True Confessions

XXX

119th Koban, Tokyo, Thursday, 5:00 PM

The room was medium to large-intended for office use, good enough to cater enough personnel and officers. As one walked in, you could smell two very distinct smells; brewed coffee and musk cologne, mainly because of men occupying majority of the desks. Lit only by the glow of a shaded lamps found on oak writing desks in every cubicle, there are few windows around the office, making the room a bit dim, but once your eyes adjusted, it was a comforting dimness.

Cubicles inhabit the room as officers/ men in uniform walked to and from, sit and stand and exit the precinct on that typical Thursday late afternoon. The main door open, there are two coat racks on one side, currently a few coats hanging by-it wasn't a cheap one, crafted in such a way that you almost felt as if you could reach out and touch the different flowers that made up the design, that is, if you have time to stop by and admire the rack—which no one in the office has.

"Lieutenant."

Pausing on typing in his laptop, he looked up and saw a colleague with a file folder. He nodded and the dossier was left on his table. He dumped a sigh and opened the folder a bit, wanting to scan but closing it anyway since he still has to finished the report.

A few more minutes he stood up after printing his report, placing it inside a specific folder he walked to where his Captain's office was. Knocking twice, he twists the knob open, pushing it a bit.

"Captain?" He called out, head peeking in and was greeted by a big and bulky guy with a menacing look. He held up a hand and nodded as he finishes his conversation. Hanging up, he swiveled around. "Yeah, its good you're here." Uozumi Jun stated, opening a folder.

A nod. Sendoh Akira approached his senior and placed his report, smiling a bit. "Done—case close with that burglary-homicide case."

"Good. Got any new cases?"

"Uh, one on my desk, just came in." Sendoh stated, shrugging. "I haven't opened it yet so I have no idea what it is."

Uozumi nodded and got one folder. "I want you to handle this one. I'm good friends with the one who filed the missing person's report so…" Uozumi cleared his throat, eyeing his best guy in the office. Sendoh raised a brow and got the folder, opening it out of his curiosity. His eyes, scanning and flipping pages.

"Missing person. Since when, captain?" He queried. Uozumi shrugged. "Five years." Sendoh gapes a bit, now, curious. "And when was this… originally filed?" Uozumi clacked his tongue and leaned back. "Everything is in there, just go about and read on it. I just want a set of fresh eyes." A pause. "Please?" His eyes stern but his tone, humbling. Sendoh dumped a sigh.

"Captain."

"Hm?"

"Why me?"

Uozumi paused, dumping a sigh a bit before staring at the tall, spiky-haired, blue-eyed officer. "Well, you have a good knack for finding lost people."

Sendoh blinked, surprised at what he heard. While it can be deemed true that he seemed to have that streak in solving tough cases, Sendoh honestly think that lady luck just might be on his side. "Oh. That, captain, I…" He stammered. Uozumi smirked.

"I can give it to Fukuda if you're busy." Uozumi stated, standing up to grab the folder back. Sendoh held back the dossier and shook his head. "Ah—well, I'm on it. I'll get back to you soon, captain." A smile, and he exited the office. Uozumi can only smile and shake his head.

6:00 PM, Thursday

Flipping the folder and reading onto the file, Sendoh read and types in his computer, trying to study and traced back the details and whatever that is written on the folder.

"Thought you left already."

Looking up he saw his colleague—Fukuda Kicchou, a detective as well in their precinct. The equally taller guy stood in front of his desk, a smirk on his face. "Is that Uozumi's?" He asked. Smiling a bit, but not leaving his eyes on the screen, Sendoh nodded. "Yup." Fukuda snorted. "Thought he wanted me to have it. That monkey."

Sendoh chuckled a bit, pausing as he stared at the latter. "Well, want to help me?" Fukuda snorted and shrugged. "Nah, you're his best guy here, I wouldn't want to impose on your supremacy, Lt."

"Hey—bastard." Sendoh scoffed. Fukuda chuckled a bit and started turning around. "Hey, there's free beer tomorrow night at Molly's. Everyone seems to be going."

"Free beer?" Sendoh echoed, eyes back again at the screen. Fukuda nodded. "Yeah, some beer fest or something."

Sendoh looked up a bit, contemplating but very much of course, willing. "Sure. I'll try to drop by." Fukuda rolled his eyes, it's the line Sendoh always say when he's not going to be able to come. Years of being with his friend, its an easy read. Fukuda snorted. "Alright man, sheesh. Send me a copy of that file and I'm in."

Sendoh grinned and playfully drummed his hand on his desk. "Thanks, man."

"What's its about anyway?"

"Uh—missing person? Five years… gone cold, dropped for seven times by several detectives. No new leads."

"I'm dreading I said yes, already. Well, whatever, just send me the file tonight." Fukuda stated, scratching his head, he waved off and marched away. Sendoh simply nodded and went back to his work. He momentarily stared at his watch. Alright, just thirty minutes more and I'm out.

XXX

8:00 PM, Tokyo

Sendoh removed his gun holster strap, his badge, and tossed everything on a table nearby, plopping heavily on the couch in his apartment condo, he switched the TV open and flipped channels for awhile before settling in on some random channel. Getting up, he moved towards the kitchen to fix something but sensing it's a bit late to do so, he decided to just grab some take-out food outside.

He walked the semi-busy streets of his neighborhood, still donning his uniform, he pulled his coat tighter as the pre-fall breeze send in a mild chilly gust that evening. He stopped by a familiar favorite and in no time is holding a plastic bag while counting his change. He paused for a minute before deciding to head back home.

He passed by the usual stalls and bars and restaurants and stopped abruptly when he saw a lounge everyone's seemed acquainted of. Molly's. Remembering Fukuda's words, he decided to approached the bar that is situated a bit lowly; he had to descend down a few steps and pushed the red-brass door.

Old records seemed to be the major basis for Molly's design. Vinyl records and vintage posters hung upright on the crème-colored walls. An old jukebox player stands on the right side of the bar as glasses hung right just above the main tavern.

Sendoh approached the bar and sat on a high stool, admiring the numerous bottles and glasses that lines perfectly in front of him. His eyes met with the proprietor and instantly he was approached by no other than, the owner, herself.

"Hey Lt., nice of you to dropped by." She smiled. "What can I get you?" Molly Simms, the owner and manager stated. Dark-haired, with piercings in her ears and nose, a few tattoos in her arms, she's can pose as someone intimidating but the officers and patrons near her well-managed and cozy bar makes her place the 'it' place mostly for small gatherings and unwinding moments.

Sendoh scoffed a bit, smiling—contemplating whether to get a drink or just head home. But… odd as it may sound, it's the gut feeling he thought he had in his stomach that led him there. "Well, I heard you're having some free beers?" Sendoh stated, smiling a bit.

Molly chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, you heard right but—you're quite too early. Tomorrow though." She paused. Sendoh playfully clacked his tongue. "Tc, and I thought I'd get a free drink tonight. Tough luck."

