Chapter 2 - Siren Night

City night breathed around him. Up ahead, a high rise building shadowed the moon light's gleam. Fifteen stories high, Rukawa lived all by himself in an apartment on the thirteenth floor. The apartment building was a little away from Shohoku High but was close enough to reach by a mere bicycle ride. For a moment, Sendoh wondered why Rukawa didn't just choose to drive a car to school since he had the money to spend buying any kind of car anyway. And then he laughed silently when he realized that Rukawa had yet to turn 16, the allowed age for driving.

Sendoh entered the building and was welcomed by the warmth. The lady at the counter looked up at his presence in surprise then smiled, recognizing him. They had conversed once on the elevator, during one of the times she had to go to one of the floors to do something. She had told him that she was happy that Rukawa had finally found a friend. She'd said that he had always been alone and even they the employees were concerned about him since he was so young and seemed so lonely. He had pondered upon that as she said that Rukawa had lived here since the start of Junior High School when he had looked so small and cute and absolutely like a little girl. He had been alone since then and no hint of family was seen. And then she'd smiled, the elevator had opened and she had to leave. The elevator took him up to Rukawa's floor as he had continued his thoughts. That had been the start of Sendoh's growing affection for the younger boy. He just wanted to be there for him... just because no one else was.

Sendoh smiled at the lady and went over to the elevator, riding up to the 13th floor. Seconds later and he was there, the familiar hallways greeting his view. He immediately went over to Rukawa's front door and knocked. After a few moments of silence, he knocked again before just ringing the doorbell. And then he remembered that the doorbell was broken and that even after grating Rukawa to tell of this to the manager so that it could be fixed, still Rukawa hadn't done it. Sendoh frowned. He /had/ to do it himself didn't he? After all, he was the only one who was using the doorbell anyway. Oh well, maybe later on when they left the building to go on to Siren.

He tried again. Knocking louder, Sendoh waited for a response. He sighed in frustration, a hand going over to the knob as if to try in desperation to get the door to open. He turned the knob. The door opened. Surprised, Sendoh let himself enter, the darkness of the apartment greeting his view.

There was no sound but the darkness engulfing him. He closed the door behind him and wondered if Rukawa wasn't home yet. Lighting his digital watch though and looking at the blue lazer light, he found the time to be 7:57 pm. Practice should have been over. But there was no light anywhere, no sound. He wondered then if Rukawa fell asleep. Sendoh shook his head as if knowing that Rukawa may have done just that, knowing the younger boy's habits. He went on over to Rukawa's room slowly. Perhaps, upon seeing Rukawa's asleep form, he should punish him by surprising him to wake. That would teach him to be awake when it mattered. Grinning to himself, he pushed the door open and entered the room.

Looking first at the bed, he noticed it to be empty. A low sound was heard though and light that spilled through underneath the door that lead to the bathroom alerted him that there was someone in here. Bathing... So that was Rukawa was doing. At least he was getting ready now. He listened for a bit more.

The splatter of hot water against skin... Sendoh tried not to think dirty thoughts. His unforgivable mind was conjuring naughty pictures though and he decided to just go on and wait in the living room. As he was about to leave though, the bathroom door opened and Rukawa came out. Sendoh tried not to blush.

Rukawa... Just wrapping the towel around his hips, the younger boy walked out gracefully. He paused suddenly though as his eyes widened to meet cobalt eyes like his own. "Sendoh..."

"I... sorry..." Sendoh ducked his head, hoping Rukawa couldn't see the reddish stain that now tinged his cheeks. "Your door was open. I was knocking earlier on but there was no answer. I'll go wait in the - "

"No, actually..." Rukawa spoke with a shrug, as if not concerned with his appearance. "Actually, I'm having trouble choosing what to wear. I've never been actually to a..."

"Oh, okay..."

Rukawa turned the lights on and walked towards his closet, opening it and looking at the clothes hung in there. He looked on to the side at what Sendoh was wearing, his gaze lingering quite a bit, then back at the closet again.

Sendoh grinned to himself. He neared Rukawa, trying not to be affected by the younger boy's clothing... or lack thereof. He too stared at the closet.

Rows upon rows of dark clothing. Most of them were what Rukawa wore in regular days. Shirts, tank tops and other sports wear. Jackets, jeans... Sendoh rummaged through them until he found what he was looking for. Dark clothes like before, something that was a lovely contrast to Rukawa's paleness. He took a pair of pants, shirt and tank top to Rukawa, grinning as he did. Rukawa took them and went on back to the bathroom to dress himself.

Upon seeing the barely clad form leave the room, Sendoh sighed to himself, closing the closet door. A reflection of himself greeted him and he looked at himself.

He was wearing simple black jeans. His shirt was special though, seemingly glittering in the dark. It was made of silver fabric, hugging his formed upper body. He also had a black jacket on since autumn nights were cold but he wondered if he should just leave it here since it would be undoubtedly hot in the warehouse after all. Shrugging, he studied himself some more...

He wore a silver chain around his neck to compliment his silver shirt. He also had a few silver rings on his fingers and on his feet, he wore black leather boots with silver buckles... Wait a minute... He had forgotten to take his shoes off. But then Rukawa really didn't mind it, allowing no formality at all in his home. Sendoh smiled at himself and was glad at the person before him. He looked handsome tonight. It was to attract a certain boy. He could only wonder what Rukawa looked like tonight...

As if to satiate his curiosity, the door to the bathroom opened and the boy came out. He was wearing black suede trousers, a bit tight on the hips. The black tank top was a great contrast with his pale features, tightly showing off his torso. The white silk shirt was opened, a contrast to the darkness he wore as well as a compliment to his complexion. On his neck hung a white gold chain and a cross pendant as his hair was styled carefully, his long bangs partly covering his eyes. It was like looking at an apparition.

"What do you think?" Rukawa asked uncertainly, unsure of himself.

"You look great." Sendoh just grinned, restraining himself from praising the boy too much. "Are you ready?"

"Just my shoes..." Rukawa muttered before moving to leave the room and entering the living room. Sendoh watched the natural sway of the slender hips, his eyes greedy in the way he looked. Following Rukawa, he went on to the switch, turning the light on. It didn't on.

"Hey, the light..."

"When I got back, it wouldn't turn on. Maybe the bulb's been exhausted or something..."

"This time you finally fix it, alright?" Sendoh spoke in a reproachful manner. "You haven't even fixed your doorbell yet. You have to call maintenance, alright? And you forgot to lock the door! Next time, lock it alright? Who knows if there are perverted men lurking out in the hallway?"

Rukawa rolled his eyes but was inwardly glad that there was at least one person who cared enough to grate on him like this. "Yes, mother..."

