Haruko came over to Rukawa's home often, cooking and cleaning for the boys so they didn't let things go to ruin. Still, Kaede insisted on cleaning his own messes and basically tried to pretend everything was normal. Haruko couldn't understand his need.  "Rukawa. Let me help you!"

    "I can do this myself."

    "Rukawa you. . . pig headed. . . !"

    "Ouch!"

    Hanamichi rushed to the dark haired boy and gathered him into his arms, "Are you ok? What did you hurt?"

    "Let go."

    "Rukawa. . ."

    "Now."

    Hanamichi sighed and backed away, "Haruko maybe you should go now." He smiled at her, "Thank you for you help today."

    She nodded, a bit unsure, but left as asked.

    Once the door was closed Hanamichi turned back to the injurred fox, "Now tell me what you hurt."

    "I just broke a plate is all." He insisted. As he reached to feel for the pieces Hanamichi saw red droplets stain the floor.

    "You're bleeding."

    "DAMN IT!" He threw the largest shard of plate and it shattered against the wall.

    "Kaede. . ."

    "I'm fine. I just lost my temper is all."

    Hanamichi had learned to recognize signs of emotion in the fox. He realized that the other boy was trying to be strong. "Can I cleen you hand up?"

    "I can. . ."

    "I know you can do it alone, but I like to touch you."

    Rukawa smiled, greatful that Hanamichi allowed him his pride, and nodded.

    Large but gentle hands felt for hidden glass and pulled it loose carfully as possible and a cool wet cloth patted away the blood before aniceptic followed, "She was only trying to help." He commented as he worked, "Haruko just doesn't understand that you can still do things for yourself."

    "I didn't mean to yell."

    "I know. You hate to feel helpless, that's all. I understand."

    "You are a different person in private." He noted softly. "not so loud, gentle."

    "Yeah, well, a loud mouth keeps people from judging you to closely."

    "Street smarts?"

    "Common sense."

    "Hn."

    Hanamichi gave his fox a sweet kiss then helped him to stand, "I'll clean this up, you want to start dinner?"

    Rukawa nodded and felt along the shelves for what he needed, fingers playing over the brail lables Hanamichi had marked things with. His mind wandered to the red head as his hands went over the familiar motions of preparing the Ramen, vegitarian egg roles and Tofu that Hanamichi loved so much. //He does so much for me. He's always there but never suffocating. Just ready to help if I fall but willing to let me stumble when I need it. How does he know me so well when I hardly know myself now?//

    "All clean." Hanamichi's comforting baratone anounced, "Mmm! I smell ramen! Anything I can help with?"

    Rukawa smiled and nodded, "You can chop up those vegitables there."

    "You're making eggroles aren't you! Yosh! Kitsune have I told you how much I love your cooking?"

    "Hn. Do'ahou."

    "Oh don't worry." He smiled and lick Rukawa's lips tenderly, "I love you more."

    "Hana-kun." Rukawa leaned into him and rested against the larger boy's chest.

    "You guys look so domestic."

    Both of them jumped and Hanamichi groaned, "Youhei what are you doing here?!"

    "Seriously, all you need are aprons that say 'kiss the cook'."

    "How did you get in?" Rukawa drawled in his toneless voice.

    "Hanamichi left the door open."

    Rukawa waited for an explanation.

    "I ah. . . it was a nice day, I wanted to air the house out."

    "So what'cha cookin'?"

    "A dinner for two." Rukawa turned back to the stove.

    "Jeesh. hint hint? Hanamichi I take it back, he's a grouch."

    "Youhei. . ."

    "I bet he's jealous."

    Rukawa stiffened in anger.

    "What is there to be jealous of?"

    "Well, we _are_ best friends and you know I always thought you were cute. . ." Youhei teased.

    Rukawa grabbed a handful of his shirt, "This is our house, get out."

    "Rukawa! He was just kidding!" Hanamichi seperated the two and smiled, "You _are_ jealous."

    "Hn."

    "Oh come on Rukawa, you know I love you."

    "You'd be better off with him."

    "You don't mean that."

    "At least he can see you smile."

    "Rukawa. . ."

    Youhei broke the tension by pointing out, "The Ramen's boiling over."

    "KUSO!"

    Hanamichi groaned and pushed his friend toward the door, "You should leave."

    "Awe but you two are so cute together!"

    "Are you *trying* to cause trouble?"