The lady behind the counter grinned. "Well, you won't get any free tonight but, I have here this coupon for tomorrow. Some of your colleagues in the precinct already got a few of these. Free drinks start a bit later—11pm until 1am only, so…you got time to be solving your tough cases or whatever it is that you guys needed to do first. Also, this is only good while our supplies last so… better hurry your ass here, Lt." She grinned.

He stared at the two coupons, a smile on his face. "Two?"

Molly shrugged. "Yeah, I've moved on already from you, so you're free to bring in someone tomorrow. A date, maybe?" She chuckled. Sendoh, too, smiled a bit and shook his head. "Thanks, Mol."

"So, care for anything?" She asked.

Sendoh decided to get some concocted drinks and stayed for awhile. Molly busied herself as customers started arriving as well. The bar is filled in with random people in no time. Sendoh, not quite mindful of his surrounding, kept his head bowed down as he browsed on his phone, reading on that case file Uozumi asked him to handle.

It was quite an odd one really, the missing person is a woman, who, before disappearing hired a private investigator to follow on her husband whom she is quite certain to be cheating on her. They met one night to confirm what she was dreading and that would be the last time the private investigator from five years ago would be hearing from her client.

Sendoh slowly browsed on his phone, scrolling it a bit upward, he was distracted when the messenger icon popped up. He scoffed softly. Just some silly conversations from a group chat he's a member of. Sendoh decided to humor himself as he clicked on the convo and saw his classmates back in college as they happily talked about a photo one of them sent. Sendoh browsed upward and clicked on the image.

It was a college team photo of them—the basketball team of Kanagawa University. Quite more than a decade ago. They all looked like fresh ducks waiting to be beheaded. Sendoh scoffed to himself, smiling a bit as he stared at his teammates and their old coaches and assistant coaches—it was a random photo but it held so many memories. Wonderful ones—and some not-so-wonderful ones.

His eyes blinked—stopping by a picture of himself. He chuckled when he read a few comments from his colleagues as they tagged and made amusing comments on their photo. Ignoring the sudden ruckus, he was about to exit the app when his eyes stopped by a certain person; a teammate of his as well. He hovered above the photo and zoomed it in.

Sendoh stared at the photo for awhile, and his lips tugged up. Blue eyes, raven-haired, pale-looking, one of the best players/teammates he's come to play and be teammates with. Sendoh smiled, quite remembering their 'duo' back then. Needless to say, their partnership brought about years of triumph in their institution.

But amidst the partnership and camaraderie—something else happened. Well, to Sendoh at least, something wonderful he thought, blossomed. He secretly… fell in love.

The good thing about having a photograph is that it is the pause button of life; its like a story when one fails to put into words. And maybe, another good thing about having these pictures is that…its all about the secrets. The secrets we all have and maybe… will never tell.

Feelings of the heart. Sendoh scoffed softly, partly reminiscing a distant memory he had once with a teammate. For its true, because there are certain people that'll inhabit a small quiet space in your heart despite any circumstance, happening or situation. Somehow, they left a piece of themselves when their souls collided. And annoying as it may, they'll always subtly remain.

Its been years now and honestly, he has no idea where this person is anymore; the last time he heard is that he finally went to America to pursue his dreams. And he never once heard of him ever, since then.

Sendoh wistfully exited the app and went back to his case, closing in a few tabs. He cleared his throat and decided to drink from his moistened glass, surprised when he saw the tavern packed with people already. He looked behind him and the bar suddenly seemed crowded. He saw Molly and the waiters barely noticing him now as they all served and made drinks with a nod and a smile.

His phone rings. Sendoh stared and saw Fukuda Kicchou calling. "Hey."

"Yo." Fukuda muttered. "Got a minute?"

Sendoh nodded. "Yeah, sure." Fukuda's brows furrowed, hearing a noisy background from his colleague. "You out?" Sendoh chuckled a bit. "Yeah, went out to grab some take out, end up hanging here at Molly's." Fukuda snorted a bit. "You're early, man. It's tomorrow." Sendoh shrugged. "Yeah, I've been told. So, what about?"

Fukuda dumped a sigh. "So, I was reading thru this file—this cold case, and I found one possible lead. I don't know if they missed it but, its worth a shot."

"Great. Of course." Sendoh muttered, starting to fished for his wallet, readying to leave. "It pays to be thorough."

"Yeah, will send it to you tonight."

"Sure. Thanks." Sendoh ended the call and stared at his phone for awhile. Soon, a file has been sent in his personal email. Sendoh leaned on the bar, trying to get Molly's or anyone's attention but, everyone's busy. He drummed his fingers for quite sometime, eyes staring at nothing in particular when he was broken out of his reverie.

"And one whiskey smash for you."

"Uh-no, Molly, actually I'm getting ready to leave-?!"

Molly snickered. "Oh, someone asked me to give you this." The owner craned her neck a bit, looking around, trying to remember where and who—paused a bit and smiled. "Found him. There he is. Its on his tab, just enjoy it will you, Lt." She winked and left in a hurry, catering to other patrons.

Sendoh stared at the lowball glass of concocted whiskey then to where he thought Molly pointed—and found himself gaping. Literally. He never planned on going out that night. At the back of his mind, maybe he shouldn't have stayed. But then again, life is so full of unpredictable beauty and strange surprises.

Sendoh found himself leaning on the mantra that sometimes what you're looking for, comes when you're not looking at all.

"Never thought I'd see you here." A smirk. Sendoh remained gaping on his seat, partly confused but very much surprised as well. He furrowed his brows and tried to speak but no words came out. A soft scoffed escaped the person who approached him casually and occupied the empty stool beside him.

"Uh-how… what…" Sendoh muttered under his breath. He fidgets on his seat, turned to his left, leaning his right arm on the tavern. His eyes held on the face of that person he was just thinking of—awhile ago. Sendoh let out a smile, scratching his nape, quite unprepared for what the night has in stored for him.

"I cant believed you're here either. So, how are you, Rukawa?" Sendoh finally managed to speak. "I mean, I thought you're already…" Sendoh trailed off, but was cut.

"Hold up. One by one." Rukawa muttered, drumming his fingers lightly on the tavern. Sendoh blinked—there was something about this 'Rukawa'. The 'Rukawa' he knew is aloof, distant, quiet… but this person beside him… there is something about his former teammate that Sendoh cant quite get decipher yet. He found himself gazing at the other.

Rukawa is—still himself. Looking as if he hasn't aged at all, well, maybe he did, a little. Sendoh took note that Rukawa is sporting black mostly. Black leather jacket over a black shirt, and a pair of dark denim and some black leather boots. His fair complexion and striking features are making it harder to missed him; if Rukawa is indeed trying to be discreet and unnoticeable by wearing something dark.

"I'm… okay. Thanks for asking." A small smile. "And you?" Sendoh kept the stupefied part of him to himself. He smiled back, nodding. Time must have done wonders for his former teammate. "Glad to know. I'm good, thanks for asking back." Sendoh grinned.

Rukawa snorted. "I was having second thoughts if it was indeed you—but you never did let go of that silly hairstyle of yours." A pause. Sendoh blinked, then laughed.

