Chapter 4 - Dinner

So, the day had come. Every minute, every hour... It was like waiting for eternity.

Sendoh walked with closed eyes, hands in his pockets, as he felt the cold wind drifting all across him. Walking on from school, he just enjoyed the feeling of walking with relaxation. If he opened his eyes, up above him, he would see maple leaves in orange and brown, some of them falling. A lovely sight, really...

What was he thinking? He knew that his desire to observe nature was just a small attempt to cover what he truly felt. That day...

As he had arrived in school, immediately he was mauled with dozens of gossipers, trying to get him to confirm or deny the breaking news about his relationship with Rukawa. He'd gone on to smile at them amusedly, pretending he couldn't hear or understand what they were saying since they were too noisy and rowdy. The entire day had gone on with those usual kind of people coming up to him, be it in between classes, during lunch break and even during the short practice he had with his team. His team-mates meanwhile were only giving him curious looks, not speaking their thoughts because of their high respect for him. Coach Taoka had used the news as fodder to an opportunity in terms of basketball. He had said that now that he and Rukawa were together, maybe Rukawa could move to Ryonan. Sendoh had laughed it off, not saying anything else while Koshino and Hikoichi only gave him knowing glances. Sendoh grinned up at the sky as he breathed the cool afternoon air. Well, yeah, so he now saw the repercussions of his actions in Siren. That didn't mean that he regretted them though. These little nuisances were minor, compared to the opportunity he had gotten that night. And now, on this day, perhaps his relationship with Rukawa could advance further...

He walked on to the familiar street that lead towards Rukawa's apartment. It would be a long walk for him. Though Ryonan was the closest high school to Shohoku, and Shohoku was just a few blocks from Rukawa's apartment building, it was still faraway when travelling by foot. Anyway, right now, Sendoh was thinking...

During lunch break, he had been thinking of what could happen tonight. Trying to rid himself of busybodies, he went to the computer lab, hiding out for awhile. There, he had met a guy named Seijiro, the most gay person known in Ryonan. The other boy had been smiling when they were the only ones there in the room. Instead of asking Sendoh of pesky questions though, he merely went on to explain the basics of being gay. The guy was comfortable enough to hang with that lunch break and Sendoh actually found the courage to let him explain the basics of sex... Thinking about it now, the memory made him blush as Seijiro had been so blatant.

Ah! Anyway, he had better hurry his steps now. He was too excited to see Rukawa already. He passed by a street and looked up to see that five more blocks remained in his travel. He paused suddenly though, recalling that he should probably buy something for both of them to nibble on after dinner. Dessert... Cake, perhaps? Or ice cream...? Looking off to the next street, he saw a small convenience store. He went towards it and entered. Thinking slowly on what Rukawa may want to eat later on, he decided that maybe ice cream would do. He went on back to where the freezers were and looked for awhile at the many flavours and kinds inside the glass door.

"Whoa..." It was a feminine voice.

Sendoh looked to the side to see who it was and he suddenly smiled in greeting upon meeting a familiar face. "Ayako-san, what a pleasant surprise..."

"I was thinking the same thing..." She smiled back in greeting, her facial gesture impeccable. "So... what are you doing here? Far from Ryonan but near Rukawa's apartment, isn't it?"

"Well..." Sendoh chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his head as he was caught by the perceptive girl. "You've caught me there. By the way, how do you know Kaede's apartment?"

She raised a brow, a small smirk on her lips. "'Kaede'? Whoa, really, whoa... Anyway, we've been schoolmates since Junior High. I was already part of the basketball staff back then so I've got to know these things about the players." She winked. "And you, Sendoh-san? Why are you here?"

"I'm buying ice cream." Sendoh grinned, trying to look innocent.

"For?"

"Yeah..." Sendoh stifled a blush, his lips set in a friendly smile.

"Huh, you must have been so busy then. I guess, this is to repay him?"

"Ayako-san, what are you talking about?"

"Well, Mitsui said it best I guess when he said that Rukawa-kun still has a 'hang-over'."

"Huh?" He was suddenly perplexed.

"Rukawa didn't go to school today. Quite unusual but it's understandable since the two of you have been pretty busy, huh?" She nudged him lightly, in a playful mood.

Sendoh blushed, finally reading between the lines. "Ayako-san, that's not the truth..."

"It's okay to tell me. Don't worry I won't tell anyone..." She winked.

"Ayako-san!"

"Sendoh-san, so what are you buying him ice cream for then?"

"Er, he promised me dinner."

"Really? Wow, he can cook?"

"Very much." Sendoh said in pride. "He's one of the best cooks I know."

"Good candidate for a wife, eh?" Ayako laughed, not being able to help herself.

"Ayako-san..." Sendoh protested, feeling helpless from her teases.

"Sorry, sorry! I realize I'm making you uncomfortable. Really, I'm sorry." She bowed her head slightly though she was still smiling. "Anyway, how's your relationship?"

