Title: Struggle

Part: 10/?

Author: Issei

Genre: Pre-Yaoi or Yaoi already?

Paring: Up to you to decipher!

Rating: PG

Archive: Sdfic ML and Jem's homepage!

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2 Please ignore any typo errors/ gammer mistakes.

Disclaimer: the characters do not belong to me..dun sue!!

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Warning: The characters may become OOC.

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5 Words in * * is action

6 Words in ^ ^ is characters thinking

Words in [ ] refer to the setting

Words in ( ) are words by writer.^_______^

6.1 Chapter 10

[Shohoku High School 6 p.m.]

Ryota: Dismissed! Year ones', remember to make sure that the courts are cleaned and that the balls are polished before going home.

Everyone headed towards their own destination. The year ones picked up the mops while some the rag and started out on the tedious job at the end of the day. Rukawa was mopping the floor furiously as if he was in a rush to go off. This was unlike him as he would normally stay a little longer each day just to practise. Ayako who had been observing Rukawa for the day realised that something was wrong with the ace player.

Ayako: Rukawa? Are you rushing off to somewhere?

Rukawa: *nods* ^Keep quiet and let me work! ^

Ayako: I think you can leave early if you want, I can help you this time.

Rukawa: *looks up from ground* Are you sure?

Ayako: Yah go ahead if you have to.

Rukawa: *nods* Thanks.

Rukawa was gone the next moment leaving the stunned Ayako standing in the middle of the court.

Ryota: Ayako! Why are you doing the chores? Let me do it for you! *Eyes turning heart-shape*

Ayako: It is ok! It is not like I am so weak I can't even mop the floor!

Ryota: I will help you! *Grabs a mop*

In a few minutes, the whole court was clean again, shining brightly under the court lights.

Ryota: It is done. You can rest Ayako! *Half panting and sweating profusely*

Ayako: *cannot believe it look* Er. well, all right.



Mitsui did not go home straight away, he did not want to go home to face his mother who always nags. He hanged around the streets, like he used to in the past.

Mitsui: This is so much like in the past, but this time there is only I and not the others.

Mitsui continues along the way, just taking his time strolling along the streets. He looks down at his watch.

Mitsui: It is only 5:45. I guess I can hang around more.

A bit tired after walking for a considerable distance, Mitsui decided to get a drink. After 5 minutes, Mitsui appeared again on the street, this time with a drink in hand. Sipping slowing from the straw, he felt a cool thirst quenching feeling down his throat. The autumn wind continued to blow and along with the wind, they wandered the streets. Half an hour later, Mitsui found himself in an unfamiliar neighbour hood.

Mitsui: ^Where could I be? ^

Looking out for roads signs, he saw one hidden behind the trees.

Mitsui: Oya. ^ Isn't this where Sakuragi stays? ^



Rukawa jogged along the streets, he was nearing his destination. He had to see find out for himself the truth and not be the passive, ice-block Rukawa anymore. Just this time, he had the urge to find about something other than basketball.

He slowed to a walk at a crossroad. He read the signs on the lamp and headed towards the right direction. He came to a stop just outside one of the houses.

Rukawa: ^ This should be the right one. ^



Hanamichi had been so troubled lately that his appetite had been reduced. After unloading half his burden, he suddenly felt so hungry. Entering one of the restaurants near his house, he started ordering a feast. Before long, he was devouring his plates of food. And after an eternity, he finally stopped, with the plates were polished clean.

Hanamichi: That feels good. I guess it is time to go home for a sleep!

In a flash, Hanamichi was out of the restaurants, with his bills unpaid for.

Shopkeeper: Hey you, you haven't paid!

Hanamichi just kept walking, not even bothering to answer the poor old man. Seeing that Hanamichi was tall and with his menacing flaming red hair, the shopkeeper had no choice but to let him go.

His cheerful self was gone once again upon nearing home. His mind was turned back to basketball.

Hanamichi: ^ Didn't train much today, I better do some shooting afterwards. Maybe I can sneak back to school. I need all the training I can get, to get my accuracy back. It is time I started intensive training. ^

Deep in thoughts, Hanamichi did not realise the lone figure outside his house, he walked straight ahead and banged onto a solid block.

Hanamichi: What was that? *Irritated* ^ Mum did no build a solid wall here, did she? ^

Hanamichi lifted his head to see a raven hair boy sleeping like a log leaning against the gates to his home, unshaken by the impact of the knock.

Hanamichi: Hey fox get out of my way.

Rukawa: No one can wake me.

Rukawa stopped in mid sentence when he realised that Hanamichi was standing right in front of him.

Hanamichi: You are awake? Now get lost.

Rukawa: . ^Say something! ^

Hanamichi: Did you hear me? Are you deaf, fox?

Rukawa: Shut up baka, quit shouting. ^ what a great way to start a conversation. ^

Hanamichi: What are you doing outside my house, blocking my way home?

Rukawa: I need to talk to you

Hanamichi: Huh? Did I hear wrongly? You want to talk to me? TALK! Ha ha! Get out of my way. I don't want to "talk" to you.

Rukawa: I am serious. *Not moving an inch. *

Hanamichi: I am serious too. *Answers low quiet voice* Move aside now!

Rukawa: .

Hanamichi: Hey, I just want to get home, just move aside will you? I am in no mood to fight! ^ What is wrong with the basketball guys at Shohoku? One chased after me and another waited at my house, both of them wanting to talk.

Hanamichi: What do you want to talk about? There is nothing in common that we share.

Rukawa: Just follow me.

Hanamichi: No the tensai shall follow no one!

Rukawa stood completely still. Hanamichi knew that he would not move unless he gets what he wants.

Hanamichi: Talk? That is simply. Let's us settle everything you want to say here.

Rukawa: No not here.

Hanamichi: Then where?

Rukawa: Basketball court.

Hanamichi: No, I the tensai will go as I please. I will not compromise to you fox! Last offer, my house, my mum won't be home till 10, so you can talk all you want.

Rukawa: Ok. ^At least not out here ^



Mitsui walked along the neighbourhood and recognized Hanamichi from afar.

Mitsui: I will give him a scare!

Mitsui walked faster and he was about a few meters from Hanamichi. When Hanamichi was nearing his house, Mitsui shouted.

Mitsui: Sa..

The name chocked in his throat as he saw Rukawa outside Hanamichi's house.

Mitsui: ^Rukawa? What is he doing here? He should be in school practising. Not here outside his house. They are enemies aren't they? Why is Rukawa here?

Mitsui stood behind the tree and observed the two year one boys.



As the door slammed shut, Mitsui was even more confused.

Mitsui: ^Rukawa had wanted to talk! Talk? When in the hell did he start talking to people and of all people Sakuragi? ^

Mitsui felt a weird feeling in his heart, a little angry and mostly hurt and pain. It was creping slowly in his hear and it was growing its roots.

Mitsui: ^Stop it. Mitsui, why are you jealous! ^

Totally puzzled by himself and the two younger boys, Mitsui walked toward Hanamichi's house, unable to resist the temptation of knowing the relationship between the two.



To be continued!

Hee..hope all of you have enjoyed reading this..wondering about what Rukawa will say, what will Mitsui do? who hana will end up with?...continue reading...C&C are welcome..

Issei_kun_@hotmail.com