    "I just thought he should get a sense of humor. He's so stoic it would drive me nuts to live with him! I don't know how you do it!"

    "I love him. He may be stoic and antisocial but that's part of who he is and I still love him."

    "Man boy you have it baaaaaaad."

    "Thank you for pointing that out."

    "When are you going to pick out curtains?"

    "OUT!"

    "Jeesh! Alright! I'm out! Ja Hana-kun."

    "Ja." He nodded and walked inside.

    "I am jealous." Rukawa announced as he entered the kitchen again.

    "What?!"

    "I don't like that you two are so close all the time. I still think you deserve better than me."

    "But who says I want better than you?" Hanamichi hugged him from behind and smiled into his unruly hair, "I love you. You. And only you."

    "Do'ahou."

    "Sure, But I'm a happy idiot aren't I."

    "Hn."

    "And you're my fox."

    Rukawa kissed him and turned back to cooking.

    "That's fifty."

    "Hn?"

    "kisses." Hanamichi cleared up, "That was fifty."

    Rukawa smiled then and Hanamichi almost swooned, "Hana-kun?"

    "Gods I love your smile." He breathed, "They light up your whole face did you know that?

    Rukawa tried not to, but another smile formed on his lips.

    "Careful, your face might crack."

    A rag slaped the red head in the face and he sputtered in indignation.

    "I don't have to see you to hit you." Rukawa warned playfully.

    "Maybe I want you to hit me."

    "Masocist?"

    Hanamichi grinned impishly, "Spank me Rukawa! Make me sore!"

    "Hanamichi!" The fox's face was bright red.

    "Oh yeah! Just like that! Yes fox! Spank me harder!"

    "Stop it!"

    "Rukaaaaaaaaawaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! Yeeeeeeeees!"

    "That's it!"

    Hanamichi yelped when Rukawa shut off the stove and lunged for him. A wild game of tag insued until they both ending up falling backwards over the back of the couch. Their laughter faded to snicking then smirks and Hanamichi trace Rukawa's jaw line gently, "You're so beautiful."

    "I love you."

    That simple declaration was like a sonet coming from his fox, and Hanamichi felt tears gather at it. "I love you too." He promised and held his friend, his love, close. "Are you still hungry?"

    "No." Rukawa sighed and cuddled closer the the warmth of his red head, "Just hold me."

    Hanamichi was happy to oblige.

<Part 6>
 
 
 

    After a week home, Hanamichi decided it was time for Rukawa to get back to basketball. He just wouldn't be himself without the game and they both knew it.

    "Hanamichi this is pointless, I can't see the basket, or the other players."

    "Then hear them."

    Rukawa looked dubious.

    "I have an idea!" Hanamichi climbed up the post and stuch the radio safely behind the wire backboard, "There!"

    Rukawa listened to the music and fumbled around until he found Hanamichi's arm, "Did you just. . ."

    "Uhuh." He grinned broadly, "Now you just aim for the music."

    He tried and the ball bounced off of the backboard. "I can not do this Sakuragi!"

    Hanamichi rolled his eyes, Rukawa only called him Sakuragi when he was very annoyed. "Fox you. . . he paused, if he ordered the kitsune to try anything it would have the exact opposite effect, Rukawa hated taking orders, but. . . "Fox, please."

    "You're doing the face thing aren't you."

    "Yes."

    "I can't see it."

    "But you can hear it."

    He sighed and his shoulders fell, "Hanamichi. . ."

    "Just try. It hurts me to lose my practice buddy. I don't want you to lose this."

    Rukawa knew that it was hard for Sakaragi to admit that so he finally nodded, "Alright."

    Hanamichi whooped for joy and grabbed the startled boy into a tight hug.

    "But I want something in return."

    The smile vanished, "What are you up to kitsune?"

    "A kiss every basket."

    "French for slam dunks and three pointers?"

    "Deal."

    "Let's do it!"

    Rukawa stood at the free throw line and listened to the music, he aimed and let the ball fly.

    It hit the rim and bounced off.

    "Hana. . ."

    "You're getting it close Rukawa, that's all that matters for now. You didn't learn to play in a day did you?"

    "Hn."

    "Aa, I got you there didn't I! I am the Tensai!"

    "Doahou."

    "NANIIIIIII!!!!!!!  KITSUNE NO TEMEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!"

    "Is that an invitation?"

    Hanamichi choaked, "W. . . what?"