And so—they conversed. On that unlikely evening. Two former teammates… friends. A chance meeting on a typical day. Sendoh was reminded partly of his emotions; and that what took him back to his past are the memories. On that evening, he hoped that his gut feeling would bring him forward to his dreams.

XXX

11:00 PM, Molly's

Exiting Molly's, Rukawa ascended the stairs and was met with Sendoh who was standing outside already. The night dropped its temperature that evening, pulling his coat, Rukawa pocketed his hands. Sendoh simply stared.

"I must have kept you late. Sorry." Rukawa muttered, nodding. Sendoh scoffed, smiling. "Noo—its been years and I don't mind. Not really. Not one bit." Rukawa simply blinked his eyes and smiled. "Good." Sendoh grinned back. At the back of his head—he felt butterflies suddenly in his stomach. He cleared his throat and started walking. "So, uh—where are you headed?"

"Oh, I live nearby."

"How near is nearby?" Sendoh asks, curiously. Rukawa shrugged. "Just a few blocks around. And you?"

"Same. Hey, I could walk you back—if you don't mind. I mean, you brought me a drink."

A soft chuckle sent Sendoh up as he tried not to be surprised that much. "Thanks, but I'm good." Sendoh rolled his eyes. "C'mon. Please? It's the least I can do—for the drink." He grinned. Deep inside, he just wished Rukawa would just oblige.

"Thanks, but—I'm good. Its just a drink." Rukawa muttered, eyes almost glaring but oddly warm and bluer than ever as well. Sendoh clacked his tongue. "Guess, I cant persuade you, huh." Rukawa simply smiled a bit and shrugged.

"Fine—but next time, I'm buying."

"Next time?" Rukawa asks, surprised.

"Yeah—next time, as in… tomorrow?" Sendoh grinned, with hope flaring up inside of him like some fire. He secretly wished Rukawa would agree. After all, he got two coupons.

Rukawa momentarily paused, deciphering—more like thinking if tomorrow is a good day. He shrugged, staring at Sendoh who looks like an awaiting puppy. He would have snickered.

"Sure."

Sendoh went home that night, carrying with him the biggest grin. He just scored a secret… date.

XXX

The next day, Friday, 10:00 am

Fukuda stared across his colleague desk as Sendoh went about his day, making reports, calls, talking to people with a pep. He snorted and approached the desk of his colleague. "Well, I'd be damned. You looked like you've solved a hundred cold cases last night."

Sendoh snorted, smiling a bit as he types on his laptop. "Give me a break, Kicch."

"Hn. Spill, man. Who did you do?" Fukuda smirked, sitting on the corner of Sendoh's large oak desk.

Sendoh paused, eyeing the latter. "Guess who I came across with last night."

"God almighty, and you're not on his list?" Fukuda smirked.

"What?! No. Try again." Sendoh smirked, eyes amused. Fukuda shrugged. "The missing person. Boom, case solved." Sendoh chuckled, amused at Fukuda's unminding attitude. "Tc. I don't know man. I give up." Fukuda said with a shrug. Sendoh scoff and leaned on his desk. "Rukawa Kaede."

Silence.

Sendoh smiled. "You know him, right?"

"Rukawa—as in, the Rukawa of Shohoku?" Fukuda clarified. Sendoh nodded. Fukuda snorted. "Hm, thought that guy went to the US or something?"

"I know. I thought so too."

"Well, so?" Fukuda muttered, blandly. Sendoh snorted and rolled his eyes. Clearly, Fukuda doesn't seem surprised- or interested. "Nah, forget it. I just bumped into him last night. We exchanged hellos and that's it."

Fukuda snickered. "Look at you…"

"What, man? Hey, thought we're heading out today to check out that lead you're talking about?" Sendoh brushed off the original topic easily, piling all his folders on one side. Soon, the pair is hitting the road to somewhere.

"So, Rukawa returned to Japan?" Fukuda muttered; eyes kept on the road. Sendoh nodded, browsing the dossier as he reviews the file. "Looks like it. Havent really asked him."

"Thought you bumped into him last night?"

"Yeah but—just a few hellos and how are yous."

"Pfft." A smirk. Silence. Sendoh stared at his companion. "What? Spill, man." Fukuda stopped on a red light and stared back at Sendoh. "Tell me you at least got to asked what he's been doing now?" Sendoh stared outside the window and pointed at something. "I see it, the shop. Err, yeah but a bit hazy. But—I get to invite him tonight at Mollys." Sendoh said with a grin. Fukuda gape a bit, smirked and nodded. Just then, they turned right onto the corner and went on with their tasks.

XXX

The middle-aged man adjusted his glasses and stared hard at the photo before him. "Uh—wait, its been five years you say, so I may have to dig up a little." He moved in a tad bit slowly and sat on his computer desk and started typing. Sendoh nodded and leaned on the glass cabinet. "Anything that looks the same as this model is a great help, sir." He added. Fukuda remained standing outside, puffing out smoke. Sendoh approached his companion.

"Good eye on the wood chipper." Sendoh muttered. Fukuda nodded. "Hopefully we get something out of it." A pause. "So, Rukawa coming in tonight, eh."

Sendoh smirked a bit, leaning on the shop's frame as he stared at the guy still browsing on his computer. "Well, lets just hope he remembers I invited him."

Fukuda snorted. "What's he been into again?" Sendoh shrugged. "Unclear. Something like… community service or whatever."

Fukuda laughed. The shop owner stared at the two detectives in front of his shop. Sendoh raised an arm. "Keep going, this is nothing."

"Hahaha…man, I seriously haven't laughed like that in two weeks." Fukuda muttered, wiping the tears in his eyes. Sendoh chuckled a bit, scratching his nape. "Yeah, I mean, I thought I was deaf but—I'll definitely asked him again tonight. You know, clarify things." He grinned.

"You better. Community… hahahah. I wonder what kind of job he does." Fukuda chuckled, shaking his head and stomping on a spent butt.

"Anou… excuse me, I could only retrieve this." The shop owner then interrupted. Both detectives went back and looked into the document.

A few minutes later…

"Do call us, please, if you remember anything, even the minute details… nothing is less important." Sendoh stated, giving the old guy his card. The owner simply nodded and soon enough, the two were back on the streets.

XXX

Saturday, Molly's, 12:45 am

Blaring music. Some Enrique Iglesias song has been conquering the whole room for some minutes now. Chatters. Glasses clinking and people having a great time. The night defined Molly's. The owner and her staff were busy serving all the free beers and the snacks (not free). Molly greeted almost everyone, noting half of which were her patrons. The other half were mostly from the Tokyo PD near her establishment.

Sendoh sat on one corner of the tavern, drinking his nth bottle of beer. He talked the night away with some of his colleagues. They all shared some light hearted moments and some serious ones too. He kept looking at his watch and the brass door for the past hour but- no Rukawa Kaede came in.

Sendoh dumped a sigh and tapped the one remaining coupon in his hand. Well, what's he expecting anyway? Its not like he got the latter's number. Just one unexpected night. A chance meeting. No formal conversation. But its enough to kept his eyes glued at the one person he thought occupied a great part of him. Secretly.

