Slam Dunk Fan Fiction ❯ Brothers in Arms ❯ End of the Drama ( Chapter 6 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

By: Daiji

The last installment to this little drama. Sorry it took so long. The story's basically done when I was posting halfway through. Long story: I finished it on my PC and forgot to upload it before my main drive died. So now, I backed it up in a friend's house and, well... I'll shut up now.<hr size=1 width=100%>6& lt;/p>"You
two make quite a pair," Mitsui put in. "I cant
tell who of you is worse off."Rukawa
gave him a withering glare, as Kogure shook his head at his
fellow senior. He had to admit they made a strange sight: him,
with an arm in a sling, was aiding his taller teammate by
offering his shoulder to cling to as they walked towards the bus.The
minute Rukawa had stepped back into the game, Shohoku never
looked back. His teammates seemed to have regained second wind,
most notably Sakuragi, yelling he wont be outdone by some
sickly kitsune. And outdone him, Rukawa did. With a
much-revived team, they executed marvelous plays that moved the
crowd.At
the end, team Shohoku prevailed with a score of 88-80. Rukawa
sealed their fate when he released a jumper from the three-point
line at the last four seconds. The buzzer-beating shot got
counted, and he gave way for the second time as if the sound took
all his strength away."How
could you take advantage of Kogures kindness like
that?" Mitsui said presently with a quirk on his lips. He
took Rukawas other arm over his own shoulders. This was met
by a scowl."Stop
acting like a baby, Rukawa," Mitsui chided. "For a
moment back there, you couldnt even stand on your own
feet.""Just
ignore him," Kogure told Rukawa with a chuckle.
"Its his way of being nice.""Nice?"
he repeated with a scoff. "Me being nice? Ha! Never!"Their
other teammates have already boarded the shuttle. Sakuragi was
being his rambunctious self. But, at seeing the person behind
Kogure, he fell short of his antics and turned away sharply.
Rukawa just snorted."Poor
Sakuragi-kun," Kogure mused. "He wanted to score
high so badly." They watched as the redhead stomped off to
the rear of the bus and flopped down beside Yasuda."Hell
get over it," said Mitsui. "He doesnt call
himself King of Rebounds for nothing.""King
of Morons is more like it," Rukawa supplied cynically.Kogure
sighed. At least it was a positive sign, he told himself, that
everything is getting back to normal.Rukawa
declined any further assistance as they got on the mini bus. He
acknowledged Anzai-sensei with a quick bow before going
past. His sempais did the same. Kogure was about to settle
into a seat when Akagi caught his attention."Ayako
told me he had some sort of puncture wound," he said as soon
as he put Kogure in the other aisle seat."What
did you tell Anzai-sensei?" Kogure asked in the same
low voice as he faced him."What
you told Ayako," said Akagi.Kogure
just nodded. He hated having to keep things from their coach, and
hoped that they didnt have to withhold any longer than they
should."What
did you find out from the boy?" It was Akagis turn to
ask.Kogure
looked up to Rukawa. He was listening to his Walkman, legs up on
the adjoining seat as his head bobbed in time with the music in
his ears. The eyes were cast downwards, but presently looked up
distractedly, then down again.Should
he tell Akagi? He knew he could keep Rukawas
"secret". As far as he can tell, he might have known
the freshmans intervention from the start and has been
discreet. Also, he is a friend."Anou,
Rukawa-kun," Kogure began, scratching an
imaginary itch at his neck. "He, ah""He
asked you not to tell anyone, didnt he?" Akagi asked
flatly.Kogure
blinked in surprise. "No, not really. But what made you say
that?""Its
just something Id guess he would do," he answered with
a weary sigh.He
agreed with Akagi. Though Rukawa didnt forbid him from
telling the others about his injury, his silence and his actions
spoke strongly of it."Dont
you want to know?" Kogure blurted out when Akagi stood up."You
know I'm not one who'd force a confidence," Akagi pointed
out with a small grin. "And I have an idea how he got it,
anyway.""You
do?" He swallowed."Dont
worry about it." He cuffed Kogure on the shoulder lightly.
"For Rukawas sacrifices, Ill play ignorant. This
time," he added with a little smirk before going towards
the front seats where Ayako was.Kogure
watched as they talked. He saw her look in his general direction,
disappointment in her face. He leaned back against the headrest.
This wasnt easy. He was keeping secrets from his friends.
He would have to make it up to them eventually.He
moved over to the window seat and stared listlessly at the
passing view of the city. It has been a very eventful week for
him, to put it mildly. Hopefully, things will settle down in the
next few days and go back to normal. He had a feeling it was very
unlikely. The team will have another game in ten days,
challenging the winner of the Myuradai-Imadaoka match five days
from now. He might have partial mobility with his wrist by then,
but he doubts he can really play. But, again, he was worried
about Rukawa. He was certain he had gone through an operation of
some sort. It would take more than ten days to completely
recover. He groaned softly. He would have to watch out for him in
case he forces himself again. And hell make sure the
freshman will listen that time.Shohoku
High came into sight. Kogure was startled as a cheer erupted from
behind him. The shuttle parked outside the gates, and an
exuberant basketball team filed out. He noticed Mitsui and Rukawa
hadnt passed him; so he looked back to see the former
looking down at the latter, who dozed quietly."Leave
him there, Micchy!" Sakuragi called out from the sidewalk.
