Chapter Two: You Understand?

Thank you to everyone for your helpful responses! I look forward to hearing more in the future!

~.~.~

The next day had been relatively uneventful. After class, he had taken his time exploring Tokyo, but not in the traditional sense. He had gone searching for magic. Using his sensory skills, he had sought out to see if there was a secret society of wizards as there had been in his world. However, the prospect was looking bleaker by the moment.

He could sense no magic in the world other than the natural ambience in the air. The earth was rich with magic and life, like an untapped spring. Untapped being the key word. No one in this world had tampered with the lay lines. They remained untouched; a wild and dangerous situation for Kuroko if he were to meddle with them alone, so he left them be. There was no need to pull on the natural magic of the earth regardless.

This however, led him to believe that he must be the only magical being in existence in this plane. Or, if there had been in the past, they had died out long ago. The thought was rather depressing, but at least Kuroko didn't have to worry about being famous or recognised like in his previous life. He would enjoy the anonymity and the peace. He didn't like being invisible to those around him, but he did not crave the shallow attention that fame afforded him.

On his way to school, Kuroko couldn't help but walk past the basketball court. It was a familiar route and was only a short detour. In passing, he noticed Kagami enthusiastically playing alone, making shot after shot. Kuroko couldn't fault him for his passion and he continued walking, deciding to let him be.

School was once again bustling with activity, the hall wasn't quite so crowded as that first sign up day, but it was still congested. Students slowly made their way to their respective classrooms, saying goodbye to their new friends.

Kuroko would like a friend or two. That would be nice. He technically still had the Generation of Miracles, but since he had pulled his disappearing act, he had cut all ties. It's not like they hadn't cut ties emotionally first.

Making his way to Riko's class, he gently pushed open the door. The second years didn't notice his entrance and Kuroko quickly made his way over to her seat. She appeared to be daydreaming while sipping her milk. Kuroko's mouth watered slightly as he noticed it was vanilla flavoured. He thought it would be rather petty and hurt his chances with his request if he was to steal her milk, but the urge was there nonetheless.

"I'd like an official club registration form, please," he announced, startling the Seirin High Basketball coach. Milk sprayed out of her mouth rather spectacularly, but thankfully went over Kuroko's shoulder. The student behind him however was not so lucky and her cries could be heard down the hall as she rushed to the bathroom.

"So impatient," she complained, leaning back in her chair. Nevertheless, she began to retrieve a form from her binder. "We have room on the team for you and Kagami-kun who I am sure will turn up soon," she said. "We'd be more than happy to accept you. You still have to prove yourself to the team though."

Kuroko hummed and accepted the form with a nod. It seemed like a relatively simple process.

"I'll only accept your form at 8:40 on Monday on the roof."

He nodded once more and thanked the coach. Riko waved as Kuroko left and happily went back to her drink.

Kuroko lingered in the hall, reading the announcements of the day on the pin board. The Kanto tournament debut was displayed quite prominently in the centre. They looked confident and competent. Far more so than the current Seirin team.

Kuroko jumped as he looked over and saw Kagami standing directly next to him, also reading poster. His eyes were lidded as he gazed serenely, challenged, but not especially worried.

He also jumped as he noticed his neighbour and Kuroko felt a small sense of satisfaction at the payback. It wasn't often that Kuroko was caught off guard, even it was a day to day occurrence for his partner.

"Why can't you show up normally?!" Kagami demanded, speaking far too loudly for an indoor area. "Stop showing up out of nowhere!"

Kuroko placed a finger against Kagami's lips and one against his own, indicating that he should be quiet. He removed the finger from his own lips and gestured to the sign displaying "Library" above their heads.

Kagami grabbed Kuroko by the hair and he dropped his hands, making a small grunt of pain.

"Stop it Kagami-kun. That hurts," he explained whilst the power forward continued to rage that he was being made fun of.

