Disclaimer: I do not own Slam Dunk (the whole lot, even though I adore the series)

Warnings: This is a chaptered slash fic (I'm sure you know what that means) purely out of imagination. There will be some OOC-ness and a clichéd plot thingie but don't mind. As long as you like it, it doesn't matter, right? Anyway, enjoy.



Chapter Five: The Forever Kind


[Shizuka's POV]


Love works in such strange yet ingenious methods to bring two individuals together. One such case is my cousin, Kaede-kun and Hanamichi-kun.

I accepted my cousin's relationship and respected his decision. I came to know more about Hanamichi-kun as another brother when he started visiting to the orphanage with Kaede-kun. He was nothing like a gangster as described by my other friends who had schooled with him. Like my cousin, Hanamichi-kun aroused the children's interest and even taught the younger ones to read just like Kaede-kun in teaching the older children basketball. I knew that the feelings between the both of them were mutual. It was there all this while but it wasn't seen.

Shortly after, I learned about Hanamichi-kun's retirement from writing in the press and was initially shocked to learn the reason he retired was that he could play basketball with Kaede-kun. From what I heard from my friends, they were disappointed at Hanamichi-kun's sudden departure at the peak of his writing success. The two of them spent a lot of time together when they are not visiting the orphanage. Through personal training sessions. Eating out in restaurants. Or spending quiet nights in the park. Although they do bicker, I can still feel the comforting atmosphere among both men.

Kaede-kun and Hanamichi-kun are doing really well as things are far concerned. Kaede-kun is playing in the team better than before. Hanamichi-kun is accepted in the same team Kaede-kun is in but is grounded to basic training. He's still a playing as a substitute but my cousin had his own methods to motivate him. Kaede-kun seems to smile more when Hanamichi-kun is around (although I distinctly feel they are only for Hanamichi-kun, the children and me). The orphanage has become a better place for the residing orphans as they often look forward to their visits. They are bonding well with the children.

Right now, we are back at the orphanage. The children had settled for their afternoon nap and I have to prepare dinner to serve when they are awake. I glance through the window of the kitchen where I can see Kaede-kun and Hanamichi-kun playing in the basketball court. Kaede-kun seems to be winning from the way Hanamichi-kun is shouting at him. Good thing, I have such strong windows, ne? It's no good for children to hear obscenities. They're staying for dinner tonight. But I can see Kaede-kun smiling at him, making Hanamichi-kun calm down as the both of them sit on the paved black ground of the court. They scoot closer to each other and link their hands together. They are starting to talk to each other about things a real couple would converse about. I don't think they are the type to give empty romantic promises but more on trying to know about each other. I can see the respect, love and sincerity reflected on their faces.

Several of us, including close friends and family, have known and accepted their relationship. The public has yet to know. Kaede-kun and Hanamichi-kun know about the consequences on how this would affect their careers. Few would accept while many would condemn and stigmatize them. But whatever happens to them, we will behind them for support.

Because I know that the bond that ties them together is the forever kind.

And I wish them the best and pray that Kami-sama will watch over them.


**owari**