NOTE: The following summaries should be read as somewhat of a companion to the English translations of DP, which can be found in Linez's site. Also, I'll be adding my opinions/reactions on some of my favorite scenes, so please excuse me if you see me squealing like a pig. ^^;; Summaries are based on DP Collection volumes 1-4, Japanese Edition. Translation for "Crushing", "Kiss", "True Blue I" and "True Blue II" were all done by Izumi and are available in Linez's site. - Rowena 06/02

DEEP PURPLE COLLECTION VOL. 1

#0: CRUSHING

One holiday in early May… Rukawa is off in la-la land, riding his bicycle, when he sees Sendoh approaching him. Our adorable seme, ever with the look of smile on his face, cheekily asks Rukawa to take him to his school in Rukawa's bike, for he has a practice game in the early afternoon. ^^ Rukawa replies, "why should I?" and I don't exactly blame him here… I would have had the same reaction, except it's Sendoh and I don't think anyone can resist his charms. ^_____^

Okay, back to the task at hand… Rukawa tells Sendoh that there's a long uphill slope on the other side of the crossing (interesting to note that Rukawa came up with that reasoning… just shows that he is considering the request), but this doesn't stop Sendoh, who goes on to hop on the bike. Naturally, because of his weight, Sendoh wrecks the bike (gotta love him… I found this to be a really funny scene because of Sendoh's cheekiness and Rukawa's inability to stop him ^^). Sendoh apologizes and Rukawa compares him to Hanamichi Sakuragi, of all people. I don't agree with that, but let's move on.

Sendoh asks Rukawa if he's got a basketball with him. Rukawa tells Sendoh to go on to his practice, but Sendoh says that he'd rather play with Rukawa because it's more interesting. ^____^

So Sendoh ditches his practice game (much to the annoyance of Ryonan coach Taoka). He and Rukawa plays a game of one-on-one --- whoever scores 3 goals first wins, and the loser has to do whatever the winner wants. I think Sendoh has a secret desire for Rukawa already at this point, though he hasn't realized it yet. ^^

Rukawa's monologues are interesting here:

It was an encounter with something I've never had before… the more I play with him, the more I learn how great he is.

Sendoh wins. He pulls back Rukawa's bangs, saying how a waste it is to hide such a pretty face. ^^ Sendoh tells Rukawa that as a penalty, Rukawa should come to his room. ^o^ Rukawa is understandably surprised, and Sendoh teases him that he shouldn't break a promise like a guy lacking in masculinity. Rukawa agrees, while Sendoh thinks, "he is fairly simple and lovely". ^^

At Sendoh's room… he and Rukawa are in the bathroom. Sendoh's penalty for Rukawa is to style Rukawa's hair like his own. ^O^ This scene is so funny and cute. Sendoh is styling Rukawa's hair while Rukawa has this adorable pout on his face! ^^ By the way, Sendoh told Rukawa to leave his bike so that he can fix it. What a sweet guy! ^^

The chapter ends with Rukawa thinking how he should get back at Sendoh for humiliating him (surprisingly, he's having trouble sleeping… imagine that ^^). Meanwhile, Sendoh can't sleep either, regretting the fact that he let go of Rukawa so easily. ^^

#1: KISS

This chapter starts with Sendoh walking to the Shohoku area (or at least, that's what I think, because Haruko and her friend are there) with Rukawa's bike. Haruko's friend notices this. The monkey, er, Sakuragi appears, waving to his favorite girl. Haruko tells him about seeing Sendoh.

Anyway, Sendoh sees Rukawa with a girl, and the girl is proposing her love to Rukawa. I had no idea how often something like this happens in Japanese high schools… I remember the same thing happened to Takuto Izumi in ZetsuAi. I asked a Japanese friend of mine and she said that it actually is a common occurrence in Japan. It is called kokuhaku, which means to confess, and yes, girls do it more often than boys. Random tidbit for you here. The poor girl waits for Rukawa's answer while Rukawa looks away, scratching his head. ^^;;

Just then, Sendoh chooses to make his appearance. This boy, cheeky as ever, puts his arm around Rukawa's shoulder and tells the girl that Rukawa is with him and that they're going out on a date. ^o^ The poor girl runs away in disbelief. By the way, all of these are being witnessed by Haruko and Sakuragi.

