Author's Note: Gomen nasai! I know i've been a TAD tardy on updating and I sincerely apologize.Just so you know, this fic is already finished and ready to be uploaded, just like its 3 other installments under the series of Kanagawa In Love. Again, this series involves Mitsui, Rukawa and Sendoh respectively and a last installment that is the conclusion of the entire series that features another lovable character in the anime, dare we guess who?
Anyway, all the reviews were appreciated and your criticisms (constructive or otherwise, but we always prefer the former ^-^) are always welcome.
I would like to acknowledge Esra, thank you for the review. I have read your fic entitled A NEW LIFE and that was where my inspiration came from. ARIGATO!
I've also noticed that I've forgetten the standard disclaimers' reply and I apologize...again!
I *sob* do not *sniffle* own *choke* SD *wails* !!!!
On with the fic...
Chapter 4: Sibling Rivalry
'Twas a hot Saturday afternoon when Kaede decicied to practice in the basket ball court in the East side of the grounds . His concentration only wavered when he saw his stepmother approach him with Sagare on her wake.
"You look like you've been practicing hard, Kaede-kun," Nanami said with an encouraging smile on her face. "Why don't you join me for a glass of lemonade?" And Sagara placed the tray on the wrought iron garden set a few feet away from the court.
Kaede looked at the woman across him as he contemplated the invitation. She looked so warm with that engaging smile and it made him wonder about the mother he never knew. I wish I can remember what you're like, Kaa-san, he thought forlornly.
"Are you alright, Kaede-kun?" the soft voice roused him from his sad reverie and met the warm honey eyes of Nanami, eyes like the d'ahou.
"I'm fine, Nanami-san," Kaede said, composing himself and walked towards her. He walked slowly to the table as Sagara poured the lemonade.
"I know that this had been a terrible shock for you, and its a little hard to swallow," Nanami began hesitantly as he sat down on the garden chair. "My Pepper is still reeling from the news, so I don't expect that all will be smooth sailing this coming months.
"I won't be forcing you to like me, Kaede-kun, but I do wish that you and Hanamichi will get along. Maybe not today, but someday."
Nanami looked at him expectantly for a reply but none came. He just stared at her with those icy blue eyes, devoid of any emotion or any clue as to what he is thinking. She sighed, she knew that Kai and his son had been estranged since the boy's mother died and Kai had let their relationship as father and son deteriorate when he failed to reach out to the boy.
"I want you to know that I will do my best to be a good wife to your father but seeing you now makes me think otherwise," Nanami said softly and Kaede stiffened but the older woman was oblivious to it.
He knew it, she hates him. Just like his father's other girlfriends. Well, he's older now and he won't be a pushover no more.
"But seeing you now makes me rearrange my priorities," Nanami continued and met his icy emotionless gaze with determination and compassion. "I will be a good mother to you first, then a good wife to your father. That would be a more promising venture, don't you think?"
Kaede's eyes widened a fraction in disbelief. A good mother to him? He thought in a daze. Is this woman for real?
"Y-you don't hate me?" he asked quietly and searched Nanami's gaze for a hint of malice or deception but found none.
Nanami's heart went out to him, he looked liked a little boy lost who yearned for love but distrustful to those who offered it. Afraid that he'll be discarded once the purpose had bed been fulfilled.
"No, Kaede-kun, I don't hate you," she said with a smile. "I have no reason to hate you. You are Kai's son and I love him. And loving him is loving you, too. You and you're father had been a blessing to me and Hanamichi. Because of the two of you, my life had been brighter than before."
Kaede lowered his gaze and thought for a moment. Maybe this whole thing is not such a bad idea after all. Of course, there's the d'ahou but its not like its basketball or anything. Its just life, our lives will be forever be intertwined because of our parents. So, why fight it?
A number of reasons.
But on the other hand...
"I will try to get along with Sa...er, Hanamichi-kun and thank you for having this conversation with me," Kaede stood up and bowed. "I haven't been able to say it out loud for a long time so I might take time getting used to it... Kaa-san." And turned abruptly to resume his practice.
Nanami choked on her lemonade when she heard what he called her then turned to Sagara with a smile. "Did you hear what he called me?"