And its stupid of him to just held on to the younger one's word. For all he knows, Rukawa must have been just a tad bit too nice to actually say 'no'. Well, there goes his chance of being able to talk with a former teammate… and maybe… lost his chance as well to actually, say something he's been meaning since a decade ago.

Sendoh swallowed, eyes staring at the amber bottle, his tongue tasting the unpleasantness; beer served cold and bitter, like missed chances. A pat on his back brought him back. It was Fukuda. The person sat beside him with a bottle on his hand as well. One look and Fukuda knew his partner has been set up. And, it's one of the worst ever. Like, how he created his own disappointment through his own expectations.

"Maybe he forgot?" Fukuda stated, drinking from his own bottle. Sendoh smirked a bit, drank as well. "Yeah, maybe." A pause. "I mean, of course, I didn't even bother asking for his…" He trailed off before pausing. Fukuda simply snorted and shook his head. "Or, could be that—community bullshit service…" He hasn't finished talking yet, they both laughed and tapped hands. Chuckling their own silliness away.

Sendoh wiped his teary-eyes as he and Fukuda started talking about random things and its only a matter of few topics when they found themselves back again at the main area of concern.

"You've always liked him, didn't you?"

Sendoh almost threw his drink. He stared at his companion. Fukuda grinned, chuckling. "Kicchou, you rat." Fukuda shrugged. "What? Don't give me that 'I-don't-know-what-you're-talking-about-look', Sendoh. I'm not born yesterday, man." A pause. "I've always known."

"Always."

"Well, noticed. Hunched. Guessed. But tonight—I'm certain." He snickered. Sendoh simply scoffed and said nothing. Its not like saying anything would bring about any changes. It's the truth. Maybe he's obvious after all, or maybe Fukuda is just someone who's insightful enough to notice the subtleness of things. Well, he honestly thought he has concealed his feelings well.

"Why'd you never told him?"

That question. That question that haunted him for as long as he can remember. Well, for the simple reason that he thought it wasn't… appropriate. The feeling he's been harbouring. He was afraid of being judged. And a lot of other things. Its not that simple. And maybe because…

Sendoh swallowed, staring at his bottle again. "I don't know. I honestly thought I'd get over him sooner. Like, maybe this is just a passing—fleeting feeling I'd soon looked back and laughed off."

"Well, did it pass?"

"Yeah. It did, in a way. I mean, I never saw him since—ten years ago? But, seeing him again last night…" Sendoh trailed off quietly. He smiled. Fukuda smirked back and nodded, patting his companion. "Maybe its high time you tell him and get over it. You know, for closure purposes?" A grin.

Sendoh blinked, digesting the words. He thought it was a hard pill to swallow, the 'getting over it' part. He nodded though. "Yeah, maybe." He paused. "But, what if…"

Fukuda snort. "Maaann, you're like a girl… what if what?!"

"What if… I confess and he likes me back?" Sendoh grinned, feeling the word expect igniting deep inside of him. Fukuda chuckled and they fist bumped each other.

"What, am I not that likeable enough?" Sendoh playfully goaded. "Rukawa sure didn't know what he's been missing..." Sendoh playfully ran a hand on his hair, Fukuda simply laughed and the two shared a few more moments before Fukuda called it a night first.

"You're delusional. Whatever. You know, I'm going to just leave it here man—" Fukuda smirked, standing up. Sendoh stared at his friend. "What?"

Fukuda placed a hand on Sendoh's shoulder. "Love without expectations. Hope, but never expect." He clacked his tongue and winked, tapping his companion one last time before waving off to a few more colleagues. Sendoh stared at the back of his friend, reminiscing the words—simple, but the truth. He smiled to himself and stared one last time at the coupon he had on his hand.

XXX

1:30 AM, Saturday, Molly's

"Great night, Molly!"

"Thanks for the free beer!"

"Thanks everyone! Have a great evening!"

Molly busied herself and the others wiping the tavern and the empty tables. A tap on one corner alerted her. She approached him and grinned. "Lieutenant, well, had a great night?"

Sendoh nodded. "Yup, thanks for the free beer. Half of PD is here. Good thing Chief isn't." They both chuckled. "Im sure he knew his guys are present here, did you see their social media posts?" Sendoh shook his head.

"Hmm, thought I gave you two coupons?" She grinned. Sendoh chuckled and slide down the other coupon. Molly gape a bit and chuckled. "Aww, you didn't bring a date with you! You should have told me, Lt!" Sendoh simply grinned and returned the coupon, tapping the tavern one last time. "Thanks, Mol. I'm hitting the sheets."

With one last wave and goodbyes, Sendoh exited the bar and ascended the steps. He pocketed his both hands into his PD uniform jacket and felt the cold, crisp air. He dumped a sigh and stared one last time at the area and yawned.

Sendoh started walking the opposite way, approaching his parked vehicle on one corner. He pressed his key and pulled on the door to his driver's seat.

"Sendoh!"

Sendoh got inside and was about to pull the door closed. "Sendoh!" He furrowed his brows and wondered if he's just being played at. Sendoh looked out and would have sworn that fate sure is playing him hard—and its bad. Really, really bad.

There he is, Rukawa Kaede, brisk walking, donned again in black, hands both in his dark coat. Sendoh found his body automatically leaving his vehicle again. They faced each other, one slightly huffing from his long walk and the other feeling the words ready to slip off of his lips.

"I- I'm sorry. Uh, work actually held me and I thought it was the other bar so…" Rukawa stated waving his hands in front. Sendoh tried to get the words out. Was he disappointed? Well—a while ago, yes, he was, but now… the disappointment left him once more like a thief in the night.

"Sorry… I should have…" Rukawa paused, eyes blinking as he found himself staring right onto the face of the person whom he shared the courts with, a decade ago. "…asked for your number, I guess." Sendoh felt like being doused with a bucket of water. He chuckled a bit and waved his hands equally. He cant believed they had the same thoughts. Fate. Must be it. What if… Sendoh mused on the what-ifs, assuming everything all at once now. He felt his chest raced.

"N-no… its not your fault, I mean… I was the one who invited you, I should have…" He started, feeling his lips tugging in an upward smile, as he felt his feet took a few steps forward to close the distance between them.

Rukawa batted an eye at Molly's. "So… is the bar still open?" He backed a few steps to Sendoh's slight disappointment as he scratched his nape. Rukawa saw the sign 'closed' and dumped a sigh. "Oh, its closed already…"

"Can I take you out for a cup of coffee instead?"

Maybe it's the alcohol. Maybe it's the night. Maybe its fate dictating him to do so… or maybe its just him and his growing anticipation of a second chance… after all, the night proved time wasn't ready for the first one.

Rukawa stood there, hearing the offer, seeing the person whom he thought of as well—for awhile. Sendoh smiled a bit, his eyes a bit tired but his mind, vivid. "I know a place."

XXX

2:30 AM, Saturday

Sendoh stood leaning on his sink, his face wet as he just finished splashing water to get him into his senses. He never knew he had it in him—that audacity… that boldness—the seeming courage to get someone to ride with him inside his vehicle and take them home. Into his own abode. Sendoh stared hard at nothing in particular in his bathroom sink. Arriving ten minutes ago, he went straight into his bathroom after ushering Rukawa to just sit wherever and feel at home.

