Hey guys! I just wanted to say my university classes start tomorrow so I won't be updating for awhile. I'll still try to write when I find the spare time though. Since that would be the case, I wanted to leave off with a longer chapter and hopefully, a satisfying ending for you all. If you're wondering, this is not the end just yet. Thank you to everyone that have posted reviews! It means a lot to me when people say they're starting to like the AoKaga/Kagamine pairing. Well, that's all for now. Until the next time!

紫陽花の音声

A week had passed since that very night. Although the incident remained at the outskirts of Kagami's mind, he managed to get through the day without being plagued by the burdensome thoughts. He hasn't contacted Aomine since as well, which makes it around three weeks since they've last been in contact with one another. It almost made him wonder if Aomine had sensed his presence that night. If so, was it as he stood there? Or after he ran away? The whole thing seemed rather ridiculous, considering he was already a grown man in his late twenties. And yet, Kagami realized that these are feelings he has experienced for the first time. Kagami sighed. He didn't know what to do. He wanted to see Aomine. He didn't want to see Aomine. Such contradictions left him baffled. His shift would end in half an hour and he didn't feel any desire to go home; he would just end up lying around and drown himself deeper in his thoughts. Then, he came to a decision that it would be easier to walk anywhere until he found a sound and peaceful location.

While walking along towards the direction of the sea, Kagami suddenly remembered that he would be getting Christmas break off. His parents were both overseas at the moment, though they never forget to send him extra spending money during the holidays, so he would probably end up spending this year's Christmas alone.

Or with Aomine.

Kagami chuckled at the thought. He couldn't even bring himself to face Aomine, not when his feelings were in such disarray. It wasn't snowing this particular evening, but the cold air loomed over the sea immensely. Kagami could even see his breath floating in the air whenever he exhaled. The sea held a completely different aura at night than it does during the day, embodying the beauty of darkness and silence. Very different from the liveliness it held during the day with the presence of many people. It would be a nice place to visit with Aomine after one of their evening get togethers.

Aomine…

Kagami gazed at the sea and remembered the times when he and his Seirin teammates would run along the beach as part of their practice, designated by their coach Aida Riko. Somehow the idea of running along the beach in front of him with Aomine came along. He couldn't even escape the thought of Aomine even if he wanted to. So much thinking, but did he ever come to any conclusion? Then again, did that even matter? What did it matter that he couldn't understand his feelings completely? Why should it matter if Aomine had embraced a girl that night? That wasn't the issue anymore; it may have never been the core of his troubles afterall. Kagami had also been keeping a wall, not just between he and Aomine, but a wall between he and himself. Obliviousness though it may be, he has never been the one to initiate any of their hangouts nor has he ever been the first to say hello when they meet. He wasn't used to initiating anything; it was very unlike himself to do such a thing. And yet…and yet, he may just have been afraid to take a step further, to open himself up to Aomine. Maybe he was just a coward. But he knew, he knew that all he wanted was to be by Aomine's side. The evenings of eating dinner alone have slowly grown unbearable, no matter how delicious the meal may have been. He felt empty.

Aomine.

I want to see you.

Even as a friend or more than friend…that didn't matter.

Kagami was about to head home when he realized he used up the week's ingredients so he had to stop by the supermarket. Instead of going to the local one he frequents every week, he decided to shop at one close to the beach so he could catch the train straight home. It may have been destiny or mere coincidence, but he ran into two of his long-time companions at that very supermarket: his childhood friend whom he considers a brother and his basketball coach in America. Kagami was overwhelmed with delightful surprise; he never expected to see them here. It had many years since he last kept in contact with Himuro and Alex. Himuro ran up to him and they bumped fists. Alex gave him a huge hug that caused much difficulty for his breathing.

Smiling, Himuro said, "Taiga! Did not expect to see you here."

"Wow, what are you guys doing here?"

"Alex came on a trip over here to visit us. She contacted me a few weeks early to let me know so we could find your whereabouts. Your father gave us your address in the end."