"I believe, Nanami-sama, that the young master called you 'Kaa-san'," Sagara intoned monotonously but Nanami heard a hint of pride in his voice and her smiled brightened even more.
All will be good...
-~-~-~-~-
Hanamichi was exploring the Rukawa Estate when he saw his mother with Kaede. He felt insane possessiveness and jealousy course throughout his entire being as he watched Nanami and Kaede warmed to each other as they snacked on the grounds just beyond the basketball court in the estate. Then...
Nanami laughed at something the detested kitsune was saying and smiled at him tenderly.
A smile he only saw when Nanami was with him.
A smile that was just reserved for him.
He's losing his most cherixhed mother to the rival he hates most!
"You're my number one, Pepper," he remembered her say. "My only one."
And now, I'm only second best, he thought to himself, rage and despair mingled as he turned away from the scene that was breaking his heart.
-~-~-~-~-
The weekend had passed smoothly albeit Nanami saw little of Hanamichi. This morning is one of her happiest, the feeling was so overwhelming that she couldn't help but hum a happy tune as she prepared breakfast with the staff for her boys.
She set the pot of tea down and fluffed the centerpiece which was a vase of freshly cut gardenia when Kai entered the breakfast room.
"Good morning, sweetheart," she greeted her husband cheerily when she saw him and gave him a radiant smile.
"Good morning," Kai said with a chuckle and kissed her. "You're obviously in a good mood. May I ask why?"
"Let's just say I woke up on the right side of the bed," she said with a smile and her smile brightened when Kaede walked in the room. "Ohayou, Kaede-kun!"
Kaede blinked sleepily at her as if clearing the cobwebs in his still sleep induced brain before muttering an 'ohayou' with a ghost of a smile on his lips.
Kai's eyebrows shot up in amazement when he saw the fleeting show of emotion in his son's face and was delighted that Kaede was warming up to the woman he had married.
"Grab a plate, sleepy head," Nanami said when Kaede sat down on the table. "Would you like some hot chocolate or milk to go with your breakfast?" She asked when the maid served him oyakodon.
"Green tea," he said and added as an after thought, "Please."
"How 'bout you, Kai? Would you like some green tea too?"
"Green tea never agreed with me, but coffee would do the trick," Kai said and reached for the morning paper. "Is that oyakodon, Kaede?"
"Hai."
"It seems to me that your mother made the cook prepare your favorite, hmm?" Kai said with a smile and saw Nanami looking at him innocently but the laughter in her eyes ruined it for her.
"Arigato, Nanami-san," Kaede said and began eating his meal. Maybe a stepmother wasn't such a bad idea after all.
-~-~-~-~-
Hanamichi woke up late and went to the bathroom for a quick shower only to find Kaede's clothes strewn across the bathroom floor, the shampoo oozing out of its bottle and, to stretch his ire further, he found a glob of toothpaste dripping off its tube. And being a neat person that he was, he cleaned up the mess his 'stepbrother' made.
After finishing his well-deserved bath, he ventured down stairs and wondered when he heard his mother's musical laughter. And what he saw gripped his heart like a vice.
Nanami, Kai and Kaede are talking and laughing animatedly looking like a real family.
Mother.
Father.
Son.
Then, Kai lookes up and saw him.
"Morning, Hanamichi-kun, come and join us," Kai said.
Hanamichi took a seat and glanced around the table laden with dishes and wrinkled his nose.
"No pancakes? And why do we have oyakodon? Mom, you know I hate oyakodon," Hanamichi said.
"Sorry, Pepper. I just thought I'd prepare Kaede-chan's favorite. Now, stop being a baby and have something to eat," Nanami said.
Kaede-chan? He thought as his stomach churned in distaste. Hanamichi took a deep breath as he stood up to leave the dining room and excused himself.
"Where are you going, Hanimichi-kun?" KAi said. "YOu haven't had you r breakfast yet."
"Gomen, Kai-san, I lost my appetite. I'll just grab a bite at the cafeteria in school," he said, completely ignoring Nanami anfd Kaede. "Ja ne." And continued through the archway of the dining room.
