Mismatched Chapter 5: The Game..., a slam dunk fanfic

Introducing: the Game and it's aftermath

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Pls. Check out my other fic Kismet and pls REVIEW :-)

Dieu! Pourqoi?!

I hugged Reenie tightly. Why was she here? Did she come for me… or her family?

"Let up chief, you're getting my shirt wet. You'll ruin my macho image." She said.

I looked up at her smiled, and then she pulled out a hanky from her the pocket of her white shirt and whipped it on my face. "Hn. You really shouldn't be crying Z-chan!" Same old Reena. Thinking she'd be better of as a guy.

But why…?

She looked at me, as if she read the question in my face "Before you ask anything, I have to pay my respects." I gazed at her and nodded " I understand."

She walked across the room and I suddenly thought that aside from Unky Nicky—and maybe…probably Miyagi and Ayako, nobody knew her.

She reached to where Unky was, and much to the surprise of probably everyone, save the people who know her, she bowed. Then she said with a soft voice, reserved only for certain people "I am home, grandfather." She straightened up and I saw that tears had formed in her eyes.

"Ah, my grand daughter, Welcome back." Uncle said, and with that he embraced Reenie's tall form with his usual fatherly grace.

I felt my tears drying from my face and a smile touching my lips. Great uncle Mitsuyoshi was as much as her father rather than her grandfather. Then I looked around and saw that everyone was staring at Unky Nicky and Reena. It must be weird for them. But right now, it's as if I don't care. Seeing Reena, I felt uneasiness pour through. Am I that self-centered now? Dieu, someone to be on my side, yet I can't feel safe. It's still as if I'm on the brink of an unstable precipice. But why is she here? Is it for a visit, are the others coming with her? More importantly, is she the bigot man hater 'women are the true people on earth except we're supposed to be men' person she was before?

I walked towards them nodded at Unky. Then looked at Reena, nodded at her and then faced the others. "Mina-san, this is Anzai Reena, your sensei's grand daughter." I said.

"Don't forget the greatest power forwards you have in your team." She said then grinned, "As you may know, especially you pale face" she said pointedly at Rukawa, "Z-chan, is one of the best female high school basketball point-guards in the State of California U.S. of A, helping us win the state championships."

Uh, oh. I felt my cheeks heat as she said those words. "Reena, not now…" but I was suddenly cut off when Reena, in her usually loud and really, well… uhm—unlady like manner cheekily said "Well I'll be, Miyagi and Ayako, together at last?"

I smiled to her reference of Miyagi and Ayako as a couple and when I looked at the two, I had to grin, both were burning their cheeks.

"Reena, Zoe, for a while I'd like to speak to you. Would you all mind if it was just these two?" Unky Nicky said. Everyone looked at each other, and then at Unky Nicky and neatly filed out of the room.

I took a seat near Unky Nicky's table and sat down. Reena did that also on the opposite seat at the other side. I heard the door close and Unky Nicky settled in on his seat. The insistent question popped to mind, why was Reena here? She should still be a Lovell, in the U.S., with the team…

"Now I know you have a lot to talk about. I'm feeling a little bit generous today Zoe and lend you my grand daughter to tell you the details of her trip. And you, young lady," he said and looked sternly at Reena "you will explain everything at home, I have the team to attend to."

I saw Unky Nicky stand up and go out the door quietly.

"Well, chief, don't tell me that you're actually not going to call that pale-face's challenge? After all, you are the girl who single-handedly defeated high school seniors in your first year as varsity!"

I blushed at the thought. But I couldn't credit myself for that one, "I wasn't alone, all of you were with me."

"Of course we were with you!!!! Hehehe! After all, we really couldn't lose since I'm such a magnificent effervescent player, that has wonderful 3 point plays…" and then she yammered on about her splendid and lustrous skills in basketball… flattering herself over…and over… and over… and over… and over… and over again. Hmmm… maybe I need more overs, Reena's practically saying she's a basketball goddess (isn't that something a male Shohoku player would say?… you know the one with red hair— Hana: but Celeste-chan, I don't wanna be a goddess, Celeste: alright change it to god then, happy? Hana: (whines) but I need more compliments… Celeste: Ahh, shuddup! J )

I was so used to having my brothers challenge me that I didn't even think before accepting a challenge, two other varsity players made. They were quite surprised considering that I was way younger than the two of them, and of course, extremely smaller, but we all beat them nonetheless, me, Akiko, Charlie, Flame and of course Reena.