What am I doing? He thought his actions were a tad bit—provocative. And he secretly wished Rukawa wouldn't ever noticed… or maybe, he secretly hoped he would. With one last splash of cold water onto his face, Sendoh grabbed his mouthwash, gurgled and spit it out as he dumped a sigh and straightened up.

With one final look in his mirror, he cocked his head slowly to the right. Did I just… rinsed my mouth? But why?! He kicked all his intrepid and assuming thoughts in his mind but he can literally feel the tugging of his lips. He cleared his throat and exited the toilet.

"Uh, hey there." He greeted. Rukawa remained seated on his couch, eyes on the opened television set. The raven-haired stared at Sendoh who's hair seemed disheveled down a bit. Rukawa nodded. "Hey." Sendoh smiled and approached the latter. Silence.

"You got a nice place."

Sendoh wanted to jump off—clearly, the years must have done wonders for Rukawa. He would have pointed a gun because he almost seemed like an 'impostor'. The old Rukawa he knew wouldn't even breathe a word, let alone, a compliment. Sendoh grinned. "Oh, thanks." Pause. "You said you lived nearby?"

Rukawa nodded. "I do."

"Where to?" Sendoh dared asked. Rukawa smiled a bit, surprising yet again Sendoh. "What? You're secretive, huh." Sendoh teased. Rukawa simply snickered a bit. "I'm not sure if I should tell you."

"Aww, c'mon. Must be some mansion."

"No." Rukawa stated, shaking his head. Sendoh simply grinned. "Just some small… room." Sendoh nodded. "I see. That's okay."

"So, you own this place?" Rukawa asked, beating Sendoh at his inquiries. "No, I'm renting."

Rukawa blinked. "I see." Silence. "You said we'd have coffee?" Rukawa muttered, eyes twinkling in amusement. Sendoh must have been staring too much. He felt his ears burn. "Err, oh! Right, right on. Sorry, I… just these free beers at Molly's and…" He started for the kitchen adjacent to the living room, opening cupboards and grabbing his special dark roast coffee beans. He readied the grinder and the machine as he busied himself steadily.

Rukawa looked on with amusement. Sendoh is fidgety. Must be his presence. He scoffed lightly and turned back on the television. "I haven't really watched anything on TV for… years." He muttered under his breath. Sendoh paused, surprised and confused at the sudden statement. "Oh? Really. That's… weird." He chuckled softly.

Rukawa nodded. Soon, Sendoh approached with a cup on hand; Rukawa stood up and got the cup, nodded. "Thank you. Smells great." Sendoh paused, blinked and stared. Just stared. Hard. Rukawa sipped onto his cup and placed down the cup. He looked up to see the bewilderment of Sendoh Akira.

"What?" Rukawa muttered, eyes incredibly still intimidating but oddly warm. Sendoh shook his head and got himself a cup and sat on the couch—adjacent to Rukawa. "Nothing… it's just." He paused and smiled. "You've changed, Rukawa. And, I'm just probably…feeling a bit…"

"Alienated about it?" Rukawa finished the sentence for Sendoh. The cop nodded. Rukawa scoffed but kept that almost ghostly smirked in his lips. "Yeah. I mean, you barely talk back in… high school and college." He grinned, liking the way he's stirring the pot. Rukawa nodded again. "Well—change seems the only permanent thing in this world."

Sendoh blinked, surprised but found himself agreeing. Silence as they both sipped on their own cups. Maybe its time Sendoh turned the conversation to his side. He cleared his throat. "Uh, so… haven't seen you around since college. What have you been up to?" Sendoh asked, eyeing the latter whose eyes seemed preoccupied with whatever that's on television.

Rukawa slowly turned to Sendoh. "Yeah. Life happened." Sendoh nodded. "Did you… left the country? I mean, you said you'd always wanted to… go some place." He trailed off lowly, careful at his words. Rukawa heaved a sigh and puffed it. Seems like, its about time he, too, spill his own glass of milk. Sendoh stared as Rukawa reached for the remote control and turned off the television.

Now it was dead silence. Sendoh could honestly thought he's hearing the squeaking of the walls of his own apartment. Rukawa placed the cup down after sipping and stared at his former teammate.

"True. I… I actually left Japan after college." He started. Sendoh nodded, gaping a bit but acknowledging the information.

"I went to the US and tried pursuing my basketball career there but…" Rukawa paused, thinking. "Never thought it'd be that hard." He scoffed a little. Silence. Sendoh waited for more. Rukawa shifted on his seat and leaned forward, eyes on the cup of coffee in front of him.

"I worked while studying and it wasn't easy. Until… inevitable things happened that finally stopped me from pursuing the one thing I… love the most." Rukawa scoffed, his eyes cast down on the table, a sad smile on his lips.

Sendoh nodded. "Hey, at least you tried." Sendoh muttered, swallowing, wondering if he should extend his hand and hold Rukawa's but fought hard not to. "Never easy being away from home." Silence. "I'm glad you're back."

Rukawa momentarily looked up, surprised. Sendoh stared back. "I mean… I'm glad to see you again." A smile. It wasn't the closest thing to having him tell on his feelings, but Sendoh thought, it was enough. At least for now.

Rukawa simply stared. "And you, you became a law enforcer." Pause. "Is that something you've always wanted?" Rukawa added.

Sendoh smiled a bit. "To be honest, I don't know…" He scoffed. "Must be my calling."

"Calling." Rukawa echoed, eyes flashing in amusement as if the word meant something to him as well. Sendoh looked up. "Yeah, well—I never knew what I truly wanted back in college." He smirked. "Maybe just a stable job, stable income…heh."

"Your career is what you're paid for, your calling is what you're made of." A wry smile. Rukawa sipped on his cup as he stared at the equally dumbfounded Sendoh. He would have laughed to see Sendoh's stupefied gaze. The former Ryonan player gape then chuckled. "Rukawa…wow, I never knew you'd spat out wisdom." He grinned playfully.

Rukawa simply smiled a bit back, shrugging. They spent a few minutes more of talking about their choices in life, Sendoh's mostly. Rukawa sat back and listened to every word Sendoh says. He found himself liking the fact that his former basketball seemed to find his own path in life.

XXX

4:30 AM, Saturday

Sendoh pulled over on one lit corner. He turned to his right and was greeted by Rukawa's bright blue gaze. Sendoh stared at the building—well-lit. He then turned to his companion. "Uh, you never told me you worked in a hospital."

Rukawa scoffed lightly, shaking his head a bit; amused at Sendoh's seeming naivety. He wondered if Sendoh hardly noticed anything at all. Rukawa then concluded, Sendoh must be pre-occupied at his job. The works of the devil. He inwardly mused.

"You do some community service thing in the hospital?" Sendoh asked, confused and very much now, curious as to what kind of job would call you during an unholy hour to do something important. Rukawa dumped a sigh and almost smirked. "It's a part-time. Like an on call. And yeah, still part of the service." Sendoh blinked, trying to digest the words.