Rukawa slaps Sendoh's arm away from him and asks Sendoh what he is doing there. Sendoh tells him that he came to return Rukawa's bike. Rukawa tells him that it wasn't a bother since he's using his sister's bike. Here, Sendoh tells Rukawa that he can return Rukawa's bike to his place instead. Gotta love the guy for being smooth… now he's yearning to know where Rukawa lives. ^^ But Rukawa tells him that he won't need the bike since he'll be going to school by train. Sendoh comments that it seems Rukawa doesn't want Sendoh to know where he lives… and jokes that maybe Rukawa is angry at him for the penalty game (there's a really cute scene here of Sendoh laughing at Rukawa's spiked hairstyle). ^^ Sendoh tells Rukawa that he often comes to the park to play every Sunday, so Rukawa should come since he'll play with him anytime.

Meanwhile, Haruko is reflecting over what she overheard about Sendoh and Rukawa. She is surprised that the man of her dreams is going out with another guy. Sakuragi is reflecting, too, thinking that Haruko will need comfort, and he'll be the one to give it. But then Haruko squeals happily that Sendoh and Rukawa are a wonderful couple and that she can't help herself from admiring them more and more! Sakuragi, disappointed, asks Haruko if she likes gays. Haruko denies this and even tells Sakuragi that she doesn't read June. ^^;; Haruko is relieved that it's not another girl whom Rukawa loves.

The loudmouthed Sakuragi blabs this rumor to Mitsui and Ryota. Mitsui agrees, saying that it's weird that Rukawa has many fans but he doesn't seem interested in them. Ryota adds that if he were Rukawa, he'd play around a lot. He sweatdrops however when Ayako overhears this. Suddenly, Rukawa comes in and all of them become silent.

Scene changes to a basketball court… Rukawa is on his bike, looking around him frantically, wondering why Sendoh isn't there. But of course Sendoh is there. ^^ Rukawa tells him that he's only passing by. Right, Rukawa… who are you trying to kid here? Certainly not Sendoh, who asks Rukawa to tell him honestly that he came to see him. ^o^ Sendoh passes the ball to Rukawa, and they begin their game.

However, a woman's voice calls out Sendoh's name, interrupting the game. Sendoh approaches the woman (who brought drinks for Sendoh), and gives her a kiss on the cheek. Nice vision of a wide-eyed Rukawa here. ^^ When Sendoh returns to Rukawa, Rukawa comments that he didn't know Sendoh had a girlfriend, and an older woman at that. *LOL* By the way, there's a weird thought by Rukawa here, where he wonders if it's just a rumor that Sendoh is gay… no idea where he got this one. Anyway, Sendoh tells Rukawa that the woman is just a fan. Another girl calls out to Sendoh, and Sendoh compliments her… he sure is nice to his admirers. ^^;;

At the end of the day, Sendoh has received so many gifts that he tells Rukawa to take some of them home with him. Rukawa says that Sendoh should just refuse them if he doesn't want them. Cute scene here of Rukawa staring at Sendoh's mouth. Sendoh thinks it's stained with lipstick, and Rukawa tells him that he lacks integrity. ^o^ Sendoh says that kissing is not a serious thing. This little comment he says here will play a big part later on. ^^ Anyway, they talk about the reason why Sendoh is so nice to all those girls. Rukawa falls asleep, though. Typical. Sendoh just lies on the grass with him, thinking it's okay.

The gay rumor is spreading in Shohoku. Sakuragi overhears that Sendoh and Rukawa are playing at a basketball park near their area, and he goes there to investigate. Sure enough, Sendoh and Rukawa are there, playing one-on-one. Sendoh notices him and asks him to play with them. Sakuragi refuses, though, saying that he doesn't want to be involved in such rumors. Well, I don't want him involved either. Anyway….Sakuragi tells Rukawa that it is unusual that he can play so cheerfully with Sendoh when he doesn't even talk to his teammates. Sendoh looks at a pouting Rukawa, saying, "this is what you call cheerful?" *LOL* Sendoh tells Sakuragi that the latter could be jealous because he and Rukawa are on good terms. Sakuragi, indignant, says how can he be jealous of a homo fox. Sometimes, you just want to hit him for being so stupid. Rukawa tells Sakuragi to leave him alone. But Sakuragi won't quit and shouts out that Sendoh and Rukawa are homosexual mates.

