Joke that wasn't funny

Disclaimer: I don't own the sexy guys or Kuroko no Basuke, just my perverted ideas.

AN: pseudo-beta'ed, English is not my first language so sorry for mistakes. X-mas gift to my best friend, blame her for that 3

x

Right now Kagami started to curse himself for ever thinking that following Kuroko and his middle school overly friendly buddy was dumbest idea ever. But the view before his eyes made him consider this whole idea either best joke of the month at least, or the reason he'd die a painful death soon. Maybe both… Right now Seirin's power forward was standing on his free day, dressed in jeans and dark red t-shirt in the hall of Shuutoku High with Kuroko on his right, looking as disinterested as ever and almost jumping and choking himself with laughter Kise Ryota on his other side. And the sole reason of that was the sight of the one and only Midorima Shintarou extremelly pissed, wearing a black suit with FRIGGIN' cat ears on his head and a fake tail hanging loosely from his behind plus a plush fox tied to his belt – probably today's lucky item, bowing slightly to the costumers of "Neko Cafe" and inviting them inside – the great idea his class came up with as a project of sorts on the school festival. How the hell did Midorima of all people end up dragged into this whole farse, Kagami had no idea, but he would bet his monthly saving that it was work of his smaller friend who was always following the green haired shooter.

"Midorimacchi, you look adorably cute!" Kise finally regained his ability to speak and made few steps in Midorima's direction, only to be given a death glare from behind the glasses.

"Don't. Say. A. Word." the higher boy forced through his clenched teeth. "Why are you even here?"

"Kise-kun called and asked me to come here with him and since I was at Kagami-kun's place, he came along." came and answer with steady voice. Kuroko smilled a little bit when he moved his blue eyes all over Midorima, taking his appearance. "You really look good in that, Midorima-kun." he added in the same tone, making Kagami and Kise snicker under their noses.

"Why are you even in the area, Kise?" demanded Midorima after a deep breath. A murder would definitely not help his future career…

"Oh, I just had a modeling job to do nearby and then I heard Midorimacchi's school had a festival so I wanted to see, have some fun and…" Kise of course started babbling about stupid stuff so everyone tuned him out. When Kagami looked little down and to his right, he noticed Kuroko looking at him with small smile decorating his lips.

"What?" he asked quietly looking at his partner.

"Kagami-kun would look good in cat ears too." came a simple answer, making red haired boy blush and ready to deny existence of that idea, but he never had chance. Seirin's ace barely opened his mouth to come up with some sort of smart retort but no words came out. His eyes just grew bigger as he looked past blabbering Kise and Midorima trying to ignore the blonde. Right out of the class in which was the cafe, came pretty maid, dressed in short skirt, white, frilly apron, white, buttoned shirt on her chest, white stockings on slim, long legs and black, shiny heels on her feet. Her black, silky hair were held back with two hairpins, orange and green, on each side, making her face more visible, eyes gently touched with eyeliner and and dark green eye shadows, pumpkin coloured lipstick on. She also had cute cat ears on her and fluffy tail.

"Hey, Shin-chan, what's taking you so long there!" said the pretty maid in way too manly and familiar voice, instantly attracting Kise's and Kuroko's attention as well. "Oh… Yo!" the dark haired maid also noticed the extra guests from other schools, waving a hand in their direction. "Didn't know Shin-chan invited his friends over, hehe.." he teased, looking at the green haired basketball player.

"Shut up, Takao." Midorima instantly replied, like he usually did when the other first year boy said something stupid. As if he'd ever invite Kuroko over to see his humiliation, or anyone else for that matter.

"No way, why the hell are u wearing girl's costume, Takao?" this time Kagami laughed really loudly. Not that he didn't appreciate the view, that short skirt and slim legs would be really a catch…

"Oh, we don't have many girls in class so I volunteered!" he answered happily catching his tail and swinging with it, trying to look even more sexy than he already was. Or, what both Kuroko and Kagami noticed, trying to distract everyone's attention from quick movement of his silvery-blue eyes, which just for a second landed on Midorima, as if checking for his reaction. The other boy just fixed his glasses stiffly, averting his eyes from Takao, focusing his attention on other people around. Kagami furrowed his brows a little on the strange behavior, but haven't said anything, neither did Kuroko, keeping his brilliant thoughts to himself. "Besides, Shin-chan has this maid kink, maybe now he'll like me more." Shuutoku's point guard added after a while, making all three of their surprise guests to look at Midorima.

"TAKAO! Enough!" green haired player scolded him, seeing as Kise was getting ready to make another stupid remark. "We are going back to work, now." the tall buy sighted, turning around and entering the class adapted to the cafe, with not so shorter now boy right after him.

