Martyrs of Love

Chapter 5 The Return of the Past

--- --- --- --- ---

Beta: by Aurian De Amenti

Keys:

"Dialogue in Japanese"

'Dialogue in English'

/Thoughts/

--- --- --- --- ---

The clock was exactly at 1:00 after midnight when Sendoh entered the mansion. He took off his shoes and placed them in the cabinet near the entrance after locking the main door and setting the alarm.

The house was dead silent and bathing in semi-darkness, except for a few small lights on the ceiling, which barely provided any light for the hall.

Sendoh wondered if his lover was still angry with him.

Well, maybe not angry but rather disappointed…

Earlier this day, he received a call from the music shop he worked in. They needed him to fill in one of the places because one of his co-workers was absent. Of course, Rukawa didn't take this well since this meant that they had to stop their one-on-one and that had led to another argument regarding his work.

So many times, his lover had told him to quit his part-time job, saying that they didn't need the money. Rukawa was receiving a huge monthly allowance from his uncle that could cover their expenses for an entire year but Sendoh didn't wish to depend on his lover's wealth. He was an independent person and besides, he didn't want to be accused of taking advantage of Rukawa's wealth, especially from a certain overprotective uncle…

Even though Rukawa had assured him that nobody would dare to make such an accusation, Sendoh wasn't convinced and insisted on keeping his job.

Sendoh sighed deeply. When he insisted on going to work, Rukawa had glared at him coldly before shrugging and leaving the room. Sendoh wondered if the younger boy would talk to him anytime soon.

Suddenly, Sendoh heard a soft growl coming from his stomach, reminding him that he hadn't had anything to eat for lunch. And so, Sendoh headed to the kitchen. He was surprised to see a light coming from beneath the kitchen door,

/ Could it be Kaede/ Sendoh wondered, though he highly doubted it since his lover couldn't keep his eyes open after 10 p.m. He swung open the door and saw Mrs. James sitting on the small dinning table, reading a magazine.

"Mrs. James," Sendoh greeted. "Good evening."

"You mean good morning," the old lady said, looking up while smiling warmly at him. "I was waiting for your return to serve your dinner." She stood up and went to heat up the boy's dinner.

"Th-Thanks," he said, scratching the back of his head. "But you didn't have to wait for me. I mean I would've eaten anything available in the fridge and-"

"Don't be silly," Mrs. James said, dishing some warm stew into an empty plate. "So how was work today?"

"Tiresome," Sendoh said lazily as he took out a can of soda from the fridge. "Since it is Saturday, the shop was full of customers; most of them were young teens. Of course, the fact that two of the workers were absent didn't help at all."

"Two?" Mrs. James asked, placing the plate on the table. "I thought there was only one?"

"Well, that was the situation when they called," Sendoh said, sitting in front of his food. "But then another worker had to go home for an emergency, thus doubling the work on me and Yuasa-san…That's why I was late tonight."

"I see," Mrs. James said, sitting on the chair opposite to Sendoh and watched as the boy ate his meal.

Sendoh glanced up at the old lady in front him, feeling the urge to ask about his lover yet afraid to hear the answer. The old lady regarded him with a knowing smile but said nothing. Taking a deep breath, Sendoh asked the dreaded question. "How did Kaede spend the night? Was he angry with me?"

"I don't know if he was angry with you or not," Mrs. James answered coolly. "But he hadn't left the court after your departure until I practically threw him out of it. Then I forced him to eat dinner and sent him to bed."

Sendoh winced upon hearing this. This was definitely not a good sign…

"How long did he practice?" he asked.

"For four or five hours, I suppose." Mrs. James said calmly. "He also said something about practicing more to defeat you after Shohoku's loss to Ryonan last week."

"He's taking that defeat too seriously." Sendoh said, sighing. "It was just a practice game, for God's sake!"

"Yet, it meant the world to him." Mrs. James said quietly. "His dream is to join the NBA but he won't be able to complete his dream unless he becomes number one here first."

"I will never lose to him." Sendoh looked up at the old lady with determination. "I have told him that so many times and yet, he still doesn't give up and keeps on challenging me. Besides, he can go and join the NBA whenever he wants. I mean that he goes to America almost every year! Why doesn't he just ask his uncle to help him get in?"

Mrs. James smiled warmly. "I told you. He has to become number one here first. His coach, Anzai-sensei made it clear to him that if he wants to join the NBA and prove himself as a true ace, he must be Japan's number one player first, Or else he would only be running away from his opponents."

"Oh." Sendoh said, raising an eyebrow. "So he will stop at nothing to achieve this goal, will he? Even just to satisfy his pride? How stubborn that fox is!"

"Yes," Mrs. James said, laughing softly. "Pride and stubbornness surely runs in the Rukawa family along with basketball mania. Matt often reminds me of his father. He was also basketball obsessed. In fact, he was so obsessed with the game that he neglected his work in order to practice and get better. I'm still trying to figure out how he had managed to keep the Rukawa Enterprise running before his marriage to Mrs. Lillian. Of course, after the marriage, Mrs. Lillian had run the companies instead of him."

Sendoh chuckled softly. "That sounds like Kaede…neglecting his studies for basketball!"

"Yes," Mrs. James said; a shadow of sadness covered her eyes. "Sometimes when I see Matt practicing, I feel as if I was seeing Mr. Kanjiro instead. I feel as if I was still feeling the heat and passion that surrounded Mr. Kanjiro. I remember that he practically challenged everyone he knew to a game of one-on-one, including Mrs. Lillian. " Mrs. James frowned slightly at the memory of her Mistress running all over the house in a basketball jersey and shorts chased by her husband.