"Maybe we could ask the driver to drop him off outside of
town. Itaiii!""You&#1 46;re
impossible!" Ayako exclaimed.Mitsui
shook his head at hearing the commotion outside. He turned to
Kogure. "Do you think its safe for us to wake
him?" he asked."If
we do it carefully." Kogure leaned down and tapped him at
the leg. "Rukawa-kun? Were here." He
waited. They could still hear Rukawas light snoring. He
glanced back to Mitsui, who just shrugged."Rukawa-kun,
were back in Shohoku now." His hand rested on the
others leg, felt the heat radiating under his palm. Still,
Rukawa didnt stir. He frowned slightly.Kogure
breathed in. "Kaede, wake up," he called in a firmer
tone.A
frown slowly formed. Rukawas eyes opened, clouded and
slightly annoyed. When he saw the faces in front of him, his
expression turned neutral. He looked about him."Time
to go," Kogure told him.They
found the rest of the team waiting for them with Anzai-sensei
at the fore."I
want to congratulate everyone once more for your performances
today," he began when they were all gathered. "You have
done very well. Our next match is not for another week or so,
therefore we will resume in two days. Akagi-kun, is there
anything else you might like to add?""None,
sensei."Anzai-se nsei
nodded. "Rukawa-kun, you can take leave from school
tomorrow, and come back as soon as youre able. Ill be
informing your instructors."Rukawa
took some time before saying, "Hai.""Tha t
is all," their coach announced. "You may all go
now."Everyone
gave a rallying shout before dispersing. The old man gave a
jovial laugh before turning towards the school."Let
me walk you home, Aya-chan," Ryota offered.The
team manager scowled at him. "I can get by on my own, you
know.""Haha!
Turned down again!" Sakuragi jeered at his sempai."Go
bother someone else, red monkey.""What
did you say, Ryo-chin?""Who
else looks like a red-headed monkey here, ne?""Teme& lt;/i>!"Miyagi
took off at full speed, a fuming redhead at his heels, shouting.
Akagi and Ayako blew out a gusty sigh while the rest looked on
resignedly."Going
our way?" Ayako asked of Mitsui, Kogure and Rukawa after the
others had gone."Well
be sharing a ride home," Kogure answered as he gestured to
Rukawa."Ill
see these two home," Mitsui volunteered.Rukawa
raised a brow.Akagi
approached them. "Thanks for coming to the game,
Kogure," he said. "And you"he turned to
Rukawa"better be getting some rest. Remember the
coachs orders.""You
dont have to do this, you know," Kogure spoke after
Ayako and Akagi left."So
Im stubborn," Mitsui replied with a rakish grin.Kogure
stole a glance at their other companion and noticed the worry in
his eyes. "Well take a taxi. He and I live in the same
neighborhood.""Are
you that determined to get rid of me?" The sarcasm was
softened by the smirk he still wore.Kogure
countered with a smile of his own. "I was about to offer you
a ride home as well. Mitsui lives near the train station,"
he added for Rukawas benefit, to the latters evident
relief.They
hailed the first taxi that came by and got in the backseat. The
silence Kogure found himself in felt strained. Mitsui wasnt
really a talkative guy; but with the recent events, Kogure was
amazed he hasnt asked anything about it since they left
Kyuuzen High."It
was a good game, wasn't it?" Mitsui suddenly asked to no one
in particular.Kogure
looked up. "Eh?""You
had a good game as usual, Rukawa," he went on, "despite
you not feeling well."A
grunt was Rukawas only remark as he still peered out the
window."However,
we almost lost to them," Kogure decided to join in.
"They had put up a good fight.""Thats
because they pitted their entire team against us," Mitsui
boasted."I
was thinking about that. I might speak with Akagi regarding
stepping up training for the secondary players. Well be
leaving the team eventually, and it will be hard to replace you
or Akagi," Kogure added wistfully."Or
you," Mitsui appended with a lopsided grin.
"Youre also a vital part of the team."He
was totally unprepared for that remark that he turned away and
fidgeted with his glasses.They
arrived at Mitsuis stop, a five-story apartment. A low
white gate bordered the three-building apartment complex. Mitsui
got off and leaned onto the cab window."You
sure you two will be alright by yourselves?" he asked.Kogure
gave him a weary look. "Mitsui"He
chuckled. "I know, I know," he amended. "Rukawa.
