Chapter 17: Fallen

Author: Mitsui no Miko

Notes: Hello everyone!  Thank you for staying on till the end!  This is the last part of "Fallen".  I haven't been posting chapters lately because of one hell of an exam… grr… At least it's done with now!  J  Thanks for reviewing, I really appreciate it!  Well, until the next inspirational bolt hits!  See Ya!

Karu:  Yes, they were drinking beer, but Sendoh couldn't hear them.  I'm sorry for the late reply (two chapters late.  Heehee!)

Kelly:  Yup, this is SenRu to the end! 

LID:  Hi Oneechan!  I'm back on the Messenger circuit!  *hooray*

Shi-chan:  I believe you were looking for this chapter? =)

Kou-chan:  Hello! I'm glad you like it!  Not like someone else *glares at Kou-chan's oneesan* Enlighten your sis on how wonderful yaoi fics are.  Hehe! 

Here we go!

                Sendoh got down from the car and strolled down the park.  He needed to organize his thoughts and feelings.  A midnight stroll is always good for this kind of stuff.

                And whom did he happen to find shooting hoops in the basketball court in the park?

                He just stood there, watching.  He was transfixed at the sight in front of him.  Silky black hair.  Smooth porcelain-like skin.  And a basketball skill that only heaven could have bestowed upon him.

                The ball dribbling of the young man in front of him slowed down to a stop.  And then he turned around.  And smiled.

                "Why the long face, Sendoh?"

                Sendoh just stood still.

                "And what brings you here at this late hour?"

                Now it was Sendoh's turn to blush.

                "Ever know how it's like to fall in love, Sendoh?"  he asked him.

                Sendoh could only nod slowly.  Then he found himself repeating Hikoichi's words.

                "When you're content just to watch him sleep," he spoke softly.

                "…"

                "When you yourself can't sleep just thinking about him."

                Then he paused.

                "And when you finally do, your dreams are filled with images of him," finished Rukawa, in a voice that threatened to crack of emotion.

                "I'm sorry…"

                "What for?" asked Rukawa.

                "I should have realized sooner…"

                Rukawa noticed that Sendoh's eyes were brimming with tears.  Not knowing what else to do, he turned away.

                "No," said Sendoh, barely audible.

                "Stay with me, Rukawa Kaede."

                Rukawa was speechless for a few moments.

                "I have to tell you something, Sendoh Akira."

                "I already know it, Kaede."

                Rukawa raised an eyebrow in surprise.

                "You already told me that… while you were asleep…"

                "You were watching me?" asked Rukawa, deeply touched.

                "Yes."

                Suddenly, Sendoh's words sunk into him.

                "When you're content just to watch him sleep…"

                Rukawa approached him slowly.  He put his arms around Sendoh tightly.

                "Let me finish what I was going to say, Kaede," said Sendoh.

                "What is it then?"

                "I have fallen for you too."

                Two pairs of dark blue eyes stared at each other, finally finding complete understanding and acceptance in each other.

                And with that, Rukawa closed his eyes as Sendoh tilted his head upwards for a kiss.

~OWARI~