Disclaimer: Slam Dunk belongs to Takehiko Inoue-sama. Masato Seiji's mine.
Whipped Cream
By
Crescent QuetzalcoatlChapter 3: The Umbrella Charm
The night was kind enough for the both of them to be caught walking side by side through the paved streets of Kanagawa. Few stars could be seen in the sky but there was no sign of a single cloud. The air wasn't too cold nor was it humid.
Although few words had been exchanged (Hanamichi's question about Rukawa's address), no more had been heard, and much less glances mirrored. They were walking down the quieter streets of the city, lined with various flower stalls and pastry shops.
And the redhead was still holding the kitsune's hand.
No one could be more surprised than the Shohoku Ace himself. From the moment Hanamichi enclosed his tanned hand over his pale ones, heated shivers ran tremors across his skin, more so when the redhead moved to entwine his fingers with his. The raven-head could only bit his lip, as he willed the upcoming blush not to taint his cheeks. That would just be so embarrassing, especially when the Hanamichi saw it. He prayed hard for the do'aho not to turn to his way.
Just walk, Hanamichi. Just walk.
Rukawa doesn't know the same sensations have started to fill the redhead.
===
He was aware of their situation.
Hanamichi merely wanted Rukawa away from Haruko as soon as possible and got carried away when he literally took hold of the kitsune's hand and pulled him onto the streets. It wasn't his intention to hold on to those pale hands any longer than necessary but he wouldn't let go. He couldn't.
They were out in the open and good thing that the address where Rukawa lives wasn't too far from the national road. It was conveniently located near Shohoku and his own house (though he didn't think it was of any importance) and walking him home was not really a bad idea. Few people they've met along the way have noticed their state yet no one dared to comment or they weren't interested.
Feeling a bit uneasy, the redhead changed the way his right hand holding Rukawa's left hand. The angle of his wrist was a bit offshoot and it was tiring as they walking for a bit of distance. He had never held anyone's hand before. He had never held Haruko's and it kept him wondering why would he do such thing to the kitsune, his rival in every way. Hanamichi loosened his hold a bit as he tried to move his fingers such that their hands were entwined, wrists and palm touching. He also noted the small reluctance in the blue-eyed boy, his pale hand fidgeted slightly as if afraid at the mere loss of contact. Hanamichi started to smile at this but quickly scold himself of thinking such thoughts about the kitsune.
Yamero, Hanamichi… the stupid kitsune's just afraid of the Tensai's greatness!
And Rukawa was afraid, but not of the same reason that the redhead thought.
Then it started to rain.
===
"Ks'o!"
Rukawa and Hanamichi temporarily sought shelter from one of the small flower stands. It consists of a booth of some sort with only a heavy plastic for a roof and the front flaps was where the two players where standing. The shop owner was a diligent boy, maybe not much younger than the two players were. He was wearing a bit tattered baseball cap that doesn't cover much of his ash-blond hair and gray over-all over white long sleeves shirt. He was silently arranging his flowers, moving the pot from one place to another, carefully lifting them away from the rain and making more room for the redhead and the pale boy.
"K'so!" Hanamichi couldn't help but swore, although not to anyone. They have no umbrella and the sky had been perfect a while ago, why should it rain now?
The silent fox beside him involuntarily ran a hand against his right arm. The right sleeve of his uniform was totally damp from the sudden gush of rain and the narrow beam of plastic that hides them from the precipitation wasn't helping either. Coldness was seeping in his skin and goosebumps broke in several places of Rukawa's body.
"Mister, are you cold?" the boy in the shop warily asked the pale player.
Rukawa slightly turned to the younger lad and felt a flicker of gratitude. He wanted to give the boy a small smile for being thoughtful especially to a stranger but he noticed that the redhead was looking at him, almost expectantly. So the raven-head gave the shop owner an odd look but the boy smiled as if understanding him. Rukawa turn back, half-heartedly watched the rain falls when he heard another voice.
"Here."
It was Hanamichi and the redhead was holding out his dark-blue uniform top to the kitsune.
"Take yours off and put this on," the redhead added when Rukawa hadn't moved. "I thought you as the Kanagawa's walking block of ice won't be susceptible to cold."