Right now though, I have a strange feeling that things aren't going to be better even if my friend, comrade and part cousin is here… Why though?

But then a thought came to mind "Reena, what're you doing here?" I suspiciously asked. I mean really what is she doing here? As far as I know, she still could've studied at Lovell and her she was on full ride scholarship, care of Diamond Inc.

"Hey, what's the point if I'm going to have a second rate point guard?" she said.

I looked at her and grinned. She must know how poorly I'm feeling, "Flattery will get you everywhere." I replied. I suddenly felt joy but still "Come on Reena-chan, what aren't you telling me?" I asked.

"Isn't my explanation enough?"

I deadly looked at her.

I'm not an aggressive person, but I need answers, and she knows when I need answers I need them NOW!

"OK, Okay… stop with the dagger staring, you're killing me Z… A month ago, after you left, I talked to your mule-headed brothers, and they were still hell-bent stubborn as they were." She grimaced as if remembering. "They are…" I sighed, "Look, I know those 'mule-headed' brothers of mine wouldn't come here, they, after all don't need silly sentimental women with the mentality of a stupid imp."

Simply she said "Well, mainly that mentality is in the genes."

"REENA!" whose side is she on anyway? But I grinned anyway.

She grinned, "Anyway, that got me thinking, you know? After all I was only there because of the agreement," she looked at me, and I nodded in conformity, "So I went to school and told the team, well… more or less told Charlie, Akiko and Flame, that I'd be going back here."

"What'd they say?"

"Well they asked first 'What about the acceleration Reena?'" Acceleration…? That means…

"You got it! You got the promotion Reena!" I said, joyful for her defeated problem. Lovell Women's International School for the Gifted and Talented accepts students at least 5 years ahead academically from their peers in age and can put them in college, in practically any college-- Ivy League and otherwise as early as 10 years old—if they think they can handle it! But that was rare and although I knew Ki could've been one of those people, acceleration won't come as easy, and I knew that Rei Natasha Anzai was one of those people who really deserve an acceleration to achieve her dreams of being an archeologist early…

"Wait a sec cuz. I'm not going to college yet. I refused the offer and told the school that I'd probably learn more if I do it regularly."

No! Why didn't she… "But Reena…"

"No buts. I explained it to them and they understood. And guess what?" Reena asked. Huh? What was I supposed to guess? But I hope it's a good surprise.

"What?" I asked.

"Well, Akiko's sure, and I'm already enrolled here—grandfather will take care of that—and Charlie and Flame's parents are ambassadors so it's probably okay for them to meet with other 'nations' as the call it."

"You mean, you're all going here, studying here? With me?" I asked. I can't believe this, if they are, I'll have my friends again and…I may not want it so much to…

"Yup, where you go we follow chief."

"But Flame and Charlie don't speak fluent Japanese…" I said, worrying, "Charlie's going to an Ivy League college, and you shouldn't sacrifice the education that you'd get from Lovell just for…" I stopped, looked at he panicked, not wanting to sound self-centered.

"…just for you" she finished for me.

What if they're disappointed that they moved here? What if they regret coming here because of me?

Suddenly, Reena took hold of my chin, and stared at me—hard.

"Look chief, we're not doing it just for you. I'm plain tired of the snobs at the boarding school since their dad's are chief of political affairs or that their dad's are big company holder's. And you know Akiko, she never liked going to that school anyway. And Flame isn't particularly attached to Lovell's head mistress, Battle-Ax."

I laughed at her descriptions of why the others would prefer to be here. Flame in particular, always out on pranks and was once given a 24/7 detention for putting smoke bombs in the headmistress' quarters. But what about…

"What about Charlie?" I asked, suddenly worried.