"Tch, Midorimacchi is no fun today, more grumpy then ever." complained the blonde copy-cap, placing his hands on the back of his head, looking out of the window on the other side of corridor. "Wanna go grab coffee from their cafe and tease Midorimacchi some more?"

"Don't be mean to him like that Kise-kun." Kuroko said from the cafe, somehow he just teleported from the place beside Kagami, who was behind Kise, and was first inside, looking for place to sit.

"Kurokocchi is such fun-spoil! Kagamicchi, do something about your…!" he complained, but was instantly silenced with a hand plastered over his face.

"Kise-kun, please remember we are in public." Kuroko's voice was more stern right now, looking seriously at the blonde. Well, at last more serious than usually.

"What for? He's plenty of fun for me." Kagami added taking his seat at the round table they all got, already thinking about lunch. Damn he was hungry!

x

"Are you mad, Shin-chan?" Takao asked as he sat the table on the back of the class, completely hidden from view of all customers bu heavy curtains, looking oh so not sorry at Midorima.

"Of course I am! I told you already to stop this whole idiocy!" green haired boy forcefully took cat ears of his head, looking all deadly and pissed at his partner on court. "You said that you'll end this thing if I'll take part in festival activities, so here I am, doing my part of deal and you still can't fulfill yours." Midorima took a deep breath after this, trying his best to calm down. He always knew Takao liked joking and teasing him but this... this was going too far. He didn't like THAT particular joke the most. It was enough that he started having this… disturbing ideas lately, late in the evening when he was alone in his room, or when he stayed longer at the practice… Now he was cursed with this all during the day, at school, on court with everyone watching. He even agreed to this massively humiliating costume just so Takao would stop the teasing, it wasn't helping Midorima's sanity. Yes Midorima Shintaro was having very disturbing thoughts about his annoying and sexy team mate. And he would deal with it way better if just few days back Takao haven't decided to make this joke…

It was late, they were heading back home, Takao riding the bike and Midorima as always sitting on his comfortable spot in the back, can of his favorite drink in the hand. It was was a very, very ordinary day… That was the problem, his horoscope warned him about something unexpected happening, but whole day it was just… too normal. They finally stopped by Midorima's house and the older boy stood up, getting ready to go inside. Takao was surprisingly quiet thou, looking at him from the corner of his eye, unsure. He took a deep breath and prompted the other boy to speak.

"Something's wrong Takao?"

Dark haired player turned his head for a second to look at Midorima with his all attention, then leaned over the handlebar of his bike, looking down the road.

"Shin-chan, what would you do if I told you I was into guys?" came very honest sounding words from Takao's lips. That was surprising confession to make, especially to him of all people, but since they hang out a lot together Takao probably considered him as a friend and trusted him the most.

"Being homosexual doesn't make you worse person." he stated simply, which was true of course.

"Even if I said I liked you?" this time Takao was a little bit quieter, still looking in front of him and not at Midorima. Green haired boy frowned, taken off-guard by that sort of question. There is no way Takao was thinking like that, he was just testing his friendship status with Midorima, if he was trustworthy enough of the truth coming later. But somehow he couldn't stop himself from saying the words until it was too late.

"Takao, please not make jokes like that, it's disturbing."

"Right, sorry… Well, I'm gonna go home, it's late. See you tomorrow, Shin-chan!" when the brunet said that without looking all cheerfully or having that all-knowing, mischievous expression plastered on his face, Midorima had a half of second long thoughts that something was wrong, and definitely that was his fault. But he didn't make mistakes like that, he always followed his fate an today his sign was the luckiest one, nothing bad like your team mate falling for you wouldn't happen so he just put that idea aside and went home, not even looking as Takao disappeared in the distance.

After that everything was fine, Takao was all annoying and teasing like always, just Midorima started thinking too much into this because since that evening he just caught his team mate way too many times staring at him. He would always smile after being caught red handed and come up with some excuse or joke (usually the later). But sometimes Takao went just to the extremes, like two days ago when he threatened Midorima he'd kiss him in public unless he helped at the Cafe. He agreed on one condition, that Takao would stop those disturbing jokes of his!

"But Shin-chan, that's impossible, my love for you is eternal! Plus I said I'll try and I am trying very very hard…" Takao pouted, looking guilty and sad for a second, then he started laughing. Again. "I wish I had a camera right now, your face is awesome, Shin-chan!"

