Title: Of Shadows

Genre: Slamdunk/Romance/Angst

Disclaimer: Slamdunk and its characters do not belong to me. They belong to Takehiko Inoue.

Author's Notes: Rather slow update (considering my self-imposed deadline - oh well...) Can't be helped though - reality's harsh. Anyway, readability's a 60.0 on the Flesch reading ease thingy. Why?

/Ahem/

Anyway, just a warning: Rukawa's rather out-of-character in this chapter (i blame it on the blow to his head and his subsequent disorientation). And er...i figured i should probably warn you guys that this is my first attempt at a serious SlamDunk fic and i've never ever written (nor read) MitKo before - it isn't a favourite pairing of mine, so yeah. Be warned of any OOCness to come, especially from MitKo.

And last but not least - A big thank you to all-who-have-reviewed. I shall strive to pull the readability up to 75! (the supposed 'A grade - i think)


Chapter: Prelude

Hanamichi made his way towards the window where the lone figure was, snaking his arms around his torso. "Kaede," he whispered, sending raven silk strands billowing slightly in his breath.

Rukawa smiled slightly, his gaze remaining on the fiery evening sky. "Hanamichi," he said as he leaned back against that hard muscled chest.

"I missed you so much…" That was the only warning Rukawa had before he felt a trail of kisses along his neck. He shivered as the sensation sent tingles down his spine. Arching his neck slightly, he lost himself in the sensation as Hanamichi's lips reached his collar bone and bit, puncturing the translucent skin.

"Hana-kun," he gasped, hands clutching the arms that were still wound around his torso. Hanamichi made a non-committal reply as he focused his attention on the spot. Rukawa could almost feel the beginning of a love-bite.

An awkward cough nearby spoiled the mood and Rukawa could feel Hanamichi stiffen, pulling him closer to his chest as he did so. Rukawa shivered, closing his eyes, unwilling to face that awkward cough.

Giving him a lingering kiss on the neck, Hanamichi broke away from him, turning around to glare at the offending intruder.

"Jin?" His glare melted away into one of surprise. Jin fidgeted, squirming as he tried to avoid Hanamichi's gaze. Briefly, he wondered why he always ended up having to break a moment, while the others seemed to be well able to avoid such awkward situations.

"Er…yeah. May I have a word with you?" At Hanamichi's inquiring look, he quickly added, "it's important."

Hanamichi let out a tired sigh, throwing Rukawa a concerned glance before returning to Jin. "Let's go then."


Minutes after Ryota and Ayako excused themselves; Fujima still retained his death grip on Hanataga's shirt. Running his hand up and down his back, he tried to ease the slight tremors he could feel in his lover. His other hand settled gently on Fujima's neck, fingers stroking the soft brown hair.

To those that did not know him well, they would have been shocked to see his lover so out of his element. Hanataga knew better. But that was probably because he was given the privilege to see him when his guard was down.

He did not trust easily – that much was true. After all, the last time he trusted someone so deeply, he ended up betrayed. At that thought, Hanataga held him tighter. Akagi probably didn't even mean anything by it, Hanataga understood, but trust issues had always been a sore spot for his lover. Hanataga's eyes narrowed. Especially since Maki came along and screwed Fujima's life.

No matter what he did, he couldn't seem to break Maki's hold over Fujima. But then again, he mused sadly, even though Fujima loved him now, first loves were always hard to get over with. Maki would always have a permanent place in Fujima's heart and there was nothing Hanataga could do about it.

So he would hold him - until he got himself back together, until he was ready to face the world again, Hanataga would hold him and try to chase the demons away.


"What?" Jin winced at Hanamichi's loud reaction. He just knew that he should have left Hanamichi to Fujima. But then again, Fujima would probably twist the whole conversation, as he was accustomed to do when he felt strongly about something – adding his views on the traitor and whatnot. And as much as Jin agreed with Fujima, he couldn't add salt to the wound – or rather, the rift between Akagi and Fujima. After all, they had not been on good terms ever since Kogure ran away with his dark knight in black armor.

In addition, he couldn't possibly leave Hanamichi to Ryota. The guy simply didn't care less and Akagi's decision probably meant nothing to him. 'He'd be okay. I mean, just look at that hulk of a guy!' he would probably say before trailing after Ayako to do who knows what in the room with her. And Jin just knew that Ryota would convince Ayako to leave the matter alone.

