Slam Dunk Fan Fiction ❯ Martyrs Of Love ❯ Chapter Four ~ Unexpected news ( Chapter 4 )

Martyrs of Love Chapter 4 ~ Unexpected news --- --- --- --- --- Keys: “Dialogue in Japanese” ‘Dialogue in English’ /Thoughts/ --- --- --- --- --- Present day… Sendoh bit his lower lip in regret. He had been a fool when he believed Shouzen's words so easily. He had actually trusted his ex-lover and allowed him to re-enter his life again. That was his first mistake… A mistake he paid for dearly… Not only him, but also his young lover…yes, his beloved Kaede had also paid for his mistakes, for his past… Sendoh released a deep breath, tightening his embrace around Rukawa's body. Could he still have compensated for the mistakes of his past if he hadn’t believed Shouzen that easily? He wondered. Could he have spared himself and his lover all the pain if he hadn’t allowed Shouzen in his life again? A soft whimper escaped from the restless body in his arms, drawing Sendoh back to reality. He looked down at the sleeping boy and wasn’t surprised to see the sliver trail of tears on his pale cheeks. It had become a common thing by now for Sendoh to hear the boy cry and groan all night, trapped in horrible nightmares. Sendoh couldn’t do anything to save him from his nightmares. He could only hold him close to his heart, whispering comforting words into the boy’s ears that he wasn’t even sure that the other boy heard them. Sendoh sighed deeply; he brought those nightmares into Rukawa's life … If only he was a little bit braver, if he was a little bit stronger, none of this would have happened… --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- One year before… Getting out of the bathroom, Sendoh smiled at the sight of his still sleeping lover. His lover’s ability to sleep never ceased to surprise him even after knowing Rukawa for nearly two years and actually living with the boy for four months and a half now. “Kaede,” Sendoh said, gently sitting at the edge of the bed not wishing to startled his sleeping lover and get one of his famous flying fists. “It’s time to wake up, sugar lips.” In response, Rukawa just moaned and turned to the other side, covering his head with the blanket. “Sugar lips, it’s time to wake up,” Sendoh said coaxingly, pulling the blanket away. “Come on, sugar lips. Rise and shine!” “How many times did I tell you not to call me with that stupid pet name?” Rukawa turned and glared, or tried to, at Sendoh with sleepy eyes. Sendoh chuckled softly and leaned forwards, kissing Rukawa softly on the lips. “A few hundred times,” he said, grinning. “I still don’t know why you don’t like it, though? I think it’s cute and it does suit you!” “Do’aho! I’m not a girl.” Rukawa said, yawning. Sendoh laughed softly, leaning once more and capturing Rukawa's lips. Rukawa moaned and circled Sendoh’s neck with his arms, deepening the kiss. Suddenly, a buzzing sound came from the intercom above the bed and the two broke up. “Master Matthew,” a firm female voice came through the device. “Master Akira, your breakfast is ready. You two better be down soon or you’re going to be late!” Sendoh chuckled softly and stood up, picking up the receiver. “We’re on our way down, Mrs. James.” He said. “Don’t worry!” He hung off the receiver and looked down at his lover. “You heard your nanny, Koi.” He said, smiling. “You better get up.” Yawning, Rukawa sat up and rubbed his eyes. Then, he got off the bed and went to the bathroom. Sendoh watched as his lover disappeared into the bathroom; a soft smile playing on his face. Life couldn’t be more perfect. Everything has returned to its normal way since his confrontation with Shouzen three weeks ago. The two had become some sort of friends during that time and Sendoh was starting to feel more comfortable around Shouzen. Sendoh had seen a totally new side of Shouzen; a side that he had never thought that it could exist in his ex-lover. The Shouzen that he came to know was completely different than the person he had known in Tokyo as Kanpuu. Sendoh smiled slightly. He had never imagined that he would see Shouzen joking and laughing openly one day. He had never imagined that he would see Shouzen actually show any kindness or gentleness towards any one. Sendoh sighed deeply. Shouzen hadn’t completely changed, though. There were still moments when he caught faint glimpses of Shouzen's old self. But, he reflected, Shouzen was trying to change and that’s all that matters. Shouzen was trying to adapt himself to the new environment he was introduced to. He started to hang out with Sendoh and the rest, come and watch the team practicing; he even showed some interest to meet Kaede someday. “AKIRA!” “Huh?” Sendoh looked up, snapping from his thoughts. Rukawa was standing in front of him, wearing his school uniform already and holding his gym bag with one hand and his books in the other. Rukawa rolled his eyes in annoyance. “I was wondering