"I'm leaving." Midorima announced simply, ripping off the cat tail from his pants and walking angrily out of the classroom, followed by the very surprised three pairs of eyes.

x

"Midorima-kun, can we talk?" a familiar voice of Kuroko startled Midorima, who was sitting on a bench right now, reading a book. He just looked to his right taking in the sight of serious looking Kuroko sitting on the bench. He haven't seen the smaller boy for almost a month and was happy with how that was going but looks like today was not his lucky day, it's was Aquarius'. Green haired boy remained silent, letting the misdirection master continue with whatever he wanted to say. So he did.

"Midorima-kun, you may study hard and know a lot of things, but with important matters you are just stupid." Kuroko said in his steady, calm voice, looking straight at his former team mate. "Or an egoist." he added after a short while, apparently still thinking what his opinion of Midorima was.

"And how did you come up with such opinion, Kuroko? Not that I care about it, of course." Midorima closed his book, storing in his perfect memory the number of page he was at when Kuroko showed up.

"I talked to Takao-kun the other day with Kagami-kun and decided to help." blue haired boy announced, making Midorima's heart stop for a moment.

Kuroko was sitting in their usual fast food place, waiting for Seirin's power forward, who was late as always, when a familiar voice reached his ears. The boy, sipping slowly his vanilla shake looked in the direction of the entrance and saw two highschoolers wearing Shuutoku High uniforms entering and passing by him without noticing. That would not be so surprising if one of them wasn't the owner of hawk eyes. Furthermore, the boy look pretty down and his usual, green haired company was missing. Today he was walking slowly, almost dragging his feet on the floor, taking a spot in the far corner of the place, right next to Kuroko's seat and still haven't noticed the blue haired boy's presence. By his side was the blonde 3rd year from the team, corned look visible on his handsome face, Miyaji.

"So Takao, what's this shit with you and Midorima? It makes everyone anxious, you know?" said the taller basketball player, picking the menu and looking through the list, but still paying attention to his underclassman.

"I know, it's just… I said something I shouldn't to Shin-chan and now it all got.. awkward…" exclaimed Takao, sighing after that. It was pretty weird watching the 1st year boy sitting there so calmly, obviously upset and lacking his usual antics. He turned his head toward the windows, observing people passing by on the street, supporting his chin with his hand on the table.

"It might not be my business really and it's not like it's affecting the team, you both still do great, but if you want to talk to someone… Just so you know…" Miyaji offered. He and Takao weren't particulary close and he was two years older on top of that, but the blonde cared about his team mates and their well-being. If there was something he could do to help, he was more than glad to offer. Takao took a longer moment to consider the offer, assessing the other boy calmly with his eyes. He already made a fool of himself once and didn't want to repeat the mistake. But maybe it's help in the end?

"I kind of confessed to Shin-chan.." Takao lowered his eyes to look at the table when he informed the other of what happened few weeks back. Dark haired boy didn't know what he was expecting, that Miyaji would laugh it off? Or would he not believe? Maybe even the other boy would be disgusted. None of that came thou.

"I kinda knew there was something like that between the two of you." he just commented without any malice or mockery. He looked as if he knew all from the start. With Takao's baffled look directed at him, he continued. "Just the way he's comfortable only near you, and how you always follow him and do lots of stuff for him, there is no need for you to go to such lengths for someone, I don't see you doing any of this to other team or class mates, so I just figured it out."the blonde smiled fondly at his younger friend but got serious in matter of seconds. "So... he rejected you I guess?" he added quietly.

"Actually, that would be better, he thought it was a joke and laughed it off." Takao forced a smile on his face, but that never reached his bright eyes. "I try to be serious for once and he thinks I'm just teasing. Oh the…"

"I'm sorry Kuroko, for being late that is.. Oh... you guys?" just when everything was getting more serious Kagami had to show up and open his big, loud moth and disturb everyone. "What's up?" he asked taking place next to Kuroko. Takao and Miyaji momentary looked shocked, backing away in their seats a little.

"Since when are you here!?" Takao was the more shocked. He never failed before to notice Seirin's shadow player but now, he even didn't see Kagami until he was sitting right next to them!

"I've been sitting here already when you came." the smaller boy admitted, sipping his shake and observing Takao intensely.

"You... heard?" Shuutoku's 3rd year asked with hope, patting Takao's head in an attempt to calm him down. That was not going good, the little guy was Midorima's friend from middle school, they were screwed.

"Yes, all of it." Kuroko deadpanned as only he could, earning confused look from the red haired player sitting beside him.

"Crap…" Takao cursed hiding his head in his arms folded on the table.

"Takao-kun, I understand this. I've been there with Kagami-kun here…" blue haired boy admitted, pointing at the bigger guy.