"Er, we don't..."

"Don't have to deny it!"

"Well, we're still getting there..." Sendoh shrugged, finally allowing himself to tell something to the girl.

"Really? That's great! You're going to try to become a pair tonight, huh?" She winked.

"Er..."

Laughing, she just waved, finally pitying Sendoh enough to leave. "Well, I better go on. You two have a good night together..."

"Er, thanks, Ayako-san!" He saw her go over to the cashier and he sighed, relieved. So, Rukawa hadn't gone to school, eh? What was that boy up to? Hmm, anyway, he'll ask him later of that. Right now, he had to get some ice cream. He looked on back at the freezer and spotted pints with individual flavours. He smiled as he spotted his' and Rukawa's favourite flavours. Lemon and Black Cherry.

After paying for them, he went on back to his trek towards his friend's home. A few more blocks and the familiar apartment building appeared before his eyes. He entered it familiarly and went on up to the 13th floor. Finding Rukawa's door in instinct, he tried knocking first. No one answered. He tried again and still no answer. Trying to turn the knob, he found that it was thankfully locked. He tried the door bell, heard the ring but still, there was no answer. Maybe Rukawa was out buying groceries? Perhaps the whole day had been to do chores for Rukawa. Buying groceries, going to maintenance so that they would fix his doorbell and the light to his living room. Maybe Rukawa had even done laundry and all other things he would have done last Sunday. The thought made Sendoh a bit guilty...

"Akira..."

Surprised at the familiar voice disrupting his thoughts, Sendoh spun around and found none other than Rukawa standing there. There was a small twitch in Rukawa's lips and Sendoh smiled warmly, knowing that that small twitch would have meant a smile. And a smile, in Rukawa's world, meant everything.

"Hey, Kaede." Sendoh greeted, observing Rukawa some more. The younger boy was holding on to a basket full of recently washed clothing. On top of those clothes was a small black cat that was looking at Sendoh with interest. It was small, slender and purely black except for the small tuft of white on its forehead. The eyes seemed to be reddish in colour. Sendoh leaned down to pet the cat's head. "Hey, haven't seen you around before..."

"A stray..." Rukawa muttered in near silent voice. "It has always followed me around but it's only now when it decided to come home with me."

Sendoh looked up from examining the cute cat. He straightened his body and looked directly at Rukawa's sea-blue eyes while smiling in a friendly manner. In his mind, he wondered if the cat following Rukawa home for the first time was something symbolic to their own relationship. Kind of freaky but...

"Let's go in." Rukawa spoke, nearing the door and fishing his keys from his pockets. He placed the basket down for awhile and looked for the right key, looking at Sendoh in the corner of his eyes. When the door opened after he unlocked it, he picked up the basket again and went on inside. The cat leapt from the basket and sniffed around inside, quickly making itself at home as it found a warm spot that came from the glass sliding doors that lead to the balcony. It was where the afternoon light came in and it snuggled comfortably, ready to nap.

"So, what'll you name it?" Sendoh asked idly as he took off his shoes. He noticed Rukawa doing the same. " Jordan ? Mike? Kuroi? Hmm, how about... black-cat?"

Rukawa looked up in surprise but then whatever else reaction he was going to have was restrained as he saw Sendoh's ready grin. He bent down to pick up his shoes and place it on his closet, prompting Sendoh to do the same. He picked up his basket and went on towards the living room then to his own room. "I was thinking of naming it Sendoh..."

"Hah, very funny." Sendoh just laughed. He watched Rukawa disappear from living room. Shrugging and making himself at home since he was very used to being here anyway, he switched the lights on, going over to the kitchen to place the ice cream in the freezer. He heard a small shuffling and he looked back to see that Rukawa was entering the kitchen. They looked at each other for awhile before Rukawa looked away and went towards the refrigerator as well, opening it and getting a container of some sort.

"So, what are you making tonight?" Sendoh asked in curiosity. He watched as Rukawa placed the container on a table. Rukawa looked at him for awhile then shrugged.

"Go on to the living room and relax..." Rukawa muttered, obviously not wanting to be disrupted while he cooked. "You can watch TV or log on to the net in my room, if you want."

"/Still/ don't want me in the kitchen?" Sendoh asked, pouting like a kid. "Hey, I won't ruin dinner... like the last time!"

"That's what I'm afraid of." Rukawa just rolled his eyes. "Now, go on and I'll make the dinner myself. You won't regret leaving me alone for awhile."

Sendoh laughed. "Minor insult... You're breaking my heart, you know." He winked before exiting the kitchen finally and going back to the living room. So, now, what was he going to do? He wanted to talk to Rukawa but the younger boy needed his 'concentration' while cooking. Sendoh grinned, knowing he'd be treated to a marvellous feast tonight. Rukawa had always been a great cook - one of the benefits of living alone. Another benefit was Rukawa being a great house maker - a good candidate for a wife, as Ayako had said earlier on. Shaking his head at that humorous thought, Sendoh went on to turn on the television. He sat on the sofa and flipped on the channels for a while, trying to search for anything interesting.