Kuroko was swiftly released and he rubbed the patch of his hair that was yanked painfully. Kagami hesitated for a moment, glancing down at the small player. "Sorry, Kuroko-kun," he apologised, giving his hair a tender ruffle.

Once the moment was over, Kuroko used his ability to slip away. He didn't really want to face any more of Kagami's wrath at this point in time. He heard his name called as he exited the hall, but by the time Kagami looked in his direction, he had already disappeared.

~.~.~

It was Monday, at 08:35 and Kuroko was beginning to regret his decision. Riko stood against the edge of the railing, the cityscape acting as a dramatic backdrop to the stage that was her life. The wind was whipping her hair into a frenzy, but it didn't seem to bother her at all. Her face was serious, and her crossed arms and straight back mirrors that image.

"I've been waiting for you," she announced.

She had actually been the last one to appear as they were all five minutes early, but Kuroko didn't think his observation would be appreciated in that moment.

The boys looked on at the display in disbelief and Kuroko had a feeling most of them were reconsidering their decision to join basketball. He couldn't blame them to be honest. It was more of a drama club considering what he had seen at this point in time. Even Kagami didn't look enthused by the display.

"Are you stupid?" Kagami questioned bluntly. "We are going to be late for the assembly," he pointed out. The general assembly was already set and had a perfect view of what the basketball club was about to do.

Rika went on to explain her promise that she made when she became coach of the Seirin team. She spoke passionately about her focus and wanted to make sure that everyone on the team was as serious as she was. If not, then they would quit and join another club.

"I have to know you have ambitious goals and the will to accomplish them!" she concluded.

Kuroko was a little worried at that prospect. He wasn't sure what his motivation was to play basketball other than for the thrill and too pass the time. He didn't really have any lofty goals. Sure, he said he would beat the Generation of Miracles with Kagami, but he was sure they could accomplish that. No, that wasn't a goal, it was simply something which had yet to come to pass.

"If you fail, you'll come back up here, strip naked and confess your feelings for the girl you love."
Riko's face was filled with positively evil glee. A quick glance back at the seniors showed them how serious she was about her proclamation.

The freshman had a violent reaction to the threat, Kuroko wasn't worried though. He didn't like any girls, so they couldn't force him to fulfil the deal if he did fail. Harry had started to have a small crush on Ginny before everything had fallen to pieces and Kuroko didn't know what he liked.

Naturally, Kagami stepped up first. With an air of confidence, he jumped up onto the railing and looked out over the assembly. The wind was still blowing a gale and Kuroko tried to think of a way he could use arresto momentum without being caught in the event Kagami falls. That boy was far too reckless.

He bravely declared that he would become the best player in Japan. Kuroko personally thought he had the potential, as long as he didn't injure himself in the process.

One by one, the rest of the freshman each made their declaration. They were each passionate in their own way and some of their suggestions were rather amusing. Kuroko didn't want to see any of them fail, be he could admit the punishment would be hilarious.

Eventually, Kuroko stepped forward. He stood by the edge of the building and lightly griped the railing. It was hot to the touch, but not unbearably so as it was still early in the morning. Kuroko discretely took out his wand and pointed it at his neck muttering the charm, "Sonorous."

The magic tickled as it danced on Kuroko's neck. His neck had always been very sensitive since he was a child. It was one of the places he had always managed to defend for Vernon and Dudley's blows. The rest of his body may be marked by the experiences of his past, but his neck remained clear of any marks. Not even a freckle lay on the silky skin.

Just as Kuroko was about to speak, the doors that led to the roof were violently burst open. The team dutifully took their scolding, but even he could see that the message wasn't sinking in. Eventually the school would accept the newly created basketball tradition.

~.~.~

Once again, Kagami sat down at Kuroko's table at his favourite café. Kuroko sighed and got the red headed boys attention. Kuroko was far more easily recognised in this world, but he was still like a drop in a bucket of water. He tried not to let it get him down. This was just the way it was now.