Kaede looked hesitantly at Nanami first before asking, "Do you need a ride?"
"Don't bother. I'll just take the train," Hanamichi said and added sarcastically, "after all, I've been doing that since I got here." And hurriedly left the house.
Nanami patted his hand in reassurance as if to say, "Give him time."
Kaede sighed and got up and bid his parents good-bye before going to school.
-~-~-~-~-
"Are you coming with us to the mall, Haruko?" Fujii asked the brunette as they made their way out of the school grounds that afternoon.
"Um, I kinda promised nii-chan I'll be home early. Maybe some other time," Haruko said and waved good bye to her friends.
I wondre if nii-can's still with the team, she thought as she made her way to the gym to check up on Shohoku's basketball team and heard tha sound of a lone basketball dribbling and a pair of trainers squeaking against the fiberglass flooring.
She slid open the door and saw kaede practicing alone.
Kaede, oblivious to teh unexpected spectator, faked a left and made a beeline to make a jump shot and the ball went in with a swish.
"Rukawa-kun," she whispered reverently.
Kaede stiffened when he felt her presence and swung around to face the intruder and found little Miss Haruko by the doorway, gawking at him. Icy blue met startled baby blue.
"Um... G-gomen," Haruko stuttered and bowed. "I-I thought nii-chan is still here practicing with the team."
"Akagi-sempai dismissed us early," Kaede informed her blandly and picked up the ball he was playing with.
Haruko stood there on the sidelines, unsure what to do with the obvious dismissal in his voice. Should I go or stay? she wondered to herself.
This is the only time you'll catch Kaede-kun alone and you're going to passed it up? she asked herself.
Iie.
She snuck a glance at him underneath her lashes and gathered up her courage to speak. "News has it that you and Sakuragi-kun have become stepbrothers, correct?"
Kaede nodded as he placed the ball back with the others in the trolley.
"I haven't seen Sakuragi lately, though," she continued, encouraged by the small nod. "I suspect that he's adjusting nicely to the arrangement?"
"I wouldn't know about that," he said tersely as he remembered the scene at home during breakfast.
"Oh."
"And I haven't seen him lately myself, though we live at the same house and our rooms are adjoined," he added with a frown.
"I take it you're concerned?" she asked lightly, delighted at the fact that the icy ace player is showing a bit of emotion.
Kaede looked at her sharply when he heard the amusement that lightened her tone and said brusquely, "Of course. I'm not exactly jumping for joy about our parents marrying but he must be considerate of their feelings about the matter and stop being selfish."
Wow, Haruko thought. That's the longest time I've heard him speak. And it's not about basketball.
Kaede, on the other hand, sighed. How can he 'try to get along' with the d'ahou if the d'ahou in question is always avoiding him or snapping at him?
"Gomen for the sharp tone, Akagi-san," he apologized.
"No, its alright. I shouldn't have pried, anyways," she shrugged. "Its just that you two bicker all the time during practice and the fact that you don't talk much of your feelings, i-it's refreshing to hear you're not as cold as the others percieve you to be."
Kaede stilled for a moment as he absorbed what she said. He wasn't aware that he revealed too much of himself just now. And it surprised him that of all people, a timid little girl like Akagi-san would have the courage to speak up.
But Haruko misconcieved his silence for something else.
"I-I'm sorry, I've b-been forwar-"
"There isn't a need for apology, Akagi-san," he said quietly as he gathered his belongings in the duffel. "Tell me something Akagi-san, what's he like? Aside from being a loud, boisterous and egotistic jerk?"
Haruko chuckled at the description and bit her lip as she contemplated the question.
"Hanamichi is...well, like a child sometimes," Haruko said slowly. "He craves the attention, he rarely thinks before he act or speak for that matter and, yes, he is kind of conceited. He's very short tempered and impatient, especially when things don't go his way. But he's more than just that. He's very determined and passionate about basketball, that much I can assure you. He has a way of surprising and captivating the audience with his ways. I guess, you can call it charm. He can charm the people and intimidate them at the same time."
Haruko pursed her lips as she thought about Hanamichi. Now that she'd said it aloud, she found Hanamichi so contradictory. She couldn't quite grasp it but there it was, fascination. Fascination about the red head. Hmm.