"Well you know Charlie, she never did get on well with her own 'maman' and try as she might she'll never really feel at home there. If she gets her way, and anyway her dad's on her side, she'll defer and enroll in Kanagawa U.." She said. At the mention of Charlie and Marquise Dauphin, and as Charlie jokingly refers her as "The most honorable snobiticus de populus". She wasn't really that much picked on by her own maman, but I guess Charlie usually feels that way. She takes to heart every time her mama says that she doesn't wear enough skirts and dresses. And well, maybe at times Lady Dauphin dislikes the idea of her only daughter playing basketball. But like most of us Lovell Phoenixes, we were prompted to play ball because our dads used to. And Charlie, with 6 feet tall figure—yes, people, that tall— and prolific prowess as one of the star centers in California—let's just say she isn't exactly hell-bent on quitting.

I used to laugh over Char's stories of her mom. "You mustn't wear pearls, it's not in season!" To which Charlie responds, "But mom, do oysters exactly have a season? Don't they, you know, make pearls randomly?" Kind of shallow, but we laughed none the less, since the story was retold with a variety of arm actions, tongue wagging and faces that'll really make you burst. And there was that time when her mom yelled touchdown when she was in the peewees.

Remembering something I asked, "Uh, Reena… what about the language barrier? Hell, before when you, Akiko and I were talking in Japanese, Flame and Charlie walked out."

"And when you, Flame and Charlie spoke French, Akiko and I surfed and suffered." She gave an exasperated sigh, "Well, mainly because Ki sympathized…" then glanced up at me sharply, "Look, you know that Flame and Charlie's money will take care of it. And after all, doesn't Lovell curriculum require a student to understand the basics of at least 4 languages in their stay in Lovell? What do you think they studied in the second sem? And Flame does watch those Japanese animes with the English subtitles…"

Oh yeah… I definitely knew about that one. And after a weekend marathon, we couldn't stop Flame from randomly saying Shimatta and Baka from he usual cursings of porco Dio(goddamnit) or vete a infierno(go to h*ll). But there's one thing about Flame though, nobody and I say nobody, could ever stop her from cursing.

"I know but…"

I looked at her, still worried.

"No buts." She replied, "Now go on to the changing room, I know you have some clothes for basketball—you always do. I wanna see you beat the hell out that guy!" She then grinned at me.

"Ok" I replied. She started to get up but I stopped her by tugging her hand. She turned around and I stared at the back of her head, her black hair naturally highlighted with brown and blond streaks. Brown hair, brown eyes…"What about Raphael?" I asked, fearful still of what the answer might be.

She turned around, masked in a still expression I knew was an epitome of concealed anger, "Never mind him anymore. May that bastard rot in hell, Zoe."

AYAKO

I went out of the room quietly after Miyagi. I can't believe this! Reena-chan's back!

"Aya-chan, can I speak with you for a moment." I turned, it was Miyagi speaking. I was still a little annoyed at what he did before, but it'll pass.

"Sure" I said, and walked a little farther from the group.

He looked at me intently, as if something was troubling him "What?" I asked, not entirely sure I want to hear the answer.

"Do you think she'll be trouble again?"

I looked at him and frowned, Reena-chan is a person to reckon with.

"I hope not, remember the last time she was here and what she did to Akagi sempai." I said, recalling the incident when played pranks on Akagi-sempai for being a 'pompous primate'.

I looked at Ryouta, his head was bent down, and his shoulders were shaking… don't tell me… WHAM… "You Baka, you shouldn't be laughing over those incidents."

"Ouch… Aya-chan, you shouldn't be hitting me with your paper fan, especially since it was really funny on what happened to captain Akagi…" he said, and flashed me that puppy dog look… (sigh) he'll get away easy this time. "I suppose it's funny that Akagi got a taste of those pranks. But really Miyagi, having your face depicted as a gorilla and painting it on the indoor gym's walls! It's not something anyone could abide with!" I said reminiscing the time. Akagi-sempai was certainly furious after that incident! I couldn't believe that he actually managed to return to his normal color, after being painted red with anger by Reena's antics.

"But it was washable paint!" he reasoned, with the same tone Reena used—and the same, 'I'm innocent, don't punish me!' look-- in explaining herself to her grandfather.

