Hello, sorry for the long wait. In response to Mizz Bloom's question from the previous chapter, about the hug.. I apologize for confusing probably everyone who read that part! I made it sound like no one in Japan hugs anyone! What I was thinking was that girls don't seem to hug guys in the Slam dunk series, and that's a big deal. But as for the REAL Japan I really have no idea, but I'm almost sure that its no big deal at all!

Hope that helps..

TheNewKid- Thanks for reading the story. :) Sorry about the confusing hug thing!

Mizz Bloom- I've been reading your fic.. Can't wait for more! Hehe go Lena! Hope I sort of cleared up the confusion with the hug..

Dollarbanks- Oh yes! Gambatte! I think it meants "Fight on" or "Work hard" something along those lines. I'm glad you liked the basketball scene.. Can't have a Slam Dunk Fic without basketball, even though I seem to move away from it an awful lot.. Hehe..

Moodygal- We shall see.. But I warn you, I think the Rukawa/Kyouren romance, if there is one will come along a little later.. Perhaps in a sequel. But I'll really enjoy writing Sakuragi's response! That will be fun.

Jhydl- Thanks for reading! And yes.. I'm thinking this fic will be finished in the next two chapters.

Chapter Twelve

Basketball Shoes (Part III)

It was a beautiful Sunday, even thought it was raining– hard. Holding an orange umbrella up towards the sky, Kyouren skipped gleefully through the rain towards Shohoku, a shopping bag clutched between her hands. She was a comical sight, skipping as if the she owned the world, while the rain fell down in torrents, and skies were shrouded with dark clouds.

That last Friday, in their last practice match with Ryonan Shohoku had won a well played game. The memory of the exhilarating victory fresh in her mind, Kyouren swung the bag ecstatically, upsetting the contents of the bag. She barely caught the items in her arms before they fell onto the flooded sidewalk– basketball shoes.

Red and Black Air Jordans IV's to be exact, shoe size 280, wafting that new shoe smell as she hugged them to her chest, protecting them from the rain. She recalled with the giggle, how comical Sakuragi had been when he discovered the sole of shoes had completely worn off, exposing a large hole in the middle.

"KUSOO! These are only a few months old!"

"Oi.. Hanamichi are your feet made of lead?"

"Hn. He plays like it."

"Urusei Kitsune!"

"Daijoubu Sakuragi-kun.. Lets get new ones."

"Demo.. These were my favorite.."

His favorite. She called up every store in the Kanagawa area to find the exact pair he had lost, taken three buses, and finally bought them. She could picture the look of surprise and delight on his face when she gave them to him. As the school gym came into view she jogged forward excitedly. She had to get them to him before they started practice. It gave her a sense of giddy satisfaction, picturing his surprise and delight. My first gift to Hanamichi.

"Oof!" She was promptly knocked flat on her face, the shoes flying forward as she fell into a wet puddle. The jingle of a familiar bicycle bell rang in her ears as she turned her head slowly backwards.

Rukawa had crashed into the bicycle racks, and his fall was what had pushed her headfirst into the ground. He stood sleepily, rubbing his head as he picked up his gym bag and propped his bicycle against the rail.

"Moron.. Aren't you going to apologize?" She scowled, brushing off the wet gravel off her shirt. Her jeans were soaked with rainwater.

"Suman," he muttered walking past her. He paused suddenly, peering down at her feet. Kyouren blinked, matching his gaze. The basketball shoes were sitting in the puddle at her feet.

She hurriedly stuffed them into the plastic bag, and just in time. A familiar tune was belting out from behind them..

"Ooh ooh... Ore wa tensaiii.. Basketoman.."

"Shut up Hanamichi. That's terrible," Miyagi groaned.

"Hmph. Your just jealous cause you don't have a song."

"Ohyao senpai, Sakuragi-kun!" Kyouren called out, smiling mischievously as she hid the shoes behind her back.

"Ohayo Kyo-chan, you're early," Miyagi observed, noting the smug expression on the girls face.

"Hai.. I have something to–"

"Oii Hanamichi!"

Kyouren turned in exasperation as the four gundan strolled towards them. By this time Miyagi and Rukawa had already headed inside. The four boys were struggling to crowd under one beach umbrella. It would have made her laugh at any other time, but the interruptions were becoming irritating. Noma and Yohei glanced at her curiously when she aimed them a heated glare.

"So its you guys," Sakuragi muttered, shifting his gaze from left to right uncomfortably.

