Please note, I have no idea about how to run a street-ball competition. I just kinda wanted to use the teams shown in the picture-story in the end credits of the anime.
Also…this chapter is huge. Oh my god. Why did it get so big?
But…things have been going well…so you know what that means…bumps in the road are abound. It can't be happy days all the time, right?
There was something exciting about playing in a different environment, like this, Takao thought to himself as he casually spun a basketball on one finger as he leaned up against the nearby lamppost. Having a tournament in the park was always a nice change –so different from the huge stadiums and fluorescent lights. There was something a bit more wild about the park, and he was glad he'd managed to convince Shin-chan to come.
Well, if he ever arrived, that was.
"Tch, he's probably having trouble finding today's lucky item," he mused to himself aloud, shaking his head incredulously. Most people would say that Midorima was late because he wasn't coming, but Takao had managed to weasel a 'fine' (albeit reluctantly) from him, so he knew that he wouldn't let him down.
It was exciting also, because this particular tournament had been so widely advertised that a local camera crew had caught wind of it and had decided to air footage from some of the games. Well-known players from the likes of Shutoku and Touou would be seen in a less 'competitive' environment, and other guys who just wanted to band together and play would get the chance to prove themselves as strong players.
It was a cool idea. He was pretty sure that Momoi and Riko had decided that the most exciting way to do things would be to just mix things up for a change and merge teams –what had they said; to 'ensure that their rivalry became more friendly and a little less unhealthy'? He'd agreed, but, for one thing, hadn't mentioned that that had been the primary aim of the Christmas party –and look how that had turned out. He also hadn't informed Shin-chan that this was the arrangement.
He wondered how Kagami and Aomine would react to this news. He didn't even know if Kuroko had wound up on the same team as either of them. He'd heard rumour that Kise and his babysitter –no one let Kasamatsu hear them calling him that –had turned out for the event, so hoped that Momoi and Riko had allowed for that.
Suddenly, just as he thought of Kagami and Aomine, he was certain that he heard their names mentioned, and turned around curiously a group of six –maybe two teams of three –stalking past him and talking just loud enough to be overheard.
" –Tch, god I hope those two don't turn up," one of them was growling under his breath.
"Yeah –like we need a bunch of gay guys running around with us," another sneered, "…Who'd want to be marking one of those guys –they'd probably just enjoy rubbing up on you…"
"Why are guys like them even allowed to play?" a third added spitefully, "That Kagami and Aomine are giving basketball a fucking bad name…"
"Is it even safe for us –"
"Funny," Takao remarked lightly, though his eyes were cold as he turned to survey them, "You lot sure seem to think a lot of yourselves." He caught his basketball in one hand and gazed at them coolly as they all stopped and stared at him. "…Kagami and Aomine have no interest in you."
"Tch, beat it," the first one he'd heard grunted condescendingly, "This isn't your business."
"It kind of is," Takao replied icily, "You have no right to say that gays are giving basketball a bad name. I'd bet money they could destroy you –but they wouldn't, because they don't care about the weak."
"What did you say, you little punk," another stepped forwards and yanked Takao into the air by his shirt. The point guard just waved a hand at him playfully.
"I didn't mean offense," he informed him simply –in a tone that really indicated quite the opposite, "I'm just stating a fact. Anyway, you really must be full of yourselves to think that gay guys would be attracted to you." He quirked an eyebrow mockingly.
"And what would you know about a gay guy's preferences?" one of their number glared.
" –Bet he's one of them," another sneered spitefully. Takao just shrugged.
"And so what if I am?" he sniffed with a small smile, suddenly finding that the guy holding him had released him and was backing away as though he had some kind of disease. "Keep your trashy thoughts to yourselves, why don't you?" He gave them a bright smile, "…This is a friendly tournament after all, right?"
"We're entitled to our opinions," one of them spat back at him and he scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"Yeah…but that doesn't mean you have to be pricks about it," he reminded them, and his gaze iced over, "Kagami and Aomine are good guys and strong players, and I'm not gonna just listen to you bitching about them just because they're together and not with girls."
"Maybe you need to learn to keep out of private conversations," one of them snarled, stepping forwards with a dark intent in his expression. Takao was familiar with that expression, and it made him sad to realise that there were people out there that weren't as understanding as his teammates, or his other friends. He took a step backwards, but they followed –joining in.
"Ooh, where'd that smart mouth of yours go?" another goaded as he backed away, "What're you gonna do? Go crying to your little boyfriend?" Takao was about to spit back that his boyfriend was by no means little, but decided against it. Shin-chan was more easily embarrassed than him, and rather obviously not as open as him about their relationship. Dragging him into this would be plain unfair to him –especially if he didn't want his opponents learning such personal things about him.
So he just clamped his mouth shut and glared.
"Aww, the punk doesn't even have a boyfriend," one of the guys simpered, "…Just a sad, lonely little cocksucker –" Takao took another step back and suddenly collided into something solid. Worried that he'd hit the lamppost and managed to block his escape, he looked over his shoulder, only to see a familiar bespectacled face looking down with a rather displeased expression.
"Is there a problem here, Takao?" Midorima inquired darkly, not looking away from the group of ruffians that had approached the mischievous point guard.
