Slam Dunk Fan Fiction ❯ April 1st - The GIFT ❯ Emotions Within ( Chapter 6 )

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PART 06: EMOTIONS WITHIN

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{Back at Sendoh's House - Inside the study room}

"Good, they're gone. I thought they would never leave." Fujima said leaving the redhead standing in the middle of the room while he went to the mini-bar and fixed another drink.

Keeping a calm and cool facade that he really didn't feel at the moment, Sakuragi walked around the room, feigning interest over the pictures that hang on the wall and casually said, "You still didn't answer my question substitute."

Fujima ignored the irritating nickname the other had tagged on him ever since their first meeting and shrugged before saying, "I wanted to be alone with you. Is that too hard to accept Hana-chan?"

Snapping his head towards the shorter guy, "And that… Will you quit calling me that?"

"Why? You call me 'substitute'."

"Yeah but that's different. Hana-chan sounded so…" He faltered with a wave of his hand, not wanting to voice the word that he could only associate with his one and only Kitsune.

"Intimate?" A voice suddenly drawled near his ear, making him jump and tumble backwards when he lost his footing. "Didn't anyone ever tell you not to sneak up on people like that?" He cried and was about to stand up when Fujima unexpectedly straddled his waist and pinned his hands just above his head, effectively keeping him lying on the floor. "What the…! Get off me!" He gasped, squirming frantically to get the guy off him.

But Fujima did not budge an inch. He just kept his gaze locked on the delectable picture of the redhead beneath him. "Beautiful." He whispered then lowered his head.

Brown eyes went wide in horror when he saw the slowly descending face and twisted his own face away. But he immediately regretted doing so and sucked in his breath when he felt wet lips traveling over his exposed neck. [Oh shit!] He mentally cursed then struggled anew as he used his lower body to throw Fujima off him but still failing since the other had his legs clamped tightly around his waist. Getting frantic, Sakuragi tried to wriggle his hands free from Fujima's grasp but only managed to move his head thus enabling Fujima to fuse his lips tightly onto his. Shocked, he opened his mouth to shout a protest but the other had used the opening to slip in his tongue.

[God, he tastes sweeter than I have imagined.] Fujima thought and delved deeper into the sweetness, not even bothered by the struggles from the other.

Brown eyes went wide as saucers when Sakuragi felt Fujima's tongue in his mouth. He was utterly motionless for about a minute or so since most of his body parts were sending inputs to his brain as it tried to grasp what was happening to him. The scent of that brown hair, the silken feel of Fujima's face, the basketball callous hands that were pinning his arms down, the warm body on top of his, the obvious hardness somewhere down below and the taste of that roaming tongue inside his mouth… Squeezing his eyes shut, [Oh my god, this is not happening!] He mentally cried as the full realization that he was being utterly kissed by someone other than his boyfriend hit him hard in the gut. With renewed vigor, he started struggling form the other's tight hold on him but only managed to free his lips. Once freed, he shouted, "Let me go Fujima or I'll…" He tried saying but was cut off when Fujima reclaimed his lips in a searing kiss and then captured his tongue in his mouth, sucking till a moan was wrenched out from him before the guy released its tormenting assault on his mouth.

Lifting his head, Fujima smiled down on his captive and whispered, "You taste sweeter than wine Hana-chan." He remarked as he took note of the panting redhead beneath him, flushed cheeks, burning brown eyes and swollen red lips. [Picture perfect!] He thought and leaned his head down again.

[Oh no you don't!] Finding the opening he needed, Sakuragi rammed his head hard on Fujima's when he got near enough for him to reach. When he saw the other's obvious disorientation, Sakuragi used that opportunity to break free and pushed the guy off him with success. Once freed, the redhead immediately stood up and eyed the fallen player with anger in his eyes. "Don't you ever lay a finger on me again!" He growled.

Standing up, "Why so touchy? It was just a kiss." Fujima drawled, rubbing his forehead.

Sakuragi clenched his fist and restrained himself from punching the smirk off of his face. "I think all that alcohol made you stupid and I suggest that you stay away from me or I swear that you won't be able to play basketball for a long time." With that, Sakuragi started walking towards the door and was about to reach for the handle when Fujima suddenly spoke from behind.

"Our time together is not yet over Hana-chan. You can't just leave and walk away without giving me the whole hour that you promised." Fujima remarked, calmly walking like a predator towards the riled redhead.