Kaede hid a smile as he watched Haruko. Though, he had detatched himself from the rest of the world emotionally, he was perfectly aware of what happens around him and it was amusing to see one experience the uncertainty and the joys of discovering one's hidden emotion. And he couldn't resist voicing it out.
"And here I was thinking I was your crush," he said.
"Of course, you are," Haruko said without thinking and turned red. "W-What I meant was-"
"You just like me for my looks and my talent in the court, Akagi-san," he said."You and all the other girls are blinded by that super jock image, but somewhere deep in you, you have always felt something for Sakuragi-kun.You have said it you'reself, he has many faults but you accept him as he is and for that I'm envious."
Is that what she really feels? She wondered to herself and reeled at the fact that Rukawa Kaede had been the one to point it out ot her.
"Don't be confused, Akagi-san," he said in his monotonous voice. "Sometimes it takes others to see what you really feel before realizing it to yourself."
"Well,I...you see..." Haruko stuttered and added uncertainly, "I only think of him as a friend and nothing more... I think. I mean, you are the boy of my dreams and how is it possible that I...?" She trailed off in silence as she looked down on her hands.
"Sometimes, Akagi-san, the person in your dreams is not the person inyour heart," Kaede said and zipped his duffel as Haruko collected her dazed thoughts. "Akagi-san, would you like me to drop you off somewhere? Its getting dark and your family might be worried."
Haruko stared at him for a moment or to as the offer sunk in his brain and finally nodded then followed him out to the parking lot.
-~-~-~-~-
Hanamichi was wandering aimlessly around town when he noticed that he was well on his way to the Akagi's residence. As he got near the house, he noticed a familiar silver convertible parked outside. The top was down and he can clearly see who's the owner and his passenger. And from that corner, he saw Kaede and Haruko talking animatedly. Kaede's back was facing him so he can clearly see Haruko's face bathed in artificial light coming from the street lamp nearby. He didn't know what to feel as they continued to talk but something in him snapped as he watched Kaede lean over Haruko...
To kiss her on the cheek!
-~-~-~-~-
"We're here, Haruko-san," Kaede said to Haruko as he pulled the handbrake.
"Arigato gozaimasu," she said sincerely. "For everything. And please call me Haruko. We're friends now, nee?"
"Haruko, then. Its a pleasureto help my future sister in law," he teased. "Wait, don't move. There's something on your blouse." And scooted closer as he reached her. "I think it's just a bu- HEY!" He exclaimed as he felt somebody haul himself off his car.
"You sonofabitch!" Hanamichi growled and punched kaede in the face.
"No, Hanamichi, don't!" Haruko exclaimed in horror as she climbed out of the car and saw Kaede stagger from the impact.
Kaede felt warm liquid ooze from his nose and saw his blood. "Pepper, its not what you think..." he said calmly as he treid to regain his balance.
"Don't call me that, you piece of shit!" Hanamichi snarled and began attacking him again. Kaede had no choice but to fight back or become mincemeat and Haruko watched horrified and helpless as they exchaged vicious punches.
"Nii-chan! Nii-chan!" She called to the house. "Help! Stop them!" And saw Takenori come out of the house.
Akagi tried to pull Hanamichi away but to no avail and grunted as he was hit by a stray punch on his side. He went to the garden and grabbed the garden hose then marched back out.
"Haruko, get the faucet!" he ordered his sister and when water came out, he doused the two boys with cold water.
Just as soon as the cold water hit his back, Hanamichi pulled away from Kaede and Haruko rushed to the fox's side.
"Kaede, are you alright?" she asked worriedly and brushed Kaede's hair away from his face as she examined him for damages.
"I don't know what could hurt me more, Rukawa; the fact that you stole my mother from me or stealing the first girl who thought I was worth something," Hanamichi choked then he turned and ran leaving Kaede speechless.
He hadn't thought Hanamichi would be jealous of him. He stood up and winced as pain shot up from his ribs.
"Gomen, Akagi-sempai, for the trouble we caused," Kaede murmered and gritted his teeth in pain as he bowed.
"Can you drive yourself home? Or maybe you could call your parents," Takenori suggested.
