Hey there! So it's been some time since the last fanfiction that I wrote. Though you probably don't know who I am unless you were extremely into the Ed/Winry pairing of Fullmetal Alchemist back in like 2006. That was really the only stories I wrote back in the day. But so recently I've really gotten into the side story of Index, To Aru Kagaku no Railgun. So I don't know everything about everything in the universe of Index and I apologize in advance if you see any inconsistencies here in the story (that being said, if you see them, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know!)

But yeah, so I never thought I'd be writing a story for a girl/girl pairing, but it seems that I've gotten on board for Mikoto/Kuroko and I now feel a strong obligation towards writing a story about them. Not sure why I love these two together so much….maybe it's their chemistry..…

So quick note: Kuroko, Uiharu and Saten are 18, and Mikoto is 19. Ah, older huh? Well yup! So here goes! I hope you guys enjoy the chapter! And please! Review! Review! Review! I do have a heavy work schedule, but knowing that someone likes the story so far would definitely get me to update as soon as possible! Thanks in advance! Happy reading!

Chapter 1: Neither Distance nor Time

December 2nd

Members of Judgement were given a particularly interesting, yet not uncommon briefing that morning.

"Uiharu, have you seen any movement on the security cameras?" Kuroko asked as she sprinted through the alleys of the 7th district. She was wearing a gray skirt, a white short-sleeve dress shirt, similar to her old Tokiwadai uniform, and a black jacket. Her hair also flew freely in the wind, no longer being tied into pigtails.

"No Shirai-san, I haven't seen anyone leave the area yet, so they should still be there."

Kuroko stopped running for a moment to reassess the situation.

I know we got a call about someone being kidnapped and taken into this area of the district, but I've been running around for about ten minutes and I still can't find them. Where the hell—

Her thoughts were interrupted by a girl's scream coming from one the nearby buildings. Kuroko's eyes widened as she quickly teleported to the source of the deafening sound. Upon arriving at the scene, she noticed an unconscious girl with her hands in shackles that were suspended from the wall. Blood trickled from her forehead, and she was badly bruised around her arms and legs. The girl's loosely hung Judgement armband was also smeared with crimson.

"It seems that these recent attacks on Judgement officers were deliberate. We are not sure if these assailants are after something in particular, or if they simply have a grudge against us. But no matter the case, you must be more alert, and extra cautious while wearing your armband. There's no telling who will be the next target."

Kuroko quickly teleported the girl out of her bounds and tried to wake her wounded colleague. It took some time before the girl slowly opened her eyes and gazed at Kuroko. When she realized who her savior was, her eyes widened as she gripped onto Kuroko's shoulders.

"You…you have to…get out of…here," she managed to choke out between violent coughs.

"Try not to talk right now," Kuroko replied to her, though she was weary of the girl's warning. She also came upon another realization.

Wait a minute, where did the source of the scream come from? This girl was unconscious, she thought to herself.

The source of the scream so happened to be behind her. It was another girl, probably around the age of sixteen. She wore dark clothes and a hood draped over her head. She was staring at a picture in her hand when she noticed the entrance of Kuroko.

"We will continue to investigate this matter to see if there is actually a specific goal that they have in mind."

"It's not safe…it's a trap…they want…you," the member of Judgement said before once again falling unconscious. Kuroko narrowed her eyes as she heard footsteps approaching her. She immediately gritted her teeth, stood up, and turned in order to see her assailant.

She motioned her familiar tug at her Judgement shield and announced, "I am—"

"—Shirai Kuroko of Judgement," the other girl finished with a smirk. "I know exactly who you are."

Kuroko bit her lip and took in the other girl's appearance. She couldn't make out too much because of her discreet clothing, but she did notice black hair stemming from underneath the hood.

"You sound awfully confident," Kuroko retorted. "Though, my reputation isn't exactly pleasant for people like you." With that said, Kuroko instantly teleported behind her opponent and reached for the black straps along her thighs. Just as she touched the tip of one of her metal spikes, her opponent disappeared and reappeared above her. She managed to plant her foot square on Kuroko's cheek.

Kuroko stumbled back, but immediately regained her balance. God, I hate dealing with other teleporters, she thought to herself as she glared at the black haired girl. Her attacker just stared back at her, sporting a sly smile under the shadow of her hood.