Without even turning to the source of the voice, Sakuragi replied, "Do you have a death wish? You've taken all that you could from me, nothing more. Now if you'll excuse me…"

"No I won't." Fujima interrupted in a firm tone as he sidestepped the redhead to stand between him and the door. He was not going to let the opportunity pass by. [Not when I finally got the chance to be alone with you.]

"You are really testing my patience shorty. I suggest you move or I'll bodily remove you from that door." He warned, getting really annoyed with the shorter guy's persistence.

"Really?" Fujima drawled. Leaning against the wall, "Well then, let's just see you try." He invited, crossing his arms across his chest while his sapphire eyes dared him to carry out his threat.

Hands tightly clenched. Head bowed. Eyes closed. [1…2…3…], the redhead mentally counted in hopes that his irritation for the smug looking blue-eyed boy would be diminished before his urge to really hurt the guy took over. It was a really neat trick, and it had undoubtedly lessened his outburst ever since Kogure had taught him that to avoid Akagi's gori punches on his head. It had mentally exhausted him at first since he used to count till he was blue in the face when he had wanted to pound Rukawa, but even that got shortened in time and even less since they had become a couple. With Fujima, it took only till the count of 30 before he was able to calmly accept the fact that he had to stay for the remainder of the hour or until Fujima got what he wanted from him. [As long as there's no more kissing or touching involved.] He mentally added and then decided that all he had to do was to stay away from the guy. At least with that idea he would have less trouble in keeping a tight rein on his urge to pound the guy. Taking a huge breath, he turned and walked towards the chair that was farthest from the door and from the guy who was leaning against it while thinking, [If I had not made that stupid vow to myself that I would be less of a gangster and more of a refined person to fit in Rukawa's life then I would have settled this matter with Kiyota, Sendoh and this guy within seconds of entering this room.]

Thus with a heavy heart, he plunked himself on the chair then said, "Okay you win. But no more of that stunt you pulled or I'll really march right out of that door."

Fujima's lips twitched, a huge part of him was rejoicing but the smaller part had hoped that the redhead had carried out his threat. At least he wouldn't have that part of his conscience that was screaming for him to think before HE carried out his plan. Shrugging that part of his thought away, Fujima strolled to the bar and said, "If you think that I would kiss you again then… don't be. I will not force myself on you again, that is not until you're a willing participant." He teased, turning his head slightly so he could stare straight into a pair of chocolate colored eyes.

"That would never happen." Sakuragi snapped, feeling his cheeks burn from that penetrating look.

Fujima chuckled when he saw the redhead blush and said, "You look beautiful when you blush Hana-chan."

Hot cheeks forgotten, Sakuragi's mouth hang open upon hearing that word. Only one person had irritatingly dared to call him that and the only reason why that hentai smiley was still walking and talking his sweet nothings was because he had gotten quite close to the guy. But even that did not spare him from some minor head butts. As for Fujima… His earlier resolve of staying away from the former was the only reason why he spared him from a major trip to the emergency room. Thus to lessen his frustration, he just cried, "I am not beautiful!" And then went to the nearest wall to render his thwarted punishment for Fujima.

Aquatic twinkling eyes regarded the redhead's antics with amusement. Though he could not imagine the thoughts that went through that glorious head of his, he still couldn't help but think how delightful the other looked even when angered. [Oh but you are.] He silently thought and would have continued teasing him but instead he said, "I'm sorry Hana. I didn't know that you have such a dislike from being called beautiful." Then reluctantly tore his gaze away to return to his task of preparing drinks for the both of them. "How about sharing a drink with me?" He questioned.

Frustration somewhat relieved, the redhead returned to his seat but his brows furrowed upon the sudden question. "What for?" He clipped.

Fujima did not turn from where he was standing and just continued preparing their drinks. "Do I have to have a reason? I just want to give a toast for your birthday, will that do?" He asked, pouring something into one of the wine glass before mixing it till it blended with the liquid.

"No, it's ok." The brown-eyed boy replied with a frown. There was something really enigmatic about the guy that he couldn't quite get. Amongst the three who had volunteered for his birthday 'dating game' yesterday, Fujima's participation had surprised him the most. He could understand that the wild monkey might have joined just to irritate him, [Which he had partially succeeded] and Sendoh's reason was all too clear for him to even ask why. But with Fujima…- chocolate colored eyes followed the shorter guy's movements who seemed to have finished preparing their drinks and was strolling casually towards him - … they were not close, though they have met occasionally, and sure he had seen him hang around the gym during practice and he had been a frequent spectator during their games but that's it. He couldn't imagine that those insignificant instances could actually make the other like him, let alone want to kiss him. [One Hentai to get off my back is enough and adding this one would be suicide.] Voicing his question, "Just tell me one thing before my head explodes from thinking. Why the sudden interest in me?" He asked, deftly accepting the drink that was offered because his attention was entirely focused on the guy standing right in front of him.