"Iie," he said and winced inwardly as his head throbbed painfully and turned to Haruko. "Don't worry, Haruko. I'll fix this."
REVIEW!! ONEGAI!!
Anyway, all the reviews were appreciated and your criticisms (constructive or otherwise, but we always prefer the former ^-^) are always welcome.
I would like to acknowledge Esra, thank you for the review. I have read your fic entitled A NEW LIFE and that was where my inspiration came from. ARIGATO!
I've also noticed that I've forgetten the standard disclaimers' reply and I apologize...again!
I *sob* do not *sniffle* own *choke* SD *wails* !!!!
On with the fic...
Chapter 4: Sibling Rivalry
'Twas a hot Saturday afternoon when Kaede decicied to practice in the basket ball court in the East side of the grounds . His concentration only wavered when he saw his stepmother approach him with Sagare on her wake.
"You look like you've been practicing hard, Kaede-kun," Nanami said with an encouraging smile on her face. "Why don't you join me for a glass of lemonade?" And Sagara placed the tray on the wrought iron garden set a few feet away from the court.
Kaede looked at the woman across him as he contemplated the invitation. She looked so warm with that engaging smile and it made him wonder about the mother he never knew. I wish I can remember what you're like, Kaa-san, he thought forlornly.
"Are you alright, Kaede-kun?" the soft voice roused him from his sad reverie and met the warm honey eyes of Nanami, eyes like the d'ahou.
"I'm fine, Nanami-san," Kaede said, composing himself and walked towards her. He walked slowly to the table as Sagara poured the lemonade.
"I know that this had been a terrible shock for you, and its a little hard to swallow," Nanami began hesitantly as he sat down on the garden chair. "My Pepper is still reeling from the news, so I don't expect that all will be smooth sailing this coming months.
"I won't be forcing you to like me, Kaede-kun, but I do wish that you and Hanamichi will get along. Maybe not today, but someday."
Nanami looked at him expectantly for a reply but none came. He just stared at her with those icy blue eyes, devoid of any emotion or any clue as to what he is thinking. She sighed, she knew that Kai and his son had been estranged since the boy's mother died and Kai had let their relationship as father and son deteriorate when he failed to reach out to the boy.
"I want you to know that I will do my best to be a good wife to your father but seeing you now makes me think otherwise," Nanami said softly and Kaede stiffened but the older woman was oblivious to it.
He knew it, she hates him. Just like his father's other girlfriends. Well, he's older now and he won't be a pushover no more.
"But seeing you now makes me rearrange my priorities," Nanami continued and met his icy emotionless gaze with determination and compassion. "I will be a good mother to you first, then a good wife to your father. That would be a more promising venture, don't you think?"
Kaede's eyes widened a fraction in disbelief. A good mother to him? He thought in a daze. Is this woman for real?
"Y-you don't hate me?" he asked quietly and searched Nanami's gaze for a hint of malice or deception but found none.
Nanami's heart went out to him, he looked liked a little boy lost who yearned for love but distrustful to those who offered it. Afraid that he'll be discarded once the purpose had bed been fulfilled.
"No, Kaede-kun, I don't hate you," she said with a smile. "I have no reason to hate you. You are Kai's son and I love him. And loving him is loving you, too. You and you're father had been a blessing to me and Hanamichi. Because of the two of you, my life had been brighter than before."
Kaede lowered his gaze and thought for a moment. Maybe this whole thing is not such a bad idea after all. Of course, there's the d'ahou but its not like its basketball or anything. Its just life, our lives will be forever be intertwined because of our parents. So, why fight it?
A number of reasons.
But on the other hand...
"I will try to get along with Sa...er, Hanamichi-kun and thank you for having this conversation with me," Kaede stood up and bowed. "I haven't been able to say it out loud for a long time so I might take time getting used to it... Kaa-san." And turned abruptly to resume his practice.
Nanami choked on her lemonade when she heard what he called her then turned to Sagara with a smile. "Did you hear what he called me?"
"I believe, Nanami-sama, that the young master called you 'Kaa-san'," Sagara intoned monotonously but Nanami heard a hint of pride in his voice and her smiled brightened even more.