    Rukawa just gave him a foxy grin and tossed the ball again.

    2 pointer.

    "You did it!"

    "It went in?"

    Hanamichi grabbed Rukawa's hands, jumping in excitement, "You did it!"

    "I did it."

    "YEAH!!!" The red head danced around, swinging Rukawa with him then pulled him in for a victory kiss.

    "I. . . I though frenches were only for three pointers and slam dunks."

    "I lied."

    "Good." Rukawa was leaning in for another kiss when. . .

    "RUKAWA! You're back! Man I've been worried about you! Hanamichi what are you doing to him!"

    "It's alright Sendoh." Rukawa leaned back in Hanamichi's arms and the redhead's eyes dared the spiky haired boy to question their love.

    "You? And Hanamichi!?"

    "So."

    "Ok, ok, your choice. . ." He paused for a moment and couldn't help but add, "But HANAMICHI?!"

    "Sendoh. . ."

    "Rukawa what's wrong with your eyes, they're all cloudy, you have  an infection?"

    "You didn't hear."

    "Hear what? I've been at my grandparents house for a month."

    "Rukawa was in an accident."

    "A. . . holy shit are you ok man?!"

    "No baka he isn't ok!" Hanamichi growled, "You called *me* an idiot, fox?"

    "Hey! I resemble that remark!"

    Rukawa groaned, "I'm blind."

    "Yeah sure, I saw that shot you made, no way."

    "That's why Hanamichi put the radio up there."

    "Blind."

    "Aa."

    "You're blind?!"

    ". . ."

    "Shit!"

    Hanamichi growled, "Alright already! We have work to do!"

    "But. . ."

    Rukawa took up the ball again, "I will play again."

    "Yeah that's the spirit!" Hanamichi hugged him again and Rukawa kept on practicing.

    "Hanamichi." Sendoh pulled him aside, "Is this a good idea?"

    "He can't lose this. It would kill him."

    "But he's blind!"

    "He's still alive, that's all that matters."

    "Hanamichi. . ."

    "Just wait, you'll see." He gave him a victory sign, "Ja!"

    Sendoh walked away but his mind wouldn't stop running over what he had just seen. //Rukawa kissed Hanamichi, Rukawa admitted it! Rukawa's blind! Rukawa's still playing basketball. . .// He stopped walking and looked back to were Hanamichi and Rukawa were working. "Yep, that's Rukawa for you."

    "Hey! No fair!" Hanamichi growled, "Rukawa!"

    Rukawa slid passed him, 2 points.

    "Wait a minuet. . . hold it!"

    "Rukawa!"

    The fox eyed boy shut him up with a kiss and stole the ball again.

    ". . ." Hanamichi stared at the smiling black haired boy and couldn't help but smile too. //God job kitsune. Good job.//
 
 

        Both boys were covered in sweat when they got home that night. Rukawa pulled Hanamichi to him and gave him a soft kiss, "Thank you."

    Hanamichi was in shock, that was one of the first times Rukawa had started a kiss. "W. . . what for kitsune?"

    "I just realized I hadn't thanked you. For everything you've done."

    "No charge." Hanamichi smiled at his love. "That's what friends do."

    "Aa."

    "We both need a bath." Hanamichi announced with a grin, "Come on, I'll wash your back."

    "Just my back?"

    "RUKAWA!"

    ". . ."

    Hanamichi smiled and hugged him, "stupid fox."

 <Part 7>

    The call came early the next morning. Hanamichi sleepily fumbled over Rukawa's sleeping form and picked up the annoying contraption, "Moshi moshi."
    "Is this the Rukawa residence?"

    He groaned, "If we own you money the check is in the mail, if your selling something we don't have any money we just mailed it to you."

    The voice snickered slightly, "This is the hospital calling."

    "Oh! What's going on? Have you found anything? Can he see again?"

    "We studied his files and sent them to some collegues around the world, that's why it took so long, but I think we have a chance."

    "Yes?"

    "'His' eyes are dead, but we could implant new ones. His eyes wouldn't change, just the color and we could alter that, he would be perfectly normal again."

    Hanamichi got up quietly ans walked into the other room, "Where would you get a donor?"

    "We've put him on the donor list, but I have to tell you, he's pretty far down there."

    "Would any eyes work?"

    "Most, there's always the exeption to the rule."

    "What about mine?"

    "Sir?" The doctor's voice was slightly shocked.