This is where Rukawa does something very surprising, which can perhaps be seen as the real start of their future romantic relationship. ^^ He leans into Sendoh, and kisses him on the mouth. ^o^ Sakuragi is dumbfounded, as well as Sendoh.

Later, Sendoh asks Rukawa about the kiss. Rukawa replies that Sendoh has said it before, that kissing is not a serious thing. Sendoh is getting a dose of his own medicine. ^^ Sendoh trips Rukawa, and we see nice shots of Sendoh leaning over Rukawa's body. ^^ He lets Rukawa go after a moment, though. Rukawa comments that Sendoh is always teasing him.

Next, we see them talking at the seaside. Sendoh talks about basketball, and how he used to think he uses it to attract girls, but now it's not the case anymore. He tells Rukawa that he'll come next week again to play. Rukawa says that he doesn't know, but Sendoh is confident that he'll come. Sendoh also says that he won't kiss anyone else anymore, either girls or guys. Rukawa finds this strange.

As Rukawa bikes away, Sendoh thinks that it's all very risky.

#2: TRUE BLUE

Nice drawing of Sendoh waking up. Hmmmmmm… ^_____^

It's raining, and Sendoh is in his room, staring at the window. He wonders why it always rains on weekends… it has been three weeks since he last saw Rukawa. He's pondering on the kiss Rukawa gave him, when Koshino appears. He has to call Sendoh twice to get his attention. I have to tell all of you, Koshino is such a nagger in this dj, always screaming at Sendoh to do this and that. Here, he scolds Sendoh for not locking the door to his room. Sendoh tells him that he doesn't have anything valuable anyway. Koshino tells him that some strangers from other schools might sneak to his room and hurt him. Hmmm… he does make sense most of the time. Sendoh tells him that he will welcome the attackers if they are girls. Koshino tells him to be serious, for he's the ace of the team and he needs to take care of himself more.

Just then, Hikoichi appears, waving a video tape. It's a porn tape, but Sendoh doesn't pay them any attention, and Koshino comments that Sendoh's not interested in the tape since he's already an adult… maybe there's an implication here that Sendoh has already had many experiences with women. ^^;; However, Sendoh's video deck is gone, and Sendoh can't remember who he lent it to. Suddenly, the phone rings, and Sendoh gets up to answer it. Clumsy Sendoh trips himself at a power cord and lands on top of Koshino. ^o^ At this point, the door opens, and it's Rukawa looking very surprised at him (no doubt thinking about the weird position Sendoh and Koshino are in). Rukawa runs away and Sendoh runs after him, mercilessly stepping over Koshino, the phone also forgotten. ^o^ Hikoichi and Koshino are left to wonder if it was new lover. Koshino answers the phone, and it is Uozumi on the line. Koshino decides to watch the tape at Uozumi's house instead.

Meanwhile, Sendoh is running after Rukawa amidst the rain. He asks Rukawa why he is running away from him, and Rukawa suddenly stops and turns around to look at him.

Sendoh collides with Rukawa and both of them fall down, Sendoh on top of Rukawa. Rukawa asks Sendoh if he likes riding on guy's bodies (following the incident with Koshino earlier). ^o^ Sendoh tells him that it was an accident and that he just tripped over something. Just then, Rukawa's umbrella is blown away by the heavy wind. Instinctively, Sendoh runs after it as it blows to the direction of the sea. Rukawa cries after Sendoh, looking very concerned. When Sendoh looks at him, a wave crashes at him and he falls to the ground.

Rukawa walks over at a surprised Sendoh and brings him out of the water. Sendoh is amazed at Rukawa's expression, and teases Rukawa that the muscles on his face work after all. ^o^ Rukawa tells him not to step into such a wild sea. Sendoh comments that maybe Rukawa doesn't know how to swim. He retracts this just as Rukawa is about to take his shirt off to prove to him that he can swim. ^^ Sendoh remarks that it's a wonder that Rukawa remembers where he lives when he's been there only once. Hmmm… how true. ^^

Next is a very cute scene. Rukawa puts his hands on Sendoh's hair and ruffles it violently. Rukawa says that it's his revenge for Sendoh's penalty to him. With Sendoh's hair wet and not as spiked as before, Rukawa comments that he looks like someone else. The usually cheeky Sendoh becomes speechless. ^^

Rukawa announces that he's going now since he doesn't have anything in particular to do with Sendoh, but Sendoh stops him, telling him that he's all wet and that he can't go without an umbrella. Sendoh invites him to his room, but Rukawa is hesitant because Koshino and Hikoichi are there. Sendoh tells him that they should be gone by now.