I looked at Miyagi, he wasn't really hiding it now, he was really laughing out loud, "Akagi is the only one at that time who could be depicted as a gorilla. Akagi depicted as a gorilla… haha… it was a good likeness you know. It was painted in red and brown paint. A speech balloon over, saying the Tarzan words, AAAAAAAAHHAHHAHAHAAH. And the words was painted all over the gym in red, matching Akagi's temper she said."

"Yeah well, he wasn't too happy about that."

Then suddenly Miyagi looked over my shoulder, obviously staring at something. Then Reena-chan's voice popped in.

"Pale-face, you're in for it now, Z-meister gonna kick your scrawny ass!"

Ugh, when is she going to be tactful?

RUKAWA

I coldly looked at the girl. Why the hell is she like that?

"Reena-chan." It was Trouvel speaking. I looked at her, she was wearing what you might call, a basketball outfit. Her hair was in a ponytail, and I could see something glittering from her upper left ear. She was wearing black shorts, a white shirt and white sneakers.

"Well, Rukawa how about a match?" she said, and slightly offered her hand. What was she thinking, that she was a match for me? I turned my back on her and ignored the gesture.

"Uhrm, Rukawa, it would be a good practice for you to have a match with Zoe. She may be small, but she'll match it up with her speed." I looked up and saw Anzai-sensei speaking. I have great respect for the man, but is he sure? Suddenly I felt a tug in my forearm, it was Trouvel, and she had the cheek to grin. "Come on. Prove to me that I'm not worth the job." With that she led me out to the court.

I'll show this little miss that she's no match for me.

SAKURAGI

"Clear the court! Clear the court!" I shouted, as we stood on the floors of the court. I looked over Haruko anxiously, is she still that worried over Rukawa? When I saw her face it was one registered with mild concern and an excess of irritation. This is a no win situation.

"Sakuragi, we're supposed to be inducting the first years right?" I turned around and saw Yasu talking to me.

"Nyahahaha, Tensai Sakuragi has a treat for all of you, a match between Kitsune and Trouvel." I said. Grinning, I sure hope that Trouvel is a heck of a player and'll beat Kitsune.

"Oi Sakuragi!" I looked and saw someone coming towards me. Who the heck is he, and why does he address the Tensai in such a disrespectful manner, he must be a first year after all!

"No need to look at me like that Sakuragi…" he said, who is this guy?!? The guy is tall though, probably only a few inches shorter than me but maybe still six feet in height. He had brown hair, not a very good color, red is much better! He was wearing an easy smile. "Don't you remember me Sakuragi?" he asked. Humph, why should I remember him, but then a very happy thought came to mind "Bwahahaah, you probably know me from my basketball games and came to admire them. Bwahahaha!"

"Sakuragi." I turned around, I saw Trouvel was right beside me. She was giving me a confused expression but still supported an easy smile. I leaned against her left ear, glimpsing an extra earring at the upper ear and whispered "This is what Ayako says as a loud mouthed boy." Then grinned at her. Then I looked at the guy earlier on, he was intently staring at Trouvel as she waved at me ran back and took center court. "Wow, Sakuragi, never knew you'd become a lady killer." I looked at the guy, who the heck is he? "She's pretty… hell she's more than pretty she's gorgeous… but not as pretty as Umi though." Umi? What did this guy know about Umi…

He must've seen the curious look on my face "Hello… Sakuragi, it's me Hiroshi, don't you remember? Umi's twin brother, the one you used to beat to pulp…"

Hiroshi… Umi! Oh no! But then I looked at him, he was fat before wasn't he? If I remember correctly I used to call him blimp, or whale or something… (Celeste: You're MEAN!) As if already sensing my question he said, " I lost weight…"

" You're going to enter the basketball club?" I nervously asked. Please say no…

"Of course I am!"

Does someone hate me up there?!?

I looked him over, I guess he'd do, but where's Umi?

"I was voted MVP junior year…"

"Ego-maniac." I muttered, still the same as ever.

"Aren't you going to welcome me?" He asked, still grinning.

"Welcome." I muttered.

He grinned.