Kagami's plate was once again piled high with burgers. Kuroko understood that he had to eat a lot of make up for the high amounts of energy lost in basketball practice, but this was ridiculous. He looked down at his own vanilla shake. It was the only thing he had eaten that day aside from a small bento box.

"You again? Maybe I should start going somewhere else," Kagami complained.

Kuroko looked back down at his food and didn't comment on the statement. He knew they weren't exactly friends, but that was still rather hurtful.

"We aren't allowed on the roof anymore," Kuroko complained, though it wasn't obvious by his tone. "What will we do if we can't join the basketball team?"

Kagami smirked. "That's not gonna happen." There was no doubt in his voice. "By the way," he trailed off for a moment, wondering if he should ask. "Why didn't you go to some big-name school like the other five guys? You were good enough to be known as the phantom sixth member."

Taking another sip, Kuroko contemplated his response. "My middle school's basketball team had one core principle. Winning is everything." Kuroko's voice was hard as he stared down Kagami, noting his reactions to his words. "Instead of teamwork, we needed to push the individual talents of the Generation of Miracles to win."

Kagami looked away and stared down at the table, listening intently. Kuroko didn't often speak for this length of team and this was clearly a significant glance into his and the Generation of Miracles psyche.

"Nothing could beat us," Kuroko continued. "But we weren't a team. That's why we need to beat the Generation of Miracles together, Kagami-kun."

"Seriously?"

"Your words and the coach's words really struck me," Kuroko explained. "My biggest reason to play is not technically to make you and our team the best in Japan. I don't want the fame or the prestige. I want to help my old friends before they go down a destructive path which they cannot return from. If that requires making us all the best in Japan then so be it."

"Gah, you say such embarrassing stuff sometimes!" Kagami complained, a light blush spreading across his nose and cheeks.

"You're very loyal to them, Kuroko-kun." Kagami smiled. "We're not going to try. We're gonna be the best," he vowed, standing up from his chair, his burgers left forgotten. "I'll help you achieve your dream, Kuroko-kun, as you are helping me achieve mine."

Kuroko smiled up at the power forward, honestly pleased by his words. Kuroko thinks that it was in that moment that Kagami truly became his friend.

~.~.~

The next morning, Kuroko showed up half an hour earlier to school, completed his business, and read at the back of the classroom in his usual seat.

Shock gasps escaped from students as they looked out on the parade ground. The barren earth had been replaced with a bed of yellow tulips. Their stalks stretched impossibly towards the sky, reflecting the sunshine above. Upon closer inspection, it became obvious that the arrangement spelled out the words, 'I will fix them by helping you.'

None of the staff could figure out how someone had snuck onto the school grounds and planted the flowers in such a manner in such a short amount of time. Plans were made that day to remove them, however, they would find the flowers the next day having been moved into the various garden areas. They brought a spark of life to the school, and the administration decided to leave them be. No use in spending money to remove the beautiful features.

Kagami beamed as he noticed Kuroko sitting in his seat with an unassuming air.

~.~.~

Getting changed was always a bother for Kuroko. He didn't mind his scars, but the team was still getting used to his appearance. They hadn't asked about the origin of them, but he could see that they were itching to ask. Even Kagami had to hold his tongue on occasion to stop the questions from slipping out.

So, it was a blessing that the boys were currently pouring over a basketball magazine as Kuroko got changed into his basketball gear.

"Why didn't they interview you?" asked Shinji, noticing the missing article.

Kuroko shrugged. "They did, but they forgot about me. Besides, I'm not like the other five. My skills are very different to theirs," he explained.

Kuroko was going to continue when Tsuchida burst through the doors. "Coach is back!" he exclaimed, dropping his hands to his knees to catch his breath. "We're gonna play a practice game. I don't know who we're playing, but the coach was skipping for some reason…"

"She was skipping?!" Hyuga looked seriously ill. His face had gone white and he held his head in his hands. "Prepare yourselves everyone. If she's skipping, our next opponents going to be really tough," he warned.