Kyouren wondered at his shiftiness, waiting impatiently for the exchange to finish.

"We came to get out money.. Pay up," Noma replied, elbowing Sakuragi in the gut.

"Er.. I'll pay you back next week."

"Chotto matte! We need that money.. Its pachinko day!" Takamiya groaned.

"You said it was urgent," Noma accused, pointing a finger at Sakuragi.

"Hanamichi.. What did you use it for?" Yohei asked, scratching his head.

"Eeeh.. Well.. Yesterday Haruko-san– "

"Ohayo minna!" The named co-manageress called out, causing the five attentive heads to turn towards her.

Sakuragi turned a brilliant shade of red as he waved enthusiastically. "Haruko-san!"

"Sakuragi-kun, lets see them shall we?" Haruko said cheerfully, her eyes sparkling.

"Aaah!" Sakuragi began rummaging through his bag, and pulled out something in a blur sticking it in the five waiting faces. "Nyahahahahaha! Meet the tensai's super shoes!"

Kyouren blinked slowly, stepping back to observe the blur of something white in her face. As her eyes focused on his outstretched hands, she observed with a thud of disappointment, a pair of new looking, red and white Nikes.

"Nannde? You spent our paycheck on shoes?" The gundan wailed, staring incredulously at the offending item.

"Not just shoes.. Super basketball shoes, look at the traction!" Sakuragi roared, plunking down outside the gym to put them on and demonstrate.

"Those shoes are worth an entire months worth of Pachinko," Takamiya gasped, as the gundan and Haruko followed him inside.

Kyouren stood by the door, feeling stupid as she held the plastic bag tightly against her back. From inside she could hear the squeal of Sakuragi's shoes as she demonstrated for his friends the traction, jumping power, and allure of his shoes.

"Super Tensai Sakuragi! Nyahahahahaa!"

"Urusei Hanamichi, get in line!" Ryouta's yelled, signaling the start of practice.

"Kyo-chan, why aren't you going inside?"

She hadn't noticed that Yohei was still standing by the door. His soft inquiry was almost drowned out by the torrent of the pouring rain, pattering on the makeshift canvas roof above their heads. Her hands tightened on the basketball shoes carefully hidden behind her back, forcing herself to choke down her disappointment. "It's a beautiful day isn't it?" She blurted out, smiling tightly as she walked inside the gym.

Yohei blinked, looking up at the rain and the whirling dark storm clouds. It certainly wasn't. "Anou.. What's with her?"

She watched practice with listless impatience. She didn't feel much like watching basketball anymore, especially when Sakuragi flashed his shoes at everyone passing by.

"They're perfect aren't they Kyo-chan? Nyahahaha.. A shoe befitting the tensai!"

"Hai Sakuragi-kun," She muttered.

"Haruko-san picked them out for me," he whispered, nodding happily.

"Great."

When practice finally ended, Kyouren waited for everyone to head home. Only Rukawa remained behind, practicing his moves meditatively, absorbed in his game. It was then she slowly removed the bag from behind her back, where she had shoved it out of sight. Without another word she picked it up and dropped it in the plastic garbage can propping the gym door open.

A surge of anger accompanied the clatter of the shoes echoing in the tub. Why should she be so angry? It wasn't that big of a deal, then why did she feel so.. Betrayed. It wasn't her duty to take care of Sakuragi. In fact, she wondered what his true reaction would have been. He probably would have been freaked out– just like when she hugged him.She could picture him looking puzzled, shocked, embarrassed.

"What are these for?"

Having to explain herself, making up some stupid excuse so the gundan and the team wouldn't think she was mooning over him, or something equally ridiculous. It hadn't bothered her so much. In fact she thought she was doing fine as just the friend. The moment she stepped out of Sakuragi's house, she had decided against letting Sakuragi know the truth, polluting the memory of their parents, bringing to light their tangled and unhappy past. But at that moment, looking up into the thundering sky she wondered what she was doing there exactly. She couldn't imagine the future anymore. How long can I stay here, pretending to be no one to him? "Kusoo.."

"Oi.."

Kyouren was shaken from her thoughts. Rukawa was only a few feet behind her.

"Those are expensive shoes," He said after a pause, and she heard him dribbling a basketball in a slow rhythm. "Don't waste them."

His calm, matter-of-fact tone irritated her. "Since when do you care about anything Kitsune?" She lashed out angrily. "Go back to being a boulder. It suits you."