Fujima was startled and it was a good thing that his grip on his wine glass tightened or he might have actually dropped it. Being asked by his bestfriend about his interest over the redhead was one thing but being asked by Sakuragi himself was quite unsettling. He had not anticipated it thus he was momentarily caught unaware and his face might have showed his confusion or his inner turmoil because the other softly whispered his name, making him look straight into honey brown eyes but immediately looked away.

Sakuragi's expressive eyes showed puzzlement and a hint of compassion in them that made Fujima want to forget tarnishing that transparent naivety and innocence that made the self-proclaimed tensai alluring to him in the first place. But no…he couldn't afford to be soft. Not while he still had unresolved issues within himself about the redhead and not while his craving for the boy was satisfied.

Schooling his features, he turned to give the birthday boy a wistful smile then said, "I like you Hanamichi Sakuragi, a lot." He admitted and then in a low voice he added, "But I kept it hidden, until now."

Taken aback, [Whoah!!!] "You're joking right?" Sakuragi stammered, eyes wide in disbelief as he burrowed deeper into his chair, steadying his hands to avoid spilling the drink he was holding. [Please say that you're joking.] He mentally pleaded but the guy in front of him just stood in his full height and was eyeing him with an expression that supports his statement. [Guess not. Aarghh!!!! This day just gets better and better by the minute!] He mentally cried in exasperation, wanting to slam his head again on the unsuspecting wall. He had definitely not expected the somewhat sad admission from Shoyo's former heartthrob at all! His brain's assumption of the guy's intentions towards him only went as far as… well maybe, making him squirm for calling the older guy 'substitute' or 'shorty' or… even the thought of something as far fetched as the guy noticing his vast improvement in basketball. [BUT NOT THAT!!!] He scowled. Those presumed reasons of his would have been acceptable and less surprising. Whereas the truth only made him uncomfortable, uneasy and downright tongue-tied! [What could I possibly say to that?] He grimaced. Thus when he rummaged his brain for something coherent to say, he only managed to squeak a low, "I don't know what to say." [Just perfect Hanamichi, you just have to sound stupid in front of Kanagawa's former number one point guard.] He berated himself.

Fujima had to stifle a laugh when he saw the play of emotions that went through Sakuragi's equally expressive face and thought that he had never met anyone who could be as transparent as the redhead. Smiling tenderly, he said, "You don't have to say anything. Anyway, it's of no consequence now since you have Rukawa and well…" Shrugging, "Let's just forget about it." Hauling the other to his feet, he raised the glass to his lips and said, "Here's to you Hana-chan. May you have a happy birthday and I wish you happiness, always."

Sakuragi smiled hesitantly and though he immediately tugged his hand away from the other, his brown eyes showed his gratitude for Fujima's effort to placate his jittery nerves. "Thank you," He replied before emptying his drink in just one gulp. Revitalized by the sweet taste of the champagne, Sakuragi asked, "So what now?"

Taking their empty glasses, Fujima went back to the mini-bar then said, "Now… I need you to help me get something for the party." He stated, turning to grin at the fidgety boy by the chair, "Kiyota and I were supposed to get it earlier but we were not able to because of your arrival." He gaily informed him.

Glad to have something better to do than stay cooped inside that room, Sakuragi beamed, "Sure." Before he sauntered quickly towards the door and had stopped only when he noticed that the other was still standing with a thoughtful look over at the bar. Opening the door, "Well? Are you just going to stand there and stare at me or what?"

Fujima laughed and went to stand beside the boy. Reaching his side, he playfully pinched his nose and said, "I could just stay and stare at you Hana-chan but I know that you don't like that so… let's go."

The birthday boy was temporarily rooted to where he was standing and was touching his nose. [Damn it! Between him and Sendoh…] He didn't let his thoughts finished; instead he fell into silent step with Fujima and kept his face straight ahead.

"Hey where are we going anyway?" Sakuragi asked after he had noticed that they were headed out of the house.