News, kid's anime, news, tennis match, golf, news... Well, it was too early for anything interesting to come on. Shrugging to himself, Sendoh turned the TV off and decided to go on to the internet. He stood from his seat and went on towards Rukawa's room. When he entered, he found that the laptop was already turned on. He sat at the seat before it and logged on. When that was over, he just looked blankly on the screen, not really knowing what to do. What he /really/ wanted to do was to speak to Rukawa but unfortunately, the kitchen was off limits. So... For long moments, he just stared at the screen, not knowing what to do next.

"Are you always like this?"

EH? Sendoh looked towards the doorway to see Rukawa looking at him with faint amusement. "Oh, it's you! What are you doing here? Checking on me? You miss me already?"

There was the obvious discomfort caused by that statement but it was erased quickly from Rukawa's features. The younger boy shrugged and went inside the room, sitting on the bed, next to where Sendoh was. "I'm broiling dinner..." he muttered. "Anyway, what are you doing?"

"I don't know." Sendoh laughed.

"Aho..." Rukawa said. He seemed to think for awhile before finally deciding to ask something. "So... do you chat?"

"Eh?" Sendoh asked, not knowing if he should reveal himself. "Yeah, I do... Do you?"

"Yeah..." Rukawa nodded. He was looking at his bed, finding the comforter interesting. "Anyway, do you have online friends?"

"Yeah..."

"Me too..." Rukawa looked up and a faint smile was on his lips. It was microscopic, almost too small to be seen but... It was there. He stood up suddenly, moving towards the door.

"Hey, you only came here to ask me that?" Sendoh asked, a teasing glint in his eyes. He wanted to provoke Rukawa, desiring to find out what was behind the sudden query. Consequently, he loved the smile directed to him - though small and faint as it may be.

"Yeah..." Rukawa answered, looking back momentarily. Eventually, he shrugged and went on back to the living room then to the kitchen.

Sendoh watched him go a bit wistfully, wondering what it would be like if he was allowed to tease the younger boy with playful kisses. Sighing to himself, he turned back to the computer screen and thought again for awhile. An idea struck him and he found himself typing in a new site that was dedicated to the 'SenRu' coupling. It would be a good idea so as to 'stir the pot', no? What better way than to show Rukawa proof of why they were meant to be a couple? He knew it sounded a bit weird but it would be really interesting to see Rukawa's reaction. Nodding to himself, he typed in a homepage dedicated solely to their pairing...

'Kanagawa Aces' was the homepage he often visited. One part was dedicated to Maki and Fujima, the other part was for himself and Rukawa. Upon getting to a crossroads on what couple to pick, he chose the one with the Ryonan/Shohoku banner. The page loaded and he was met with several options on the beautifully-made main page. Fanfiction, Fanart, Person and Pairing Analysis, Skins, List of Fans and many more... Sendoh quickly clicked on fanfiction, wanting to read a fic about them. When the fic page loaded, he skimmed through the stories available, greedy to read one already. He chose one...

***

Was the day so slow? Rukawa sighed as he stirred the soup he was making. It was almost done. Now finished with the appetizer, the only dishes left to be done was the main dish and side dishes. He looked on at the pot still under fire and sighed, knowing that it needed more minutes to cook. He glanced back to the soup and was satisfied at its appearance and texture. He turned the heat off to that one and covered it, intending to visit Sendoh again. He blushed suddenly, unable to prevent himself. Why was he acting so weird? He wanted to see Sendoh constantly but his presence made him feel uneasy too. The feeling was clear to the pit of his stomach, vibrating with constant contradiction.

Rukawa left the kitchen and went back to his room for the second time. He found Sendoh engrossed on a page and he noticed that the older boy was reading something. A story, perhaps? Was he studying? For a moment, Rukawa just watched him, smiling faintly at how passionate Sendoh could be. Sometimes, Sendoh was like this, so vibrant and full of life in anything that he did. Perhaps that was one of the things that attracted him to the older boy. Another thing perhaps is the unavoidable fact that Sendoh is a very handsome person - physically, mentally or whatever else. He was the dream boy of many girls in Ryonan perhaps. Cheerful, outgoing, good-looking, smart and athletic... What more can anyone ask for? Sendoh welcomed the world with open arms while he hid behind a cold façade, too afraid of getting hurt. Sendoh was his opposite - someone he wanted to be, but could never be. Sendoh smiled for him, laughed for him. Sendoh was his one and only friend... He was so very lucky...

"Oh!" Sendoh suddenly spun around, noticing Rukawa's presence for the first time. After the surprised glance, the ready smile replaced all emotions on that handsome face. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough..." Rukawa moved towards the bed again, close to Sendoh so as to see what the older boy was reading. It was another excuse to just be near him...

"You know what I'm reading?" Sendoh asked with a naughty smirk.

