Notes: I realized I've dragged this for a really long time ^^;; Here are the 2 short chapters to end everything ^__^ Arigato to minna-san who have been following this story.

Disclaimer: SlamDunk doesn't belong to me. Makoto does though ^^

Cupid

Chapter 13

After arranging his clothes, Hanamichi sat on the floor, at a far corner away from Rukawa. Rukawa followed him with his eyes. 'Did I do something wrong? Did I push him too far? Does Hanamichi like me at all?' These questions flashed through his mind when he saw Hanamichi scooting away from him as far as possible. But he waited for Hanamichi to start. He had never been good at words anyway.

After a long, uncomfortable silence...

" Why did you do that for?"

Rukawa blinked. The do'aho is still a do'aho. Weren't his actions obvious? Or was Hana thinking that he was just playing around with him? He said the thing that first came into his mind.

" I love you."

Hanamichi jaw-dropped. Was he still thinking incoherently, or did the kitsune just confess his love for him? He stared at Rukawa, trying to identify some form of feelings, but...none. The ice block looked as cold as ever. But when Rukawa gazed back at him, he involuntarily looked down, a blush spreading across his face. He tried to say something, but his mind was whirling like a top. Rukawa looked on, unable to read the other boy's expression. Somehow, he was scared. After all he had done, he did not want to be rejected by Hanamichi. And now, he could not see what the other was thinking. Without further thoughts, he went up and hugged Hanamichi tightly. Holding the shocked redhead close, he took a deep breath, and spilled his guts out.

"Hanamichi, I truly love you...Please give me an answer. Don't reject me or leave me hanging like that. I will be better than Sendoh, I swear to you." He dropped to a soft whisper, afraid and uncertain of what Hanamichi will answer. Rukawa was actually shocked with himself. He had never been the one who wanted to talk so much before. He held Hanamichi in his tight embrace, waiting nervously for the answer.

Hanamichi was surprised when Rukawa wrapped his arms around him. He was too shocked to move and respond to Rukawa. It took him a while to snap back into reality, with Rukawa's mouth close to his ear, whispering softly in a voice that reflected....fear? When he finally got his senses, he simply placed his arms around Rukawa, and whispered in the same way into the other's ear.

"Hai. Aishiteru."

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Makoto dribbled the ball, walking a little distance away from a fuming Sendoh. She turned back and saw Sendoh going towards the center of the court as well. He got nearer to her, and then stole the ball quickly. Dribbling the ball from side to side, he looked at her with a cool expression.

"I don't understand. Don't you love Hanamichi-kun as well? Why are you letting Rukawa get the chance?"

Makoto quirked an eyebrow. She thought that Sendoh would rant at her about not letting beat the crap out of Rukawa or something close. She pondered over his questions, and then smiled.

"Of course I like Hana-kun. But he loves Kaede, ne? They should be happy together. Are we playing that game of one-on-one or not?"

"............" Sendoh was speechless. So that meant that he hadn't a chance in the first place?

"I won't give up. I'll wait for Hanamichi."

"Persistent, aren't you? Ok. But I'm sure that Hanamichi will be happy with Kaede. I won't forgive him if he hurts Hana-kun too ^^.Let's start. It's getting pretty late."

Sendoh played surprisingly better than usual that night. He treated Makoto like Rukawa and most probably trashed everything out on her. But Makoto proved to be a good match. After an hour, they finally ended with a close score of  60-54, with Sendoh as the victor. He looked at the new member of Shohoku in surprise. No one had ever gotten so close in a one-on-one match with him other than Rukawa. Both equally exhausted, they both sat at the court in perfect silence for a while. Looking at Makoto, Sendoh decided to ask the thing that was on his mind ever since the practice match.

"...Aoshima, don't mind if I ask you such an abrupt question. What is your relation with Rukawa? You seem to know him very well, not to mention that you're always on his side..."

Without skipping a beat, Makoto turned to face Sendoh and said matter-of-factly.

"He's my little brother." Makoto laughed out loud when she saw Sendoh's eyes widen in surprise. She waved her hand hastily, correcting her previous statement.

"Maa, I'm just joking. Actually, it's not too far from the truth. He's my best friend and we've known each other since five."

Sendoh's eyes returned to normal. It was shocking that Rukawa should have a brother who acts the total opposite of him. Well, even if it wasn't true, it still surprised him that the cheerful boy in front of him was Rukawa's best friend despite their personalities. Curious, he wanted to know more about his new rival. Well, Aoshima Makoto was still a rival as long as he still had feelings for Hanamichi. He and Makoto seemed to think the same way, but different ideas. He wanted to make Hanamichi happy WITH him, while Makoto just sat and played cupid. And similarly, he would kick Rukawa's ass if he were to hurt Hanamichi in any way.

Makoto and Sendoh talked through the night. Sendoh found that although they hadn't much in common, they got along well. 'Oh well, might as well make another friend rather than another enemy,' Sendoh thought as he waved goodbye to Makoto.

tbc