Music
By Cheeky
Disclaimer: The following Slam Dunk characters belong to Takehiko Inoue. The verse at the end of the chapter however, is /mine/ so don't take.
Dedication: Yeah, I write for the AKML. And this chapter in particular, goes out to Chache-san and Ren-san. *huggies and kisses for both*
Important Announcement, so please read: Archangel-chan is hosting a SenRu/RuSen fanfic competition so do take the time to visit her site ; for more details as to how to nominate, to vote etc. Alternatively, you can visit her site for to read other Sendoh x Rukawa fanfictions. ^______^
To:
Everyone ~ I'm really, really sorry about the delay of this post. Been busy with school and all, so er, please accept my deepest apologies. I just hope you guys hadn't forgotten about this little fanfic!!
*cheeky grins* Do I miss writing SenRu? You betcha!! ^_____________^
White Meteor ~ Erm, am not quite sure just yet whether blonde guy is going to play a cameo or more important role, until I've made up my mind, he's just going to be a nameless guy for now. And blonde, I believe, is the correct spelling for 'fair-haired', only some prefer 'blond' to 'blonde'. ^^ For females however, I believe it's spelt 'blondie'.
Aki-chan ~ Ehehe, 'pestering me in the ML'? So does that make you a pest? ^_____^
Eddie ~ More adoration in this chapter I hope! Ehehe, sap and mush alert!!
fiery-frost ~ Protective is just the beginning my dear; wait till you read Akira's confession!!!
iNsAnEbEl ~ *grins* Judging by the time passed since I last updated, have you watched The Red Violin yet? Nyahahahaha, am awful glad to see you at the AKML. Post more, k?
Hibiki-chan ~ Gomen gomen for this late update! Big brother Akira? Hmm, I hadn't counted on that impression so I really really hope that this chapter will change your view cause I don't want a 'big brother Akira'!! Hehehe, prepare yourself for a whole lot more SenRu-ism in this chapter!! ^_______^
akane ~ Blonde = Creep? Aww, you're too nice. Ehehe, wait till you see how Akira describes the blonde! ^^
Aki7 ~ Am glad to see you've joined the AKML. ^^ Yes, I will read Reckless Intentions for you, sent it over to my mailbox, k? And don't worry about writing long reviews, just write whatever thoughts you have. ^______^
fourteen ~ *sniffs* And I thought you'd stopped reading cause Mitsui isn't featured that much anymore. Am glad to hear that you're still around! *laughs* Yeah, Ruru-chan doesn't take being a baby that lightly.. Please read to find out more!
archangel153 ~ Hey hey, thanks much for the review. ^^
* * *
Chapter Sixteen ~ Fallen
"Hey, you with the spiky hairdo..."
Sendoh looked up instinctively as his arms around Kaede slackened. Coming straight at him was the same bespectacled man that had broke up the scuffle between him and blonde. This time however, it was clear that the man's wrath was aimed in his direction and without even realising his actions, Sendoh had started pushing Rukawa behind as he stepped forward to face the man.
"I was told that apparently, you were the one that started the fight."
But before Sendoh could voice his side of the story, Fujima's clear voice rang out from afar, "Sendoh! Rukawa! Are you both alright? I just got word that there was a fight between a spiky head and a blonde."
And in a blink of an eye, their college mates had surrounded both Sendoh and Rukawa as each and every one of them started firing questions non-stop, effectively baring the bespectacled man from seeing anything but the top of their heads. The crowd's alarming behaviour clearly startled Rukawa as he unconsciously started easing himself closer to Sendoh whilst still staring wide-eyed at the group. Sendoh on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease at gaining his friends' full attention and to Rukawa's surprise, the pianist couldn't stop smiling as he gestured for everyone to take a turn in seeking answers.
"Excuse me, but I happened to be talking with your friend here."
The loud voice caught everyone's attention and they simultaneously turned to face the frowning stranger. Mitsui was the first to speak, "Who are you?"
Not liking the offensive tone taken by the guitarist one bit, the man answered with a deep scowl, "And who are you?"
"I asked you first."
Kogure quickly intercepted, "Look guys, this could go on forever. Since you're clearly the stranger in this group, how about if you introduce yourself to us beforehand?"