"Ehe…not at all, Shin-chan," he assured him, spying an old fashioned polaroid camera held in the shooting guard's hand. Oh, so he'd found his bloody lucky item, had he?
"…I'm sorry I'm late," Midorima continued, his voice icy, "…Is there a problem here?" he repeated, this time directing it at the guys who had been advancing. A few of them backed down, since Midorima towered over them by a considerable amount, but the rest of them just stared back with dirty sneers plastered across their faces.
"This asshole doesn't know to keep out of other people's fucking business," the foremost snarled.
"I'm well aware. But I suggest you leave," he interrupted, before the scoundrel could say anything more.
"Oh, and you're going to make me, four-eyes?" he snorted back daringly. "You're supporting this fucking gay here?" Midorima's green eyes flashed, reading the situation fairly clearly now.
"I am indeed," he replied haughtily, "So if you have a problem, take it up with me."
"…Shin-chan…" Takao sighed, shaking his head incredulously. It was a…beautiful gesture, but who was he kidding? His Shin-chan didn't condone violence –although, there was an aggression in his eyes that he hadn't seen before. It sent a shudder through his spine, and he discovered that he kind of liked it.
"Eh –Midorima –what's taking so long?" a lazy voice commented from nearby, and Takao smirked as he saw Aomine Daiki himself sling an arm around the shoulder of the guy closest to him, "These jackasses giving you problems?" His expression was dull, but there was an ice to his voice that apparently all of these guys could hear –and it filled them (rightly so) with fear.
"These guys seem to have a problem with gays," Takao commented conversationally, "Afraid of them, or something." He laughed as though this was the most absurd suggestion in the world –obviously startling the guys around him with his dramatic change in demeanour.
"Is that so?" Midorima remarked darkly, adjusting his glasses as Aomine leered across the circle to another of their opponents –his eyes practically crackling with violence that his body was currently not displaying.
"…Maybe we should give them a reason to be afraid…" Aomine remarked, his voice laced with a threat before he yawned and became languid once again, "…What do you say, Kagami?"
Two of the guys in the group suddenly froze in something akin to terror as two huge, strong arms wrapped around the pair of them. They glanced sideways, to discover to their horror, that there was a red-haired giant between them with a menacingly challenging look on his face. They stammered a disjointed garble of words before escaping from his touch and skittering away –their leader and the rest of them quickly following. Kagami and Aomine just turned in unison and scoffed at their pig-headedness and let their expressions soften.
"What was that about?" Kagami inquired with a frown.
"Oh…uhh…" Takao scratched his head sheepishly, "I heard them saying that gay guys are giving basketball a bad name and…I couldn't let it go…" He suddenly found Midorima shoving past him rather crossly as Kagami growled to Aomine, "Don't fucking go after them, Ahomine! We'll just beat them on the court –" To which the bluenette just glared and remembered that if he misbehaved, Momoi would surrender his porn up to his mother.
"Don't do such foolish things, Takao," Midorima scolded, glancing back at the point guard with a frown marring his expression. Most people would have thought that he was being abrasive purely for the purpose of being abrasive…but Takao knew him better than that.
"…I won't…" he pouted, falling into step behind him, "…Sorry to worry you, Shin-chan…" Midorima just stuck his nose in the air with a cross, "Hmph," to cover his embarrassment at being seen through so easily.
"By the way, Takao," Kagami remarked conversationally, before his voice became rather pained, "Coach told me to tell you that you're with me and the bastard…" he glared over at Aomine, and Takao practically stumbled as Aomine dug his hands into his pockets –also displeased by this situation. He stared at them. "Yeah…I don't know how…but me and Aomine wound up on the same team…" Takao just laughed brightly to lighten the mood.
"Oh, this is gonna be fun –won't it, Shin-chan!"
"I'm with Hyuga and Imayoshi, so I doubt it." This apparently made Takao laugh even harder. Well, he'd found out that they were mixing the teams…and he'd still stuck around –so that wasn't too bad!
" –All the glasses-guys got put together?" he chuckled incredulously, "That's hilarious! Oh god, you guys are gonna be just so cute!" Midorima shot him a dark –almost jealous glare and he covered his mouth to muffle his laughter, "…Sorry, Shin-chan…you're the only one that's cute…" Again, Midorima stuck his nose in the air and adjusted his glasses. Double embarrassment.
Kagami and Aomine just blinked in astonishment and exchanged glances with a shrug.
"They're fucking weird," Aomine deadpanned.
"…You got that right," Kagami sighed in agreement.
"Oi! He was passing to me!"
"Hah? Well you were just so slow in receiving it so I just–"
"Ahomine, we're on the same team!" Kagami growled as the pair of them stood shoulder to shoulder and stared each other; sparks flying between their gazes. Takao just spun the ball on his finger for the moment and gave the other team –who were being completely dominated –an apologetic look. A quick glance across the courts told him that Shin-chan's game was about to start; he, Imayoshi and Hyuga all cleaning their glasses in preparation. In the background, it appeared that Kuroko had noticed this and was making a face that Kise was laughing at.
"Kagami –" Takao called out, but the whistle went, indicating that their game was over anyway. Kagami and Aomine apparently didn't even acknowledge this.
