Comforting Warmth: A Slam Dunk fanfic

By: nikki hiiragizawa nikki_hiiragizawa@rurouni.com

Rating: R

Genre: angst/drama/romance

Pairings: RuHana/HanaRu, RuKo/KoRu, MitKo/KoMit

Disclaimer: Slam Dunk is not mine. If it is mine, then Kogure is the main character. ^.^

Nikki: Waaaahhh...Kogure…

Fujima: Grrr…

Nikki: Anyway, to those people who are waiting for this chapter, this mainly contains angsty stuff, jealousy, contemplating, and scolding each other.

Kiyotarevived: What's so interesting about that? Even though there's no red-haired monkey, this is still one worthless…

Hanamichighost: Nani?! YOU! I'll wait for you in afterlife!!!!!!!!!

Fujima: *sigh* On with the chapter.

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CHAPTER 3:

The well-known three-point scorer of Shohoku High School shaded his eyes from the leering sun. He dragged his shoes across the steaming cement, forcing himself to enter the gates of the school and attend their practice. Basketball training became quite tame, almost boring him. Many things had happened in such a short span of time. It had been a month since they attended Sakuragi's funeral, accompanying and leading him to peaceful grounds. It had also at that time that they all became aware of Sakuragi and Rukawa's relationship. Kogure had explained it all to them when they managed to get together after the services.

Since then, life had interestingly changed. Akagi had become quite mellow with his disciplinary tactics and oftentimes just remained quiet or reflective. Miyagi meanwhile, had lost almost all of his sense of humor, as he smiles only when Ayako is present. Kogure still behaves normally when he deals with others, except for that faraway look in his brown eyes. Rukawa seemed to be slow in recovery, but he hasn't changed much. Kakuta, Yasuda, and the other members of the team were just like Miyagi, melancholy and quiet.

And he, Mitsui Hisashi…he was confused…very confused.

First, Sakuragi's death had been all so sudden that he had not got rid of the sinking sensation even though many weeks had gone by. Second, his mission to admit his feelings for the vice-captain was submerging to the depths of his impossible dreams. His momentum had ebbed because of Sakuragi's accident. Now he can't seem to find the right time to talk to Kogure, partly because Kogure's is always staring to the oblivion, as if he was always thinking of something else aside from the practice, and partly because Rukawa always beat him into conversing with the vice-captain.

Now, why the hell is Rukawa inching closer to Kogure? Mitsui's dark eyes narrowed as he remembered how Kogure would readily speak with Rukawa whenever the latter approaches him. He had also seen them go home together once or twice. Hmph. Don't tell me that Rukawa's next target after Sakuragi would be Kogure… Mitsui's temper simmered. Suddenly, a strong blow of the wind tousled his hair and lapped at his jacket. I'm sorry, Sakuragi, he silently addressed his friend. But I, too, do not want my dreams shattered. I guess I'll have to know what's going on between Rukawa and Kogure.

+++

Rukawa was already dressed when Kogure woke up. Picking his glasses up and settling it on his nose, he eyed the small forward, who was staring out of the window. "Something wrong?"

The dark-eyed boy shook his head, letting his hand roam the windowsill. "I…I dreamt about 'him' again…" The vice-captain gripped the sheets and studied Rukawa, not offering any form of answer to what the boy had just said. After a while, Rukawa sighed and sat on the bed beside Kogure. "I don't know…I just…it's been a month…I cannot live forever like this…"

"Maa, don't let yourself be strained much. Remember, your stamina is needed much in the games." Kogure laid a reassuring hand on Rukawa's thigh. "The only thing you can offer to Sakuragi is the trophy from the championship. He'll be greatly annoyed if we didn't win this time."

The small forward nodded and leaned back, letting his head lie on Kogure's shoulder. "Thank you…for being here…I don't know what to…do anymore…" The vice-captain nodded and brushed his palm on Rukawa's arm.