Though feeling displeased with how matters were turning out, the man nevertheless complied with Kogure's request as he answered, his tone leaving no doubt of the annoyance he was feeling inside, "My name's Hanagata and I own the club."
"Hanagata? As in Hanagata Toru? Toru-kun is that really you?"
"What the. Kenji?"
As the CMG President came to full view, there was no mistaking the incredulous look on Hanagata's face as he stared back transfixed at the brown-haired man. And though clearly surprised at how intimate both men had addressed the other, the rest of the group could do naught but wait for the men to come out from their stupor. Nonetheless, when it became clear that both men could very well spent the rest of the night staring transfixed at each other, Mitsui found himself voicing the group's thoughts aloud, "You guys like erm, know each other?"
But it was Kogure's gentle shaking that broke Fujima out of his reverie and with a wide beam, he announced gleefully to the group, "Guys, this is as much a surprise to me as it is to you. Believe it or not, but Toru here used to be my mentor way back when we were both still kids."
"Mentor?"
Fujima started nodding vehemently in Mitsui's direction, "That's right. I did so badly in junior high that the school threatened to expel me unless I could make the grades. And Toru, being my neighbour since the day we were born, was kind enough to tutor me even though we studied in different schools."
"So technically, you had shitty grades."
To everyone's surprise, Hanagata started chuckling aloud, "Even 'shitty' is too good a word to describe Kenji's results."
The young man quickly turned crimson, "Eh, enough about my sad and sorry past. So tell me, what brings you back to Kanagawa?"
But instead of answering Fujima's query, the man's smile quickly faded as he directed his attention back to Sendoh, "Kenji, my friend, you can ask as many questions as you like later. Right now however, I'm more interested in finding out what exactly happened moments ago."
Despite the warning squeeze on his arm, Sendoh replied as he believed the incident to be, his gaze steady against Hanagata's.
"The blonde was harassing my friend so I punched him."
It was clearly not the answer Rukawa expected to hear for he jumped in before Hanagata could response, his tone leaving no doubt of the annoyance he was feeling inside.
"I was not being harassed."
Sendoh shrugged unconcerned, "Intimated then."
"Who was the blonde anyway?"
Kogure inwardly rolled his eyes; trust Mitsui to butt in during any heated discussion.
"My ex."
"Who happens to be an asshole."
The glare was wrathful as Rukawa remarked testily, "You don't know him well enough to pass such a judgement."
Clearly not expecting Rukawa to defend the blonde, Sendoh stared back in surprise for several seconds before answering back heatedly, "I'm sorry for being shallow my little Kaede, but he had 'asshole' written all over his face."
A muffled snigger escaped from somewhere within the group and though clearly irked by Sendoh's reply, Rukawa nevertheless found himself unable to dispute the spiky head's opinion. Nonetheless, pride stopped the violinist from agreeing and so he took to changing the subject instead.
"Why can't you just leave me alone for once, huh Akira? Why must you persist in getting involved with my life?"
Sendoh stared at his hands as he answered softly, his facial expression a mixture of sorrow and regret.
"Because it pisses me off when others hurt you."
Rukawa's eyes widened in surprise upon hearing Sendoh's admission but before the younger boy could interject, Sendoh had looked up to stare fully into his face, a small smile playing on the man's lips as he continued, "There you were, looking so lost and vulnerable amidst the huge crowd. and call me demented if you will, but when I saw that arrogant smirk on his face, I just felt like wiping it off with my fist."
Without realising, Rukawa had started taking several steps backwards as he shook his head furiously, his stance clearly defensive as he shot back in frustration, "Dammit Akira, you can't just go around punching every single person that upsets me."
Sendoh advanced forward to stop the boy from running away and holding firmly onto the narrow shoulders, Sendoh gave the violinist a slight shake as he chided in exasperation, "Dammit it Kaede, you can't just run away every time you find yourself loosing control of the situation."
"I do not run away!"
"And for gods' sake, Kaede, will you do me a favour and stop living in denial?"
"I am not living in denial!"
When Sendoh started smirking at Rukawa's reply, the weight of his own words slowly sank in and Rukawa found himself avoiding Sendoh's eyes as his shoulders slumped in defeat. The younger boy finally relented miserably, "Alright, you win."