"He sounded like a great player." Sendoh said softly.

Mrs. James laughed. "He was a professional player in the JBL; one of the youngest yet best players in the team."

"The Japanese Basketball League?" Sendoh asked in surprise. "Wow. I didn't know Kaede's father was that professional!"

"Well, not many people know," Mrs. James said wistfully. "He was, like Matt, dreaming of joining the NBA. They were planning in going to the US when Matt becomes 10 years old. However, that never happened."

"Kaede doesn't talk about his parents much." Sendoh whispered. "Especially concerning their murder."

"That is understandable." Mrs. James said. "He barely knows them. And the night of their Murder was a horrible experience for Matt."

FLASHBACK

"Master Matt, please stop running," Mrs. James, pleaded tiredly as she chased after the five-year-old Rukawa Kaede all over the second floor.

She sighed deeply, wondering how what seemed to be a quiet and peaceful day turning into a tiring, hectic evening.

Mr. and Mrs. Rukawa were out on business dinner with some customers so she had stayed to baby-sit little Kaede while the rest of the servants were dismissed earlier, since Kaede was a quiet child and wouldn't cause any trouble.

During the night, little Kaede had been quiet and behaved as expected, however, this had changed after dinner, when Mrs. James said that it was time for him to go to bed. Kaede had protested, saying that he wanted to watch the basketball game that was showing in the TV.

/As if he truly understands what's happening. / Mrs. James thought grimily. But she can't blame the boy for this.

After all, his father planted the interest of basketball into the boy's head and heart in the first place!

Shaking her head, Mrs. James focused on the task at hand. She had managed somehow to drag the struggling boy upstairs, give him a shower, make him brush his teeth, then take off his clothes. She got him wear his pajama pants, but that was where her success ended…

In some way, the boy managed to escape her firm grasp and set off running, invading every room in the second floor, before she was able to put on his shirt. And thus, she had been chasing a half-naked little Rukawa for three straight hours!

Coming out from one of the rooms, Mrs. James caught a glimpse of the raven-haired boy running toward the stairs.

"Matthew!" she exclaimed, rushing after the boy.

The same chase scenario repeated on the first floor. Mrs. James stopped right in her tracks when she heard the sound of a car engine stopping in front of the house.

/Oh, No/ She thought, rushing to the hallway that led to the front door. Her eyes widened in fear as she saw the main door being opened.

"RUKAWA KAEDE MATTHEW! COME BACK INSIDE!" She screamed in horror, following the boy outside.

It was almost Autumn and the weather was slightly cold at night, the boy would definitely catch a cold!

He had already crossed the large gardens and was running toward the main gates, screaming for his parents, and then opening the locked gates with a remote control before disappearing behind the large gates.

When Mrs. James was midway to the garden, she heard another car approaching, followed by loud gunshots.

She increased her pace and pushed the gates open with all her power. Anxious cries escaped her throat at the sight of Mr. and Mrs. Rukawa's bodies on the ground, a pool of crimson red surrounding them.

Neighbors and passerby's began to gather around the scene, their faces an image of horror and shock. Horrified, Mrs. James looked around, searching for little Rukawa. She spotted him standing beside the car, staring at his dead parents.
"Matt!" She yelled as she rushed to him, examining any wounds. Finding none, she breathed a sigh of relief and embraced him in a tight hug, burying her face in his hair. It was then that she realized that the boy wasn't making any kind of movement or sound.

"Matt!" she yelled in panic, pulling away and shaking the tiny body gently. "Matt! Answer me!"

Looking at the boy, Mrs. James' fears grew tenfold as the look on the boy's face was of pure shock. His dark-blue orbs were blank and there wasn't any sign of recognition or awareness in them.

"He's in shock," said one of the neighbors. "It would be better if you took him inside. The police are on their way here."

Nodding, Mrs. James picked up the motionless boy and carried him into the house.

END OF FLASHBACK

"My God!" Sendoh exclaimed, panting heavily. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead. "But who did it?"

Mrs. James shook her head sadly. "An ex-employee working in the Rukawa Enterprise, whom Mr. Rukawa fired, after discovering that he had been selling the company's secrets to other companies."

Sendoh stared down at his almost finished plate, not knowing what to say. It was horrible to think of a five-year-old boy seeing his parents shot right in front of his eyes!

How did his lover manage to move on with his life!

Then again, Kaede hadn't really moved on!

Talking about his parents had always been a sensitive topic and Kaede had been evading questions regarding them each time he asked. But, he still lived surrounded by their memories and refused to leave them behind . . . the house, his passion for basketball, his dream to join the NBA . . . everything in his life had a link that connected him to his parents!

"How did Kaede react after he recovered from the shock?" Sendoh asked softly.

"After his recovery from the initial shock," Mrs. James continued sadly. "Matt kept crying and screaming for his parents while clutching to me as if I was going to disappear! He kept having nightmares about the incident for a long time after that." Mrs. James paused, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "His few remaining memories of his parents hurt him a lot. During the first three years after the accident, he used to burst into tears every time his eyes fell on a picture of them or when they were mentioned. I hid all their pictures until he got control of his feelings again."

"Why didn't you migrate to the USA?" Sendoh asked. "He would have been away from all his painful memories there."