"I'm serious!"

"Yeah, yeah..."

Sendoh shook his head, watching as Rukawa sat on the floor to wear his black leather boots. "So... have you had dinner yet?"

"Have you?"

"Er, no..." Sendoh answered, moving towards the younger boy. Rukawa was now just sitting on the floor, looking up at him in a pretty little pose. Underneath the moonlight, one leg up and the other resting on the floor, Rukawa's calm blue eyes were focused on Sendoh's, as on one side, the shirt had slipped down to reveal the pale flesh of a shoulder and a bared throat. Sendoh wondered what it would feel like to bite that neck.

Restraining himself from blushing once again and mentally kicking himself for such dirty thoughts, Sendoh tried to focus on the present. "So, you wanna go get a bite first? Also, we're going to go to Koshino's house first. He's coming along with his girlfriend. Hikoichi and Fukuda would be there too, I think."

"Which is which first?" Rukawa asked, slowly lifting himself from the floor to stand up. He looked absolutely lovely.

"Eat first, I guess. I told them we'll pick them up at 9 pm . So, you ready?"

Rukawa nodded, picking up his keys which were hung by the door. He made sure to lock it before they walked together towards the elevator. On the way out, Sendoh began to think...

That perhaps this was the night... when his revelation would occur...

He wondered how Rukawa would react. He wondered if Rukawa would accept him...

Thinking about it, he stopped suddenly, a small smile playing on his lips. "Ru..."

"What is it, Sendoh?"

"Akira. You call me Akira from now on." When Rukawa just looked at him, he continued. "And you, my friend, I will now call Kaede."

***

"Here we are."

Rukawa looked up as they approached a residential district. After they had their dinner, Sendoh lead him to Koshino's house. Up ahead, there were several American styled houses that came into view. They approached one that seemed blue in the light from its front door. He watched as Sendoh knocked on the door. They were going to fetch Sendoh's friends from school and he was feeling a bit agitated that they had to go with them. He had never been really comfortable around them. If given the choice, he would rather be with just Sendoh.

The door opened. A middle aged woman smiled upon seeing Sendoh and invited them inside, calling out to her son. "Hiro-kun, your friends are here. Come on down."

The two of them entered, but did not go on further since they were just going to wait anyway. They saw the youthful face of Hikoichi as he came down first from the second floor, a big smile on his face. A pretty but somewhat small girl followed, Koshino behind her.

"Hey, you guys ready?" Sendoh asked, eyeing his friends.

"Yup." Koshino nodded. He turned to his mother. "I might not go home tonight, mom. I'll be staying either at Sendoh's or Hikoichi's."

"That's fine, dear." She nodded. "Be sure to bring Tomo-chan back home though, alright? And be careful, kids."

"Thanks, Koshino-san."

"Alright, mom."

They left the house and walked on towards the street, out the residential district and into the main road. Rukawa didn't feel too at ease with the others so he stayed silent, just walking on the far side from them, using Sendoh's presence to block them from view as they conversed.

"Is he always like this?" the girl, Tomo, asked with a curious tone, obviously asking Koshino about Rukawa.

"Hah, all he ever talks to is Sendoh." Koshino just laughed. "Yeah, he's always like this."

"Wait until you're alone with him though." Sendoh snickered, looking meaningfully at Rukawa. "You'd become deaf at all that he has to say, right Kaede?"

Rukawa rolled his eyes but ignored him. He however listened to the way his first name was said as if Sendoh found it to have a special meaning. Sendoh had told him earlier on to just call each other by their first names... It didn't have any real significance but it was a refreshing change.

"Kaede?" Hikoichi muttered, sounding perplexed. "Wow, you two have become so close to call the other by his first name. And isn't this funny that we're walking with Ryonan team's opponent."

"Hey..." Sendoh warned, not wanting to make Rukawa feel unwelcome. They stopped beside a bus stop, waiting for a bus that would bring them over the bridge and into the centre of Kanagawa. Cars passed them but suddenly, a taxi pulled over much to everyone's surprise. It was then that he noticed that it was Rukawa who had called it.

"Don't worry. I'll pay." Rukawa spoke silently, going on to the front and letting them decide the arrangement of their seating at the back. He heard the surprise in their voices at his actions but he paid them no heed. When all four of his companions were seated and the doors were all closed, he informed the driver their destination. "Siren."

"You kids going there, eh?" The driver was an old man but he looked friendly and outgoing, as if he was like them when he was younger. "I've driven many kids there tonight. I think there's something special happening tonight..."

Koshino was the one to respond. "What about it, ojiisan?"

"Heard there was a special discount or something. The two boys I talked to said something about free recreational 'stuff'. Whatever that means..."

"Really, ojiisan?"

The driver laughed. "Hey, I'm not that old. Call me ojisan or something. I'm not that old to be a grandfather yet."

The others laughed. Rukawa remained silent, his eyes going to the front mirror to look at them. He didn't expect Sendoh's warm and calm gaze to be on him. Flustered quite a bit, he looked away and focused on the dark city scenery that they passed through from the open window on his side. He ignored the rest of their conversation the rest of the trip.

After crossing the bridge and moving across several streets, the taxi went inside a fully loaded parking lot, stopping in front of a large warehouse. They all got out as Rukawa paid the driver on his own as promised, gaining smiles and thanks from his companions. The taxi sped away and they were looking at the gigantic building in front of them. From their point of view, they were already hearing the loud impact of techno music pounding against the dark walls of the building. Light and smoke poured out from the opened windows and balconies where anonymous faces were taking a break. The party had already started.

Like cool kids of their generation, the five of them walked smoothly towards the front gate. At this time, there were no lines already as most of the partygoers were already inside enjoying themselves. From the corner of his eyes, Rukawa looked at Sendoh, still amazed at the other's presence for the night. Sendoh had dressed himself well, very much attractive to his eyes. He'd first noticed it from when he saw him in his room but thankfully had stifled any embarrassing reaction.

In the front door, a bouncer greeted them by looking at them from behind dark sun glasses. He was wearing a rich suit, hulking in size and muscular in appearance. One prolonged look at Rukawa and Sendoh and he nodded, giving them permission to enter. He looked on to Hikoichi and the others and nodded too, letting them all in.

Inside, the environment was as what was expected. The thundering beat of music screamed with boundless force. The heat welcomed them with the hazy smoke from cigarettes and drugs. The mere air seemed to reverberate with meteor impact as their sight was greeted with gyrating bodies under the flashing lights of the dance floor.

