Hey all! It's been a while since I've written anything so some things may need some work... '-_-

On another note, like I mentioned, I have a full story in mind for this character following the KnB storyline but I thought I would run the character through some "test one-shots" and get a little feedback first! constructive criticism is GREATLY appreciated :D

As always, I don't own the characters (other than my OC)!

The Fun of the Sport

The door behind her slid open noisily, and Ayane glanced up from her phone in time to see Kasamatsu and Kise step out from the restaurant. She'd left them with the tab in favour of standing outside when the storm – which had originally driven them into the place for shelter – subsided, and it became obvious that both Kagami and Midorima were on their last leg of patience.

"You sure you just want to leave like that?"

She smiled at Kasamatsu's concern. It was a new thing to her and though not unwelcome, was unnecessary in many instances. She nodded gently, and glanced down at her phone screen. Her text shone up at her from her screen.

'TO: TAIGA

SEE YOU AT THE INTERHIGH. '

She hit send and flicked the phone shut with a snap of her wrist, stowing it in the side pocket of her bag. She hiked the strap of her bag higher on her shoulder and gestured with her head in the direction of their homes.

The three set off in an amicable silence, drifting at a slow but steady pace. Vaguely she noticed how Kise seemed to radiate annoyance, a mad twitchiness having settled on him. Ayane, wisely, chose to ignore his childish pouting until Kasamatsu, obviously fed up with his agitation, whacked him across the back of the head with a sharp 'Quit it!' At which point she resumed her habitual role of peacekeeper and positioned herself between the two basketball players.

"You're mad at Taiga, right?" she said gently.

She glanced up at him from the corner of her eye in time to see his eyes snap away. It was enough of an admission for both of them.

"He's right though."

Kise immediately whirled back to her, his face a mixture of disbelief and anger, which she was quick to silence. Even Kasamatsu was staring at her looking somewhere between interested and surprised.

"You think too much. Basketball's supposed to be fun. If it isn't you're not playing it right… or for the right reasons."

Kasamatsu's confusion morphed quickly into a small smile that she returned gladly. As a player who didn't benefit from the gifts the Generation of Miracles possessed, he could understand. Kise however seemed put off by her words and she could see the protests rising to his lips. Though she wasn't surprised by his inability to grasp the concept, she was still annoyed and cut him off again before he could say anything.

"You should always enjoy playing. Winning or losing. If not you're incomplete."

This only seemed to frustrate him more, taking her words as an indirect insult to his skills. She hurriedly subdued the fear and anger before she was forced to chase him down at their next practice to apologize.

"Don't worry, you're getting there."

His frustration only seemed to fade partially, its edge dulled slightly by the confusion she had no doubt left him with. Kasamatsu chuckled under his breath, drawing both his companion's attention. It was a welcome distraction that Kise took immediately and it wasn't long before the two were at their usual antics, arguing over the top of Ayane's head.

While they were preoccupied, Ayane pulled her phone back out of her bag. It had buzzed sometime while she and Kise had been arguing – if 'arguing' was the appropriate word – and the screen lit up when she pulled it from its place. The message flashed across the screen and she smiled as she read it.

'NEW MESSAGE

FROM: TAIGA

OF COURSE! '

She grinned widely when she stowed her phone into her bag a second time. Laughing slightly to herself, she hooked her arms through both her companions'. Their arguing stopped immediately and they stared at her confused, but smiled all the same when she offered no explanation for her sudden good spirits.

So how was it? I'll post another couple of chapters to show a few more relationships!

Also, to anyone who has been waiting for me to write again, thank you so much :) You have no idea what the support means to me!