"The hell Kuroko! Don't talk about this to all!" Kagami started to blush pretty shade of red, turning away his gaze from Shuutoku players. This was so fucking embarrassing!

"Takao-kun has that problem with Midorima-kun, I just want to help." Kuroko looked first at Kagami, trying to calm the tiger with his, apparently loving gaze, then turned to Takao, reassuring him with a small smile.

"Thank you…" was the only replay Takao could get out of his stunned person.

"Is that so? About what?" Midorima was doing his best to keep his gaze away from Kuroko, fixing his glasses almost nervously. No, he was not nervous, he had no reason.

"Midorima-kun, what do you think of Takao-kun?" came a question from shorter of the two first years and for a second, the green haired boy didn't know what to say. It's not like he could admit that he had been thinking about the other boy so much lately. But it was all Takao's fault, for making those stupid jokes! No, he couldn't tell Kuroko of all people that he had been thinking about the other boy shirtless, smiling, sweaty after practice, calling his name…

"He's a good player, has good grades, but he is annoying…" Midorima decided to avoid the UNIMPORTANT facts coming from his confused teenager's libido.

"That's not what I'm asking about." Kuroko stopped the other boy's speech before it got too far with irrelevant topics.

"If you are talking about that joke from weeks ago then I've already told Takao I don't care. We are on good terms." Midorima voice was stern when he said that, trying to sound s sure of what he was telling as possible, too bad he wasn't completely convinced, especially with the "being on good terms" part. Takao was behaving weird lately. More weird than usual, he joked less, maybe he was scared that he'd offend Midorima with another stupid joke of his? "I'm already used to that fool and his jokes, I'm not getting mad because of that."

"Midorima-kun really is stupid." Kuroko said simply, sighing. "That was not what I asked." he added seeing how pissed Midorima was getting with all well aimed insults. Mostly because they were true, the tall boy didn't care if what Kuroko said wasn't true. "Maybe Takao-kun wasn't making fun of you at all? With everything he does for you…"

"I refuse to be a part of this stupid joke of his and apparently yours too now." he hissed, preventing Kuroko from taking this talk any further, standing up and stuffing his book into the bag forcibly. "And I don't have time for this pointless conversation." he left with that, their practice was starting soon and he didn't want to be late.

"Midorima-kun is not only stupid but very oblivious too."

x

The beeping of his alarm clock was unusually annoying this morning, making Midorima put a pillow over his head at first, but when the damn device didn't stop the irritating sound soon, the boy was forced to sit on his bed and turn it off. He'd gladly go back to bed but unfortunately, today was a school day and he had to get ready for classes. He stood up, dark green pajama pants hanging loosely on his hips. He ran his right hand through disheveled hair, trying to put them in order and failing miserably. Slowly he started walking towards the bathroom, turning on the radio on the way, he didn't want to miss the morning Oha Asa horoscope. As he was taking the shower he managed to listen to the news, trying to focus his minds away from the every disturbing thoughts that might come to his head, he didn't need that 5 minutes after getting up, and definitely not in the shower, with all that.. touching, soap and nudity involved. Some time later he finally came back to his room, with towel around his waist, another piece of material on his hair, trying to dry them when the familiar announcer's voice hit his ears.

"…lucky item is your favorite book! As for you Cancers, this is not your day at all. Be prepared for the worst and try staying out of trouble. Make sure to carry with you your lucky item of the day – a gift from someone who has feelings for you! …"

Midorima blinked once, twice… three times, then he tried drying his ears, because that obviously wasn't… right? Oha Asa sometimes had… strange suggestions for saving his fate, but never something like this… One thing was true – this was not one of his days already and he would have to do everything to not make it any worse. As Midorima was take out his underwear from drawer, neatly folded, he just couldn't divert his attention away from the horoscope as it mentioned something important just this moment.

"…Scorpio's luck today is pretty high, but watch out for Capricorns and Lions, they won't be friendly towards you today. Make sure to stay close with Cancer, today they'll protect you from harm. Your lucky item of the day is green pencil! … "

Midorima was looking way too intensely at the traitorous device, trying to break it with his eyes alone. That really wasn't his day. Sure, he could be an egoistic prick some people thought him to be but… He wasn't really one, right? Some stupid jokes were not supposed to ruin other peoples lives and knowing that fate was sometimes vengeful, it was worth sacrificing one day for someone who was your.. classmate, someone who'd be part of your existence for the next few years. Green haired boy made few steps towards his nightstand first, picking his glasses and putting them on his nose, then to the desk, opening the top drawer and looking inside, finally picking a brand new pencil. Green. He put the item gently into his bag, getting back to dressing after that.