Cool, calm, collected, Rukawa let his companions lead the way as he walked on more slowly as if his body was already in synch with the rhythm of the club. He noticed gazes upon him, some surprised with recognition, some with unsuppressed attraction and lust. He ignored all of them with cold eyes, hoping that none would approach.

Sendoh watched as Koshino and his girlfriend lead them to the tables. They were searching for somewhere to situate themselves in while his eyes were looking for his sister and her friends. On the dance floor, he noticed some familiar people like Jin dancing with some guy he didn't know. He was quite a dancer. Sendoh looked on elsewhere finding many other familiar people. He paused suddenly, waiting for Rukawa to catch up then grinned as the younger boy looked at him.

"Do you see what I see?" Sendoh's eyes were everywhere.

"What?"

"Look over there..." Sendoh smirked as they began walking side by side again. His eyes were on the dance floor. Mitsui and Kogure were just leaving to go back to their table.

"Mitsui..." Rukawa muttered, bewildered at the large grin on his senior's face. That expression hadn't been seen by his eyes for quite a while now.

"Over there..." Over at the second floor, near the railing and against a wall, well-dressed Maki and Fujima were making out, their arms on each other.

Rukawa couldn't believe his eyes. It was true then. It was hard to believe though since those two he could only associate with basketball. Now, outside the court, they were like this - a couple who cared not what people would think about them. He wondered what it would feel like if he would have that kind of relationship with Sendoh. Turning his face away, he felt his cheeks heat up with a blush.

"And over there..." It was a table that sat the very familiar faces of Sakuragi, Haruko, Nobunga, Akagi, Ryota and Ayako. Upon seeing that table, Rukawa decided to avoid that corner at all costs tonight. Sendoh lead them to a bar like corner where liquor was served. He noticed that Koshino and the others were nowhere in his sight now. He was somehow glad because of that since he wouldn't feel much at ease with them around anyway.

Sendoh sat at a stool, letting Rukawa follow him. His eyes were on the crowd, scanning for his sister yet again. "I can't find 'neechan..."

"You agreed to meet here?"

"Yeah, at 9:30 pm ." Sendoh continued to look around. After a few more seconds, he shrugged, turning with a ready to smile to Rukawa. "Oh well. They'll be okay for a while. Let's drink for awhile, alright?" And in a lower voice, "And tell them you're 21 if they ask."

Rukawa nodded as Sendoh raised a hand, calling the bar tender's attention. A handsome man in his mid twenties approached them from the other side of the counter and smiled. "What'll it be, boys?"

"Two Pina Coladas." Sendoh ordered for the both of them, knowing Rukawa enough to do it for him.

The bar tender looked on with a confused grin. "Isn't that a bit too soft? Tonight's a night to celebrate."

"That'll be enough for now."

"Alright..." The man walked on back to prepare those drinks while Sendoh focused on Rukawa.

"What?" Rukawa asked, feeling uneasy at the gaze. He tried to focus on what the bar tender was doing.

"It's your first time drinking, right?" Sendoh smirked a naughty smirk. "Tonight, my boy, I'll be making a man out of you."

Rukawa just rolled his eyes. "It's not my first time."

"Eh?"

Seeing the surprise in Sendoh's face, Rukawa shrugged. "I keep some alcohol at home though you've never seen them. Hard to buy but money is a good motivation to sell liquor to someone underaged." He looked away, not knowing why he said that.

"Really?" Sendoh was a bit shocked. From the corner of his mind, he wondered why Rukawa would drink on his own. Perhaps it was depression sometimes... Well, he deemed to change that. One thing bothered him though and he wondered... "Hey, Kaede..."

"Yes?"

"Just wondering if you smoked..."

Rukawa looked embarrassed for more than a moment. "Yeah, started when I was 12... I don't do it often."

"I've tried it just last year. I don't like the taste of it. Uhm... how about drugs?"

"Not yet..."

"I tried it several times whenever I go here. That free recreational 'stuff' that that taxi driver spoke about is Ecstasy. It's popular on raves like this one. It seems that tonight they're being given out free someplace here." Sendoh thought about that before turning to Rukawa with a stern glance. "Oh, and don't try it. That'll be bad for you."

"I'm not a child. I can decide for myself." Rukawa just responded.

The drinks were served. The bubbly drinks were placed in front of the two of them. Rukawa tasted it, noting the strong taste of both coconut and pineapple, the alcohol faint in the background. It tasted very good actually...

"Like it?" Sendoh grinned, sipping on his own glass. At Rukawa's small nod, he turned back towards the crowd, his eyes searching. However, the sight of his sister wasn't anywhere and what greeted him was the familiar sight of a tall, buxom girl in a short red dress that left little to the imagination. He stared at her not because he liked her appearance but because he was very familiar with her.

"Akira-kun..." She smiled seductively as she approached, alcohol and drugs making her a little tipsy as well as forgetful of modesty. She leaned against the bar as she stood before Sendoh.

"Uhm, Hina, what are you doing here?" Ichekago Hina. A former girlfriend...

"Came to see you, handsome." She winked, unmindful of herself. "Wanna dance?"

Not wanting to be rude yet desperately not wanting to go, Sendoh looked on back to Rukawa who was watching the conversation with interest. It seemed a bit off but he almost saw something akin to jealousy in those familiar fox blue eyes. He wondered if he was imagining.

"Go on ahead. I'll just be here." He muttered, sipping on his drink and not wanting to look so jealous of whoever that girl was. Sendoh and that girl seemed familiar to each other and it was enough to make him seethe. Perhaps they had a relationship before? Or perhaps the girl was a new love interest of Sendoh?

"Oh, who's your friend?" Hina pulled away from leaning on the counter, moving closer to Rukawa. "You haven't introduced us, Akira-kun. He looks so hot... And familiar. Hey, have we met before?"

"Uhm, this is my friend Rukawa Kaede. He plays basketball for Shohoku High." Sendoh introduced hastily, watching nervously as Rukawa reluctantly shook the hand offered by Hina. "And, this is Ichekago Hina, Kaede, my ex-girlfriend..." He might have just imagined that flash of jealousy in those eyes again...

"Sit tight there, Rukawa-kun." Hina grinned, pulling Sendoh to the dance floor in her drunken stupor. "Come on, Akira, for old times sake."

Sendoh could only glance helplessly at Rukawa.

***

The second song now...

Rukawa tried not to react rashly at the fact that his object of attraction was still dancing on the dance floor with his former girlfriend. What were those two doing anyhow? They looked like they were enjoying themselves. He drank his scotch with a bit of urgency, something unusual for him. As the bitter liquid entered his lips though, he realized what he was doing and slowed down. He had to distract himself.