Though she couldn't see him, she sensed his irritation. He was dribbling the ball at a faster pace. "Are you a coward tansoku?" he asked suddenly.

"What?" She snapped, turning to face that irritatingly calm, blank face. His eyes surveyed her unblinkingly and she refused to look down, even though she felt his eyes were boring holes through her face.

"Even the do'ahou isn't a coward. Are you sure you're his sister?" He replied casually, turning before he could see her face twist into an ugly scowl. He raised his arms calmly, and jumped, the ball soaring into the air and swishing into the net.

"You don't even know what you're talking about," She muttered angrily, clenching her teeth and willing herself not to yell.

"You came here to tell him didn't you?" He retorted. "You still haven't. You're afraid."

Kyouren's eyes rounded in surprise and anger. She thanked the heavens he wasn't facing her, or her expression would have confirmed his statement. Rukawa Kaede, who seemed as if nothing in the world came to his attention, as if he was focused only on his goals, his own narrow world, analyzing her inner conflicts.

"You don't know the half of it, so don't assume– "

"Its not that complicated," He cut in, glancing briefly back at her. "Tell him or go home."

Kyouren stared at him, her jaw dropping open in surprise. It wasn't the coldness of his words, but the truth in it. How long could she live in Kanagawa, keeping up this guise? Being a part of her brothers world, and telling him the truth went hand in hand. She wouldn't be here forever.

Her shoulders began to sag at the thought, and unconsciously she stepped back into the rain. "You're right," she finally replied. If she had been looking at Rukawa, she would have noticed the look of surprise on his face. "Thanks for clearing that up," She muttered. Holding her umbrella against the sky, she walked away.

OoooooOOOoo

Sakuragi shuffled uncomfortably under his umbrella, shivering as a stray breeze whipped icy droplets behind his neck. Miyagi Ryouta stood beside him, leaning against the brick gate tapping his foot. Both were still in their gym clothes, the sweaty shirts turned cold in the frigid weather and their shorts exposing their bare legs.

"Nande Ryou-chin.. Why are we waiting outside?" Sakuragi complained, trying to curl his long form away from the wind. "..She was just inside the gym.."

"Baka.. Then it would look suspicious," Miyagi muttered back, clenching his chattering teeth. "I wonder what's keeping her..?"

Sakuragi stroked his chin thoughtfully, peering in the direction of the gym. "The kitsune was still in there.."

"Hah. Rukawa detaining her. That's funny Hanamichi," Ryouta snorted. He couldn't imagine Rukawa speaking more than three syllables to a girl.

"Well what's taking her so long?" Sakuragi muttered irritably.

"Shut up– here she comes," Miyagi answered, pointing down the path.

"Oi Kyo-chan!"

The two basketball players blinked in confusion as the girl jumped straight into the air, her umbrella flying out of her hand. She simply stood there, staring at the two as if they were the last people she expected to see.

"Hi.." She finally got out. Miyagi noted the way her eyes lingered on Hanamichi, then dropped to her feet. He raised his eyebrows, meeting Sakuragi's gaze. The taller man merely shrugged at him, oblivious.

"We thought we could treat you to lunch, since you got us last time," Miyagi started with a smile, nudging Hanamichi.

"Hai! Tensai Sakuragi always pays back his friends.. Nyahahaha!"

Miyagi resisted the urge to squirm when the girl observed them with narrowed eyes. Half expecting her to decline the invitation, he was surprised when she suddenly brightened. "Good! I'm feeling pretty hungry!"

The three walked towards a noodle shop near the school, talking mostly of basketball and the upcoming game. It was only after Sakuragi had finished his fifth bowl of udon that he realized he only fifty yen in his pocket.

"Er.. Sorry Miyagi, I'll pay you back next week."

"Baka! That's what you said last week!" Miyagi groaned, peering into his wallet for the umpteenth time.

Kyouren smiled at the laughing red faced man, shaking her head. The warm broth in her belly, and the cozy, rundown atmosphere of the noodle bar was comforting. "Arigatou Miyagi-san," she murmured, relishing the moment. Rukawa's words still rang fresh in her mind, Tell him or go home. She lifted her eyes to observe the object of her turmoil– Sakuragi was grinning broadly as he downed the last of his broth. A piece of dried seaweed was stuck on his chin, and sesame seeds were stuck to his mouth. If she could only tell him with the assurance he wouldn't be angry or hurt; that her appearance was a welcome intrusion to his life.

