I want to thank Lilyblossom26 for this request, and for cheering me on! That this chapter could be written is all thanks to you, I love you!

And for everyone else, thank you for picking up this fic! I hope you will like this. KagaKuro is the main pairing, but there will be MidoTaka as well.

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Kuroko brushed off some of the sweat gathering on his forehead as he panted. Riko had managed to get the Shutoku team to have a practice match with them, and they were on their third quarter now. For now, they were losing, and Kuroko watched worriedly as Kagami kept on jumping. It wouldn't be good if he got his knees hurt again just for a practice game. Kuroko made a mental note to massage Kagami's legs later. At least, that would help them recover.

Kuroko shook his head; he should concentrate on the match for now and tell Kagami to tone it down a bit later. He quickly moved towards the net as he saw Midorima preparing to shoot. At least this way, they could try to have a comeback if the green-haired boy managed to throw a successful shot again.

The ball was already in the air before Kuroko reached the net. From the corner of his eye, he could see that at least Kagami had brushed the ball, but it was still in the air. There was a chance it could go in, so Kuroko kept running while staring at the net, waiting for the ball to hit the hoop.

- It's too short! Someone shouted out, and Kuroko stopped right before the net. But that was a bad mistake.

Soon he felt the heavy ball smashing against the back of his head, and he couldn't even try to resist as his legs gave out and he fell to the ground.

- KUROKO! He heard Kagami's voice calling, before his brains even managed to register the pain. The pain was horrendous, and he rolled on his side and curled up in a ball, closing his eyes tight. He tried his best to keep himself from screaming in pain, but he couldn't stop the whimpers escaping from his lips. He had never felt something this painful: the throbbing pain combined with the sharp twinges every time he moved even a little but too rashly.

- Kuroko! Are you alright? Kuroko could hear Riko's voice, but all other sounds except his own whimpers were clouded and he couldn't estimate the distance between him and the one speaking.

- This is why you should keep your eyes on the ball…! Kuroko, can you still move your hands and legs? Midorima's voice was a bit clearer, and it sounded like it was close. Kuroko tried to move the mentioned body-parts. To his relief, they moved just fine. The pain was slowly dulling away, and the whimpers were gradually fading away, turning into ragged breathing.

- Do you think you can sit up? Midorima asked him when he noticed this. Kuroko held his head as he started to sit up, moving as slowly as he could to avoid the harsh pangs of pain. He still kept his eyes closed, with the darkness giving comfort for his pain.

- From scale one to ten, how much it hurts? And can you show me the place it hurts? The green-haired boy continued his inquiry.

- Right now I'd say nine. But it was ten right after the impact. And I get these sharp throbs every time I make sudden moves, he explained while trying to show with his hand the place it hurt the most. The hard part was that his head hurt pretty much all around, with some places hurting more than the others.

- I see. Could you open your eyes? I just want to make sure there's no blood…, Midorima's voice muttered down towards the end, so that Kuroko was the only one who probably heard the last part. It seemed he didn't want to worry the others without a reason, and Kuroko shared the motion. He slowly opened his eyes, but…

Nothing changed.

The same darkness surrounded his vision, and he let out a small gasp.

- Shin-chan, you're like a doctor, you know~!

- Shut it Takao, now's not the time. It seems everything's okay… Why're you looking so shocked for, Kuroko? Midorima asked and Kuroko blinked couple of times, hoping that it was just some… mistake or something. But no matter how many times he blinked, he couldn't see anything.

- Midorima-kun, I cannot see, Kuroko explained, and he could hear few shocked gasps around him.

- … Kuroko, I need you to do three things for me, Midorima started, - First, raise your both hands as high as you can.

Kuroko obeyed, extending his arms. There was probably a reason for this, so it'd be better to do what he was told to.

- Now, form a sentence. Anything you want, but don't take too much time to think about it.

- I want to drink a vanilla shake right now, Kuroko said what was on the top of his mind at the moment, and he could hear Kagami choke on a chuckle. A small smile came to his lips at this: he didn't want to worry Kagami too much with this, and it was good if he could still at least laugh at his jokes.