Hanataga was out of the question. After all, Jin had saw the silent conflict between Akagi and him when he actually interrupted, ending the argument on more diplomatic terms. Hanataga probably wasn't particularly happy with Akagi. After all, if Jin could see how close Akagi was to ending the argument with violence, Hanataga would have seen.

Jin sighed. Akagi was always quick to anger and violence. Judging by his build and the fact that he was more or less a wanderer, Jin had no problems believing that Akagi often scared people into submission. It was a nifty trick (and probably a habit), but at times like these, rather problematic.

"He's going to Hikari alone?" Hanamichi almost shouted into his ear. Trying not to glare at Hanamichi, Jin replied.

"Not alone. Haruko's probably going with him." At Hanamichi's indignant look, he quickly continued. "She's a healer! Besides, Akagi is more than able to take care of her!"

"He's venturing into Umbra without backup. He must be crazy!" At that, Hanamichi turned on his heels and headed back into the room.

"Mitsui would be there." Jin tried to rationalize. Mitsui, after all, was a very good swordsman. Ruthless and rather gory in his fights, but still, he was good.

"Too busy protecting Kogure!" Hanamichi huffed, storming into the room as he scanned the place. Rukawa turned from the window, looking startled. Jin was rather surprised to see such a misplaced expression on Rukawa's face but he quickly shoved the thought to the back of his mind. Hanamichi was on a roll and that was never good.

"Hana-kun?" Rukawa asked softly in query.

Hanamichi ignored Rukawa, or maybe he just didn't hear, for he continued in his rampant search, opening closets and growling at everything in general.

"Kogure doesn't need that much attention!" Jin replied, rather exasperated. Hanamichi just snorted.

"As if mother hen would leave him to fight his own battles!" Hanamichi strode into the bathroom, Jin hotly on his heels. Rukawa remained at the window, looking rather lost.

Jin was tempted to tell him that Mitsui was less of a mother hen than he was, but before he could do so, Hanamichi let out a cry of triumph.

"Ah-ha!" He shouted; brandishing his sheathed sword as his head emerged from the bathroom closet. Jin blinked, stunned into silence.

"And pray tell? What are you going to do with that?" He finally said, ignoring Hanamichi's mutterings of "so that's where I placed it!"

Hanamichi looked him in the eye, confusion clear in his eyes. "Have you lost your mind Jin?" He raised his sword. "This is a sword." Waving it lightly in the air, he continued. "It's a weapon."

Jin wondered if he should be insulted that Hanamichi was treating him like an idiot. "Uh-huh. So I've noticed. And what are you going to do with that?" He said as Hanamichi bypassed him to exit the bathroom. He followed after the redhead, feeling very much like his shadow.

Hanamichi cast him an irritated glance. "I'm going with him, of course." He stopped in front of the closet, reached in and took out his worn out tunic.

Jin gaped at him, eyes wide. "You can't be serious!' He finally said. Hanamichi brushed him off.

"Of course I am. What do you think I'm doing?" He said as he threw the tunic on the bed and proceeded to take off his shirt.

"You can't!" Jin said, rather horrified that Hanamichi just took off his top and threw it in his direction. Sidestepping the cotton fabric, he continued. "No!"

Hanamichi glared at him. "Jin, I'm going and you're not stopping me. Now, if you would please exit and close the door after you leave."

"Wh-what?" Jin stuttered, rather disorientated. He was graced with an eye-roll from Hanamichi.

"Unless you wish to see me naked!" Hanamichi's eyes took on a mischievous glint when Jin didn't leave immediately. "Why Jin! I didn't know you fancy me!"

At Jin's heated cheeks, he continued. "Just close the door then, I'm sure we can work something out! Right Kaede?"

Jin fled before he could hear Rukawa's reply, slamming the door behind him.


"Hana-kun?" Rukawa said as he took a step towards Hanamichi, eyes furrowed as he saw Hanamichi get dressed.

"Hm?" He asked, rather distracted as he put on his tunic.

"You're leaving?" At that, Hanamichi looked up into concerned blue eyes. His features softened as he reached out a hand to Rukawa.

"Come here." And Rukawa came. Immediately, Hanamichi enveloped him in his arms. After a moment, he took a step back, arms still around Rukawa. Peering into sapphire blue eyes, he smiled. "Something's cropped up. I'd be back soon enough."

Hesitantly, Rukawa nodded. "I can't go with you?"

"No. I'd feel much better if you remain here," he replied. Hanamichi knew that Rukawa's fighting abilities were top-notch, but he would rather not take risk having Umbra taking Rukawa away from him again.

