Partners In Crime
By CheeKy
Disclaimer: Don't own any of the darlings. you know very well who they belong to! As for the other characters, they are but from my freaky imagination, so erm. don't use them without my permission!
Notes: A warm and big Thank You to everyone who read and reviewed, especially the darlings from AKML. Your reviews and support have really inspired me to work harder. So, please enjoy this latest update and keep sending those reviews! ^_~ Yeah, I know Rukawa's a little OOC, but the fic can't proceed if he was to just utter monosyllables! Nevertheless, I will try my best to maintain his true attributes. And uh, just a quick warning, Sendoh is an awful flirt here. ^_~
*
Chapter Two ~ Reminiscing Over A Cup Of Coffee
After they had placed their orders, Sendoh turned back to Rukawa with a huge grin plastered on his face. But before he could speak, Rukawa commented in a rather exasperated tone, "Could you please wipe that stupid grin off your face? I don't want people to think that I'm hanging out with some psycho maniac."
Pretending to be pained, Sendoh pouted as he remarked, "Aww, don't be mean. I'm just so happy that I can't stop smiling, it isn't everyday that I get to meet a friend from home. After all, Tokyo can get pretty lonely sometimes."
Their two cups of coffee arrived. As Sendoh smiled his thanks to the waiter, Rukawa snorted in disbelief, "What? Kanagawa's biggest flirt complaining that he's lonely? Who are you trying to kid?"
Opening a sachet of sugar, Sendoh sighed, "I know, I know, it's rather unbelievable. But ever since I started working in the detective squad, the only social life I have is with dead corpses and mangled bodies. Sometime I even wonder if sacrificing my youth for the sake of benefiting the community is worth all the blood and sweat."
Stirring his coffee, Sendoh gave another loud sigh. Then as an afterthought, Sendoh added rather cheekily, "Uh, let's not forget the interaction with the two fascinating men that you just had the fortune of meeting."
Taking a sip of his coffee, Rukawa rolled his eyes before commenting sarcastically, "Thanks for the reminder, Sendoh."
Leaning back in his seat, the older man tapped the table thoughtfully, "Hmm, how long has it been since I last saw you? Five years?"
An indifferent shrug, "Just about, I think. You were there at the airport when I left for California, weren't you?"
"Yeah, together with the rest of your teammates. Gosh, I hadn't seen them for more than two years now! Wow, how time flies."
A soft whistle escaped Sendoh's lips as he looked closely at the man sitting opposite him, "Hmm, it doesn't look like you've changed much over this long period of time, you still look and behave like the same old Rukawa I know."
Rukawa's eyebrow arched upward as he looked inquisitively at this friend, "Really, how so?"
Leaning forward on his elbow with a mischievous wink, Sendoh whispered confidentially, "You're still such a delicious but rude little prick."
Unsure if he had heard correctly, Rukawa could only widen his eyes in shock as his cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. Just then, their sandwiches arrived. Chuckling softly to himself, Sendoh watched as Rukawa made an attempt to glare, but failed miserably under his intense gaze. Finally, taking pity on the blushing boy before him, Sendoh changed the subject as he leaned back in his seat, "So, in the five years that you've been gone, is this your first time back in Japan?"
Confusion marred Rukawa's features as he stammered, "Uh, yeah. How did you know?"
Grinning, Sendoh took a bite of his sandwich before answering playfully, "Your strong American accent gave you away."
"Oh."
Not knowing what else to say, Rukawa could only avert the smiling eyes as he turned his attention towards his plate.
"Your parents, have you visited them yet?"
Instead of facing his friend, the younger man looked out into the street before answering softly, "They don't know I'm in Tokyo."
But before Sendoh could ask why, Rukawa turned to him as he pleaded earnestly, "And please don't ask me why. There are some things that I have to do and I don't want my parents to find out that I'm back in Japan. I'm positive that they wouldn't approve and would most likely drag me back to Kanagawa or send me back to the States on the first available flight."
The voice was gentle as Sendoh prodded, "Am I right in guessing that whatever reason you're here has something to do with Tamotsu Nagashima?"
No reply but from the way Rukawa was taking pains to avoid his eyes, Sendoh knew he had hit his mark. He couldn't help but advise his friend frankly, "I do hope you know what you're doing, Nagashima isn't someone I would recommend as a friend."
A snort as Rukawa interjected curtly, "Tell me something I don't already know."
