Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no basket.


The sound of the Piano rang throughout the music room, tapped up fingers glided across the keyboard gracefully yet sharp and hard. Sweat dripped from his chin and onto the keyboard, he felt like nothing could stop him in this zone, the piano was the only thing that understood his feelings. It didn't tell him what was right from wrong, it just listened and admired. That sky window above the piano made it's black polish glimmer and shine reflecting his emotions that played throughout the piano into the empty room.

A smile ebbed on his pale lips, he quickly adjusted his glasses and bangs before continuing the tender melody onto the black polished piano. The music would get soft like a lullaby, but would quickly turn harsh and fast, slowly but surely it would turn back into a soft lullaby. This was his emotions, these emotions would build up in his mind and go thru his hands and onto the keyboard. This was his-

"You love the piano a lot, don't you?"

His eyes flickered over to a raven haired who leaned against the piano, his eyes were closed as he listened; his lips in a small barely visible smile. He swayed his head to the melody. His melody turned soft and quick. Nodding he closed his own eyes letting his fingers glide back and forth down the keys. He didn't mind the raven listening, sometimes random people would just sit in the music room while he played. The arrival of the mysterious raven made his melody sweet and cheerful; it made him disgusted to listen to such a sweet tune.

Where's the harshness? what happened to the fast and sharp keys? He asked the piano many and many times but the only response he got was the sweet tune that continued to play out. cringing his nose he finally lifted his hands off the keyboard, the melody coming to a sudden halt. The raven looked disappointed, "Why did you stop? It was good!"

He adjusted his glass back onto his nose, "I'm tired of playing" standing up he gathered his music sheets making his way around the piano seat.

"Oh!" the raven pointed to the music sheet, "No wonder it sounded so familiar! You were playing Lover's Sorrow, but...why Lover's sorrow? Why not Lover's Joy?" The raven rubbed his chin confused, "You should play Lover's Joy if you are going to play with a soft loving melody"

He hesitated before opening the door that lead to the courtyard. The raven seemed to know some things about piano music. Was it possible that the guy knew how to play piano? but that would be impossible since he looked more like an athlete instead of a musician.

"Don't get me wrong stranger, just because I decided to play with a soft tone doesn't mean I can't play with a harsh tempo" with that he left the room.

The raven smirked, "I'm sure you can"

~oOo~

The next week the raven stuck around every time he played the piano during his lunch break, barely any words were spoken, just the sound of the piano's melodies. He didn't mind the raven since his company was actually comforting, but the only thing that changed was his playing. He could play as harsh and rough as he wanted- only when the raven guy wasn't around- other than that he didn't think anything of it.

His taped fingers slid down the key board with effort and swiftness, his eyes watched the key board at 100% concentration. Tomorrow was the day of his performance, he had to preform 'Chopin's Winter Wind' for the beginning of the school's festival. He had to concentrate, one wrong note or missed accent and he would be the laughing stalk of the school.

"There Beethoven goes"

"Beethoven's always so intense when a performance is coming up"

"It sounds so scary!"

"Well it is Beethoven playing after all!"

The school girls continued their way past the music room's door only for a certain raven to peek in. His eyes widened hearing such intense piano music coming from the greenette. He stood frozen as he quickly ended the song with a 'GAAARRRR' sound.

"Damn it, I messed up on the second note key!" Giving a huff he reached out to start again but a lunchbox fell on his lap.

"You should really eat, I heard it helps pianists get better before a performance!"

He looked down at the lunchbox that had a nicely made sandwich. Pushing his glasses back on his nose he handed the lunch box back "I can't take this"

"Don't worry" The raven smiled handing the food back, "I already ate so it's all yours!"

"Ah...Thanks" Taking a bite of the perfect looking sandwich he felt blush develop on his cheeks. The sandwich tasted delicious, maybe the best sandwich he ever had, "It's really good"

"Is it?" The raven let a goofy grin on his face, he leaned against the piano, "I made it myself"

That almost made him choke, "I thought you already ate!?"

"I did, I ate one of the lunches a girl offered me"

He frowned taking another bite of the sandwich, a girl offered him lunch? he could already tell that maybe this 'raven' was one of those popular guys like that one blonde model named 'Kise' that comes by once in a while to hear his music, but gapes about his 'fan girls' the whole time; talk about self centered. Handing the empty container back to the raven he signed lifting his fingers above the keyboard.

The raven hoisted himself on top of the piano's hood, laying down. His fingers started at the piano again, the sound of the familiar song 'Winter Wind' filled the room, it was sharp and quickly- like it was suppose to be. His eyes adverted over to the raven who was watching the giant white clouds scroll by thru the sky window above the piano.

The raven sprung something in his heart, what was it...curiosity? confusion? Why does the raven even both to waist his time listening to him play? What was so interesting about watching him play? if he doesn't know why the raven even bothers to listen to him, he still feels curious about the raven. Maybe he wants to know more about him.