when you were going to grace me with your attention.” He said coldly. “I’m really starting to wonder where you go when you space out the way you’ve been doing lately!” “I was thinking how lucky I am.” Sendoh said, smirking. Standing up, he took Rukawa into his arms and kissed him passionately. Rukawa moaned softly, dropping everything in his hands and circling Sendoh’s neck. “MASTER MATTHEW AND MASTER AKIRA, COME DOWN NOW!” Mrs. James’ sharp voice through the intercom made the boys jump from their places and dash downstairs in a hurry. --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Sendoh looked up from his plate and smiled at the sight of Mrs. James nagging Rukawa about his eating habits again. It was typical for Mrs. James to fuss about everything concerning his young lover. After all, the old Lady did raise Kaede ever since his parents’ murder. After the tragic murder, Mrs. James took it on her shoulders to raise Kaede the same way she had raised his late mother, and for that, she decided to stay permanently in Japan. She even stopped Kaede’s American Uncle, Mr. Kevin Andrews, from taking the kid back to the USA with him, reasoning that Kaede should grow up in his country and in the same house where he was born, near his parents’ graves. Of course, Mr. Andrews couldn’t disagree with his sister’s nanny; besides, he was a busy man and didn’t have much time to be around his nephew, so he contented himself with some calls and short visits from time to time. Sendoh smiled to himself. The old Lady was very kind and caring of the both of them. She had welcomed him with open arms when she saw how happy Kaede was with him; for Kaede’s happiness had the priority in everything matters to her. She hadn’t even objected very much when Sendoh decided to move in with Kaede. She had made a fuss about it at first but then she just accepted it again for Kaede’s sake. Besides, she needed to go to the USA for an emergency but didn’t want to leave Kaede alone in the house, so she agreed on Sendoh’s moving. Sendoh shook his head, raising his cup of milk to his lips. His life, for once, was perfect. “By the way Matt,” Mrs. James said, pouring some hot milk in Rukawa's cup. “Your uncle has called last night. He wanted to invite both of you to spend the summer vacation in Hawaii with him.” /Shit!/ Sendoh choked his milk upon hearing that. He looked up and saw Rukawa and Mrs. James staring at him. “Are you alright, Aki?” Rukawa asked. “Yes.” Sendoh said, clearing his throat. “The milk is hot.” Mrs. James raised a suspicious eyebrow but said nothing. Turning her attention back to Rukawa, she asked him again. “What do you think, Matt? Are you going to accept your uncle’s invitation?” “I don’t know.” Rukawa said thoughtfully. “What do you think, Aki? Should we go?” Sendoh looked at Rukawa, forcing a smile on his face. “Of course we should, Kae-chan.” He said with forced cheerful voice. “This is your chance to see your uncle after a long time. Besides, there aren’t many things to do here in the summer anyway.” “You are right.” Rukawa said, smiling. “There is a big chance that I would not be able to see Uncle Kevin for a long time after this.” “Very well, then.” Mrs. James said, picking up the empty plates. “If Mr. Andrews calls tonight, I’ll tell him that you two accepted his invitation.” “Fine.” Rukawa said, standing from his seat. “We are going to school now, nanny.” “Bye, Mrs. James.” Sendoh said, standing up as well and picking his gym bag with his books. “Goodbye, darlings.” Mrs. James said. “Take care of yourselves, ok?” “Don’t worry, Mrs. James,” Sendoh smiled. “We will.” “By the way, what do you want for dinner?” she asked, following them to the doorway. “We’ll eat outside tonight.” Rukawa said, smiling. “Today, we have a match against Ryonan and Aki is going to take me outside after I beat him. “Oh, really?” Mrs. James asked, raising an amused eyebrow. “Don’t believe him, Mrs. James.” Sendoh said. “Ryonan is going to win and I’ll beat Kaede again.” “Do’aho!” Rukawa said, shaking his head. “I’ll beat you today, Sendoh Akira!” “That what you always say, Kae-chan!” Sendoh said, smirking. “Whatever!” Rukawa said, sticking his tongue outside. Mrs. James laughed, shaking her head in amusement. After kissing the old Lady goodbye, Rukawa and Sendoh walked together to Shohoku high.   --- --- --- --- --- After walking his lover to Shohoku high, Sendoh went to the station and took the train to Ryonan high. In the way to his school, Sendoh thought about this morning news. /The summer vacation with Kaede’s uncle,/ He groaned. /And I was just thinking how perfect my life is!