Thinking suddenly, he remembered all about his chat mate 'Seven'. He wondered if he was around here. Since Seven was a basketball player, he may as well look around to see familiar faces from the court. He wanted to know his own secret admirer, as if that would soothe the bitterness he felt when he saw Sendoh with that girl. He scanned around.

Maki and Fujima were speaking happily with friends from Shohoku and Rukawa noticed that they were in the table that sat Sakuragi and the others. He looked away from them immediately, not wanting to be seen. If they knew he was here, they would surely tease him to hell. Especially Sakuragi...

On another corner of the room, he saw Mitsui and Kogure dancing again, pressed against each other in an obvious display that they belonged to each other only. Rukawa looked on wistfully at them since for quite a while, he did have a crush on Mitsui. Sighing, he looked on around the room again, trying to occupy himself.

The sight of Jin and that guy he was with earlier again... They were on the second floor and that unknown guy was pulling him towards a room. Rukawa blushed, knowing what was going to happen up there...

"Hi."

There was a sudden voice. Surprised, Rukawa turned back to the counter, noticing that a man sat on the empty seat that had belonged to Sendoh earlier on. The man was a foreigner, perhaps American or European. His accent hinted on the former though. The man was very tall even while sitting down, perhaps an athlete. He was wearing a tight black shirt, showing off his muscular body. His blond hair was short though one lock was not cut, to add hair style. His eyes were gleaming, deep green in colour as he smiled seductively.

"Are you alone?"

"Uh, no... I have a friend with me." Rukawa found himself entranced by those green cat eyes.

"Let me guess... that's him, right?" The man tilted his head, his eyes spotting Sendoh who was still dancing with Hina. When he saw Rukawa look on at Sendoh with a small glance, he smiled even more. "So... you like him, don't you?"

"What?" Rukawa asked, not expecting the man to be so perceptive. "What are you talking about?"

"I've watched you since you've entered." The man just grinned. "So cool, so calm, as if you were a dark angel as you walked with natural grace. You were easily seductive, you know." Seeing the indignant look Rukawa gave him, he just continued. "But like all other dark angels, your eyes were cold, defensive... Hiding a pain deep inside. I saw you... looking on with longing at that man."

Rukawa looked away, knowing that the man was right. Even though he didn't want to believe, he knew it was the truth.

"He's obviously straight though so that's a problem, isn't it? So..." And the man smirked, a hand resting confidently on Rukawa's thigh. "Why don't you and me...?"

"No." Rukawa said cooly, picking up the offending hand on his thigh and dropping it back to the man's own lap.

"Come on. Your beauty is wasted. Come on..." Gentle coaxing words that made it sound as if he was already molesting the boy. "Please?" A hand of his slowly made its way to Rukawa's face, hovering there but not touching. "So beautiful... And yet he couldn't even see you."

"HEY!" It was a female's voice that broke the moment and both the man and Rukawa looked on at the side to see none other than Fuji , hands on her waist. She looked on angrily at the stranger. "Mr. Blair, stop hitting on my friend. You may own this place but stop trying to molest him for Kanagawa's sake!"

The man, startled, looked on with amusement at Fuji . "Oh, it's you Sendoh-san. I'm not bothering your friend at all. Just telling him some things he needed to hear, is all." He stood with grace, towering over Fuji . He took one last lingering look at Rukawa and walked away.

"Are you alright? Was he bothering you?" Fuji asked in a concerned tone, looking on with a soft gaze at her brother's friend.

"We were just speaking..." Rukawa muttered, continuing to sip on his drink.

"Heh, alright... Anyway, you're drinking! This is something new! And, where's Akira? Did he leave you alone? Why that... Don't worry, I'll scold him when I see him."

Rukawa raised his hand to jab his thumb towards the direction where Sendoh and his former girlfriend were dancing. Fuji looked towards that direction and noticed that Sendoh was just coming back from the dance floor with a slutty excuse for an ex-girlfriend. Fuji looked mad.

"Akira!"

Sendoh cringed, hearing his sister's enraged exclamation. Going back to the bar, not knowing how to get rid of the clingy girl by his side, he watched the rigid back of Rukawa, not knowing what he was thinking.

"Oh, it's you Fuji- 'neesan." Hina flashed a grin towards her. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

Fuji nodded slightly, looking at the girl. It was a girlfriend of Sendoh who she had never approved of since she just loved to drape herself over guys. Slutty... the best word to describe her.

"Hi, 'neechan." Sendoh grinned, wanting to duck his head. Rukawa made no motion still from his seat, as if not hearing them. He must be mad...

"Hina-chan..." Fuji looked on as politely as she could to the girl who clung on to her brother. When she looked at her, she spoke her query. "Don't you have somewhere you have to be?"

"Oh... My boyfriend!" Hina's eyes suddenly widened, suddenly looking around for someone. "I'm sorry Akira-kun, Fuji- 'neesan. I've got to go now." She untangled herself from Sendoh and rushed towards a crowd.

Fuji seethed, but she controlled herself. "Imagine that..."

"'Neechan, where were you?" Sendoh asked with a nervous grin.

She rolled her eyes but didn't say anything else. She turned to Rukawa then. "Hey, let's go on to our table, alright? I've got something special there. Come on..."

Rukawa stood, paying for the drinks he and Sendoh ordered, ignoring Sendoh's outburst of wanting to pay for them himself. Seeing the table Fuji pointed to, he walked on to that direction cooly, trying to not be jealous. Around the dance floor, he walked, faintly hearing Fuji scolding Sendoh from behind. He ignored them, concurrently trying to forget that foreigner's words to him earlier on. He was concentrated enough on his thoughts when he didn't notice that the table he had wanted to avoid had come into view. There came the expected exclamations of surprise all throughout.

"What!?!"

"What are you pointing at dumbly, Hana?"

"Shut up!"

"What is - oh my..."

"What is it?"

"Whoa..."

"Rukawa-kun!"

"Didn't expect you to come in here..."

"What is tha fox doing here?"

"Rukawa..."

Rukawa allowed himself to pause in his steps just to give them all a glare. He noticed that most everyone was there. Maki, Fujima, Sakuragi, Haruko, Akagi and his girlfriend, Nobunga and his girlfriend, Ryota, Ayako, Mitsui and Kogure. They all stared in surprise at him.

Sakuragi said something first... as usual. "Hey, fox, what the hell are you doing here? You should be sleeping, shouldn't you? Why are you acting all normal like the rest of us humans? Is the moon full?"

"Shut up, do'aho."

"What did you call me!?!" Sakuragi stood, ready to challenge his constant rival as he neared him. Rukawa noted absently that for once, Sakuragi was well-dressed, wearing a tight black shirt with his jeans.

