Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basuke

Chapter 7

Next day with Kuroko

Kuroko was exhausted. The battle before him was tough and grueling, but the doctor said he had to do it. Looking at the objects of his demise, he slowly grabbed his fork and ate more of the food he was given. His stomach protesting against having anymore food. He sighed before putting the utensil down.

"Aw, Kuroko-chan, you're finished already? You only ate a fourth of what we gave you! That's not good, you need to grow strong and healthy!" The nurse named Yumi commented when she saw the boy push the tray of food away.

'Why does everyone always want me to eat more...? I'm fine with the amount I consume already.'

"I'm sorry, Yumi-san, but I simply don't have room for anymore. My apologies for the inconvenience." Kuroko gave her an apologetic look.

"Awww, you're too cute to get mad at Kuroko-chan!" Yumi hugged the boy before grabbing the leftovers. "Alright, you relax while I get the doctor."

Relieved that the nurse hadn't pushed him to eat more food, he laid back and pulled the covers around himself more.

"Sorry for being late Kuroko-kun. Your friend was just on the phone, he says he's all ready to pick you up and he didn't mind your request to stay with him for a few days." Kuroko sighed in relief. When the doctor had told him the other day that he shouldn't be alone for the first few days in case something happened. Since his parents weren't home he didn't know who to ask, he didn't want to be a bother to anyone. Then the doctor mentioned Kagami and how he kept calling the hospital, so Kuroko let the doctor ask Kagami if he could stay over his place.

"Thank you for going through all this trouble, Nakamatsu-san."

"Ah, you're too polite for your own good, you know! It's no trouble at all. Alright, Kagami-kun said he was on his way so let me finish up some preparations. This bag here," Dr. Nakamastu placed a bag that was filled with bandages, 3 bottles of medication, and 1 cream tube. "is what you'll need. If you feel any pain, be it a headache or a dull throb, I want you to take one of the pain relievers. And as for the cream and bandages, apply the cream to your head and then replace the bandages at least once daily, try not to get them wet because it can aggrivate the skin. If you need any help don't keep it to yourself, I know how you are, tell Kagami-kun at any time. Understood?" Kuroko blushed lightly when the doctor pointed out how stubborn he was with this sort of thing.

"Yes, Nakamatsu-san."

"Hmm, what else...Ah, yes, are you all packed?"

"Yes, everything is over there." Kuroko pointed to the 3 bags full of stuff in the corner.

"Kagami-kun said that he'd bring you a change of clothes, since it's pretty cold outside and going out there in a basketball jersey or a hospital pajamas is out of the question." Kuroko nodded in agreement, though he wondered if Kagami had any clothes that could fit him.

There was a knock on the door and Dr. Nakamatsu told the person to come in.

"You're here early Kagami-kun. Just finished going over some last-minute stuff."

"Oh, okay. Here's the clothes you asked for. I'm not sure how good they'll be but, it's the smallest I have..." Kagami handed the bag of clothes to the doctor, who then gave it to Kuroko.

"Alright, you change Kuroko-kun. I'll talk to Kagami-kun out in the hall." Kuroko nodded, and got out of the bed when both the doctor and Kagami left. He stumbled a bit since he'd been in bed since dinner last night.

Slowly, he removed the hospital wear and opened the bag. There was a light blue sweatshirt and black jeans in it, both looked pretty big. Kuroko slipped the shirt on and it reached to his knees, and the pants wouldn't stay up and the legs were practically like slippers since they were long enough for him to walk on them.

'Why does Kagami-kun have to be so tall...' He tied the shirt in the back so it wasn't so long, but he couldn't do much for the pants, so he folded up the legs and just held the top of them up.

"Are you done Kuroko-kun?" The doctor's voice asked from the other side of the door.

"Yes. Come in." The door opened and the two walked in, freezing when they saw the other. "They are a bit too big." Kuroko commented with his monotone voice.

"Sorry...It was the smallest I had." Kagami explained, not looking at the other boy.