"Seriously –quit doing that; we're meant to be working as a team," Kagami snorted crossly, only for Aomine to brush him off and stalk off the court with a dismissive wave.
"Lecture me when you get more points than me," he scoffed daringly.
"Okay, you're on," the redhead growled hotly, looking at Takao and making an exasperated face –pointing after the bluenette to indicate that he was being a jackass.
"Play nice," Takao tittered with a cheeky grin, shouldering him companionably. "Let's not let basketball be the thing that wrecks your relationship?" Kagami deadpanned and glared at him. Oh, that was right…he'd been caught up in Aomine being a selfish dick during their game that he'd kind of forgotten that they were still keeping up this façade. Sure, he'd suggested to Aomine that they take advantage of the publicity to convince everyone they were together…but if they kept warring like this then it was going to prove difficult…
They had a break before their next game, so headed over to sit on the grass overlooking Midorima's game. Kagami pulled out some lunch he'd made, and Takao chuckled when he saw Aomine eyeing it with a touch of interest.
Kagami saw a tanned hand slink in and swipe something from the meal sitting in front of him and he glared over at Aomine as he tossed the morsel into his mouth.
"Oi, get your own!" he complained, tugging it away, only Aomine to reach across him with a flicker of annoyance crossing his eyes.
" –Satsuki's got mine," he drawled reaching over as Kagami held it away from him and pushed an elbow into his face to keep him at bay, "And she can't cook for shit."
"Well too bad," Kagami snorted, "It's mine." Aomine smirked suddenly, and Kagami felt a wave of dread washing over him as the other ace lunged forwards and snatched the box from him, sending the pair of them toppling to the ground.
Takao burst out laughing –loud enough to distract Hyuga, who was playing, and cause him to miss his shot. Takao was not at all apologetic though, because this was just too hilarious.
Currently, Kagami was flat on his back on the grass, lunch box held out behind him at arm's length. Aomine's hand was triumphantly in the food, nabbing a handful, but the ace himself had fallen directly on top of Kagami; their bodies lined up and their gazes locked.
"Get off me, Ahomine," Kagami complained, wriggling underneath him as Takao held his sides in helpless laughter. Aomine rolled off him; snatching the lunch box with him and, as he crossed his legs, promptly began eating Kagami's lunch. The redhead rolled back into a sitting position and snapped, "Hey! Give that back! I was eating th –" His sentence was promptly cut off as a bored-looking Aomine took a rather large chunk of food between two fingers and stuffed it in Kagami's huge mouth.
There was surprise plastered all over the redhead's face as Aomine withdrew his fingers and went back to the food.
"You talk too much," he droned, as Kagami slowly chewed and then swallowed, surprise being replaced with a scowl. The redhead pouted, and snatched the box back, grudgingly placing it between them and mutinously picking at it whilst avoiding looking at the smug bluenette.
"Aomine-kun, there you are!" Momoi hollered, jogging over with a bright wave, "…I hope you're not stealing Kagamin's food again!" Aomine just rolled his eyes, looking away with his mouth full of food. "I made you lunch so you wouldn't keep doing that!" Momoi glanced at the highly amused Takao and sighed heavily as she noticed that Kagami was grudgingly sharing.
Aomine scratched the back of his head and then tucked his hands into his pockets as he slowly traipsed towards the court that their next game was apparently being played on. Takao was off bugging Midorima and Kagami had gone off to buy something else to eat, claiming that he was still hungry since Aomine had eaten half his lunch.
Well, if the idiot had learnt to start making two lunches, he wouldn't have this problem.
He yawned. This whole thing was so boring. He wished he and Kagami had wound up on different teams. Despite his whole 'the only one who can beat me is me' philosophy, Kagami kept him entertained and he was an interesting opponent. But, if they beat these guys, then he was pretty sure he'd heard that they'd be playing Tetsu and Kise next –so maybe that would be a little less tedious than the rest of these games.
He was the first of their team of three to arrive, and was a little annoyed about it. Their opponents were already there taking some practice shots since there wasn't currently another game on. Usually, he wasn't concerned with other peoples' conversations, but these guys were talking too loud for him to ignore.
"You saw who we're up against right?" a guy with glasses remarked distastefully.
"Hell yeah," another –a blonde –replied excitedly, "Can't believe we get to go head to head with one of the Generation of Miracles!"
"That's not who I'm talking about," Glasses scoffed flatly, "He's got that fucking wannabe on his team too…"
"Who…oh…not this again, man…" a third guy with a weird mole on his chin commented in exasperation, "Seriously, let it go? Do you really care if they're dating?"
"Tch," Glasses sniffed, "Of course I care that they're dating. It's bad enough that we had to find out that one of the strongest players out there is gay –but mostly I care that there's some punk-ass rookie trying to make a name for himself by using the Generation of Miracles!"
"Using?" Blonde frowned –apparently not as used to this speech as Mole.
" –Oh come on," Glasses rolled his eyes, as Mole sank an impressive three-pointer, "That Kagami guy's obviously dating Aomine so that people start noticing him!"
"What are you talking about?" Blonde sighed, holding the ball in confusion.
