A/N: Ohayou, minna! Sorry about the much delayed update, so many ideas so
little time. Hope you like this chapter, though, and review. Onegai!
I Do Not Own SLAM DUNK
Chapter 3: A New Life
It was a beautiful Sunday morning when Hanamichi and Nanami arrived at the doorstep of the Rukawa's. They were welcomed warmly by the household hel and Kai with the exemption of Kaede. Nanami noticed the boy's absence and asked her new husband.
"We had an argument yesterday about the way he spoke to you the other day," Kai said, his voice strained and tired. "He hadn't talked to me since."
"You shouldn't have argued about that. It's only natural that he feels angry toward me because of all the sudden changes around him," Nanami said.
"So, Hanamichi, welcome to my home. It's your home now, too, so don't be shy to explore the grounds, ok?" Kai said.
"Mom, I'm tired. I'd like to know where my room is so I can unpack," Hanamichi said politely.
"Oh, yes, of course. Follow me. Nami told me that you like a room with a view so I chose this room just for you," Kai said as he led the way.
The room was decorated in white. He saw a king-sized bed, the French windows offering a beautiful view of the garden below. There was also a small balcony where a small wrought iron breakfast table was situated.
"I know your room back at your grandfather's was much bigger, I hope this suits you," Kai said as he inspected his walk-in closet.
"Nope, this is fine, Kai-san," he replied and checked the bathroom next. He found out another room adjoining the bathroom and ventured inside. He scrunched his nose in distaste when he saw the room in disarray, t-shirts and soiled socks were just lying around the light blue carpet and soda cans and food wrappers were on top the desk with the computer.
"Whose room was that with all the trash?" he asked as he returned to his room where a couple of chambermaids was settling his luggage and boxes on the floor and Nanami was telling where to put what. "It looks like a slob's nesting ground."
"Hanamichi is an obsessive compulsive. He wants everything to be in order and neat," Nanami said apologetically and narrowed her eyes at her son.
"It's Kaede's. I, uh, hope that you don't mind sharing the bathroom," the older man said.
"Sure, that's ok," he lied. As long as he doesn't slobber the bathroom as well, he thought.
"We'll leave you here to unpack," Kai said. "If you need anything, food or help, press 0. It's connected directly to the kitchen."
Lunch and dinner went on smoothly but the tension between Kaede and Hanamichi was apparent. Their parents tried to coax them into a conversation but failed miserably.
The next morning, however, takes a new turn.
"Do you boys need a ride to school? I'm sure your father can accommodate you," Nanami said.
"They don't need a ride, Nami. I gave Kaede a car for his last birthday and he's already licensed to drive," Kai said. "Hanamichi can hitch a ride."
"I was thinking on dropping by my apartment before going to school," Hanamichi fibbed, doubtful of Kaede's driving 'skills'.
"Didn't I tell you, sweetie? I leased your place already," Nanami said and sipped her tea.
"You did WHAT?!," Hanamichi exclaimed. "B-but why?"
"Well, I thought it would be nice if all of us live under the same roof. That way, I can take care of you boys," she said sweetly.
"Hustle now, boys before you get caught up the early morning traffic," Kai said and he saw the boys out the garage.
--^--^--
The silver BMW convertible Kaede was driving almost hit a lamp post, an old lady crossing the street and finally skidding to a stop at Shohoku's parking lot.
"Do you mind not falling asleep while driving, you narcopeleptic kitsune! You almost killed us both and that old lady!" Hanamichi yelled furiously and slammed the car door as he got out.
Several students were shocked to see two of the most notorious basketball players arrive together, even so because they arrived using the same transportation.
"Sweet ride you got there, Rukawa-kun," Mitsui said as he and Ryota approached them.
"What are you yelling about this early in the morning?" Ryota asked the still fuming red head.
"Well, Kaede-niichan here almost got us killed because he's driving and sleeping at the same time!" Hanamichi snapped sarcastically.
All of the students seemed to stop in their tracks as soon as hey heard the name he used to refer the ace player.
Mitsui and Ryota's jaw slackened and stared dumbly at the two who was currently engrossed with their glare fest.
"S-since when did Rukawa-kun became your 'nii-chan'?" Mitsui asked as soon as he found his voice.
"Since his dad married my mom," the redhead snarled and stalked way when the bell rang.