"We're going to a bakery since we have to pick up your birthday cake."

Chocolate colored eyes lit up at the mention of the word 'cake' and giddily stepped in front of the shorter guy, walking backwards in the process. "Cake? What kind of cake?"

Laughing, "It's a cake that Kiyota and I had specially made to order just for you."

"Really?"

"Yes. If I had known that you'd be this excited over such a simple thing as cake then I would have given you tons of stuff to surprise you today." Fujima chuckled, fighting the urge to caress the boyish face in front of him.

Resuming walking side by side with the slightly shorter guy, "Nah… The cake is just fine." He said, giving 'shorty' a thoughtful smile. After some thought, "You mean that, that wild monkey had actually spend money for me?" He inquired.

Nodding towards Sendoh's butler who was opening the door for them, "The guy cares for you Hana-chan whether you believe it or not." He remarked.

[And he has to remind me of that.] Sakuragi thought with distaste. Remembering that kiss as well as the tender expression the wild Kainan player gave him in the study room was enough surprise to last him a lifetime, or so he had thought. "Yeah well… maybe. But it would still need a lot of getting use to. I mean, I have never thought Kiyota would actually…" He trailed, shaking his head to clear his mind of that revelation but it was stuck like glue. "Guess I just have to be nicer to him." He sighed in resignation.

Fujima titled his head and stared at the guy beside him. There was no hint of anything on the redhead's face as well as on the tone he had used to make him doubt the sincerity behind that faltering statement. "And me?" He asked. He just had to know.

Shading his eyes from the glare of the sun, Sakuragi thought for a while before he replied, "I can only promise friendship Fujima, nothing more."

Lowering his gaze to the ground, [Friendship… After this day, would you still consider to be friends with me or hate me?] Fujima thought with a twinge of sadness. Suddenly he felt the other bumped his side and it was a good thing that he had a strong foothold or they would have fallen to the ground. Supporting him with his weight, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Holding his head, "I don't know. I just felt woozy all of a sudden and my vision went blurred. Maybe it's just the sun." The redhead replied and was thankful to Fujima when the latter helped him sit on the pavement.

[It's working… I must get him out of here at once!] Fujima thought in alarm. Audibly he said, "I'll just go check what's taking Sendoh's driver this long to get my car and then we'll be on our way Hana-chan. Stay here for while will you?"

Eyes closed, Sakuragi held his head in his hands and was trying to control the dizziness that was threatening to engulf him when he vaguely heard a familiar female voice calling his name. Lifting his head, he saw Haruko and then Ayako alighting from a cab. "Haruko-san." He acknowledged in a low voice.

While Ayako was paying the cabdriver, Haruko went up to him and saw the beads of sweat that were forming on his forehead. "Are you sick Sakuragi-kun?" She asked, hiding her present from the redhead's view.

The note of concern did not escape him. Forcing a smile, "I'm okay. Just feeling a bit dizzy. Guess I shouldn't have drunk the champagne that Fujima gave me earlier."

"Champagne? This early? You should have known better Sakuragi Hanamichi. Remember the time that you ended up throwing up in Akagi-sempai's Christmas party last year?" Ayako reminded him. The said incident had proven to be one of the most embarrassing experiences of his life since he had puked all over the buffet table after being dared by Miyagi and Mitsui to drink 5 cans of beer straight without even bothering to pause after each can. That had been horrible. Not only did he have to endure Gori's continuous nagging but he also had to control his upset stomach all throughout the party and not to forget Rukawa's scolding afterwards. [How was I to know that champagne had this much kick? Boy would Kitsune be mad when he knows about this.] He mentally groaned, fearing that he would be feeling like that up to their date later that night.

"So, what are you doing out here?" Ayako asked.

"I'm waiting for Fujima to come out. I promised to help him get my cake for the party." He replied wearily, feeling drained in a way.

"I don't think you're up to it. Why don't you ask somebody from the party to go with him? I'm sure Fujima-san would understand Sakuragi-kun." Haruko questioned.

Shaking his head as little as his dizziness would allow him to, he replied, "No." And then, "I gave him my word that I'll spend the next hour with him and the 'tensai' never backs down from his word Haruko-san." He stated, injecting the old Sakuragi humor to pacify the two girls.

"Such a tensai you are. Just look where it got you." Ayako snorted. But before the redhead could answer, a black car stopped in front of them and Fujima came out from the passenger side.