After perfectly balanced breakfast and keeping his mind away from talkative, dark haired, well build… no, he was not going there! Annoying jokers, he left the house, planning to head to the school and hoping nothing happened on the way, Midorima stopped in his tracks when he noticed a familiar bike parked on the sidewalk and Takao leaning by fence, grinning like he usually does, waving to him.

"Hey, Shin-chan, want a lift?" he offered, pushing himself of with one foot, walking to the bike, but not on it it.

"Why are you here?" Midorima couldn't stop himself from asking. Takao didn't usually come all the way to pick him up from his home, the brunet waiting on the crossing several minutes away from here, only leaving Midorima at door's step late after practice or games.

"I heard the horoscope and well. I wouldn't want to ruin your luck today so I brought you this." Takao slid his hand into the pocket, taking small package from inside and throwing it toward his classmate, who caught it without problems, like all other passes during practice. The taller boy first inspected the small, definitely light present, then gave a questioning look towards Takao. "Just open so we can go or we'll be late." the brunet rushed his team mate. Midorima gently unfolded the paper wrapped around whatever was inside, curiously looking inside but he couldn't really recognize what it was. Finally he pulled item from from the paper with his fingers, inspecting it. It was a simple phone strap made out of tight, plait black and dark green string with small, emerald pended attached to it in the shape of four-leaf clover. At first Midorima thought it was stupid and girly but… then he reconsidered. The color of the strap was perfectly matching his phone, the clover was definitely lucky item itself. It wasn't overly shiny, rather than that, it was simple, maybe even elegant in some weird way but definitely looked like something, if of course he'd have the need to buy, Midorima would pick for himself. But it was Takao who got this, and it doesn't look like just some random pick, the boy probably thought about it a while. Then why did he have it now, barely half an hour after today's Oha Asa horoscope, the shops were not open yet, and not close enough to make fast ride to them.

"Takao, when… when did you get that?" he asked carefully, not wanting to sound too surprised. The smile on Takao's face told him that he failed.

"Haha, Shin-chan, you like it that much? You should see your face now, hehe. Good, now you can have luck today and we can go to school, right?" the shorter boy teased, taking his place on the bike, turning around to see, if Midorima was sitting or not. The older boy, still a little confused, took his place on the back, sitting comfortably. Just when Takao was about to start pedaling, something sharp poked him in the back. He turned, making teary eyes, with complaint ready to slip his lips when he noticed what caused the pain. A pencil. A bright green pencil.

"I don't think you had a green one." he simply stated, not making eye contact with the boy, just holding the item in his outstretched hand, waiting for Takao to just take the damn thing so they could already go to school.

"Thanks, Shin-chan! I didn't know you cared so much about me!" the boy joked, laughing quietly as he put the pencil in his bag, stealing a short glance at Midorima, his expression unreadable.

"I don't so just shut up Takao." Midorima said with his usual tone, no hesitation or worry in his words, unlike it was recently.

"We switch at halfway, got that?" the brunet laughed, taking off to school.

"Let's leave it to fate, Takao." Midorima stated, getting more comfortable in his seat, taking out his phone from the pocket and attaching the strap to it with the tiniest of smiles on his face. He still was curious how Takao got it, but decided to drop the question, for now at least.

x

The day was going fairly good, nothing bad happened and Midorima was really thankful. He liked it calm, quiet, he was able to focus. Now was perfect, he was sitting on a bench behind the school, waiting from practice in peace and quiet with Takao gone somewhere on what the other boy called "business". After a while the green haired player checked the time and decided that heading to the gym now and starting earlier was not a bad idea so he stood up and directed his steps toward the building, when some voices caught his attention. Normally he'd have ignored them but upon recognizing Takao as owner of one of them, he turned on his heel instantly, looking for his partner. Right behind the building's corner his eyes met the sight of Takao being held by two other guys Midorima also knew, both were 2nd year players from the team that got kicked shortly after Midorima and Takao joined. There was one other person, but Midorima couldn't recognize him, he had his back turned towards him but his mocking laugh was familiar too.

"I never thought you'd be such a traitor. Or are you a faggot like those two too?" one of the guys holding Takao pinned to the wall asked, way too close to the dark haired boy's hear to Midorima's comfort.

