Take the Fight From the Kid

by widdlewed

It didn't matter if his body was slowly breaking down, if his medicine doses steadily increased, or if the hospital visits became more frequent. None of that mattered to Kuroko Tetsuya, whose only drive at the moment was to bring love back into his friends' lives after Teikou crushed their hearts. KagaKuro and Protective!GoM in later chapters. NO CHARACTER DEATH

10. 10th Dose

Me: let's delve into Akashi's mind and show how he interacts at home and at school, setting up his character to have human qualities while still showing the manipulative, lil Shit Akashi the fandom loves.

Also me: HE'S GOT A FUCKING HORSE LET'S HAVE TWENTY GODDAMN PAGES OF HIM HORSEBACK RIDING BECAUSE I'M ENVIOUS OF HIS HORSE AND EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW IT

Don't worry y'all, I ended up NOT putting 20 pages of Akashi horseback riding. Your welcome. LOL

So this chapter has got a good bit of FLUFF. Fuck yeah. I struggled a bit with Akashi's character, only because I wanted to portray him as human, so he may seem out of character. I'm sorry. I also wanted to indulge myself with introducing Rakuzan early but I'm bad at characterization so soz

ALSO. We got some KAGAKURO this chapter. Nothing like kissing or shit. Just Kagami not being oblivious and them being dorks : )

Chapter Warnings: Swear words, small instances of homophobia, Haizaki, Akashi

Thank you as always for reading and enjoying my story~! I love all of you and appreciate you stick with me for this fic! ENJOY!

---

If he was being honest, he didn't know what exactly to call this emotion. It was like a solid density that settled in his upper abdomen and refused to move. It stayed the same size, burning hold before dropping below freezing at any sudden mention of the source of this emotion. And that, the knowledge that he couldn't put a name to what he was feeling, seemed to increase the nameless clench in his chest.

Because he was Akashi Seijuurou. He was absolute, in control, but he couldn't even put a name to a emotion he was feeling.

It had began to rear its ugly head after Akashi received that damning text message, sending the group chat into chaos with a misplaced contact. It had been cold, at first. Like ice was replacing the blood in his veins, it spread with the blink of an eye and left him numb. He'd sat there, staring at the screen, as the messages scrolled past. He wasn't really seeing, instead his blurred vision focusing on that single word. Sick. Tetsuya was sick? Sick?

What kind of sick? A fever? A cold? An infection? Akashi was pulled from his place in his room, suddenly finding himself in a white hospital room.

[White walls, white sheets, red stains from heaved coughs that tore her throat apart. White flesh. Red hair spilled over one shoulder, unkempt and glistening like the red liquid cupped in pale, shaking hands. Thin limbs, white bones almost seen through the translucent skin. Whispered pleas, soft sobs of grovelling, begging to stay, begging to live. A gentle touch, spreading red across his cheek as a faint smile spoke volumes to him. "My sweet Seijuurou, live in happiness. Live in freedom. Live life."]

No. No. No. Tetsuya was fine. It was a simple cold, a simple fever. Maybe allergies. Akashi knew how much Tetsuya ignored his selfcare.

After the cold, came the heat. It started small, like a flickering flame trying to stay alight. It grew with each passing second. Akashi was quick, pulling up Midorima's contact. If anyone would tell him honestly, it was his trusted point-shooter. Midorima valued people's health over any animosity he felt for them, a characteristic ingrained by his hospital-careered parents. If anyone had the answers, or at least concerns, it would be the green haired teen.

The heat breached into a roar the moment Takao Kazunari had answered the phone, completely derailing any semblance of calm Akashi felt inside. How dare he try to get in the way of Akashi questioning Midorima. How dare he.

The heat was scorching him, burning him from the inside out as his world began to shake. He breathed in, shoving at the trembling walls of his control, uprighting them. Distantly, he heard that annoyance whisper, "Kuroko-kun", but the sound was snuffed out before it could raise to a murmur. Akashi was in control. He had a handle on this. He would get his answers.

Kagami Taiga made Takao's burning inferno look like nothing than a kindling fire. Akashi saw red as he conversed with the teen, that red trickling into black the moment the dial tone hit his ear. No.

No.

No.

It was just a simple fever. It was just a simple cold. It wasn't anything.

[White walls, white sheets, white bones-]

The Akashi Family, with its wealth and his father's well placed connections, had access to places usually unattainable by someone of their status. Akashi Masaomi had made sure that his connections were well thought out, keeping contacts in every area of business.

Hospitals weren't any different.

It only took a few minutes to make the necessary calls, playing up on his duty as Masaomi's heir, to get what he wanted. Within ten minutes, he had a email compiled of Tetsuya's medical file from birth up until an hour ago.

Was what he was doing illegal? Most definitely. Did he honestly care enough to worry? Never.

Akashi read through the medical charts, eyebrows raising as that cold was beginning to conquer the heat. He never knew Tetsuya was born premature. That probably explained his almost asthma-like symptoms. Scarred lungs were common in preemies. Stitches in his head from a tumble when he was learning to walk. Painful, but reasonable.

Akashi scrolled, stopping at a particular date. It was three days after their match against Meikou, Tetsuya's friend's school. It was a simple visit, for the flu, it seemed like. Except that Tetsuya went in and out of the hospital for weeks with that same stubborn case of the flu.