I saw the court clearing as both of them, Rukawa and Trouvel were in the center of the court. Was there going to be a jump ball? If so… it's Kitsune's ball, she's no match for him…

I was close enough to see Trouvel grin. I observed around, in the center of the court was Trouvel and Rukawa. Looking at Rukawa, he was an image of a person irritated by who he was with, the look that I became familiar with—the look that I became extremely familiar with. I glanced around the court, being in the sidelines, I saw a wide vicinity of the people in here, and aside from Hiroshi at my side, they were many first year students in here, Miyagi's going to be happy at the rate of the basketball club applicants… Everyone was silent, as if waiting for something, or someone. The air was sort of electric, as I looked at Rukawa and Trouvel, Rukawa—clearly annoyed—and Trouvel, still grinning.

"Alright people!" I looked and saw that load and absolutely rude girl talking. I can't believe that such a person can look so self-absorbed and egotistic all at once (hehehe, Sakuragi doesn't know himself, ne?) "this is a match, between, Trouvel Zoe and…" she paused, she doesn't know the fox's name! That's a first in women's department.

"Rukawa-Rukawa-L-O-V-E- RUKAWA" I looked up. Those girls again! But they weren't the only admirers among us, I saw a bunch of guys drooling over Trouvel!

Talking like a sports announcer "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!! A match between Z-chan and Rukawa, jump ball!" she shouted.

She immediately positioned Rukawa and Trouvel in the center of the half-court, indicating that this game is only a half-court play. Jump ball, hell, this opening tip is Kitsune's ball all right, Trouvel can't compete with his height. As that girl—what the hell was her name again?—Reena-chan—well as Reena held the ball at center court, Trouvel took on a lunging position that reminded me of a fencer.

What the heck is she doing? She knows that she can't get the ball anyway.

I saw Trouvel raise her wrist. There was something shiny on it… I can't tell what it is but she kissed it… then she looked at Reena and nodded.

Reena held the ball between them. I snuck a peek at Rukawa, he looked livelier than usual. (Meaning: a raised brow and a large frown) He must be enjoying this… As Reena released the ball through the air, I felt a collective holding of breaths as they knew the inevitable would happen—Rukawa getting the ball.

…But he didn't.

Zoe may be smaller, but she can jump higher than Rukawa!

Amazing!

Zoe grinned at Rukawa and dribbled the ball expertly. I saw Rukawa's defense on a high scale. He's not going to let her shoot!

Then quick as a lightning Zoe faked, spun left, spun right and then passed the ball in between the fox's legs. She twisted and caught the ball after, in the half court where they played. She was fast—extremely fast—probably faster than Ryochin. Rukawa retaliated by catching up to her—but not much—she was faster. With a few quick moves she eluded the fox and jumped to perform a lay up shot… SCORE!!

Silence was the only sound—aside from the dribbling of the ball—that could be heard. Everyone—even me—was shocked. How can she do that!?!

"Wow… Sakuragi, that Trouvel sure is one heck of a player!" I looked at Hiroshi, and couldn't speak a word. I didn't think that Trouvel could score that fast with Rukawa. And she's quick! I glanced at the Rukawa 'brigade' and saw that their mouths were hanging open also in shock at what had happened. Uh-oh, I better warn Trouvel about them. Then I heard clapping—it was Ryochin he was shouting something "GO TROUVEL!!" he yelled. I laughed out, Rukawa was being beaten by a girl! "HAHAHA! Rukawa lost his touch!" I shouted, quite happy at the turn of events.

As the ball went to Rukawa and they dribbled past me I heard him distinctly say "Do-aho"

"Temee Kitsune! Stupid fox—how do you like being beaten" I yelled.

"Baka"

"Kitsune"

But I couldn't shout anymore after that. Looking at Rukawa and Trouvel, I felt sorry for Trouvel—she might get past Rukawa's defense but since she is small, Rukawa will surpass her defense also. Languidly, Rukawa dribbled the ball—going at the same pace. I felt the fire that was crackling in those two players—knowing Rukawa; he's a bit chagrined, well, more of angry. I mean he was overly confident a while back that she wasn't a good player, but she scored—with him defending. He eluded but when he turned Trouvel was still guarding him, suddenly abruptly Trouvel crouched down and touched the ball. The ball was loose but Rukawa was fast on the take, he took the ball back and not slowing down anymore, he dribbled the ball past Trouvel. Trouvel caught up, but Rukawa used his size and made an impressive dunk!