Mrs. James smiled sadly. "At the beginning, I agreed on leaving with Mr. Andrews to the USA, but one night, it was raining and the thunder was loud, I went to check on Matt, who was afraid of the storm. I couldn't find him in his bed. I was on the verge of panicking when I remembered that he used to sleep in his mother's lap whenever there was a storm. So I went to the Master room to check there. When I entered the bedroom, I saw Matt in the bed hugging his teddy bear and his mother's night robe and fast asleep. I realized that I couldn't take Matt away from his parents. This is his country, his house, his true home and I can't take him away from all that and from his parents. So I convinced Mr. Andrews to let us live here." Mrs. James sighed before continuing. "However, after the accident Matt changed a lot. He started to hide his feelings from others, keeping himself away from being attached to anyone. I was worried that he would never find someone special to his heart, but now I'm glad." She smiled warmly. "I'm glad that he has found many loyal friends in the Shohoku High basketball team and a loving, caring boyfriend such as you, Master Akira."

Sendoh looked up at her and smiled. "I would willingly give up my heart and life to him, Mrs. James." He said softly. "Just as long as he is happy and satisfied"

"I know," she whispered softly. "You must go get some sleep, Master Akira." With that, she stood up, taking cleared and cleared the dirty dishes on the table.

Sendoh stood up as well and was about to leave the kitchen when he heard Mrs. James saying. "Oh, I forget to tell you," he looked back at her. "There is an envelope with your name on it in the living room. I found it in the mailbox this evening, though I don't know who sent it. There wasn't any name other than yours on it."

"Ok. I'll get it." Sendoh said. "It's probably from one of my teammates."

He left the kitchen to collect the envelope from the living room.

There, Sendoh picked up the medium-size brown envelope from the tea-table. He raised an eyebrow as he felt something that resembled a small notebook inside the envelope. /Who would send him a notebook/

Sendoh looked all over the envelope, searching for a name or anything that indicated its sender or its source, but there was none. As Mrs. James had said, there was nothing except his name typed on one side of the envelope. Sendoh was curious to open the envelope but then his eyes caught the picture of Rukawa's parents on the tea-table.

/Funny/ He thought to himself as he stared at the photo. /It's as though this was first time I see this picture. /

He set the envelope down and picked up the picture instead. He studied the picture carefully.

A tall, pale guy with raven-hair and vulpine gray eyes was standing in front of a Maple tree; his arms were wrapped around the slim waist of a blonde lady with beautiful big dark-blue eyes. They were smiling happily at the camera.

Sendoh smiled slightly, admiring how his lover resembled his father so much…

Both had the same raven-black hair, same lean but well-shaped body, lazy foxy-eyes that differ only in color.

Sendoh sighed, placing the photo back on the table. He was still pondering about Mrs. James' words, wondering why she had told him about the death of Kaede's parents!

It wasn't only because he had asked…there was something besides that. As if she wanted to make sure that Sendoh would not hurt Kaede!

As if she wanted to make sure that Sendoh understands what had made Kaede the person he is today!

Shaking his head, Sendoh decided not to think about this matter anymore. He wasn't going to hurt his lover in any way. No matter what happens, he would never hurt Kaede.

Picking up the envelope again, Sendoh left the living room, switching the lights off on his way.

He climbed up the stairs and headed to the bedroom he shared with his lover. Entering the room, Sendoh wasn't surprised to see his lover already sleeping as peacefully like a baby. He smiled warmly and walked toward the bed. He crouched beside the bed, admiring the sleeping boy. He had always loved to watch Rukawa sleeping. The way his lover's face relaxed into a more innocent, delicate expression filled Sendoh's heart with peace and joy.

Sendoh chuckled softly as he noticed the slight drool dripping from the corner of Rukawa's slightly opened mouth. Watching those rosy pink lips, Sendoh felt the urge to kiss them. He slowly placed the envelope on the night stand and climbed into the bed, careful not to wake Rukawa. Leaning closer, Sendoh captured Rukawa's inviting lips with his and caressed them softly, drinking in their sweet taste. A soft moan suddenly escaped from beneath him and Sendoh pulled away surprised to see two dark-blue staring coolly at him.

"Do'aho Hentai," Rukawa said in sleepy voice. "You're late."

Sendoh grinned and kissed the tip of Rukawa's nose. "I'm sorry, Koi. There was a lot of work to do in the shop. I promise to make it up to you tomorrow. Am I forgiven?"

Rukawa looked at his lover thinking whether he should forgive him or not. After awhile, he yawned before nodding his head. Sendoh smiled and pinched Rukawa's nose playfully. "Stubborn kitsune! Mrs. James told me that you had practiced for four hours after I left!"

"Five hours!" Rukawa corrected. "I still have to defeat you!"

"Not even in a million years!" Sendoh laughed before climbing out of the bed, heading to the bathroom.

Rukawa smiled softly at his lover before pulling the blanket and going back to dreamland.

Sendoh re-entered their bedroom and headed to the bed. His eyes lay on the brown envelope on the night stand. Again, his curiosity about its content rose. He sat on the edge of the bed and picked up the envelope. Tearing it open, a red photo album fell into his lap. Sendoh raised an eyebrow.

/An album? Now this is even weirder than a notebook/

He took the album from his lap and turned the cover. A terrified gasp escaped his lips as he saw the first picture. Quickly, he turned his face to the person sleeping behind him, fearing that his gasp had woken up the sleeping boy. Luckily for him, Rukawa didn't even stir.

Sighing in relief, Sendoh rose from his place and ran to the bathroom, locking the door behind him. As soon as he was safe in the bathroom, Sendoh sank onto the ground, staring in horror at the album in his hand. He couldn't possibly have seen what he thought he just saw…right?