"My car's stuck in the garage so I just borrowed this car and Sendoh's driver, though I don't know whose car this is." Fujima said and then, "Good afternoon Ayako-chan, Akagi-chan." He greeted.

"It's Kiminobu's." Ayako quickly supplied.

Reaching the redhead's side, Fujima piped, "Kiminobu? You mean Kogure?"

"Er… yes. He's my boyfriend."

Smiling, "Wow, would wonder never cease. I never even knew that Kogure had it in him. So I guess I'll be seeing more of you in the University then." Fujima remarked and watched in amusement, as the girl's blush heightened after that statement. Helping the redhead to his feet, "Well, I'll be seeing you and do tell your boyfriend that we'll take good care of his car. Come Hana, we better get going." After bowing to Haruko and Ayako, both boys got into Kogure's car and sped off.

"Did you just hear him call Sakuragi Hana?" Ayako asked the silent girl beside her.

"Yes." Haruko softly replied, still worried about her friend.

Tugging at Haruko's hand, "Come on, let's find the others. Maybe they could tell us why Fujima-san and Sakuragi became so chummy."

After the butler had shown them the way to the party, Ayako and Haruko wasted no time in trying to reach the place but before they could even descend the rock made steps, Hikoichi came running up and implored if they could help him find Sendoh stating that since it's a huge house, the three of them would have a better chance of locating their elusive host. Seeing the logic behind the reason, both girls agreed and went with Hikoichi.

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{Poolside}

The party was in full swing when Sendoh rejoined the party. Some were enjoying a game of pool basketball while some were just lazing around and getting tanned in the process. He was so happy to see that even though he was not there to act as their host and even though the guest of honor had yet to make an appearance; Sakuragi's guests had made his home their own and entertained themselves. He had intended to return straight to the party after he had left Sakuragi with Fujima but the matter of preparing for 'his' time alone with the redhead had made him went for a little detour. It was a good thing that Kiyota had to leave abruptly after he had received a phone call from Jin, since it gave him the time he needed to make the necessary preparations. It took him about half an hour of meeting with the house chef, caterers and his butler before he could return to the party.

Now as he watched the crowd of friends that gathered to wish Sakuragi a happy birthday, he suddenly felt the urge to return to the study room and drag Hana with him. But since he made a deal with Kiyota and Fujima beforehand, he decided to squash the urge and let Shoyo's former ace enjoy his time with the redhead.

Stepping further away from the arc, he ventured to where a familiar face was chatting happily with two former Shohoku players.

"Uozumi-san!" He called and was rewarded with a pat on his back by his former captain.

"Sendoh! Nice party you have here."

"Yeah, it was a nice idea to hold a pool party for Sakuragi's birthday." Kogure added.

Akagi humped and then said, "That pool would be the perfect dumping ground if that idiot started doing something crazy again."

Sendoh, Kogure and Uozumi all laughed after hearing that remark though only Uozumi shared Akagi's sentiment. "A nice idea Akagi. By the way, where is he? Is he late at his own party?"

Sendoh shook his head and said, "He's with Fujima and they'll be joining us in a short while." Turning towards Kogure, "Er… Kogure-san, where's your girlfriend?"

"She'll be a little late. She had to help Haruko with her birthday gift for Sakuragi." His spectacled senior supplied. "By the way, you just missed Hikoichi by 5 minutes, I think. He went looking for you."

Raising one eyebrow, "Really?" He chirped. "Well, let's not worry about Hikoichi. He'll find me soon enough. Now, let's enjoy the party and make yourselves at home. Do help yourselves with all the food and beverages. I also had a bar setup with a bartender just waiting to fix you guys a drink." Sendoh offered.

"Nothing for me. I don't want to wake up with a splitting headache tomorrow. But I think Mitsui will be, if those can of beers are any indication." Akagi remarked, nodding towards the scarred player by the pool with some others who were playing a game of truth or dare. "Don't you think serving liquor to a bunch of under aged idiots would not prove to be catastrophic later?"

Laughing, "It's a party Akagi-san. I don't think a party would be lively without people loosening up a little now, do you?" Strolling to the group who were gathered in a circle by the pool, "Besides, I don't think Mitsui-san drunk all those cans. If anything, he still looks sober enough." He commented and as soon as they neared the small group, Mitsui was indeed barely drunk.

Akagi, Sendoh, Uozumi and Kogure all stood for a while and watched the on-going game. After like 10 minutes or so, it was visibly obvious that only one within the group would be getting dangerously drunk.