"RUKAWA-RUKAWA-RUKAWA!" those girls again! I took a fleeting look at Trouvel, to see if she was all right. If Rukawa did this to the tensai—which he can't since I'm the better player—I'd sure be upset. But Zoe wasn't upset, she was still grinning.

"Sakuragi, you sure have great players here. It was a good choice to enroll here in Shohoku!" I looked at Hiroshi, but then put my focus back on the court.

Hiroshi… and Umi. I remembered the time when I used to pound Hiroshi and Umi would always defend him. I would get angry at that time—but when Umi…

Out of the blue, I heard cheering.

"Sakuragi, I can't believe it! I'm going to have the best time here! Did you see that!? The girl made a 3 point shot, and she's tiny!" I looked at the one-on-one match… Trouvel made a 3-point shot?! With her height!?! She's better than I thought!

RUKAWA

Damn… I can't believe this! How can a puny girl like her do so much?

"Give up yet Rukawa Kaede." I glared at her

"No. Way." I said in reply.

Who was she? And how come she can get past me with those unusual moves?

Damn this is frustrating! I looked at her—how the hell can she grin so much?

Kinda reminds me of Sendoh…
Haruko

"Sugoi…" I can't believe it! That Trouvel is a good player, even she could surpass Rukawa-kun in those moments.

"Haruko-chan, who is that girl?" I looked at Fujii I opened my mouth but Matsui interrupted me "I can't believe it, that girl's great!" I looked at Fujii and nodded in silent agreement. I can't believe I dissed that girl, after I saw her tears—well, let's just say I had a change of heart. I wanted to be her friend right away.

I saw the game unfold. Even if she was small her agility made up for it. And she had these weird moves, which made me think of the days when I was a little girl, doing plies for my ballet teacher. The game went on, but still she kept the lead. I peeked around, there were many first years interested in joining the basketball club. Most of the guys were in awe of her—well who wouldn't? Trouvel is beautiful and a great basketball player to boot!

I looked at Sakuragi, he was staring intently at Trouvel, his mouth slightly open. I grinned at the sight. He may be an amateur but I know he was admiring Trouvel's ability.

I looked at the scoreboard that, she—Reena—kept up. I can't help but be annoyed with her. She wasn't a rival to Rukawa but she insulted him! Pale face indeed! He's quite handsome, thank you very much! I gazed at the score 25-22, in Trouvel's favor. I can't believe it! Even if Rukawa's the greatest player, it's as if he's stopped by her!

Suddenly I saw Rukawa make a 3-point shot. Sugoi—he is such a handsome person. With Dark hair and deep blue eyes. (Sigh) Perfect form and a great basketball player.

I saw Trouvel grin. Even if the scores were tied she still grinned! How can she be so calm like this? But why should she stop grinning, after all the exercise Rukawa-kun did at the Training camp, it's as if she can surpass him.

Quick as a bunny, she faked and eluded and came up to do a slam-dunk. "Sugoi!" How can she do it?

Abruptly I heard her shout "Reeeeeeeeeniiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeee—time out!" then I looked at that Reena girl and she burst into giggles. I looked at her… oh my…

Zoe WAS stuck, with two hands holding the ring.

She couldn't go down.

ZOE
Oh no! Not Again!

Even as a kid I've always been enthralled with the slamdunk. And when I grew older and saw Kobe Bryant, still a sixth man in the L.A. Lakers, do it, I felt it was my destiny do that dunk. But as always, Adonis "Adler" Zared stopped me! He said I was too small and that it would be too dangerous. I showed him! Now here I am stuck in the same situation before, someone laughing at me and me… panicking.

"Reenie—don't you dare laugh at a time like this"

"Well Z-chan—you sure know your shots!"

"Reena!" I yelled.

I looked down I couldn't see Reena, but I could see Rukawa staring at me. God, I must be a sight. My legs were flailing everywhere, and me trying to keep my balance. The cold ring biting into my palms. I looked down at Rukawa again, did my eyes deceive me, or was he smiling?