"..So will you help us?"

Miyagi waited impatiently, as the girl blinked in confusion. She obviously hadn't been paying attention.

"Er.. Suman Senpai.. Help you with what?" Kyouren asked, noticing that Sakuragi was also listening intently.

Miyagi groaned, holding his head in his hands. He had wasted a good three minutes to explain to her the embarrassing details of their request. He looked at Sakuragi for help.

"Kyo-chan. Ryou-chin and I have decided. Tomorrow is d-day."

"D-day?" Kyouren asked, turning to look at Sakuragi. The mans goofy expression had changed into one of earnestness.

"Hai. We're going to confess to.. Er.."

Kyouren's eyes rounded when she realized their meaning. "Haruko and Ayako-senpai?"

"Hai," the two men muttered, looking down at their feet as their faces reddened.

"But.. Why now?"

Miyagi toyed with his chopsticks, a faraway look in his eyes. "I'm in my third year now Kyo-chan. Aya-chan is a smart girl.. But me, after basketball.. I'm not sure where my futures going. Soon we'll be taking our entrance exams and I'm not sure we'll be going to the same school.."

Kyouren was surprised by the tender nature of his confession. He was so serious, so sweet, she felt heart-felt pity for her senpai.

"Its my last chance."

Sakuragi sniffed, and Kyouren noticed his eyes were glimmering. She discreetly looked away, resisting the urge to laugh at his unexpected sensitivity. She waited for him to compose himself, before asking gently, "And you Sakuragi-kun?"

Sakuragi paused to think before he spoke, a trait truly remarkable for the impetuous tensai. "If I don't tell her, there's no way to change our relationship."

"Nani?"

"Haruko-san doesn't have a clue how I feel." Sakuragi reddened, obviously uncomfortable with spilling his emotions. "By telling her.. Maybe, just maybe she'll start to see me differently."

"You're both sure its for the best?" She asked, her voice wavering in ill-disguised doubt.

"Hai," Miyagi replied steadily.

"But.. B-but.. How do you know what will happen?" She whispered, swirling a chopstick in her green tea.

It was Sakuragi who answered, with a look of firm resolve in his eyes. "Being rejected is a possibility.. But its better than the alternative."

"...What's that?"

Miyagi answered plainly, "Hiding your feelings."

Kyouren choked on her tea, the liquid scalding her throat as she dropped the hot mug. It spilled across the bar as Sakuragi and Miyagi took turns thumping her back.

"Kyo-chan.. Daijobu?" Miyagi asked worriedly as she waved them away.

Kyouren wiped at her blouse hastily where the tea left a green stain on the white cotton. "I'm fine, it was hot," She replied hastily.

"So you'll help us?" Miyagi persisted.

"With what?"

"Well.. we thought we'd practice confessing to you. Since you promised to help us. Remember?" Sakuragi prodded her shoulder with a chopstick eagerly, grinning unabashedly.

"Anou.." Kyouren stammered, turning red herself. "I'm not really experienced with this–"

Miyagi shook his head, firmly grasping her shoulder. "Its either you or Sakuragi. And Frankly, I think I'd feel much better with you."

"Sou da! That goes for me too," Sakuragi responded, peering apprehensively at Miyagi.

"Fine.. I'll help you," Kyouren gave in. But she wondered vaguely if she would be as helpful as they hoped. In her mind the voices of Rukawa, Miyagi, and Sakuragi wouldn't leave her alone.

"Its not that complicated."

"Its my last chance."

"..its better than the alternative."

"..Hiding your feelings."

"Nyahahahahhahaa!"

"Urusei Hanamichi!" Ryouta's roar brought her out of her thoughts. Miyagi had Sakuragi in a headlock, the taller man gasping for breath as he drowned in silent laughter. She briefly recalled that Miyagi had been kneeling before her, muttering something.

"Er.. Miyagi-san, Sakuragi-kun.."

The two were still at it, yelling and throwing things. The cashier eyes them nervously, bringing them their check. Kyouren sighed, leaving a wad of yen on the table as she dragged the two outside, still yelling. When they finally calmed down Miyagi turned to Kyouren.

"It wasn't that bad was it?"

"Anou..." She stammered, trying to remember what exactly it was Miyagi had said. "Well.. To tell you the truth it wasn't like you."

"Nani?" Ryouta asked, scratching his head, as Sakuragi chortled from behind them.

"Senpai.. I don't think you should kneel. Or try to sound poetic."