"Saa, Akagi will be displeased if we're late."

+++

"Minna, assemble!" Ayako waved her paper fan at the Shohoku players as Akagi took his place at the center of the court.

Shohoku's burly captain inhaled deeply and eyed his teammates. "I know this has been a very sad and weakening month for us. Many things we did not expect to happen had occurred." He plaintively looked towards Rukawa, who shrugged lightly.

Many things? Mitsui pondered. I wonder what other things Akagi meant.

Akagi paused to let his words sink in. "But this time, we must learn to stand up from where we stumbled. I have observed the deteriorating skills that everyone is showing and I am reminding you that we have a goal, that is the championship!"

Mitsui heard Rukawa's faint sigh. He looked at the small forward from the corner of his eye and involuntarily saw Kogure step closer to pat Rukawa's back. The shooting guard silently gritted his teeth and coerced himself to become more focused on the practice.

"Minna, let's show Sakuragi from wherever he is that we can do it! We do not want him laughing at us!" The players roared in agreement as Ayako whistled to begin the practice.

Kogure gave one last tug at his shoelaces to make sure they will not come loose during the practice. Pausing for a while, he watched the court. He had also noticed the lack of enthusiasm in the recent games. Sure, they have won all the games and were advanced to the next level against Ryonan and Shoyo, but they won only with a two-point lead, a lead that could have been more than ten points if only they have been more focused. He silently hoped that Sakuragi's death will not hinder but rather motivate the players….he looked at one particular person in the court…especially Rukawa.

The vice-captain tried to hide his smile as he watched Shohoku's ace. He never knew that he and Rukawa could be as close as this. Maybe it was because Rukawa needed somebody, and that he came along and tried hard to keep the small forward out of misery. Kogure did not actually care. He was glad that these marvelous things had happened to him and wished that it will always be like this. I hope Sakuragi will not mind, he silently added.

"Kogure." The vice-captain looked just in time to see Mitsui advance to him.

Kogure stood up and smiled at the shooting guard. "Nani, Mitsui?"

"I, uh, just want to tell you that you are looking more energized today," Mitsui sputtered, moving his eyes away to escape Kogure's searching look.

Kogure's laugh made Mitsui shudder with something he cannot name. "Hontou ni? I do not really need to stay sad forever, ne?"

The three-point shooter decided to meet the brown eyes. "Are you happy now?"

"Why yes, of course." Kogure saw Mitsui eyes flash with despair. Although taken aback and quite curious, he still smiled and kept quiet. "I am very happy now." That's because I met my match, he added in his thoughts.

Mitsui turned more serious than ever. "You see, I need to tell you something important."

"Is that so?" He looked away from Mitsui's face and saw Rukawa staring at them. "Why don't we meet after practice then?" He scooted a bit farther from Mitsui as Rukawa approached them.

Mitsui could only read fire in Rukawa's face as the ace handed him the ball. "One-on-one, sempai," he challenged Mitsui, eyes boring holes into Mitsui's skull. Rukawa turned to Kogure and nodded in greeting. The vice-captain looked stunned, almost scared.

Mitsui readily agreed, seizing the ball tensely. He followed Rukawa to the unused part of the court, all the time wondering why the ace butted in very impolitely at the middle of his discussion with Kogure. Taking one last glance at the now-pale Kogure, he ran off.

Rukawa could not hide his glares as he challenged Mitsui to a game. This shooting guard had approached Kogure, and Kogure welcomed him graciously! He has no right to talk to the vice-captain intimately, not in front of Rukawa Kaede! Mitsui-sempai, he hissed in his mind. You can't take Kogure from me! He is mine! Just like the way Hanamichi was mine before…I won't let anybody come between us!