'Ah..he looks too cute.' When he noticed Kuroko had to hold up his pants, he hurriedly removed the belt that he was wearing and handed it to him.

"Here, use this."

"Ah, thank you Kagami-kun." When Kuroko lifted his shirt to get to put on the belt, Kagami got a glimpse of a pale, smooth stomach and blushed before quickly turning away.

'Wh-What, why did I just feel like I shouldn't have seen that? I've seen other guys stomaches before in the locker room and never reacted like this!'

"Alright Kuroko-kun, you're all set to go. Just be sure to take it easy alright? And if you feel worse, I want you to tell me or Kagami-kun immediately."

"Yes, Nakamatsu-san."

"Ahh, I'm going to miss you. You're one of the politest patients I've had, and you went through all of my instructions with hardly any complaints." Dr. Nakamatsu remembered all the other teen patients he's had and how they would constantly go against his orders.

"Nakamatsu-san is a nice person, I'm glad I was in your care." Kuroko bowed. Kuroko walked to pick up the huge stuffed bear Midorima had gotten him before reaching for the bags in the corner before Kagami stopped him and picked them up himself. Kuroko gave him a little thankful smile.

"Well, get going! Don't keep your friend waiting." the doctor gave Kuroko's shoulder a pat before walking away, turning to give a small wave.

Kuroko bowed, while Kagami returned the small wave. They started the walk to Kagami's apartment.

"Thank you for picking me up and letting me stay with you, Kagami-kun."

"Eh, no problem. I'm just glad that you're feeling better. Glad to be out of the hospital?"

"Yes, very much so." Kuroko replied honestly. Kagami grinned, seeing Kuroko with that giant teddy bear made him look adorable, he reached over to ruffle the boys hair before stopping, remembering what happened last time. Kuroko saw his hesitation and sighed.

"Go ahead. Just this once though..." Kagami, not wanting to waste the rare opportunity, ruffled the soft blue locks. When Kuroko saw that Kagami wasn't going to stop anytime soon, he started to get annoyed.

"I'm sorry Kagami-kun.."

"Eh, for wha- AGH!" He was caught off by the jab that was sent to his stomach. "Wh-Why?! You said I could!"

"I know, and for that I apologize. You were abusing my kindness."

"Th-That's true but..." Kuroko sighed at Kagami's childish look before reaching up and patting the taller boys head, surprising him. "wh-What was that for?"

"Even though Kagami-kun tries to act tough all the time, you actually have a surprisingly childish side."

"O-Oi! I do not!" Kagami blushed. Kuroko just gave a small smile at his lights' antics.

Outside of Kagami's apartment

"Here we are, Kuroko." Kuroko stared up at the huge bulding before him.

"I didn't know Kagami-kun lived in such a big place. Is your family here?"

"Oh, my dad and I were supposed to live here together but then he had to go back to America. So right now it's just me and you for a little while."

The two of them walked to Kagami's apartment number and he unlocked the door, motioning for Kuroko to enter first. Kuroko nodded before entering and was getting ready to take off his shoes when.

"SURPRISE!" Kuroko jumped slightly at the unexpected shouts, though his expression stayed the same. He looked around and saw that everyone was there,wearing goofy looking party hats and there was a banner saying 'Welcome Back, Kuroko!'. There were tables full of snacks and games against the wall. Kuroko silently took all of this in before lowering his head. They had been expecting a different reaction than what they had just received.

"Ah, do you not like this Kuroko..?" Kuroko shook his head before looking up. There were small tears in his eyes and a small but genuine smile filled with happiness on his face.

"Thank you..." He said wiping away the tears with his sleeve. He had never had a surprise party before and was happy that he had friends like these.

"Aww, don't cry Kurokocchi!" Kise dived to comfort the crying boy, but Kuroko just used the giant bear he was holding to deflect the upcoming attack.

"BAKAGAMI! What'd you do to Kuroko before you got here?!" Riko screamed, blaming the tears on him.

"E-Eh? N-Nothing!" Kagami put the bags he was carrying down. "Are you okay, Kuroko?"