He stared at the album, wondering whether the content would be different from what he saw previously in the bathroom.

It must be!

The bedroom wasn't properly lit!

He had imagined seeing that picture!

He must have!

Shaking his head in denial, Sendoh fought an internal battle against his mind until he gathered enough courage to open the album again. A soft whimper escaped his mouth as the same picture met his eyes. He hadn't imagined it. What he had seen in the bedroom was true!

With shaky hands, he turned the page and released another sob. He kept going through the pictures of the album, feeling his heart breaking with each photo. His tears slid silently down his cheeks.

It had come back!

His horrible past had come back haunting him!

The humiliation!

The pain!

The sorrow!

Everything came back with full force!

Dropping the album from his hands, Sendoh hugged his knees tightly to his chest and buried his face between them, rocking himself to sleep.

--- --- --- --- ---

Rukawa shifted to the other side, swinging one arm lazily to the other side of the bed, reaching for the boy sleeping beside him, however, only a cold emptiness met his hand. Opening an eye, Rukawa didn't see his lover beside him. He rose to a sitting position, staring suspiciously at the empty place. Sendoh's side was cold and both the blanket and the pillows were not wrinkled, which meant that Sendoh hadn't slept in there at all!

Rukawa frowned and looked around. The clothes that Sendoh wore for work yesterday were thrown carelessly on the sofa at one corner of the room. So the spiky-haired boy was here last night!

But where did he go?

And why didn't he sleep in the bed?

Scratching his hair in confusion, Rukawa looked at the clock. It was 10 in morning. It was still early for him to wake up since it was Sunday but he had to find out where was his boyfriend! Yawning, Rukawa got out of the bed and walked to the bathroom. Turning the handle, Rukawa discovered that it was locked from the inside. His eyes widened in surprise. Had Akira slept in the bathroom?

"Akira," Rukawa called, knocking on the door.

"Akira, are you in there?" No answer.

Rukawa frowned and knocked a little bit loudly.

"Akira! Are you sleeping in there? Akira!" he continued knocking.

--- --- --- --- ---

Sendoh jerked awake from his sleep at the sound of loud pounding. He blinked, taking note of his surroundings. Had he slept in the bathroom?

Why would he?

He tried to move but his muscles ached in protest at the sudden movement. His eyes, then, fell on the red album beside him and everything came rushing back to him. Sendoh's body tensed at the sight of the dreaded object. The loud pounding, however, brought the spiky-haired boy back to reality.

"Akira, if you don't answer me, I swear I'm going to break this door right now!" Rukawa's angry yet worried voice came from the other side of the door.

"I'm ok," Sendoh said quickly, praying that his voice sounded normal. "I'll be out in a second!"

He looked around him in panic. He must hide the album from Kaede. Ignoring his body's protests, Sendoh rose from his position. After washing his face, he wiped it with a towel, then picked up the album and hid it underneath the towel. Opening the door of the bathroom, Sendoh found his lover standing in front of him, his arms folded.

"Did you sleep in the bathroom?" Rukawa asked, staring at him oddly.

Sendoh grinned nervously. "I guess so." He said, trying to sound causally. "I guess I was so tired that I fell asleep on the floor."

Rukawa stared at him as if he had grown an extra head, before shaking his head in disbelief. "I will never truly understand you, Sendoh Akira!" the raven-haired boy mumbled as he passed his lover, walking to the bathroom and closing the door behind him.

As soon as the door was shut, Sendoh took out the album from underneath the towel and looked around, trying to find a place to hide it. Quickly, he ran to his closet and opened one of the drawers. He put the album there and locked the drawer with its key.

He sighed in relief as he threw himself on the bed. He stared at the ceiling, thanking his lover secretly. Even though they don't hide anything from each other, Rukawa had insisted on giving each of them some personal privacy.

That's why each had a separate closet for clothes and personal items. Moreover, Rukawa still kept some of his and Sendoh's belongings in his old bedroom, saying that it would be available for either of them to use in case they needed sometime by themselves.

Understanding what privacy meant to his lover, Sendoh agreed with his lover's arrangements, although, he couldn't see what the point of all of this was, since they always sleep together and don't hide any secrets from each other.

/Until now…/ Sendoh's mind uttered to him as he stared blankly at the ceiling. He sighed deeply, wondering who would send him such thing. The pictures in the album weren't normal pictures. They were so private . . . Something that not anyone can take at any time…

They were his pictures.

They were his pictures while having sex with Shouzen.

Sendoh felt some difficulty breathing. It was as if air refused to enter his lungs. No one could take pictures of him with Shouzen…

It was impossible!

True that Shouzen sometimes used to touch him in front of others but it wasn't something very intimate!

It was merely for marking his territory . . . for showing others his property…

And those pictures were more intimate.

He was in the bed with Shouzen.

No one could ever have taken them.

No one except for Shouzen himself…

Sendoh's eyes widened in horror at the sudden realization. Could it truly be him?

He still remembered how Shouzen used to record their sex making each time. It had sickened him to no end to be exposed to a camera while doing it but Sendoh didn't dare to question Shouzen's behavior. Cold sweat trickled down Sendoh's forehead. If Shouzen was the one who sent the album, then why?

What did it mean?

Shouzen assured him that he wanted to forget about their past . . . to start anew.

But then, what was the meaning behind sending that album to his house…To his lover's house.

Sendoh's breathing became more labored as waves of panic ran through him. Koshino's warnings rang loudly in his head. His inner fear was threatening to take over him.

Sendoh took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.