So… they come home to Sendoh's room. Rukawa tells him that he brought a video tape with him. Hmmm… now we know he had an intention to spend some time with Sendoh that's why he came all the way to his place. WAH! So cute! ^_____^ Rukawa tells him that his tv is out of order that's why he brought the tape. Sendoh gets the impression that it's an adult tape and comments that Rukawa is a man after all, but Rukawa doesn't understand what he's talking about. Anyway, Sendoh's video deck is gone so they can't watch it, but Rukawa can take a shower and he'll lend him his clothes. At this point, Sendoh begins coughing/sneezing. Rukawa tells him that he'll take the shower after Sendoh, but Sendoh insists that Rukawa go before him since he's a guest.

Meanwhile, Koshino and Hikoichi are talking about the person Sendoh ran after earlier. They say it's unusual that Sendoh would run after someone like that in the rain without taking an umbrella. Perhaps, it's something serious. ^o^ Koshino decides to go to Sendoh's apartment to confront him with it.

In Sendoh's room… Rukawa goes out of the shower with just a teeny towel covering his body. Sendoh is hunched over with his hand on his forehead, and Rukawa asks him if he is alright. As soon as Sendoh sees Rukawa's body, he becomes a little shy… I seriously thought he's going to have a nosebleed right then and there, especially when Rukawa kneels before him and feels his forehead. Rukawa comments that his face is getting red… is he getting a fever? Oh yeah, a fever of something else *remembers that Madonna song* At this point, Sendoh's vision begins to waver. Poor boy.

Koshino and Hikoichi arrive at Sendoh's apartment. Koshino is surprised to find that the door has been locked. Hikoichi persuades Koshino not to disturb Sendoh anymore, but Koshino is persistent. Suddenly, the door opens, revealing none other than our darling seme's sweetheart, Rukawa. Hehehe. Both Hikoichi and Koshino are shocked by this. Koshino asks Rukawa where Sendoh is. Rukawa tells him that Sendoh is dead. ^^;; Koshino goes insanely hysterical at this and says that Rukawa has spoiled the ace of their team. Just as Koshino is about to go inside the room, Rukawa stops him and tells him that Sendoh is sleeping so they should be quiet. Rukawa also informs him that Sendoh caught a cold.

Koshino is shocked by this. Later, we will find out that Sendoh has not had a fever since childhood! Koshino also asks Sendoh why he didn't tell them that he and Rukawa are friends. All this time, Sendoh is lying on the bed with a hot towel on his forehead while Koshino mercilessly nags on him. Sendoh thinks that his fever was brought about by another reason… and I think I know what it is. *LOL*

Meanwhile, Rukawa is at home sleeping. His sister/cousin checks on him and she finds out that the TV is still on. Now this is mighty interesting. Remember a while ago, Rukawa went to Sendoh's room bringing a video tape because he said that his TV was out of order. WAH! I don't think I can stand this cuteness!!! XD

#3: TRUE BLUE II

Now just when I think I'm going to die from extreme SenRu cuteness, Prin presents another scene yet again. ^^

At the Shohoku basketball gym, it's time for the boys' practice. Sakuragi walks to the changing room whistling, when he sees Rukawa changing. For some unknown reason, Sakuragi closes the door instantly, surprising Rukawa a little.

Outside, Mitsui and Ryota arrive. Sakuragi is still at the door, blocking it. He tells the two not to open the door. However, Mitsui and Ryota tell Sakuragi to get out of the way. They too are shocked by what they have seen, and they abruptly close the door.

Rukawa begins to wonder what is wrong, when his eyes suddenly move to his underwear. That is when he sees that he is wearing a pair of boxers with a picture of chibi Sendoh and a sign which reads "Akira Love". *LMAO*

Meanwhile, at the Ryonan basketball gym, Taoka is practically livid when he finds out that his team's ace has gotten sick. Koshino tells Taoka not to worry about anything, for he's going to take care of Sendoh (Sendoh lives in a dormitory of his father's company and his parents aren't there, so there's nobody to take care of him).