"Yes, I've just...never been to a surprise party before, so..."

"Ah! Then we will make sure you have the best party ever!" Koganei promised, he slung an arm around Kuroko's shoulders, before he discretely whispered to him. "Don't touch the red bowl on the table...It's coach's special stew." Kuroko nodded in gratitude at the warning, he didn't have a wish to die today.

"I heard that, Koganei~" The coach suddenly appeared next to him, hand in a fist. "Can I see you in the other room for a sec?~" Koganei gulped as he was dragged into the other room. A series of crashes and screams happened before the girl exited the room, clapping her hands together with an innocent look on her face, without Koganei.

"Wh-Where's Koganei..?" Kagami asked.

"Ah him? He's just sleeping for a while." She smiled before going back to the conversation she was having with Hyuuga and Kiyoshi.

"Over here, Kuro-chin~" Kuroko looked over and saw Murasakibara by the food motioning for him to come. When Kuroko was offered a delicious looking pastry. "I made this for you~. It's vanilla fla-" At the word vanilla Kuroko immediately accepted the treat and took a bite. Kuroko's eyes widened and he promptly took another bite.

"How was it Kuro-chin?"

"It was delicious, Murasakibara-kun."

"Is it really? Then, I'll try one!" Kise went to grab one of the treats, only for the purple haired giant to grab his hand.

"These are for, Kuro-chin, Kise-chin. If you try to steal one again, I won't hesitate to crush you."

"Murasakibara, Kuroko just got out of the hospital. Why are you giving him sweets?"

"Ehh~. 'Cause sweets are yummy." Midorima sighed.

"Would you like to sit next to me, Kuroko?" Midorima asked when he saw that Murasakibara was about to give him another pastry. Kuroko accepted the invitation, surprised Midorima had offered. It must have shown on his face because Midorma spoke up.

"Oha asa said that Cancer's will have the highest luck rate today in the company of an Aquarius. This seating arrangement benefits me, as well. That is all."

"Mou! That's no fair Shin-chan! I wanted to sit next to Tetsu-kun!"

"I have to agree, Shintaro, I had this seat saved for Tetsuya as well. You dare go against me?" Midorima didn't fail to notice how the others hand was slowly inching towards the pocket he kept his scissors in.

"It's okay, Akashi-kun, I do not mind helping Midorima-kun with his luck, and he was nice enough to offer this seat to me." Midorima looked away pushing his glasses up as he did so.

"If you insist, Tetsuya.." Akashi's hand made its way back to the tabletop.

Aomine, who was on the other side of Kuroko, sighed. Kuroko looked up at him.

"What's the matter, Aomine-kun?"

"Ah, nothing..." At Kuroko's stare, he decided to tell him. "Satsuki said there was a party...it's not that I don't want to be here or anything but," Kuroko patiently waited. "She told me there was going to be plenty of ladies, with huge boobs! She tricked me!" Kuroko just blinked at him, surprised by the reason for his former lights' depression.

"But Dai-chan! I know that you hate parties and this was the only way to be sure that you'd definitely come!"

"Eeh, I would've came if you said it was for Tetsu." He replied with a bored look in her direction.

"Then no complaining! Stop being an insensitive idiot, Dai-chan!"

"Here, Kuroko. You must be hungry, have some of my red bean soup, it's much healthier than those sweets."

"Ah, thank you, Midorima-kun." Kuroko grabbed the can and took small sips.

"I just bought a little too much, what I gave you is merely what I had left over."

"Ehh? Liar Midorimacchi! I wanted some while we were waiting and you kept saying that you were saving it for Kurok-" Kise was silenced when an alarm clock was chucked at his face.

"Quiet Kise." Midorima positioned his glasses and reached to snatch back the object he threw at him, which happened to be Cancer's lucky item of the day.

Kagami walked over with a mountain full of food, and seemed to hesitate. The only seat available was between Kise and Akashi...two people he wanted to be as far away from as possible. Sighing in defeat he sat and began eating. He was so absorbed in his eating that he failed to notice that everything went quiet.

