Music

By CheeKy

Disclaimer: The following Slam Dunk characters belong to Takehiko Inoue. Any unfamiliar names, places or otherwise will naturally be my properties.

Notes: As I was writing this chapter, it suddenly dawned to me that I had merely exchanged basketball with music, while keeping with the original character developments. *sheepish grin* Probably the freakish result of a SD anime overdose. Anyway, I think it's time for a showdown between the aces of Ryonan and Shohoku!

Ooops, I forgot this wasn't a basketball fic.*another sheepish grin* ^_~

To:

Krappkarmin ~ Hoi little girl, no need to get your feathers all ruffled up! The reason I was speechless was expressed in the next message to you, didn't you read it? By the way, since you're speaking for *all* the non- yaoi readers, then I'd have to defend all the yaoi writers; if you don't like boy/boy love, don't read it! Condemnation isn't going to win you any favours girl. As for your request about adding Jin, I've already told you that I *will* be adding most of the major SD characters. Nevertheless, a good story needs time, and chapters, to develop. So, you can either be patient with this writer of *yaoi* fiction, or you can just stop reading and look elsewhere.

Akane ~ This will probably sound weird, but I've always associated Fujima as being bubbly cute and funny. *grin* I think it's because of that particular scene where he was signing autographs for several fan girls. ^_~ So adorably cute!

Hana-Heart ~ Really??!! Hmm, guess I'd have to be extra careful in keeping track of his word length. ^_~

Fiery Ice ~ *grin* Next chapter's up!

Psyche ~ Thank you thank you thank you for your support!!! And nah, I'm not discouraged. *grin* I've every intention of finishing this fic so stick around for updates, k?

sLL ~ FujiRu, er, no. *grin* I doubt if I could pull off Fujima as a convincing *ahem* seme. *cough cough* As for Kiyota, *wicked grin* he deserves it for taunting *me* darling Kaede in the anime. ^_~

rj ~ *grin* Yep yep, Sakuragi would definitely be in. And rest assured that I'm not going to neglect the plot for the sake of concentrating on mushy stuff. Who says they can't both go hand-in-hand?

Jo-san ~ lotsa lotsa hugs, kisses and love!!!!

Eliar ~ Yes my dear, *coughs blood* it's an AU fic. Seen any signs of a basketball yet? And er, as far as this chapter is concerned, it doesn't seem to be showing the usual symptoms of a shonen-ai fic, unless of course, you so happened to have read it differently. *grin* What's a poor guy to do? ^_~ As for your comment about KoshAya, or rather, the comparisons that you've provided, well I'm afraid I'm not familiar with either pairing!

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Chapter Five ~ Join The Club!

Rukawa Kaede gave the spiky-haired boy sitting opposite him the iciest glare he could muster as he growled out his opinion, "Did anyone ever tell you that you are the most annoying being on this godforsaken planet?"

Jabbing his thumb at Koshino who was sitting two seats away enjoying his lunch with several of their classmates, Sendoh gave a wide grin as he nodded, "Yeah, my buddy Kosh tells me that almost everyday."

Still glaring, Rukawa added in a slightly strangled voice, "So why not take the hint and get out of my face?"

"Not until you agree to join the CMG," countered Sendoh before taking a bite of his sandwich.

Rukawa snorted in annoyance, "I've already told you my answer."

Sendoh continued to smile, "Ah, but I'm not taking a 'no' for an answer."

To this Rukawa couldn't help but roll his eyes in frustration, "So why bother asking at all?"

"Well, I want you to consent on your own will. It won't look good for the club if word got out that we forced you to join," explained Sendoh with a wink.

Another loud snort, "Well, isn't that what you're doing right now?"

Upon being pointed out how contradictory his actions were, Sendoh could scratch his head sheepishly. Ignoring the daggers that the boy's eyes were sending out, Sendoh knew he would have to change his persuading tactics. Clearly, the boy had no intention of budging in his decision. He tapped the table as he thoughtfully asked, "Okay, so you're not interested. Mind telling me why?"

Rukawa folded his arms across his chest, "There is no why. I'm just not interested."

"But you play the violin, and you were in the Paris Youth Orchestra for almost five years," reasoned Sendoh.

"So?" challenged Rukawa in response.