"At last they can play decent basketball, not like you." Takao bit back, almost laughing. The situation was not good at all, hell, it was pretty fucked. These guys asked him for help and Takao got tricked like the last fool, but he never expected them to have such strong grudge against him. Or being homophobic… It's not like Takao was openly gay or anything, all that took them to get pissed was the fact they've seen him hanging out one day with Kagami and Kuroko from Seirin's team and these two were well.. more open bout everything. It's not like it was their business to tell Takao who he could talk or fuck, but as good seniors, those douchebags thought they had the right. No fraternizing with the enemy, huh? The comment made the biggest of the guy, the one standing in front of Takao sprout a sick grin on his face as he pulled his fist back, punching smaller boy straight in the jaw.

"Watch your mouth, or it'll get worse." he said confidently, admiring the blood dripping slowly from Takao's nose after a powerful hit. The younger boy laughed, ignoring that warning.

"You don't have balls to go at me openly, have to gang me with your buddies? Who's a faggot here now?" dark haired Shuutoku regular was smiling at them, still confident and proud even thou he was in pretty shitty situation. It's not like being nice and obedient would save his ass at this point anyway.

"That's because no one wants to hang out with you, only that dickhead Midorima. Is he fucking you then? Coz you seem to just like such company…" at that Takao's eyes got sharper and the boy lost all joking attitude he had. He was fine with abuse, well he wasn't fine, but it was better then letting the idiots hurt Shin-chan. Maybe the green haired boy would never return his feelings, but Takao would not let anyone talk badly about him even, not to mention hurting him like that.

"If you try to touch him…" he hissed trying to break loose from the guys holding him, but didn't succeed. Instead, he earned well placed kick with a knee right to his stomach.

"You gonna do something then?" mocked the biggest of assailants.

"I will." a deep voice came right from behind the guy not holding Takao and surprised assailant turned to see barely a step away from him majorly pissed of Midorima and his fist closing fast to the guys face and connecting with his nose painfully. Takao just watches speechless as green haired basketball player swiftly grabbed the front of older boy's uniform, pulling him closer and hitting again in the same place, forcing a grunt from his throat. As he let go, the boy slipped down to his knees, holding his nose, blood seeping through his fingers. The two holding Takao before rushed to help their buddy but stopped when they noticed Midorima was not alone. Right behind him were the respected seniors of the school, Miyaji and basketball captain – Otsubo.

"I wouldn't do that on your place, you already are in deep shit for attacking club members like that." the latter's stern voice informed as he bend slightly to grab the oldest of attackers by the back of his neck, forcing him to stand up. "Now be good and lets go have a chat with couch, ok?" the captain announce, dragging slightly protesting guy behind himself while Miyaji grabbed the other two and followed him, looking at Takao over his shoulder fast, concern and silent apology visible on his face.

"Midorima, take him to nurse's office for me." he ordered the green haired boy who was standing close, taking deep, calming breaths, stubbornly avoiding looking at Takao. He didn't even answer, but Miyaji knew that he'll go with their feisty point guard and make sure nothing happened to him. Takao didn't move himself. He was standing where he was before, leaning against the wall and thinking. He never expected Shin-chan to behave like that, sure the boy was full of emotions somewhere deep, down his soul, he just never showed the so vividly.

"Let's go." Midorima's quiet but stern voice distracted Takao from his thoughts and the boy followed his team mate to the school, stuffing his hands in the pockets and observing the ground intensely before he raised his eyes to look at Shin-chan. Shuutoku shooter was calm on the outside as he walked, only someone who knew him well could notice slight tension in his shoulders, his gait was steady, but a little too forceful. Takao didn't know how he should understand what just happened. Was there deeper meaning to the other boy's action or was it just Takao's wishful thinking, stupid hope that maybe Midorima cared but was just too shy or afraid to voice his feelings? After all he was a man that spoke with actions, proving day after day that whatever he did was always perfect and meticulously prepared beforehand so there was no place for mistakes. Takao could just ask, hoping Midorima would for once not put up the usual wall between them.

"Um, Shin-chan?" the smaller boy started, unsure if he could just say what was on his mind like he usually did. Something told him that this was a moment of immense importance and he didn't want to screw up AGAIN, that might be his last chance after all.

"Just shut up and walk." Midorima didn't even face him. So much for his hope, eh?