Koshino visits Sendoh at his dorm. Sendoh's fever hasn't gone down at all (37.8 degrees). Koshino says that maybe Sendoh needs to go to the hospital, but Sendoh refuses, saying that hospitals always give him goosebumps. Koshino later leaves to get him something to eat.

Sendoh, feeling that the pest has left, settles himself to sleep. However, someone enters the room again. He thinks it's Koshino, so he proceeds to pretend to sleep so that the other boy won't annoy him anymore. Unbeknownst to him, it is Rukawa, carrying a large sports bag with him.

Rukawa gives Sendoh a gentle look, and bends down to feel Sendoh's forehead (at this point, Sendoh still thinks it's Koshino). Rukawa gets something from his bag and puts it on Sendoh's forehead. After that, he takes more stuff out of his bag (clothes he has borrowed from Sendoh, etc). Just as he is about to leave, he notices the poster hanging over Sendoh's bed. It's a picture of a deserted street basketball court. Rukawa closes his eyes for a moment, perhaps savoring the feel of his beloved sport. He gives Sendoh one last look, before he goes out of the room.

At the building's exit, Rukawa is met by Koshino, Hikoichi, and Fukuda. Koshino is again baffled at this. Rukawa informs him that he just went back to return Sendoh's umbrella. Koshino tells Rukawa that he doesn't have to do anything for Sendoh since they are taking care of him, and that they don't need the help of an enemy. Rukawa just flicks them off and walks away. Go, Rukawa-kun! ^^

Inside Sendoh's room, Sendoh is shocked when he finds out that Rukawa was just in his dorm. Koshino asks him what the deal is. Sendoh tells him that they just play basketball together, and having one-on-one with him is always fun.

Later, Koshino and co. reflect on the fact that Sendoh doesn't seem to rely on them at all. They vow to help Sendoh even when Sendoh doesn't ask for their help.

Meanwhile, Sendoh is looking at the stuff Rukawa brought for him. He is tickled when he sees the "Akira Love" boxers and wonders if Rukawa's parents have seen him in it. ^o^ Rukawa has also brought him a video deck!!! How cool is that? ^^ Sendoh wonders why Rukawa goes to his dorm without informing him, and he realizes that he doesn't even know Rukawa's phone number.

Suddenly, he remembers the feel of Rukawa's hands touching his face. He begins to question himself on what he feels for Rukawa, and why he feels so attracted to his skin, his body, his eyes…

He remembers the tape Rukawa brought the other day, and pops it into the video deck. He is surprised to see that it's not an adult film at all, but a Michael Jordan flick (hentai Sendoh ^^).

Not really clear on how much time has passed, but in the next scene we see Sendoh stepping out of the shower. Looks like he's gotten well already. ^^ Nice picture of Sendoh with his hair wet like that, hanging all over his face, I might add.

He goes to the basketball park, I assume the same one where he and Rukawa plays one-on-one. He finds Rukawa there already playing. With a contented smile on his face, he intercepts the ball from Rukawa. Rukawa is surprised to see Sendoh there. However, he recovers just in time and is able to get the ball back from Sendoh. He shoots the ball, but the rusty basketball ring gives out and Rukawa falls to the ground.

A panicked Sendoh rushes towards Rukawa. With Rukawa lying so deliciously on the ground, Sendoh is speechless and can't do anything but stare at his sweetheart. ^^ Rukawa closes his eyes, and Sendoh takes this as an invitation, and leans down to kiss him.

However, Koshino's voice suddenly rings out, calling Sendoh's name. Don't you just hate this guy? He tells Sendoh to come to practice now that he isn't sick anymore.

As Koshino leaves, Sendoh says that they can't play anymore, so he invites Rukawa to his dorm to watch the NBA games. Rukawa tells him that Sendoh was just informed that he has to go to practice. But Sendoh, being very much in love, tells him that he'll join the practice in the afternoon. Sendoh thanks Rukawa for bringing the video deck. ^^

The book ends with Sendoh thinking how the colors around him and Rukawa are very much similar. ^^

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