Sendoh's eyes blinked at the comment, "So you do know about his shady background?"
Rukawa replied as he shrugged his shoulders, "I'm aware of his dealings with illegal drugs if that's what you're implying, but that's not the main reason why I'm here. And no, Sendoh, please don't ask."
The detective could only clamp his mouth shut at the request. For several minutes, Sendoh watched Rukawa eat. Unable to refrain from speaking, Sendoh finally gave a slight shake of his head as he sighed sadly, "Oh, alright, I won't press for details. But at least answer this one question so I can sleep better tonight. You're not involved in any of his dealings, are you?"
Rukawa's voice was tinged with amusement as a small smile tugged at his lips, "Is that how you think of me? Just another wanted criminal on your list?"
To Sendoh's surprise, the smile widened as Rukawa continued, "Oh wait, I forgot, you think of me as a 'delicious but rude little prick', isn't that right?"
This time it was Sendoh's turn to blush. Laughing a little forcefully to conceal his embarrassment, Sendoh quickly denied, "No, of course not. I was just kidding back there."
Foxy blue eyes stared straight into uncomfortable ones as Rukawa prodded, "So you didn't mean what you said earlier?"
"I." began Sendoh a little self-consciously. Unable to hold Rukawa's inquisitive gaze, Sendoh dropped his eyes and fingered his coffee cup in embarrassment. Chuckling softly at the sight, Rukawa muttered, "Hey, forget it, I was just pulling your leg."
Looking up, Sendoh could only grinned sheepishly, "Guess I went a little too far, huh?"
"Yeah well, we all have our moments."
Eager to change the subject, Sendoh asked, "So uhm, Rukawa, where are you staying at the moment?"
The answer was short and crisp, "A friend's apartment."
"Oh, so you have friends here?"
A brief nod was the only reply, signalling the wish for Sendoh not to question any further. Taking the none-too-subtle hint, Sendoh posed another question, "So, are you still playing basketball?"
Rolling his eyes in disbelief, Rukawa answered sarcastically, "My god, Sendoh, what do you think I'm doing in the States? Running for President?"
"Oh, heh, silly me," laughed Sendoh as he rephrased his question, "What I wanted to say was, are you now playing professional basketball or doing something else?"
"Actually, I never went professional. Believe it or not, but my interest wavered as I got immersed in my studies. Just four months ago I graduated with a major in Sport Physiology. Right now I'm working part-time as a medical intern at a local sport facility during the day, and at night I help coach teenagers from a local college."
A shadow clouded Rukawa's features as he continued to stare at his coffee cup, "However, it goes without saying that I'm now on leave."
Not wishing for another dismissal, Sendoh asked rather cautiously, "So uhm, how long will you be here?"
"I honestly don't know," came the sad reply. Glancing at his watch, Rukawa added as he reached for his wallet, "Look, I'm sorry to cut short this conversation, but I really have to go."
Signalling for the bill, Sendoh waved aside Rukawa's offer to pay for dinner, "No, let me. After all, you're my guest."
Muttering his thanks, Rukawa stood up as Sendoh followed suit. The older man asked, "How about if I give you a ride to your destination?"
Shaking his head, Rukawa declined the offer, "No, don't worry about it, I'll just take a cab."
Looking worriedly at his friend, Sendoh repeated his proposal as they made for the exit, "Are you sure? I really don't mind."
Shivering slightly as a cool breeze blew their way, Rukawa added firmly, "Really, Sendoh, I'll be fine."
Knowing how stubborn Rukawa could be, Sendoh finally gave in. Reaching for his wallet, he pulled out his name card and handed it over, "Here, if you ever need anything, call me okay? I'll be there even before you hang up."
Rolling his eyes at Sendoh's impossible boast, Rukawa nevertheless muttered his thanks. He then waved at an upcoming cab. But before getting in, Rukawa suddenly turned back and shouted, "Hey, Sendoh! How come you didn't spike your hair as usual?"
Still standing in front of the café, Sendoh shouted back his reply as he grinned widely, "Nobody takes me seriously with that hairstyle."
Snorting, Rukawa could only wave dismissively, "Well, that's their problem. Personally, I think the hair suited your personality."
With that the cab driver drove away. For several seconds Sendoh continued to stare out into the street, a soft smile as he recalled Rukawa's last comment. Finally, he muttered softly into the night, "You take care now, Kaede."
t.b.c. ^_~
By CheeKy
Disclaimer: Don't own any of the darlings. you know very well who they belong to! As for the other characters, they are but from my freaky imagination, so erm. don't use them without my permission!