- Well, it seems you can do the third task as well. Luckily, it seems that at least there's no bleeding on your brain. Are you still unable to see? Midorima fretted, and suddenly Kuroko felt a sweaty hand on his forehead, checking his temperature.

- No, nothing. The pain has dulled down a bit though, to somewhere between six and seven, Kuroko informed. He startled when he suddenly felt someone grab his hand gently.

- Can you stand up? Kagami's voice called to him, as Midorima's hand disappeared from his forehead. Taking support of the offered hand, Kuroko started to stand up slowly, and soon he felt Kagami's other hand supporting him as well, holding his other hand. Now that he was standing, the pain increased a bit for a moment, but it didn't take long for it to continue decreasing.

For the pain the worst was over, but standing up without being able to see was frightening. He could somewhat sense the people close to him, but he had no way of telling them apart, save for Kagami who was still holding his hands, apparently too worried to realize it. Kuroko decided not to mention it for now, since it made him feel safe and the light would certainly pull away if he noticed.

- I think we should stop the practice match here, since Kuroko-kun needs to be taken to the hospital, Riko said worriedly, from behind Kuroko. As a reflex, he turned to look at her direction, still seeing nothing.

- You're right. Do you mind if I join you? I feel responsible for this, so I'd like to make sure he's okay personally, Midorima said. Now that Kuroko thought more about it, his voice was slightly trembling, and he wanted to tell his former teammate that it wasn't his fault, and that Kuroko should have kept his eyes on the basketball.

- Kuroko, come with me. I'll help you change, Kagami interrupted him before he managed to say anything, gently raising his hands to his shoulders and guiding him on. Kuroko was unsure about walking at first, but he trusted his light and started to take short steps. He could hear Riko negotiating with the Shutoku's coach and Midorima, and he leaned a bit closer to Kagami.

It had been a bit easier to pretend to be alright and not scared when he had been with everyone else, but now that it was just him and Kagami, he could let himself be scared and uncertain, without the need to hide his real feelings. He felt the gentle hand carefully ruffling his hair reassuringly, and Kuroko sighed in relief, his legs and hands trembling in fear.

- I'm sorry, Kuroko…, Kagami whispered quietly, and Kuroko tilted his head in wonder.

- I'm afraid I don't understand. There's no need for you to apologize, he answered quietly as well, when Kagami stopped him to open the door for them. To Kuroko's relief, he kept still his other hand on the shadow's shoulder. The red-haired boy was even now being so considerate and caring, that Kuroko couldn't understand why he would feel the need to apologize.

- If I had managed to properly block his shot, this wouldn't have happened. Argh! It makes me so mad, if I just had jumped right away when he got the ball…, Kagami cursed to himself as he took a hold of Kuroko's shoulders again, walking him in the changing room. A faint smile took place on Kuroko's lips as he bumped his head lightly against Kagami's shoulder.

- Kagami-kun, you're an idiot. This wasn't your fault, not at all. I should thank you instead, actually, for being here for me. It makes me feel safer when you're by my side, so I'm really grateful you're with me, Kuroko explained, leaning against the shoulder as they stood still for a moment. Kuroko could feel Kagami burying the lower part of his face on his hair, breathing his scent in slowly.

- … Of course. I'm your light, I'll always be by your side, he whispered quietly and Kuroko nodded happily.

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Midorima started to change when he got to his locker. Even though Riko had assured him that it wasn't his fault, he still couldn't shake off the feeling of responsibility. He was really glad he had learned first aid on his free time, this way he could at least eliminate the worst possibilities. But, he had yet to read anything concerning blindness after being hit.

His hands trembled as he curled them into fists. If Kuroko was going to be blinded forever for this, he could never forgive himself, and he was pretty sure that no one else would either. He knew that it was irrational to place all the blame on himself: he had been just playing normally, but it still didn't change the fact that the ball had left from his hands before the impact.

He was so buried on his thoughts, that he didn't hear the door opening and the approaching steps, before someone wrapped his arms around his torso.