Rukawa could've snorted but the impact of those words coming from the redhead was like hitting the target and he couldn't help but felt a bit hurt. Hanamichi was being nice by offering his dry uniform but his coarse remark made him think if he was really the Ice Prince bastard that the basketball team hated. Yet a lot of girls treated him like a god. And he could only reply…
"Well, you're wrong," and still refused the uniform being lent.
"Hmp! Stubborn kitsune!" Hanamichi grunted and pulled back his uniform but he didn't put it on. The redhead carefully folded the top and tucked it under his arm, carrying no books nor bag was helping a lot.
"Sumimasen…" the boy with the cap called the redhead's attention. "Anou… there's a coffee shop just 'round the block, you can warm up there."
"You're not thinking, kiddo. We can't move from here and go where's warm 'cause we don't have an umbrella with us," the redhead said.
Could this do'aho be any more sarcastic? And I thought he was being kind moments ago! Rukawa bitterly thought. He saw the boy muttered softly and produced an something for them.
"Here, you can take this," the boy said, smiling. "You can return it tomorrow or any other day if you have time." And he held the red umbrella out to Hanamichi.
"How will you go home when it's raining hard?" the redhead asked.
"It'll stop soon. You should take your friend out of here before he catches cold," the boy replied. The redhead took the umbrella and smiled at the boy.
"Well, if it's okay," Hanamichi said. "What's your name, by the way? I'm Sakuragi Hanamichi."
"Masato Seiji," the boy said, smiling. Then he turned to the other, "And you are?"
"Rukawa Kaede," the ace said.
"Domo, Masato," the redhead had interjected. "I'll promise to return this tomorrow. Oh, and if I buy flowers from you, will you give me a discount?"
How thick can he get? Rukawa raised an eyebrow.
Masato nodded and said, "Sure, why not?"
"Yokatta!" Hanamichi exclaimed. "See ya!"
===
Rain poured happily as Hanamichi held the red umbrella for him and Rukawa. It was a bit small for two tall, healthy and athletic players that made them cower under the contraption, and the blue-eyed boy had to keep in pace with the redhead, and force himself to unabashedly let his arm touch the redhead's or else he'll get a lot more than damp.
"Still cold, kitsune?" he heard the redhead asked. Automatically, Rukawa looked at his companion, expecting the other to be looking at him but Hanamichi was staring straight ahead the coffee shop they were going. Rukawa didn't reply but kept close to the warm body beside him. It was all that he needed now, the blue-eyed kitsune blushed.
-tsuzuku-
Crescent speaks:
This chapter got me into thinking that Whipped Cream was beginning to be turn out a HanaRu. ^^;; I wasn't planning on anything but I like how this is turning out. I also think that this is a very sappy fic so please forgive me if you don't like it. The story's a bit slow, there's not much plot in here, just some sorting out of emotions but that's how good relationships started, ne? Ooops… I just gave out the ending. ^^;; surely, all of you guys know that now. Slow music's was playing for inspiration and kinna getting to me so I hope this is not too boring. Just a feel-good fic for everyone.
Thank you so much, minna-san!
Arisfilan – asarin ba daw ako… anyways, don't you like it, Hana doesn't brawl with Ru anymore? Thank you pa rin! ^__^ The last chap will be on your birthday. *starts to think of party favors, ice creams and kapeng malaming*
Hikaru Itsuko – thank you! Well, Hana's not walking Ru home yet if you've read but I hope you'll like this anyway.
Iris foxgaze – thank you so much!
Hagane – ehehehe… Thank you! Here's the next chap. ^__^
Chris - ^____^ I've read of various instances of having whipped cream on hand but I was sampling a romantic story without any kinky-ness. Er… I hope. *grins* Thank you so much!
Kimeno-pebols – oh here it is! Thank you so much for reviewing!
Seraph-Kirin - *blushes* thank you so much! you're too kind! *blushes more* erm… I can't promise you this but the fic I was planning to write for you should be on the way after 'Whipped…" if it's okay? *hugs Seraph back*
Miyahara Yuuki – I'm glad you liked it! Thank you!