"Hey Mitsui what are you trying to do?" Kogure asked, squatting near his friend who was sporting a cheeky grin after handing over another can of beer to an already drunk mushroom head.

Leaning close to his friend's ear, "I am trying to make Miyagi drunk." He whispered.

"Why?"

"Because that's the only way I could get him to admit his feelings for me."

"I heard that Mitsui-san." Miyagi slurred after gulping the can of beer handed to him.

"I told you to call me Hisashi!" The scarred player cried in frustration.

Miyagi hiccupped then said, "Whatever," before he held his head between his hands and cried, "Ow! My head is spinning already. Aren't we through yet?"

Laughing, "No we are not. Not till you choose truth and answer that one question honestly." Mitsui countered and was about to spin the bottle again when four sets of hands stopped him and simultaneously chimed, "Tell him!"

"Ouch! Will you stop shouting please?" Miyagi yelled, glaring at Hasegawa, Mito, Noma and Koshino while holding his aching head.

Hasegawa snorted, "It's your fault! Quit playing hard to get and say something!" He cried.

Arms across his chest, "Yeah, this game is no fun if the bottle keeps pointing at you." Koshino added, while Noma and Mito were just grinning like idiots, obviously enjoying themselves and rooting for Mitsui to win.

Sendoh and Uozumi chuckled and Kogure was about to comment when suddenly, "So that was why he kept on going back to Shohoku." Akagi audibly mused, remembering the numerous times he had questioned Mitsui about his frequent trips back to Kanagawa. The small group gathered laughed aloud when they saw the former MVP player blushing beet red after Akagi's statement.

"Shut up!" Mitsui yelled, wishing to find a rock to crawl under. Suddenly a slender hand lifted his head and he found himself staring straight into a pair of shining eyes. "Ryochin…" He started but was silenced when the guy mentioned gave him a quick searing kiss and then broke away wearing a sheepish grin.

"You're stupid, you know that? Seeing that you intend to drown me with alcohol to get your answer then the answer is YES, I do." Miyagi revealed, loving the dazed expression and then the satisfied smile that had appeared on Mitsui's rugged face.

Getting up on one knee, Mitsui asked, "Really?" Seeing a nod, he happily jumped to his feet and was about to make a lunge at his petite beloved when Miyagi himself pushed him straight into the pool.

"Mitsui!" Kogure and Akagi shouted.

"Leave him." Miyagi said, waving a dismissal hand. "That guy needs to cool off." Turning to their host he inquired, "Where's the nearest bedroom? I need to rest this aching headache before Hanamichi arrives." After getting the direction, the former Shohoku point guard was about to head out when Kogure's voice halted him.

"What about Mitsui?"

"Him? Don't worry. He'll soon know where to find me. That guy has a sick sense of my whereabouts or something and it was a real pain trying to avoid that Hentai's advances for the past year." Pointing a finger towards Sendoh, "More like him with Hanamichi."

Mito and Noma laughed at Sendoh's sudden imitation of a goldfish. "Boy are we a witness to that. It's a wonder that Rukawa never even once flattened that gelled hair of yours Sendoh." More laughter ensued as Sendoh looked mighty peeved at being reminded of that.

Sighing, "But unlike Hanamichi, I was not able to get away from my hentai and stupidly fell for him. It took a lot of soul searching for me to even admit that I am gay let alone have feelings for someone who had literally sent me to the hospital before."

"Don't worry Miyagi. Mitsui's a good guy. I'm sure he'll take good care of you." Kogure laughingly cajoled.

"Easy for you to say." He retorted but then remembering the once crush of his life, "Or not. Aya-chan can also be a handful sometimes." Miyagi commented but only got a nod and a soft laugh from his senior. Looking past Sendoh's shoulder, "Er… Youhei, could you ask your friends to hold on to Hisashi for a while? I would like to get at least an hour of rest before he comes hounding me again." He requested, watching his 'new boyfriend' trying to get out of the pool but failing.

Complying, Mito advised his two friends through a special hand language and Mitsui was nonetheless forced into playing pool basketball.

After Miyagi saw Mitsui joining the game, he languidly stretched his arms upwards and said, "Thanks Youhei. Now I'm off to rest. Call me when Hanamichi shows up." With one last wave to the others, he disappeared through the arc.