Rukawa frowned, fingers tightening on his tunic as his head bowed, his dark fringe obscuring his eyes.

"Hey," Hanamichi whispered as he placed a hand at the nape of Rukawa's neck, his fingers playing with the fine strands. Rukawa looked up and Hanamichi graced him with a gentle smile. "I'd be fine…" he trailed off, his hand moving to trace the contours of Rukawa's face.

Rukawa nodded stiffly.

"I'd come back. I promise," he whispered as he pulled Rukawa into the embrace once more. Rukawa let him, leaning his head on Hanamichi's chest and Hanamichi felt tension ease out of his lover.

"Promise?"

Hanamichi nodded, though Rukawa did not see. "Promise."

Sighing softly, Rukawa took a step back. "Alright," he said, sitting himself on the bed, his eyes never leaving Hanamichi's. Smiling slightly, Hanamichi continued to dress.


Jin was heading towards where he last saw Fujima (in the room) when he bumped into Hanataga.

"Hanataga! Is Fujima still in the room?" He said, rather flustered. It was odd really. The heated argument did nothing to shake his composure, but a conversation with Hanamichi managed to rattle him so. Apparently, Hanamichi was very dangerous.

"What happened?" Hanataga asked instead.

"Hanamichi's planning to leave with Akagi. He's convinced that Akagi himself would not be able to protect Haruko. I'm hoping that Fujima would be able to convince him otherwise." For some reason, Hanamichi seemed to listen to Fujima. Jin supposed it was the Prince's charm. He had no time to ponder more over the issue though, when Hanataga frowned.

"Rukawa?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Rukawa?" he smiled, looking sheepish. It didn't occur to him to ask about Rukawa before he fled the room to find Fujima. "I'm not sure if he's going."

Hanataga spared him a disapproving look before starting to walk, heading towards Hanamichi's room. "Fujima's indisposed at the moment."

Jin blinked, disorientated for a moment, before turning sharply to follow after Hanataga. "What do you plan to do?"

His eyes flickered over to Jin for a moment. "Hanamichi can do as he wishes. Rukawa however, has to stay."

Before Jin could formulate a reply, Hanataga continued. "However, I would prefer if he stayed with Rukawa – he has not managed to provide us with any information as of yet…though of course, if Hanamichi leaves…"

He trailed off, but Jin understood immediately. If the overprotective red head of a lover left, private interrogations could be conducted – something Ryota and Fujima had wanted to do for a long time.

Hanataga stopped, and Jin snapped into attention, realizing that they had reached the room he had fled just minutes before. He rapped sharply on the door. Then, without waiting for a reply, he let himself in.

Jin was extremely glad to see that Hanamichi was fully clothed and was in the process of putting knives in his combat boots. Rukawa was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching Hanamichi with his chin resting on his knuckles and elbows on his knees. Jin couldn't help but feel that that posture was not something Rukawa Kaede should ever have.

It was so wrong.

Both of them were looking at Hanataga and him expectantly now though – Hanamichi with a raised eyebrow and query in his eyes and Rukawa with nothing but confusion in his eyes. He was so out of the loop.

"You're leaving," Hanataga stated rather monotonously. Hanamichi nodded, "Yeah."

Hanataga's eyes flickered over to Rukawa, taking note of his attire. "Alone." Hanamichi nodded again.

"Can I convince you not to?" he asked levelly.

"No," was Hanamichi's curt reply. Turning to Jin, and ignoring Hanataga, he added. "Take care of Kaede for me, okay?"

Jin shrugged, fully aware that Hanamichi would kill him if anything happened to his precious Kaede and that said Kaede had pinned him with his gaze. "Sure."

Hanamichi sighed. "Thanks," he said, running his hair through his red hair. "I'd be back soon."

Both of them nodded. "I'd let Kenji know," Hanataga said as he turned to leave. "He wouldn't be happy to hear this."

Hanamichi grinned. "No shit!" Hanataga flashed him an amused half-smile as he left the room. Jin shrugged, waving slightly to Hanamichi as he too left, Hanamichi waving back albeit too enthusiastically.

Somehow, Jin couldn't help but feel that Hanamichi was much too happy – especially since he knew that things could only get worse. After all, this was Mitsui and Kogure they were talking about. It was almost definite - Jin nodded mentally, yep, things could only get worse.


HNO3 - I pity Jin. Somehow, he landed into the role of Providing Comic Relief. (and hopefully, he's suitable for that role) I really pity Jin.