Rukawa's shoes squeaked as he attacked Mitsui again and again. Kogure could almost see smoke spurting from the friction of Rukawa's shoes and the floor. The vice-captain shivered. Rukawa seemed pissed off, and Kogure knew that no explanation will be enough for Shohoku's ace. He had learned in the few weeks that they had been together that Rukawa was very possessive. It made him feel good at first, knowing that Rukawa's attention was all his, but now…

"I do not want Hanamichi's leaving to happen again," Rukawa had told Kogure a week before. "I do not want you leaving me, Min-kun. Don't leave me…"

And Kogure assured him that he will not. His feelings for Rukawa were too much that he cannot bear to part with the ace for even a minute. However, his talk with Mitsui was really nothing. The boy just needed someone to listen to, and Kogure cannot basically ignore his friend. But…somehow…he cannot tell that kind of excuse to Rukawa. Kogure prayed that Rukawa won't do anything stupid while they are practicing. "Kami, let him be angry at me but not at Mitsui." He didn't know why he said that. He just did not want anybody to get involved with their relationship…

"You are being very aggressive, today, Rukawa," Mitsui loudly observed with a smirk. Rukawa gave him a grunt and carried on defending the goal. They had done this before, they had both remembered the game that ended as a draw. Yet each of them swore silently that this game will have only one victor.

Shit! Rukawa's heated up as usual, but his moves are way better than before. Mitsui could hardly keep up with the ace. But then, he saw Kogure watching them, his face a bit flushed and his mouth partly open from the excitement. Damn! Mitsui cursed under his breath. I cannot let Rukawa win this with that kawaii person watching us! He managed to use his pivot foot to escape Rukawa's defense, this time making sure that his feet were outside the three-point lane as he took a shot.

It went in.

Their score was currently two to three, and the allotted time for their game ended. Rukawa grumpily shook hands with Mitsui, as the latter gave him a grin.

"Looks like you have a long way to go to beat me, Rukawa," Mitsui said, patting the boy' shoulder. Rukawa muttered. Suddenly, Mitsui dropped his hand. He could bet his finger that Rukawa said "Die."

+++

The practice finally ended. Ayako and Miyagi hurriedly left, explaining that they're going to watch the lately released movie. "More likely, they'll watch each other," Kakuta chided with a sly smile. Akagi also decided to leave as soon as possible because if his appointment with the coach of a university. The younger players offered to clean the court. Mitsui thanked them and went out.

Not that Mitsui cared. All he cared about is talking to Kogure and he knew exactly where the vice-captain will be staying.

I wonder what he'll say when I tell him? Mitsui's random thoughts of Kogure earned him a vision of the vice-captain blushing darkly, his eyes a bit wider than usual, and his lips parted in the most welcome manner. The shooting guard shook his head, trying to stay in control even if he can't barely stay cool. Hurrying and stumbling in the process, he reached the locker room, only to find it locked from the inside.

Who would lock it at this moment? He wondered. Maybe there were players changing and Mitsui decided to knock, but he stopped after he heard somebody almost shouting that he could hear it from the outside. He bent and placed an ear nearer to the door.

He winced as he heard somebody hit a locker. Looks like somebody inside was really pissed off. Then, flashes of Rukawa a while ago cluttered his mind. Could it be?

"Ka…Kaede…" Mitsui's eyes widened as he recognized Kogure's voice. The vice-captain's voice was definitely shaking.

Rukawa's voice was rough and louder, very unlike the Rukawa they knew. "I already told you…"

"I did not forget, okay? I was just…" Another thump on the locker was heard, this time accompanied by Kogure's throttled gasps.

"Tell me, Min-kun, are you going to leave me just like Hanamichi did?" The ace's voice now sounded a little bit desperate.

Kogure took a long while in answering. Mitsui realized that he was shivering as he strained to listen more. "I never intended to leave you, Kaede. I promised, right?"

A soft rustling ensued, followed by sounds that could only imply kissing. Mitsui hugged his knees as he crouched. He shivered as he heard Rukawa repeat Kogure's name over and over. Closing his eyes, he the shooting guard shrank on his knees as Kogure moaned from inside the room. Kuso, kuso, kuso, he kept thinking.