/There had to be other explanations/ He assured himself.

Perhaps, Shouzen wanted to clear everything between them.

He might have wanted to cut everything that connected them together and their past.

It wasn't clever idea to send those two here, of course, but maybe Shouzen didn't know how to bring up this matter, so he sent the album as a start.

Yes…That's must be the case.

Besides, Shouzen doesn't know that Rukawa isn't aware of Sendoh's past, so he must have thought that it was fine to send the album.

On Monday, he must tell Shouzen not to send anything here.

They'll agree on a way for Shouzen to hand Sendoh whatever he wanted to hand him and then, Sendoh will make sure that every link to his past with Shouzen will be destroyed! Relieved with this, Sendoh closed his eyes and soon drifted to dreamland.

--- --- --- --- ---

Exiting the bathroom, Rukawa raised an eyebrow at the sight of Sendoh sleeping soundly in their bed. He stared at sleeping boy for a while, wondering if he should wake him up or not. Rukawa sighed as he continued to watch his sleeping lover. Sendoh's weird behavior was beginning to irritate him and Rukawa really wondered until when his patience would last…

It had been since the start of the school term when Sendoh had changed. The older boy developed major mood swings, changing from happy to depressed to hyperactive than quiet without any specific reason. And there was that confused blank stare in his eyes that made Rukawa on the edge of punching Sendoh's face just to wipe it off…

He knew that Sendoh was hiding something from him . . . he could feel it.

Normally, Rukawa wouldn't bother intruding on others' secrets. He respected others' privacy the same way he wanted others to respect his, but this was different. This was affecting his life and his relationship with Sendoh. Rukawa could see and sense his lover's distress all the time, even when the spiky-haired boy was in a good mood. It was like seeing a ghost lurking in the shadows, but not knowing when it would strike. And Rukawa wasn't going to wait for it to strike.

He had tried to approach Sendoh and ask him about it numerous times. However, no matter how much he persisted, Sendoh wouldn't say a word about what was bothering him. The older boy always found a way to change the subject or ending it without saying something useful.

Rukawa shook his head. Walking to his closet, he took out a new pair of pants and T-shirt.

At least, he was sure that whatever Sendoh was hiding wasn't about their relationship!

After close observations and much assurance from Sendoh's side, Rukawa had come to conclusion that this has nothing to do with them. However, it still bothered him that Sendoh didn't trust him enough to share with him his problems.

Wearing his clothes, Rukawa decided to leave the older boy alone. With a sigh, the raven-haired boy left, closing the door behind him and missing the soft whimper that came from the older boy.

--- --- --- --- ---

"Idiot!" the hard slap that accompanied the word sent the trembling boy to the ground. Sendoh Akira shut his eyes tightly, fighting back the urge to sob. He didn't know what he had done to deserve that slap but then after being with Shouzen for almost four years, Sendoh knew that his boyfriend didn't need a reason to beat him. Strong hands pulled him roughly off the ground, swinging his body to face the angry face of his boyfriend.

"Where have you been all day?" Shouzen hissed in anger, shaking Sendoh's body violently. "Tell me."

"I was here," Sendoh whispered in fear. "I went to the market at five o'clock and returned after one hour and I didn't move from here ever since."

"The market?" Shouzen exclaimed. "And who gave you the permission to go the market?" He growled, throwing Sendoh hardly against the wall.

Sendoh yelled in pain as his body hit the wall with great force.

"You," he whispered, sobbing softly. "I asked you last night and you agreed." He slid on the ground and continued to sob.

"That was before I discovered your disloyalty, you worthless whore." Shouzen sneered in disgust.

At that, Sendoh snapped his head up, looking at his boyfriend with hurt.

"Disloyalty?" he whispered. "What do you mean?"

"Don't play coy with me, whore!" Shouzen snapped. "Some of the boys saw you fooling around behind my back with that scum Akunin." He said, throwing some pictures in front of Sendoh.

Sendoh picked up one picture and his eyes widened as he saw his picture with the other boy, walking next to each other, while carrying some bags.

/This was taken today/ He thought to himself.

It was only coincidence!

He saw the boy in the market and Akunin-kun offered to walk him home. There wasn't anything between them!

They the same age and had known each since young. All these thoughts ran through his mind as he stared at the picture.

"There is nothing between us, Ouji. I swear." he whispered softly.

However, this was proved to be huge mistake, as it only made Shouzen's anger rise even more.

"SHUT UP." he yelled, yanking Sendoh from the ground and throwing him with all his force to the other side. "You belong to me, you worthless whore!" Shouzen hissed, marching to the other boy. "You are my property!" he said, stomping the boy on the ground mercilessly, unaffected by the latter's screams. "No one is allowed to touch one of my toys. Your whole being is mine and mine alone."

Feeling a little bit tired, Shouzen stopped and looked at the weeping boy underneath him. "However," he said in disgust. "I can't really expect any better from someone like you. You are just like your mother. A whore."

Sendoh curled into a small ball on the ground, weeping. He didn't know which pain was greater; the ache that filled his body from Shouzen's abuse or the pain in his heart because of Shouzen's harsh words. Suddenly, he felt his body being lifted off the ground by two strong arms. Shouzen pulled Sendoh closer and forced their eyes to meet.

"I'll show you what happens when you cheat on me, Yuujo." Shouzen hissed dangerously.

Sendoh whimpered upon hearing Shouzen's tone. He knew that whatever Shouzen was thinking of would be painful and humiliating.

"From this day on, I will treat you like nothing but the whore you are." With that Shouzen threw Sendoh forcefully on the bed.

