Chapter 3

I checked the clock, 'Ok plenty of time. Lets see I got my wallet and my keys. Checked the stove to make sure it was off and I checked the taps as well. I got my watch. I'm all set.'

I had my hand on the doorknob when I remembered the tickets! I ran to the dining table to get it, 'Ok. Now I'm all set.'

I went through a lot of trouble to get these tickets. No one I knew had tickets. Good thing Hikoichi's oneesan could get me 2 tickets but she wanted the inside scoop on the team.

I flinch even now remembering Captain Uozumi and Coach Taoka's response when I told them Aida Yayoi was going to be at our practise for a few days to take notes. I hope I can keep my promise of being on time for the next 2 weeks. That was their condition for having Aida at practise.

.

I was getting nervous, the person (bouncer) at the door was checking a lot of people's ID and we were underage. I looked at my watch, "10:07. Kaede's late. He's never late. What if he got in an accident? Don't think such thoughts! How do I know he's not late? Maybe he is late to practise but I would never know since I'm always later than him. Maybe he forgot or overslept. Should I phone him?'

I was still trying to figure out how long I should wait before phoning him when he showed up. I smiled and glanced at my watch, '10:12. He's 12 minutes late… No. He's actually 3 minutes early because I set my watch 15 minutes behind to prevent myself from being too late.'

For some reason knowing he wasn't late made me very happy. I guess because I didn't suspect him to show up in the first place. I believe Kaede had one-on-one with me every week for personal gain, so he could get better. So it wasn't like we were connecting or anything. Since on court, all we are, are enemies. But the fact that he was willing to come meant we could have a relationship that's not base on hostility. And he found it important enough to keep in mind and come on time.

"Oi."

He glanced at me and continue to the door.

I followed and gave the man at the door the tickets. We got in safely without asking for our ID. Probably due to our height. The music was blaring and people were dancing.

"Ru…" I began to find Kaede missing.

I looked around and spotted him walking to the corner. I caught up with him, "Rukawa. Come on lets dance."

He took a seat on the couch and ignored me.

I tugged his hand, which were amazingly soft I didn't want to let go, "Come on. You can't just sit here all night."

"Watch me," he said flinging away my hand.

"…" I looked at him and challenged, "then why did you come?"

"You forced me."

"Did not."

"Did too."

I sighed, "Fine be that way. I'll go out and dance by myself."

.

I kept him in my sight even as I danced with this girl in front of me. I wonder if he was asleep. He looked asleep. I accidentally stepped on her foot again.

"Gomen, I…"

"It's ok," she said with a smile, "so what's your answer?"

"To what?"

She pouted, "Weren't you listening? I asked if you got a girlfriend."

"Oh, Sorry the music's really loud. Um…no."

She grinned and placed her hand on my chest, "Really? I don't have a boyfriend either. Maybe we can…"

"…" I forced a smile and gently pulled away her hand, "sorry but there's this person that I like…"

"So. She's not here tonight is she? She'll never have to know," she whispered in a seductive voice.

"No. She's not here. Uh…I'm thirsty, I'm going to buy a drink. See you later," I said escaping as quickly as I could.

I grabbed 2 shots of tequila and headed back to Kaede, "Oi, Rukawa. Are you awake?"

No reply. I nudged him.

His eyes flew open and glared at me, "What?"

"Oh, you're awake."

He gave me that you are such a baka look and stated, "Obviously."

"I thought you might be thirsty. Have a drink."

Kaede took the shot and said, "I don't drink."

"Really?" I asked intrigued, "you never drank before in your entire life or you did but you got so wasted that you decided to never drink again?"

He didn't reply.

I smiled and drank my shot, "If you can't drink you shouldn't because I think that bunch of girls over there, looks like they might try to molest you."

"Are you mocking me?"

"No. I…" I began but he refuse to listen and downed the shot, "you didn't have to do that Rukawa. I was just kidding."

He blinked and shook his head.

"Are you…"

I didn't get to finish my sentence because he fell onto my arms, "…"

'He can't be out. I mean I never saw anyone go out that fast. He didn't even go through that drunk stage,' I protested and I found myself really disappointed, 'what did I expect? That he'll get drunk and strip?'

That small annoying voice in my head pointed out, 'No, but you hoped it would happen.'

'Shut up,' I thought and smiled, 'I guess Kaede will be Kaede and what he loves to do most is sleep. I guess I'll have to take him home…hmmm.'

.

I dropped him onto my bed. He was dead weight and very heavy. I was panting slightly, 'Kaede unconscious on my bed…'

'Go take off his shirt,' a small voice in my head said.

'No! I'm not going to take advantage of him!'

'Why not? You want to. Just tell him he threw up on his shirt or something. He's gullible. He'll believe you,' the voice said.

'Hmmm…Sendoh Akira don't even think about it!' I scolded myself and went to the washroom to get a hot towel to put on his forehead, 'and anyways he might wake up.'

I placed the towel on his forehead and couldn't help but marvel at how ethereal he looked. Just like Snow White. With skin as white as snow, rosy cheeks from the alcohol, and jet black hair. I brushed the hair off his forehead and whispered, "You are so beautiful."

He let out a moan of protest which brought my full attention to his lips.

I couldn't help myself. I kissed him softly on the lips. His lips were so soft. I pulled away, 'I can't believe I did that. Sendoh what do you think you're doing?'

He smiled now, softly and I could easily forgive myself because it seems like he enjoyed it too, 'He's so kawaii and angelic.'

Then he said softly, "Hana-kun, you baka."

I felt weak and grabbed onto the bed for support. It hit me then that he liked Sakuragi Hanamichi. Perhaps it was more than just plain like. It wasn't so much the fact that he said 'Hana-kun' or the smile. But the way he said it, he spoke that name with such love and in such a caressing way. Each syllable was spoken with such care. In those 3 ½ words and 6 syllables I heard all the passion and yearning I felt.

And for the first time in a long, long time I wanted to cry.

The End of Chapter 3