/ He sighed deeply. That wasn’t fair at all! Mr. Andrews was a rich American businessman and Rukawa's only family. He had been Rukawa's guardian after his parents’ death even, though; the man barely was able to actually spend any time with Rukawa. His business was taking the majority of his time so he entrusted Mrs. James to take care of Rukawa instead. But that didn’t prevent the man from being overprotective of his nephew. When Rukawa first introduced Sendoh to his uncle, Mr. Andrews threw a private detective on Sendoh, turning the next few weeks into hell as the PI shadowed him everywhere he went. Sendoh swore that if Mr. Andrew was able to put him on a lie detector, he would have done so. That of course wasn’t a good thing, since Sendoh didn’t wish for Kaede or anyone for that matter to know anything about his past in Tokyo. In any case, Mr. Andrews came to conclusion that Sendoh wasn’t the right person to be with his only nephew. But Rukawa didn’t listen to his uncle and continued with their relationship, which made Mr. Andrews hate Sendoh even more and thus, he declared a cold war on the boy, ignoring his presence whenever he was around. So whenever Mr. Andrews was around, Sendoh would have a miserable time. Every move he made, every word he said, every breath he takes was being watched by the American guy as if he was waiting for the moment when Sendoh does something wrong or hurt Rukawa in any way. “That’s not fair!” he grumbled to himself. “What is not fair?” a voice spoke from behind. Sendoh looked back in surprise and saw Koshino and Fukuda walking right behind him. “When did you two start walking behind me?” Sendoh asked. “Since ten minutes ago.” Koshino chuckled, wrapping an arm around Sendoh’s neck as the three walked together to school. “We were waiting for you to notice us but apparently you have more important things in your mind.” Fukuda laughed. “Yeah, like a certain fox from Shohoku high, perhaps.” “My point exactly.” Koshino smirked. “Now, dear Sendoh, mind to tell us what is not fair? Did you have a love quarrel with your young kitsune or something?” “No,” Sendoh snapped. “For your information, Kosh, Kaede and I don’t fight. We are happy together, thank you very much.” “Hmm,” Fukuda said, rubbing his chin. “Touchy! Are you sure you didn’t fight with Rukawa?” “Yes, I’m sure!” Sendoh said, rolling his eyes. “It’s just I had some bad news this morning, that’s all.” “What?” Koshino said, raising a teasing eyebrow. “Rukawa doesn’t want to go along with your hentai ideas anymore? Or maybe he’s tired of them already and wants you two to live in celibacy for a while?” “No!” Sendoh exclaimed, blushing. Seeing his reaction, his two teammates burst into laughter. “That’s not funny.” Sendoh growled, marching away from the two. The two friends took deep breaths, trying to ease their laughter while trying to catch up again with Sendoh. “If that wasn’t the case,” Koshino said, still unable to hold back his laughter. “Then what has put the great Sendoh Akira in such bad mood?” Sendoh sighed and stopped, waiting for his friends. “Mrs. James told us this morning that Mr. Andrews had called and invited us to spend the summer vacation with him in Hawaii.” Sendoh said, resuming his walk to school with Koshino and Fukuda. “What?” Koshino’s eyes popped out. “The summer vacation? With Rukawa's uncle?” Koshino’s face turned bright red as he tried to suppress his laughter and failed, bursting into loud, hysterical laughter. Sendoh sighed deeply as every single student and teacher stared in their direction. Fukuda raised an eyebrow, wondering what had caused his grumpy friend to laugh that much. Regaining self-control, Koshino looked up at Sendoh and chuckled. “Now I understand completely.” He said with a smirk. “I just hope that you come back to us in one piece. Break a leg, while you’re at it. Might help you win some sympathy at the very least.” Sendoh glared at him, choosing to say nothing. “Will someone please explain to me what is going on?” Fukuda asked impatiently. “And what the hell caused you to perform that hyena act, Kosh?” “That’s a story you have to hear, Fuku,” Koshino said, chuckling. “It appeared that Rukawa has an uncle worse than the FBI.” “Really now?” Fukuda said, looking at Sendoh questionly. “Not now,” Sendoh said. “We have classes, if you two still remember. I’ll tell you about it later.” With that, he and Koshino parted from Fukuda, heading to their classes. --- --- --- --- --- Sendoh and Koshino were walking together to their lockers when they saw Shouzen coming in the opposite direction. “Good morning, Sendoh,” The green-eyed boy greeted. “Koshino.” “Good morning, Shouzen.” Sendoh said, smiling. “How are you doing?” “Excuse me.” Koshino said quietly and left, pushing Shouzen slightly out of his way. The two stared at Koshino’s back in confusion for awhile before Shouzen looked back at Sendoh. “I’m fine,” he said. “As fine as anyone could be after spending a whole night in a pub.” “You still drink as you used to, aren’t you?” Sendoh said, frowning. “That’s bad for your health, you know.” “Don’t you start lecturing me, Sendoh,” Shouzen said, laughing. “No drink can beat me yet! Besides, I’ve