    "Can my eyes make him see again?"

    "It's a good possibility but. . ."

    "When can you do the operation?"

    "I don't think. . ."

    "When?"

    A sigh traveled through the phone as the doctor relented, "We have a free spot in a month, but the opperation will be very expensive and. . ."

    "We'll be there. Thank you." Hanamichi hung the phone up and stared at it a moment before calling the bank.

    "Hello, First bank of Tokyo."

    "I would like to close my savings and trust fund a month from now, I'll pick up the money then the account number is. . ."
 

    When Rukawa woke up he instinctively reached for Hanamichi only to find his side of the bed was cold. Even if they hadn't consumated their relationship, the both found comfort in walking up near the other. So why. . .

    He pulled on his clothes and walked the familiar steps to the living room. "Hana-kun?"

    "I'm here." He answered and Rukawa went to sit beside him. The boy was deep in thought and the kitsune eyed boy didn't like that at all. Hanamichi was supposed to be outgoing and loud, or at least noticable. The silence was unsettling.

    "What is it?"

    "The hospital called."

    Rukawa stiffened, "Are you ok?"

    A familiar laugh rumbled free and Hanamichi kissed him softly, "About you."

    "My eyes?" He couldn't face this! Couldn't allow himself to hope!

    "You have an appointment in a month. They can fix you."

    The words didn't register at first, then Rukawa's lips parted and his eyes widened slightly. "I. . . I'll be able to see again."
 

    Hanamich couldn't respond to that before Rukawa jumped him happily and covered his face in kisses, "Kitsune!"

    "Hana-kun, make love to me."

    "WHAT?!"

    "Please, I need you, I want to feel you in me."

    "Rukawa. . ."

    Before he could finish Rukawa was dragging him into the bedroom and letting them both fall to the bed. He gasped as the lithe hands rid them both of their clothing and then there was no more room for thought as his teammate took him to highs he had never dreamed of.

    When they both fell back, exhausted Rukawa smiled at him the warmest, brightest smile he had ever seen. "Rukawa."
 
    "I love you Hana-kun."

    The redhead tried to keep his tears in check. "Then why did that feel like goodbye?"

    "When I'm well, you won't have a reason to stay anymore."

    "Yes I will." He kissed his lover softly and held him close.

    "Hanamichi."

    "Just promise me something."

    ". . .?"

    "When you're better, don't hide from me again. I love the real you not the star basketball player or the cold untouchable. Promise with me you'll always be my Kaede."

    He snuggled closer and nodded, "I promise."

    As Rukawa drifted into a post mating sleep, Hanamichi pulled him tight to his bare chest, "I love you. I'd do anything for you."

    "HANAMICHI!" Youhei stopped in the doorway and blushed beat red, "Ah. . ."

    The redhead quickly covered Rukawa possesively and looked back at his friend, "Shh! You'll wake him up!"

    "Hanamichi is it true? Tell me you aren't that stupid!"

    "You talked to your contact at the hospital."

    "Damn right I did! What do you think you're doing?!"

    "I'm taking care of my lover."

    "By sacrificing yourself?!" Hanamichi stood and Youhei blushed again.

    "Oh like you haven't seen it before."

    The blush deepened, "I. . . that is I mean. . . you have um. . . cum. . . on your stomach."

    He washed off and dressed then walked into the hall, "Don't talk about it around him. He doesn't know."

    "Hana this is nuts!"

    "He needs it more than I do." The redhead shrugged, "I only joined the yeam to impress a girl, he's been playing his whole life. He doesn't have many close friends and no family, what if something happened to me? I can't risk that. Anyway, I am the tensai! I know what I'm doing!"

    "You're an idiot. Rukawa was right. Do'ahou! You think he'll thank you for this?!"

    "No. But I know I'm doing the right thing."

    "You should think with your brain, not your dick! I don't car ehow good a lay he is he isn't worth. . ."

    Hanamichi slammed the boy against the wall before another word was spoken. "Never. Say. That. Again." He hissed, "Never belittle what we have together!"

    "Shit! You're actually serious!"

    "Get out of our house."

    "Hanamichi. . ."

    "Youhei while I still consider you my friend get out!" He walked back to the bedroom and curled up against his lover. //Everything will work out Rukawa. You'll see again, and I'll get put on the donor list, something will come up eventually. But you can't wait, or you'd loose your chance at your dream. You'll be the best in Japan and then America. You are the best Kaede. And your mine. I protect what's mine.//

    Rukawa shifted in his sleep, "Hana. . . Mmm. . ."