"Aomine Daiki's like the most well-known player in the region," Glasses reasoned, "This Kagami guy's from Seirin –who the fuck's heard of Seirin? He's obviously just trying to hang off Aomine's reputation. Bet he's the one who fucking turned the guy gay in the first place."
"I don't know man –I've heard he's strong," Blonde frowned sceptically.
"Tch, please. Didn't you hear about what happened at one of the big tournaments?" Glasses reminded them, "Obviously Kagami's dating him so that Aomine will go easy on him and shit. He knows he can't beat him, so he's playing dirty. Or maybe he's hoping some of that talent will rub off on him."
"Jeez, man that's pretty low," Blonde frowned, "…But they look really…well…good together in those pictures I've seen –"
"Of course Kagami's gonna try and make it look like he's happy," Glasses snorted, "But there are tons of blogs talking about how their relationship is weird and forced…Maybe he's even got blackmail on Aomine!"
"Your theories are shit and pure speculation," Mole snapped.
"Heaps of people think this is some kind of lame stunt," Glasses assured him, "Aomine was known to be a bit of a player –with women –and now suddenly he's gay? I'm not buying it. But if that weak little shit had blackmail on him, he could force him into dating him…and thus take advantage of his talent and reputation…"
Aomine had heard enough.
"Oi," he growled mutinously, stalking over with a crack of his neck, "I've had enough of shitty people like you spreading crap." Blonde and Mole grew wide-eyed and backed away, but Glasses apparently had no remorse for his words.
"I'm just saying what the word's thinking," he shrugged defiantly, "No one's buying you and this guy actually wanting to be together. If it's some kind of stunt, it might be working –but people like him who try to gain fame through other people are disgusting –"
"No," Aomine drawled, leering down at the guy with his blue eyes glinting violently. "What's disgusting…are people like you who just like to make up shit about people you don't know." He stepped forwards and caused Glasses to have to step back a pace to avoid being trampled. "You know nothing about Kagami." He moved forwards and snatched the ball from Mole, who was holding it nervously.
"…And don't presume to know me," he remarked icily, dribbling the ball casually. "I'm not some little pet that just obediently does what they're told –" Okay…that was kind of not true –but Satsuki and his mother didn't count. "And…" his voice gained a touch of a smirk, "…Kagami may not be anywhere near as strong as me…but he could destroy you."
Not that he'd ever say something like that with Kagami actually present.
"And he's from Seirin," he added with a touch of disdain, "…They pride themselves on their hard work…" He resisted the urge to sneer. "…If Kagami wanted a reputation, he'd earn it. So back the fuck off."
"Or what?" Glasses growled, folding his arms. "Seriously? No one takes you seriously anymore. Dating that guy has made you and basketball into a joke. If strong players start letting the weak sleep their way to the top, then the system's fucked –" Suddenly, there was a blur of blue lightning as Aomine shot off in a flash and spun past all three of them to leap up and slam the basketball down through the hoop.
As he and the basketball landed, he spun around –his expression not a friendly one. Mole and Blonde recoiled back –genuine fear apparent in their faces.
"No one takes me seriously?" he queried darkly, catching the ball one handed and cocking his head mutinously. "Hah, don't make me laugh. You weaklings are cowering. If you want to keep talking shit about how Kagami's a weak user and us being together is ruining basketball…then prove it." He leered down at Glasses with such intensity that even the guy, who had been so confident and cocky until now, began to back off.
Aomine wasn't sure why he was getting so angry. After all, getting angry was just so tiring that he rarely bothered. But hearing these guys badmouth Kagami had for some reason made him snap. Sure, he called Kagami weak all the time but that was different, since it was coming from him. He couldn't think of a reason for why it was different…but it just was!
He and Kagami didn't agree on a lot of things. Actually, at points, it was safe to say that the only thing they shared was a love of basketball. People thinking that their choice of…partner…reflected their ability in the sport they loved –those people were fools. And, from the time he'd been spending with Kagami, he'd sort of grown accustomed to him –just a little. He'd been almost going out of his way to see how far he could push the guy –just to keep things entertaining –and Kagami had been patient…for the most part, at least. Kagami was one of the few people that put up with his crap and but also had no fear of him –something that (though he would never admit it), was kind of refreshing.
So hearing people say such damn bullshit about him seriously pissed him off.
Not only that, but he hated it when people disputed his opinion.
So when someone that he respected as a strong opponent, was called weak by someone other than him…
He lashed out.
And suddenly found his arm caught by Takao, who had appeared at probably the exact moment before things started turning ugly. He glared down at the point guard, who was wearing that cheerful grin on his face still.
"Aomine…" Takao remarked lightly, "…Friendly tournament, remember?"
"Tch, there's nothing friendly about these guys," Aomine growled darkly. Takao looked over and sighed –realising that he'd missed something, but managed to avoid it escalating. Two of the three guys who were their intended opponents looked petrified.
"Uhh…you know what?" Blonde stammered, "I uhh…I think we're gonna forfeit…"
"Yeah…I think that's a…a good idea," Mole admitted with an awkward cough; the pair of them dragging Glasses away to tell one of the organisers that they were not gonna dare take on a pissed off member of the Generation of Miracles –especially its wild ace.
