Pairing: Mainly SenRu, Slightly RuHana/HanaRu and SenKosh
Summary: Sendoh Akira has feelings for the Shohoku ace, Rukawa Kaede. He too feels the same way but how about Sakuragi and Koshino? A certain plan gets in the way. Is it ever too late to say 'I love you'?
A/N: A tribute to the senru day, which I am very much delayed of. Anyways here's the last chapter of Never too Late. Do review and tell me if you like any epilogues posted here, depends to those who have read this. Thank you for all the support and for the reviewers who continuously read and watched out for this fic. Do hope you continue to read my other senru fanfics and the upcoming ones. Thanks very much…bye bye…
Disclaimer: I don't own Slam Dunk, Takehiko Inoue does…
Summary of Chapter Fourteen: What will Rukawa say to Sendoh's confession, is this a happy ending? Will Sendoh be accepted or rejected? Find out.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Never too Late
By: KaedeRukawa_kill
Chapter Fourteen-Never too Late
~~~~~~~~~~~
**start**
--Rukawa's POV--
A ray of sunlight touched my face,
Soft wind blowing slowly across.
Shade of colors passing my eyes,
A warm feeling surging around.
Peaceful aura lurking about,
A longing that came with doubt.
I could hear my heart,
Beating so fast.
The sweet and bitter memory,
All mixed into my mind.
Of recent events that had occurred,
The day I heard your call.
Ai shiteru…
I have longed to hear those words since the time my parents left me. Somebody that loves me sincerely for who I am, not because I am a popular basketball player but because he/she truly cares for me. And the fact that my own heart answered those words sincerely.
I opened my eyes feeling uneasy; almost everything was colored white except for the flowers set beside the bed.
And as I roamed around the room, I saw mysterious gadgets and figured almost immediately that I was in a hospital.
Searching for a specific person, I spotted him sitting beside me, head resting on his arms, holding my hands tightly not wanting to let go, sleeping soundly. The same way I would never let go of our love.
"Akira…" I called softly.
Dark blue eyes opened up to make contact with my light ones.
"Kaede…your awake," he said.
I gave him a light smile and nodded.
He stood up and said, "I'm going to call the doctor."
But I didn't let go of his hand.
"Was it true?"
He smiled unknowingly.
"All the things you said?" I added with a blush.
He came closer and whispered slowly, "I. Love. You."
"Why?" I asked in a low hiss.
Why did he love me back?
He raised a brow in confusion.
"Why did you fall in love with me? Rukawa Kaede, the cold, selfish, arrogant bastard…" I started but was cut short by a finger by my lip.
"I don't know…"
He lowered his finger as I bit my lower lip worriedly.
"Maybe because you intrigue me, you were silent quite the opposite of Sendoh Akira, the happy-go-lucky…" He stopped.
"You let me fall, you let me pass through…"
I let you pass through…
I fell in love; the last thing I would have ever committed but I do not regret the turn of events. Maybe I need all this too.
"Kaede…don't you…?"
"I do," I interrupted.
"You do?"
"Akira, I do love you."
My heart was filled with content when I saw him smile ever so sincerely. Finally, I now know the answers of my unasked questions and our sufferings have come to an end.
--Sendoh's POV--
A light has started to shine,
Gave my heart a steady line.
A smile slowly crept to my face,
Happiness no one can take.
Such reward for all the pain,
A love amidst it, I gain.
A blessing surely in disguise,
Beneath it all lies.
Thank the heavens high above,
For giving back the one I love.
A new day has sprouted into view,
And surely I'll see what's true.
Slowly but surely Kaede left the hospital a week later in which he was voided to play his beloved basketball. But at least I am now here beside him patiently waiting and continuously making him happy.
I thought the day he woke up and asked me such a serious question, I was about be rejected and pulled out of his life. But amidst all my nervousness, I answered sincerely what my heart told me to say so.
He saw right through and accepted me, the way no one can ever feel for me. Only his love affected me this much, no one ever since…my fans and supporters, my friends…nobody see right through except maybe Koshino, but he was and will always be different from Kaede.
*Ding dong*
I went hurriedly to the front door and opened it to spot Kaede smirking.
"Eh, Kaede? What are you doing here?"
"Is it bad to visit my koi?"
"No, you just surprised me…"
"I'm leaving…" He suddenly blurted.
As reflex I grabbed his arm and said, "Wait, don't…"
He turned back and smirked sexily again.
"You can't resist me," he whispered softly and sexily to my ear before entering and closing the door behind him.
Something's weird…Kaede seems to be quite a little to seductive today.
"Ne, Kaede what's the meaning of all this?"
"Nothing just stating the facts," he replied with the same hoarse voice.
Danger…d-a-n-g-e-r…Kaede seems to be ***** today.
"Er…"
"What's wrong, Akira?"
Kaede your voice is too seductive!!!
God help me restrain myself.
"Oh, nothing…so how's your injury?"
"Never better," he said with a seductive smile.
He grabbed my hand and inserted it inside his white polo where I felt the bandage between his injury.
I pulled back immediately, breathing harshly.
"What's wrong, Akira?" He asked this time, placing his hand by my forehead.
I tried to hide a blush.
What the hell is wrong with him?!
It's just been a week since he left the hospital, he might've left some part of his brain, which consist his quiet and shy side.
"Do you feel it, Akira?"
I gulped and blushed a deeper shade of red.
I heard him laugh and smiled silently to myself.
"Its so nice teasing you, Akira."
"Mou…" I replied in protest.
"But seriously, I know what you're thinking…" He whispered in that same seductive voice.
~Owari
A/N:
Kae: And who knows, if Sendoh Akira was able to restrain himself from the said kitsune. Imagine for yourself, this is a PG-13! No lemons aloud unless I change the rating.
Youhei: Ne, Kae…
Kae: hm?
Youhei: what happened to Hana-kun?
Kae: Hana-kun is it?
Youhei: *blush*
Kae: He was sent to jail for three years for attempting murder luckily Rukawa and Sendoh did not file any case against him to extend his punishment.
Sendoh: What about Youhei himself?
Kae: He actually survived, just waiting for Sakuragi's freedom.
Rukawa: what the hell did you do with me at the last chapter?
Kae: nothing *smile* you were so kawaii, ne Akira?
Sendoh: *nods*
Kae: Anyways do review the last chapter…
Youhei: *puppy-dog eyes*
Kae: If you like an epilogue do review and let me know…
Sendoh: Epilogues anyone? *winks*
Rukawa: whatever…
Kae: Bye for now!
Youhei: see you soon again…I hope!