And then they'd done a urinalysis, which showed excessive amounts of protein, which was labeled as proteinuria. Blood tests followed.

Two names were in bold. Akashi googled the foreign names, that cold declining below freezing as he read up on the conditions.

Words glared up at him from the search engine. Life Expectancy. Severe. Fatal. Kidney Transplants. How to make the most of your life with Lupus. How to deal with chronic pain.

[White walls-]

The fire exploded from his chest and everything went into a twist of red and black, before splattering into white. When his vision came back, spots dancing across his eyes, he caught sight of his smashed laptop. A cracked, caved in indent now sported his wall from colliding after he'd chunked it. His desk chair was toppled and his carefully stacked papers and container of pens were strewn across his bedroom floor. Knocks were sounding at his locked door, one of the maids asking cautiously if he was alright. He ignored them, staring at the mess he'd made as if he couldn't process that he'd done it.

Akashi breathed in deep, trying to collect himself. His hands were shaking, just slightly, and a wave of revolt rolled through his stomach at the visible sign of weakness. This was unbecoming of an Akashi. He knew this. He was raised correctly.

He was dialing Tetsuya's number before he could stop himself and something in him loosened at the hesitant, but kind (always so kind) voice answering him.

"Tetsuya," Akashi greeted, trying to keep his voice light and distant to cover the breathlessness of it. "How are you feeling? I've been informed by Ryouta and Shintarou that you're sick." And had a biopsy just that day. From what he knew with his prior knowledge, biopsies were exhausting and could be painful if uncared for. Seeing as Tetsuya seemed to have that Kagami player with him, at least that meant Tetsuya wasn't alone.

Silence met his inquiry and Akashi picked up on how Tetsuya's breathing seemed to suck in and hold, falling from that steady in and out to stuttered gasps. There was a rustling on the other end, those gasps seeming to still as a soft voice murmured to Tetsuya.

Akashi heard it loud and clear and mentally rolled his eyes. The teen could have been screaming for all he cared- he knew what was really going on.

"Tetsuya?" Akashi called as he heard Kagami move away. At least he assumed he moved away. Either way, Tetsuya's breathing was calming again. "Tetsuya?" Without him wanting to, a sliver of concern slipped into his voice. It concerned him, sure, that just the mention of sickness sent Tetsuya into a panic. Why?

But wasn't that the golden question? Why, indeed.

"My fever is fine, Akashi-kun," Tetsuya answered. "How did you hear about me?" Akashi gave a hum, not even needing to know about Tetsuya's medical history to know the teen was lying. Tetsuya was always a bad liar. He was the type where he couldn't keep the guilt out of his tone, pained to lie in the first place. It was a endearing quality, knowing his former friend couldn't lie to him.

"Shintarou and Ryouta made a mistake on who they were messaging." Well, really Kise but Tetsuya didn't need to know that. "I'm curious, Tetsuya, as to why you're letting Kagami Taiga tell you that you have a fever. I can hear him, you know." Though it was endearing, Akashi absolutely detested someone lying to him, no matter who they were. Therefore, he decided Tetsuya needed a bit of punishment for his insolence. He could hear Tetsuya's breathing increase again and felt a sliver of satisfaction at that. Good. Tetsuya seemed to have forgotten his place.

"If it is such a simple fever, then why do your school medical records say differently? Your declining health hasn't gone unnoticed, you do realize?" Akashi wasn't stupid - he knew it'd be more believable for him to have access to Tetsuya's school files than his actual hospital files. That way Tetsuya knew that Akashi held power, but not exactly how much. He could still hold some cards to himself, still keep his pieces protected on the board.

Of course, Tetsuya started to gasp into the phone, the gasps becoming more erratic, and a weird high pitched keen had responded to Akashi. Well, he hadn't been expecting that.

"Tetsuya?" Akashi called, trying to keep his voice soothing to calm the teen down. When Tetsuya didn't seem to respond, Akashi raised his voice. "Tetsuya?" A thump and shuffling. And suddenly, that inferno was burning hotter than lava at the sound of Kagami's voice.

How he abhorred this teen for getting in his way.

[White-]

Akashi couldn't grasp his words properly, eyes flashing over to his broken laptop. Something in him pinched and pulled, radiating pain that was titleless as Kagami hung up the phone. Akashi tried to redial, only to be met with the machine signaling his contact had been blocked.

Akashi stared down at his phone, trying to regulate his breathing.

[Whi-]

Akashi slammed his door open, marched past the startled maid, and headed for the stables. If anything could give him time to collect and sort through his thoughts, it was a well-needed ride with Yukimaru.

---

"I really don't think we should even be talking, don't you agree?" Akashi asked as he studied his nails, his eyes fleeting as he glanced to the man across from him. The man, aged with wrinkles from joyous and grievous times, gave a grunt. "You've already been paid in advance for the month by my father to write me off as mentally stable. Is there even a point to being here?"

"You think that? That your father can buy me out like that? I have a reputation to uphold," the therapist denied. Akashi gave a short, emotionless chuckle.