"Thank you, for the invite, and the coffee." Rukawa muttered and held on the door. "Uh, wait…" Sendoh stated, finding himself suddenly holding on Rukawa's left arm. He missed the surprised look at Rukawa's cerulean orbs.

"Sorry." Sendoh stated, not letting go of the arm. He smiled a bit. "Look, can we… do this again?" Rukawa blinked his confusion. Sendoh shook his head. "I mean, I feel like, we haven't really talked about the things we wanted to say…"

Silence. Rukawa kept staring at the hand that has been holding his left arm. It was… warm. This touch, this physicality… is something he had vowed not to get closed to. Its like a promise he made. But Sendoh, of course, didn't knew that.

"I thought you told me everything that you wanted to tell…" Rukawa muttered softly. Sendoh scoffed, shaking his head a bit. "N…not really."

"So?" Sendoh stated, gaze mellow, his deep set of blue eyes boring hole on Rukawa's perplexed ones. "I mean, there are certain things… I wish I could… tell." He trailed off under his breath, eyes looking down at the pale wrist he's been harassing for the past minutes.

"I want to tell you something—more like, I need to confess something."

Rukawa partly gasp, blinking his eyes. Confess? He cant be hearing the word right.

To Sendoh, it was fate. Like a second chance of meeting the person you weren't even looking for. And he's willing to bet, maybe its Rukawas, too. Or at least, that was his thought. Another beep on Rukawa's celphone and Sendoh released his hold. Rukawa stared at his phone and didn't bother to answer. He pulled on the lock and pushed the door open. Sendoh simply stared.

When Rukawa was outside, he pushed the door closed and leaned down. "Do you have work tomorrow?" It was Sendoh's turn to be a bit surprised. He shook his head. "No… its Sunday, rest day." Rukawa mildly smiled to Sendoh's amusement.

Maybe, its high time that Sendoh knows. Because Rukawa can feel that they were both drowned under the waves of words they weren't saying. "Good, I'll text you tomorrow. Drive back safely. Thank you, again." Rukawa tapped the side door and started walking past Sendoh's car. Sendoh kept his stare for as long as he can remember.

XXX

Saturday, 10:00 PM, Molly's

Fukuda entered the bar and signaled his usual at Molly's. He then placed himself right beside Sendoh. The two acknowledged each other. "What's up?" Fukuda started, nodding his thanks at Molly who served his drink. Sendoh slid a folder right next to Fukuda to which the latter reviewed. They stayed silent for awhile before Fukuda closing the dossier.

"Chief's not going to like this." Fukuda muttered. He, then turned to his companion who's staring at the amber bottle he's been holding. "Man, have you been sleeping?" He muttered, staring at Sendoh's disheveled hair and semi-dark bags under his eyes.

Sendoh scoffed lightly and shrugged. "Yeah, slept for two hours today."

"You're killing this you know… working on this cold case 24/7 like some dopey." Fukuda smirked and playfully jabbed Sendoh who simply chuckled back. "Well, I don't know. Maybe Chief is right, I got a knack for these things—finding missing persons." He snorted, partly wondering if the last statement also includes finding the first person that he thought he secretly fell in love with. Sendoh wryly smirked to himself.

Fukuda snorted, drinking from his glass. "We have to ready a search warrant. I'll mail the office now." Sendoh nodded.

"So, what's up?" Fukuda queried, connoting something else, not work-related. Sendoh stared at his companion and shrugged. "What?"

"Tc, don't what me. Give me details, man. Hows our philanthropist doing?" Fukuda smiled. Sendoh stared, blinked and chuckled, amused at Fukuda's moniker. "I invited him last night for a cup of coffee…"

"Wh- wait?! So, he came by after all?"

"No. I was about to leave when… he showed up. It was late. Molly's closed already. So… I decided to invite him for some coffee instead." He grinned.

"And then?" Fukuda added.

"Well, he obliged. So, we had coffee… in my apartment."

Fukuda almost spat his drink. "No effing way… and?"

"Well, nothing really. We just talked about our—careers. Mine, mostly." Sendoh stated flatly. Fukuda snorted, shaking his head. Once again, the two exchanged a few minutes of chatters.

"Tomorrow, I decided to tell on. You said—no expectations. So, here I go."

Fukuda kept his blinking eyes opened—chuckled and tapped hands with his companion. It seemed like a sight to see. He wondered if he'd tagged along. A beep on his phone interrupted him. "Gotcha. Warrant served. We can look into his property starting tomorrow, what'd you say we do this after we meet up with Mr. Community Service?" He grinned.

Sendoh blinked. "We?"

Fukuda slyly smirked. "Yeah. We. You know, you need a wingman. Just in case you can't handle the rejection."

"Hey, thought you said, hope but not expect?"

"Well, yeah… in your case—there's no hope. I'm willing to bet."

"We'll see." A smile. "I can feel somehow, he likes me too; you know."

Fukuda snorted and rolled his eyes. Sendoh simply chuckled as the two chat the next hour away.

XXX
Sunday, 9:00 am

Sendoh pulled over a secluded park. He closed his car and started walking. He knew the place but he never once, been there. Well, that's about to change—today. He surveyed the place and saw a few people, kids, families, couples, sitting on stone benches; chatting, having a great day. He put up his usual smile and walked onwards, passing by a fountain on the middle.

He ascended a few steps to come across a stone arch that has the name of the park engraved. He passed by it, turned left and threaded the seemingly quiet and peaceful place, noting the greenery; surrounded with short bushes and flowers.

Sendoh kept the chuckle to himself; he actually wants to teased the younger when he sees him. Rukawa, what the heck… I just want you to know how I feel—not propose. He inwardly mused to himself, although the latter statement gave him a swell idea as well. He wondered the reaction of the former small forward if he playfully gets down on his knee and indeed… propose? He wondered very much.

Sendoh stopped midway, seeing Rukawa finally sitting on one of the steel benches. Their eyes met. He smiled and nodded. He approached the latter and the first thing he noticed was… unlike their previous meetings, Rukawa is simply wearing a white crew neck shirt, tucked in and a pair of black slacks; black socks, black leather ankle boots.

Sendoh paused and wondered. He cleared his throat and threw aside his reverie. "Hey." Rukawa nodded and smiled a bit. "Hi." Sendoh sat beside Rukawa, a space between them. Silence.

"Uh so… first time here." Sendoh stated, chuckling a bit.

"Oh. Well, I thought you'd want some place quiet." Rukawa muttered. Sendoh blinked, stared to his left and smiled. "Anywhere is fine really." Rukawa simply nodded. "Well—I got work in a few minutes so."

"Oh, sorry- sorry… I…" Sendoh fidgeted on his seat and cleared his throat. Silence. Wow, the words sure know when to leave him. Sendoh kept his stare to his left, noting how Rukawa seemed relaxed, sitting, leaning on one end, a leg crossed over one another, staring at nothing in particular.

"Have I told you about my stint in America?"