"Wow, you guys went to so much trouble…"

"Yes, you must repay us you know?" Himuro winked.

"Do you guys have a place to stay?"

"Uh, we just arrived at this town and were planning to surprise you with a visit. I told Alex it was rather late to impose on you, but she didn't want to pay just to stay overnight at an inn."

"You guys can stay over at my place. How long will the duration of your stay be?"

Alex replied, "After the new years so you're gonna have to bear with us for two weeks, Taiga!"

"What a drag…"

But deep inside, Kagami was very happy to know that he wouldn't be spending this year's holidays alone. He thought maybe he could ask Himuro and Alex for advice later on the issue focusing on Aomine. Himuro was after all like a brother to him, even though they haven't kept in contact for the last few years, and someone he could easily confide him. Alex had always been a big sister figure to them as their childhood basketball coach; she would probably understand the issue at hand best.

Himuro asked, "So what shall we buy for dinner?"

Kagami hadn't thought about it, but he was in the mood for a big variety.

"Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki, Curry…"

"Whoa there! Slow down, Taiga. You're still the same as ever."

Kagami smiled. It was a great feeling to have companions by his side.

Alex almost choked on the milk she was chugging down.

"Aomine?!"

Kagami expected Alex to be full of shock; she probably never pegged him as the type that would fall for a guy. Himuro, however, was more understanding, causing Kagami to be a bit suspicious about whether he's went through this before. Maybe with Murasakibara? He decided he would probe Himuro about that later. The issue at hand to assemble his feelings together with the help of his two companions was still in full effect.

Alex wiped her mouth.

"I'm sorry. It was just so surprising? I mean, if you told me it was Kuroko…"

"What's that?"

"Since Kuroko and you were a duo. Maybe it's because I've never seen you hang out with Aomine outside of those basketball tournaments when you were still in high school."

"I never really put a label on my friends…I considered my teammates and even some members of the Generation of Miracles people I could depend on. People that could help me grow as a player."

"Yes, you've always been like that…Now that I think about it, you've grown up so much. Even if you are a rather late bloomer."

"Hah?!"

"Does Aomine know how you feel?"

"Well, no…I can't exactly express feelings I don't fully understand myself."

Alex sighed and said, "I personally don't think you would get so upset over seeing him with another girl if it was merely feelings of friendship. You've worked out the most important part though, that you just want to be by his side. Though you're also at fault for being so oblivious."

Kagam knew how oblivious he could be to both others' feelings as well as his own. Himuro had stayed silent for awhile, though probably because he was analyzing the situation before offering any commentary. Suddenly, he spoke up.

"It wouldn't hurt to convey what you already know."

"So you're saying I should just straight up tell him how I feel?"

"Well…you're currently at a standstill and you can't always expect him to initiate, you know. I mean, what else would you do? Not tell him? Then what? You guys will slowly drift away without you even getting up the courage to face your feelings."

What Himuro said was all too true. Still, it was easier said than done. Kagami understood the worse that could happen is Aomine's rejection towards his feelings, but they could always remain as friends if that were to be the case. He also wanted to know what has been going on through Aomine's mind this whole time, back to when they first met at the night club. Kagami wondered if Aomine would be busy on Christmas; he thought of inviting him over so all of them could share an extravagant dinner together. To call Aomine would take a lot of courage on his part, mainly due to the awkwardness that may linger between them after that incident at the restaurant where Aomine blatantly ignored Kagami's presence. He decided it couldn't hurt, stood up, and went to look for his cell phone.

Alex asked, "What are you doing, Taiga?"

"Looking for my cellphone. Thinking of inviting him over for dinner on Christmas."

"Oh! Good idea."

Himuro chuckled. His longtime friend may be oblivious, but he never fail when it came to getting his courage up despite the circumstances. The only issue left would be Aomine's answer. Kagami ran to his room and retrieved the cell phone on the drawer next to his bed. The ringing noise made Kagami incredibly nervous; there was the chance Aomine wouldn't be delighted to hear from him or the chance that he may not even pick up. The phone rang three times until Aomine picked up. It had been so long since Kagami heard his deep, raspy voice that he stayed silent until Aomine said hello the second time.