"What?"

"A Sendoh x Rukawa fic... Shounen ai." He laughed, obviously trying to provoke Rukawa once again. "It's about the time when you guys lost to Kainan. Sakuragi had Haruko-san to comfort him while you - one who blamed himself for the game too - had me to comfort you."

Rukawa's eyes widened and he looked at the computer screen. Truthfully enough... The words he saw were the description of how Sendoh was kissing him. He felt heat on his cheeks and he looked down, not knowing what to say.

"What do you think about that?" Sendoh asked in a gentle voice.

"What?"

"You know, people assuming so much to do these things..."

"They have no lives?"

"Hah, don't be mean to them! They worked a lot to create sites and fics and art on us." He paused and looked at Rukawa closely, making sure that the younger boy was looking at him when he spoke again. "Maybe we should reward them."

"With what?" Rukawa swallowed, suddenly feeling nervous.

"Something..." And Sendoh winked. He turned back to the computer and went on back to the fanfic page. He saw from the corner of his eyes that Rukawa suddenly stood up, obviously going back to check on what he was cooking. Once Rukawa was out of sight, Sendoh suddenly got bored, not wanting to read anymore. He logged off quickly then stood up, stretching a bit. He looked around the room and watched everything with interest.

He'd been here before. Actually, when he came here, he almost always goes to Rukawa's room. Now, he looked around again as if he was seeing everything with new eyes.

The room was neat and clean. There was a bookcase filled with books - most of them classics. There were some of the best manga ever produced and other books like the Bible, Dictionaries and Encyclopaedias. The memory of Rukawa saying that his grandmother was Christian came back to him and he suddenly wondered what religion Rukawa actually belonged to... Since, after all, Rukawa had a cross pendant which seemed to have some significance.

Anyway, looking on, he noticed the sketchbooks that were stacked up neatly in one place. Sendoh, curious, took one and decided to look at it. Inside, it was obvious that the sketchbook was the latest one since the date on the first page was just recent. And on that first page was the simple scenery of a rainbow in the afternoon sky - coloured with oil pastels even. It looked to the point of realism and Sendoh couldn't help but be amazed. Turning the page, he saw that the picture was not yet done. Apparently, this was the picture that Rukawa was doing today. He blinked as he focused on the picture only, surprised at what was there.

That was him... His hair was without its spike and he was wearing long robes that matched the wings on his back. Rukawa, in the same picture, wore the same kind of robe and also had feathery wings. Both of them were apart, hands outstretched to try to reach each other. Below them was hell, in the back of them was earth and above them was heaven. The two angels that they were belonged to every part of creation, looking as if the bond that they want to have was something forbidden - almost out of reach. But they were trying hard and it was the effort that mattered...

Sendoh's eyes warmed at that picture. Rukawa was the secretly artistic individual, gifted in so many little things. What he couldn't express in chatter, he expressed in art and in his chosen sport. He was intelligent in those things and had the potential to be smart in so many other things if he only put more effort. Looking once more at the beautiful art in front of him, Sendoh closed the sketchbook, placing it back where he had taken it.

He sighed once again as he found himself bored. That was his constant problem perhaps. Since he was so good already in many things, he got too easily bored. That's part perhaps of Rukawa's charm to him. Since Rukawa was a very complex person, he got Sendoh's attention. The younger boy was silent, passive - everything Sendoh wasn't. They were opposites and that made their relationship all the more interesting. Eventually, his interest lead him to notice little things that often didn't matter. And in those little things, he found himself falling for the younger boy...

Sendoh looked around the room once more, as if wanting to search for something he'd always wanted to see... Pictures. What sort of pictures? Well, he was interested in the ones when Rukawa was still a child, 'cute like a girl', just like the woman at the front desk of the apartment building had said to him before. He wanted to see a picture when Rukawa was happy, smiling so vividly without any problem and any pain. The thought lead him back to their conversation just the other day when they were speaking underneath the rain. Rukawa had said that he had grandparents... What could have happened to them? If he could only recall... If he was not mistaken, Rukawa had revealed something important during their time in Siren. What was it?

Eventually getting bored again, Sendoh moved to exit the room, going back to the living room. The sight of the napping black cat greeted him, causing him to near it. Crouching, he ran his fingers through its furry little head. Purring softly, it opened its eyes, looking at Sendoh in boredom. It yawned, stretched a bit then lay back down, closing its eyes again. That was when it chose to continue its nap.

Sendoh couldn't help but laugh at the little scene, truly amused. Guess who the cat reminded him of? Anyway, he went on over to the glass sliding window located in the living room. He slid it to the side and the cool afternoon wind entered. He went on outside and looked at the view of his home city.

It was just about five o'clock . Below the building and all around it was the bustling city. Cars in traffic, small dots of students walking around the streets, and office workers busily trekking their way home. It was a boring sight really, and Sendoh found himself wanting to go somewhere far away from all these usual occurrences. Perhaps one day on a break, he'd invite Rukawa to go on a hiking trip where only nature could be found. Walking in vast forests, climbing mountains and finding a cool lake where he could fish and where Rukawa could nap... That would be a mini paradise for the both of them...