By lunch time, the news of Rukawa and Sakuragi's familial entanglement circulated throughout the school. By the time basketball practice began, both Hanamichi and Kaede are fuming because of the weird looks and whispers the entire student body was giving them.
Practice came and went, and Hanamichi's ire became more intense when he discovered his stepbrother left without him.
Great, just great! That stupid fox left me! How am I supposed to get home now? Hanamichi thought furiously.
He knew the train wasn't an option because he doesn't know which station to get off to. Taxi is going to be expensive.so the only option he has is to call his mother to have someone pick him up.
No, I wouldn't give that stupid fox the satisfaction, he thought. I'll go home in style then I'll wring his neck for leaving me!
Then, he went to the school's public phone and called someone he knew he can rely on for always.
"Hello, Jiya?"
--^--^--
Meanwhile, at the Rukawa mansion, Kaede was getting his ears boxed as his father ranted and raved all because he arrived home without Hanamichi.
"You should be more responsible, Kaede! He doesn't know how to get home! What if he gets lost?" Kai berated furiously as he paced around the living room.
"He's a big boy, he'll figure something out," Kaede replied quietly.
"What if he got mugged, huh? Or somebody beat him up and left him for dead?" Kai said as a million worst case scenarios floated in hi s head.
Kaede sighed exasperatedly. At first he felt guilty for forgetting to call Hanamichi to go home. But now he feels jealous because he never seen his father all worked up on anyone, not even him.
"I said I'm sorry already! What more do you want?" Kaede said, his voice raising a little.
"Kai, please! Don't get yourself worked up on this! It's not entirely Kaede's fault. And besides, Pepper is capable of taking care of himself," Nanami said in Kaede's defense.
Kaede looked gratefully at his stepmother. Before Kai can further berate Kaede, the doorbell rang.
"Oh, Kami-sama! That must be the police," Kai said anxiously.
"Oh, for Pete's sake! Kai, stop it," Nanami chided, feeling anxious for his son as well.
"Who is it, Sagara?" Kai asked as the butler appeared.
"Its Sakada-san and Hanamichi-sama, sir," Sagara announced.
"Daddy?" Nanami exclaimed and hugged Takoa. "How did you find Hanamichi?"
"He called me up from school and asked to be picked up. I drove him straight here because I know you'll be worried," Takoa said.
"Worried is right! Are you hungry? Did you have your dinner?" Kai asked Hanamichi, checking for bruises to which he found none.
"There's no need to fuss, Kai-san. We've already eaten dinner. Is Kaede here already?" Hanamichi asked.
"Yes, he's here. Now, Hanamichi, its not entirely your brother's fault that you got stranded in school. You should've known that he would go straight home after practice," Nanami said quickly as she saw anger glittering in his son's eyes.
"You're defending him?! He left me! Me, you know! Your son! The one you've known and loved all your life!" Hamanichi exclaimed furiously, feeling hurt that he lost his place in his mother's heart. He looked at Kaede with contempt and said, "This is all your fault!" and stomped out of the sitting room all the way up to his room.
-^-^-
A few days after the incident, Hanmichi is still not speaking to his mother and avoiding Kaede, even during practice, both him and Kaede seem out of it and the tension between them has taken its toll on their friends, teammates and, most of all, their parents.
"So, what do you think? Should we or shouldn't we?" Ryota asked Mitsui and Kogure as they huddled together.
"I don't think you should butt in their business, boys. They're brothers, whatever their problems are, they should fix it themselves, nee?" Ayako interjected from behind them.
"Ayako is right. If we butt in, we could do more damage to them both," Kogure agreed.
"But if they keep this up, it's Sayonara Inter High," Mitsui said dully and Ryota nodded in agreement.
"What re you doing there, huddling in a corner? Practice!" Akagi boomed.
"Hai!" blurted the three players in surprise, tripping over each other as they jogged towards the court.
"Akagi-sempai, aren't you worried about those two?" Ayako asked the towering captain.
"Their games are off, of course I'm worried. Not only that, Sakuragi is quieter than usual and that's very disconcerting," Akagi replied.
"Have you talked to Anzai-sensei about it?" she asked.
"I did and he told me to back off and let those two fix whatever it is they have to fix," Akagi replied.