You better not give Kogure any problems."Kogure
turned in time to see the strange look the passed their koheis
face, as if the remark affected him.Mitsui
thumped on the door twice. "Ja!" They watched
him enter the compound."Where
to, boys?" The driver asked as he looked from the rearview
mirror."Kanagawa
General Hospital," Kogure said."Chotto,"
Rukawa said all of a sudden. "Can we make another stop
before we go there?""Where?
To your house?""Izumiya
Memorial," was his low reply."Where?"
the driver demanded again.Kogure
repeated the destination, intrigued. He didnt try to ask;
Rukawa looked preoccupied with his thoughts. He heard the driver
mutter something about being able to pay.The
cemetery was two kilometers west of the hospital. No immediate
residential areas were in the vicinity. They stopped at the main
entrance. Rukawa reminded the driver to wait for them before
getting off, as vehicles didnt frequent the place.Kogure
followed, found his teammate making a purchase of flowers and
joss sticks from the old woman who sold her wares near the gate."You
can come if you want," Rukawa said over his shoulder as he
entered.His
pace was not hurried that Kogure managed to reach his side. He
was curious, but didnt want to pry. This was Rukawas
personal affair, and he was only tagging along.Slim
gravestone markers lined either side of the walkway they were on.
Fir trees here and there provided a touch of liveliness in the
otherwise somber surrounding.Rukawa
stopped by a particularly large tree where a single marker stood
apart from the others. Both bowed in deference. He placed the
flowers before it and lit the sticks, planting it in front of the
bouquet. Placing his palms together, he bowed his head.Kogure
closed his eyes and offered his prayers as well. As he recited
the words in his mind, in time with the movement of his lips,
questions spouted somewhere else in his head. Why was he allowed
to witness this? Was Rukawa trying to tell him something?"Ive
paid my dues now. If only I did the same for you."Kogures
eyes snapped open. His gaze rested on the writings on the stone. Rukawa
Seiji, he read. He died four years ago, and would have been
twenty years old today."Heshe
was your" Kogure amended.Rukawa
nodded, the sadness evident. It seemed the loss pained him still."How?"
Kogure asked quietly."He
saved me from bullies that were picking on me." He was
holding back the anguish in his tone.Kogure
was stunned. "Then, that night" He trailed off
again, eyes unfocused in thought. "You remembered,
didnt you?"Rukawa
flicked his gaze at the ground at his feet."Im
terribly sorry, Rukawa-kun," he entreated, wearing the shame
in his face. "Im so sorry that you had to go through
it again." He laid his hand on his shoulder."Its
not your fault, Kogure-sempai," he said after a
while, his eyes staring at a distance."But
it is," he insisted, thinking he owed him the truth.
"If I kept on my usual route, this shouldnt have
happened. You wouldnt have gotten hurt."The
air suddenly chilled him, his head swimming. Kogure was feeling
miserable again, and his physical discomfort wasnt even a
part of it. To subject someone through the same ordeal was
terrible, more so at the risk of his life.They
stood side by side in silence, each absorbed in their own misery.
It was Rukawa who first recovered."We
all make mistakes, sempai," he murmured.
"Dont you?"Kogure
chuckled quietly in spite himself at the hint of teasing in his
tone. "I guess I do, too, Rukawa-kun," he
averred.He
saw Rukawa flinch as his hand went to his side."Ike,"
he urged softly. "The cab is waiting." He bowed again
towards the tombstone."Hai,"
the other replied.They
made to go. Rukawas steps faltered slightly, but Kogure
caught him under the elbow I time."Domo,"
he said quietly, the look softened in gratitude.Kogure
shook it off with a slight grin. "Lets get you
treated."The
sorrow still flowed beneath the surface, he could tell. He found
the pain-clouded eyes disturbing to see on him, having only seen
it the first time. Poor Rukawa-kun, he commiserated. He
must have meant so much to him.Pieces
of the puzzle were falling into place bit by bit, but he still
couldnt picture the whole image. Rukawa was a difficult
person to know, but he didnt mind. He was content in
knowing his kohei is letting him see a different side of
him. Trust was something he hardly gave, even in the basketball
court. Kogure was already given that trust. Now, he must strive
to earn it once morethis time, as a friend.Owari<hr size=1 width=100%>
or is it?Terms:Chotto - (wait) for a moment.Thanks so much to all who took time to
read this, double the gratitude to those who reviewed.To Alexia
for the little nitpickings, sharon for the encouragement, and
Kikiam-sama for quite a review. (Sharon: I'd
still like for you to beta it for me. Can we talk? If you're edgy
in posting your addy in your review as I am, you can just post in
a feedback in my Poetry in Blue page
so I would be the only one who gets
a hold of your addy)

With special mention to my good friend, Andrew, who saved my drive. mwahWith the fic rounded up, your thoughts
are much more helpful at this stage. Were there conflicting
lines? OOC-ness? Pardon my whining. I just want to do the best I
can, even on 'mere' fanfics. So bring it on! Even if it starts
with a line that says "It sucks!"Now I close the curtain to this story
and let it slip into obscurity, unless I re-edit and repost! TT