All will be good...
-~-~-~-~-
Hanamichi was exploring the Rukawa Estate when he saw his mother with Kaede. He felt insane possessiveness and jealousy course throughout his entire being as he watched Nanami and Kaede warmed to each other as they snacked on the grounds just beyond the basketball court in the estate. Then...
Nanami laughed at something the detested kitsune was saying and smiled at him tenderly.
A smile he only saw when Nanami was with him.
A smile that was just reserved for him.
He's losing his most cherixhed mother to the rival he hates most!
"You're my number one, Pepper," he remembered her say. "My only one."
And now, I'm only second best, he thought to himself, rage and despair mingled as he turned away from the scene that was breaking his heart.
-~-~-~-~-
The weekend had passed smoothly albeit Nanami saw little of Hanamichi. This morning is one of her happiest, the feeling was so overwhelming that she couldn't help but hum a happy tune as she prepared breakfast with the staff for her boys.
She set the pot of tea down and fluffed the centerpiece which was a vase of freshly cut gardenia when Kai entered the breakfast room.
"Good morning, sweetheart," she greeted her husband cheerily when she saw him and gave him a radiant smile.
"Good morning," Kai said with a chuckle and kissed her. "You're obviously in a good mood. May I ask why?"
"Let's just say I woke up on the right side of the bed," she said with a smile and her smile brightened when Kaede walked in the room. "Ohayou, Kaede-kun!"
Kaede blinked sleepily at her as if clearing the cobwebs in his still sleep induced brain before muttering an 'ohayou' with a ghost of a smile on his lips.
Kai's eyebrows shot up in amazement when he saw the fleeting show of emotion in his son's face and was delighted that Kaede was warming up to the woman he had married.
"Grab a plate, sleepy head," Nanami said when Kaede sat down on the table. "Would you like some hot chocolate or milk to go with your breakfast?" She asked when the maid served him oyakodon.
"Green tea," he said and added as an after thought, "Please."
"How 'bout you, Kai? Would you like some green tea too?"
"Green tea never agreed with me, but coffee would do the trick," Kai said and reached for the morning paper. "Is that oyakodon, Kaede?"
"Hai."
"It seems to me that your mother made the cook prepare your favorite, hmm?" Kai said with a smile and saw Nanami looking at him innocently but the laughter in her eyes ruined it for her.
"Arigato, Nanami-san," Kaede said and began eating his meal. Maybe a stepmother wasn't such a bad idea after all.
-~-~-~-~-
Hanamichi woke up late and went to the bathroom for a quick shower only to find Kaede's clothes strewn across the bathroom floor, the shampoo oozing out of its bottle and, to stretch his ire further, he found a glob of toothpaste dripping off its tube. And being a neat person that he was, he cleaned up the mess his 'stepbrother' made.
After finishing his well-deserved bath, he ventured down stairs and wondered when he heard his mother's musical laughter. And what he saw gripped his heart like a vice.
Nanami, Kai and Kaede are talking and laughing animatedly looking like a real family.
Mother.
Father.
Son.
Then, Kai lookes up and saw him.
"Morning, Hanamichi-kun, come and join us," Kai said.
Hanamichi took a seat and glanced around the table laden with dishes and wrinkled his nose.
"No pancakes? And why do we have oyakodon? Mom, you know I hate oyakodon," Hanamichi said.
"Sorry, Pepper. I just thought I'd prepare Kaede-chan's favorite. Now, stop being a baby and have something to eat," Nanami said.
Kaede-chan? He thought as his stomach churned in distaste. Hanamichi took a deep breath as he stood up to leave the dining room and excused himself.
"Where are you going, Hanimichi-kun?" KAi said. "YOu haven't had you r breakfast yet."
"Gomen, Kai-san, I lost my appetite. I'll just grab a bite at the cafeteria in school," he said, completely ignoring Nanami anfd Kaede. "Ja ne." And continued through the archway of the dining room.
Kaede looked hesitantly at Nanami first before asking, "Do you need a ride?"
"Don't bother. I'll just take the train," Hanamichi said and added sarcastically, "after all, I've been doing that since I got here." And hurriedly left the house.