"I hope they do it sooner because its going to cost us everything we've worked hard for," Ayako said.
I Do Not Own SLAM DUNK
Chapter 3: A New Life
It was a beautiful Sunday morning when Hanamichi and Nanami arrived at the doorstep of the Rukawa's. They were welcomed warmly by the household hel and Kai with the exemption of Kaede. Nanami noticed the boy's absence and asked her new husband.
"We had an argument yesterday about the way he spoke to you the other day," Kai said, his voice strained and tired. "He hadn't talked to me since."
"You shouldn't have argued about that. It's only natural that he feels angry toward me because of all the sudden changes around him," Nanami said.
"So, Hanamichi, welcome to my home. It's your home now, too, so don't be shy to explore the grounds, ok?" Kai said.
"Mom, I'm tired. I'd like to know where my room is so I can unpack," Hanamichi said politely.
"Oh, yes, of course. Follow me. Nami told me that you like a room with a view so I chose this room just for you," Kai said as he led the way.
The room was decorated in white. He saw a king-sized bed, the French windows offering a beautiful view of the garden below. There was also a small balcony where a small wrought iron breakfast table was situated.
"I know your room back at your grandfather's was much bigger, I hope this suits you," Kai said as he inspected his walk-in closet.
"Nope, this is fine, Kai-san," he replied and checked the bathroom next. He found out another room adjoining the bathroom and ventured inside. He scrunched his nose in distaste when he saw the room in disarray, t-shirts and soiled socks were just lying around the light blue carpet and soda cans and food wrappers were on top the desk with the computer.
"Whose room was that with all the trash?" he asked as he returned to his room where a couple of chambermaids was settling his luggage and boxes on the floor and Nanami was telling where to put what. "It looks like a slob's nesting ground."
"Hanamichi is an obsessive compulsive. He wants everything to be in order and neat," Nanami said apologetically and narrowed her eyes at her son.
"It's Kaede's. I, uh, hope that you don't mind sharing the bathroom," the older man said.
"Sure, that's ok," he lied. As long as he doesn't slobber the bathroom as well, he thought.
"We'll leave you here to unpack," Kai said. "If you need anything, food or help, press 0. It's connected directly to the kitchen."
Lunch and dinner went on smoothly but the tension between Kaede and Hanamichi was apparent. Their parents tried to coax them into a conversation but failed miserably.
The next morning, however, takes a new turn.
"Do you boys need a ride to school? I'm sure your father can accommodate you," Nanami said.
"They don't need a ride, Nami. I gave Kaede a car for his last birthday and he's already licensed to drive," Kai said. "Hanamichi can hitch a ride."
"I was thinking on dropping by my apartment before going to school," Hanamichi fibbed, doubtful of Kaede's driving 'skills'.
"Didn't I tell you, sweetie? I leased your place already," Nanami said and sipped her tea.
"You did WHAT?!," Hanamichi exclaimed. "B-but why?"
"Well, I thought it would be nice if all of us live under the same roof. That way, I can take care of you boys," she said sweetly.
"Hustle now, boys before you get caught up the early morning traffic," Kai said and he saw the boys out the garage.
--^--^--
The silver BMW convertible Kaede was driving almost hit a lamp post, an old lady crossing the street and finally skidding to a stop at Shohoku's parking lot.
"Do you mind not falling asleep while driving, you narcopeleptic kitsune! You almost killed us both and that old lady!" Hanamichi yelled furiously and slammed the car door as he got out.
Several students were shocked to see two of the most notorious basketball players arrive together, even so because they arrived using the same transportation.
"Sweet ride you got there, Rukawa-kun," Mitsui said as he and Ryota approached them.
"What are you yelling about this early in the morning?" Ryota asked the still fuming red head.
"Well, Kaede-niichan here almost got us killed because he's driving and sleeping at the same time!" Hanamichi snapped sarcastically.
All of the students seemed to stop in their tracks as soon as hey heard the name he used to refer the ace player.
Mitsui and Ryota's jaw slackened and stared dumbly at the two who was currently engrossed with their glare fest.
"S-since when did Rukawa-kun became your 'nii-chan'?" Mitsui asked as soon as he found his voice.
"Since his dad married my mom," the redhead snarled and stalked way when the bell rang.