"Aomine! It's been a long time."

"Oi, Kagami! Where have you been all my life."

Kagami couldn't help but smile at Aomine's cheery voice on the phone.

"I could say the same to you. Haven't seen you in almost a month now."

"Yeah, sorry about that. Don't know why work's been so hectic lately so didn't even get the chance to call you. Missed those delicious meals of yours, you know?"

Kagami hesitated for a second before saying, "Since you miss my meals so much, you mind telling me if you're free this weekend?"

"Which day?"

"Christmas."

"I have work that day, but I get off early. Why?"

"Want to come over for dinner that night then? I don't know if you remember Tatsuya and Alex, my childhood friend and basketball coach, but they came to visit until New Years."

There was a brief silence on the line for a few seconds.

"I remember haha. I'll be there so don't start eating without me!"

"We just might if you're too slow."

"You're so mean…I'll text you when I get off from work."

Kagami could hear noise in the background; it appeared to be Aomine's coworkers calling him for something.

"I have to go now, Kagami. I'll see you then and…"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for inviting me."

Once again, silence. Kagami could tell that Aomine had more to say, but the tan one just bid him farewell and hung up.

Kagami had been determined to make dinner an extravagant one; not only would Aomine would be coming over, but Himuro and Alex had taken the time to visit him just for the winter holidays. With Alex, Kagami would be able to concoct a variety of delicious foods ranging from Japanese cuisine to the American dishes he ate during his stay in America. Aomine would be on his way to Kagami's after he got off from work, which would be around 9 o'clock pm. Kagami luckily had the day off so he could spend the whole day preparing for the evening dinner. Himuro had taken leave on vacation from the high school he works at so there were two people who would be able to help him; he was a rather exceptional cook himself, though not on level with Kagami, but still rather impressive. Kagami found him rather surprised at how much Himuro improved in his culinary skills and felt compelled to inquire further about it.

"Tatsuya, has someone been teaching you how to cook?"

Himuro laughed. "What's that? Are you implying I was a bad cook before?"

"No, but you weren't this good."

"Well, that's true…Yes, someone has been helping me. I live with that person right now so it's rather easy to learn everyday."

"You're living with someone?! Could it be…"

"It's Murasakibara, you remember him right?"

Bingo.

"Yeah, who could ever forget him. He stands out wherever he goes. I can't believe you guys are living together, honestly. You both kept in contact after high school?"

"It was more like I went to a university in the area where he was working and training to be a bakery chef so we decided it would be easier to share living costs and rent an apartment together."

Kagami lowered to a whisper.

"Tatsuya."

"Hmm?"

"Sorry for the bluntness, but…are you and Murasakibara in a relationship?"

Himuro stopped what he was doing for a second, looked up at Kagami, and gave a smirk.

"You…aren't that big of an idiot are you?"

"So I'm right?!"

"Yeah and you don't have to be so discreet about it. I already told Alex."

"Oh…"

Kagami's instincts were correct after all. No wonder Himuro had been so understanding about the issue involving Aomine; he also fell for a person who had originally been no more than just a friend, someone he played on the same basketball team with.

"I would've invited Atsushi to come along, but his training is still going on at the bakery near where we live. He worked so hard just to get that position so I couldn't ask him to take any chances."

"That's fine. Maybe sometime I'll come by your place."

Himuro smiled. "We'll be looking forward to it."

When Kagami glanced at the clock, he was surprised at how many hours have passed. It was already 9 o'clock pm, the time when Aomine would be getting off from work so he must be on his way right now. Preparations were just about complete; all there was left to do was to set the food on the table. Kagami originally wanted to eat on the kotatsu due to the cold, but there was not enough room for all the dishes they made so they had to make do with the dinner table in the kitchen. After setting all the dishes in their proper place along with the utensils, Kagami sat down on the couch in the living room. Alex took a seat next to him.