--- --- --- --- ---

Sendoh jerked from his sleep terrified. Beads of cold sweat dotted his forehead as he panted heavily. Why did he dream of that now?

He closed his eyes tightly as he took measured breaths, trying to calm himself. His dream was a long lost memory from his past with Shouzen . . . a past that he fought so hard to overcome and forget. Why did it return now?

Sendoh shook his head violently. This was over.

He assured himself. Shouzen is another person now. Sendoh is another person now. Both of them have changed. Both of them have moved on. And on Monday, both of them will shut that part of their lives once and for all.

Calming himself, Sendoh looked at the clock.

"Oh, shit!" he groaned upon seeing the time.

It was three in the afternoon!

/Kaede is going to kill me. / Sendoh thought as he quickly ran to the bathroom and took a shower.

Wearing his clothes, he ran outside their bedroom, searching for his young lover. On his way to the stairs, he almost ran in their new maid, Aoki Chiyo, whom Mrs. James insisted on hiring last week as a start in her plans to restore the servant body, which he and Rukawa were glad to get rid off when they first started to live together.

"Gomensai, Sendoh-san." the young maid said, blushing.

"It's ok, Aoki-chan." Sendoh said, smiling. "Do you know where Kaede is?"

The maid thought for a moment before replying. "Rukawa-san left the house. I don't know where he went but maybe James-joshii knows!"

"Ok, Arigatou." With that he ran down stairs, looking for Mrs. James. Aoki stared at Sendoh's retreating figure before she giggled softly and continued on her way.

--- --- --- --- ---

Sendoh speeded through the streets, wanting to reach the neighborhood court as fast as possible, where Rukawa was practicing. Sometimes, he wondered what Rukawa was thinking. Even though Rukawa had a private court in his compounds, he rarely uses it. He usually practiced in the neighborhood court or in the school court instead.

Sendoh would never fully understand the reason behind this, though . . . must be something to do with Rukawa's mood!

Speaking of Rukawa's mood, the boy must be very angry with him. Not only Sendoh had ruined their weekend by working until late hours last night, but he also slept in the bathroom instead of their bed and then he had overslept until three o'clock today and broken his promise to make it up to Rukawa last night.

/He must be angry. / Sendoh thought, stopping near the traffic light.

He wondered if he could make it up to his lover without dying from guilt first. To anger Rukawa was a difficult thing but to make it up to him was even more difficult…

Hurriedly, Sendoh crossed the street, running toward the court.

--- --- --- --- ---

Rukawa ran toward the basket, dribbling the orange ball. He then jumped high and dunked the ball forcefully. Landing on the ground, he bent down, trying to catch his breath. He straightened up and wiped the sweat away from his forehead. Taking the ball once again, he dribbled it to the other side and preformed a three-pointer. Someone clapped and Rukawa looked around. Seeing whom it was Rukawa glared coldly.

Sendoh couldn't do anything except smile apologetically at his lover. Sending another Kitsune-death-glare toward Sendoh, Rukawa picked up the ball and dribbled it.

"Kaede, I'm sorry." Sendoh said, approaching the silent boy. "I know that I messed up our weekend but-"

"What is the time?" Rukawa asked, cutting off Sendoh's sentence.

"Huh?" Sendoh raised an eyebrow. Receiving another glare, the question finally sank into his brain. "The time? It's 4:30." He said, looking at his wristwatch.

"I've been here since 2:30." Rukawa hissed, tossing the ball suddenly to Sendoh.

Sendoh caught the ball out of reflex.

"I know," he said. "Mrs. James told me." he passed the ball back to Rukawa.

"My uncle called." Rukawa said, tossing the ball to Sendoh again.

Sendoh could still hear the anger in his tone.

"Why?" Sendoh asked as he dribbled the ball

"The same old subject." Rukawa said coolly.

Hearing this, the ball slipped from Sendoh's hand.

"Hn. That caught your attention." Rukawa snorted as he watched the ball roll away.

Sendoh chased the ball and picked it up. He dribbled it as he walked back to his previous spot.

"And what did you say to him?" he asked quietly, not daring to meet the other boy's eyes.

"The same old reply." Rukawa whispered softly.

Sendoh released the breath he didn't know he was holding. It had become an ordinary thing for Rukawa's uncle to call his nephew and nag him about leaving Japan to live in the USA and, of course, finding another boyfriend.

It's been happening for six months, ever since Mr. Andrews knew about their relationship. And no matter how much Rukawa refused to listen to his uncle, the old man just couldn't give up his nagging.

"Akira," Rukawa said with a sigh, snapping Sendoh from his thoughts. "What's happening with you?"

"What do you mean?" Sendoh said, smiling cheerfully. "Nothing is happening with me."

"No," Rukawa said, signaling for Sendoh to pass the ball. "There is something bothering you." He caught the ball and walked to the basket. "It's making you uncomfortable most of the time." He threw the ball right in the net. "It may not be serious, but it's there." He turned around and looked at the other boy. "It's making you act strangely."

Sendoh stared at his lover, wondering if he should tell Rukawa about Shouzen.

No.

He couldn't.

If he started talking about his past in Tokyo, his entire past was sure to be revealed. He must find a reasonable explanation.

"Ok, I'll tell you," Sendoh said with a sigh. "Let's sit."

The two walked to the bench and sat next to each other.

"You're right," Sendoh said. "I've been uncomfortable lately, because . . . because, well, I'm nervous."

"Nervous?" Rukawa asked in disbelief.