It was as the match was called off, and their team shuffled up to the next round automatically, that Kagami finally made an appearance.
"Sorry I'm late," he apologised, "Kise lost Kuroko and needed help finding him…"
"How do you lose a person?" Takao sighed with a facepalm as Kagami looked around in confusion and saw that they didn't have any opponents, "…Ahh, don't worry –the other team forfeited."
"What?" Kagami complained, "Why?"
"Ask your boyfriend," he shrugged, jerking a thumb over to where Aomine was practically radiating 'pissed off'. "I dunno what happened, but I got here in time to stop him from punching a guy…Our next game shouldn't be too far away then…"
"You nearly what?" Kagami exclaimed hotly as Takao wandered over to one of the organisers to find out which court their next game would be on. Aomine just looked away and began stalking off, "Aomine! What the hell?" he stormed after him and grabbed him by the shoulder.
"Touch me again, and you'll regret it," Aomine threatened –obviously in a very bad mood. But Kagami didn't care much for his mood swings, and so followed him over to a less crowded part of the courts –round the back of the public bathrooms. "Oi! Quit following me!"
"Only when you tell me what happened," Kagami glowered, "You almost fought a guy!"
"Tch, well they were saying shit," he snapped.
" –What kind of shit could they possibly be saying to make you punch someone?" he groaned in exasperation. Usually Aomine managed to restrain himself.
"Nothing," he grumbled crossly, "Just drop it, will you?"
"Just tell me, dammit," Kagami snorted, "Is it the gay thing, because usually you –"
"They were saying shit about you, okay?" he snorted, and folded his arms like he was some kind of child. "…And I'm the only one allowed to do that." Kagami's mouth fell open and his mind was suddenly filled with confusion. Had Aomine…actually been defending him?
"Tch, you didn't need to punch him," he scoffed, though on the inside he couldn't help but feel a little…happy…well, that Aomine had gone so far as to nearly knock the lights out of someone insulting him. "I can take care of myself, dammit. I don't need you fighting for me."
"I wasn't 'fighting for you'," Aomine snorted, "I just thought that a good boyfriend would maybe get involved –"
"Well remember how you're not a good boyfriend?" Kagami snorted crossly and Aomine glared back at him.
"Oh, like you're any better," he snapped back, his anger still not having had an outlet since Takao had pulled back his punch, "No one believes this, Bakagami. Everyone thinks this thing is some kind of stunt. Which, it fucking is."
"Shut up!" Kagami hissed, knowing that there were people around, with ears –and Aomine was talking too loud.
"Don't tell me to shut up," he drawled without thinking, "It's not like you're my actual boyfriend or anything, so quit telling me what to –" Oh god, this was so not good. Aomine was running his fucking mouth again.
"Ahomine, you're making a scene," he growled out from between gritted teeth.
"This whole thing was a joke," Aomine scoffed, " –Now people just think that we're attention whores, and those fucking rumours are never going to –"
"Quit it; people are staring," Kagami hissed, looking over his shoulder in a slight panic as Aomine shoved him roughly and dragged his attention back to him. In an attempt to get him to shut up, he clamped a hand over the bluenette's mouth, but Aomine just shoved him again.
"Do that again, and this whole joke of a relationship is fucking –"
There was nothing else for it, Kagami mused bitterly. He knew the rumours as well as anyone else –probably because the worst ones were about him. There were heaps of people reluctant to believe that he and Aomine were together. People thought he was a status-seeking user trying to gain fame, or take shortcuts or get Aomine to go easy on him to make him seem better…
This had all started as just rumours that he and Aomine were together. But now those rumours had escalated via speculation to not just be about his sexuality, but about his personality and morals. More than ever, he needed to make sure that the world thought he was with Aomine –and that he was with him because he liked him…and not because he liked his reputation.
And for that, he needed that bloody idiot shut his mouth.
Cringing slightly –unable to believe that he was doing this, but with no other option springing to mind –Kagami grabbed Aomine's shirt and lurched forwards to press their lips together.
Aomine was still talking, but within moments, the words died from his lips as he acknowledged that this…this was happening. Kagami's mouth was on his and the redhead's eyes were tightly clenched shut –a blush rising to his cheeks. In stunned silence, Aomine moved his lips against Kagami's experimentally, and was a little surprised to feel the redhead's respond.
But only for a moment.
With a huff of an exhale, Kagami pulled back with a sharp glare. Aomine just stared at him in disbelief, licking his lips in surprise as the redhead wiped his lips with the back of his hand.
"Can you not?" Kagami snorted crossly, "Seriously?"
"Did you just kiss me?" Aomine deadpanned and was satisfied with how Kagami's blush deepened significantly.
"You weren't shutting up," he muttered, and the bluenette's scolding died on his tongue when he heard the tone Kagami was using. "…Look…I don't like this just as much as you –but it's either people thinking that I like you or that I'm the kind of asshole that would date a jackass like you to improve my reputation." He averted his eyes sheepishly and tucked his hands in his pockets.
A wave of guilt washed over Aomine –and he wasn't accustomed to the feeling. Ugh…this was so tiresome…first he was finding himself defending Kagami…now he was feeling guilty about nearly exposing how fake their relationship was? Ridiculous…
Not to mention, he was feeling kind of weird.
