Author: I own the characters that are NOT from Slam Dunk…. If they are from Slam Dunk, they are property of Inoue Takehiko. Please don't sue me… Also, a foreword, I tend to be long winded when writing my fics, so at least you get the overall picture, as well as the locations/background, and worth your dollar on Internet charges! LOL Please do email/review me, and I can update the previous chapters. Thanks!
Words in italics or between slashes are thoughts, words within ^^ are actions, unless otherwise stated, words in brackets are locations usually before each section.
(=^_^=) Chapter 24 –Noche Buena Fiesta or Wonderful Night Festival (in Spanish) (=^_^=)
(L.I.D.[author]: Please note, before reading on, if you have the songs, "Whenever, Wherever" AND "Ciega Sordomuda" BY the singer Shakira on your pc or CD, please listen to it later during the fic. Thank you!)
Kimiko sat nearer to Kogure, and leaned on the couch with a box of tissue on her lap, began to tell Kogure what happened between her and Mitsui. Kogure seriously listened, his eyes never leaving Kimiko's eyes. Kogure could feel himself burn with an anger he never knew he could possess. He also never knew Mitsui to be so uncaring and despicable. He wanted so much to hold Kimiko in his arms, and keep her away from the bad things that happened to her, yet, he listened, silently. When Kimiko finished, she was sobbing heavily, and held her face in her hands. After several minutes, Kimiko regained her composure, and sniffled.
"Kogure-sempai, I'm grateful, that you've taken me in, and cared for me, demo, I don't think I can be with you. That is, if you have ever liked me in that manner… I'm still hurting, deep inside, because of Mitsui-san, and I feel, it wouldn't be fair to you, if I got involved with you…Not until I feel I'm totally ready…"
"Hai, I do understand, Kimiko-chan… Daijobu desu… Although I do feel for you, you know that we'll always be friends first, no matter what, right?"
Kimiko nodded, smiling a little. "I'll have to find somewhere else to work, since I don't want Mitsui to find me… I just can't stand the idea of him watching me perform anymore at Casey's…"
"Where do you think you can work? At nightclubs again?" asked Kogure, concerned.
"Hai. It's a decent job, I'm only a singer, not a dancing girl." Kimiko laughed at her self-inflicted joke, before taking another sip from her mug. "Daijobu, Kogure-sempai. In the business, I've gotten a few contacts, here and there."
"I hope that is the case…"
After talking about it some more, Kogure and Kimiko decided to call it a night, and headed to bed, both sharing Kogure's bed again, since they hadn't had the time to get the spare mattress from Kogure's messy attic. However, they were not in each other's arms, as Kogure respected Kimiko's wishes.
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A couple of weeks had passed since Kimiko's last night at Casey's and she had been concentrating on her studies for the moment. Kimiko had also returned to the Shohoku High Basketball Club, and had met Ayako and Miyagi Ryota.
"So, this is the belle of Shohoku High, Ayako!" grinned Kimiko.
"Sonna! Chigau yo(you're mistaken), Toyowara-sempai!" blushed the curly haired girl.
"Iie, onegai, call me Kimiko." Kimiko smiled kindly at the freshman.
"Ano, then just call me Aya-chan then, Toyo… I mean, Kimiko-sempai! Yoroshiku onegai shimasu!!"
Kimiko waved her hands, and smiled. "Yuki-sempai, I must hand it to you, you've taught her well!"
"Only the best! And you're welcome to be the manageress if you wish, Kimiko-chan! Aya-chan has been waiting for your return! Ne, Aya-chan?" winked Yuki.
"Hai! I have been eagerly waiting to learn from you Kimiko-sempai!" cried the Ayako enthusiastically.
"Ano ne… All right, if it's really ok with you, Aya-chan!"
"Aya-chan!" shouted a male voice.
"Mattaku…" sighed Ayako.
Both Yuki and Kimiko giggled. "I see you're prince charming has arrived ne, Aya-chan?" smirked Kimiko.
"Chigau yo!!!" cried Ayako, her hands on her face, blushing.
"Konnichiwa, Toyowara-sempai!" bowed a curly haired freshman.
"Konnichiwa. Onegai, call me Kimiko."
"Hai, ore wa Miyagi Ryota, but you can call me Ryota, Kimiko-sempai!"
"Hai, Ryota-kun." Smiled Kimiko.
Therefore, Kimiko was now the manageress of the Shohoku High Basketball Club, once again, and Ayako became the assistant manageress. On her birthday this year however, Kimiko didn't want it to be celebrated, so only a handful celebrated it with her at Dinny's, namely, Akagi, Kogure, Yuki, Ayako and Ryota.