Midorima was not ok at all. He and Takao just entered EMPTY nurse office and that was just far from what the green haired boy wanted. He couldn't slow down his heart rate, his left hand was pulsating with dull pain and apparently he was forced now to stay with unusually silent and serious Takao ALONE… 'Just don't think about it and it'll go away, you just have to busy yourself with something else'. He put his and Takao's bags on the floor by the nearest bed, prompting the dark haired player to sit, as he looked around the office in search of first aid kit. Takao obeyed, grabbing his schoolbag on the way, but his sharp eyes followed even the slightest movement Midorima did. It was frustrating, being observed like that, and the taller boy felt nervousness curling in his stomach. He forced it to subdue taking the white box and putting it on the bed, then taking nurse's chair and placing it by the bed, sitting. He watched with the corner of his eye as Takao took out his team-colored hairband and put it on, getting his dark, silky bangs out of his handsome and a little bloody face. No, wrong. It was just beaten and bloody and far from handsome and… Midorima sighed, giving up this once. The scene from several minutes back flashed in his head followed by Kuroko's voice telling him just how far Takao was ready to go for him. His classmate put himself into even bigger shit than he was before just because those three idiots mentioned taking their anger on Midorima next. He could take care of himself when he had to and was sure that Takao knew that as well, yet the boy cared about him more than his own well being. "Takao-kun wasn't making fun of you at all…" He was serious but couldn't show it more openly because of how the taller boy acted. Midorima followed the movement of Takao`s hand as he wiped some blood still running from his nose with his sleeve.

The silence in the room was thick and Midorima didn't seem ready to start any sort of human conversation anytime soon, other then short, absolutely necessary commands he was giving Takao like "turn your head right" or "hold this". The boy was working slowly and carefully cleaning Takao's blood, putting plasters on one of the deeper scratches on his cheek. He hesitated slightly when he had to ask Takao to open his mouth a little so he could clean the split corner of his mouth, trying not to touch his soft lips with tips of his fingers and, to the later boy's disappointment, succeeding. He was barely breathing.

Takao tried not to squirm from excitement sitting there. First time he was so close with Shin-chan. It was better than his dreams, maybe even better than catching all those glimpses of the other boy's naked skin in the lockers. His green eyes were focused on parts of Takao's face but never really meeting his eyes and the dark haired boy just couldn't stand it anymore when they were so focused on his lips, Shin-chan should be considering kissing right then, not just… But two could play this game so Takao just dropped his gaze as he grabbed Midorima's left wrist and pulled his hand closer. It was warmer than he really expected, there were traces of blood on Midorima's knuckles and taping of his precious fingers. Takao slowly put his lips to the other boy's hand, barely touching it, looking up to see how Midorima's eyes got wider. He knew that was a bold move but he couldn't stop himself anymore. The other highschooler was just too stubborn to take his words seriously so Takao had to show him where he intended to go and Midorima would have no other choice than accept his feelings and fuck all consequences. Takao was probably even more stubborn than the green haired teen, he'd finally make him accept Takao with all his weird antics, stupid jokes, mouth that never shut and what's most important, all the feelings attached. And he was not taking NO for an answer. Not after what Midorima did for him. His left hand, the hand he took such a good care of, he just put aside it's importance for Takao. So no, the younger of the boys was not listening to the others ignorant, narrow minded excuses anymore. If Midorima tried to build up a wall between them Takao would just break it.

"Shin-chan, I don't have my eyes for nothing. I'm not blind…" Takao started, not taking his sight out of Midorima and holding his hand firmly so he'd not run away from this conversation. "You really suck at telling what's going on in your head but I don't care. I still like you Shin-chan." Takao admitted smiling the most honest and bright smile Midorima have ever seen on the smaller boy's face. Green haired teen opened his mouth to say something, to make Takao shut up and stop saying such foolish things.

"I know." came out instead and this time it was Takao who had his eyes opening wider involuntarily. When, after few seconds, nothing followed that short sentence Takao chuckled a little. He should know better than to expect the other boy to just start talking.

"I know something too, that Shin-chan really likes me back." Takao teased, sticking out his tongue to quickly lick one of Midorima's fingers, making the genius player try to pull his hand out of Takao's iron grip, hissing his name. "Sorry, sorry. I'm just happy Shin-chan came there and saved me. You are my knight in shining armor and you should get a kiss as a reward." the dark haired boy half-joked, he couldn't help himself. Teasing Shin-chan was one of his favorite entertainments. Or it would be if Midorima would blush or did something other similarly cute or embarrassing, but he didn't. He just looked at Takao as if he was a moron, which was probably true in Midorima's personal opinion, and pushed his glasses up his nose with his free hand. That was enough for the taller teen. He showed more emotions today than he ever intended, but since it was Takao, it was ok. Midorima gently tried to pull back his left hand and this time Takao let it go, smiling all-knowingly. The damn bastard could see way too much for Midorima's comfort.

"I don't kiss random people." he said standing up and picked everything he used to fix Takao, packing it back into the box. He needed something to do to calm down faster.

"Oh… But I'm not someone random." Takao's melodic voice reached his ears from up close. The dark haired boy must have been right behind him now.