Maybe he should apologise? After all…Kagami stood to wind up with more back-lash if it was revealed that they weren't actually together. And he had overreacted…for some reason…It was those guys he was pissed at –not Kagami, who was currently looking around warily to see if anyone had been paying attention to what Aomine had been saying.
No. He didn't do apologies. But he did feel kind of bad. And, after all, he'd gone to the trouble of defending the guy –he might as well keep up this act for a bit longer. Although, he'd maybe have to find some way to make up for almost letting the cat out of the bag. Those assholes had been right about one thing –people didn't really believe they were together.
"Come on…" he sighed with a yawn, lacing his fingers with Kagami's without warning and tugging him off towards their next game. "…Don't worry, I won't defend you again." Kagami's eyes that had widened in surprise as his hand was grabbed, suddenly narrowed.
"Fine. I don't need you to," he sniffed, drawing up beside him and adjusting his fingers so that they were more comfortably positioned between Aomine's. The pair of them didn't even bother glancing at each other.
" –We've been looking everywhere for you!" Momoi exclaimed in exasperation as they drew up to her, Kagami still trying to come to terms with the weird kind of butterflies he was getting with the knowledge that Aomine maybe respected him enough to defend him. "…Aomine-kun…why are you blushing? Did something happen?"
"No," Aomine immediately remarked, and Kagami felt his cheeks heat up as he snuck a look at the bluenette to find that indeed, Aomine Daiki's cheeks were actually a little pink. He snickered with a small grin that didn't fade when the other ace glared over at him. Neither of them particularly wanted to mention that little kiss they'd shared…though Kagami was suddenly struck with the realisation that it was the first time he'd kissed Aomine since the incident at the Christmas party. For some reason that made him all the more embarrassed by it.
It didn't really come as a surprise to anyone that the team that won the three-a-side street-ball tournament consisted of Aomine Daiki, Takao Kazunari and Kagami Taiga. For one thing, Aomine had stated numerous times throughout the day that 'the only one who can beat me is me' –a phrase that Kagami was growing increasingly sick of.
And, being the winners…they were getting interviewed.
Takao was doing most of the talking –because Aomine wasn't interested, and he was a little more eloquent with his words than Kagami. Amongst other things, he'd been asked how it had been playing in a team so different from Shutoku. He'd replied very diplomatically that it was an experience that had tested his abilities as a point guard.
…Which was a polite way of saying 'how the fuck do you play in a team when your teammates are playing against each other?'
"Now, Aomine-kun," the interviewer remarked conversationally, "I'm actually very glad to get the chance to talk to you today."
"Hah?" Aomine raised an eyebrow, mid-yawn. "Me?" he added, though he had been expecting this. Well, actually, Takao had been expecting this, and had informed Aomine and Kagami that there was the possibility that the blood-sucking reporters would take advantage of the opportunity to expose their relationship.
"As I'm sure you're aware," he began with a small cough, "Recently, there has been a great deal of speculation across social media about the nature of your relationship with Kagami-kun here." He nodded across at Kagami, whose eyes widened as he peered over at Aomine slightly nervously.
"What about it?" Aomine inquired suspiciously, though he knew exactly where this was going. He ignored Kagami's nervous look and did his best to prevent himself from smirking. This was not only going to be hilarious, but Kagami was gonna have to be fucking thankful.
Not that this was for Kagami.
He was trapped in this situation too.
"Well," the reporter remarked cheerfully, "At the moment…with no real confirmation from either of you…there is a great deal of speculation about whether or not…"
"We're together," Aomine interrupted flatly, practically staring down the cameras as he appeared to have made his mind up about something. "…So all of you who are spreading rumours about my Kagami –this is for you. Kagami…" That was all the warning that Kagami –who was still battling with annoyance and a weird sensation at being referred to as Aomine's –received before he was unceremoniously shoved up against the news van beside him and a pair of warm lips planted firmly against his.
There was an audible gasp from everyone watching (apart from Takao, who had apparently been the only one who saw this coming). Kagami's eyes widened and his lips parted in shock as a tongue forced past them and into the caverns of his mouth. For a moment there, he was horrified to find himself submitting and just letting Aomine ravage his mouth –on live television. His only reaction was that his hands sought to grip something behind him –only to find no hand-hold to keep him in reality.
But then he remembered that he didn't let that bastard walk all over him –and it was that, rather than the fact that this was bound to prove that they were together –that made him kiss back.
Tanned hands curled around him, but, not to be outdone, he looped his arms up around Aomine's neck and gripped his short hair fiercely as his tongue slicked up against the bluenette's and their kiss grew deeper and more passionate.
Their bodies were pressed together, lips tearing at each other, almost for no reason other than they refused to let the other dominate them. Kagami drew a shaky breath and felt a soft moan resonate from deep in his throat as his red eyes began to glaze –the strangely familiar warmth of Aomine's body causing his temperature to rise. A keening, "Mmm…" escaped Aomine's lips as he too felt heat beginning to brew between them.
