Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I still don't own it.

Warnings: The crappy writing's still there (will it ever go away?), the shounen ai's about to come, I swear.

Notes: Arigatou to those who reviewed. Kirasen, just to make things clear, my first language isn't English, so maybe that's why the grammar's not up to your standards. But I'm trying, ne? ^_^ nothingtodo, HE'S NOT OOC! *ahem* ehehehe…he's not. Really. Anyway, I think he's a bit more…eh, normal here… Mayumi, I don't have any other SD fics just yet, but here's the next chapter as promised! Hope I can still keep you interested enough to keep reviewing.

And to everyone else who read but didn't review: here, have a cookie! *hands out cookies* ^_^

Okay, next part up!

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Chapter One, Part 2:

What the…?

Monday morning, basketball practice. It was a practice like nothing else. Unfortunately for Shohoku, and Akagi, it was something that took place every single time they had a practice this year. The captain rubbed at his temples as he stared at the arguing duo. Well, it really can't be called much of an argument, since it was one-sided, but the other kept throwing the obligatory 'do'ahou' and it would trigger a violent reaction from the other, and another fight would ensue.

Akagi rubbed at his temples again. At first, he tried to stop it by punching Sakuragi on the head, but eventually, even that didn't faze the redhead. Now, his knuckles are hurting, practice had stopped, only two people occupied the court, and he had a headache to boot. So far, this whole day had been nothing but a big mistake.

The other players of the team looked between him and the two on the court with varying levels of sympathy and amusement. Mitsui was snickering, Kogure shook his head and hid a smile, the other members were looking more concerned by the minute, and Ayako…

Ayako was stomping over to the two, fan clutched tightly in her fist.

"Itai! Ayako-san!" Sakuragi said, rubbing the new bump courtesy of Ayako's handiwork. "Why'd ya hit just me?! He started it!" he said, pointing to Rukawa.

"Do'ahou."

"Nani—" he was suddenly stopped by the sound of the door creaking open to reveal a sullen looking Ryota Miyagi.

Sakuragi turned to the point guard, "Ryo-chin."

Akagi looked up from where his face was cradled between his hands and looked at the younger man, then muttered, "You're late."

Ryota smiled in apology and walked over to the bench, placing his duffel beside it. He looked at the two on the court who, by now, had resumed their dispute. "Those two at it again?"

Kogure adjusted his glasses and nodded, then he looked at the younger man, "How come you're late?"

Ryota turned to the bespectacled man and said, "My apartment building burned last night."

~*~

After practice, everyone headed for the showers and went home.

Mitsui was packing his bag, preparing to go home and just have a nice, long rest. Practice really took it out of him. Plus…

"B-but, Hisashi…my family…"

Family, my ass. You're not the fucking breadwinner. You can go if you want to. You're eighteen years old, for Pete's sake. You just didn't want to move in with me, Min-kun. You don't have to lie.

He continued to stuff his things in his duffel, without even folding them. He couldn't believe Kiminobu refused his offer to be his roommate.

And just now…

"Mitsui just bought a house, maybe you can ask him to…"

It's not just enough to refuse me, is it? You even have to go and volunteer my house like I'm some freaking social worker who takes in street kids! Damn it…

He hastily zipped the bag and slung it over his shoulder, tossing a goodbye to the others.

He walked home, fuming.

Ryota didn't stop bothering him until he finally gave in and said yes to the muffin-head. After all, his company's not bad. It won't be so bad living with him. But…

Kiminobu, why'd you have to tell him? It's bad enough that you refused my offer, you didn't have to throw the offer to someone else!

~*~

The next day, Mitsui was late for class. Again.

"Shit, shit, shit! It's that damn alarm's fault!" he said under his breath as he dashed to the third floor sweat trickling down his face.

When he reached the room, he could already hear the sound of the professor's voice, as he discussed the lecture. Shit! He went to the exit door at the back of the classroom and tiptoed slowly, hoping against hope he won't get caught. A triumphant smile was set on his face when he reached his chair and sat.

"You were almost late, Mitsui-san. Again." Said the professor, as soon as he sat on the chair.

"A-ahh…hai. Sumimasen, sensei." He said, smiling sheepishly.

The professor placed the book on the table and took off his glasses, still staring at the senior, "And what, pray tell, is your excuse, this time?"

The class tittered. Mitsui cursed inwardly. "Ah…gomen, sensei."

~*~

"Ne, Micchy, what's wrong? You look constipated." Sakuragi said as he dropped his lunch in front of the senior.

"You notice everything, don't you?"

"Of course! I am the tensai, after all! Nyahahahahaha!" the redhead said, hands on waist as he strikes a pose.

Mitsui snorted.

"Do'ahou." Came a familiar voice.

Steam came out of Sakuragi's ear at hearing this… "Nani?! Kitsune…"

Mitsui ignored the two freshmen, despite them getting the attention of the whole lunchroom, but instead kept to his lunch, poking his way to discover whatever food was served on the cafeteria that day.

He was so into his reverie that he didn't realize it when another tray was settled beside his and another man, younger than him, lowered to sit beside him.

"Kogure-sempai said he can't meet you for lunch today, he's running some errands." Ryota said, stuffing his mouth. "Oi, thank you for letting me stay in your place. I'm still arranging things with the fire department and the insurance thing. I think I'll move in this weekend. Is that okay?"

Mitsui nodded. Well, I'd rather share the place with Ryota than with thin air. At least Ryota'd be there to drink with and talk to. Yes, Ryota's better than nothing.

AN: Okay, I have a toooooootally different plan for this story, I swear to God. I mean, I even have the whole thing outlined. Even the sequel! (…what?) But, when I sat here and started typing, the story kinda seemed to have a life of its own and just took the control away from me. So, in non-psychobabble, I will try to fix things so they'd somehow try to fit in with my plans…*nod*

Ooooooooookay…how was it? Like it? Hate it? If ya liked it, press that nice little bluish button on the lower left-hand and review! ^_^ If ya hate it…ehehe…here's my email address: qkslvr@email.com