"But.. I thought girls loved that," he muttered.

"Just.. Tell her how you feel, no more no less." She sighed when Sakuragi and Ryouta stared at her blankly, scratching their heads. "Just speak plainly."

Miyagi shook his head in confusion, suddenly brightening. "Hey, why don't you show us how?"

"Sou da!" Sakuragi exclaimed, suddenly pointing to his face. "Just pretend I'm Mitsui– "

"Sakuragi-kun!" She wailed in protest, her face reddening.

"Fine," Sakuragi sighed pointing at Miyagi. "Pretend he's Mitsui. I'm sure it'll be easier, since he's so much shorter than the real Mitsui."

"Nande yo?" Miyagi yelled, his face reddening in anger.

"I am NOT going to pretend either of your are Mitsui-san!" She stated firmly, or rather yelled over the din of the rough housing men. She ignored the pathetic looks on Miyagi and Sakuragi's faces, feigning cold indifference.

"You promised!" Sakuragi accused, pointing a long finger at her.

"I can't tell you what to say or how to act. Just.. Just speak from the heart," She explained. "Do it your way.." The three had stopped walking, and she realized they weren't two blocks away from the Rukawa house. It seemed her feet had lead her home. While the two were lost in thought she seized the opportunity to head home. "Good luck tomorrow senpai, Sakuragi-kun! I'm going home!"

Before the two could respond the girl had run out of ear shot, splashing puddles as she went. "Kuso.. She didn't even help us," Sakuragi muttered unhappily.

"And I even bought her lunch.." Miyagi groaned.

Sakuragi blinked, suddenly remembering something. "Ryou-chin.. When did you pay?"

"Hehh heh.. Oops," the Captain muttered embarrassedly, realizing his mistake. "Well might as well go home.."

"Do it my way.." Sakuragi murmured. The two basketball players walked quietly towards their own neighborhoods, lost in their thoughts.

OooOooOOO

When Kyouren reached home, Nitta-san was bending over the stove stirring a pot of soup. "Konnichiwa Kyo-chan! Did you have lunch?" The old lady asked, smiling kindly.

She politely declined the offer, smiling at the old lady, suddenly aware that her days with Nitta-san were numbered. She tromped up the stairs, deciding to tackle the rest of her homework– get her mind off of other things. She didn't get very far when a large thump echoed from her door. Jolting from her seat, she opened her door wide.

A pair of shoes– the ones she had left in the garbage sat right outside the door. Stunned, she vaguely heard the sound of the shower running. She grabbed the shoes, and slid them under her bed, sighing. The words in her chemistry book began to blur a she squinted in the page, now completely distracted.

Tell him or go home.

She dug through her desk blindly, miraculously coming across what she was looking for– a phone card. She crept through the hallway, opening the door to Mr. Rukawa's office. Her hands trembled as she picked up the black receiver, settling uncomfortably on the desk as her fingers began to dial..

One ring. Two rings. Three rings.. Click.

"Hello?" A tired voice murmured.

"Otousan.."

"Kyouren? Is that you?"

"Hai.."

"What's wrong? Are you sick?"

"Tou-san.. I want to go home."

There was a slight pause on the other end. "Sure honey. But It's going to take a few days to make the arrangements... I'm not at home right now."

"How long?"

"One week."

"Okay."

"Is something wrong?" Her step-father asked, the sleepiness gone from his tone. "Have they been treating you badly?"

"No.. I'm just ready."

"Did.. Did things go alright?"

"Tou-san I gotta go. I'll call you later," She murmured, slamming the receiver back into its place. She suddenly felt tears welling up in her eyes, and she instantly regretted her decision. But there was no turning back. The room felt dark and drafty, and she felt the urge to return to her room. She hurriedly slid off the desk and swung open the door.

The jetting noise of running water had stopped. She looked up in alarm, her eyes widening. Rukawa, a towel wrapped around his mid-section, dripping water was standing right before the door. His face was equally shocked as hers for a brief moment, then that cool mask slid onto his features. His eyes bored through hers, making her fidget uncomfortably.

"You are a coward," He murmured. He brushed past her and walked into his room.

Kyouren stood in the hallway, too defeated to feel angry. For once, she had to agree with him.

OooooOOooO

I apologize if this fic is pulling forward erratically in one chapter. I feel my inspiration for this Sakuragi/Kyouren relation thing running out.. So I'm trying to push for the big finish. Thanks for reading!