"Do'aho."

"Argh!" Sakuragi gritted his teeth in anger, clutching on at the expected collar of Rukawa's supposed uniform. He stopped however as he realized that what he held was just pale flesh as Rukawa was wearing a tight black tank top.

"Stop touching me... okama." He grinned internally, knowing that would provoke the other boy.

"You're the okama, you fox! I bet that's the only reason you came here!"

"Hey, hey..." It was Maki who spoke from behind, obviously wanting to defend his sexual preference. "Stop that, Sakuragi-kun..."

"Yeah, sit down." was the firm command from Ayako.

Sakuragi pouted for a while longer before finally taking his seat beside Haruko.

"So, what brings you here, Rukawa-kun?" Ayako asked, smiling gently at the boy. Rukawa would have frowned but he stifled his reaction. Ayako had always been nosy about his life for as long as he had known her. He didn't know why she found him interesting in that way.

Rukawa considered just ignoring her and walking away. He noticed that the entire table seating his acquaintances was staring at him though, waiting for an answer.

Sendoh watched this from just a few steps away. His sister beside him was still frowning even after she had chided him about not ever abandoning Rukawa like that again. She reminded him that this night was a rare chance to tell Rukawa about his feelings and he wasn't doing much good.

"Hey, why don't you stir the pot a little?" Fuji suddenly muttered.

"Huh?"

"Go on and act like you and Kaede-kun are an item. That'll provoke him, right? And you'll get a hint of his would be reaction."

"I don't know, 'neechan. It's risky."

"Come on! Don't be a chicken!"

Sendoh waited a while longer, listening to his erratic heartbeat. His heart's beating seemed so loud amidst all the noise inside the club. Finally, he sighed, deciding to just 'stir the pot'. "Alright..." He walked on towards Rukawa, gaining the attention of familiar faces.

"Sendoh-san, what a surprise..." Ayako stated, a gleam in her eyes.

"You came to challenge the Tensai even in a place like this?"

"Hey, Sendoh, I saw your team-mate Koshino earlier on..." It was Fujima who spoke

"What are you doing here?"

As Sendoh was about to answer one of the questions however, Mitsui interrupted, a gleam in his eyes as his attention was on Rukawa.

"Wait, Rukawa hasn't answered questions given to him, right?" He was sitting relaxed at the back, leaning on the cushion, his arm draped possessively on Kogure.

"What question?" Rukawa asked with nonchalance.

"What brings you here?" Ayako repeated her question with a little smirk.

As Rukawa answered with a shrug, he suddenly felt a foreign arm around his shoulder and he looked to his side to see Sendoh being the doer of that action. It almost made him blush but the thought of all these familiar people seeing him blush... It was mortifying. So, he treated it with a relaxed expression.

"He's with me." Sendoh smirked, trying to search Rukawa's face for a reaction. He found none however. The act itself seemed so natural to Rukawa already, as if it was really them. He found himself shocked at that, though he only smiled in reaction.

There were the expected gasps and widening of eyes and spluttering of drink. Maki snickered at Nobunga's reaction as he helped to pat the younger boy's back. There also came the smiles and cheer for those concerned. Sakuragi however was pointing at Rukawa, wide-eyed, unable to say anything coherent.

Rukawa wondered what on earth Sendoh was thinking of. He knew that this would give birth to a billion different gossips by as early as tonight. For a moment though, he enjoyed the joke that Sendoh was obviously making. For a moment, he wanted to pretend it was real. But then, as the man had said earlier on, Sendoh was straight. That was what would keep them apart in terms of the kind of relationship he desired. Oh well...

"You...!" Sakuragi stood up, still pointing at Rukawa. Then he laughed hysterically, as if finally finding something he had beaten Rukawa at. "Okama! I knew it! I knew it! I knew it! That was why you always started all those fights with me! I knew it! You had a major crush on the one and only Tensai!" He laughed.

"Do'aho..." His curse was accompanied by a complimentary lump on the head on Sakuragi's head by Akagi. The former team captain had been silent up until now. And what followed were the reactions of the others, annoying and embarrassing all at the same time.

"How long has this been happening?" Kogure asked in confusion. "But then Rukawa-kun is silent about himself..."

"What potion did you make him drink, Sendoh?" Ayako asked with a cheerful grin.

"This is great. The four best players of Kanagawa are all gay and have separated their generation by being couples..." Maki grinned, putting an arm around Fujima's shoulder.

"Rukawa-kun, finally you've found someone..." Haruko said with a dreamy sigh. She didn't seem heartbroken. Rukawa remembered confessing his sexuality to her months back when she had wanted to tell him about her feelings. Apparently, she liked the idea of him being gay... Weird...

"Sendoh, so what's he like?" Mitsui asked, raising his brows twice with meaning. Sendoh and Rukawa blushed, catching the meaning.

"What are you talking about, Mitsui-san?" Sendoh asked, his courage slowly dissimilating as he felt his face heat up. At the corner of his eyes, he saw Rukawa with the same reaction. His grasp on his friend's shoulder felt suddenly odd as if he didn't know if his weight was too heavy or too light for the pressure of the grasp.

"You know exactly what I'm talking - Hey, ouch!" Mitsui had been with a teasing glint in his eyes until Kogure hit him lightly on the shoulder in a chiding manner.

"Stop embarrassing them, Hisa." Kogure looked sternly at his boyfriend.

"All right, all right..." Mitsui muttered. "Was just having fun..."

"So, how long?" Ayako asked.

"Er..." Sendoh knew they should get out of here soon lest the act fail and they'll just be laughed at. Fortunately for him, Fuji realized this too for she came in closer to him, her hands on her hips, obviously there to create an act to save them.

"There you are, Akira!" Fuji exclaimed in her little act. She schooled her expression with annoyance. "Didn't I say that we meet at 9:30 ? What time is it? 10:00 now? Oh, hi Kaede-kun..."

Sendoh grinned at her in thanks and spoke. "Sorry, 'neechan. We still had dinner and all." When she came to stand beside him, he turned to their curious spectators. "By the way, all of you, this is Sendoh Fuji, my elder sister. And these, 'neechan, are a lot of my acquaintances from basketball."

"Pleased to meet you!" and other greetings were heard.

"You sure look alike alright... somewhat." Sakuragi spoke his observation.

"Yeah, well, pleased to meet you all." Fuji bowed her head a little. She gave a little smile before looking once at her brother. "I'm sorry but we've all got to be going somewhere right now."

"Alright."

"Farewell..." Sendoh grinned, leading his sister and Rukawa towards their intended table.