Sendoh sure it wasn't him who spoke. He shrugged. "A bit but not much really." Rukawa nodded, a ghostly smile on his lips. He turned to his right and met with Sendoh's unperturbed gaze—his deep set of kind-looking eyes, his always and forever spiked hair, and his well-chiseled jaw. Rukawa slowly averted his gaze somewhere.

"I lost my way when I was in the US. Got mixed up with the wrong crowd. Trouble."

Sendoh blinked, surprised… partly confused, wondering where these statements are coming from. Rukawa brought back his gaze at Sendoh. "I was working and studying when I got mixed up with some… bad people. To cut it short, I lost my way." A pause. "Got locked up actually."

"Wh—what?" Sendoh blinked, surprised. Their eyes met. Rukawa stared hard at Sendoh. "That's why I feel a bit wary at first around you. Because you're a cop."

"On what… grounds?"

"Illegal possession. Coke. But it wasn't mine. I never used. Some basketball teammate of mine in college, had this beef on me because I was beating them in their own game; couldn't take that a mere Japanese—a non-English speaking dude is better than them in their own sport. Planted the drug in my apartment—I fought back of course but, its not Japan."

Sendoh swallowed, unbelieving the sudden confessions from Rukawa himself. Rukawa shifted on his seat and placed both of his arms on the sides, eyes staring both at their shadows on the ground—his and Sendoh's.

"Got locked up for fifteen months. I thought it was the end for me. Good thing, the district attorney they gave me is efficient and knows how to speak Japanese so, I thought it was a blessing." A pause.

"Fifteen months." Sendoh echoed. Rukawa nodded. "Yeah. Fifteen grueling months. Being with the notorious criminals. I thought I was going to lose it. But—I was lucky to have an older cellmate. A reasonable one. He kept me sane." A pause. "Another blessing, I guess."

Sendoh wondered how this cellmate kept Rukawa sane. Somehow, the degree of Rukawa's story is starting to take a toll on him; somehow… he hated himself. For not knowing. For assuming that maybe Rukawa had been selfish all along for leaving Japan—the team… their friends… him. But as he listened, the once love he secretly held for his former teammate is suddenly filling him once more… and fast.

Rukawa slowly turned his gaze at Sendoh's bothered ones. "H-how did he… helped you?" Sendoh found himself muttering instead. Rukawa got something from his left side and placed it in between him and Sendoh. "With this."

Sendoh stared at the black book. Holy Bible. He knew he wasn't a religious person, but Sendoh knew he has his own faith. He isn't going to lie that he knows not much about the book. He smiled a bit and nodded, acknowledging Rukawa's story.

Silence ensued between them. Sendoh, still in tranced with what he has heard kept Rukawa's words into his mind like some mantra. Replaying them and trying very much to digest. "And how about you? You said, you wanted to say something?"

Sendoh stared back at Rukawa who was eyeing him a bit amusingly. He smiled a bit and cleared his throat. "Well… this is nothing really."

"You wouldn't be here if its nothing." Rukawa stated, a small smile on his lips.

"Well, I supposed you're right." Sendoh chuckled, feeling his chest raced. Am I suddenly chickening out? He heaved a sigh. Damn it, here goes.

"This has got nothing to do with your story—I just want to get this off my chest."

"Okay." Rukawa nodded, wondering. He held Sendoh's gaze. Their eyes locked. Sendoh smiled, abashed, feeling his ears burn.

"Rukawa… I'm actually in love with you. Was in love with you for the longest time. Since high school and college. You're probably feeling disgusted by now but—I just want you to know that you've always been special for me and… yeah, I felt the weight of the world when you left." Sendoh scoffed. Silence.

"I thought you should know. You make me happy, in ways I cannot explain. I'm not expecting you to feel the same but… I love you. Have always… loved you. Well, I guess that's my confession." Sendoh tried to smile, amidst his embarrassment.

Rukawa was—needless to say, surprised. Stupefied. Astounded. He never knew. Never expected that one of the closest person he knew on court has always harboured romantic feelings with him. Rukawa slowly shifted from his seat and straightened up a bit.

"I see…"

Sendoh slowly turned his gaze at Rukawa, surprised to see the raven-haired guy smiling while looking at nothing in particular.

"Why didn't you… tell sooner?" Rukawa muttered, eyes semi-glaring, lips partly tugged up.

Sendoh blinked. The question surprised him. Their eyes met again. Sendoh smiled a bit. "I guess I'm afraid back then. Of rejection. That's why I chose to love you in silence." A pause. Silence.

"That is… admirable of you." Rukawa muttered softly. Sendoh smiled a bit. They let themselves be lulled by the soft breeze that gusted by.

Sendoh knew he's lying if he's going to tell Rukawa that its all in the past now; for some reason, deep inside of him, he knew—he cannot unlove Rukawa.

"Rukawa… I think I still…lov…" Sendoh started but was interrupted when a young-looking boy approached them and bowed, not to him but at Rukawa. Sendoh blinked, confused.

"Father, the mass is about to begin in ten minutes." The youth stated. Sendoh felt blood rushing down from his head as he stared stupefied from the young lad to Rukawa who nodded and stared back at him.

"Alright, I'll be there."

"F…Father?" Sendoh stated, his head suddenly throbbing. Rukawa slowly exhaled and stood up. He looked at Sendoh who seemed suddenly pale.

"Yeah. I'm a priest, Sendoh. Right after everything that happened with me, I thought I was lost but I really think I was saved. In a way that's like being found. I guess, its my calling." He paused, taking note of the time on his left wrist.

"I know this is… weird but, would you like to attend the mass?" Rukawa stated, his eyes, warm, a smile on his lips. "Its alright if you don't…"

"Are you… crazy?" Sendoh stood up, running a hand on his hair, turning around as if feeling a hundred pairs of eyes were staring at him. He placed a hand on his mouth and felt his face burned. Rukawa simply stared at him, amusingly.

"You're a… p-priest?! And you didn't tell me—Jesus…" Sendoh wailed a bit, flushed but chuckling to his own embarrassment and silliness.

"Well, you never asked what I do exactly." Rukawa reasoned, smiling a bit.

"Jesus Christ, Ruka…" Sendoh stated, a hand still on his mouth, but his eyes were cheery. Sendoh can literally feel his chest pounding and his face burning red.

"Second commandment, thou shall not use the name of the…" Rukawa interrupted but kept his grin on.

"B-but… I just declared my…good Gods!" Sendoh placed a hand on his mouth; he felt like banging his head on the wall.

"Rukawa I just confessed my feelings for you-?!" Sendoh stated the obvious, stepping forward to actually grab Rukawa in his arms.

The priest was a bit shaken but kept his cool. He nodded. "I know. A confession is also an act of love." A pause. Their eyes meeting. Silence. Rukawa smiled. "Thank you… for your love, Sendoh."

Sendoh felt his chest skip a beat; he paused and as if feeling burnt, released his hold and backed up a bit, amusing Rukawa. "I…" He started and swallowed. You were my reason to look forward to the next day. Sendoh chose not to say, he simply nodded.

Rukawa stared at his watch for the last time. "If you're still here—this'll only take an hour. I have to take my leave now." Rukawa started walking the opposite way, leaving a dazed Sendoh standing.