Then again, maybe they could just go to the beach, or snowboard in the alps, just to get away from it all. From school, the city, even basketball that they both loved. Anything to gain them momentary peace from the world. That would be a treat, wouldn't it?

Sendoh shifted his gaze, seeing familiar schools in the distance. Shohoku, which was nearer, was on his right side, while Ryonan was on the far left. Well, now... He'd certainly travelled far today, hadn't he? Oh well, it was good exercise, and besides, he'd eat a feast tonight. The thought made him smile. He shifted his gaze again and looked on at the ocean, so blue even in the late afternoon. The sun was going to set in an hour or so... Ah, this was a great day. Perhaps he'd get Rukawa to notice the simple beauty of a sunset. Sometimes, Rukawa was too stressed, concentrating too much on certain things that he forgot to relax. He'd definitely have to get him to relax more...

"What are you doing out here?"

Not again. With an easy smile, Sendoh turned towards his friend. Rukawa was leaning on the glass door, looking at him with curiosity while holding on to his napping cat.

"Nothing in particular... I got bored..."

"You're always bored."

"Heh, you know me well, Kaede." Sendoh winked, coming closer to Rukawa and slightly bending to pet the cat again. "So, you thought of a good name for the cat yet? Oh wait, it's not a cat yet but a kitten... Well, perhaps a teenage kitten." Sendoh grinned and looked up at Rukawa's eyes. "What'll be its name?"

Rukawa looked on back and shrugged. He went past Sendoh and came nearer to the railings of his balcony. He placed the cat down and the black furry creature yawned, choosing to nap beside his leg. His eyes warmed quite a bit as he leaned on the railings, his eyes watching the city they lived in.

Sendoh grinned and followed, choosing to stand beside Rukawa, his eyes also watching the scenery. "Do you want me to suggest a name?"

"Go ahead..." Rukawa muttered, his voice nearly swallowed by the wind.

"Hmm, how about... Siren?"

Rukawa looked back momentarily and seemed to think for awhile. When he looked away, he spoke once again. "I was thinking of the name... Hiei..."

"Hiei?" Sendoh thought about it. "Flying shadow... It's a very good name actually." He looked down at the kitten and he saw it looking up at him with interest. It seemed like it liked its name. "Hiei, then..."

For awhile, they looked on a bit more at the view, not saying anything. The wind ruffled Rukawa's hair, revealing his delicate features and Sendoh watched him silently, wanting to say something to progress their relationship yet also wanting to not destroy the moment.

"Dinner's ready..." Rukawa suddenly spoke, disrupting the silence. "If you want to eat now..."

"Really? So, what did you make?"

"The best." Rukawa looked back at Sendoh in pride before moving to enter the living room. Sendoh followed him to the dining table beside the living room and he saw that it had already been prepared. There were covered dishes all around and he wondered again what dinner was. The scent that was strong in the air hinted it to be seafood. By the time they were both sitting on their respective seats, Sendoh was trying his hardest to prevent himself from drooling.

Rukawa looked up and actually grinned before uncovering the appetizer. It was the most costly soup that money can buy - Bird's nest soup. Steaming hot and silky in its appearance, Sendoh grinned widely as he was served. Entree after that consisted of lobster and the side dishes consisted of the costly scallops. Their beverage was red wine and Sendoh felt like he had the luckiest stomach on earth.

Rukawa watched Sendoh eat eagerly, obviously with the appetite of a /still/ growing boy. He was like that too... sometimes. Now, though, he contented himself with watching his friend, happy enough that Sendoh was happy. Was it true then? Was his cooking really great? No words were exchanged during the meal as Sendoh was obviously enjoying himself too much to pause and speak with him. He remembered the conversation that they were to have later on and he felt his nervousness - his heart seemingly beating a mile a minute.

"Hey, you're not eating much... Again!" Sendoh frowned as he paused in his meal, watching the half-eaten entree on Rukawa's dish. "That's why you're anorexic. Gotta eat more!"

"I'm eating a lot actually..." Rukawa turned to his plate as he realized that his meal for this dinner was actually a breakthrough since he was always contented in small servings most of the times...

"So, where did you learn to cook like this again?" Sendoh asked, sipping on his red wine.

"Cookbooks... I told you this before..."

"Well, you're too good to have just learned it from cookbooks!" Sendoh winked. "You learned it from heaven, I know!"

"Sure, sure..." Rukawa said casually, not believing.

"Of course I'm sure!"

Rukawa just shook his head in amusement, knowing that no matter how annoying Sendoh was sometimes, he was forever making him feel light inside himself - worries be damned. That was another thing he loved about the other boy. He smiled slightly and when he looked up, he was surprised to see that blue eyes like his own were focused on him, a smile to counter his own.