Secretly, Kuroko though he was being a little dramatic. These were the kind of teams that they had promised to beat in the next championships. If they couldn't handle a little practice match, no matter what the team, then they couldn't handle the real thing. It's not like they had to win after all, it was about testing your strengths and weaknesses against another team that didn't strictly know your style.

It wasn't long before the Seirin team was out on the court and warming up. They practiced with the seniors against the freshmen in a light, half pace game. Kagami, however, didn't appear to know the meaning of half pace. He quickly stepped to the side of his opponent, his body seeming to blur. His long legs propelled him down the court and Kuroko followed several steps back in case he needed backup. With a spin, he maneuvered his way around the player who had managed to get in front of him, leaped, and slammed the ball through the hoop. It was the first time Kagami had performed such a manoeuvre and it was spectacular.

A silent spectator smirked from the sidelines. He would admit that it was impressive, but he already had the actions memorised. He wasn't the Copycat Miracle for nothing.

The coach called everyone into a huddle and they slowly made their way over to Riko. She was satisfied with their progress and was vibrating with glee at the thought of their next match. She loved cultivating talent and had a feeling that this next game would really push their limits. However, with the announcement that they would be facing Kaijou High School, they didn't seem to share her enthusiasm.

Kuroko didn't react to the declaration, but he knew who he would be facing. It would be a lie to say that he hadn't checked up on his old teammates on occasion. He was just looking out for their wellbeing after all. Those checks were no longer as frequent these days. It was painful to see them progressing so steadily without him there to help. He liked to think that he was important to their growth in some form.

Kagami looked positively delighted to face one of the Generation of Miracles so quickly. His eyes had a sinister sheen to them and Kuroko looked away so that they could not remind him of Aomine.

A low rumble filled the basketball court as what can only be described as a hoard filled the top of the hall. They couldn't enter unless they were part of the team, but that didn't stop them from pressing up against the windows excitedly.

The coach didn't seem pleased by the crowd, but there was nothing she could do.

With a sheepish smile, Kise Ryota stepped out from the crowd. Even as he apologised for the situation he was being hassled for autographs. However, his gaze was fixed on Kuroko who was partially hidden by Kagami. Stepping out from his presence, Kuroko allowed Kise to give him a full up and down sweep. Those eyes hardened as they came upon the mottled skin on his shoulder, the scars on his hands and the deadness in his eyes.

"It's good to see you again, Kise-kun," Kuroko called out.

Kise stepped forward with a certain level of callousness. He did not placate the crowd of girls as before and instead held Kuroko at arm's length, examining him more closely. "I'd say the same thing to you, Kurokocchi. But what is this?" Kise hissed, running a finger over injured shoulder.

The Seirin team were tremendously surprised by Kise's words. Those wounds looked like they were a few years old at least. The fact that Kise was unaware of them left a lot of questions.

Kuroko flinched back, but Kise roughly grabbed a hold of him, keeping him close.

"Leave him alone," Kagami called out in Kuroko's defence, stepping forward so that he was leaning over Kuroko's shoulder, tilting down so that his face was inches from Kise's.

Kuroko lent back, so that Kagami had to step away. Before straightening up. "Kise-kun, this isn't like you. We will discuss this later," he finished with a harsh whisper.

Kise remained still for a moment longer, before reverting to his cheerful personality. He let go of Kuroko and awkwardly scratched the back of his head with his free hand.

"What are you doing here?" Riko asked, arms crossed and not fooled by Kise's appearance. She was protective of her team, and didn't like the way Kise was looking at Kuroko.

With a laugh, Kise explained, "When I heard our opponent was Seirin I remembered Kurokocchi went here, so I thought I'd come say hi."

Kise gave a sad smile. "We were the best of friends in middle school. Never mind the fact that you trained me, Kurokocchi."