XXX

Fifteen minutes before the mass ends, Sendoh decided to stepped into the Cathedral, choosing to stand on the sides. His eyes widened to see a lot of church-goers as they all knelt and bowed their heads. His eyes slowly stared from the long aisle lined with red carpet to upfront where the infamous mass table was and there he was, Rukawa… all cloaked in proper vestment.

Sendoh watched as Rukawa knelt for awhile and speak thru the microphone.

"All rise…" His soft and quiet voice echoed at the vast castle-looking insides of the Cathedral.

"Bow your heads to receive God's special blessings…" He started the rites and the people responded with Amen. Soon after, the concluding rites.

"The mass has ended, go in peace and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the father…" Rukawa stated, raising his right hand and making the final trinitarian blessing.

Then the windpipe organ filled the air with melody as the chorale sang their hearts out.

Sendoh watched the final minutes unfold. The march, people and kids specially scurrying to meet Rukawa as he pats them on the head. It gave him goosebumps.

"Church is always jam-packed when he's officiating mass."

Sendoh turned to his side to see a middle-aged clergy pausing at his side. The man smiled as he was holding a seemingly woven basket where monetary donations are kept. "How long has he been… a priest here?" He found himself randomly asking.

"A year and a half if I'm not mistaken. The archdiocese likes him, he's bilingual. Can deliver the mass in both English and Japanese that is why it's a plus for those who don't speak our language. You know him personally?" The man asked, out of curiosity.

Sendoh blinked, wondering if he should answer. He simply smiled and nodded a bit. "Sort of."

"Oh. Are you, his brother?" The clergy asked, noting the similar color of their irises. He cant helped but to assume.

Sendoh snorted, almost chuckled but he shook his head. Jeez… give me a break. I just confessed my love to a priest that happens to be my brother?!

"N…no, I'm a friend." Sendoh stated, wondering why the word almost tasted bittersweet at the tip of his tongue. But he kept his smile on.

"Oh… sou ka. Its good to hear he's got a friend. I see him alone most of the times. That is good to know." The man smiled sincerely. Sendoh blinked and scoffed lightly. Yeah, I'm a… friend. He dumped a sigh and fished something at the back of his pocket and tossed in a paper bill. The man blinked, surprised and bowed his thanks. "Thank you, may God shower you with blessings."

Sendoh simply stared as the man walked away.

The seminarians, nuns, and clergies marched towards the exit and Sendoh could only looked from the side as Rukawa was momentarily held up by people wanting to be 'blessed' and some that just wanted attention, some even taking pictures of him; obviously Rukawa's good looks is too hard to miss; probably ninety percent of the people inside wondering why is he even a priest for Pete's sake.

Rukawa turned and felt a familiar figure to his far left; he saw Sendoh standing on one corner and instantly he nodded, lifting the corner of his lips.

XXX

Sendoh kept his eye on the missalette he saw atop on one of the benches inside the church. He was busy trying to scan the readings and the liturgy and the whatnots when he felt a tap on his shoulder and Sendoh looked up to his left. Rukawa. No. Father Rukawa. He inwardly mused.

Rukawa is now wearing a long ankle-length black soutane with a belt tied around his waist, accentuating his tall, lanky and slim frame. His Chinese collar and that familiar white band across his neck. Sendoh stared—from head to toe, his mouth still gaping; his mind, in denial but reality has been slapping him for the past few minutes.

"Uh—hey." Sendoh greeted. "Uh, I mean… hey Father." Rukawa chuckled softly and nodded. They both walked towards the exit and straight into the garden situated near the cathedral. Sendoh felt his soul still is somewhere as he reluctantly sat across Rukawa in a small coffee table outside a patio. He stared at the person whom he just confessed his romantic feelings to.

"You look—"

"I look like what?" Rukawa prodded.

"Like… a legit priest now."

"I am a priest." Rukawa muttered.

Sendoh stared for awhile. "Guess, we wont be playing basketball now, huh." Rukawa stared. "Why so?" Sendoh shrugged. "I don't know—feels like I'm playing against God himself or what." Sendoh grinned. Rukawa blinked, surprised at the playful remark.

"Believe me when I say… you're still playing against a man—a sinner. And I bet, with or without prayers, I can still dunk that orange leather above your spiky head."

Sendoh gape—surprised. Silence ensued between them—before they both burst out laughing in amusement. Sendoh, shaking his head, chuckling as he grabs a cup of coffee and sip.

"Damn it Rukawa… you can make a grown man cry, you know."

Rukawa simply pocketed his smile but he sure felt his face burned a bit. He thought it was sweet of Sendoh. Only then Rukawa explained that he was called to the hospital to perform the anointing of the sick to someone; and the reason he was in that bar is because he met up with a former seminarian classmate of his that quitted the vocation and he wasn't drinking alcohol that night; and the other small things he has learned to embrace since his vocation in priesthood.

Sendoh's phone rang. Excusing himself, he answered and it was Fukuda. He nodded and pressed the button. Heaving a sigh, he stared at Rukawa who was still sitting on the chair, legs crossed underneath his clad black cassock while reading the bible.

Sendoh approached the raven-haired guy and leaned on the chair. Rukawa looked up, closing the book. "You're leaving?" He stated. Sendoh nodded. "Yeah, I… turns out we have work to do."

Rukawa nodded. "Well, good luck. Don't forget to rest because God rested on the seventh day, too." Sendoh scoffed, scratching his nape a bit, a lopsided smile on his lips. Rukawa saw that as he simply smirked behind his fringes. He's quite aware of what Sendoh's situation—that 'shaken' feeling and he knew he'd soon get over it-him.

Sendoh nodded, and with one final wave he turned… but paused for a bit.

"Rukawa…"

The aforementioned name stood up and stared at his former teammate/rival from Ryonan.

"Tell me… if things are different between us—I mean, if I'd tell on you sooner, would you have felt the same way?"

Rukawa stood there, digesting the words. His eyes holding the gaze of Sendoh Akira who just asked him one final question. And Rukawa knew, just as he had always known, long before he became an ordained priest, he also remembered of a secret love he once felt for a special person… whom he thought was impossible. Only that it isn't—because it was mutual after all. But their circumstances are different now, and true happiness can exist only in acceptance.

"I like to believe that it was impossible for me to go through this life without… knowing you." Rukawa muttered softly—then he smiled.

Sendoh paused, blinking his eyes and breaking into his own smile. He waved and turned. "See you around then, Father."

"God bless you, Lieutenant."

Sendoh paused, then chuckled, shaking his head he turned one last time as Rukawa simply tugged his lips upward and walked back into the church's quarters.

In another lifetime, maybe we'll find that place where you and I could be together, Rukawa. We'll catch our dreams within the waves of change…until then, I don't think I can unlove you. I can never unlove you. I still love you—only this time, in a different way.

++END++

Note: I never intended to publish this. I never wanted to publish anything or write or update. I'm in a slump. But AddictedtoSD is a force to reckon with. Probably the worst and weirdest plot my deranged mind has come up with. And just like someone I know, I also might delete this soon. Thoughts are appreciated. :D