"You amaze me every time we're like this..." Sendoh spoke, hands steepled as his gaze was on Rukawa alone.

"Uhm, why?" Rukawa asked uncertainly, feeling his heart quickening some more.

"Sometimes... When you're always with your neutrality, people assume that you're a cold person. I... have never assumed that to be what you are. Every time we're together, you prove my beliefs true again and again..."

"What... what do you mean?"

"Like this..." Sendoh's gaze softened. "When you're smiling so easily as if you were me."

Rukawa stifled a blush, looking down at his meal, not knowing what to say. Eventually... "It's only natural that you see these things... Since you're my only friend..." When he looked back up, Sendoh was still looking at him intently.

Sendoh sighed, busy admiring the younger boy. He closed his eyes for awhile, feeling so contented. But then... it wasn't enough. If allowed, he wanted to be /with/ Rukawa instead of just being his 'only friend'. But then... Perhaps that could always wait. When he opened his eyes, he noticed that Rukawa was looking at him. He smiled and stood, going over to Rukawa and offering a hand. When Rukawa looked at him in incomprehension, he just grinned. "I want to show you something..."

Rukawa took the hand offered and was lead back to the balcony. Leaning against the railing, he watched as Sendoh suddenly left him and went to get something inside his home. When Sendoh returned, he had with him two pints of ice cream. He was handed the black cherry flavoured one and he nodded in thanks at his friend, amazed that Sendoh hadn't forgotten his favourite. If he was not mistaken, they had only eaten ice cream once before - after a one on one when they had wanted to cool down. Anyway, Sendoh handed him a spoon and the older boy sat at the floor of the porch, right beside the small black cat. He did the same and they began to eat their dessert.

"I saw Ayako-san today..." Sendoh spoke, initiating conversation as he looked on at the sea. "She said you didn't go to school. May I ask why you didn't go?"

"I was busy... with chores and stuff..." Rukawa answered, not really knowing why it mattered.

Just like he thought... "Er, sorry about that..."

"About what?"

"Because of me, your usual Sunday was disrupted, wasn't it?"

"No... It was my fault..." Rukawa shook his head. "I chose to go with you anyway..."

"So... did you enjoy our time in Siren?"

"Uhm, yeah... I guess..."

"What did you enjoy the most?"

Rukawa seemed to think about his answer. "The freedom... I guess..."

"Don't guess." Sendoh grinned over his ice cream, looking at Rukawa.

"I'm not guessing." Rukawa stared back defiantly.

For a while, they looked at each other. Then they laughed, not really knowing why.

"Heh, I like you like this, Kaede..." Sendoh looked on back at his lemon ice cream, spooning a mouthful from the pint.

"Like what?" Rukawa asked, confused.

"When you laugh, when you smile... When I see a part of you that no one ever sees..."

"You're awfully dramatic..." Rukawa muttered, looking off in the distance.

"But it's the truth!"

"Yeah, yeah..."

"Heh, you don't believe me?"

"I didn't say that..."

"Heh..." Sendoh laughed, enjoying himself. "Anyway, I wanted to ask you something..." When Rukawa didn't answer, he continued. "It's about that night in Siren..."

"What about it?" Rukawa asked, knowing that their true conversation was finally coming.

"Do you remember everything that happened that night?" Sendoh asked in curiosity.

"Bits and pieces... Not everything..." Rukawa answered. "And you?"

"Same..." Sendoh looked off to the distance too. "Anyway, I wanted to ask you some questions, if you would allow..."

Rukawa swallowed involuntarily, knowing that the time definitely had come. "I answer your questions while you answer my own questions... deal?"

"Alright!" Sendoh exclaimed, feeling excited. "Anyway, my first question is... Uhm, what do you feel about homosexuals?"

Rukawa's eyes widened and he was glad that he was facing away from his friend. Sendoh was that blatant already? He breathed deeply, feeling a bit uneasy about the subject. "Uhm, they're okay... Since I'm one of them..."

"You're - !"

Rukawa looked back to see a wide-eyed stare at him by Sendoh. Sendoh looked surprised... but was there relief there too? Maybe he was imagining things... "Hasn't Fuji- 'neesan told you?"

"Hey!" Sendoh pouted. "You don't call me oniisan!"

"You want me to call you that?" Rukawa looked at Sendoh as if he was crazy.

"Just kidding." Sendoh grinned and winked. "Anyway... it's okay. You being part of the third sex is fine with me."

"Whatever..." Rukawa muttered. "Anyway, my question for you is the same."

"EH?" Sendoh looked surprised. "Oh well, better answer it then. Hmm, I guess that's alright with me too... me being bisexual and all." He winked at Rukawa, causing the younger boy to blush. He caught that particular blush before Rukawa looked away and he felt so triumphant.

"I never knew that..." Rukawa said in near silent voice.

"You never asked..." Sendoh smirked. He decided to ask his second question. "Uhm, anyway, does the gossip about us bother you?"