"Uh...Kagamicchi..." Kise whispered.

"Huh?" Kagami asked with a chicken bone hanging from his mouth. Kise pointed to something on Kagami's right. When he turned around he saw that he was being glared at by Akashi, black flames behind him.

"Wh-What?" Aomine pointed to a spot on Akashi's shirt.

"Huh? I don't see the prob-" He stopped when he realized that the stain looked like the food he was eating. He slowly put two and two together in his head and his eyes widened. "Uhh..I'm sorry?"

"I suggest you run, Kagami-kun." Kuroko offered, Kagami did just that. When he was a few feet away, a pair of scissors flew past him only an inch away.

"O-Oi! I said sorry!" Another pair almost hit him.

"You think that you can get away from this insolence? I will not be satisfied until you are begging for mercy, Taiga."

"Akashi-kun, please forgive Kagami-kun. He did not mean to do something so rude." Akashi stared at Kuroko for a while before nodding.

"Just this once. Be grateful that Tetsuya decided to spare you, Taiga. For next time I will destroy you." With that Akashi went back to sipping the tea he had in front of him.

"Y-Yes.."

Needless to say, Kagami spent the night avoiding the red-haired demon at all costs.

Next morning

Kagami woke up late that morning, still groggy, he sat up and wiped his face. He paused when he smelled food from the kitchen, he considered whether it could be a burglar or not before remembering the events that happened the previous day.

'Oh yeah, Kuroko's staying over.' He blinked before realization hit him. 'Oh crap, he's still recovering and I woke up late! Ahh, and now he's even having to make his own food.' Kagami stood up and made his way to outside of his room.

"Ah, good morning, Kagami-kun." Kuroko, bed-head still present, was placing a plate full of boiled eggs on the table.

"Good morn-, what the-. Why'd you make so many eggs?!"

"I thought you'd be hungry, and I only know how to cook eggs so.. I made as many as possible." Kagami groaned, he wasn't a huge fan of eggs.

'But, since Kuroko went through the trouble...' He sat at the table and started eating. He had to admit that they were cooked perfectly though.

"So, what are we doing today, Kagami-kun." Kuroko asked, nibbling one of the eggs.

"Well, coach still wants everyone to practice, but she told me that since the doctor told you to rest, she wants you to stay in bed today."

"Oh." Kuroko was disappointed, he had spent enough time in bed over the last few days. "What time are you all meeting?"

"Well, at 2:00."

"Ah, then you're going to be late, Kagami-kun." Kuroko said blandly, before continuing to eat. Kagami looked at the clock and saw it was already 1:40.

"GAH! She's so gonna kill me!" Kagami finished off the egg that was in his mouth, before hurrying to change into his gym clothes. He grabbed his duffel bag and headed to the door before he stopped.

"Are you sure you're going to be alright on your own? Your heads not hurting or anything?"

"No, I'm fine Kagami-kun. Hurry before you're really late. If she kills you then I will be without residence."

"Kuroko! You-!" He stopped when he saw that Kuroko was giving him a small smile, realizing he was just joking. "We-Well, make sure you rest and take your medicine, alright?"

"I will, good luck, Kagami-kun." Kuroko gave him a little bow.

"Yeah, thanks." Kagami waved before leaving.

When Kagami was gone, Kuroko sighed, looking around for something to do. He found that Kagami only had a TV and basketball magazines.

'Mm, I might as well go to my house and get some stuff.' He looked down at his baggy clothing. 'And clothes as well.' Kuroko grabbed his medication, since the doctor told him to always have it on him, and put on his shoes then headed out, checking to see if there was a spare key outside before closing and locking the door.

The walk to his house took a few minutes and when he arrived he proceeded to gather things to take back. A few books, pairs of shirts, pants, socks, underwear, and bathroom supplies. When he put the items into his bag and deemed it wasn't too heavy to carry he got ready to head back.