"You are certainly not my boyfriend also." Midorima said matter-of-factly, putting away the first aid kit and regreted that these words escaped his mouth. One look at Takao's smug face told him he just dig his own grave.

"Not a problem. Do you want to date, Shin-chan?" Takao asked, smiling all the damn time. If he wasn't already beaten today Midorima would made sure the boy got hit with a basketball in the face during practice. Several times in fact. The question still stood. Did he want to date Takao? He was content with the other boys presence most of the time, they matched perfectly on the court for once. If Midorima would ever try to look for someone to be with, surely a lot of qualities Takao had were high on Midorima's list of thing his potential partner should have. Takao was trustworthy, loyal, he accepted him with Midorima's superstitions and exaggerated faith in horoscopes…

"If you won't answer anything I'll just think you agree, Shin-chan." Shuutoku's point guard teased. He knew well that making the receiver of his affections accept that would take way longer, he couldn't just stop himself from saying that. Midorima leaned to pick his bag then, turning his back towards Takao and the other boy could swear he saw a smile on his face.

"We'll be late for practice, Takao." taller boy said, heading towards the door of the office and Takao took really long to comprehend what just happened. Midorima didn't say no. He.. agreed? In his own, weird way, Midorima just agreed to go out with Takao! And he left the other boy in the office right after!

"Shin-chan, wait for me!" Takao grabbed his bag and ran out of the room, spotting Midorima slowly going down the stairs. "Shin-chan!"

Midorima finally stopped, halfway down the stairs, turning towards Takao with disapproving look on his face.

"Can't you be silent for a change?" he asked, looking up at the smaller boy who stood few steps higher.

"I can, I have good excuse now…" Takao smiled, making two slow steps down, reaching with his hand towards Midorima. The green haired boy didn't move even the slightest, pleasantly surprising his team mate. He just was looking intensely at brunet who was now same height as him thanks to the steps. Takao gently took off Midorima's glasses from his nose and in one fluid motion closed the distance between their faces, kissing the older boy. He didn't want to push his luck too far this time, already barely accepting the fact that this was reality, sting in the corner of his mouth was enough to prove that. Takao moved his lips slowly over those belonging to Midorima, testing the waters. He closed his eyes, not wanting to discourage Shin-chan who finally responded with quiet sigh and kissed Takao back. Slow and sensual, parting his mouth later and sliding his tongue over surprised Takao's bottom lip, asking for entrance. The other boy happily allowed that, opening his mouth enough to accept hot tongue inside, sliding over his own few times before Midorima pulled away, leaving Takao hungry for more. Shin-chan was better at this than Takao imagined, not that he was complaing of course.

"Can I have my glasses now?" Midorima asked in his serious tone, holding his hand in front of Takao, waiting to get the named item back in his possession.

"Ah, sure." Takao stole a fast glance of the tempting lips before he handed the glasses back to the owner. Midorima put them on, turning around and resuming walking to their practice, shorter boy at his usual place beside him. They walked barely a minute in comfortable silence when Takao decided to open his mouth for some stupid reason.

"Shin-chan, are you top or bottom?" he asked curiously, looking up at the face of green haired boy, waiting for reaction. Midorima just looked at him with disbelief.

"Excuse me?"

"I mean in bed. You want to top or bottom?" Takao repeat, smug grin creeping on his face slowly as he observed green eyes widening.

"Takao, you just did not ask me that question…" the taller boy looked away, not knowing how the hell he should react. It was inappropriate to just answer that NOW.

"But I really wanna know." dark haired boy tried again. Midorima was never eager to show things about himself to anyone, Takao included, he was secretive and the shorter boy just wanted to know, know every detail about the other boy.

"That's it. We're breaking up." green haired shooter decided, moving away from Takao and walking, not even turning around to see dumbfounded Takao frozen on his spot.

"You can't just break up with me like that, Shin-chan! That'd be the shortest relationship in history!" Takao rushed after Midorima, catching up to him fast, trying to read the other expression and see if he was really serious or just paying him back for stupid teasing. He got even idea how to check it. "I haven't even sucked your dick yet…" the boy pouted like a little kid, silver eyes hunting for any changes in Midorima's face.

"Takao, shut your dirty mouth and just walk." Midorima turned his head away, trying to hide slight pink that showed up on his cheeks but Takao noticed that. He just smiled in return and moved closer than ever into Shin-chan's personal space, walking silently beside him to the gym.

x

AN: I hope you enjoyed it and won't curse me after. I hope to write another chapter (soon). Comments are welcome.