Mitsui sat up, startled, as he heard Kogure cry when he hit a locker. "Kaede…!"

Rukawa was silent. More sounds, mostly unrecognizable, were heard until Kogure spoke again. "Kaede, not here. Somebody might see us…"

"I don't give a damn," was the small forward's shrewd answer. Another slam on the locker followed, laced with moans emitted by the vice-captain.

"Kaede, please stop this. We…can…KAMI…continue this…aah…at home!

Mitsui heard somebody walking away, which he took to be Rukawa, and somebody slumping to the floor, which could only be Kogure. He sat there stunned for a moment, until he realized that the two will come out any minute. Not even considering that he hasn't change his clothes yet, he ran…home…where he can think…and where he can stop hearing silly things…

+++

It can't be true.

No.

It is impossible.

Rukawa Kaede has stolen Kogure Kiminobu from me…

Mitsui cradled his head on his fists. He cannot accept it. There's absolutely no way Rukawa will go into another relationship just after Sakuragi died.

But what about Kogure and Rukawa's first name basis? A part of his mind said.

That's just because he has been close to Kogure since Sakuragi's death! He thought all over. They were close friends then!

Is that why Kogure is moaning a while ago? That part of his mind asked again.

Mitsui punched his closet. He can't take it anymore, for heaven's sake! He picked up his phone and pressed Kogure's number which he knew by heart.

The phone rang for a long time, and Mitsui was thinking of hanging up when somebody picked it up. "Hello?" Kogure's gentle voice swam on the line, although Mitsui frowned as he recognized strain in the vice-captain's voice.

"Kogure? It's me. Mitsui."

"Mitsui. Oh…uh…oh shit!" A few noises followed and Mitsui was forced to ask Kogure what's wrong.

"Kogure? Are you mad at me?" He never heard Kogure swear before, but he was now. "Is something wrong?"

Kogure took a few moments to respond. Mitsui could hear him moving on what Mitsui guessed to be his bed. "No, I am not angry at you, Mitsui. I am...uh…just…oh…preoccupied at the moment and…uh wait a second please." Kogure left the phone and the shooting guard could hear him talking to somebody. Unfortunately, it was not audible enough to be understood.

Suddenly, Mitsui heard rough noises as the phone was dragged. "Hello." That voice was not Kogure's, and Mitsui frowned as he recognized it as Rukawa's. Still, there was no choice left but to answer.

"Anou, Rukawa, I was talking to Kogure…"

"He is busy! Do not bother us."

Mitsui could feel his anger brimming. He strained to keep his voice cool and calm. "I believe I should ask Kogure if he wants to speak with me. This is a very important matter…"

"And we are doing a very important thing. Now, if you would excuse us…"

The phone slammed on its cradle. Rukawa did not really care whether Mitsui had gone deaf with the impact. "Fuck you, Rukawa!" Mitsui pressed the dial tone and dialed Kogure's number again.

"Sorry, the telephone you dialed is not in service at this time." Mitsui let the machine repeat the statement, wondering if he was hearing right. Rukawa must have pulled the phone out of its socket, knowing that Mitsui will call again.

The shooting guard weakly sat on his bed. How can that be…Kogure…

Now he wished he was the one that died instead of Sakuragi.

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Nikki: *sobs uncontrollably*

Fujima: *hands Nikki a Kleenex*

Kiyotarevived: I cannot believe you could write something as that! Poor Mitsui-san!!!! *howls*

Sakuragighost: WHAT?! My kitsune is sleeping with Megane-kun??? *weeps, too*

Nikki: I didn't know ghosts can cry…

Sakuragighost: I'm gonna kill you, fanfic writer! Your first SD fic has me dead!

Nikki: Kenji!! *clings to Fujima*

Fujima: …

Sakuragighost: what is my kitsune and Megane-kun doing in that room?!?!?!?!