Title: the evolution of monkey to man

Author: hagane ^^\/

Status: 2/?

Rating: General. Yaoi

Pairing(s): Maki/Kiyo

            "So, what are you gonna about it?" asked Jin casually as he aimed a shot.

            "What am I going to do about what?" was the disinterested reply as the other boy distractedly attempted a shot from half-court. It went sailing in, touching nothing but net.

            "You know….."

            "No, I don't know."

            Jin released an exaggerated sigh. "Kiyota. The boy who lives for you and only you."

            "What?" Maki snapped to attention immediately, all on the alert.

            "Aha," Jin's eyes twinkled mischievously, "that got your attention."

            Maki gave an impressive eye-rolling display. "What is it that you want Jin?"

            "Nothing. I'm just concerned."

            "What about?"

            "You."

            The look of incredulity on Maki's face made no words necessary.

            "Okay, not so much you, but more Kiyota."

            A perfectly arched eyebrow shot up. "Explain."

-o-

            "So you like him?"

            "Of course I like him, Jin-san!" replied Kiyota indignantly, "Who wouldn't?"

            "No, I mean, like like. Do you like him?" prodded Jin.

            A blush found its way to Kiyota's face.  "Um…no, I mean, yes, um, I dunno. Wait, I do…I do…um, yes, I think no, uh, I have no idea but I do you know?"

            "What?"

            Kiyota blushed deeper. "Uh, yeah, I do. At least, I think I do."

            "And are you going to do anything about it?"

            "Like what? Maki-san'll never like me! He can have nearly any person he wants- why would he choose me?" mumbled Kiyota gloomily, tears threatening to spill from his eyes.

            "Well……."

            Kiyota brightened suddenly as he saw hope. "Wait! Jin-san! Are you trying to tell me that Maki-san likes me?" Jin froze, surprised. Kiyota trudged on, oblivious in his new-found bliss. "I think you're right! Maki-san *must* like me! I'm the *only* one he scolds all the time! I bet that's his way of expressing his like for me! Well, it's okay! Cos I know now that he doesn't do it because he's angry but because he *likes* me! Thanks Jin-san! You're the greatest!" Kiyota gave Jin a brief, hard squeeze before he sped off, most likely to find his new love.

            "Oopsie." Was all the stunned boy could say.

-o-

            "Maki-san!"  a grinning Kiyota rushed up happily to his captain.

            "What now, Kiyota?" came the irritated voice of a certain Kainan captain.

            Kiyota's smile didn't falter a bit. Instead, his grin widened and he looked knowingly at Maki. The older boy shifted uncomfortably under his sudden, unexpected gaze.

            "What?" he muttered, "why are you looking at me like that?"

            Kiyota opened his mouth to say something, then shut it immediately. "Nothing!" ha chirped happily, "I'm going to practice now, Maki-san! So I'll be as *good* as you!"

            "Yeah….whatever you like." Said the confused captain.

-o-

            Kiyota giggled as his eyes darted over to the other court where the object of his affection was stretching himself.  Several of his teammates looked concerned.

            "Kiyota, you sure you're not running a fever or something?" asked one.

            "You seem to be on a real high today. Sugar overload? Or is the blood all rushing to your brain?" asked another.

            "Kiyota, you're acting more mental today than I've ever seen you." Said a third, no offense intended.

            "Heeheheehee…" giggled Kiyota, "I'm fine." He stole another quick glance at his captain, "I've never felt better actually."

-o-

            "Pair up for one-on-one," instructed Maki to his team. Out of the corner of his eye, he noted, with exasperation, a certain best friend of his moving away to couple up with someone else. He made a mental note to kill Jin Souichiro later.

            "Maki-saaaannnnnnnnnn!!!!!!" Maki didn't even bother suppressing the shudder the voice initiated.

            "Aichi-san's paired with Jin-san! I have no partner!" Kiyota whined, his arms flailing about dramatically.

            "That's okay.  You can practice your shots in the other court," Maki replied, ever so cool and calm.

            "But you don't have a partner either!" Kiyota pointed out the obvious.

            "Well," Maki stared right at the boy, "I don't need one."

-o-

            Kiyota sulked as he placed another shot. Mou…Maki-san didn't have to be so mean! And he's supposed to like me! He threw a sad, dejected look at Maki's back. I only wanted to help him make his move on me!

            Maybe he's just shy. Kiyota immediately pushed the thought away. Nah…not possible. Maki-san is in no way, shy. Maybe he just doesn't want me to help him? maybe he wants to do everything himself? Kiyota congratulated himself on his conclusion. Now, that's more like Maki-san. He likes to do things on his own. He doesn't like to be helped. Maybe I should just leave him to help himself. The super rookie of Kainandai giggled for the umpteenth time since Jin 'told' him.

            Yes, I think I'll just wait for Maki-san to make the first move…he thought happily, trembling with delight in his eager anticipation.

A/n  the author would like to say that this story is not going anywhere. The author's imagination has been exhausted and needs some replenishment. Suggestions anyone?