Chapter 16: Enforced Arrangements

Little Falcon:Truthfully, I wasn't supposed to update this story until next week but since its Sakuno's Birthday... I'll consider this a tribute. Read and review okay?

Standard Disclaimer: I only own that idea that's all. If I did own this series I'll be the happiest person on earth.

Cheers erupted from the court as the two teams lined up facing each other then in a sign of sportsmanship and camaraderie shook hands. Although their pride was in shambles, not one game won, Higa Academy wasn't the arrogant fools they seem to be. Unlike before, they accepted their defeat with a steady handshake and a promise to beat Seigaku next time. Of course, this wasn't a challenge Seigaku would resist. In the end, it had been a great match and the audience from both Seigaku and Higa applauded and cheered for all the players.

A strong hand tapped his shoulder. "Oi, Echizen… about," he was never good at explaining things especially when it's about women. Not just any woman… Echizen's woman. Gathering his courage, Momoshiro swallowed with great difficulty before continuing. "…it's not like…"

He was cut short not by his teammate slapping away his hand (he expected that), but by the cold glare of his amber eyes. Just by the sight of it, it made the young man literally step back. This didn't go unnoticed by their other teammates. The first to react was their acrobatic teammate who elbowed Momoshiro and whispered "Oi, what did you do to o-chibi?" when Eiji, too, caught a direct glimpse at Ryoma's eyes he shut up completely. Everyone remained quiet and unmoving until he walked out with an aura almost ready to kill.

"What the hell did you do to him, ssshhhh?" the viper asked as they stared after their most talented regular. Everyone listened carefully as the dunk smasher revealed what happened just hours ago, even their serious captain was included in the circle.

"Aaaahhh," almost everyone had that tone. The tone that tells so 'Now, we understand. It sucks to be you right now. Good luck then.' Tezuka pushed back his glasses. Fuji had that same smile plastered on his face. Oishi forced a reassuring smile together with Kawamura while Inui was jotting down notes avoiding eye contact. Eiji was shaking his head and Kaido slapped his back soundly while muttering "It was nice knowing you," Momoshiro felt a hundred times threatened now.

"So? Ready to go?" their clueless lady coach was surprised to see her team's change in mood. They were happy alright… but apparently it was because of another reason. Maybe it has something to do with Momo's blanched face? The old coach will never know.

Upon arriving at the mansion, a feast was prepared for them in celebration for their victory. The table was set, the candles were lit and their seats waiting for them. As the tired and hungry team almost ran to their seat, drooling over the scrumptious buffet, the female coach looked around and asked one of the serving maids. "Is she the one who did all this?" they didn't need to mention her name. There was only one person in the house, full of maids, who can cook.

With a smile the maid replied politely "Hai, Sakuno-sama was the one who prepared all of these. She's so sure your team is famished," with that, she bowed and resumed her work. Sakuno… you never change. Always so thoughtful of others. Somehow there was a proud smile on her wrinkled face as she heard one of her players calls her name to join them.

*****

As her paring knife separated the shiny red skin from its watery white flesh, her mind began to wander off. What am I supposed to do now? There's no way I can keep my relationship with Akaya a secret now. Then the painful look in his eyes flashed into her subconscious, the knife slipped from her hold and cut her finger, jerking her mind back to her body. "Ouch," she watched the blood appear on her wound.

"You shouldn't be holding knives when you're thinking of something else," the gentle voice of the old woman sitting on the hospital bed, chided. After weeks of confinement, finally, Tsubaki, was showing great signs of improvement. "…or should I say somebody," somehow through the time they spent together, the old woman had learned to read her actions like a book. It was easy for her especially when Sakuno was blushing from head to toe.

"Tsu…Tsubaki-sama!" her blush grew as the old woman laughed openly. A light knock on the door made her stop. Quietly, the door swung open to let in a man with the same midnight blue eyes as hers, carrying a bouquet. "Glad to see you're already back to your usual self, mom," he said without even sparing a glance at Sakuno.

"Azuma…"

Knowing when she's not needed, Sakuno left the room with an excuse to get water for the flowers. It had been years without as much as a word said between the two so it was only natural to let the mother and child catch up with everything they had missed.

After a long while, the vase half-filled with water was in her hands as she walked towards Tsubaki's room. Outside, Azuma was leaning against the wall as if waiting for her. "I heard Seigaku won," he said as she was right in front of him. "That means the other games will be held in another area right?" without waiting for her reply, he raised his blue eyes to meet hers. "I suggest you start packing then," Azuma opened the door for her.

Sakuno's hands were shaking, gripping the vase she held. Thankful that it didn't break. "Hai," she said under her breath.

*****

It was only when she was removing her roller blades, did she realize that her predicament with Akaya and Ryoma didn't pass her mind after Azuma stated that he was itching to kick her out. It was one of those days that everything seems to pile up on you and you know that there are more to come. Taking in a deep painful breath, Sakuno tried to push everything back, asking for some time to think.

The sound of light footsteps surprised her. It was in the wee hours of the morning. Her blood froze and her breath stopped midway as she saw him descend from the stairs. This is not good. Following her instincts blindly, she quickened her steps to get out of his sight. Without meeting his eyes, she hightailed to the kitchen but the sound of his quick steps made her turn around.

BAM! Her body was pushed forcefully against the nearest wall. Her back switching the light off unintentionally. His arms imprisoned her: each leaning on each side. Her cheek could almost feel his warm breath as he closed the distance in between their faces.

With every fiber of her self-control, Sakuno turned away. "Co…congratulations on your win," she stuttered for an excuse to dive out of his arms but he didn't let her. For a while, they stood there in silence.

Her heart was beating so loud she could swear he could hear it. It took every ounce of her metal strength to force herself not to talk. Somehow she knew she won't be able to talk straight especially when he was so close… with his eyes… penetrating hers. Sakuno didn't need to look to know that Ryoma was looking at her. Her spine felt like it was splashed with ice cold water repeatedly.

"Just what am I to you… Sakuno?" his tone was filled with pain that she too felt a part of it. But when he mentioned her name… it turned gentle, like he was saying a prayer. It felt different when her name came from his lips. It made her stomach do sommersaults, her knees turn to jelly and her heart skips a beat

Through the years, he grew way past her. She had to look up to meet his gaze. Even in the darkness, she saw his pain clearly. "Sakuno…" his voice was hoarse as he bowed his head in defeat.

Abandoning all reason, her hands cupped his face. "Sshhh," her fingers caressed his shaking lips before she sealed it with hers. His arms immediately wound around her tiny frame as hers encircled his neck as their exchange deepened with every second. I like you… who needs words anyway?

Little Falcon: read and review okay?