When they left the table that housed many familiar faces, Rukawa almost wanted to shrug the arm off his shoulder but reminded himself that this was all an act anyway. He was still confused as to why Sendoh would pretend though. Walking on, Sendoh suddenly let go of his shoulders, only to walk behind him, his two hands on his shoulders as if he was guiding him to walk or pushing a push cart. And then a heat was felt on his back as Sendoh neared him, only to whisper on his ear.

"What'd you think?"

Almost unable to breathe, Rukawa merely shrugged his shoulders, not really knowing what to respond. He didn't know Sendoh's motivation about the joke. However, inside himself, he wondered if Sendoh did it to actually send a message to him. He wished that was so... That perhaps Sendoh be attracted to him enough to make him crossover to have interest on a person of his own gender.

They arrived at a table at the back, near the window, a perfect location. It was beside an open door too, one that lead to the harbour at the back of the warehouse. It was none too hot back here as cool breeze from the sea came in freely. On the table were Fuji 's friends, college students. There were four males and three females. Upon seeing them arrive, they grinned up in greeting, obviously already stoned.

"Sit..." one girl said, moving over so that the two boys could sit. Fuji returned to her seat and was handed a joint. She inhaled deeply before passing it to her brother.

Rukawa watched with interest as Sendoh inhaled too from the joint, his eyes closing as if in ecstasy. Then it was passed to him and he emulated his friend before passing it on to the next person. It was then that Sendoh opened his eyes widely, obviously alarmed.

"What?"

"Did you smoke?"

"Yeah..."

"I told you not to! Damn, this is all my fault..."

"I wanted to, Akira." Rukawa just reassured the older boy, not knowing why Sendoh had to feel guilty for that minor thing.

"Just don't do it again then." Sendoh looked at Rukawa, wanting him to promise.

"No." was the indignant response. "If you can then I can. If you won't then I won't."

"Fine..."

Unbeknownst to them, the others were watching them with interest.

A few more rounds of pot and alcohol occurred before Sendoh finally decided to take a break from it. Sendoh stood suddenly. "Hey, Kaede, let's go check on the others, alright? I wonder how Koshino and the others are doing. They just disappeared earlier on..."

Rukawa nodded, stood, feeling a bit tipsy. He straightened though, knowing he was very much in control. The drug and alcohol in his system was something welcomed though for suddenly he felt loose like he hadn't felt in years. His current mind told him that it was okay to do whatever the hell he wanted, and looking on at the dance floor, he could even allow himself to go there and do that. He shook his head though, just following as Sendoh moved on over to search for Koshino and the others.

"I forgot which direction they went to." Sendoh's brows furrowed. He looked in all corners of the floor but didn't see anyone which resembled his school mates. He looked back suddenly, wondering if Rukawa's tolerance for alcohol was high or low. Seeing the still cool face that looked back at him, he grinned, stopping for awhile and letting Rukawa catch up so that they could walk together. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

Rukawa looked at his friend but just shrugged. Truthfully, he felt relaxed even with the knowledge that tomorrow he would have to pay for the extreme headache that he would surely feel. That was alright though for this was a rare night for him. He wondered only if he would ever be back in Siren again after tonight.

"Well, at least you didn't say no." Sendoh grinned. As they walked on, they noticed that many eyes were upon them, obviously recognizing who they were. He didn't mind the stares nor the sure gossips that would come out of this night. Instead, he enjoyed the company of his friend more and never wanted this night to be over.

They walked past the table that belonged to Akagi and the others. However, only Ryota and Ayako were there. Ryota seemed drunk already, resting his head on Ayako's shoulder while she watched the dance floor where the others seemed to be. On the dance floor indeed... Everyone was there.

The two boys had to pause, seeing the almost slow motion movement under the flashing lights. Up, down, and moving like silk under fire, the dancing bodies looked like art. That was when they saw Koshino and the others also moving with the thundering beats of music. That was also when Sendoh had an idea.

"There they are." Sendoh spoke in a loud voice, over the music. He pointed towards Koshino and looked at Rukawa with a grin, pulling him over so that they too would be on the dance floor. When they approached his friends, Hikoichi saw them.

"Sendoh-san!" Hikoichi exclaimed, his eyes widening with excitement. He was dancing with a girl smaller than him that didn't seem familiar. His lips was set in a grin. The others turned their heads, also grinning as they saw their spiky haired friend.

"Where have you two been?" Koshino asked, a gleam in his eyes.

"We lost you when we entered so we did a little of this and that..." Sendoh wondered if that seemed like 'stirring the pot' again. Rukawa looked at him once but didn't say anything.

"Eh? What'd you do?" Tomo asked, obviously catching the meaning easily. She was a big yaoi fan from what Sendoh had heard about.

"Stuff." Sendoh just grinned.

Koshino looked closely at Sendoh then turned to Rukawa. "Hmm, you guys look stoned. You know that's bad for the team!"

"Just for the night..." Sendoh grinned, an easy smile on his lips. He shrugged, suddenly glancing around. He noticed that they were in the middle of the dance floor, he and Rukawa the only ones not dancing. He wondered if he should...

"Why don't you guys dance?" Tomo asked, obviously thinking the same thing. Her voice held a teasing tone, causing Koshino to cough. "Hey, Hiro, leave them alone, will you?"

Sendoh laughed softly before turning his eyes to Rukawa. "You want to?" There was no visible reaction. He didn't know if Rukawa wanted to or not. He looked back to his friends. "So, I guess we better go on out of here now..."

"Alright. Knowing you, see you tomorrow. I guess..." Koshino muttered, barely heard over the noise.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Confused, Sendoh just gave them all a grin before turning to walk away with his friend. He was stopped however when a hand placed itself on his shoulder. He looked back. It was Tomo. She seemed to want to say something private to him so he bent down a bit so that she could whisper something in his ears.

"Dance with him. He wants to..." Tomo whispered. "And all the while, look at his eyes..."

She pulled away with a big grin, turning to the confused eyes of Koshino. Shaking her head, they just continued to dance. Sendoh looked at her for awhile then smiled, thanking her silently for the advice. He turned to Rukawa and they began walking towards the edge of the dance floor.

"What'd she say?" Rukawa asked, more than a little curious. They walked on to where there were less people dancing and where no one familiar was in sight. He had a feeling about this...

Before the edge of the dance floor, Sendoh stopped, turning to his friend. "You want to dance?"

"I..." Rukawa hoped he was not blushing. "I don't dance."

"Come on." Sendoh just grinned. "I'll lead. You don't have to do much."