Aomine's hands were fierce upon him; coursing up his back and then down again; gripping almost painfully at his hair then sliding around to cup his cheek. Kagami felt his own hands, moving seemingly off no will of his own, tugging the other ace closer to him and feeling one of Aomine's thighs press up between his legs intimately. Embarrassment made him try to close his thighs together, but that only forced the bluenette closer to him and he let out a low gasp at the sensation –just feeling Aomine smirking.
Through lidded lashes, their gazes met; filled with challenge and heat –bodies connecting and mouths barely parting, even for air. Like the first time they had kissed, under that bloody mistletoe at the Christmas party, this was raw and primal.
"Ahem…" Takao coughed suddenly, as one of Aomine's hands almost snaked up the back of Kagami's shirt (out of sight of the camera, but well in-sight of the hawk-eyed point guard –he'd managed to catch sight because Kagami had arched up into a Aomine in a certain way that he knew from experience indicated hand upon skin contact). "I think uhh…I think they get it…" It was a little apparent that he was trying not to laugh.
Aomine pulled back, finding himself unusually breathless, but then, unable to resist as a thoroughly embarrassed Kagami let out a shaking breath; leaned back in and pressed a few steaming, short kisses against his speechless mouth; gripping his face in both hands. On the last, he even let his tongue languidly roll against Kagami's as their lips met –a gesture very vividly caught on camera; and one that caused a soft whimper to escape the redhead's throat.
Limply, Kagami's hands slid down Aomine's back to dangle uselessly at his sides as he blinked like a deer frozen in headlights –his cheeks practically the same colour as his hair. Everyone in the immediate vicinity was struck dumb as Aomine cricked his neck and pulled away from the motionless redhead.
"And, by the way…" he added, almost casually, though his voice was suddenly a lot huskier than it had initially been, "Our relationship is none of your business…and if you don't like it; keep it to your damn selves." And that was his final word on the matter. His bluntness had apparently awakened the reporter, who still seemed stunned by such a display.
"Um…well…Kagami-kun?" he inquired, "Do you have anything else to say?" Kagami just blinked at him in shock and struggled to fight down his blush.
"I…uhh…" he coughed awkwardly, scratching his chin self-consciously before he suddenly realised that this was his moment to set the record straight. His expression changed to one of confidence –putting his sudden kiss(es) with Aomine to the back of his mind.
"I take basketball seriously," he stated flatly, "…I don't take shortcuts. I don't need to, because I know I'm not weak. So…" With a sudden grin that rather hid his growing mortification quite well, he slung an arm around Aomine's shoulders (earning an annoyed glance from the bluenette) and smirked down the camera, "…If any of you think that you don't have to take either of us seriously…" Aomine caught on to his train of thought and mimicked his challenging look. "…Think again."
And that was the last of it.
Kagami walked away from that televised interview with his head held high, but with every step, his expression grew more and more distressed.
"What's the big idea, Ahomine?" he exclaimed aggressively as soon as they were out of earshot of the reporter and the still rather shell-shocked camera crew.
"Hah?" Aomine remarked disinterestedly, "What's what?"
"That!" Kagami snapped crossly, "Over there! You just made out with me on TV!"
"So?" he snorted back, hearing an overjoyed squeal from somewhere in the distance and just knowing that Momoi was going to appear and bombard him with questions at any second. "It's not like it meant anything. And you started it." Kagami flushed with an inward groan at the fact that okay he had maybe made it so kissing was on the table.
"Yeah, well…that's not the point!" he sniffed hotly, "…A bit of warning might've been nice!"
"Tch…" Aomine scoffed, rolling his eyes, "Everyone's going to think we're together. You should be thrilled."
"How can I be thrilled after that just happened?" Kagami complained, "Oh my god…." He rested his face in his hands as he struggled to come to terms with what exactly had just gone down. One moment, he'd just been standing there in the background while Takao talked. That was fine. Then the next thing he knew, Aomine grabbed him and pushed him up against the nearest car and started kissing him.
And then he'd kissed back.
And god had he kissed back. Aomine's touch and taste lingered on him, and his heart was beating a little too fast –probably from nerves or embarrassment or something. He had definitely had to kiss back. But he definitely hadn't had to kiss back like that. Jeez…this had happened the first time as well…what was it about Aomine that made him throw sense to the wind and just…turn into some kind of animal?
Kagami sighed in resignation and slipped his hand into Aomine's, feeling the increasingly-familiar grip of his strong fingers clutch him in what he interpreted as a –god help him –reassuring kind of way. He'd really never expected that Aomine would do something as drastic as that…but then again, the guy could be damn unpredictable –and even worse, he appeared to be just as bored and disinterested in life as ever. How was it fucking possible to not be in the least bit ruffled about sucking face with another guy in front of so many people?
Little did Kagami know that behind Aomine's dull demeanour, there was one thought that drowned out all the others.
Holy shit.
Takao shifted slightly, later that night, letting out a ragged breath as he curled up against Midorima's pale side, wrapping his arm across his chest.
"What's bothering you, Shin-chan?" he inquired quietly, noting that the shooting guard was staring up at the roof with unfocused green eyes.
"What makes you think I'm bothered?" he remarked haughtily and Takao chuckled to himself, pressing his naked body closer to his boyfriend's, wincing as a twinge of dull pain throbbed up his back.