Sendoh looked on helplessly as he answered, "Well, given your past history, I would have thought you'd be interested in joining the club? I mean, the Music Fest is an excellent opportunity for you to continue playing for an audience."

"I don't care."

Irked by Rukawa's indifference, Sendoh couldn't help but retort angrily, "Oh for gods' sake, don't be so bloody selfish! You have the talent and the skills, so why not share them with the rest of the world? After all, isn't that what you've been doing in Paris? Why should playing in Kanagawa be any different? Unless."

Sendoh paused as he surveyed the boy opposite him thoughtfully. Bright blue eyes reflected a deep annoyance and Sendoh briefly wondered why Rukawa chose to remain listening to his ranting. As if the boy heard his unspoken question, the chair was suddenly pushed back as Rukawa started to stand up. Sendoh spoke aloud, "Unless of course, you're afraid."

That got him a reaction as Rukawa stared down at him with an incredulous look on his face as he repeated, "Afraid?"

Sendoh nodded as he tilted his head upwards to meet the flashing blue eyes, "Yes, afraid. Maybe you're not as good as they say you are, or maybe, just maybe, you're afraid that others will laugh at your inability in understanding Japanese. Insofar all the time I've converse with you, you've always replied in English even though I speak Japanese to you. What's with the snobbish attitude huh? Japanese not good enough for you?"

Rukawa slammed the table loudly with open palms as he leaned forward with scorn, "I am not afraid. And I am not a snob."

Sendoh merely rolled his eyes as Rukawa explained clumsily, "It's just. speaking English discourages people from approaching me."

The spiky-haired boy merely snorted at the blinding lame excuse to which Rukawa quickly added decisively as he straightened his posture, "And for your information, I am as good as they say I am. Better even."

"Prove it," challenged Sendoh with a smirk as he stood up while leaning forward to meet the angry gaze. The sudden narrowing of distance startled Rukawa and he unconsciously took a step back; their faces had been so close he could feel Sendoh's warm breath on him. His lips parted slightly but words failed him. In all his seventeen years, no one had ever dared to question his skills, much less challenge his ability. It was well known in Paris that he was one of the finest violinists; after all, he did have the best teacher.

The stillness stretched on as one boy looked on triumphantly while the other stood staring in shock. Suddenly, it occurred to both boys that a loud silence was pounding in their ears and they glanced around almost simultaneously. All eyes were turned in their direction and conversation had temporarily stopped as the rest of the student population paid close attention to their exchange of heated words. With an attentive audience listening in, Rukawa's pride stopped him from backing down. His aloof manner returned as he taunted with a smirk, "I don't need to prove anything to amateurs."

Sendoh felt his blood boil; he could hardly believe the boy's arrogance and huge ego. Anger flashed in the dark blue eyes as he tensely pointed out, "Koshino was right, you are the most conceit bastard alive."

Rukawa merely shrugged his shoulders as he answered unconcerned, "So? What do you intend to do about it?"

"Nothing. I know better than to waste any more of my precious time with the likes of you. Obviously, you're too much of a coward to face the crowd," concluded Sendoh as he started to walk away.

Rukawa's eyes narrowed into slits as he shouted back with clenched fists, "I've already told you, I am not a coward."

Sendoh didn't even bother acknowledging the comment as he continued in his stride towards the exit. Tension hung in the air like a heavy cloud as all eyes darted between both parties. Rukawa's emotions were in disarray; why the hell was he was getting so worked up with what Sendoh said? He never gave a damn about what others thought, so why should Sendoh's words matter?

Breathing heavily, he continued glaring at the retreating back as his mind pondered over his next mode of action. A tiny voice commanded him to just walk away and forget about the whole incident, but his pride refused to back down from the challenge. His feet moved instinctively.

Sendoh whirled around in surprise as a hand suddenly shot out to grab at his arm roughly. Bright blue eyes blazed as Rukawa spit out furiously, "I am not a coward and I'll prove it to you. When's your first rehearsal?"

Sendoh could have pumped his fist in the air elatedly but he continued to maintain a neutral outlook. He replied casually with a small smile, "Tomorrow after class in the auditorium. We start at three, so don't be late."

The glare was ominous as Rukawa breathed out, "I won't."

And with that parting shot, the young man stormed out down the hallway, leaving a very thoughtful Sendoh looking after his retreating back.

t.b.c. ^_~