"You say that, but that watch is new and quite expensive. More than your current payroll can supply, I'm sure. Especially with you financing your grandchildren's' private school educations. Barely enough money for that watch." Akashi's smile fell. "Let's just get this over with. Write me off as merely stressed and continue your day, digging your pockets down with hush money." Akashi's eyes were sharp as he studied his doctor. Takahashi was probably an amazing doctor during his prime, but now he was nothing more than a vacuum for money.

"You had brought up something about 'another you' during our last session. Do you remember this?" Takahashi forged on and Akashi settled back in his chair, eyes roaming over the miserably bleak office.

"Yes," Akashi forced out, because he had let that slip. He'd needed to rant to someone, anyone, about the ugly burning in his chest over Tetsuya and during his heated moments, had let that annoyance slip out.

Now the man seemed to be trying to pry into it, as if it was something of importance.

"Why don't we talk about that? What do you mean, another you? Are there two Seijuurou?" Takahashi asked, pen at the ready to jot down notes. Akashi eyed him, indifferent as he further made himself comfortable.

"I am Akashi Seijuurou," Akashi commented, ignoring that tiny whisper that protested in the back of his mind. "There's only me here." And it would stay that way.

"In most cases, people don't know about the existence of another personality. It is common-" Akashi droned the man out, knowing he was going to talk for a while. Instead, Akashi focused his attention on what he could do to control the situation with Tetsuya.

Because that was what was going to happen in the end. Akashi would be damned if he allowed something like this to get in his way. Tetsuya wasn't allowed to be sick.

"You care." Akashi shoved the annoyance back into the corner of his mind, zoning back in as Takahashi mentioned a name.

"Midorima-sensei over in Tokyo has some experience in therapy. She had published a paper-"

"Midorima?" Akashi raised an eyebrow, eyes glinting. "Midorima Keiko?" Takahashi paused, nodding.

"Ah, yes. You've heard of her?" Takashi looked proud, as if he personally knew her. Akashi had never heard the name Takashi come from Midorima's lips, so he knew that wasn't the case.

"Ah, I've heard of her," Akashi smiled pleasantly and began to plot.

---

Thankfully Midorima had unblocked Akashi from his phone. It made everything so much more easier.

[18:35] Akashi Seijuurou

Shintarou, I would like to make an

appointment with your mother.

[18:37] Midorima Shintarou

She says to come on this date.

I'll accompany you. Is everything alright?

Akashi smiled, eyes gleaming at the clear concern. It was just like Midorima to be concerned for someone despite the visible indifference or tension. He had the makings of a amazing doctor. Akashi texted back quickly and devised how to go to the appointment without his father knowing.

Thank goodness Akashi had been making his own connections.

---

"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice," Akashi spoke as Midorima closed the door, taking the seat closest to the window. Keiko nodded, pulling out a new manilla folder.

"Of course," Keiko said as she glanced up, smiling pleasantly to him. "So what can I do for the heir to the Akashi Family?" The title was said in amusement, her eyes sparkling in mirth as Midorima tugged on his doll. Akashi smiled politely, lacing his hands together.

"I would like a session, please." Midorima looked up, alarmed, while Keiko raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow.

"A session? What for? Shintarou, go stand-"

"Shintarou," Akashi interrupted, tone demanding obedience, "stay seated." Keiko watched her son stiffen and comply, eyes downcasted. She narrowed her eyes, professional politeness cracking in the face of her son being submissive. "I request a session with you about my mental state."

Keiko stared, eyes roaming over him before flickering over to her son again. Midorima was staring at the floor, hands slowly plucking at the pigtails of his doll. He was quiet, shoulders hunched under the order from the redhead beside him. Keiko didn't like that. She didn't like that one bit.

"You do realize I'm no longer in that field, don't you?" Keiko asked, pen tapping against the lined paper. "Are you just looking to talk to someone about your feelings and thoughts? A therapist-"

"My father has already scheduled me with a therapist," Akashi cut her off, expression amused. "But I find they are...lacking when it comes to the professional help I need." Keiko scribbled a note, humming.

"And you believe I would better suit you? I take it your father has no knowledge of this meeting," Keiko assumed, biting the inside of her cheek. Well, at least she was right about her concerns for his mental wellness. From how Midorima had described his sudden shift in personality and how he addressed himself, Keiko had worried about another personality.

"My father would never approve such a thing," Akashi acknowledged, tone flat. "Which is why I'm paying for the visits myself. I wish to discuss with you my...mental state. You've probably been told by Shintarou all about that, haven't you?" Akashi's eyes slid to Midorima, who seemed to stop breathing as he felt the weight of those piercing eyes on him. "I do not trust the therapist I currently have. He is more worried about how deep his pockets can get instead of my...problems."

"I can put in a referral for you instead," Keiko compiled and frowned. "This is a very brave step, Akashi-kun."

"Do you trust them?" Akashi asked, tone like ice. Keiko nodded tersely while Midorima looked between them, eyebrows raised high. "Do you trust they won't blather to my father?"

"I'll stake my license on them," Keiko bargained seriously. "Akashi-kun...why are you looking now?" Because from what her son had said about this child in front of her, this was completely out of character for him.

"I'm perfect in everything I do," Akashi smiled lightly, eyes dead as he stared Keiko straight on. "I'm just making sure to purge myself of any annoying imperfections I might still have."