- Shin-chan, are you okay? Takao asked as Midorima turned around on the loose hold, looking down at his partner. He'd never say it aloud, but seeing Takao's face made him feel better. This person would forgive him, if no one else did. On a moment's impulse, he placed a small kiss on Takao's forehead. To his enjoyment, a slight blush spread to the hawk's cheeks at the rare motion. Takao grinned happily, trying to hide the fact he was embarrassed.

- Aww, Shin-chan's all lovey-dovey~ Don't worry, I've never heard of someone losing their sight permanently after being hit by a basketball, so Kuroko should be fine, Takao reassured him as he released his hold to let Midorima continue changing.

- If you haven't kept a record of all the basketball-related accidents, I'm afraid it's fully possible. But you're right, it is extremely unlikely. Sight isn't something that you can lose so easily. So I'm not really worried. Besides, I just did what I usually do, Kuroko should've kept his eyes on the ball, the green-haired boy explained. Takao just grinned at his answer.

- Got it, got it~ Your heart's words have been received, Shin-chan. Do you want me to come with you, or will you be okay on your own? He asked as Midorima closed off the buttons on his uniform. He shook his head as an answer.

- It's better if there's not a huge crowd with him. But I guess it'd be good if there was someone to train with me for a while when I come back, Midorima said, with his back turned on Takao. The hawk grinned cheerily as he saluted. – Oh, and Takao… You wouldn't happen to have candy with you?

- Uhm… I think I have some. Why so?

Midorima hesitated a moment, before admitting defeat. The other would find out anyways.

- … It's the lucky item for Aquarius.

Not long after he had said that when Takao had tackled him, rubbing his head against his chest with a blissful look on his face.

- Shin-chaaaan~ It's illegal to be so adorable! So cute! Too cute! Shin-chan! He chanted happily, and Midorima sighed, used to Takao's tomfoolery.

- Yes, yes… Just give me the candy.

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Kagami tapped his foot restlessly as the doctor examined Kuroko's eyes. He was super afraid. If Kuroko lost his sight now, he wouldn't be able to play basketball anymore. And that was something Kagami most definitely didn't want. The doctor looked perplexed and she was slightly frowning as she put the small flashlight down.

- It seems that your eye is working just fine, your pupils react to the light correctly. In this situation, I think it's the shock that has caused this. The nerves that should carry the picture of what you see from your eyes to your brains are not working properly. With time, your nerves should recover from the shock, she explained carefully, trying to make it as understandable as she could.

- So… Will his sight return? Kagami asked to confirm, and the doctor nodded.

- Yes, but it might take a while. There's no easy way to determine that time, but it could take from a week to few months, even. It's also possible that you will regain your sight slowly with time, or you might suddenly see with your other eye… There are some exercises you can do, but there's no guarantee they'll work in your case. Nerves differ much in their recovering capabilities, she continued her explanation, and Kuroko nodded. Kagami let out a sigh of relief. It was great that it wasn't permanent.

Kagami glanced at Midorima, who was listening closely to the doctor's words. He seemed to be a bit more relaxed now after the good news.

- Thank god it's not too serious! Riko exhaled and Kuroko nodded. The doctor explained for a while the different exercises that could help regain the sight, and after making an appointment for the control visit, they were allowed to leave. Kagami quickly reached for Kuroko's arm, to help him walk outside.

- Thank you, Kagami-kun, Kuroko nodded gratefully. Kagami had refused to leave his side for now: it was too dangerous for the boy to walk on his own, and he didn't trust anyone else enough to handle the shadow, so he had been taking care of him. Kagami sighed. How was Kuroko going to get to school at this rate? Or home from school? He expressed his worried to Kuroko, who nodded.

- I'm kind of worried about that as well. After all, there's no one at home now. My parents and grandmother left for a month-long trip, leaving me alone at home. I wouldn't want to interrupt their long-awaited vacation…, Kuroko sighed as they walked out of the building. Midorima walked a bit away from them, apparently to call someone.

