Childhood Games

Chapter 1

Introduction

"Hey, Kagami," Kuroko whispered, keeping his voice quiet. "Are you still asleep?" The messy head of blue hair rolled over and looked at Kagami, gauging whether or not he was asleep. He heard grumbles and rustling coming from the young man, who was completely ignoring the fact sun was streaming through the shades.

"Ugh. I'm awake now. What is it, Kuroko? Couldn't you have waited? It's only 11am."

"That's the point. It's 11am. I know we have Tuesday's off from university, but still… We shouldn't waste such a beautiful day." He looked hopefully into Kagami's half-asleep eyes, before sitting up and stretching. Kuroko shivered slightly, chilly air hitting his bare chest. Though it was only the beginning of fall, their room was still somewhat cold from the nighttime.

Kuroko took the initiative and got out of bed, heading towards their apartment's bathroom, before pausing. He turned around, a wistful smile on his face. "You know, I dreamed about them again."

"Ahh? Who?" Kagami mumbled, not awake enough to decipher Kuroko's not-so-cryptic words.

"You know. The Generation of Miracles. It was a nice dream, we were all friends. Of course, we were still rivals and all… but we didn't hate each other. That's always a good thing, right?" Kuroko asked to no one in particular before continuing on his rambles. "I miss them. It's been nearly a year and a half since we've seen them. The last time we were all together was… what? Our graduation?" He sighed again, lost in his thoughts. He didn't know how long had passed, but suddenly there was a pair of arms wrapping tightly around him. Kagami, of course. There was no one else in their apartment.

"If you miss them so much, why don't we ask everyone to meet up? That can't hurt, once in a while, right? I'm sure if we give them enough of a heads up, they all could come." Kagami assured the smaller male, still somewhat tired. "Don't look so nostalgic. You're cuter when you're paying attention to me." He bent down to kiss Kuroko on the cheek. "Now go take a shower. We can figure out what to do later."

90 minutes later…

"How about Saturday? It's supposed to be a beautiful day, and I want to spend it outside!" Kuroko suggested cheerfully; he loved the autumn. He continued on, suggesting things left and right. "Maybe a picnic? Or we could go see a movie. But that's no fun, we wouldn't be able to talk. Hmmm…."

Kagami leaned his head on his hand and watched as Kuroko concentrated on the perfect idea for the meet up. Kuroko's face wasn't exactly full of expression - it never was, but it wasn't expressionless either. He knew that Kuroko was excited to see all his old friends and teammates again. Before Kuroko could blow a fuse, Kagami ended the brain storm with a simple answer. "Why don't we just spend the day at the park? Ya know, playing games, and maybe roasting marshmallows or something after dark. That'd be easy enough, and fun if everyone would put up with it. I'll even barbeque if you want." Kuroko's eyes had nearly sparkled at that.

And so, it was decided. They would have a game day at the park closest to their apartment - Alexandra Park. Though The Generation of Miracles was spread out throughout Japan, at differing universities, Kagami and Kuroko happened to be in the center, nearest to everyone. Plus, Aomine and Kise lived about 5 minutes by car, anyways. Everyone could make it there, given sufficient time.

Kuroko sent out a group message to the separate Miracles. He wrote the message so he wouldn't sound clingy or demanding, but also so the Miracles couldn't just shake the message off. He wrote the message with an air of superiority. And when Kuroko ordered something, they all did it. No questions asked. He was like a less scary version of Akashi.

( To: Kise Ryouta; Aomine Daiki; Akashi Seijurou; Momoi Satsuki; Midorima Shintaro; Atsushi Murasakibara

From: Kuroko Tetsuya

Hello.

It's been a long time. I suggest a group outing. Be at Alexandra Park at 3pm, on Saturday. Make sure to have eaten lunch previously. Bring whoever you want. Be there, it will be fun. Dinner will be provided.

Kuroko. )

Throughout Kuroko and Kagami's day off, a steady stream of replies came through. All but Momoi had replied, and all had said yes, some more reluctantly than others.

A few hours later, around dusk, Kuroko got a message from Momoi.

( To: Tetsu-kun

From: Momoi Satsuki

Hey! Sorry, Tetsu-kun, but I can't make it. I really wish I could, but I have - guess what?! - a date! I'm really excited and I would've canceled, but he's a really nice guy and I like him a lot. Please have lots of fun for me, and tell everyone I say hello!

But don't forget, you'll always be my first love!

Love you!

Momoi. )

Kuroko had smiled at the message he received - he was glad she finally had moved on and found someone. He was a little sad she wouldn't be able to make it, but Kuroko wasn't sure she'd be able to handle all the couples alone, as well. Probably not from jealousy, though. More likely she would die from all the attractive couples. All men, no less. Kuroko silently giggled to himself, closing his phone and told his boyfriend, Kagami, what she had sent. The redhead had smiled as well, uncharacteristically looking forward to their day at the park.

Their lovely Tuesday had finally came to an end, and eventually Saturday arrived. The couple got everything they could need together on Friday, including s'mores makings, drinks, and barbecue stuff. Kagami would be cooking, so they didn't need to worry about a backup for food - their hotdogs and hamburgers would be edible.

Friday night, Kuroko could hardly sleep - he was so excited to see everyone again. Eventually, he fell asleep, dreaming of a rainbow world, filled to the brink with his friend's distinctive hair colors.

End of Chapter 1 / Introduction