Keiko's eyes were wide as she stared at him, pen loose in her grip.

"But, enough about me," Akashi cooly brushed his long bangs out of his face, frowning at the itch it caused to his forehead. "Can we talk about Tetsuya's autoimmune diseases and how you're going about maintaining them?" His smile was as transparent as glass and the pen slipped from Keiko's fingers.

Akashi was absolute. Akashi was in control of everything, on top of everything. And if that meant that he would do anything to prevent Tetsuya from-

[Red stains on white-]

-dying or suffering some unforeseen problems from his conditions, then so be it.

No one would ever be taken from him by sickness again.

Akashi was absolute.

---

"Sei-chan~!" Mibuchi cheered, waving wildly as Akashi walked into the gym. "We missed you yesterday!"

"No we didn't," Mayuzumi muttered, flipping another page of his light novel as he lounged on the bench.

"Shut up Mayuzumi!" Mibuchi snapped, fluttering around Akashi. "Here, let me pull your bangs back." Mibuchi pulled Akashi over to the bench, shoving Mayuzumi into a sitting position to make room for the redhead.

"Hm, maybe I should just cut my hair," Akashi commented as Mibuchi whipped out bobby pins, tugging his locks back. "Why aren't you running?" A few of the players lounging around jolted and instantly got to running, leaving Mibuchi, Hayama, Mayuzumi, and Nebuya.

"Do that and I'm shaving you bald!" Mibuchi gasped, humming happily as Hayama laughed at Akashi.

"Reo-nee's the law when it comes to your hair, huh?" Hayama teased, bouncing his basketball leisurely.

"But wouldn't shaving his head mean his hair is gone?" Nebuya whispered to Mayuzumi, who ignored him as he continued to read.

"You all should be running too," Akashi snapped out, shoulders relaxed as Mibuchi added another bobby pin, trapping those baby hairs back.

"Sei-chan seems annoyed," Mibuchi commented as she used her thumb to smooth out the creases between Akashi's eyebrows. "What's on your mind? You should share it - it'll affect your playing otherwise." Backing up from her work, Mibuchi waited patiently.

"How do you give a response to someone who insulted your length?" Akashi asked seriously, blinking up at the upperclassman.

The book in Mayuzumi's hands slipped, the senior falling off the bench as he began to howl in laughter. Mibuchi was frozen, eyes impossibly wide, while the gym stilled. Nebuya's jaw was hanging open while Hayama just stared, speechless.

"It's not funny," Akashi gritted out as Mayuzumi slapped a hand against the ground, continuing to laugh.

"Mayuzumi! Stop laughing! Sei-chan is seriously distraught," Mibuchi pouted. That just seemed to make Mayuzumi laugh harder, curling into a ball as his stomach clenched.

"Wow, never seen Mayuzumi laugh like this before," Nebuya pointed out. Hayama grunted, picking up a basketball.

"Never seen him laugh at all," Hayama countered.

"I'll google it," Akashi decided, tone bitter, as Hayama chunked a basketball at the laughing senior. "Chihiro, go run ten laps around the school."

After practice, Akashi saw Tetsuya had unblocked him, sending him a single message of apology for his outburst at the hospital.

---

"Alright men," Hyuuga warned as the team huddled, Riko busy in the home-ec room while keeping Nigou occupied, "it's time to face our end."

"But Coach is just cooking?" Kagami questioned in confusion, Tetsuya under his arm. Hyuuga gulped, Izuki, Mitobe, Tsuchida, and Koganei looking just as grave as Kiyoshi forced a laugh.

"That's the death sentence," Hyuuga explained. "She...means well, but she can't cook. It's been labelled a lethal weapon." Furihata squeaked in fear while Kawahara's eyes widened.

"What? Seriously?" Fukuda wheezed out. Mitobe shook his head, still looking ill, and Koganei shuddered.

"No, but it might as well be!" Koganei whined, shoulders slumping. "How is it possible for someone to cook so badly?"

"Would this be a time where I quote Gordon Ramsay?" Tetsuya looked up at Kagami, who burst out laughing. "'This chicken is raw'!" The group went silent as they stared at the freshman duo, who were dissolving into chuckles, or soft giggles in Tetsuya's case.

"Look at them!" Izuki whined as he waved a arm at them. "Now they have inside jokes! I feel personally mocked! Why can't we be as close as those two?" He stopped, mouthing the words over again.

"It won't work," Hyuuga sighed loudly, "so don't even try. Come on guys, let's face our fears."

"You two are getting pretty close, huh?" Koganei asked as Mitobe and him waited near the back for the freshman duo. "Your teamwork must be great then, huh?"

"You think?" Kagami asked, looking down at Tetsuya. Tetsuya's expression was one of warm content, settled under the weight of Kagami's arm around his shoulder. "Whatcha think, Kuroko?"

"Kagami-kun is my best friend," Tetsuya responded without hesitation. "Our teamwork reflects that." Mitobe smiled and patted Tetsuya on the head while Koganei nudged Kagami in the ribs.

"Best friends~!" He cooed. Kagami flushed and scowled, waving away Koganei's elbows.

"So what? Aren't you and Mitobe-senpai close?" Kagami pointed out and Koganei and Mitobe shared looks of thought.