"Nah... Gossips never really bother me..."

"Me too..." Sendoh nodded.

"My question's next..." Rukawa slowly looked back at Sendoh as if the next question was very vital. "Why do you always hang out with me?"

"Why not?" Sendoh just grinned.

"I'm not the most friendly person in the world nor the most perfect... I'm very flawed and yet..."

"Because... you're you. I like you. You're interesting and I feel comfortable with you..." Sendoh looked on back at those sapphire eyes, feeling himself drowning in those depths. "There are a lot of things about you... Things you never notice. Things no one else notice. The person that you are - at home, in the basketball court and in many different things..."

"What do you mean?" Rukawa asked, not comprehending.

"Little things..." Sendoh smiled. "Being so damn neat and clean, striving so hard to become the best basketball player - to the point of punishing yourself, being on time always, being such a heavenly cook, being always yourself and not being false... You are a person who doesn't have to pretend. You're frank but in a gentle manner. You're a true person."

Seeing Rukawa gape at his words, he continued. "When I'm with you, it's as if I can reveal myself too. Be true just like you are. I don't have to smile often. And yet I do - but not the false ones I often have for others..."

Rukawa watched the person before him in fascination, not wanting to believe those words. Those were things about him but perhaps Sendoh was going too far? He wasn't such a real person. Sometimes, he still hid behind a mask, still afraid, still vulnerable. That was why he was hesitating to just initiate a relationship with Sendoh, no matter how much they both seemed to want to have one. He noticed Sendoh looking back towards the view of the city and he sighed, thinking of his next question...

"It's my turn to ask, right, Kaede?" Sendoh asked, breathing the cold autumn wind that surrounded them.

"Yeah..."

"Well, what do you like about me? As a person..."

"Uhm..." Rukawa thought, wanting to tell Sendoh how great he was. Instead, he told his frank opinion. "You often smile. But in your smile, something seems amiss. You're cheerful but you're bored inside. Your boredom... it's a reason why you sometimes feel unsatisfied. Because you're everything people want to be... You're calm, a genius as people say, handsome, outgoing, athletic..." He paused suddenly, not expecting to see Sendoh blush at his words. Blinking once, he continued. "You're perfect, Akira, and yet, you're unfulfilled..."

"You really know me well, don't you?" Sendoh muttered, not smiling for once as he mulled over those words that had perfectly analyzed him. If Rukawa knew him this well then that meant that the younger boy had been paying attention to him too. The thought warmed him thoroughly though it was not yet enough... Not even now...

"My question..." Rukawa broke into Sendoh's thoughts. "I wanted to ask you what you were going to show me out here..."

Surprised, Sendoh blinked at the question. "Oh? Well..." He looked off to the distance, noticing that the sunset was nearing. He smiled. "I wanted to show you the sunset..."

"Huh? Why?"

"Often..." Sendoh spoke, recalling afternoons in the past. "Often, we play in the afternoon well into the night. Sometimes, when I'm not with you, I'm often at the sea - fishing or just watching the calm waves. I liked the sight of that. It's soothing. Often, a simple sunset makes me happy. It's constantly happening everyday and yet people often forget to acknowledge such simple beautiful things. This afternoon, I realize that you are one of those people. I wanted you to see it. Just the simple evolution of the earth revolving and the sun disappearing so that night would come once again..."

When he looked at Rukawa, he saw that the younger boy's eyes were gleaming as he too watched the sunset that was set to occur. Turning back to the scenery, Sendoh smiled.

The sky was a hue of purplish orange, another afternoon dying as dusk was setting in. A big ball of light was lazily descending, being slowly swallowed by the sea. The ocean was calm, reflecting the sky. And off in the distance, seagulls soared in their flight, a peaceful sight in the dying day. That was when Rukawa spoke...

"Sometimes..." he muttered, a small smile on his lips. "You are like an old man..."

Sendoh laughed, hearing those words before. "And you are like an observant little kitsune-chan."

Feeling a bit indigent, Rukawa looked at Sendoh, wanting to glare. Seeing the happy smile on his friend's face though, he just shook his head, feeling amused all of a sudden. He was feeling happy once again. Simple words that were spoken to provoke him. He wondered how Sendoh could have gotten to the point of knowing him that well. But he just shook his head at that, knowing that it didn't matter. What mattered was the fact that he was happy. And the fact that he was happy with Sendoh. That feeling was intensely driving him to break his bonds, to go on further to a place he had never been before. He was afraid but... Somehow, he felt more relieved to know these things. And so he decided. Tonight then, if his assumptions were real. Tonight, there would be no more hesitation. Tonight, he was going to be ready. Tonight, he will no longer fear anything. Tonight...

"You look, for once, relaxed, Kaede." Sendoh smiled, noticing the changing emotions on his friend's eyes. "Care to share?"

Surprised, Rukawa looked back at his friend. "I look relaxed?"