"You over exaggerate, Kise-Kun."

Suddenly overcome with tears, Kise complained, "You're so mean, Kurokocchi!" He hid his face behind his arm. Kuroko wasn't fooled.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team poured over the article they had found earlier, looking over Kise's stats. Kise looked genuinely embarrassed at their praise and went on to explain how he felt lucky to be considered one of the Generation of Miracles, and that he considered himself the worst of the bunch.

Without warning, a basketball was hurled directly at Kise. However, Kise caught the ball with an outstretched hand. The ball had a fair amount of power behind the throw, but Kise was used to Kuroko's passes and this paled in comparison. Nevertheless, he was disgruntled by the distraction.

"What was that for? You could have kit, Kuroko!" Kise admonished the rogue player who revealed himself to be Kagami while gesturing the Kuroko standing a mere pace from himself.

Meanwhile, Kuroko had yet to blink during the entire exchange.

"Sorry to interrupt your little reunion." Kuroko thought Kagami didn't sound sorry in the slightest. In fact, there was a satisfied grin etched on his face. "Don't tell me you came all the way here just to greet us," Kagami continued. "Why don't you play with me, pretty boy?"

"Hm, this is a waste of time. But," Kise trailed off, considering the offer. "If you're so keen… Fine, let's do it." Kise held the ball loosely at his side with his head held high. His face seemed open and friendly, but his eyes held a vicious sneer.

"This is going to be bad," Kuroko muttered to the coach, already accepting the fate of his teammate.

Riko also lamented the forceful attitude of her power forward and watched as he was thoroughly thrashed. The seemingly impossible moves which had been performed by Kagami were copied with an ease that shocked all of those watching. Furthermore, they seemed to be even more graceful and powerful than when Kagami had performed them. He effortless copied the moves, improved them and made them his own.

"Kuroko, your friends are way too good," the Seirin club complained. "Didn't he say you trained him."

Kuroko reluctantly nodded. "He's improved a lot since then. More so than I expected in only a few months," he admitted.

"So disappointing," Kise called out, standing over Kagami who lay on the floor. "Give us Kurokocchi. You don't deserve his talent," Kise announced, much to the shock and horror of Seirin. They knew Kuroko was valued by the Generation of Miracles, but they still didn't fully understand and appreciate how much of a turning point Kuroko could be in a game.

"Come join us," Kise asked, coming to stand in front of Kuroko once more. "Let's play basketball together again."

Kuroko had to strain his neck to look up into Kise's eyes. The blonde model lent down slightly and grasped Kuroko's chin lightly between his fingers. "I seriously respect you, Kurokochhi. It's a waste of your talent to stay here."

Kuroko sighed and looked away, though his head did not move from Kise's grasp. The offer was tempting. Kuroko was hated to admit it, but he was lonely. After his time as Harry, his less than perfect childhood and then moving to a new school, it would be all too easy to go back to his old friends. Basketball may have broken them up, but Kise didn't really lose his love for the sport. He just lost sight of what was important for a while as he trailed behind the rest of the Miracles.

Kuroko's hesitation to answer was noticed by Seirin and Kise who allowed a glimmer of hope to shine through his features.

"I am honoured to hear you say that, Kise-kun," Kuroko hesitated again. "But I must respectfully decline your offer," he finished in a whisper.

Kise let go of Kuroko and staggered back. "This isn't like you, Kurokochhi! Your decision doesn't make any sense." Kise let out a frustrated huff. "Why didn't you go somewhere better? Why didn't you come to one of our schools?" Kise pleaded. "Does it have something to do with these new scars?!"

Kuroko recoiled. "Enough, Kise." Kuroko gave a sidelong glance to the watching team. "Let's discuss this in private."

Kise seemed to notice the line-up for the first time and smiled apologetically. "Of course, Kurokochhi. I understand this must be a touchy subject." Without a word to the speechless Seirin team, Kise gently took Kuroko's hand and led him away towards the changing rooms.

