NOTE: When I wrote this chapter, I did not know that Rakuzan High was located in Kyoto. Hence, please don't ask me why Akashi is in Tokyo.

Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basket and its franchise!

Kuroko ran as he scanned the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of #2.

Really, where could have that puppy gone? Now he kind of knew how Coach, Captain and the rest feel whenever he disappears out of the blue.

But a puppy getting lost in a sea of people was another thing altogether.

He turned towards his right, where he had managed to catch a glimpse of Kiyoshi-senpai, who was talking to two other people; of which both were familiar. One of the two, a particular person who stood out from most of the people in the crowd, was holding in his gigantic hands the little puppy he had been looking for.

"… #2!"

XXX

Back at the train station, our group of nosy high-schoolers were still busy spying on a particular someone.

"Kurokocchi sure is taking his time… where do you think that puppy went?"

"Beats me." Aomine shrugged his shoulders.

"Anyway, how long have we been standing here? It feels like hours."

"We've only been here for ten minutes, to be precise." Midorima checked his watch.

"But is he really waiting for his date? I mean, it's not like him to be early for an appointment, nor it's like him to wait for someone. I mean, when we were late for something back then in Middle School, he just left five minutes after the designated time, right?"

"Would you keep your mouth shut already, Kise; it's getting on my nerves."

"Eh? That's so mean, Midorimacchi!"

"For once, I agree with him."

"Aominecchi, you too?"

"Me too."

"Momoicchi too? Why is everyone so against me today? I mean, even Kasamatsu-senpai kicked me so many times today that my butt has gone numb. And speaking of things going numb, I think my legs are asleep from kneeling here for so long…"

"JUST SHUT UP ALREADY!"

"Oh? What are all of you doing here?"

For the second time today, Aomine and Momoi jumped, this time at the sound of a lazy voice that just came abruptly from behind them. Kise almost screamed, if not for Momoi who had covered his mouth in time. Midorima also jumped slightly, with his glasses nearly slipping off his nose in the process.

"M-Mukkun!"

"Murasakibaracchi! And Kurokocchi!"

"I'm back."

"Murasakibara; I thought you lived in the Akita prefecture now? What are you doing in Tokyo?"

"I can't find these in my place," Murasakibara gestured to the bags of snacks that were hanging off his long arms. "So I came to restock on them. They're my favourites, after all."

"You know, if you continue eating like this, you'd die from diabetes before you reach the age of 25."

"Then I choose to die happy."

It was then a familiar whine was heard.

"Say, Mukkun, why is #2 riding on top of your head?"

The pup whined again as he clung onto Murasakibara's purple head for dear life.

"I can't remember, actually."

"Eh?"

"But it's great that you managed to find him; don't you agree, Kurokocchi?"

"Yeah."

"So what are all of you doing here?"

"As you can see…" Momoi pointed to the red-head that was still standing by the fountain.

"Is that Aka-chin?"

"If it isn't obvious enough."

"But why are you guys watching him?" Murasakibara asked as he took the puppy off his head and handed him back to his master.

"We're spying on him."

"Kurokocchi! You didn't have to say that out loud!"

"But it's the truth."

"Actually, won't Aka-chin get mad if he finds out that we're spying on him?" Murasakibara opened a packet of chips, grabbing a piece and started chomping on it. "I mean… you all know how Aka-chin is like, right?"

The rest stared in silence as the realization hit them.

"…"

"We're screwed."

"About time you realized; Aho-mine!"

"But you were here the whole time too, Satsuki!"

"Keep it down, guys; he's going to hear us!"

Meanwhile, the former captain of Teikou remained standing by the fountain, his arms crossed as his eyelid twitched in mild irritation.

For how long was that bunch of idiots planning to spy on him? He had already noticed that they were there, watching him from behind that accursed pillar, right from the beginning!

If he were still their captain, he'd give them a training session they'd never forget. Maybe he should do something to them to teach them a little lesson, hm.

"Sei-chan?" Akashi Seijuurou snapped out from his thoughts as he heard someone call him. "I'm sorry that I'm late; have you been waiting long?"

"It's fine, Grandmother. Are you tired from your long journey? Shall I take your luggage for you?"

"A train ride like that can't tire out a woman like me, even at this age," The elderly woman laughed. "Thank you so much for your help, dear."

Oh well, there's always a next time; Akashi thought as he escorted his grandmother back to his house.

The rest of the Generation of Miracles, still gathered behind the pillar, were currently suffering a bout of mixed reactions. While some were trying their best to hold back their laughter, others were just staring in disbelief. Only Kuroko was left with a neutral expression on his face, despite it being a bit forced.

"You know," Kuroko spoke. "I think he just sent a glare our way."

"Arf!"

I thought you'd guys would've liked the FMA-scene last chapter, but guess it wasn't that funny, huh?

The part about Murasakibara getting diabetes was from a real conversation I had with someone. And his (Murasakibara) response was what I had said. I need to eat sweet stuff to think; I just can't help it. And people tend to give me weird looks when I'm at the dessert corner at a buffet (especially those intercontinental-style buffets at hotels).

Note to alice106th: I told you that image of #2 on Murasakibara's head was stuck in my head... but I wonder if dogs actually have a fear of heights like I do. And I probably won't be adding more characters unless I do it on a whim.

Note to Fantasy-Magician: He was comparing the dog to his team-mates. Or maybe it was vice versa. Sorry if it wasn't clear.

By the way, this story would be taking a break this Thursday, because I'll be overseas on my yearly family vacation. THE SUN, THE POOL AND THE PADDY FIELDS, HERE WE COME! (You're free to guess where we'd be going.) I'll post up only one chapter next week, maybe on Saturday after I (and A Natsume Yuujinchou Lover) post the last part of 'Blood is Thicker than Water'.

TWO MORE CHAPTERS TO GO!