"So you think you're ready to let it all out?"

"I'm not sure…I think it'll depend on the mood."

"What an excuse you have there."

"…I'm just afraid, a little bit."

Alex patted him on the back. "You can do it, I'm sure. You've always been rather blunt and oblivious. Who knows? You might spill it even before you decided you would."

"That's doesn't make me feel any better, Alex…"

Alex giggled. She returned to the kitchen a few seconds later, leaving Kagami by himself in the living room.

So how do I say the words…

Outside, the snow fell down slowly. Kagami caught glimpses of a few snowflakes which looked magical in the background of the night. He hoped Aomine would be able to make it safely to his place. Aomine had not called him yet so Kagami felt a bit uneasy, though his uneasiness proved to be unnecessary when he spotted Aomine from the balcony. The tan one had on a thick jacket, with a scarf around his neck, to stand up against the cold and was jogging as quickly as he could to the Kagami's apartment complex.

Somehow, Kagami couldn't stop the quickening of his heartbeat from just the mere sight of Aomine. Everything appeared too magical. The falling snow. The snowflakes. The smell of a delicious Christmas dinner. The sight of Aomine rushing to meet him.

It just won't stop.

"Oi, Kagami!"

Aomine walked past Kagami, took off his shoes, and entered the living room. His cheeks were flushed pink from the cold air outside; Kagami found it rather adorable since it was usually hard to notice this color due to Aomine's dark skin tone. The tan one went to greet Himuro and Alex, who have been waiting in the kitchen and making sure to keep the food's warmth. With Aomine's arrival, they could settle into eating.

"Itadakimasu!" they all said.

As they ate, they exchanged stories about their lives over the past few years. Alex's story was the only one he had not yet heard. She still works as a coach for basketball and recently, landed a job in assisting one of the U.S.'s professional teams. She claims that she's not on par with the many people who are involved, but Kagami and Himuro knew that even if she wasn't on par with many basketball players in terms of skill level, she had the right mindset to influence the hardworking players. After all, she had been the one who coached them during their childhood years. When they praised her, Alex laughed and shrugged it off.

She turned to Aomine.

"Both you and Kagami are so similar, putting yourselves in the face of danger like that."

Aomine chuckled. "I guess we just want some excitement in our lives, despite the hazards that accompany our careers."

"Have you two considered living together?"

There was a short silence. Kagami kicked Alex from across the table and glanced at Aomine, who sat next to him. He appeared to be thinking of a response.

"We haven't talked about it yet. It wouldn't be a bad idea though"

Kagami nudged Aomine. "What? So I can feed you every night?"

"Of course, my darling."

Uh oh.

Even Alex and Himuro could sense Kagami's embarrassment, though Alex thought they were too adorable to cease probing at the issue.

"You guys are so close! Kaga-"

Himuro nudged her. "Alex."

"Oh…right."

Alex gave Kagami an apologetic look. Whenever she got too excited, she had a tendency to blurt things out. Aomine looked a bit confused, but it didn't seem to faze him much as he continued to finish eating.

Kagami asked, "Are you going home after this?"

"Yeah, I have an early shift tomorrow. Wish I could stay over though."

"Ahh…will you be free on New Year's?"

"Why? You want me to go with you to the shrineee?"

Kagami looked away. "So what if I do?"

"I'll let you know."

Kagami glanced at Aomine, who was smiling genuinely at him. Honestly, that sight was enough to tug at his heartstrings.

Aomine decided to depart right after they all finished their meals and helped each other clean up.

"Kagami, want to walk me to the station?"

"Sure."

The snow continued to fall outside by the time they walked to the station, both at a slow pace. If there was a perfect moment to tell Aomine about his feelings, this would be the time. However, Aomine spoke up before he could initiate the conversation.

"It's really pretty here. I can see the view of the ocean from the hill up to your place."

"The ocean appears to be in close distance from up there, but it's actually quite far."

"Yeah…"

There was a silence that lasted until they reached the bottom of the hill. Aomine stopped in the middle of crossing the bridge and stared at the falling snow.