"Who are you? And why are you attacking Judgement?" Kuroko asked, hoping to buy time to figure out a strategy. In a split second, the other girl appeared in front of Kuroko and attempted to land a punch, but she instantly teleported to the other side of the room.

She only answered with a laugh. The hooded girl grabbed onto a sharp rock while Kuroko gripped tightly onto one of her spikes. They stared at each other for a moment, deciding what move would be the next.

"Well, well, we could probably do this all day long," the girl commented, breaking the silence. "But sadly, I don't have all day to fight you."

At that, the girl darted her eyes toward the wounded Judgement member and grinned devilishly.

Damn! She yelled at herself as she instantly teleported in front of her injured colleague and pushed her to the side before feeling a stinging pain in her stomach. The rock the girl was holding was now protruding from Kuroko's gut. Blood instantly started to seep through her shirt and jacket. She bit her lip to transfer the pain.

"Wow, you are so predictable, Shirai-san. All I have to do is threaten another's life and you'll instantly teleport to their rescue, huh? Well that makes everything a lot easier."

Kuroko gritted her teeth and attempted to teleport once again, but the object lodged within her stomach caused excruciating pain.

"My name is Ishihara Satomi," the girl announced. She walked over to Kuroko and knelt down beside her. "Unfortunately, I am not allowed to kill you here. There's still some people that would love to meet you. But…"

She placed her hand on the rock and dug it deeper into Kuroko's stomach.

"…It's just so fun to watch you in pain."

It felt as if the rock was tearing away at Kuroko's insides. She couldn't help but scream as her vision became hazy. She made attempts to fight against Ishihara, but to no avail. Her strength was beginning to wane. Though on the brink of losing consciousness, she heard footsteps and turned towards the direction of the sound. The room was growing dark, so Kuroko couldn't exactly make out who had just stumbled upon her current situation. All she noticed before passing out was that the figure reached into their pocket, and soon a bright beam shot across the room.

Eyes opened to blurry sights for Kuroko as she looked around the bright hospital room. She felt a ruminating warmth in her right hand, but as she had managed to regain focus, she realized no one was currently on that side of her bed. But there was somebody in the room to her left. It was Uiharu Kazari, her good friend and partner from Judgement.

"Shirai-san! You're awake! How are you feeling?" Uiharu asked, concern apparent on her face. Kuroko at first ignored her question as she stared into her right hand.

Why is my hand so warm?

"Shirai-san?" Uiharu said breaking her from her thoughts. Kuroko looked back with an apologetic look and grazed above the wound in her stomach.

"I'm feeling alright. I've been through worse," she answered with a slight chuckle before remembering the beam of light. Her eyes instantly widened. "Uiharu, how did I get here? Who found out where I was? Was it Anti-Skill…?"

Uiharu's look of concern immediately transformed into nervousness.

"Well you see…I had contacted Anti-Skill, but their response time would have taken too long to get to you…and well I knew of someone who lived in the area…and well…" Uiharu lightly scratched her cheek as she trailed off.

"Well…what?" Kuroko didn't like where this was headed. There was only one person that lived in that area of the district that she knew of. Only one girl in particular. One certain Electromaster.

Onee-sa-…I mean Mikoto…I have to stop with that affectionate nickname.

Both Kuroko and Mikoto had followed each other through the rest of middle school and high school, but when Mikoto transitioned into college, and Kuroko continued into her senior year of high school, they had seen a lot less of each other. But it did not dismay the teleporter. In fact, she was relieved that they spent less time together. Over the years, Kuroko had managed to greatly restrain her perverted antics, and eventually reduced them to almost zero. She had just been trying to stray herself away from Mikoto, but as she distanced herself, she only grew fonder of the older girl. Every time the electromaster looked her way and smiled, it felt like slow motion. It felt like they were the only people left in the world. It felt like they belonged together.