Yes...he wanted to know more about this mysterious raven that keeps showing up to listen to his music. It just came to him that maybe the raven...liked his playing? he quickly shook his head, of course he does! that's why he even shows up! What are you an idiot!? The song ended with one last gentle touch on the key board.

"Sorry...I need more practice"

"I liked it" The raven opened one eye looking at him, a smirk on his lips, "I bet you can't play Beethoven No.5 Op.67"

He raised on eye brow, "Oh? You take me for an amateur?"

"That's insulting Beethoven you know!"

He smiled, his hands slamming down on the keyboard causing the raven jump and hold onto the sides on the piano. DaaDaaDaaDaaaauunnnn! his fingers slid thru the keys, the familiar sound of Beethoven No.5 Op. 67 that everyone should know rang thru the dull music room. His fingers pounded on the keys with force over and over again. Sweat dripped from his chin onto his hands. The soft and sweet notes played. Then repeat. the notes would turn sharp and rough but soon soft. Repeat again. He found this very easy to do.

When the song ended he wiped the sweat that had built up on his brow. He didn't have time to catch what the raven said but by the way the raven quickly jumped off the piano's hood he probably said something he shouldn't of had.

"What?"

"N-Nothing! I have to go! Bye!"

~oOo~

It was the sound that had drawn him in, the sound of a piano, his feet came to a halt, "Come on Takao! Your going to be late!"

Takao slowly inched over to the guy his attention was still on that beautiful melody signing out from the courtyard, filling the hallways. He could hear the notes playing a sorrowful tone- but also happiness?.

"Takao? What's wrong?"

"That piano..."

"Oh! you mean Beethoven?"

"Beethoven?"

"Yea, he's the guy that plays the piano non-stop all day. We call him Beethoven because no one knows his name but he plays the piano like he's part of it"

He looked over to the small music room in the middle of the courtyard, the door was slightly gaped letting out a white light from inside, "Hey...I think I will go have a look"

"It's no use! He doesn't talk unless you insult his music!"

Takao ignored his friends voice and ran down the hall, his pace was quickly with excitement almost. Dashing down the stairs and down a few more hallways he finally reached the white light. The music was louder now, it felt like he could actually feel the pianists emotions run thru the song. Excitement and fear crawled thru his spine as he leaned forward to peek in. Their sat the mysterious pianists, his fingers running down the keys gracefully and swift.

His fingers were tapped up, black glasses sat on his nose while his green hair moved softly with his movements. He wore the same uniform as everyone else so he had to be a student. He had a tall thin build- he was taller than him- with hands that moved swiftly along the white key board. In that instant he felt a sudden urge to want to know this mysterious pianist. But this feeling was deeper...what was it called? oh yea...love at first sight.

He didn't just like the man's playing he liked him to. Taking a leap of fate he opened the door and made his way into the dull music room. leaning against the piano he let a small smile form on his face, "You love the piano a lot, don't you?"

~oOo~

It was the day of the Winter festival- and his performance. Taking a deep breath he let the large empty auditorium stage's light shine on the piano. He could hear muffled voices in the distance of the festival's host.

"Now let me introduce the festival's opening act!"

He could feel his hands start to shake, no...now's not the time to get nervous! making a fist he let his hands relax making his way onto the stage. Whispered voices soon hushed seeing him approach the piano. Concentrate... Concentrate... Concentrate . Raising the seat a bit he sat down. Lifting his hands above the keyboard he heard a familiar annoying voice.

"You can do it Beethoven!"

Kise. Great. now's the time he decides to bother me!? and what's with Beethoven? He clicked his tongue annoyed. Clearing all thoughts in his head he let his fingers do the first gentle notes to the opening. The notes were sweet and kind in the beginning but...here it comes. his fingers slide down the keyboard causing the raising and lowering effect- with perfection.

He let the notes take over the room, everything turned into a large ocean of darkness. Waves crashed against each other, wind made the piano shake adding effect to his playing. A large wave washed over the piano and sinking in between the keys, he had to slam down to make his notes sound correct. Everything was going to way it was suppose to, glancing up from off the keys he eyed the surprised and joyful audience, they looked full of joy and happiness- so why wasn't he feeling joy or happiness?

He was feeling...empty. Why? his eyes looked over to the hood of the piano, a phantom of the raven laying on the hood appeared. Was he feeling empty because the raven wasn't here? But that's outrageous! He felt sweat drip off his chin, the phantom raven glanced over to him a large goofy grin on his face. His eyes widened when he saw the phantom mouth something to him,

"You're truly amazing"

His eyes flashed over to the audience their he spotted a certain raven out in the large crowd. Both of their eyes meant, the raven grinned giving a small wave. He felt a slight smile appear on his face, something in his chest cringed. He felt the emptiness in his chest start to fade, his fingers played the ending notes. The audience cheered with joy,

"That was amazing Beethoven!" Kise shouted whistling.

"Beethoven gives another amazing performance!"