"You know, I was really happy when you called me. I thought you were mad at me this whole time, for you know, ignoring you that one time at the restaurant."

"Why would I be mad over something like that? Though it did surprise me when you acted as if I wasn't even there."

"I was stopping myself."

"Huh?"

"You idiot."

"Wha-"

"I think I would've ran over to you and left all the people at the table…The sight of you made me too happy inside, yet I didn't want to let my emotions take over my actions."

Kagami found himself to be a bit confused. "Then why were you embracing that girl?"

Aomine looked at him, a hint of surprise on his face. "You saw that?"

"Yeah."

He sighed and said, "She held an interest in me. I knew it from the start though I didn't pay her any close attention. I'm not sure why, but suddenly seeing you there eating by yourself did something to me. I thought 'Maybe he'd be better off without me' since I can be such a nuisance, you know. After we left the restaurant, she kept clinging on to me. I told her to back off, but then she threatened me with her tears. Did I tell you? She's my coworker's sister. I certainly didn't want any tension with him because I made his sister cry so I told her I would hug her just this once. I never thought you would see that scene…is that why you have been avoiding me?"

"Aomine…you're such a pimp."

"Hey…I'm being serious here."

"I'm a bit relieved."

"Why's that?"

"I thought you were interested in her."

"How could I be interested in anyone, but you?"

There was a brief silence. It made Kagami feel uneasy, but he didn't have a clue as to how he should respond. Aomine's words always took him by surprise. Luckily for him, Aomine continued to speak.

"I've been afraid this whole time that you didn't feel the same way I felt. I don't know when my feelings for you became more than that of friendship, but it just happened. Being with you makes me so happy. There are things I can talk to you about that I can't with anyone else. I didn't want that to change, just in case, so I decided to shy away from my feelings before they became too overbearing for you. I'm sorr-"

Before Aomine could finish what he was saying, Kagami had grabbed him by both cheeks and kissed him on the lips. The kiss lasted so long that Aomine had almost lost his breath when Kagami released him.

"You're not a nuisance!"

"Kagami?"

"You're an idiot! But I'm an idiot too!"

"Ehh?"

"Being with you make me happy too. I always look forward to you coming over for dinner, I don't mind making meals for you at all, I find your smiling face to be so adorable whenever you praise my dishes, I-I-I-"

"You…?"

"I really like you, dammit!"

Kagami breathed heavily since saying all of that took a lot out of them. Aomine gazed at him in amazement.

"Kagami, you…"

Kagami turned around to hide his embarrassment. Aomine walked over and took hold of Kagami's shoulders from behind. Kagami could feel Aomine's breath on his neck and the slow, soft kisses that accompanied it.

"You bastard, what are you doing?"

"Responding to your confession, of course."

"Bastard, you confessed first."

Aomine kissed his cheek and smiled. "I know."

Kagami turned around and noticed Aomine had started walking towards the end of the bridge. He ran up to catch up with him. They walked for a short distance without saying a word to each other. The station was still another ten minutes away.

"Kagami."

"Hmm?"

"Give me a piggyback ride?"

"What?!"

"Come on, we're still near the plains. No one will be able to see us."

Kagami sighed and obliged. Aomine was not only taller than him, but also heavier so he almost fell down when Aomine jumped on his back.

"Haha! You're so weak."

"Shut up."

Aomine held on tight as they walked slowly in silence down the road.

"Kagami."

"Hmm?"

"You know, I think…you'll always be the one for me."

Kagami slowed down for a bit. There was a silence that hung in the air between them as he continued walking, with Aomine on his back. It wasn't the silence where certain awkwardness lingered in the air, but the kind that drowned out the noise of the rest of the surroundings, as if only he and Aomine were the only present people in the area, the town, and on the earth. He didn't have to respond. Aomine understood his feelings fully well. Nothing had to be said. Nothing needed to be said.

And the snow continued to fall all around them, as the two made their way slowly towards the station.