been drinking my whole life; my body got used to it.” “I know,” Sendoh said. “But still, you should-” “Don’t lecture me!” Shouzen said sharply; his green eyes were burning with angry cold fire. Sendoh stared at Shouzen in surprise. Cold shivers ran down his spine as the memory of the same green eyes flushed in cold anger came to his mind. Regaining his self-control, Shouzen smiled slightly and put a hand on Sendoh’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, Sendoh.” He said, winking. “I still can drink 8 without getting drunk!” “Yes,” Sendoh whispered, feeling very uncomfortable. He stared at Shouzen, trying to decide if he had imagined it or was it true that he saw his ex-lover’s old self again. “I-I must go and find Koshino,” he said, pushing Shouzen's hand away. “See you in class.” With that, he left as fast as he could, without even looking behind. Shouzen smirked. “It seems that I still have a hold on little Akira.” He whispered to himself. “This will be much easier than I have thought!” With a chuckle, Shouzen continued his way to class. --- --- --- --- --- Koshino shoved his books and gym bag into the locker and closed it with a bang. He was about to return to class when Sendoh came. “So finally his royal highness has allowed you to come.” He said sarcastically. “Kosh,” Sendoh said. “Please, don’t start.” “Why not?” Koshino asked, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Honestly, I don’t understand you. How could you trust that guy?” “And I don’t understand why do you hate him that much?” Sendoh said, opening his locker and putting his bag inside. “You declared war on him from day one!” “You should be the one who hates him, Sendoh.” Koshino said. “After all he had done to you; I’m surprised that you allowed him to enter your life again. And don’t tell me all that crap about him being changed because I believe nothing of it.” A shiver ran down Sendoh’s body as he remembered the incident that happened few minutes ago. Shaking his head, Sendoh looked away. “Coz I’m tired of all of this, Kosh.” He whispered. “All my life I have been surrounded by hate, pain, distrust and death. I don’t want to hate anymore, Kosh. I want only to love and being loved. I don’t know what happens to me, when I’m around him.” Sendoh looked at Koshino. “I’m trying to prove to myself that I’m not under his control anymore, that I’m able to be around him without fear. Besides, he hasn’t given me one reason why I shouldn’t believe that he had not changed.” “For your sake, I hope you are right, Sendoh.” Koshino whispered. “Because if you aren’t, your ass is not the only one on the line this time.” With that, Koshino turned and walked away. --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Present day… A tear slid down Sendoh’s cheek. If he only listened to Koshino’s warning. If only he paid some more attention to all the faint warnings inside of him about trusting Shouzen. But he listened to neither of them. He pushed all these thoughts away and acted as if his dark past with Shouzen had never happened. He forgot or pretended to forget how Shouzen made his life a living-hell. No! His life was a living-hell even before Shouzen came in! Shouzen was merely a new addition in the long list of misery of his life. And he had chosen to hide from it, again. He chose to hide from his past, his life, his misery and his self… --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- One year before… Since Ryonan were having a friendly match with Shohoku, the basketball practice was canceled. All the players were in the changing room relaxing before the Shohoku team arrival. Sendoh has just left the showering room when Koshino and Fukuda attacked him and dragged him to a distant corner of the room. “Come here, boy!” Koshino said. “You haven’t told us the whole story about Mr. FBI’s invitation yet!” “Or about Mr. FBI himself!” Fukuda said. “I want to know why Koshino is so happy about you getting one for an uncle!” Sendoh sighed deeply, shaking his head at his friends. “You won’t give me a moment of peace, will you?” he said, frowning. “Nope,” Koshino said, grinning. “Not until you tell us what we want to know, suspect boy!” “Oh, please!” Sendoh groaned. “Alright, but not here in front of everyone. Come; let’s go to somewhere private.” When the three were alone, Sendoh told to his friends about this morning events in detail. He also told Fukuda about his first meeting with Mr. Andrews. “He hated me since the first moment.” Sendoh said with a sigh. “I think he thinks that I’m not good enough to date Kaede.” “Well, If Rukawa's uncle is exactly the way you described him to be,” Fukuda said. “He probably was hoping for a wealthy boy or girl to be dating his nephew.” “Thank you, Fukuda-kun.” Sendoh said dryly. “That was very reassuring.” Fukuda and Koshino laughed loudly. “Relax, lover boy.” Koshino said with a smirk. “He’s just playing his role as