"Yep!" Koganei beamed happily as he moved to Mitobe's side, linking their arms together. "Mitobe's my best friend!" Mitobe nodded in agreement.

"Uhg, you guys makes me sick," Hyuuga groaned as he spotted the four. "Clinging like that. You'll make people get the wrong idea about you guys." Koganei's smile faltered slightly and Mitobe frowned at the captain, while Kagami raised an eyebrow.

"What's his problem?" Kagami grumbled as he squeezed his arm a little tighter around Tetsuya. "There's nothing wrong with this." Koganei gave a vigorous nod of encouragement while Tetsuya's eyes bore in Hyuuga's back as the group went into the school building. "I mean, you got players smacking each other's asses all the time. He's overreacting."

"You guys excited for the beach training?" Koganei asked as they tagged behind, smile in place. "It was almost impossible to get the week off from work but thankfully we managed, huh Mitobe?" Mitobe nodded while Kagami's eyebrows rose in surprise.

"You two work? Together?" Kagami asked as Tetsuya turned his head in interest.

"Yep! We work at a cafe! Mitobe cooks and I serve and act as his translator! We're a packaged deal," Koganei proudly proclaimed as they slipped into the home-ec classroom, being the last to arrive.

"Took you guys long enough," Izuki piped up, staring away from the plate of...something...in front of him. "Too busy chattering?"

"No pun?" Kiyoshi asked as he poked at the rice concoction in front of him.

"Not off the top of my head. It's empty space," Izuki shrugged, waving a hand over his head, at the empty air. Everyone turned to Riko, who beamed happily at the group.

Kagami sat down next to Tetsuya, raising an eyebrow.

"Hey Coach," Kagami started, everyone whipping their heads over to Kagami in alarm. "You didn't cook the vegetables. They're practically raw."

"It's raw," Tetsuya echoed softly to himself. "It's bloody raw." Kagami forced back a chortle, biting the inside of his cheek.

"What?" Riko blinked and came over, peering down at her curry. "How?" Kagami picked up his spoon, trying to cut into one of the whole carrots.

"See how my spoon isn't even putting an indent in the surface?" Kagami asked and Riko peered closer. "With cooked vegetables, especially carrots, they grow softer. If they had been cooked, my spoon should have easily been able to press into the carrot. Get it?" Riko made a humming noise, blinking wide eyes.

"Also, your rice is almost cooked. It's kind of crunchy, which either means you didn't have enough water or didn't let it cook long enough. How many cups of water did you use per cups of rice?" Kagami stood up while swirls appeared in Riko's eyes, her hands flailing as she backed up.

"W-wait! Let me get a notepad or-"

"Want me to just show you how to cook?" Kagami raised an eyebrow. Had anyone ever actually shown this girl how to make rice, or had they just pretended to enjoy her dishes while inwardly dying with each bite?

"You-you'll show me?" Riko asked hesitantly and Kagami nodded, grabbing an apron.

"Sure. You want curry, right? It's easy."

The team sat there as Kagami patiently walked Riko through how to properly cook rice, how to peel and cut the vegetables, and how to cook them thoroughly. Tetsuya leaned on his hand, watching with a twinkle in his eye as Kagami talked softly and calmly, answering any question Riko had. No matter how stupid her questions seemed ("Can't we just chunk it in the curry and it'll cook it?" "No, because the temperature isn't at a boiling point. It won't have a chance to cook."), Kagami was there with a easy answer.

Mitobe looked proud, helping with Koganei translating as it came to adding side dishes or extra vegetables.

Finally, it came to having to tell Riko to leave the vitamins and powders out of the equation because that was downright nasty.

All in all it had been an successful event and the teens were more than ready for their summer training.

---

"Kuroko-kun," Kiyoshi called as he spotted Kagami and him leaving the gym, "have a minute?" Tetsuya stopped, looking to their upperclassman curiously as he jogged over to them.

"Kiyoshi-senpai," Tetsuya greeted as Kagami stretched, yawning. "Is everything alright?" Kiyoshi nodded, moving his gaze from Tetsuya to Kagami.

"Have you thought about how you want to improve your skills?" Kiyoshi asked as the three began to walk. Tetsuya shook his head.

"I want to learn to shoot a basket, at least," Tetsuya responded in earnest, looking irked at the thought that he couldn't even do the basics. "Akashi-kun was the one who taught me my current style. He never taught me the basics perfectly." Kiyoshi hummed, rubbing at his smooth chin.

"We can spend some time showing you how to shoot. But you hold the ball all weird, don't you?" Kiyoshi pointed out and Kagami furrowed his eyebrows.

"Whatcha mean?" Kagami asked as he grabbed Tetsuya before he was run down by two guys chasing each other. "He handles the ball weird?"

"You haven't noticed?" Kiyoshi laughed as they took the corner, Kagami determined to lead them to Maji Burger. "He uses his palms to handle the ball, not the pads of his fingers." Kiyoshi wiggled his fingers in demonstration and Tetsuya stared down at his own hands, considering.

"I hadn't noticed," Tetsuya admitted. "Thank you. I think that's helpful." Kiyoshi nodded and winked as his phone went off.

"Ah, it's Hyuuga. I'll see you two later!" Kiyoshi patted Tetsuya on the head before heading back towards the school.