Sendoh gave the shoulders a reassuring squeeze as he spoke up meaningfully, "Kaede, listen to me. When I told you that I'd look after you, I meant more than just literally. I want to be the one to dry your tears, to catch you when you fall."
But Rukawa was not the least bit amused as he interjected scathingly under his breath, "Oh, so now I'm a helpless guy in need. Thanks a lot for all your thoughtful gestures, Akira, but in the future, I'd appreciate it a whole lot more if you stop treating me like I'm some. some guy in distress that needs rescuing twenty-four seven."
"So in other words, you're rejecting my advances?"
"I'm rejecting your what?"
Rukawa didn't bother hiding his astonishment as he gaped openly at the pianist, his bright blue eyes dilating in alarmed. Even the group hanging on to their every word did a double take on Sendoh's choice of words. Tilting Rukawa's chin gently upwards, Sendoh starting explaining slowly, his tone leaving no doubt of his sincerity as his dark blue eyes held Rukawa's, a gesture of silent request for Rukawa's conviction.
"You heard me right the first time. Read my lips Kaede, I am attracted to you. Heck, I've been drawn to you since the first day we met! Your quiet aloofness, the icy glares and, unbelievable as it may sound, even your sarcastic comments. Everything about you feels like a breath of fresh air and the more time I spent with you, the more I realised that I liked being with you.
At first I convinced myself that the feelings I felt for you was that of a friend, or perhaps that of an older sibling at most. I admired the tireless determination reflected in your eyes when you practise the violin, the unwavering passion you feel for your music and the courage you've displayed in overcoming your inner demons.
But then I discovered that my feelings ran deeper than just simple affection. My mornings were not completed without seeing your cute pout as I addressed you as 'beautiful angel', my afternoons boring unless you were sharing the same class with me, my evenings wasted if you didn't fall asleep on my shoulder and my nights. dear gods, if only you knew how lonely the nights were.
And if. and if I have been acting like a possessive boyfriend, then I'm sorry because as the gods are my witnesses, that's exactly how I feel inside."
"I. you. Dammit Akira, what the hell are you trying to say to me?"
There was no mistaking the aggravation mounting on the pale face and Sendoh found that he couldn't stop his lips from twitching upwards in response. But when Rukawa looked on the verge of a breakdown, Sendoh quickly turned serious as he breathed out evenly and clearly, his eyes still not leaving the younger boy's blue orbs.
"Rukawa Kaede, I've fallen madly and deeply for you."
And in the presence of his closest friends and cherished companions, Sendoh leaned forward as he captured Rukawa's lips with his own. And with that kiss, Sendoh put everything that he felt for the boy; all the longing, tenderness and love that he had kept buried inside. When they finally broke apart for air, Rukawa found that his fingers were wound around Sendoh's shirt in a death grip and that he was enveloped in Sendoh's tight embrace. Blushing so red he sworn even his ears were burning, Rukawa nevertheless found himself unable to tear his eyes away from Sendoh's intense gaze. And then he shivered involuntarily upon hearing Sendoh's husky voice whispering softly in his ear.
"I love you."
Drawing his head back, Sendoh smiled down tenderly as he waited for Rukawa to digest his admission. Bit by bit, Rukawa's lips started twitching upwards and it wasn't long before it grew into a full-blown smile that warmed Sendoh's heart. And then Rukawa started laughing softly as he rested his head against Sendoh's chest, "Dear gods, if this is a dream that I never want to wake up."
The arms around the violinist tightened as Sendoh answered just as quietly, "And if this is heaven and you be an angel from above, then I'd gladly sin for loving you."
t.b.c. ^_~
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Angel
I was unsure of where to go
What to say, how to react
This new environment
Taunting at first glance
Overwhelming at another
But then you took me in
Held my hand
Tight against yours
As you showed me
The ways of the world
And with each passing day
That I spent with you
I learnt that I didn't have to
Walk this road alone
Because you'd be there for me
Drawn to your being
Your smile, your warmth
I soon found myself
Longing for your embrace
Hungering for your touch
And if you be an angel from above
Then I'd gladly sin for loving you
- Cheeky -
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
By Cheeky
Disclaimer: The following Slam Dunk characters belong to Takehiko Inoue. The verse at the end of the chapter however, is /mine/ so don't take.