"Because often, you look so stressed. Right now, at this moment, you look like you are so relieved and peaceful. I like that expression."

"And you too... You look relaxed too. Like you never have..." Seeing those blue eyes like his own, Rukawa felt himself drowning. His heart beat faster. What was it that he was feeling? He felt so nervous yet so relieved and...

Sendoh watched the younger boy closely, watched those suddenly expressive eyes, and that perfect porcelain face. The moment drove him to his constant desire and he looked on lower to those lips, remembering exactly how Rukawa had tasted that night in Siren. Unable to really help it, he smiled, eyes half-lidded in his want as he extended a hand slowly, touching his friend's face. He ran his hand slowly on the younger boy's silken hair, before pausing. His other hand raised itself and he now held on to his friend's face securely between his palms. And slowly, tilting his head, he neared his lips to the other boy's...

The phone rang.

Jolted from the addictive moment, Rukawa's and Sendoh's eyes widened as they realized what they were about to do. The phone rang again and Rukawa stood up with a blush, rushing towards his living room. Sendoh watched him go, a warm blush also on his cheeks. He listened in on Rukawa's voice as he spoke to whoever was on the phone.

"Hello? Uh, no, this is not Musashi Kito. Sorry, but you've got the wrong number... Alright. Bye." After placing the phone back down, Rukawa ran a hand through his hair, breathing deeply and trying to regain his composure. He tried vainly to get rid of the warmth on his cheeks. When he felt that he had settled down, he slowly went back to the balcony, noticing that the sun was nowhere in his view and night time had come. He looked down at his watch and saw that it was 6:43 pm .

"Who was it?" Sendoh asked in amusement, now standing and leaning on the railing as he faced Rukawa. He was grinning.

"Wrong number..."

Sendoh laughed. "So it's true then that I'm the only one who calls you, huh?" He looked down at his own watch and he remembered his supposed meeting with his chatmate.

"Do... you have some place to go to tonight?" Rukawa asked, somehow already knowing the answer.

"Yeah, I do..." Sendoh smiled. He moved towards Rukawa and stopped right before him. When Rukawa looked a bit nervous, he just grinned and moved to embrace him. Giving warmth and letting Rukawa's head lean on his shoulder, he engulfed the younger boy, closing his eyes. He smelled the boy's scent, now knowing what Rukawa really was like without the effects of smoke and alcohol. Rukawa smelled nice - warm, his cherry flavoured shampoo, his soap and the faint muskiness that said that he was indeed male. Absently, he stroked the fine ebony hair of his friend, loving the feel of it on his fingers - almost like the fur of a cat. His other hand was wrapped around the back of Rukawa, stroking slowly as if to soothe.

Rukawa, surprised, looked on blankly ahead of him, not having experienced this before. He loved the way that in the cold early evening, he was being warmed by an unexpected embrace. Human contact... Suddenly, he felt like he was not afraid of it anymore. That it was okay as he was feeling warm and happy and safe. He closed his eyes and unconsciously, he wrapped his arms around the other boy too. He wanted the moment to last forever.

For seemingly a long time, they stayed that way, wrapped in each other's arms, breathing slowly and evenly even if their hearts were beating very fast. Eventually though, Sendoh pulled away, regrettably so, but happy all the same that the moment had happened. Sendoh looked on warmly at Rukawa, smiling as the younger boy's eyes opened slowly to meet his eyes. Blue against blue. Sapphire against sapphire...

"I've got to go." Sendoh spoke, barely above a whisper as he slowly moved away. "I'm sorry to just run off like this but I have some place I have to be tonight. I promise to do the dishes next time you cook for me."

Rukawa nodded with a faint grin. "You always say that..."

"Hey, I promise!" Sendoh winked.

"Yeah, yeah..." Rukawa watched as Sendoh walked back inside. He followed him and observed closely as Sendoh went over to the dining area to fix the utensils they had used. He quickly went over there too to stop Sendoh from his actions.

"What?" Sendoh asked as Rukawa held his forearms. He looked up in curiosity at the boy.

"I'll do that. You go on ahead..." Rukawa said genuinely, a small smile on his lips.

Instead of a retort though, Sendoh just found himself admiring the boy again. "You really are so beautiful when you smile... And yes, I do know that you're not a girl." He winked and went over to the closet beside the front door, retrieving his shoes and slowly putting them on.

Rukawa watched him silently before he suddenly remembered something. He rushed to his room to get something and when he returned, he gave a small bag to Sendoh.

"Eh? What's this?" Sendoh asked, as he slowly stood up from tying his shoes. He peered inside the bag.

"The clothes I borrowed recently. Those have been washed and pressed..."

"Heh, thanks." Sendoh grinned, going over to the door. He turned the knob and exited. Looking back once, he winked. "See you soon."

"You too." Rukawa only smiled, his gaze warm. He watched him go before closing the door. Breathing deeply, he set off to fix everything before his intended meeting with his online friend.

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