"Rukawa Kaede you better not be smiling at this!" Oh god! Could I be more humiliated?

"Let go."

Huh? It was Rukawa speaking in his silent and Antarctic voice.

"No way! I wouldn't want to fall splat on my face!" I yelled at him.

"Zoe, let go! You know Adonis trained you how!"

"Reena, if you're not going to help…" I yelled, in what I hope was a threatening voice.

"Let go." Rukawa again!

"No one will catch me." I argued.

"I'll catch you, now let go." I felt a sharp intake of air as he said those words. I looked at his eyes—his blue eyes, his two beautiful blue eyes—and saw that they were sincere, but I gotta make sure… "Are you certain?" I asked, and felt weak at my voice wavering.

"I'm sure, let go…"

And I did—I silently said to myself, if Rukawa doesn't, I may be small, but I'll make him feel pain. I'll even use voodoo dolls if I have to. I'll make little pins and cut his hair and make him feel pinpricks of pain and make him never play ball again Pain, PAIN, PAAAAAAAAAIIIIIINNNNNN!!!!! (Witch much?). Oh God, I can practically hear myself cackling.

RUKAWA

I had to grin. She looked like a monkey. And still she didn't want to let go. So I pitied her and said I'd catch her… Okasan would be happy to know that for once, I'm behaving gentlemanly and that her son is close to hugging a girl.

"Are you certain?" she asked. I looked at her and I felt a smile still tugging my lips, I looked around and saw that most of the guys were willing to do what I'm doing, but I'd rather do it… for her.

"I'm sure, let go…" I said.

And she did. I slightly positioned myself underneath the basket. Here she comes… She plopped softly in my arms… She's so light…

I looked down on her, she was all red in the face and she was breathing heavily. I breathed in and smelled a distinct cinnamon smell from her… the same as her pillow. I stared at her, she gently raised her head back.

Damn! She's even prettier up close… I saw her hand and then felt it gently brush my cheek. She was still breathing heavily and her breath was scented with the same scent of cinnamon, I inhaled, taking it all in… and then I saw her lips. It was still red, moist… kissable. One kiss wouldn't hurt right? Her lips slightly open, I leaned in on her… I can't believe I'm doing this… I felt the world stand still, it was just her and me, Zoe and me. I leaned in closer and her breath was fanning my cheek… and lips… gently scented with sweetness and spice… Just one kiss… Nose to nose, her tongue sneaked out, wetting her upper lip… I've never seen anything so tempting…

"zut!" she suddenly said.

I stopped, something caught my eye, a vision of black and blue uniforms. I raised my head and turned to my left. Not him!

"Sendoh."

Then, the warm bundle in my arms started squirming around. I peered down at her, then gently set her down.

Then in an instant, I heard the gym explode with noise.

"Sendoh-san"

"Ryonan guys… what are they doing here?"

"Mwahahahahaha, You idiots came here to watch the tensai at his work!"

That of course was delivered by the one big idiot, "Do'aho"

"Temee Kitsune." What a team…

I straightened up and looked at Sendoh. Why the hell were they here? Sendoh was with Koshino, Fukuda and… what was his name again…? Never mind.

"Oi, Sendoh what're you doing here in the tensai's court?" baka Hanamichi.

I looked at him coldly, he was standing there still smiling.

"Ah, Sendoh, maybe you'd like to take this outside?" Ayako said.

All of a sudden, the gym was centered on Sendoh and his team. How come no one noticed them when they came in? Or was it just me? The gym was filled with murmurs and whispers. Probably about Sendoh, but then again, who wouldn't wonder why a Ryonan player would come to Shohoku High gym?

"So you're the great Sendoh Akira…" I looked at my other side and saw that irritating girl—a veritable female Sakuragi—talk.

Questions popped into mind: Why is Sendoh here? Why the hell did that she-man Sakuragi know him? Looking at Ayako, why is she worried… and so's Miyagi-sempai? Is it really because of wanting to see Sakuragi? – I doubt it, his skills couldn't fill an end of a needle. And why oh why did I try to kiss Trouvel?

ZOE

Oh God, why the hell is Akira here?

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