A/N: Whenever I see a tree, I always have the urge to climb it. Oh, I'm good at climbing up but not climbing down…It freaks me out to have a dislocated joints or to find my self rolling down the ground sprinkled with goats manure. Eww!

Disclaimer: I don't own Slam Dunk. Thanks to Encarta Dictionary for the meaning of HUMILIATION.

Chapter 3: Rapunzel, don't let down your hair!

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One sinister night, the wicked witch locked her up on a dark tower, guarded by a large beast ready to devour anyone who will try to rescue her…

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The moon was up and the stars are out. Great! A perfect ambiance for my perfect plan. I lean on my windowpane and scanned the area. Well, my room is situated at the back of our house. I doubt if somebody would even notice what I'm trying to do. My dad and his bride are still on hotel for the wedding reception. But just to be sure…

OK, the coast is clear!

I picked up my duffel bag on the floor and hastily threw it outside the window. Thanks to my mom's Bermuda grass, the bag did not make any sound when it hits the ground. I inhaled deeply before I leap over my window to the waiting solid branch of a cherry tree beside it.

Mom often told me not to climb trees because she said, "It's a boy thing!" but I usually sneak and climb this particular tree together with my other cousin, Hagire, whenever she's out shopping

Nostalgic thoughts are not welcome, I thought and I should concentrate on swinging my arm to the tree's other branches. At last, I finally reached the remaining branch next to the trunk it self.

What does everyone says to someone who was attempting to cross a hanging bridge or anything that was so high? Ah, yes; DON'T LOOK DOWN! But I did, and what I saw makes my heart flip three times and produce perspiration enough to fill a bucket!

Ohhh, I wouldn't be pulling this stunt if it wasn't for my stepmother who wanted me out of our house and send me to Kanagawa to study so I won't get in her way. Hah! Not a chance! I won't go to Kanagawa, instead I'll go back to my grandparents in Okinawa and from there I'll have my way! But for now back to my old dilemma.

Damn! Why should it be too high? I secretly blamed my father and his profession, a botanist and have to grow this cherry tree with four meter trunk.

I close my eyes and think of a strategy. If I slide down, my palm will suffer and it would be impossible for me to clinch the whole trunk.

What would I make it if I jump? Would there be any assurance that I won't suffer broken bones? Oh Kami! I'm fifteen years old not eight and that was my age the last time I went up this tree. (The reason: My mom found out, she spanked me and I was not able to sit for a day!)

I blamed my predicament to Hirumi. If she hadn't met and married my father, I won't be able to come across her bullying cousin…I look up at my room. If I hesitate now, Rukawa will grow tired of waiting and soon he'll be knocking at my door and he'll find me still hanging here.

Jumping seemed to be the better idea.

Again, I filled my lungs with air then grab hold of the last thick branch.

Don't be stupid, Toki! It's only two meters high!

Hell yeah, it's only two meters down but I can't let go. I whimpered silently.

"Start flyin', Tonde Burin."

I gasped when I felt hands on my thighs, enough to make me let go of the branch. I heard my self scream while flapping my arms in the air when I felt strong arms caught me in mid air. However, the impact was so strong it knocked us both to the ground. I landed on top of him in astride and my face hit the hardness of his chest.

Humiliation; loss of dignity: the feeling or condition of being lessened in dignity or pride. And that…is what I'm feeling right now.

I moaned. It would be better to break a leg than to feel undignified like this! I quickly lean my arms to the ground and lift my upper body from him. I knew my eyes are now bulging from their sockets as I look at Rukawa, Kaede for a while. There's something in his eyes…anger or amusement.

I decided it was anger. Knowing Rukawa, Kaede, he couldn't be amused, especially now that I was caught red-handed.

Still shaken, I immediately get-off him and stood up. Rukawa followed dusting his suit and pants off of grass and dirt.

"I can't believe you pulled this stunt, Takamiya," he said in reprimanding tone.

"Oh! Thanks to you, I'm still alive! You're my hero!" I quack mockingly. Pain, anger, humiliation came rushing through me. But before I could have analyzed my other feelings, Rukawa's hands are already on my wrist, encircling it like a handcuff. Then dragged me where my duffel bag lay.

"Let's go." He growled. "You've already wasted my precious time."

"Who said I'll be going with you?" I snapped at him but it just made me feel like a loony talking to a passing wind.

I wriggled, kicked and tried everything I can but it didn't matter. His bigger and meaner that poor, itsy-bitsy me cannot even land a lousy hit. He dragged me to our house's gate where a black Benz was parked and a man, around mid forties, who wore dark suit stood. He opened the door for us politely but Rukawa, with his trade mark attitude tossed me inside the car like a rag doll and shoved me aside brusquely that I earned my very first kiss—from a Mercedes window!

"Hey!"

He slammed the door shut and I quickly seize the handle of the door on my side but it won't budge. Harg! Power locks! What now? My brain works over time when I noticed my cell phone peeking from my bag's side pocket and swiftly grabbed it and jab the number one button to call my dad. Yes, why didn't think of that earlier? I'll let dad know how this two are—

"No phone calls." He said gruffly and snatched the phone from my hand and slid it into his pant's pocket.

"Give me back my phone or I'll—"

"Drive." He ordered the driver impassively, not minding my irksome behavior that I was throwing at him.

After an hour, I gave up on having my phone back. But just for now. There would be some other time I thought. My energy was all used up and I feel so wasted. What I need now is a bit of rest and…

"Remember this Rukawa, you can never-ever contain me. I'll find my way to escape from you I swear…"

A yawn escapes my lips. I remembered, I didn't slept last night because of depression and now, I think Sand Man was pouring every sand he has on me as my lids are starting flutter shut and I…felt my head dozing to a warm chest and the heart beating on it gives soft lullaby to my ear.

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A/N: I never planned to end it that way but…what ever! Hope you enjoyed it as I have such a good time taking it out off my head.

Boy, am I beat! Need to sleep now. I feel kinda'…………………………... woozy…………………………………………….

Until next (yawn) time!

Ciao.