    "You'll be better Rukawa, I promise."

<Part 8>
 

    Rukawa woke to the warm comfort of a familiar pair of arms closed around him and smiled as he breathed in the salty, musky scent that was Hanamichi's alone. //He isn't going to leave. He promised he would stay.//

    "Ohayo." Hanamichi's voice broke through his thoughts, thick and rough with sleep and sex. The kitsune eyed boy decided he liked that combination.

    "Ohayo."

    "How do you feel?"

    "A little sore."

    Hanamichi was instantly alert and running his fingers over the other man's clouded eyes, "They didn't say you'd be in pain, is something wrong? How bad is it? Are you. . ."

    Rukawa chuckled, "not 'there' do'ahou."

    "Then wh. . . oh!"

    The dark haired basketball player could see Hanamichi's blush in his mind's eye.

    "I didn't mean to. . ."
 
    "Want to kiss it and make it better?"

    "There's a hole in your reasoning somewhere."
 
    "Oh?"

    "To bad I can't think of what it is." Hanamichi grinned and dove under the sheets causing Rukawa to yelp and giggle in shock.

    That cut off Hana's attack, "Did you just giggle?!"

    "No."

    "You did!"

    "I. . ."

    "You're so cute when you giggle!"

    "I am *not* cute!"

    "You *are* and I love you."

    "I love you too."

    Hanamichi smiled and slid under the sheet with Rukawa, claiming his lips in a deep kiss.

    Of course, the phone just had to choose that time to ring.

    Hanamichi pulled back and glared from their haven at the offensive device.

    "You should answer that."

    "Probably."

    Rukawa paused, the ringing continued. "Do'ahou." He fumbled around for the phone and Hanamichi chuckled, "Three O'clock."

    With directions given, Hana stood and began to get dressed. Rukawa groaned, "Hello?"

    "What the fuck were you thinking?! Hanamichi?!!!"

    The boy blinked in surprise, "Sendoh?"

    "I didn't say anything at the park because the guy was right there but come on Rukawa! We both know that you can do better! Look at all the girls just lineing up for a look at you! Just because you're blind doesn't mean you can' thave any one of them you wanted!"

    "The hospital called, they can fix my eyes."

    "Great! Wow! So that means you and the rookie are done right? Well I mean it's just common sense that you want comfort when your hurt but after. . ."

    "I love him."

    ". . ."

    ". . ."

    "Tell me you didn't just say that you *love* Sakuragi."

    "Did I say that?"

    "Sounds crazy right?"

    "I mean I'm *in* love with him."

    Hanamichi smiled and squeezed Rukawa's hand lovingly. Rukawa returned the gesture and kissed those soft lips before putting the phone back up to his ear.

    "He's there! You actually took him HOME with you?! You never let any one see your house! I've never seen your house!"

    Hanamichi took the phone gently.

    "Hana. . ."

    He chuckled and Rukawa's lips turned up at the corners in what only Hanamichi could recognize as a grin.

    "Hello?"

    "Hanamichi you. . ."

    "I'm sorry, You must have the wrong number." He said in a fake American accent, "Bai bai."

    "That was crewl."

    "I know." Hanamichi grinned, "Are we back to the spanking thing again?"

    Rukawa blushed and Hanamichi snickered, "You know, since you've been blind, I've seen more expression on your face than ever before."

    "I. . ."

    "It's ok. It'll be our secret."

    Rukawa burried his face in Hanamichi's shirt and hugged him tight.

    "My fox."

    "My do'ahou."

    "Nani?! I am the Tensai!"

    "Then what is the best thing to do at this moment?"

     Hanamichi pressed a full and hard kiss to his teammate's open mouth and Rukawa moaned, "Well?"

    "You are the Tensai." Rukawa sighed and pulled him back down to the bed.

    "This is the last day we can spend like this you know. School is tommorow."

    "You'll be there?"

    "I won't leave you for a second."

    "Then I'll be ok."

    "Me too."

    "Hn, do'ahou."

    "But your do'ahou."

    "Mmm." Rukawa agreed, "All mine."
 
 

~tbc~

    I know a lot of recent chapters have been short for all of my fics but I thought I would try updating twice a month of more instead of once or twice every two months with larger pieces. I hope that's alright.

ja ne
Rai