"Yeah," Sendoh looked at his love, smiling sheepishly. "You know, being captain of the team means great responsibility." Sendoh scratched the back of his neck. "Leading a team is not an easy task, especially when we're facing strong teams such as Shohoku and Kainan. And the coach isn't making it any easier for me. You know how he can be sometimes."

Rukawa stared at Sendoh with an eyebrow raised, wondering if Sendoh was telling the truth! Sendoh looked deeply into Rukawa's eyes, praying to all the gods that Rukawa would be satisfied with this answer and drop the subject. He really doubted that he could keep those lies anytime longer.

"If I remember correctly," Rukawa said. "You've been responsible for leading your team in our match in IH last year; when Uozumi-sempai was out of the team."

"Well," Sendoh said, chuckling nervously. "That was different. It was temporary. But now, I'm the actual captain and it's really a difficult job, you know."

Again, Rukawa stared at Sendoh silently, taking everything he said with consideration.

Sighing in defeat, Rukawa finally nodded his head. "I believe you, Aki." He said, though there was still some remaining doubt.

"Thank you, Kaede." Sendoh said, smiling.

"Just don't let this affect you, Aki." Rukawa said. "Don't let it affect our life."

"I promise that it won't." Sendoh cupped Rukawa's face with one hand and pulled it close to his. They shared a lovely kiss before Sendoh pulled away. He challenged Rukawa to a one-on-one, which Rukawa accepted immediately. After several one-on-ones, the two finally felt tired and went back home.

--- --- --- --- ---

Monday Morning . . .

Sendoh made his way through the crowd of students, looking for Shouzen. He didn't search for long as he spotted the green-eyed boy strolling to a small space between two buildings. Sendoh shook his head. Shouzen probably wanted to smoke again.

Following Shouzen to his hiding place, Sendoh's suspicions were confirmed.

"Shouzen, aren't you going to quit?" Sendoh asked, seeing Shouzen light a cigarette.

"Why should I?" Shouzen replied smugly. "I've been smoking since I was 11. I can't simply quit now, can I?"

"You can if you have the will." Sendoh said. "I did and in a short time."

"You were never a real smoker, Sendoh." Shouzen said with a snort. "I still remember how badly you cough at night after smoking one cigarette."

"Well," Sendoh said solemnly. "That was in the past. I don't wish to be reminded of it."

Shouzen smirked and took another drag from his cigarette.

"So," he said with the same strange yet familiar twinkle in his eyes. "Why did you follow me here? I don't think that you followed me just to tell me to quit smoking, didn't you?"

"Well," Sendoh said. "I wanted to ask you something but not here. I don't want anyone to hear us. It's a personal matter."

Shouzen raised a questioning eyebrow. "Where then?"

"Let's meet at the roof top during lunch break"

"Can't." Shouzen said, shaking his head. "I'm going to meet the Judo club manger at the lunch break."

"The Judo clubs manger?" Sendoh asked in surprise. "Why?"

"Because I want to join the Judo club," Shouzen said with a shrug.

"You want to the join the Judo club?" Sendoh asked in amazement.

"Yeah. I think that it's time to unleash my hidden talents, don't you think?" Shouzen asked with a sly smirk.

Sendoh shivered slightly at Shouzen's hidden meaning. His breath hitched as he stared at Shouzen's eyes, suddenly remembering his dream yesterday.

"Yes, I guess so." He whispered softly, not knowing what else to say. "How is your hand?"

"It's fine," Shouzen said, tearing the bandages off his hand and showing it to Sendoh. The cuts were nearly healed.

"That's good," Sendoh said. "Next time, remember that you're holding a glass and don't squeeze it until it shatters in your hand"

"My grip is still as powerful as before." Shouzen said with the same sly smirk, clutching his hand into a fist. Sendoh felt his body tensed even more as he stared at the fist in front of him.

"So how about we meet after you finish practice?" Shouzen suggested, lowering his hand. "I think the judo club holds practices after school as well . . . so we could meet after we both finish practice? At the park, near the school."

"I have to go to work after practice," Sendoh's voice was above a whisper.

"Will it be long?" Shouzen asked casually.

"No," Sendoh said quietly. "I guess it will be fine. We'll meet after practice in the park." With that, Sendoh turned around and walked away. Shouzen stared at Sendoh's retreating figure as he took another drag from his cigarette.

--- --- --- --- ---

Sendoh and Koshino made their way to the cafeteria where they would be meeting Fukuda.

"So, Sendoh," Koshino said. "I saw you following Mr. Bastard this morning. Anything you want to fill me in?"

Sendoh sighed in defeat. "Isn't there a limit to your curiosity, Kosh? Honestly, didn't you ever hear about cats and their curiosity?

"Well," Koshino said. "I'm not a cat, for a start. And I'm just trying to prevent you from doing anything stupid."

"Thank you very much," Sendoh said, rolling his eyes. "But I'm not a child and I can take care of myself."

"So you say…" Koshino said, shrugging. "So what's up with Mr. Bastard?"

Sendoh rolled in his eyes in annoyance.

"Don't call him that." He said earning another shrug from Koshino. "As for what's up, I just needed to talk to him. There is some stuff that I wanted him to give them back to me."

"What stuff?" Koshino asked.

"Pictures of us in Tokyo and other things," Sendoh said. "You know, to get rid of them."

"Why do you think he still has those things?"

"Koshino!" Sendoh exclaimed, stopping in the middle of the corridor. "And you call Mr. Andrews, Mr. FBI! I swear you are worse than both of them! I don't know if he has them or not . . . I wanted to ask him in case he still has! Satisfied?"