Nanami patted his hand in reassurance as if to say, "Give him time."
Kaede sighed and got up and bid his parents good-bye before going to school.
-~-~-~-~-
"Are you coming with us to the mall, Haruko?" Fujii asked the brunette as they made their way out of the school grounds that afternoon.
"Um, I kinda promised nii-chan I'll be home early. Maybe some other time," Haruko said and waved good bye to her friends.
I wondre if nii-can's still with the team, she thought as she made her way to the gym to check up on Shohoku's basketball team and heard tha sound of a lone basketball dribbling and a pair of trainers squeaking against the fiberglass flooring.
She slid open the door and saw kaede practicing alone.
Kaede, oblivious to teh unexpected spectator, faked a left and made a beeline to make a jump shot and the ball went in with a swish.
"Rukawa-kun," she whispered reverently.
Kaede stiffened when he felt her presence and swung around to face the intruder and found little Miss Haruko by the doorway, gawking at him. Icy blue met startled baby blue.
"Um... G-gomen," Haruko stuttered and bowed. "I-I thought nii-chan is still here practicing with the team."
"Akagi-sempai dismissed us early," Kaede informed her blandly and picked up the ball he was playing with.
Haruko stood there on the sidelines, unsure what to do with the obvious dismissal in his voice. Should I go or stay? she wondered to herself.
This is the only time you'll catch Kaede-kun alone and you're going to passed it up? she asked herself.
Iie.
She snuck a glance at him underneath her lashes and gathered up her courage to speak. "News has it that you and Sakuragi-kun have become stepbrothers, correct?"
Kaede nodded as he placed the ball back with the others in the trolley.
"I haven't seen Sakuragi lately, though," she continued, encouraged by the small nod. "I suspect that he's adjusting nicely to the arrangement?"
"I wouldn't know about that," he said tersely as he remembered the scene at home during breakfast.
"Oh."
"And I haven't seen him lately myself, though we live at the same house and our rooms are adjoined," he added with a frown.
"I take it you're concerned?" she asked lightly, delighted at the fact that the icy ace player is showing a bit of emotion.
Kaede looked at her sharply when he heard the amusement that lightened her tone and said brusquely, "Of course. I'm not exactly jumping for joy about our parents marrying but he must be considerate of their feelings about the matter and stop being selfish."
Wow, Haruko thought. That's the longest time I've heard him speak. And it's not about basketball.
Kaede, on the other hand, sighed. How can he 'try to get along' with the d'ahou if the d'ahou in question is always avoiding him or snapping at him?
"Gomen for the sharp tone, Akagi-san," he apologized.
"No, its alright. I shouldn't have pried, anyways," she shrugged. "Its just that you two bicker all the time during practice and the fact that you don't talk much of your feelings, i-it's refreshing to hear you're not as cold as the others percieve you to be."
Kaede stilled for a moment as he absorbed what she said. He wasn't aware that he revealed too much of himself just now. And it surprised him that of all people, a timid little girl like Akagi-san would have the courage to speak up.
But Haruko misconcieved his silence for something else.
"I-I'm sorry, I've b-been forwar-"
"There isn't a need for apology, Akagi-san," he said quietly as he gathered his belongings in the duffel. "Tell me something Akagi-san, what's he like? Aside from being a loud, boisterous and egotistic jerk?"
Haruko chuckled at the description and bit her lip as she contemplated the question.
"Hanamichi is...well, like a child sometimes," Haruko said slowly. "He craves the attention, he rarely thinks before he act or speak for that matter and, yes, he is kind of conceited. He's very short tempered and impatient, especially when things don't go his way. But he's more than just that. He's very determined and passionate about basketball, that much I can assure you. He has a way of surprising and captivating the audience with his ways. I guess, you can call it charm. He can charm the people and intimidate them at the same time."
Haruko pursed her lips as she thought about Hanamichi. Now that she'd said it aloud, she found Hanamichi so contradictory. She couldn't quite grasp it but there it was, fascination. Fascination about the red head. Hmm.