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One day, Kimiko received a call from her Spanish friend, Carmen, that her Latin Club, Caliente (HOT in Spanish), needed an act, since the performer fell sick. Kimiko agreed immediately, for they were good friends. Evidently, Kimiko had learnt Spanish in junior high, until the present day.
(Start of conversation in Spanish)
"How any songs do you need me to sing?"
"Two, one of your choice, one for me."
"For you?"
"Yes, it's the 2nd year anniversary for me and Juan, so I was thinking, could you perform a song for us?"
"Sure, no problem! I'll even throw in a discount on my fee for you two lovebirds!" chuckled Kimiko.
"No way! Juan was so pleased when he heard you were going to sing at our club for our 2nd anniversary! He's a great fan of your singing!"
"Oh please, stop with the flattery, my friend, it will get you everywhere! Ha ha! Just don't get jealous of me all right? I've already thought of the song I'm going to sing, it's "Ciega Sordomuda"."
"Yeah, sure… So I'll see you this Saturday then?"
"Yup! Can I bring a friend or two? Oh yes, would you also be so kind as to allow my friends to sit with a few of our amigas (Friends)?"
"No problem! Drinks are on the house! Your friends are our friends!"
"Ha ha! I shan't stand on the ceremony then! So I'll see you then!"
"Sí, Adios!"
"Adios!"
(End of conversation in Spanish)
Kogure looked at Kimiko, in awe. "You speak SPANISH?"
"Hai, so desu. Naze(why)?" Kimiko grinned at Kogure.
Kogure: ^Sweat drop^ "So what was the conversation about, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Well, I've got a gig in a Spanish Club, and you, Kogure-sempai, are invited!"
Kogure: ^Sweat drop^ "Ano…"
"Bring a friend, it'll be fun. Maybe Akagi-sempai would go? I don't think you've been to any Spanish clubs, have you, Kogure-sempai?"
"Nope." Kogure replied, and then looked at Kimiko, his face turning grim. "Has Mitsui?"
"No."
"Good." At this, Kogure smiled.
"Kogure-sempai…"
"I'll call Akagi, and ask him to come along…"
"Hai. Be dressed to kill, ne, Kogure-sempai?" Kimiko winked at Kogure. "Also, tell Akagi-sempai to dress smartly, ok?"
"Mattaku, here we go again…" Kogure sweat dropped.
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(8th May, Saturday, At Kogure's home)
-Knock! Knock!
"Hai! Chotto matte kudasai!" shouted Kogure, rushing to open the door.
"Aa. Kogu… Sumimasen, may I know where Kogure is?" Akagi asked the good-looking stranger who opened the door for him. Akagi wore an army green turtle neck sweater, with matching pants. Nothing much could be done about his hair though. (L.I.D.[author]: ^Sweat drop^)
"Akagi, it's me…"
Akagi's eyes bulged out when he saw Kogure. "NANI? Kogure? What the hell happened to you?"
This time round, Kogure was wearing a beige long sleeve shirt, with a slightly darker beige pants. His hair was teased up, once again, but in a somewhat different style, and he wore no spectacles. This was the first time Akagi had seen Kogure dressed up, since Akagi wasn't there when Kogure accompanied Kimiko on the closing night of Casey's.
"Kimiko-chan, enough said. I even have a matching long jacket to boot!!" pointing to the jacket on the couch.
"Humph, you look nice for a change! ^Whisper^ Hey, did you ask her out yet?"
Kogure: "Akagi!!!" ^Sweat drop^
"Yare, yare…"
"Gomen nasai! I'm ready mina!" yelled Kimiko, as she descended down the stairs.
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(8th May, Saturday, At the Spanish club)
When the three of them entered the club, it was a different world and lifestyle experience for Akagi and Kogure. The huge club was dimly lit, with candle burning in the background, making a romantic and sensual mood to the atmosphere. There many tables, as well as a central dance floor, where couples could slow dance or have a raving fiesta. The current act was a soulful singer, and many couples were slow dancing on the dance floor.
(L.I.D.[author]: Start of the use of English unless stated)
"Kimiko! So good to see you!" greeted Carmen. "You're looking good!"
Kimiko wore a long sleeved black dress that had a low V-cut at the back, after she took off her coat.
"The feeling is mutual, Carmen! My I introduce to you, my two best friends, Señor Akagi and Señor Kogure."
"Welcome! I am Carmen! Welcome to my humble club! Please take a seat at table number eight, near the stage, and have a good time! Señorita Kimiko, you'll show them where it is, and then prepare for your performance, won't you? Dressing room number 7."
"Of course, Carmen. Gracias!"
When Kimiko lead both Akagi and Kogure to the table, she introduced them to her other friends who happened to be older than the both of them to Enrique, Juan, Oscar, and Julio.