Koshino blinked several times, surprised by Sendoh's sudden outburst. After recovering from his shock, Koshino grinned widely at his friend.

"Yes," he nodded. "And you are standing in the middle of the corridor, by the way."

"Shit!" Sendoh cursed under his breath, aware that the whole student body was staring at him. Taking a deep breath, Sendoh resumed his walk to the cafeteria while murmuring about annoying, curious friends, followed by a smirking Koshino.

--- --- --- --- ---

After practice, Sendoh hurried to the showers and took a nice hot shower before quickly changing into his clothes.

"Why the rush Captain?" Fukuda asked teasingly. "Late for your date?"

That earned Sendoh some snickers from his teammates. Koshino, again, couldn't miss the pleasure of making fun of Sendoh.

"I really do pity the one who would hook up with him though," he said, wrapping an arm around Sendoh's neck. "Fate would curse them with the most hentai person in Japan!"

The whole team laughed loudly at Sendoh's embarrassed expression.

"You have to be careful, Sendoh, though." Fukuda said softly, wrapping an arm around Sendoh's neck as well so that only the three of them can hear. "If Taoka-sensei finds out about your relationship with Shohoku's ace, he'll surely explode into your face."

"More than he always does?" Koshino asked, smirking. "Nope, Fuku. If Taoka-sensei knew about Sendoh's relationship with Shohoku's ace, he'll finally give into the temptation and strangle Sendoh to death." The two burst into loud laughter.

"Ok, guys. That's enough." Sendoh said, shaking Koshino's arm away. "I really must go now . . . Bye." With that, Sendoh left hurriedly, his teammates staring in amusement at him.

--- --- --- --- ---

When Sendoh arrived to the park, he found Shouzen already waiting there for him. Shouzen was sitting on a bench near some Sakura tress. He walked to the other boy, thinking of how he would open the subject.

"Hey," he said as he neared the boy. "Sorry, I was late."

"It's fine." Shouzen said; a strange light twinkling in his eyes. "How was practice?"

"Good. And yours?" Sendoh asked, sitting on the bench next to Shouzen.

"Fine," Shouzen said, staring at Sendoh oddly. "The captain was very impressed with my fighting skills."

"Good," Sendoh said, feeling uncomfortable because of Shouzen's strange look and tone.

"So what did you want to ask me?" Shouzen said, taking out a cigarette.

"About this," Sendoh said, taking out the red-album from his bag and showing it to Shouzen. "It was delivered Saturday night to Kaede's house."

Shouzen took the album, raising an eyebrow. "And why do you think I have anything to do with it?"

"Open it and look." Sendoh said, studying Shouzen's features carefully.

Shouzen opened the album and looked through the pictures with unreadable expression.

"Yes," he said finally, closing the album and placing it on the bench. "We had some wild days together."

"Why did you send it to me?" Sendoh asked. "I know you were the one who did it. No one can take such pictures except for you."

Shouzen looked at Sendoh slyly and Sendoh felt his old fears rise again in his chest.

"Because," Shouzen said mysteriously. "I wanted you to remember."

"What?" Sendoh said, jerking from his seat. He was afraid. He couldn't deny that. His breath quickened as he stared at his ex-boyfriend.

"Sit down and listen," Shouzen ordered coldly.

Sendoh couldn't help but to obey. Suddenly, He felt defenseless in front of Shouzen's cold stare. Part of him wanted to scream in the other boy's face . . . Wanted to run away . . . Wanted to fight back . . . but he couldn't. An old cold fear clutched its fists around Sendoh's heart to the point that he couldn't feel it beating anymore.

"I thought you changed . . . " he whispered softly.

Shouzen let out a cold evil laugh. "Changed? Me?" he sneered. "Dear Yuujo, you more than anyone else should know that I don't change."

Sendoh winced at the use of that name.

"My name is Sendoh." he snapped, rising from his seat. Suddenly, a fist caught his jaw, sending him sprawling onto the ground. He tried to defend himself but Shouzen was much too strong.

In a second, Shouzen lunged himself onto Sendoh and pinned him to the ground.

"You'll always be Yuujo to me," Shouzen hissed coldly.

"I don't love you," Sendoh said. "I have changed . . . changed a lot. I'm not that weak boy I was once any more."

"You'll always be the same weak, pathetic boy," Shouzen sneered. "And I don't care if you loved me or not. You are mine, Akira. Mine and nobody else."

"Get off me!" Sendoh said, struggling to break free but Shouzen tightened his grip on Sendoh's hands, gripping them so tightly his nails drew blood.

"Listen to me, boy." He growled. "That album was only a warning. I know that you haven't told your little rich puppet about your life back in Tokyo."

Sendoh's eyes widened in horror.

"Oh, yeah!" Shouzen smirked. "I know everything about you and your little Rukawa Kaede. So if you don't want that album or something else to fall into your boyfriend's hands. You have to pay for my silence. And you know very well what I want."

Sendoh stared at Shouzen in shock. He didn't know what to say or do.

Seeing Sendoh's defeated look, Shouzen smirked evilly. "I'll give you until tomorrow to think about it, Pretty Boy." With that, Shouzen pressed his lips forcefully against Sendoh's. He then got up, leaving Sendoh lying on the ground alone, looking bewildered.

--- --- --- --- ---

To Be Continued…

A/N: I know it has been ages since I last updated. Please, forgive me. Anyway, my muse is up nowadays, so here I am

Hope you like the chapter Feedback is always welcomed