He didn't hear anything, the audiences cheering didn't reach his ears, the only thing he was focused on was that one raven out in the crowd. That one mysterious raven that always shows up just to hear him play, that one raven that always looks so happy with him. Standing up he made his way out of the auditorium.

"Let the winter festival begin!"

~oOo~

Placing the Winter Wind's music sheets on the piano he let out a sign pushing his glasses back onto his nose.

"That was amazing! I didn't know you could play so fast!"

Looking over the raven that made his way into the dull music room, he stopped a few feet away from him. He could feel questions build up in his mind, he just wanted to know why the raven is doing this! Is someone telling him to on a dare!? Stop thinking rash! of course not...

"Hey, lets go and get some popsicles together. I can't remember the last time I had one! Maybe... the autumn festival?"

"Why are you doing this?"

"Huh? Doing what?" The raven scratched his head confused, "Getting a popsicle?"

"No, idiot! why do you keep coming back!? everyday for the past week you've been watching me play!"

"Haah!? Now I can't watch you play?"

"N-No! It's just..."

"I get it...I'm an eye sore; a burden; I'm sorry...I'll just leave you alone"

"W-What!? I didn't say that!"

The raven turned around and left the dull music room. No...he's leaving! I-I can't let him leave me all alone! Like instinct his feet started to move on his own. He went to grab the raven but he ended up pushing to hard, quickly scooping the raven up in a tight hug they went tumbling down the sidewalk's stair's and onto the ground. He could feel his back collide against the sidewalks concrete causing him to gasp for breath. Slowly opening his green eyes the Raven was hugging tightly to his uniform, his eyes were still closed with fear.

"Are you alright?"

"I-I'm fine..." The raven pulled himself off of his chest, "What about you!?"

"Listen...You're not an eye sore! I like it when you watch me play and I would never want you to stop coming! I-I don't want you to leave because I'll be lonely...without you"

The raven's grey eyes widened, an astonished look on his face. His sharp hawk-like eyes, his silky ebony hair, those pale soft lips...how could he not notice this raven's beauty? Was he glasses fogged up? Or is he just an idiot?

"Takao Kazunari"

"Huh?"

"My name is Takao Kazunari, just call me Takao"

That just proved even more of what an idiot he was, how could he not ask someone for their name after a week of being in the same room for more than 2 hours!? Takao smiled but was soon replaced with blush, "I-I'm sorry!" What was the idiot apologizing for telling him his name? Wait...His eyes widened seeing how close their faces actual were- mere inches from each other's lips. He shoved Takao off of him sitting up, "Don't apologize for nothing"

"But I shouldn't of had said that then you wouldn't of have been all cut up like this and your glasses wouldn't be broken!"

Cut up? What the hell is he- pain sheered thru his elbows and arms. Glancing at himself their was multiple large scrapes that where bleeding thru his uniform, his arms were covered in bruises while his finger's were cut up. Their goes his piano playing, he looked over to the shattered glass of his glasses, and their goes his glasses.

"I guess I am hurt"

"Guess!? Your bleeding all over the place! You should really go see the nurse to get that all patched up" Takao studied his injury with concern in his eyes, "Will you be able to play the piano with those cuts on your fingers?"

He stared at Takao, the raven's silver eyes looked to his before looking back down to the ground. Why is he looking at me with such concerned eyes? Why is my heart aching with sadness for him? He wanted to say that he couldn't play the piano now...but he didn't want to see the raven's hurt expression so he kept his mouth shut before changing the subject- A subject he never told anyone.

"Midorima Shintarou"

It was silent, he felt a cold breeze rush past them making the raven brush his hair back, "Eh?" Takao tilted his head in confusion.

"That's my name"

"Oh!" The raven slowly reached his hand out revealing his pale porcelain hand. Midorima looked at the out stretched hand before his eyes trailed up to the Raven, a large bright smile was on Takao's face, "Let's be friends, Shin-chan"

His eyes widened at Takao's actions, never has he had a friend before but...What is this feeling he is having? His heart...it's pounding really fast.

"Are you alright Shin-chan? Your cheeks are turning red"

"I'm fine and it's not Shin-chan" He grabbed Takao's hand on his own, the feeling of his warm skin on his hand didn't help his blush much at all but... it was really warm, too warm, it made him think about how warm Takao's innocent heart maybe compared to his stone-cold emotionless heart.

"Hey Shin-chan, look...it's snowing!"

He brought his gaze up to the sky full of endless bright stars above them, little white diamonds fell slowly to the cold earth before landing on the ground- never melting. He heard Takao give a small laugh as a white flake fell on his nose and quickly dissolved by his warmth. Reaching his other hand out he let a few flakes fall on his hand and the flakes never melted, he looked back up to Takao who had his hand outstretched just like him, but the flakes melted one by one.

Just how warm are you...Takao?

He gave a sign looking back up to the star filled sky, never noticing there still connected hands.


Author's note- There still is more to come! Reviews anyone?