By the time Kagami fully registered what was happening, the boys had already departed and his calls for his shadow fell on deaf ears.

~.~.~

The locker room was blissfully empty as they slid through he door. As Kise shut the door, he took note of the faces of the observing players. He noticed how none of them had chased after Kuroko and again he thought that they didn't deserve him. He locked the door for good measure.

Kuroko surveyed the room and went about putting his things away so that he could make a quick escape once this talk was done. He watched as Kise locked the door, but wasn't concerned. He knew it was to keep others from interrupting them rather than from stopping himself from leaving. With a subtle flick of his wrist he also put up a silencing charm so that no one could listen in on their conversation.

Having packed up his gear, Kuroko spun on the spot and dropped his bag on the floor. Kise scrutinized him from the door and met him halfway. Without an audience, Kise let his happy mask drop. Kuroko examined as the dark circles under his eyes seemed to become accentuated. Worry lines marked his face and his lips had a permanent down turn around the edges.

Kise lunged forward and enveloped Kuroko in a bear hug. "I miss you, Kurokocchi," he half sobbed in Kuroko's hair. Kuroko's expression didn't change, but he returned the hug gratefully. The collar of Kise's shirt tickled Kuroko forehead and he curled himself further into the blond man's chest.

"I have missed you too, Kise-kun," Kuroko answered truthfully and he felt Kise hold onto him just a little tighter.

They stayed like that for a few moments, though it felt like longer to both of the boys. Rather reluctantly, Kise let go of Kuroko and moved for them to go sit on one of the benches so that they could chat.

Kuroko stayed silent as Kise bit his lip and wrung his hands in his lap. "Why did you disappear after the tournament last year?"

"You didn't need me anymore," Kuroko answered. "We got so caught up in winning that we stopped playing as a team. My strength relies on teamwork. There was no reason for me to stay," Kuroko answered.

Kise looked ashamed. "I'll admit that we became self-centred on the court, but was that really enough reason to leave us, Kurokochhi? Was our friendship not enough to stay in at least that manner?"

"It hurt," Kuroko explained. "To be so useless to you all. I wanted to show you that winning wasn't everything, but I couldn't," Kuroko implored. "Don't you understand, Kise-kun? I couldn't save you all? I've failed you!"

"You never failed us!" Kise vehemently denied. "Come back to us. We can help you through whatever this is," Kise gestured to his shoulders and hands.

Kuroko pulled away. "This is nothing. What's done is done, Kise."

"You can't call this nothing! Who has been hurting you? Are they still hurting you?!" he demanded.

"No one is hurting me," Kuroko clarified. It was technically true. "You know how clumsy I can be." Kuroko smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes.

"Clumsy enough to carve English into your hands? I might not know how to read the language, but don't insult my intelligence Kuroko-kun." Kise was serious now. "At least promise me that if you are in a bad situation you will come to me or one of the other guys," he added.

Kuroko nodded and promised.

"Fine, I will accept your decision not to tell me for now," Kise huffed and stood up. He made his way over to the exit and turned the lock. "One more thing, Kurokocchi. If we beat you, you are to quit Seirin and join our team. If you win, I won't push the subject."

"What about the oath?" Kuroko questioned.

Kise snarled, still not looking back. "Fuck the oath. I still don't trust you alone here."

"Fine. It will be as you say," he agreed. Kuroko knew they wouldn't lose. Not if he didn't want to that is.

"I'm going to have to tell the others about this, you understand? Akashicchi and the rest…" he trailed off.

"I understand."

And Kise left, leaving Kuroko feeling alone and conflicted in the darkening room.

~.~.~

Thank you again for your support. The initial reactions have been great so far, and I hope I can maintain your enthusiasm.

Please continue to PM/review me your suggestions. It helps you get what you want and it help me improve my own writing.

I'm hoping to continue making the chapters longer. However, it does require more time to make so please be patient with me.

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