"And I am off to kick that former MVP's butt in the pool. I think it's high time that I beat him at something, since by the looks of it, I'm a better swimmer than that guy." Hasegawa said, leaving the group.

Shaking his head, "I never knew April Fools' Day would be this popular among our friends. First it was Hanamichi and now Ryochin. Boy, would Hanamichi have a kick of hearing how that one came about." Mito chuckled. Then, "By the way, where is he?"

Checking his watch, "Hmnn… he is with Fujima but I think it's time that I take him away. Wait here and I'll come back with Hana then we can have a real party." He chuckled and then left to claim the redhead from Fujima.

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{Inside Kogure's car}

Meanwhile… Sakuragi was almost falling into dreamland when he suddenly felt a hand on his forehead. Jerking awake, he turned inquisitive eyes to the guy beside him and was surprised by the tender caring look the other was giving him. Somehow he felt relaxed and calmed with what he saw in Fujima's eyes thus he said, "There's no need to worry Fujima." Lips twitching, "I think that champagne you gave me was spiked or something and it got me feeling like my head's on cloud nine." He added, gently shoving the hand that was massaging his forehead.

It was a good thing for Fujima that the redhead had his eyes closed or he would have given himself away when he turned ashen after he had heard the other's remark about the drink. Sakuragi was not farther from the truth and he again heard that screaming voice in his head. [Not yet.] He mentally chastised himself. Collecting his thoughts together "Are you sure you're ok?" He asked.

Without opening his eyes, "I already said that I am. Besides it would take much more than one glass to actually knock me out." He assured him and then, "So how long before we get to this bakery we're going?"

"It's not that far but you could rest for while if you want to." The brown-haired boy replied.

Nodding his head a little, "Maybe I'll feel a lot better after I sleep this off for a while." Sakuragi stated and shifted so he could rest his nape against the soft cushion of the seat, tilting his head to his side.

Within minutes, Fujima could already see the steady rising and falling of Sakuragi's chest, a clear indication that the redhead had fallen asleep. With steady hands, he gently brushed back the tendrils of red that were falling on the other's forehead and lingered for a while to rub his thumb on the sleeping guy's temple. [Just a few more minutes Hana-chan… Just a few more minutes and then…] Fujima's train of thought stopped at that point since he was dumbstruck when Sakuragi suddenly shifted and turned to rest his crimson head on his chest, murmuring a name that was unmistakable. [He's dreaming of him.] He thought and felt a pang of jealousy. Squashing that feeling away, he then focused his attention to the warm and supple body that was deliciously half-lying on him and felt the same heat that had coursed through his body earlier in the study room. Tentatively, he dropped his arm that got suspended in mid-air onto Sakuragi's right side and quelled the urge to let his hand seek bare flesh. Taking a deep breath, Fujima leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes as he tried to keep a tight rein on his raging hormones. [This is not the right place.]

After a few more minutes, "Sir we're here." Fujima heard the driver announced. Snapping his eyes open, he hastily gave instructions to the driver to go inside and to inform the manager to just deliver the cake to Sendoh's house. Reaching to get his wallet, he flipped it open and managed to get his name card and gave it to Sendoh's driver to show it to the manager as proof. It took only about 5 minutes before the driver came back.

"Are we going back now Sir?"

"No. Not yet. Head to that address written in that name card." Fujima informed him and watched as the driver scanned the address. Without another word, the driver nodded his head and they sped off again.

Satisfied with how things were turning to his advantage, Fujima leaned back again in his seat and drew the sleeping boy closer to his so he could have the pleasure of inhaling the heavenly fragrance that was Hanamichi Sakuragi. [Soon my lovely fire angel… I'll have you soon.] With that thought in mind, the blue-eyed pretty boy tightened his hold on his so-called 'angel' and a small smile played on his lips in anticipation.

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{Sendoh's house}

Whistling along the corridor, Sendoh was about to enter the study room when the butler told him of three other guests that didn't want to be shown to where the party was being held but instead, asked to talk to him alone.

Puzzled, Sendoh followed the butler and was really surprised that the guests turned out to be the odd combination of Hanagata, Maki and … "Rukawa". The minute their eyes met, Sendoh recognized the underlying meaning behind the glare that was being given to him and he smiled knowingly.

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To be continued......

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As promised.... sorry for the delay guys and oh.. don't hesitate to give me reviews and stuff.... me like reading what you guys think of it... I'll be returning very soon with the next update... it is very near the end... Hope you guys like it so far....