Notes: A warm and big Thank You to everyone who read and reviewed, especially the darlings from AKML. Your reviews and support have really inspired me to work harder. So, please enjoy this latest update and keep sending those reviews! ^_~ Yeah, I know Rukawa's a little OOC, but the fic can't proceed if he was to just utter monosyllables! Nevertheless, I will try my best to maintain his true attributes. And uh, just a quick warning, Sendoh is an awful flirt here. ^_~
*
Chapter Two ~ Reminiscing Over A Cup Of Coffee
After they had placed their orders, Sendoh turned back to Rukawa with a huge grin plastered on his face. But before he could speak, Rukawa commented in a rather exasperated tone, "Could you please wipe that stupid grin off your face? I don't want people to think that I'm hanging out with some psycho maniac."
Pretending to be pained, Sendoh pouted as he remarked, "Aww, don't be mean. I'm just so happy that I can't stop smiling, it isn't everyday that I get to meet a friend from home. After all, Tokyo can get pretty lonely sometimes."
Their two cups of coffee arrived. As Sendoh smiled his thanks to the waiter, Rukawa snorted in disbelief, "What? Kanagawa's biggest flirt complaining that he's lonely? Who are you trying to kid?"
Opening a sachet of sugar, Sendoh sighed, "I know, I know, it's rather unbelievable. But ever since I started working in the detective squad, the only social life I have is with dead corpses and mangled bodies. Sometime I even wonder if sacrificing my youth for the sake of benefiting the community is worth all the blood and sweat."
Stirring his coffee, Sendoh gave another loud sigh. Then as an afterthought, Sendoh added rather cheekily, "Uh, let's not forget the interaction with the two fascinating men that you just had the fortune of meeting."
Taking a sip of his coffee, Rukawa rolled his eyes before commenting sarcastically, "Thanks for the reminder, Sendoh."
Leaning back in his seat, the older man tapped the table thoughtfully, "Hmm, how long has it been since I last saw you? Five years?"
An indifferent shrug, "Just about, I think. You were there at the airport when I left for California, weren't you?"
"Yeah, together with the rest of your teammates. Gosh, I hadn't seen them for more than two years now! Wow, how time flies."
A soft whistle escaped Sendoh's lips as he looked closely at the man sitting opposite him, "Hmm, it doesn't look like you've changed much over this long period of time, you still look and behave like the same old Rukawa I know."
Rukawa's eyebrow arched upward as he looked inquisitively at this friend, "Really, how so?"
Leaning forward on his elbow with a mischievous wink, Sendoh whispered confidentially, "You're still such a delicious but rude little prick."
Unsure if he had heard correctly, Rukawa could only widen his eyes in shock as his cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. Just then, their sandwiches arrived. Chuckling softly to himself, Sendoh watched as Rukawa made an attempt to glare, but failed miserably under his intense gaze. Finally, taking pity on the blushing boy before him, Sendoh changed the subject as he leaned back in his seat, "So, in the five years that you've been gone, is this your first time back in Japan?"
Confusion marred Rukawa's features as he stammered, "Uh, yeah. How did you know?"
Grinning, Sendoh took a bite of his sandwich before answering playfully, "Your strong American accent gave you away."
"Oh."
Not knowing what else to say, Rukawa could only avert the smiling eyes as he turned his attention towards his plate.
"Your parents, have you visited them yet?"
Instead of facing his friend, the younger man looked out into the street before answering softly, "They don't know I'm in Tokyo."
But before Sendoh could ask why, Rukawa turned to him as he pleaded earnestly, "And please don't ask me why. There are some things that I have to do and I don't want my parents to find out that I'm back in Japan. I'm positive that they wouldn't approve and would most likely drag me back to Kanagawa or send me back to the States on the first available flight."
The voice was gentle as Sendoh prodded, "Am I right in guessing that whatever reason you're here has something to do with Tamotsu Nagashima?"
No reply but from the way Rukawa was taking pains to avoid his eyes, Sendoh knew he had hit his mark. He couldn't help but advise his friend frankly, "I do hope you know what you're doing, Nagashima isn't someone I would recommend as a friend."
A snort as Rukawa interjected curtly, "Tell me something I don't already know."
