never referee any Shohoku games anymore. Meanwhile, Hikoichi closed the case, another successful investigation by the future great reporter. The Shohoku virus was still in Kainan's computer. All these happened, under the watchful eye of the Kainan Bird.
They met in Ryonan on Sunday morning. Sendoh, with his fishing rods and baits, while Sakuragi brought his extra Mathematics exercise for him to do. Maki brought his car, picked Rukawa who was still sleeping and drove out of Kanagawa into a small peaceful village where time seems to stand still. They took their spot underneath the tree where Rukawa started to read his History book and Sakuragi concentrated in doing his Mathematics. For once, the duo were actually quiet, concentrating on the very demanding mental task. Maki and Sendoh on the other hand, set up their fishing equipment and just enjoying the quiet moment the scenery has to offer.
Time passed. Lunchtime approached. Sakuragi decided to take out the lunchbox from the car, leaving the trio for a while. For a moment, they enjoyed a complete silence without the disgruntled Sakuragi at the back, wondering on why a Tensai like him should solve a pathetic integration exercise like this. Although Rukawa had become particularly quiet…
Maki sighed. Rukawa had falling asleep...again. No surprise there. This prompted Sendoh to turn his attention to the sleeping Shohoku Ace. Rukawa was curled up on the mat underneath the shady tree, with his notes sprawled in front of him and his coat half-covered his slender form. The boy was enjoying his favourite pastime, blissfully unaware that there are two pairs of eyes watching him.
"That is one beautiful man you got there." Sendoh commented.
"Yea, who would have thought only last week he came as a devil, blown everyone away and took the Kainan pride and now, he looked so much like an angel." Maki relieved his memories. Maki started caressing Rukawa's silky raven-hair, while enjoying the younger boy's effeminate beauty. He's mine! Maki slowly placed a kiss on Rukawa's temple, just to make sure this time, it's for real.
Drowsy blue eyes opened threateningly. "Whoever disturbs my sleep…"
"Shut up." Maki cut short Rukawa's threat and gave him a deep passionate kiss.
Sendoh had decided to let those two to enjoy their private moment together and walked towards the car, to check on Sakuragi. But he heard a squeal coming from the direction of the car. Sendoh quickened his pace, wanted to see what happen to his Hana-kun.
He found Sakuragi with an annoying shocking look on his face. He was clipping a piece of black clothing while his other hand was holding his bag, which was currently open. Sendoh had to laugh when he saw the whole scene, making Sakuragi more annoyed at his boyfriend's response.
"Sendoh…" he glared at the spikey-haired man.
Sendoh couldn't stop laughing.
"Sendoh! This is not funny!" Sakuragi fumed.
"Ok, ok, I'm sorry." He tried to stiffle his laugh. "I told you not to challenge him again. He WILL get Maki's underwear for you."
"That Kitsune is going to pay for this. Ggrrr…"
"Still...I have to admit Maki has a good taste. Hhmm… Armani, and of course, Rukawa."
"Good taste? What did he see in that Kitsune anyway?"
"The same thing I see in you." Sendoh gave Sakuragi a kiss. End of discussion.
-theend-
Afternotes: This fic was written before the Kainan-Shohoku game was being shown on AXN. I read Akira14's challenge, and just totally blown away with the lyrics, but I reckon there's no way I will write it cos I know I'm not good in the seduction-type fic.
So anyway…when muse bites, it bites hard. All afternoon I was spending my time thinking of the outline. I pretty much knew I wanted to use Rukawa, with… don't want him pairing up with Sendoh cos she asked for strange pairing possibly. And at that moment, I found Maki quite cute, but his leadership quality just too scary for me. So I figure, let's write Maki as this love-struck guy, to my own liking, he he… As the Kainan-Shohoku game progresses, I learned more about Maki's character and try to compliment with what I wrote.
So, strange pairings, MakiRu. Besides, I just finished re-reading manga #25, where those Sannoh guys were checking on Rukawa in the video tape and they said he is the number 2 player in Kanagawa after Maki, based on their average points. And I was like…hmmm… let's get the #1 and #2 together, how's that? Hence, the fic. Sendoh's the mastermind, together with Sakuragi (I think Rukawa and Sakuragi exist together, can't write one without leaving the other) in different roles. So I guess, let's get those two together too. Took about 2 hours to outline everything in me head and days to write and re-write and check and re-check and add more words, delete crappy descriptions, add, delete, re-check and re-write……. Phew!
Hentai notes: **whisper** the four of them should do an orgy. **Run**
Thanx for R&R everyone!
Ciao!