"Well…uhh…" he admitted, "It's just…you were a lot rougher on me tonight…" He looked up and saw green eyes peering down at him apologetically.
"…Sorry…" he muttered.
"No…no…I actually rather enjoyed it…" Takao chuckled to himself, running a hand down his chest and nuzzling up against him. "…And…" he self-consciously traced a dark purple hickey that was currently forming on his neck. "…This is the first time you've left marks."
Takao was a little surprised that as he mentioned that, Midorima rolled and hovered over him, looking down at him rather predatorily. It was an unusual look in his eyes, but it was strangely arousing. He felt his boyfriend descend to his neck and softly kiss at one of the hickeys, before brushing it with his nose. He shifted his weight so that he was lying between Takao's legs once more.
"…Are you ashamed of me, Takao?" he inquired quietly, as Takao kissed his cheek intimately. He raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"What are you talking about?" he asked.
"Why did those people think that you didn't have a boyfriend?" Midorima asked in a low tone. Takao frowned, genuinely not sure what he was talking about –but then he remembered the encounter with those homophobes earlier in the day –and how, when they had told him to run off to his boyfriend, he had bitten his tongue.
"…Shin-chan…" he chuckled, wrapping his arms around Midorima's neck and dragging him back down to rest on him, "…I didn't want to have to get you involved…" He felt lips nibbling at the flesh of his neck once more and hips rose –seeking contact.
"You know I do not care for sharing," Midorima growled huskily, nipping at Takao's throat and causing his breath to hitch, "I like others to know what is mine." This caused a smile to spread across the point guard's face as he understood.
"…So possessive…Shin-chan…" he murmured, feeling a large hand sliding down between his legs. His back was already throbbing, but he couldn't help but quiver with excitement. It wasn't often his Shin-chan got in this kind of mood. He felt guilty for denying him –he hadn't known he'd heard that exchange, though he'd speculated that Midorima actually loved it when Takao made sure to let the world know they were together. This was the first time that he hadn't openly announced 'Shin-chan's my boyfriend but he says he isn't' or some variation, but the marks on his neck and his most likely prominent limp in the morning would rather clearly show that he did indeed have a boyfriend. One that would much rather deny than be denied.
"Again?" Midorima inquired in a sultry whisper, flinging the blankets back off of them and pressing his naked body up against his boyfriend's.
As Takao wrapped his arms around Midorima's pale shoulders and kissed him deeply, he decided that he kinda liked seeing this possessive side of him.
"Shin-chan, you sure spoil me sometimes."
Meanwhile…Kagami was lying in bed staring at his roof, gripping his blanket tightly.
He couldn't sleep. His mind was too occupied.
Even now, his mind was swimming with the memory of what had happened with Aomine during the day. Every time he closed his eyes, he could feel hands kneading up his back, fingers digging in harshly and gripping him close –and worse, warm, soft hands ghosting at the skin in the small of his back.
Lying on his back, he could recall the feel of the bluenette's toned chest pressed up against him –the feeling of his knee pressed tight against his crotch; subtly moving up against him.
His breath started to quicken at the memory, and he clenched his eyes shut –praying for sleep to hurry. All that happened in the darkness, was that as his lips parted to breathe, he was reminded of the feel of Aomine's tongue roving through his mouth; the warmth and force of his lips…the soft grunts of pleasure that escaped his throat…
Kagami let out an exasperated groan, slumping across to one side.
Why had he kissed Aomine –even to shut him up? Of course he should've realised that that meant that their hand-holding could maybe step up to lip-locking –though he had never considered that it could escalate so violently…that was the whole reason they were in this mess to start with!
Ugh.
Their friends had been watching the live broadcast, and it had taken a while for Riko and Momoi to stop giggling. The rest of them had been relatively dumbstruck…and just stared…which he supposed was a reasonable reaction.
Takao had said it was even better live.
Midorima had thankfully told him to shut up.
And even though the rest of the day had progressed relatively smoothly –well, mostly because Kagami had escaped to wallow in shame after all the teams had gone for celebratory popsicles in honour of them winning the tournament. It had been great to all hang out –Kasamatsu was a laugh and Imayoshi somehow managed to trick Wakamatsu into trying to fit three popsicles into his mouth –which he all but managed…but the whole time, Kagami had been plagued by thoughts of what happened.
In any case, a repeat of the kiss he'd given Aomine to shut him up would've sufficed, right? Actually, well, he knew that that wasn't true…but why on earth did he wind up kissing him like that on TV?
Why did he wind up kissing him like that fullstop –with the tongue and the wandering hands and the moans…god he fucking moaned too much, but he couldn't help it! What kind of guys wound up doing that?
It was so fucking embarrassing.
Even more embarrassing…was the fact that as he struggled to doze off, with memories and foggy thoughts from Christmas dancing through his head…he discovered that maybe he wouldn't mind all that much if Aomine kissed him like that again.
So, like I said...long chapter...with kind of a bit of everything. Sorry to break up the nice parts with those mean, narrow-minded people...
Also, I just had to put the last bit with Takao and Midorima because well...just because I love them and want them to be happy!
As for Kagami and Aomine...is this a turning point, perhaps?
We'll just have to see! Thanks for keeping up!
xx K