"Kiyoshi-senpai is very observational," Tetsuya commented as he clenched and unclenched his hands. "I wonder what I can do to improve."

"You mean what can we do," Kagami corrected and elbowed him lightly. "This is a team effort, dork."

---

-Kise Ryouta has added Kuroko Tetsuya to the Group Chat *:.｡.MIRAGEN.｡.:* -

[04:14] Kise Ryouta

Kurokocchi, why are you up so early?

[04:15] Aomine Daiki

Why are YOU up to early?

Your stupid message just woke me up.

Now I'm pissed wtf

[04:17] Kuroko Tetsuya

I haven't slept yet. Nigou also needed

to go out, so I had to get up to let him go

pee.

[04:18] Haizaki Shougo

HOLY FUCKING SHIT

STOP TEXTING ME

REMOVE ME FROM THIS

FUCKING THING

OH MY GOD

What the fuck is a Nigou

and what have you not

gone to sleep yet? The fuck?

[04:20] Kuroko Tetsuya

[04:22] Aomine Daiki

Is THAT A DOG!?

[04:24] Haizaki Shougo

What the fuck.

What the actual fuck.

It

It looks just like you.

[04:30] Kise Ryouta

!

(╯✧∇✧)╯*:･ﾟ✧

OH MY GOODNESS!

It's a puppy Kurokocchi!

And is he kissing your nose?!

( ෆຶдෆຶ)*✲ﾟ*｡⋆ ོ

This is my new screensaver.

[04:32] Momoi Satsuki

ME TOO~! SOOOOO

CUTTTTEEEE!

Be still my beating heart.

[04:34] Kuroko Tetsuya

Tetsuya rolled onto his back again, sending another image of Nigou giving Tetsuya a nose kiss. Tetsuya's hair was in disarray, cheeks and nose red from sneezing. But it was worth it for nose kisses.

[04:37] Akashi Seijuurou

All of you go back to sleep.

Except Ryouta, of course. You're

getting ready for work, aren't you?

Tetsuya, go to bed now.

[04:38] Kise Ryouta

Yep! Today is booked since

the rest of the week I'll be

practicing for my match against

Aominecchi.

[04:40] Midorima Shintarou

H-hewwo?

[04:41] Akashi Seijuurou

Takao Kazunari, get off Shintarou's phone.

Tell him to change his password again, please.

[04:42] Aomine Daiki

Wait Tetsu aren't you allergic to dogs?

[04:45] Kuroko Tetsuya

Nigou is just too cute, isn't he?

He is my son.

He is my treasure.

He is my happiness embodied

into a dog.

[04:46] Aomine Daiki

Tetsu, go to bed.

You're starting to sound delirious.

Tetsuya sat up in bed, staring at the shadows that grew and shrunk as the breeze outside rustled the leaves of the trees by his window. He couldn't sleep. His thoughts were too loud, keeping him up. Any moment he tried to sleep, his heartbeat would pick up and he'd be gripped by that cold, tight feeling of something was wrong. He was too scared to sleep then, unable to shake off that unsettling feeling.

His phone chimed again and Tetsuya checked it, eyebrows raising as he saw a message from Kagami.

[04:48] Kagami Taiga

I couldn't sleep well at all. Just

had a weird feeling you were up.

Hi?

[04:50] Kuroko Tetsuya

Good morning. I had trouble

sleeping as well.

Would you like to meet up for breakfast?

[04:51] Kagami Taiga

I'll send you my address.

I'll make us food! :)

Tetsuya jumped as his phone rang and he quickly answered it.

"Kagami-kun?" Tetsuya whispered, Nigou giving a whine at his feet.

"Yo. You have any food allergies?" Kagami asked, his voice deep from what little sleep he had gotten. Tetsuya's eyes slipped half-closed at the sound, and a hum escaped his throat.

"No, I don't have any food allergies. Would Kagami-kun like me to come over now?" Tetsuya perked up, hearing bustling in the kitchen. His mother suffered from insomnia, her sleeping hours as scarce as her son's. "My mother is up, so I can leave."

"Sure," Kagami yawned. "I'll text you my address and meet you up halfway?" Tetsuya smiled as he trapped the phone between his cheek and shoulder, slipping out of bed.

"Sounds like a plan," Tetsuya confirmed and they hung up, Tetsuya moving to change and try and tame his hair. He slipped out of his bedroom, Nigou on his heels, as he padded into the kitchen.

"Good morning," Tetsuya greeted and Aoi waved, slumped over the table with a cup of coffee hugged to her chest.

"Morning baby," Aoi greeted, her dark circles mirroring Tetsuya's. "Have you slept?" Tetsuya shook his head and Aoi sighed, standing up.

"Um," Tetsuya started and Aoi paused from grabbing the hot chocolate, turning to look at him. "Kagami-kun invited me over for breakfast. Um...now." Aoi studied him for a moment before she nodded.

"You have your bag packed up for the week?" Aoi asked as she slowly moved back to her place at the table. Tetsuya nodded and she bent down, petting Nigou. "Have all your medicine?" A nod. "Sunscreen?" A nod. "Compression socks and protective clothing?" A pause. A shake of the head. Aoi huffed.