"They will help you translate the songs slowly, Akagi-sempai, Kogure-sempai…" mentioned Kimiko. "You guys will help my friends understand the songs, won't you?" smiled Kimiko at the other four guys.
"Sure, Kimiko, don't worry!" replied Oscar and Juan.
(In Spanish)
"So Kimiko, which one's your boyfriend? It can't be the gorilla, so I'm betting it's the other one isn't it? Why don't you ever give me a chance?" asked Enrique, winking at Kogure.
Kogure: /Is that guy gay? I seriously hope not! / ^Sweat drop^
"Enrique, you're so mean! Ha ha! And for your information, I do not, have a boyfriend, and I'm not looking, so don't get your hopes up!" grinned Kimiko.
"Not even for a drink, Kimiko?" tried Enrique again, flirting.
"We'll see! Ha ha!"
(End of Spanish conversation)
(L.I.D.[author]: Latin men have an eye for plumper women, Amen! LOL!)
"All right everyone, I'm going to go and prepare! I'll be in my dressing room!" waved Kimiko.
"Hai!" waved Kogure and Akagi.
Akagi and Kogure made fast friends with Enrique, Juan, Oscar and Julio, and ordered a round of drinks that was on the house, courtesy of Carmen and Juan.
Once the singer had finished, Carmen went onto the stage and announced that Kimiko was up next, much to everyone's approval.
Going on stage, Kimiko tested the microphone, and adjusted the microphone stand.
(In Spanish)
"Hola everybody! Testing 1,2 3… All right… Is everybody ready to get down and party?!?" asked Kimiko over the microphone.
A roar of approval from the crowd replied.
"Alright! Tonight is a very special night; it's the 2nd anniversary of my dear friends, Carmen and Juan. Not only that, my personal friends is here to experience their first night in a Latin club! Give them a big round of applause, please!"
^Rowdy calls and applause^
"The first song I'm going to sing, is called "Whenever, Wherever", dedicated to Carmen and Juan. May you both love each other forever! And the second song of my choice is "Ciega Sordomuda" and I'm sure it's bound to send you guys dancing! All right, without further adieu, let's get this party started!"
(L.I.D.[author]: Shakira - Whenever, Wherever)
^As the music began, Kimiko clutched the microphone, and swayed her hips slowly to the beat^
Lucky you were born that far away so
We could both make fun of distance
Lucky that I love a foreign land for
The lucky fact of your existence
Baby I would climb the Andes solely
To count the freckles on your body
Never could imagine there were only
Ten million ways to love somebody
Le do le le le le, Le do le le le le ^more swaying of her body to the beat^
Can't you see
I'm at your feet
Whenever, wherever
We're meant to be together
I'll be there and you'll be near
And that's the deal my dear
There over, here under ^Kogure gulped, as Kimiko ran her hand from her shoulder down to her hips^
You'll never have to wonder
We can always play by ear
But that's the deal my dear
(Music) ^ Kimiko made some dancing moves ala Ricky Martin (L.I.D.[author]: Hee hee!)^
Lucky that my lips not only mumble
They spill kisses like a fountain
Lucky that my breasts are small and humble
So you don't confuse them with mountains ^Kogure gulped more^
Lucky I have strong legs like my mother
To run for cover when I need it
And these two eyes that for no other ^Kimiko points to her eyes, then caressing her cheeks^
The day you leave will cry a river
Le do le le le le, Le do le le le le
At your feet
I'm at your feet ^Pointing to everyone^
Whenever, wherever
We're meant to be together
I'll be there and you'll be near
And that's the deal my dear
There over, here under ^pointing to the ground^
You'll never have to wonder
We can always play by ear
And that's the deal my dear
(Music) ^ Everyone began to salsa^
Le do le le le le, Le do le le le le ^Kimiko begins to sexily sway to the beat^
Think out loud
Say it again
Le do le le le le
Tell me one more time
That you'll live
Lost in my eyes. ^Kimiko then swings her head back^
Whenever, wherever ^Kimiko's hands scan the audience ^
We're meant to be together
I'll be there and you'll be near
And that's the deal my dear
There over, here under
You've got me head over heals ^points to the guys^
There's nothing left to fear
If you really feel the way I feel
Whenever, wherever ^Kimiko's hands scan the audience^
We're meant to be together
I'll be there and you'll be near
And that's the deal my dear
There over, here under
You've got me head over heals ^points to the guys^