But they didn't. Shirai Kuroko came to realize that her beloved "Onee-sama" would never reciprocate her feelings. So she finally decided to separate herself completely from the older girl. It only hurt Kuroko more to be so close yet so far from the girl she loved. And she had done well in keeping her distance. Even after she finished her last year of high school, the two girls didn't spend much time together. She didn't even ask what college Mikoto went to. In all honesty, Kuroko didn't even think about continuing into college. Instead she dedicated all of her time to Judgement. She really didn't do anything besides work, eat, and sleep. She just tried to indulge herself into her work. She hasn't even seen Mikoto for the past five months.

Suddenly, she was once again strayed from her thoughts when she noticed another person enter the room. The girl's brown hair now reached her chest, but her bangs and the way she parted her hair remained the same. She wore dark, somewhat skinny jeans, a loose, gray long-sleeve shirt and an orange tank top peeked from under the shirt. Her familiar chestnut eyes pierced through Kuroko's heart. The distance she kept faded away. It didn't dampen her feelings at all. The girl she loved was standing right there. The one that could melt her heart with a simple smile: Misaka Mikoto.

They were both at a loss for words.

"…Kuroko?" Mikoto mustered up her courage to speak up. She was nervous when she got the call from Uiharu. She was also terrified to know that Kuroko was in danger. Regardless of the distance between them, she still cared deeply for her best friend. No amount of time or miles could sway her to think differently of her kouhai.

"…" Kuroko was unable to respond, and the delicate voice of Mikoto made her blush slightly. She quickly cleared her throat and tried to regain her composure. Just as she was about to speak, Uiharu chimed in.

"Thank you for responding as quick as you did, Misaka-san," she beamed with a smile. Now Mikoto began to blush as she looked off to the side.

"Of course, no problem," she responded as she went to reclaim her spot near the right side of Kuroko and reached out to hand Kuroko a drink she had bought for her.

"Have you been the one sitting there this whole time?" Kuroko inquired, finally finding her voice. As she grabbed onto the can, neither her nor Mikoto let go right away. The older girl's hand slightly grazed Kuroko's before she blushed again and pulled away.

"Um, yeah, ever since they let visitors into the room a couple hours ago."

"Yup, Misaka-san has been at your side the entire time!" Uiharu said in a chipper tone.

"Well—!" Mikoto's cheeks became an even deeper shade of crimson as she tried to think of something to say, but was cut off by the smile of her kouhai.

"Thanks…Mikoto," Kuroko said, though there was a subtle somber tone in her voice. A hint of surprise was shown in Mikoto's face.

"Heh, it's still taking some time to get used to you calling me that," she commented, almost reciprocating the same tone of voice.

An uneasy silence fell over the room, lasting a couple of minutes, before the familiar doctor, Heaven Canceller, walked into the room.

"Ok, so Shirai-san, you will be free to go in a few minutes, though I would recommend you using a wheel chair for the remainder of the day," he announced, rolling in said wheelchair.

Kuroko sighed and ruffled her hair a bit as she replied, "Not again…I have become far too comfortable over the years with a wheelchair unfortunately…but I will take your recommendation."

"I also suggest that someone accompany you home. I know your one to refuse help, but it's always safer, especially since you suffered a pretty bad wound."

Upon hearing this, Mikoto started to open her mouth as she looked at Uiharu, but Kuroko began to speak first.

"I suppose you are right about that as well, Doctor. Uiharu, would you mind?" Kuroko inquired, deliberately looking away from Mikoto. Uiharu once again glanced at the electromaster. She noticed that the older girl was staring at the ground. There seemed to be an unreadable expression on her face.

"Um…" Uiharu began as she thought of what to say. She then cleared her throat and continued, "I'm sorry Shirai-san, I actually have plans that I uh…well Ruiko needed my help for something. What about you Misaka-san? Are you free right now?"

Mikoto instantly picked her head right up.

"Oh! Um—"

"I wouldn't want to trouble you…Mikoto," Kuroko said, cutting her off, before glaring at Uiharu. "I can make it home by my—"

"No! It's no problem, really!" Mikoto nearly shouted. Uiharu smiled at the light that was clearly shining in her eyes. Kuroko was taken aback by Mikoto's excitement, and immediately blushed in response, with the electromaster following suit.

"I mean, if that's ok," Mikoto added, raising her hand and scratching the back of her head nervously.

"Well, that would be ok, I guess, as long as I'm not burdening you," Kuroko replied, forcing herself to look away from the cute expression on her face.