"Go back those up and then you can go. Is Nigou coming?" Aoi asked as she rubbed at the pup's stomach.

"Yes. He's our mascot," Tetsuya said in ways of explanation. Aoi smiled and took a sip of her coffee. Tetsuya left to finish packing his last minute items and Aoi's head nodded as sleep began to call to her.

---

"Kagami-kun's apartment is very big," Tetsuya observed as he set Nigou down, toeing his shoes off.

"Ah, well, it was supposed to be for me and the family but...y'know," Kagami explained as he rubbed at the back of his neck. Tetsuya continued to look around, taking in the spacious apartment.

"Aren't you lonely?" Tetsuya couldn't help but ask. "Being here by yourself?" Kagami made a face, looking away.

"I'm making crepes," Kagami dismissed, moving further into the apartment. "You're good with crepes, right?" Tetsuya followed, Nigou curled up in the rising sunlight by the balcony door.

"I like to listen to music when I cook. Is that okay?" Kagami asked as he lifted up his abandoned headphones from the counter. Tetsuya nodded and found a seat at the table, watching Kagami as he began to work his magic.

Tetsuya's eyes followed Kagami as the teen's firm hands mixed the batter together, eyebrows furrowing as he added tiny droplets from a small bottle. He never remembered his own mother doing that, so was curious to the additional ingredient. Kagami's body was swaying side to side as he hummed to the music, his lips moving silently as he sung the lyrics.

Of course, that didn't last long, and soon the kitchen was filled with the sound of the batter cooking and Kagami singing. Tetsuya's body slumped down, his head nestling down into his crossed arms, as Kagami's voice twisted through the kitchen.

"I'm so into you, I can barely breathe." Tetsuya didn't know the words and he couldn't recognize the song as one Kagami had shown him. Kagami's voice washed over him like a lullaby, soothing him into a peace he hadn't been able to settle into the entire night. His racing thoughts slowly quieted down as Kagami continued in that low, smooth purr. "And all I wanna do is fall in deep."

Tetsuya fought hard to keep his eyelids open, to stay alert and awake, by the sleepless night was catching up to him and the room was growing fuzzy. The air was smelling like sweet vanilla and cut up bananas and strawberries, adding to that homely feel Kagami always seemed to emit. "But close ain't close enough, 'til we cross the line." Kagami had a very steady singing voice, smooth. Unlike his deep, husky speaking voice, his singing voice carried a tenderness to it that made Tetsuya burrow into his arms as his breathing steadied out.

"So name a game to play, and I'll roll the dice, hey." Kagami turned, two made crepes in hand, only to blink at the sight of Tetsuya slumped on the table, deep in sleep. Kagami was quiet as he set the plate down, moving to gently shake Tetsuya's shoulder.

"Hey, Kuroko, hey," Kagami whispered as Tetsuya sturred, moving his head to the side to peer up at Kagami through a barely cracked eye. "Hey, you fell asleep. Did you sleep at all?" Because while Kagami had ended up knocking out too early, resulting in waking up before the sun had risen, Tetsuya looked like he hadn't even slept a wink.

"No," Tetsuya admitted as Kagami smoothed a thumb under an eye, tracing the dark circle. "I couldn't sleep." Kagami frowned as Tetsuya struggled to sit up, blinking blearily at the crepes.

"Eat that and then go lay on the couch, okay? We've got a good hour before we gotta meet up," Kagami pointed to the plate, then the couch, and then turned to stare sternly at Tetsuya. Tetsuya nodded and cut a small corner of the crepe off, popping it into his mouth.

His glazed eyes sparkled as he tasted the familiar flavor of vanilla. He looked up as Kagami, who gave a amused chuckle, before the teen went to make his own crepes. Tetsuya surprised both of them when he finished his plate, his stomach satisfied but not overly full.

"It must be my steroids," Tetsuya decided as he dropped his plate into the sink. Kagami paused in wolfing down his breakfast, eyebrows furrowing.

"Steroids?" Kagami asked as Tetsuya padded over to the couch, eyes fluttering as exhaustion clawed at him again.

"Yes, Midorima-sensei put me on steroids to help with the inflammation," Tetsuya commented as he plopped down, sprawling out with a stretch. His bones popped and he went limp, like a wet noodle. "They can increase my appetite and make me gain weight." Kagami dragged himself and his plate over, plopping down at the low table across from Tetsuya.

"That's good then!" Kagami exclaimed as he shoved an entire crepe into his mouth. Whipped cream smeared across his cheek as he beamed at Tetsuya. "You need to eat more, and you definitely need to have some more meat on your bones." Tetsuya huffed and moved to be on his side. Kagami got up, moving down the hallway. He came back quickly, spreading a blanket over Tetsuya's curled up form.

"Thank you Kagami-kun," Tetsuya murmured as his eyelids drooped. "For everything." Kagami ruffled his hair, moving to continue inhaling his food.

"What are best friends for?" Kagami rhetorically asked as Tetsuya slipped back into sleep. Kagami finished his plate, setting his fork down as he peered at Tetsuya. Nigou whined and moved to get up and Kagami sent a glare at the dog.

"Don't you move or I'm locking you on the balcony," Kagami threatened and Nigou laid back down, blank eyes boring into Kagami's. Kagami shuddered and stood, brushing Tetsuya's bangs out of his face one last time. Nigou gave a huff and Kagami pointed at him.