"I don't know..." Rukawa said reluctantly but nevertheless followed when Sendoh took his hand. He wondered why the hell he was allowing this but perhaps it was now the drugs and alcohol affecting him. Finally, he just shrugged as Sendoh began to move to the music. And as sudden as he saw that admired body dancing in front of him, he too began to move, the vices in his veins adding mania to the way he moved.

Sendoh watched as Rukawa almost reluctantly began to dance himself. The start was awkward but soon, Rukawa revealed his flawless grace, moving his hips in synch to the music. He wanted to see his eyes but they were closed. Rukawa was moving like he was defying gravity, his natural elegance making him look so spectacular. Sendoh wanted to swoon.

Slowly, Rukawa opened his eyes, wanting to watch Sendoh. The other was a great dancer and those calm blue eyes like his own were focused wholly on him. Wanting to not embarrass himself, he looked on back at those eyes, as if the blue in their irises were like reflections to each other.

He looked at those eyes, just like Tomo told him. He watched the deep sapphire of the irises, the way they looked only at his own eyes. He felt himself being drawn to them, as if he was drowning in the great blue sea. That was when he noticed that those normally expressionless eyes were very full of emotions tonight. Underneath the flashing lights as Rukawa moved his body, the eyes were gleaming, a natural seductive glint glowing within them without Rukawa's consciousness. The drugs and alcohol obviously helped to make him act more natural. That was when Sendoh wanted to touch him.

Rukawa watched as Sendoh moved on closer, the older boy obviously up to something. He surrendered to Sendoh's touch, letting Sendoh hold his waist and slowly turn him around so that his back was pressed to the strong chest of his taller friend.

Sendoh cherished the moment, slow in his movements. He breathed in the smell of Rukawa, his cherry scented shampoo, the soap mixing with the scent of the warehouse. He felt the heat, noticed that Rukawa had stiffened slightly, not used to physical contact. He sighed, wanting to change that as he spoke to Rukawa from behind. "What do you think?"

"Of what?" Rukawa hoped his voice didn't sound funny. Why was he suddenly feeling nervous? He actually wanted this but a part of him as always was afraid of human contact since he was not used to it.

"Of this."

"Dancing?"

"Yeah..." Sendoh sighed, his hands moving to the younger boy's hips. He was actually asking about them as a couple but maybe that could wait awhile.

"I'm not my usual self..." Rukawa could only mutter.

Sendoh laughed, the tension breaking as he shook his head. "You're quite a dancer, you know that?" He spun the younger boy around so that he could look into his eyes again.

"I never danced before."

"Really?" Sendoh snickered, thrusting his hips forward once as the music suggested. He wondered what Rukawa thought of /that/. "You've got a natural talent then."

Not wanting to blush at that possibility of a hint, Rukawa just continued to focus on his movements, doing whatever he thought was appropriate with the music. "It's just the drugs maybe... It's affecting me... or your vision."

Laughing once more, Sendoh continued to watch the boy he admired, enjoying fully how Rukawa had finally gotten to relax. He decided to dance two more songs just to take advantage of Rukawa's looseness.

"Sendoh, I realize what you're doing..." Rukawa muttered, noting the gleam in Sendoh's eyes. He didn't dare disrupt Sendoh's plans though, wanting to be in them for some reason.

"And yet you're not going to stop me, are you?"

"I have an excuse."

Sendoh laughed on, really having fun now, not caring at all what the hell people would say about them. The gossip would surely be haunting him on the school days the following week but for now he didn't care. He didn't care.

***

The night had gone on and on. After abandoning to the dance, they'd gone to Koshino's table and had a few drinks, Sendoh speaking with his friends about random things. Then they'd gone back to Fuji 's table only to smoke more and drink more. They were surrendering themselves to sin but they didn't care. Now, finally, Sendoh had decided to take a break lest they pass out from overdose. He had wondered at that lucid statement but it had made sense enough to get them both out the warehouse as they walked on back at the harbour.

Out here, it seemed cold as the other young people around were wrapping their jackets tighter around themselves. Rukawa had long abandoned his white silk shirt though, leaving it to Fuji as Sendoh had done the same with his black jacket. Even here outside, they felt hot due to the alcohol in them. That was why the sight of the people all around them who seemed to feel cold was not making sense to them much. They were the uptight kids who lived by the rules of society, not wanting to do anything dishonourable. They were the ones controlled while /they/ - Sendoh and himself - were /free/.

"You seem happy tonight." Sendoh laughed as they walked on to the edge of the harbour, into the darkness where no one else was around. Slowly, he sat himself at the edge, letting his legs dangle. He was careful, not wanting to fall as he watched Rukawa do the same, following what he did.

"Happy? What do you mean?"

"Your eyes are gleaming. Not the ice kid's eyes..." Sendoh snickered, looking on more deeply to the sea-blue eyes. "Nope, definitely not the eyes of Rukawa Kaede. Hey, what'd you do to my friend?"

"Stop joking around..." As Rukawa sat down beside Sendoh, he felt the world spinning around. He closed his eyes for awhile, wanting the dizzying blur to stop. When he opened his eyes again, he sighed, breathing in the sea air while focussing his eyes up above them. He didn't know what time it was and didn't care but it seemed as if night was still going to be for a few hours. Up high, the moon was a full moon, a great contrast of silver shade against the velvet purple of the night. It was the first time he noticed that indeed it was a full moon... just like Sakuragi had said. Maybe that fool was right about some things...

Sendoh watched Rukawa silently, silently admiring. Rukawa watched the beautiful moon above them but he watched the beautiful person beside him. Perhaps this was finally the night. It was the perfect moment, the perfect place. And Rukawa was loose. He might be more open-minded tonight and it could become truly special. He was going to say what he felt. And Rukawa was either going to accept him or not but... He had to tell him.

"Kaede..."

"Hmm?" Rukawa turned to Sendoh with curiosity. He looked so relaxed, never like before, his lips in an easy smile that was like Sendoh's usual one.

Sendoh paused all his thoughts and movements and focused on that one expression, visibly stunned. Wait a minute. Rukawa was smiling? Surely, this night was worth it, what with getting Rukawa to smile just like that. He cherished the moment and smiled back, wanting it to last forever. He wondered how long it had been since Rukawa smiled just like this.

When Sendoh didn't say and do anything but stare at him, Rukawa looked on back up at the sky. He felt totally relaxed, wanting to express himself fully, without restraint. So, he began to talk... Like he never used to...

"I've always liked looking at the moon."

Sendoh stared, joyed and a bit perplexed at Rukawa's sudden mood. The alcohol sure was a big help to Rukawa tonight. Was Rukawa going to tell him about his life?