After being in the hospital, and not being permitted to walk around a lot, the journey back was slower because of his weakened stamina. He was walking slowly along the sidewalk, when the familiar case of dizziness overwhelmed him. He put a hand to his head and stopped walking, hoping it would go away soon. After a full minute the dizziness still hadn't subsided and he felt a headache coming along, he reached into his bag with shaky fingers.

'Ahh, maybe this wasn't such a good idea.' He had just got out his medication when he swayed, dropping the pill bottle and was about to fall when arms caught him.

"Are you alright?" He felt the other placing the bottle into his hands.

"Ah, y-yes, th-thank you very much." He said weakly, still dizzy he took off the cap and swallowed two of the pills.

"You're welcome. Oh my..Aren't you from Seirin?" Kuroko looked up at his rescuer, he had chin length black hair and gray eyes. Kuroko waited for the medicine to take effect before feeling able to speak up.

"Yes, Kuroko Tetsuya. And you?" The other smiled before answering.

"Ah, excuse me. My name's Hanamiya Makoto. It's a pleasure to meet you, Kuroko."

Earlier that day with Hanamiya

Hanamiya was walking to the hospital. After he had told Kagami his apologies, his next part of the plan was to somehow get the brat to trust him. He wasn't sure how this part of the plan would go, after all the last time the boy had seen him Hanamiya had mocked and injured him. The chances were slim, but he had to get it done if his plan was going to work.

Walking to the room 208 he slid the door open and froze.

'Why is the room...empty.' he went through the possibilities in his head of what could've happened. 'Maybe his condition got worse..? Or they could've moved him to another room.'

Hanamiya headed to the front desk.

"Hello, I was here a few days ago visiting a friend. Kuroko Tetsuya in room 208. I just went to his room, but he's not there. Did he change rooms?" Hanamiya asked adding some desperation to his voice to make it more believable.

"Oh my, I'll check right away." Hanamiya impatiently waited for her to finish, flashing her a smile when she looked up. "It seems like he was discharged yesterday." Hanamiya cursed silently to himself.

"Oh what a relief. If possible, could I talk with the doctor and hear what happened?"

"Let me see if he's available." She spoke on the receiver for a while before turning back to him. "He said he'll be right down, you can wait for him over there." Hanamiya went to where she had pointed and waited.

'Alright, I need a new plan... Maybe he's at his house...I could go there and pretend I..no that won't work!'

"Hello, I'm Dr. Nakamatsu, and you are one of Kuroko-kun's friends?"

"Yes, I came here once before but Kuroko was sleeping so I wasn't able to find out what happened. I've been so worried. How was his condition, doctor?"

"He sustained a head injury and his skull got fractured." Hanamiya's eyes widened a bit, not having to pretend.

'An injury that bad could cause amnesia..I wonder...'

"Is he alright? H-He doesn't have...amnesia...does he?" Hanamiya silently hoped. If the brat had amnesia, everything would go smoother.

"Traumatic Brain Injuries affect patients different. Luckily, he only had mild amnesia, he remembers almost everything except the events that caused the accident." Hanamiya almost grinned but knew he had to keep his charade up, otherwise the doctor would be suspicious.

"Oh no...At least it isn't too serious...Is there any chance that you could tell me where he is now?"

"I'm sorry, but in this case I have to follow patient confidentiality, I can't give out addresses to people. I'm sure that when Kuroko-kun feels better he will contact you."

"Right, I understand. Thank you, doctor. I'll try contacting my friends to see what's happening."

"Take care, and tell Kuroko-kun I said hello." Hanamiya nodded, leaving to catch the bus back to his house.

'So the brat doesn't know what I did..? And I doubt anyone's told him since I know how bringing up past events to amnesia patients causes trouble.'

Hanamiya was almost at the bus stop when he saw familiar pale blue hair walking in his direction. The figure looked about ready to pass out, taking this opportunity, Hanamiya hurried and caught the boy. He momentarily froze when he felt how light the boy was before placing a worried look onto his face.

"Are you alright?"

'Yes, he had a feeling that this plan was going to work.'