Dedication: Yeah, I write for the AKML. And this chapter in particular, goes out to Chache-san and Ren-san. *huggies and kisses for both*
Important Announcement, so please read: Archangel-chan is hosting a SenRu/RuSen fanfic competition so do take the time to visit her site ; for more details as to how to nominate, to vote etc. Alternatively, you can visit her site for to read other Sendoh x Rukawa fanfictions. ^______^
To:
Everyone ~ I'm really, really sorry about the delay of this post. Been busy with school and all, so er, please accept my deepest apologies. I just hope you guys hadn't forgotten about this little fanfic!!
*cheeky grins* Do I miss writing SenRu? You betcha!! ^_____________^
White Meteor ~ Erm, am not quite sure just yet whether blonde guy is going to play a cameo or more important role, until I've made up my mind, he's just going to be a nameless guy for now. And blonde, I believe, is the correct spelling for 'fair-haired', only some prefer 'blond' to 'blonde'. ^^ For females however, I believe it's spelt 'blondie'.
Aki-chan ~ Ehehe, 'pestering me in the ML'? So does that make you a pest? ^_____^
Eddie ~ More adoration in this chapter I hope! Ehehe, sap and mush alert!!
fiery-frost ~ Protective is just the beginning my dear; wait till you read Akira's confession!!!
iNsAnEbEl ~ *grins* Judging by the time passed since I last updated, have you watched The Red Violin yet? Nyahahahaha, am awful glad to see you at the AKML. Post more, k?
Hibiki-chan ~ Gomen gomen for this late update! Big brother Akira? Hmm, I hadn't counted on that impression so I really really hope that this chapter will change your view cause I don't want a 'big brother Akira'!! Hehehe, prepare yourself for a whole lot more SenRu-ism in this chapter!! ^_______^
akane ~ Blonde = Creep? Aww, you're too nice. Ehehe, wait till you see how Akira describes the blonde! ^^
Aki7 ~ Am glad to see you've joined the AKML. ^^ Yes, I will read Reckless Intentions for you, sent it over to my mailbox, k? And don't worry about writing long reviews, just write whatever thoughts you have. ^______^
fourteen ~ *sniffs* And I thought you'd stopped reading cause Mitsui isn't featured that much anymore. Am glad to hear that you're still around! *laughs* Yeah, Ruru-chan doesn't take being a baby that lightly.. Please read to find out more!
archangel153 ~ Hey hey, thanks much for the review. ^^
* * *
Chapter Sixteen ~ Fallen
"Hey, you with the spiky hairdo..."
Sendoh looked up instinctively as his arms around Kaede slackened. Coming straight at him was the same bespectacled man that had broke up the scuffle between him and blonde. This time however, it was clear that the man's wrath was aimed in his direction and without even realising his actions, Sendoh had started pushing Rukawa behind as he stepped forward to face the man.
"I was told that apparently, you were the one that started the fight."
But before Sendoh could voice his side of the story, Fujima's clear voice rang out from afar, "Sendoh! Rukawa! Are you both alright? I just got word that there was a fight between a spiky head and a blonde."
And in a blink of an eye, their college mates had surrounded both Sendoh and Rukawa as each and every one of them started firing questions non-stop, effectively baring the bespectacled man from seeing anything but the top of their heads. The crowd's alarming behaviour clearly startled Rukawa as he unconsciously started easing himself closer to Sendoh whilst still staring wide-eyed at the group. Sendoh on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease at gaining his friends' full attention and to Rukawa's surprise, the pianist couldn't stop smiling as he gestured for everyone to take a turn in seeking answers.
"Excuse me, but I happened to be talking with your friend here."
The loud voice caught everyone's attention and they simultaneously turned to face the frowning stranger. Mitsui was the first to speak, "Who are you?"
Not liking the offensive tone taken by the guitarist one bit, the man answered with a deep scowl, "And who are you?"
"I asked you first."
Kogure quickly intercepted, "Look guys, this could go on forever. Since you're clearly the stranger in this group, how about if you introduce yourself to us beforehand?"
