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**