- Eh?! There's no one at your place? Riko exclaimed, - That won't do! Do you have any relatives who live close-by? Or friends… That's it! You can go to Kagami-kun's place, right? She offered and Kagami nodded. He didn't really have anything against it: on the contrary, he was happier that way. He could look out for Kuroko himself, and thus he wouldn't have to worry after him all the time, and he would also get to spend a lot of time with his shadow…

He couldn't deny that the idea was appealing, spending time alone with Kuroko… Maybe he'd finally be able to find a good moment to confess. Kagami took a better hold of Kuroko's arm, and then he realized the boy couldn't have seen his nod.

- It's fine with me.

- Thank you. I'll be in your care then, Kagami-kun. I'm sorry for asking for your help again, but could you help me call my mother? I cannot use the phone without seeing anything, so…, Kuroko asked as he dug his phone from his bag. Kagami took the phone with his free hand, keeping the other on Kuroko's arm still, and started to search for the correct contact. He pressed the call button and settled the phone on Kuroko's ear already.

- It's dialing, he announced as Kuroko nodded, reaching with his hand to hold the phone himself. Kagami turned to look back front, to see Riko staring at them with a small smirk. He wasn't sure if he wanted to know what she was grinning about, and he decided not to even ask. It wouldn't be anything good anyways, so he'd probably be happier not knowing.

Kuroko's mother apparently answered, as Kuroko began to converse with her. Kagami felt bit uncomfortable being so close when the shadow was having a private call: he could even hear faintly the voice of his mother. But he couldn't let go of Kuroko, so he just had to deal with the awkwardness. Riko was typing a mail to someone – probably to Hyuuga – and thus couldn't talk with him either.

In an attempt to not listen in to the conversation, Kagami started to think what he should prepare for Kuroko's visit. They could go shop for groceries, and then go pick up some stuff from Kuroko's place. They'd probably have to take Tetsuya #2 as well. Kagami shuddered: the thought of having a dog at his home was terrifying, but he'd have to get used to it. Besides, Tetsuya #2 wasn't as bad as the other dogs: at least he hadn't bitten Kagami, yet.

Kuroko finished his call and put his phone back into his bag, relieving Kagami from the awkwardness.

- What did she say?

- It's okay. She was going to come home at first, but I managed to persuade her that I'm in good hands. Though, she said that she'd like to meet you when they come back, so that she can thank you, Kuroko explained. Kagami nodded, before he realized that Kuroko couldn't still see him.

- Yup, got it, he voiced out. Midorima returned to them, seemingly finished with his phone call as well.

- Sorry. Takao has always too much to say, so it always takes a while with the phone calls. I need to return now, Kuroko, but do you mind if I come to visit you once in a while? I still feel responsible, so I'd like to check in your situation, Midorima asked, seemingly feeling uncomfortable. He probably didn't want to admit he was worried.

- You need to ask Kagami-kun. My parents aren't home, so I'm staying at his place, Kuroko said. Midorima looked at him with a frown, and Kagami returned the expression. For a moment they stared at each other, before the green-haired boy gave up with a sigh.

- Then, do you mind if I come to see Kuroko? He asked reluctantly and Kagami had to do his best not to shake his head just to annoy the spectacled boy. With great effort, he nodded. After they had dealt with this, they could finally head off. Midorima then left after a brief conversation with Kuroko.

The three of them stayed, to wait for Riko's father to pick them up. Kagami ruffled Kuroko's hair tenderly. He was going to take care of everything until his partner would regain his sight.

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I guess there was at least some use to learning how to diagnose if there's bleeding in the brain, though this wasn't the reason I originally learned it~

Thank you for reading this fic, I hope you enjoyed the first chapter! Somehow, I feel like it was short… Though I'm used to writing chapters double the length of this one. I'd like to hear opinions: is this a good length or should I return to the longer chapters? It will take more time though if I make them longer.

Also, reviews give me motivation and thus speed up my writing process. So if you'd like to have the next chapter sooner, please help me with my writing process with your support. Nevertheless, I love you all for reading through my fic. Thank you!

And for Lilyblossom26, I want to send extra love! Thank you for your support, this fic is entirely dedicated to you! :)