Sendoh's eyes blinked at the comment, "So you do know about his shady background?"
Rukawa replied as he shrugged his shoulders, "I'm aware of his dealings with illegal drugs if that's what you're implying, but that's not the main reason why I'm here. And no, Sendoh, please don't ask."
The detective could only clamp his mouth shut at the request. For several minutes, Sendoh watched Rukawa eat. Unable to refrain from speaking, Sendoh finally gave a slight shake of his head as he sighed sadly, "Oh, alright, I won't press for details. But at least answer this one question so I can sleep better tonight. You're not involved in any of his dealings, are you?"
Rukawa's voice was tinged with amusement as a small smile tugged at his lips, "Is that how you think of me? Just another wanted criminal on your list?"
To Sendoh's surprise, the smile widened as Rukawa continued, "Oh wait, I forgot, you think of me as a 'delicious but rude little prick', isn't that right?"
This time it was Sendoh's turn to blush. Laughing a little forcefully to conceal his embarrassment, Sendoh quickly denied, "No, of course not. I was just kidding back there."
Foxy blue eyes stared straight into uncomfortable ones as Rukawa prodded, "So you didn't mean what you said earlier?"
"I." began Sendoh a little self-consciously. Unable to hold Rukawa's inquisitive gaze, Sendoh dropped his eyes and fingered his coffee cup in embarrassment. Chuckling softly at the sight, Rukawa muttered, "Hey, forget it, I was just pulling your leg."
Looking up, Sendoh could only grinned sheepishly, "Guess I went a little too far, huh?"
"Yeah well, we all have our moments."
Eager to change the subject, Sendoh asked, "So uhm, Rukawa, where are you staying at the moment?"
The answer was short and crisp, "A friend's apartment."
"Oh, so you have friends here?"
A brief nod was the only reply, signalling the wish for Sendoh not to question any further. Taking the none-too-subtle hint, Sendoh posed another question, "So, are you still playing basketball?"
Rolling his eyes in disbelief, Rukawa answered sarcastically, "My god, Sendoh, what do you think I'm doing in the States? Running for President?"
"Oh, heh, silly me," laughed Sendoh as he rephrased his question, "What I wanted to say was, are you now playing professional basketball or doing something else?"
"Actually, I never went professional. Believe it or not, but my interest wavered as I got immersed in my studies. Just four months ago I graduated with a major in Sport Physiology. Right now I'm working part-time as a medical intern at a local sport facility during the day, and at night I help coach teenagers from a local college."
A shadow clouded Rukawa's features as he continued to stare at his coffee cup, "However, it goes without saying that I'm now on leave."
Not wishing for another dismissal, Sendoh asked rather cautiously, "So uhm, how long will you be here?"
"I honestly don't know," came the sad reply. Glancing at his watch, Rukawa added as he reached for his wallet, "Look, I'm sorry to cut short this conversation, but I really have to go."
Signalling for the bill, Sendoh waved aside Rukawa's offer to pay for dinner, "No, let me. After all, you're my guest."
Muttering his thanks, Rukawa stood up as Sendoh followed suit. The older man asked, "How about if I give you a ride to your destination?"
Shaking his head, Rukawa declined the offer, "No, don't worry about it, I'll just take a cab."
Looking worriedly at his friend, Sendoh repeated his proposal as they made for the exit, "Are you sure? I really don't mind."
Shivering slightly as a cool breeze blew their way, Rukawa added firmly, "Really, Sendoh, I'll be fine."
Knowing how stubborn Rukawa could be, Sendoh finally gave in. Reaching for his wallet, he pulled out his name card and handed it over, "Here, if you ever need anything, call me okay? I'll be there even before you hang up."
Rolling his eyes at Sendoh's impossible boast, Rukawa nevertheless muttered his thanks. He then waved at an upcoming cab. But before getting in, Rukawa suddenly turned back and shouted, "Hey, Sendoh! How come you didn't spike your hair as usual?"
Still standing in front of the café, Sendoh shouted back his reply as he grinned widely, "Nobody takes me seriously with that hairstyle."
Snorting, Rukawa could only wave dismissively, "Well, that's their problem. Personally, I think the hair suited your personality."
With that the cab driver drove away. For several seconds Sendoh continued to stare out into the street, a soft smile as he recalled Rukawa's last comment. Finally, he muttered softly into the night, "You take care now, Kaede."
t.b.c. ^_~