"Ever since I was little, it was the only thing that brought me joy..." A wistful look entered Rukawa's eyes as he reflected. "No, not joy but... contentment. It was the one thing that never faded with time. Giving light in my darkness..."

Sendoh felt sad for his friend. But he decided not to interrupt him, just listening.

"I've always been alone." Rukawa shrugged, feeling a little awkward. As he did, he suddenly felt a little cold, the surroundings finally taking effect on him. "Mother died early on. Father... He left too. My grandparents adopted me from then on. They were rich but... They died early on too.

"For years, I blamed myself. Whoever I was with suddenly left or died. It's like I'm a virus or something. Like it's my sin that people fade away when I'm near. That's why I'm always alone...

"That's why I fear people. That's why sometimes, I think I fear you..."

His shoulders shook slightly - almost unseen - and he closed his eyes, not wanting to face reality. He didn't know what he was doing anymore or was saying. He knew he was acting so weird. That the mask had shattered and he was perhaps breaking down. He felt so relaxed to be himself but suddenly he felt scared just because someone was noticing what he truly was...

Wide-eyed, Sendoh stared at the now shivering form of the younger boy. Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around him, letting Rukawa's head rest on his chest. Apparently, the alcohol did this too. Tonight, Rukawa was free of any barricades. Tonight, he was showing his vulnerability. And tonight, he told him the truth about himself for the first time. He'd justified his personality, trusted him enough. Sendoh admired him more than ever. <Kaede...>

Hugging him more, he abandoned to what he truly wanted to express, one hand drawing circles on the younger boy's back. "I won't ever leave..." For a long time, he held on to that moment, never wanting it to end.

He felt Rukawa shift in his embrace after a while before the boy slowly pulled back to look into his eyes. There were unshed tears in those eyes, blue like the sea, but gleaming now even in the darkness, obviously reflecting the light from the moon. And on that beautiful face was a rare yet truthful smile that seemed to shatter Sendoh's very world.

"Akira, I..." Rukawa spoke, a whisper escaping his lips. The words died down, a warm blush staining his pale cheeks. He looked adorable. And that was when Sendoh knew.

Sendoh watched slowly the bare emotions that passed through Rukawa's eyes. He watched him closely as if his own life depended on it. Underneath the pale moonlight, he looked so desirable yet vulnerable at the same time. In those sapphire eyes like his own, he thought he saw a reflection of what he was feeling and that caused his stomach to knot. He felt nervous but was feeling courageous. There was an intense conflict inside him and yet he followed his instincts, knowing that the right time had come.

Gently placing a palm on Rukawa's cheek, he leaned in closer. He tilted the boy's head to the side to prepare him as he moved on in, blue gazes never breaking apart. His other hand brushed the long strands of bangs from that beautiful face and he let his eyes fall shut, noticing that Rukawa had done the same. It tickled him when their faces were right before each other, the long bangs that hadn't been cut for awhile. He breathed in the mixed scent of the younger boy, leaning on in.

Rukawa's breath caught in his chest as he felt Sendoh's breath on his lips. The older boy was commanding what was about to happen, tilting his head to the side. His closed eyes could only imagine what they looked like to the world but he cared nothing for them right now, all his attention concentrated on their moment, their time.

Lips touched together in an almost chaste brush of skin. Sendoh slowly moved his lips against the younger boy's, making it slow and gentle. It tasted like alcohol and smoke and yet there was a faint sweetness to it, something that would have been strong if they had kissed in a regular day unlike this one. He felt Rukawa slowly responding, moving with his' and that's when he chose to suckle on Rukawa's bottom lip. He tasted him, showed him what he felt through their mutual physical connection. He nipped lightly at first before doing it in a harder, more hungry way, knowing that it would probably bruise later on. Grinning as Rukawa surrendered to his ministrations, he delved in deeper, choosing that moment to explore even more as he parted Rukawa's lips with his tongue and entered. He noted the surprise and grinned, knowing exactly that this was the younger boy's first time. He made sure to let him enjoy it, kissing deeper, exploring the surfaces of the other's mouth. Indeed, he knew it, the boy was sweet under the alcohol. It was like honey, like old wine. He was surprised when Rukawa responded almost instinctively by letting their tongue mesh, also exploring his own mouth. Their saliva mingled, their connection deepened and it continued, the hot caresses of lips while they held on to each other tightly, the world around them reduced to their first kiss.

Rukawa blushed into the sensation, letting Sendoh take control but responding in a way to give pleasure to the other boy. Truly, he didn't know what he was doing and his movements were now only based on instincts and nothing else. He felt Sendoh moving his hands from his face to his neck, feeling the pulse from his jugular vein. The other hand moved on to run through his hair in a pleasurable caressing manner, gliding smoothly over the fine ebony locks. He held Sendoh in return, touching the other's flawless skin, memorizing his face's surface. After that, he rested both palms on Sendoh's neck before venturing on with more courage. He slowly wrapped his arms on Sendoh's neck.

Sendoh smiled within the kiss, moving his hands down the nape of Rukawa, gliding over the smooth neck then back to the tight black fabric of his tank top until he was feeling the curve of his back. He massaged the boy's back gently as he massaged his lips but then the moment had to end as he felt that it was getting harder to breathe. As if Rukawa was feeling it too, they broke apart slowly in mutual agreement, looking at each other's eyes.

"Akira..." Rukawa looked on wide-eyed at Sendoh. Again, he felt the world spinning and this time it was not just because of the alcohol. He didn't know what to say or do, shocked beyond words.

Sendoh could only grin though, having seen this reaction in past girlfriends. He couldn't deny that this was special though as what he felt for the younger boy was very special as well. Feeling a bit mischievous, he placed his palms on Rukawa's shoulders, only to push him gently to the ground. He snickered softly and hovered over him, a smirk on his lips.

Rukawa could only look up, still stunned. He noticed the naughty smirk then finally began to relax. He wasn't sure if people were looking at them or not as he hadn't looked at anything or anyone else but Sendoh for awhile. He didn't care what they would say, didn't care what they would think. An easy smile played on his lips and he sighed, finding himself full of relief.

Sendoh watched the pale person underneath him and admired the view. And then he leaned in closer, his lips trailing on the pale face then to the neck. He found himself obsessed with the slim neck. It had always been his fetish perhaps. He immediately suckled on it, barely restraining himself from biting. He didn't know why he wanted to taste the blood of the other boy, to taste the tangy, metallic liquid but it seemed to be a sexy thing to do. To see the pale neck stained with blood...

He restrained himself enough though and pulled back, wanting to see Rukawa's expression. And that was when he stopped, a hand of his smacking his own forehead.

"Damn..."

Rukawa had fallen asleep.

E-Mail Crystal!