Disclaimer : Slam Dunk is owned by Japanese Mangaka Takehiko Inoue
Author's note : Thanks again to mrsklemzak to follow my fics about Slam Dunk. I hope my characters aren't too OOC. Enjoy^^
« I agree but let's establish some rules » added Rukawa with a little smirk.
He started to dribble while he observed Hanamichi stiffen.
"A basket equals a question. You have 5 chances to put a basket but you have to take the ball from me first."
Sakuragi smiled widely. "Ok Kitsune, let's kick your ass!"
Nevertheless, that was easier said than done and he had difficulties to pierce Rukawa's defense. Besides, he had trained since a more long time than his teammate and he begun to feel exhausted. Rukawa seemed to be aware of this fact and couldn't stop himself to tease the redhead.
"I believed that you said you will beat me" reminded Rukawa.
His words had the effects to infuriate Hanamichi who decided to go on the offensive. He tried to intercept the ball, aiming it with a quick movement but his action lead him to fell on Rukawa who lose his balance. They fell back without finding a way to recover their balance and their both heads clashed the ground.
Sakuragi was lying on Rukawa, stunned because of the strength of the impact. The Ace of Shohoku was also dazed but really conscious of the weight of the redhead's body on his and their legs tangled. Sakuragi was heavy but the heat radiating from his body comforted him. The redhead'sface was very next to his and he could see many of the details of it. The redhead had tired features, dark circles under eyes.
When this do'haou was quiet, he was almost attractive Rukawa though and suddenly it appears him that was the first time he had such intimate contact with anyone and in particular with a man.
Realizing the turn his thoughts take, he tried to awake the other player by giving him knee blows in the ribs.
"Wake up Doha'hou! You're heavier than an elephant" hissed Rukawa
Hanamichi seemed to hear his voice because he moved a little his knee too close to Rukawa's groin for his own sake as he regained consciousness. He opened his eyes and almost jumped when he crossed the blue eyes of his teammate.
He got up, laughing from embarrassment.
"Sorry, I fell asleep. You were a good pillow Kitsune".
Rukawa got up few seconds after, rubbing his neck. He observed Hanamichi who was blushing.
"I feel generous Do'haho" he said, passing the ball to the redhead.
"What? You think I can't take the ball myself?" shouted Sakuragi
The way the redhead passed from an emotion to its opposite in three seconds was a fascinating phenomenon according to Rukawa.
"Shut up and play Doh'aho".
To possess the ball was certainly an advantage but that didn't mean that shoot efficiently was easier.
When he tried to come closer to the basket, Ruwawa was vigilant to stop his progression. He had only two advantages over the blue-eyed youth: his jumps and his speed but Rukawa was able to read through his feints.
He tried to shoot from the three-point line but Rukawa jumped to counter him. He had observed many times Sendoh perform his shoot and he could attempt it. He did a step behind while he jumped again to do a fade away shoot.
Rukawa was surprised, he tried to change the ball's trajectory but didn't reach it. Sakuragi scored.
"Yosh, one point!" smiled Sakuragi.
Rukawa managed to counter 3 others shoots. Sakuragi could only ask two questions.
"Be careful and select your questions doh'aho" said Rukawa while he drunk water.
Hanamichi didn't know how to formulate his questions and seemed suddenly unsure of why he challenged the Ace of Shohoku. He didn't even know in what the Rukawa's love relation or orientation could interest him. He supposed that as he didn't go out with a girl, he was curious to know if his rival had more experience.
"What is like to go out with a boy?" asked Sakuragi with a gulp.
Rukawa almost coughed in his drink. He supposed that the questions the redhead will ask him would be about his homosexuality but he didn't expect this.
"I don't know" Rukawa answered. He added with a smirk "Only one question, now".
Sakuragi boiled which entertains a lot his teammate.
"It's not fair kitsuné! What kind of answer is that? You have to be sincere!" yelled the redhead.
Rukawa rolled his eyes, a feeling of exasperation him.
"And you, why do you care? Aren't you in love with Akagi's little sister?"
Hanamichi opened the mouth but closed it immediately.
"It's me who ask the questions, not you kistune" reminded Sakuragi.
Rukawa did various steps to be closer to Hanamichi who seemed afraid of his sudden proximity.
He retreated as Rukawa continue to advance until he felt his back knock on the wall.
"What are you doing kitsune?"Breathed Hanamichi while Rukawa put his hands either side of his head, pinned his body against the wall with his.
"I'm answering to your first question Doh'ho murmured Rukawa in Hanamichi's ear. A large blush spread the redhead's face before he started to wriggle to freed himself.
"Get off or I kick you in the balls." Threatened Hanamichi
Rukawa didn't do a move. He inserted a leg between Hanamichi's instead.
"Are you afraid Doha'ho? So why do you ask these questions?"Mocked Rukawa
He knew that provoke the redhead was the best way to achieve his goal.
"Why I would be afraid of you jerk? The Tensai is not scared of anything!"
Rukawa nodded and bent over to kiss a shocked Hanamichi who froze at the contact. This first kiss was very chaste; it was just a light touch between two pairs of lips. It was Hanamichi, to the greatest surprise of Rukawa, who deepen this kiss, opening his mouth to slide his tongue in Rukawa's cavern.
Hanamichi was inexperienced, so was Rukawa but they both took pleasure in this kiss.
Hanamichi, although he self-proclaimed Tensai didn't have a lot of confidence and he was aware that Haruko will never love him. Besides, over time, he understood that he cared about the girl but he didn't love her as a girlfriend. He wanted to protect her but he had never imagined that he could be involved with her in a romance story. He had resigned himself to be not attractive even if he suffered of this situation. A part of himself wanted to be loved for what he was.
He didn't like Rukawa either but he couldn't deny a certain admiration he felt for the basketball player. He was a kind of model he must reach and surpass. He didn't expect thaht Rukawa and him fall in love with each other. He just wanted to know what is a kiss, what is be able to rely on someone even if it's Rukawa to the condition thaht his teammate adopt the same behaviour and logic.