There's nothing left to fear
If you really feel the way I feel
(End of song, and then the music changes to the next song; Ciega Sordomuda)
^Kimiko closes her eyes, takes a few steps in front, sways her hips lazily and sings from the bottom of her heart^
Se me acaba el argumento
Y la metodología
Cada vez que se aparece frente a mí
Tu anatomia ^Kimiko has her hands sexily on her hips^
Por que este amor ya no entiende
De consejos, ni razones
Se alimenta de pretextos
Y le faltan pantalones ^Kimiko points to her pants^
Este amor no me permite
Estar en pie
Porque ya hasta me há quebrado
Los talones
Y aunque me levante volveré a caer
Si te acercas nada es útil
Para esta inútil
Chorus:
Bruta, ciega, sordomuda, ^ Kimiko waves her hands in the air^
Torpe, traste, testaruda,
Es todo lo que he sido
Por ti me he convertido
En una cosa que no hace
Otra cosa más que amarte
Pienso en ti día y noche
Y no se como olvidarte ^ Kimiko shakes her head side to side wildly^
(Music)
Cuántas veces he intentado
Enterrarte en mi memoria ^She has her hand on her head^
Y aunque diga ya no más
Es otra vez la misma historia
Porque este amor siempre sabe
Hacerme respirar profundo ^Kimiko points to her throat^
Ya me trae por la izquierda
Y de pelea con el mundo
Si pudiera exorcizarme de tu voz ^points to guys^
Si pudiera escaparme de tu nombre
Si pudiera arrancarme el corazón ^points to heart^
Y esconderme para no sentirme nuevamente
Chorus (music)
^Kimiko begins to talk very fast for this set of lyrics, and both Kogure and Akagi have their mouths wide open, along with everyone else. ^
Ojerosa, flaca, fea, desgreñada, ^Kimiko clutches mike and has a serious expression^
Torpe, tonta, lenta, necia, desquiciada,
Completamente descontrolada
Tu te das cuenta y no me dices nada
Ves que se me há vuelto
La cabeza un nido
Donde solamente tu tienes asilo
Y no me escuchas lo que te digo
Mira bien lo que vas a hacer conmigo ^ Kimiko then turns around, looks back and wiggles her hips^
Chorus
Este amor no me permite
Estar en pie
Porque ya hasta me há quebrado
Los talones
Y aunque me levante volveré a caer
Si te acercas nada es útil
Para esta inútil
Chorus
Bruta, ciega, sordomuda,
Torpe, traste, testaruda…
(End of song)
"Gracias! Gracias everyone!" thanked Kimiko, when she finished.
A roar of encores from the crowd emitted. The next act then followed, which was a male who sang slow love songs.
"That was a brilliant performance, Kimiko! Thank you so much!" cried Carmen and Juan.
"No, thank you, for having me here tonight…" smiled Kimiko.
"Kimiko, would you like to have this dance?" asked Enrique.
"All right."
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(=^_^=) Meow!
If you guys wanna know the translations for the 2nd song, ask me and I'll email it to you! ^_^
Lately, I've been feeling sad, coz not a lot of my readers read my other fic, about the exchange students… *Bawls* Ok, enough drama… *sniffles*
Replies!
Ghostwriter-chan: Kogure's too nice, it's saccharine sweet! LOL How have you been doing? *hugz* Miss you!
Super rookie-chan: LOL It could have been hentai, but I was feeling cute when I wrote this… Ha ha! Kogure looks SO cool, if only I drew as good as I imagine! LOL
Charon-chan: It's ok, but do check out my other fics too, okie Charon-chan? LOL I love interesting moments, coz I never get them! Nya ha ha ha! :p Of course, if I had the money to buy those lovely clothes, I wouldn't hesitate to wear them, but because of our conservative culture… *sighs* Keep in touch, okie? ^_^
Nellie-chan: I'm neutral so far, she can sway to Mitsui or Kogure anytime… He he he…
Icko14-chan: Hope you liked the chapters you missed, and here's another chapter to whet your appetite! :p
Fehrocious-chan: *LOL at Fehrocious-chan's frustration* You hentai onna! LOL
Lady Harlequin-chan: Yeah man, Kogure is good at remembering stuff ne? ^Sweat drop at Lady Harle trying to get Kogure a modelling contract^ Does your cousin read SD fanfics?
Demented ding-chan: LOL I love Madison Avenue, and the lyrics are JUSt right ne? Remember the line 'I know how to ROCK your world'? ^_~ I'm waiting for more kangkungan!! ^_^
SyiveSe-chan: Swap? NO WAY!!!! ^_~ And hey, there are more prince charmings in this brain of mine… NYA HA HA HA!!!!
F5C-san: No problem, but don't let your ego be too inflated that I don't read anymore of your fics! ^_~ Thanks for being understanding, and please continue to support my fics, as I do of yours! Send me updates! ^_^