By lunch time, the news of Rukawa and Sakuragi's familial entanglement circulated throughout the school. By the time basketball practice began, both Hanamichi and Kaede are fuming because of the weird looks and whispers the entire student body was giving them.
Practice came and went, and Hanamichi's ire became more intense when he discovered his stepbrother left without him.
Great, just great! That stupid fox left me! How am I supposed to get home now? Hanamichi thought furiously.
He knew the train wasn't an option because he doesn't know which station to get off to. Taxi is going to be expensive.so the only option he has is to call his mother to have someone pick him up.
No, I wouldn't give that stupid fox the satisfaction, he thought. I'll go home in style then I'll wring his neck for leaving me!
Then, he went to the school's public phone and called someone he knew he can rely on for always.
"Hello, Jiya?"
--^--^--
Meanwhile, at the Rukawa mansion, Kaede was getting his ears boxed as his father ranted and raved all because he arrived home without Hanamichi.
"You should be more responsible, Kaede! He doesn't know how to get home! What if he gets lost?" Kai berated furiously as he paced around the living room.
"He's a big boy, he'll figure something out," Kaede replied quietly.
"What if he got mugged, huh? Or somebody beat him up and left him for dead?" Kai said as a million worst case scenarios floated in hi s head.
Kaede sighed exasperatedly. At first he felt guilty for forgetting to call Hanamichi to go home. But now he feels jealous because he never seen his father all worked up on anyone, not even him.
"I said I'm sorry already! What more do you want?" Kaede said, his voice raising a little.
"Kai, please! Don't get yourself worked up on this! It's not entirely Kaede's fault. And besides, Pepper is capable of taking care of himself," Nanami said in Kaede's defense.
Kaede looked gratefully at his stepmother. Before Kai can further berate Kaede, the doorbell rang.
"Oh, Kami-sama! That must be the police," Kai said anxiously.
"Oh, for Pete's sake! Kai, stop it," Nanami chided, feeling anxious for his son as well.
"Who is it, Sagara?" Kai asked as the butler appeared.
"Its Sakada-san and Hanamichi-sama, sir," Sagara announced.
"Daddy?" Nanami exclaimed and hugged Takoa. "How did you find Hanamichi?"
"He called me up from school and asked to be picked up. I drove him straight here because I know you'll be worried," Takoa said.
"Worried is right! Are you hungry? Did you have your dinner?" Kai asked Hanamichi, checking for bruises to which he found none.
"There's no need to fuss, Kai-san. We've already eaten dinner. Is Kaede here already?" Hanamichi asked.
"Yes, he's here. Now, Hanamichi, its not entirely your brother's fault that you got stranded in school. You should've known that he would go straight home after practice," Nanami said quickly as she saw anger glittering in his son's eyes.
"You're defending him?! He left me! Me, you know! Your son! The one you've known and loved all your life!" Hamanichi exclaimed furiously, feeling hurt that he lost his place in his mother's heart. He looked at Kaede with contempt and said, "This is all your fault!" and stomped out of the sitting room all the way up to his room.
-^-^-
A few days after the incident, Hanmichi is still not speaking to his mother and avoiding Kaede, even during practice, both him and Kaede seem out of it and the tension between them has taken its toll on their friends, teammates and, most of all, their parents.
"So, what do you think? Should we or shouldn't we?" Ryota asked Mitsui and Kogure as they huddled together.
"I don't think you should butt in their business, boys. They're brothers, whatever their problems are, they should fix it themselves, nee?" Ayako interjected from behind them.
"Ayako is right. If we butt in, we could do more damage to them both," Kogure agreed.
"But if they keep this up, it's Sayonara Inter High," Mitsui said dully and Ryota nodded in agreement.
"What re you doing there, huddling in a corner? Practice!" Akagi boomed.
"Hai!" blurted the three players in surprise, tripping over each other as they jogged towards the court.
"Akagi-sempai, aren't you worried about those two?" Ayako asked the towering captain.
"Their games are off, of course I'm worried. Not only that, Sakuragi is quieter than usual and that's very disconcerting," Akagi replied.
"Have you talked to Anzai-sensei about it?" she asked.
"I did and he told me to back off and let those two fix whatever it is they have to fix," Akagi replied.
"I hope they do it sooner because its going to cost us everything we've worked hard for," Ayako said.