Kaede hid a smile as he watched Haruko. Though, he had detatched himself from the rest of the world emotionally, he was perfectly aware of what happens around him and it was amusing to see one experience the uncertainty and the joys of discovering one's hidden emotion. And he couldn't resist voicing it out.
"And here I was thinking I was your crush," he said.
"Of course, you are," Haruko said without thinking and turned red. "W-What I meant was-"
"You just like me for my looks and my talent in the court, Akagi-san," he said."You and all the other girls are blinded by that super jock image, but somewhere deep in you, you have always felt something for Sakuragi-kun.You have said it you'reself, he has many faults but you accept him as he is and for that I'm envious."
Is that what she really feels? She wondered to herself and reeled at the fact that Rukawa Kaede had been the one to point it out ot her.
"Don't be confused, Akagi-san," he said in his monotonous voice. "Sometimes it takes others to see what you really feel before realizing it to yourself."
"Well,I...you see..." Haruko stuttered and added uncertainly, "I only think of him as a friend and nothing more... I think. I mean, you are the boy of my dreams and how is it possible that I...?" She trailed off in silence as she looked down on her hands.
"Sometimes, Akagi-san, the person in your dreams is not the person inyour heart," Kaede said and zipped his duffel as Haruko collected her dazed thoughts. "Akagi-san, would you like me to drop you off somewhere? Its getting dark and your family might be worried."
Haruko stared at him for a moment or to as the offer sunk in his brain and finally nodded then followed him out to the parking lot.
-~-~-~-~-
Hanamichi was wandering aimlessly around town when he noticed that he was well on his way to the Akagi's residence. As he got near the house, he noticed a familiar silver convertible parked outside. The top was down and he can clearly see who's the owner and his passenger. And from that corner, he saw Kaede and Haruko talking animatedly. Kaede's back was facing him so he can clearly see Haruko's face bathed in artificial light coming from the street lamp nearby. He didn't know what to feel as they continued to talk but something in him snapped as he watched Kaede lean over Haruko...
To kiss her on the cheek!
-~-~-~-~-
"We're here, Haruko-san," Kaede said to Haruko as he pulled the handbrake.
"Arigato gozaimasu," she said sincerely. "For everything. And please call me Haruko. We're friends now, nee?"
"Haruko, then. Its a pleasureto help my future sister in law," he teased. "Wait, don't move. There's something on your blouse." And scooted closer as he reached her. "I think it's just a bu- HEY!" He exclaimed as he felt somebody haul himself off his car.
"You sonofabitch!" Hanamichi growled and punched kaede in the face.
"No, Hanamichi, don't!" Haruko exclaimed in horror as she climbed out of the car and saw Kaede stagger from the impact.
Kaede felt warm liquid ooze from his nose and saw his blood. "Pepper, its not what you think..." he said calmly as he treid to regain his balance.
"Don't call me that, you piece of shit!" Hanamichi snarled and began attacking him again. Kaede had no choice but to fight back or become mincemeat and Haruko watched horrified and helpless as they exchaged vicious punches.
"Nii-chan! Nii-chan!" She called to the house. "Help! Stop them!" And saw Takenori come out of the house.
Akagi tried to pull Hanamichi away but to no avail and grunted as he was hit by a stray punch on his side. He went to the garden and grabbed the garden hose then marched back out.
"Haruko, get the faucet!" he ordered his sister and when water came out, he doused the two boys with cold water.
Just as soon as the cold water hit his back, Hanamichi pulled away from Kaede and Haruko rushed to the fox's side.
"Kaede, are you alright?" she asked worriedly and brushed Kaede's hair away from his face as she examined him for damages.
"I don't know what could hurt me more, Rukawa; the fact that you stole my mother from me or stealing the first girl who thought I was worth something," Hanamichi choked then he turned and ran leaving Kaede speechless.
He hadn't thought Hanamichi would be jealous of him. He stood up and winced as pain shot up from his ribs.
"Gomen, Akagi-sempai, for the trouble we caused," Kaede murmered and gritted his teeth in pain as he bowed.
"Can you drive yourself home? Or maybe you could call your parents," Takenori suggested.
"Iie," he said and winced inwardly as his head throbbed painfully and turned to Haruko. "Don't worry, Haruko. I'll fix this."
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