"Of course not, Kuroko."

"Well, since that is settled, you are free to go now Shirai-san," Heaven canceller chimed in before exiting the room.

"I guess I'll be taking my leave as well then, Shirai-san."

With that, Uiharu waved and walked out of the room, leaving Kuroko and Mikoto alone. The silence once again befell the two friends. Mikoto shifted her feet while Kuroko ruffled the sheets on the bed.

"So…I should probably get changed," Kuroko spoke up, attempting to rise from her spot on the hospital bed. As she landed her feet on the ground and pushed herself off, she immediately began falling. Mikoto hastily stood up and tried to hold her in place, but she lost her balance. They both ended up colliding with the ground, Mikoto being the one taking the full hit, breaking Kuroko's fall.

"Ow," they said in unison. They didn't stand up promptly. They nearly stayed in that position for a few seconds.

"Are you ok, Kuroko?" Mikoto asked, before realizing the position they were in. Kuroko's cheek was lightly touching her own, and the warmth emanating from it gave way to another crimson blush on the older girl. Kuroko tried to prop herself up, before she stopped halfway, gazing into Mikoto's eyes. It only lasted a moment before the redness deepened for both girls. Kuroko frantically rolled off to the side.

"I'm sorry!" Kuroko shouted, bowing her head apologetically. Mikoto didn't reply at first, she just remained there, her heart running at a million miles an hour.

What's with this? Why do I feel so nervous all of a sudden? Mikoto thought to herself, placing her hand over her chest as if it would slow her heart beat. It took her a moment to notice Kuroko was staring down at her worriedly.

"…Mikoto?" Kuroko said as she tucked strands of hair behind her ear. For some reason, the motion made Mikoto's heart pick up even more speed.

Has it really been that long since I've seen Kuroko? Why does this feel so different right now? At that thought, she shook her head and picked herself up before extending a hand to her former roommate. Kuroko hesitated for a moment before accepting her help. Mikoto quickly helped her back onto the bed.

"Well…maybe the wound was a little more painful than I thought," Kuroko commented with a slight laugh. She looked up at Mikoto to see that she seemed nervous. "Um, are you feeling alright?"

"Oh! Heh, yeah, sorry. So…well…seeing that you couldn't really stand on your own…did you need any help, uh…changing?" Mikoto inquired, staring off to the side. A smile almost beamed from the teleporter.

Dammit! Don't make this uncomfortable for her! Kuroko yelled at herself as she quickly restrained herself.

"No, it's ok. I can manage on my own! I appreciate it though," she answered as she stood up more cautiously from the bed. She hobbled over to Mikoto and nearly pushed her out of the room. After she closed the door, she called out, "Just give me a few minutes!"

Mikoto sighed and sat on a seat outside the room, losing herself in her thoughts.

It's only been five months, but it feels like a lifetime. Maybe it's because Touma and I broke up about four months ago. The two closest people to me have been out of my life for the past few months. It's been kind of lonely…is that why I feel so happy being next to Kuroko? But why do I also feel so nervous? Why is she making my heart beat so fast? With that last thought, Mikoto ruffled her hair violently in frustration.

Just then, the door opened slightly, revealing Kuroko, who was holding onto the door frame for support. She was wearing a gray skirt, the same one from earlier, and a loose pink t shirt. She wore a fashionable sandy brown jacket that went down to right before her hips. Her untied hair stretched to about the middle of her back.

As she took in the appearance of her kouhai, Mikoto slowly brought her hands down from her hair and seemed to be entranced.

"Wow, Kuroko, you look…really pretty," she said, absentmindedly. Kuroko instantly blushed in response, before letting a smile come across her face.

Soon after getting Kuroko settled in her wheelchair, Mikoto slipped on her maroon hoodie.

"Alright, well let's get out of here," Mikoto said as she began to wheel Kuroko through the halls.

"Yeah…"

So much for the distance I tried so hard to put between us…I hope this day doesn't last too long.

Alright thanks guys if you took the time to finish! Hopefully you review for me!

P.S. Kuroko obviously didn't want to wear her bloodstained garments, so she used a different shirt/jacket. I don't know, I guess Uiharu brought it for her or something. Sorry if this wasted your time for that little detail…