the overprotective guardian. And it’s not like you’re living him in the same house all the time. He only comes for two or three months.” “Yeah, but in those two or three months, he manages to turn my life into living hell!” Sendoh said, pouting. Fukuda chuckled amusedly. “That’s the price of love, buddy. Besides, it’s not like Rukawa shared his uncle’s opinion. He loves you, though, I can’t clearly see why!” Sendoh glared at his friend and was about to say something when the three heard a typical loud entrance. “ORE WA TENSAI! Nyahahaha~!” ran through the halls of Ryonan School announcing the arrival of Shohoku basketball team and one particular Sakuragi Hanamichi. A short paused followed then the red-haired youth’s shriek was heard again. "Teme Kitsune!" Koshino sighed deeply, shaking his head. “Yes, Shohoku team had arrived already. God help us all!” The three friends laughed and left. They met the Shohoku team in the corridors in the way to the changing rooms. “There you are, Smiley.” Sakuragi said, grinning widely at the Ryonan trio. “Prepare yourself to be defeated by one and only Tensai! Wahaha~!” Koshino snorted at Sakuragi’s declaration while Sendoh smiled and bowed his head to the red-haired man, then he turned his gaze to his lover, who was standing next to Ayako. Sendoh flashed the raven-haired boy a charming smile which was rewarded by the Rukawa's trademark cold glare. But that didn’t upset the spiky-haired boy at all. He knows exactly what will make those beautiful sapphire eyes burn with emotions. Wicking at the raven-haired boy, Sendoh excused himself and headed with his two friends to Ryonan's changing room to get ready for the game. --- --- --- --- --- The Shohoku made their way to the changing room to refresh themselves after the first half of the game with Ryonan. Even though it was only a friendly game, it was a difficult one to Shohoku especially that the team now is without three of its key players, who had graduated last year. Miyagi was extremely nervous and worried; it was his responsibility now to lead the team to victory but he still has doubts about his ability to do so. He had decided to consider this game as a test to his ability to lead his team. Everyone in the room was trying to relax and rest when someone cleared their throat suddenly. They all looked up and saw Sendoh standing in front of the entrance, smiling. “Excuse me,” the Ryonan captain said quietly. “I was wondering if I can borrow Rukawa-kun for a minute.” Sendoh looked at Rukawa and winked again, making the whole room stare at said boy. Rukawa glared at his lover for the unnecessary attention he had caused. Seeing that his glare will have no effect whatsoever on the spiky-haired boy, Rukawa sighed and looked at his captain. “Sempai, may I?” he asked softly. “Yeah, sure.” Miyagi said, thunderstruck. “But don’t be late.” Nodding, Rukawa walked pass his lover outside the room. Smiling at the surprised players, Sendoh followed his lover out. Once they were in the corridor alone, Sendoh pulled Rukawa to the nearest bathroom and cornered him. “I missed you, sugar lips.” He said, closing the distance between their faces. “Well, I did not!” Rukawa said dryly, folding his hands in front of his chest. “Was it necessary to make that scene in front of my teammates? And don’t call me sugar lips!” Rukawa frowned deeply at his lover. “I’m marking my territory!” Sendoh said with a chuckle. “It was necessary so everyone will know that you are mine, sweetheart, mine and no one else.” “I’m not something you can own, Sendoh Akira.” Rukawa's pout deepened. “Well, that wasn’t what you said last night,” Sendoh said, kissing Rukawa's lips softly while his hands traveled along the boy’s slender body. “You made me say that,” Rukawa whispered, feeling suddenly dizzy. Sendoh continued to caress and tease Rukawa's soft lips and neck with his kisses until a soft moan escaped from Rukawa's mouth. “Aki,” Rukawa breathed difficultly. “Stop. It isn’t a good time.” Sendoh broke up and looked at his lover. A soft shade of rosy red now colored the usually snowy cheeks. “You’re right, love.” Sendoh said, softly. “After the game?” a naughty twinkle shone in his eyes. Rukawa chuckled and nodded. “Yes,” he said, moving away from the spiky-haired boy. “After I defeat you.” “In your dreams!” Sendoh said teasingly, following his lover out the restroom. --- --- --- --- --- One of the toilets flushed and a door opened, revealing a brown-haired boy with green eyes flashing with deep cold anger. Shouzen clutched his fists so tight that they turned to a frightening color of white. He stared at his reflection in the mirror then without thinking he smashed the glass with his fist. He watched silently as the blood ran freely down his hand, not really minding the pain. /I have waited so long,/ he thought furiously. /It’s time to reclaim what it is rightfully mine!/ --- --- --- --- --- T.B.C.