Though feeling displeased with how matters were turning out, the man nevertheless complied with Kogure's request as he answered, his tone leaving no doubt of the annoyance he was feeling inside, "My name's Hanagata and I own the club."
"Hanagata? As in Hanagata Toru? Toru-kun is that really you?"
"What the. Kenji?"
As the CMG President came to full view, there was no mistaking the incredulous look on Hanagata's face as he stared back transfixed at the brown-haired man. And though clearly surprised at how intimate both men had addressed the other, the rest of the group could do naught but wait for the men to come out from their stupor. Nonetheless, when it became clear that both men could very well spent the rest of the night staring transfixed at each other, Mitsui found himself voicing the group's thoughts aloud, "You guys like erm, know each other?"
But it was Kogure's gentle shaking that broke Fujima out of his reverie and with a wide beam, he announced gleefully to the group, "Guys, this is as much a surprise to me as it is to you. Believe it or not, but Toru here used to be my mentor way back when we were both still kids."
"Mentor?"
Fujima started nodding vehemently in Mitsui's direction, "That's right. I did so badly in junior high that the school threatened to expel me unless I could make the grades. And Toru, being my neighbour since the day we were born, was kind enough to tutor me even though we studied in different schools."
"So technically, you had shitty grades."
To everyone's surprise, Hanagata started chuckling aloud, "Even 'shitty' is too good a word to describe Kenji's results."
The young man quickly turned crimson, "Eh, enough about my sad and sorry past. So tell me, what brings you back to Kanagawa?"
But instead of answering Fujima's query, the man's smile quickly faded as he directed his attention back to Sendoh, "Kenji, my friend, you can ask as many questions as you like later. Right now however, I'm more interested in finding out what exactly happened moments ago."
Despite the warning squeeze on his arm, Sendoh replied as he believed the incident to be, his gaze steady against Hanagata's.
"The blonde was harassing my friend so I punched him."
It was clearly not the answer Rukawa expected to hear for he jumped in before Hanagata could response, his tone leaving no doubt of the annoyance he was feeling inside.
"I was not being harassed."
Sendoh shrugged unconcerned, "Intimated then."
"Who was the blonde anyway?"
Kogure inwardly rolled his eyes; trust Mitsui to butt in during any heated discussion.
"My ex."
"Who happens to be an asshole."
The glare was wrathful as Rukawa remarked testily, "You don't know him well enough to pass such a judgement."
Clearly not expecting Rukawa to defend the blonde, Sendoh stared back in surprise for several seconds before answering back heatedly, "I'm sorry for being shallow my little Kaede, but he had 'asshole' written all over his face."
A muffled snigger escaped from somewhere within the group and though clearly irked by Sendoh's reply, Rukawa nevertheless found himself unable to dispute the spiky head's opinion. Nonetheless, pride stopped the violinist from agreeing and so he took to changing the subject instead.
"Why can't you just leave me alone for once, huh Akira? Why must you persist in getting involved with my life?"
Sendoh stared at his hands as he answered softly, his facial expression a mixture of sorrow and regret.
"Because it pisses me off when others hurt you."
Rukawa's eyes widened in surprise upon hearing Sendoh's admission but before the younger boy could interject, Sendoh had looked up to stare fully into his face, a small smile playing on the man's lips as he continued, "There you were, looking so lost and vulnerable amidst the huge crowd. and call me demented if you will, but when I saw that arrogant smirk on his face, I just felt like wiping it off with my fist."
Without realising, Rukawa had started taking several steps backwards as he shook his head furiously, his stance clearly defensive as he shot back in frustration, "Dammit Akira, you can't just go around punching every single person that upsets me."
Sendoh advanced forward to stop the boy from running away and holding firmly onto the narrow shoulders, Sendoh gave the violinist a slight shake as he chided in exasperation, "Dammit it Kaede, you can't just run away every time you find yourself loosing control of the situation."
"I do not run away!"
"And for gods' sake, Kaede, will you do me a favour and stop living in denial?"
"I am not living in denial!"
When Sendoh started smirking at Rukawa's reply, the weight of his own words slowly sank in and Rukawa found himself avoiding Sendoh's eyes as his shoulders slumped in defeat. The younger boy finally relented miserably, "Alright, you win."
Sendoh gave the shoulders a reassuring squeeze as he spoke up meaningfully, "Kaede, listen to me. When I told you that I'd look after you, I meant more than just literally. I want to be the one to dry your tears, to catch you when you fall."
But Rukawa was not the least bit amused as he interjected scathingly under his breath, "Oh, so now I'm a helpless guy in need. Thanks a lot for all your thoughtful gestures, Akira, but in the future, I'd appreciate it a whole lot more if you stop treating me like I'm some. some guy in distress that needs rescuing twenty-four seven."
"So in other words, you're rejecting my advances?"
"I'm rejecting your what?"
Rukawa didn't bother hiding his astonishment as he gaped openly at the pianist, his bright blue eyes dilating in alarmed. Even the group hanging on to their every word did a double take on Sendoh's choice of words. Tilting Rukawa's chin gently upwards, Sendoh starting explaining slowly, his tone leaving no doubt of his sincerity as his dark blue eyes held Rukawa's, a gesture of silent request for Rukawa's conviction.
"You heard me right the first time. Read my lips Kaede, I am attracted to you. Heck, I've been drawn to you since the first day we met! Your quiet aloofness, the icy glares and, unbelievable as it may sound, even your sarcastic comments. Everything about you feels like a breath of fresh air and the more time I spent with you, the more I realised that I liked being with you.
At first I convinced myself that the feelings I felt for you was that of a friend, or perhaps that of an older sibling at most. I admired the tireless determination reflected in your eyes when you practise the violin, the unwavering passion you feel for your music and the courage you've displayed in overcoming your inner demons.
But then I discovered that my feelings ran deeper than just simple affection. My mornings were not completed without seeing your cute pout as I addressed you as 'beautiful angel', my afternoons boring unless you were sharing the same class with me, my evenings wasted if you didn't fall asleep on my shoulder and my nights. dear gods, if only you knew how lonely the nights were.
And if. and if I have been acting like a possessive boyfriend, then I'm sorry because as the gods are my witnesses, that's exactly how I feel inside."
"I. you. Dammit Akira, what the hell are you trying to say to me?"
There was no mistaking the aggravation mounting on the pale face and Sendoh found that he couldn't stop his lips from twitching upwards in response. But when Rukawa looked on the verge of a breakdown, Sendoh quickly turned serious as he breathed out evenly and clearly, his eyes still not leaving the younger boy's blue orbs.
"Rukawa Kaede, I've fallen madly and deeply for you."
And in the presence of his closest friends and cherished companions, Sendoh leaned forward as he captured Rukawa's lips with his own. And with that kiss, Sendoh put everything that he felt for the boy; all the longing, tenderness and love that he had kept buried inside. When they finally broke apart for air, Rukawa found that his fingers were wound around Sendoh's shirt in a death grip and that he was enveloped in Sendoh's tight embrace. Blushing so red he sworn even his ears were burning, Rukawa nevertheless found himself unable to tear his eyes away from Sendoh's intense gaze. And then he shivered involuntarily upon hearing Sendoh's husky voice whispering softly in his ear.
"I love you."
Drawing his head back, Sendoh smiled down tenderly as he waited for Rukawa to digest his admission. Bit by bit, Rukawa's lips started twitching upwards and it wasn't long before it grew into a full-blown smile that warmed Sendoh's heart. And then Rukawa started laughing softly as he rested his head against Sendoh's chest, "Dear gods, if this is a dream that I never want to wake up."
The arms around the violinist tightened as Sendoh answered just as quietly, "And if this is heaven and you be an angel from above, then I'd gladly sin for loving you."
t.b.c. ^_~
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Angel
I was unsure of where to go
What to say, how to react
This new environment
Taunting at first glance
Overwhelming at another
But then you took me in
Held my hand
Tight against yours
As you showed me
The ways of the world
And with each passing day
That I spent with you
I learnt that I didn't have to
Walk this road alone
Because you'd be there for me
Drawn to your being
Your smile, your warmth
I soon found myself
Longing for your embrace
Hungering for your touch
And if you be an angel from above
Then I'd gladly sin for loving you
- Cheeky -
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