"Don't test me, mutt!" Kagami barked out in a low growl and Nigou turned his face away. Kagami's eye twitched and he set off to clean the dishes.

---

[07:15] Midorima Shintarou

Kuroko you are allergic

to dogs STOP SLEEPING

WITH THEM IN YOUR FACE

ARE YOU TRYING TO HAVE A

ALLERGIC REACTION?!

[07:16] Midorima Shintarou

Forgive me, I didn't realize I had the

caps lock on.

[07:17] Murasakibara Atsushi

Why does Mido-chin have someone

sleeping over and letting them use

your phone~?

I thought your phone was locked~?

[07:18] Kuroko Tetsuya

Good morning everyone.

Nigou is too cute to sleep

on the floor, Midorima-kun.

Look at him.

Kagami looked up, huddled on the top of the couch as Nigou tried to jump up onto the cushions.

"Hey Kuroko! Stop taking pictures and get this monster!" Kagami complained as Tetsuya slipped his phone into his pocket, grabbing Nigou. "Come on, we're gonna be late!" Kagami hopped off the couch, dancing around Tetsuya and Nigou. He grabbed their bags, shoving on his shoes. "Let's go, Kuroko!"

Kuroko easily slipped his shoes on, following Kagami out of the apartment as his phone went crazy with messages. Kagami eyed him weirdly while Tetsuya maneuvered a hand free to check his phone.

[07:20] Aomine Daiki

AHAHAHA is he scared

of a tiny little dog?!

HAHAHAHAHA

Why is your Light so weak,

Tetsu?

[07:21] Aomine Daiki

Wait why are you at

his house? DID YOU

SLEEP OVER AT HIS PLACE?

[07:22] Momoi Satsuki

Nigou is so cute~!

My heart!

[07:23] Murasakibara Atsushi

What's that in the background?

Did you have crepes?

Those look like ingredients

for crepes. I want crepes.

Crepes~

Ah, Muro-chin said he'll make

me crepes~! Yay!

[07:25] Nijimura Shuuzou

I have many questions and

I don't want any answers.

Cute dog, Kuroko-kun!

That your new partner?

He looks nice!

[07:26] Kuroko Tetsuya

"Why did you want a selfie?" Kagami asked as he stood from his hunched form, rubbing his back as Tetsuya showed the photo to him. Tetsuya's eyes crinkled up slightly as he smiled.

"I'm showing Kise-kun and them," Tetsuya responded and showed the group chat. Kagami scowled as the group chat exploded with messages from Aomine and Momoi. "I'm showing off my happiness."

"Your happiness, huh?" Kagami asked, eyeing him from the side as his cheeks heated. Tetsuya nodded, eyes sparkling. "You gonna take one with Seirin then?"

"Of course," Tetsuya commented as he put his phone away. "Seirin is my happiness too. I am...happy where I am right now." Kagami's eyes narrowed at that. With how Tetsuya was saying it, it was as if he was trying to convince himself.

"Are you happy?" Kagami asked as he slung an around around Tetsuya's shoulder, keeping his hand away from Nigou's mouth. Tetsuya looked up at him, confused, before he nodded.

"Yes," Tetsuya confirmed. "Very happy."

---

The train ride to the beach was fairly uneventful, with Kagami sharing a earbud with Tetsuya to listen to music. He introduced Tetsuya to his favorite song, translating the song for the teen. Tetsuya had ripped the earbud out, eyes wide, as he stared at Kagami.

"What?" Kagami asked in defense, taking his own earbud out, "it's my favorite song. I'll teach you the lyrics." His smile was anything but innocent and Tetsuya was quick to shake his head.

"The-the song is just full of curse words," Tetsuya rejected, looking out the window at the passing scenery. "I-I don't know if I'd like that." Kagami bumped their shoulders with a snort.

"Nah, it's cool, seriously. Here, repeat after me - I don't fuck with you." Mitobe's head whipped over in their direction immediately, eyes zeroing in on them like heated missiles, and Kagami was hasty in his explanation of the song. Koganei laughed loudly, translating Mitobe's scolding. Apparently, Kagami was banned from teaching any swear words to anyone on the team ever. Especially if they were from songs.

"Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?" Kagami sung out as they got off the train, arms stretched out wide. Tetsuya raised an eyebrow while Izuki perked up instantly.

"Is that Spongebob Squarepants? Oh man, I remember watching that when I'd get home from elementary school!" Izuki chirped out as the others broke into chatters at the cartoon. Kagami's eyebrows raised.

"They dubbed Spongebob in Japan? Did you watch it?" Kagami asked Tetsuya, who nodded.

"My favorite character was Plankton," Tetsuya commented and the team stared at him. "I always root for the little guy." Kagami snickered as the ocean came into view.

"Ah! Look at that water!" Fukuda cheered. "Think we can swim?" Tsuchida sighed, shaking his head.

"Sadly, we won't have the time or energy to swim at all this week," he explained, the first years paling at the idea. Tetsuya moved to Kagami's side, digging through his bag slung over the taller teen's shoulder, and pulled out his sunblock. He was diligent in smearing it over his face, getting his exposed skin.

Kagami snorted, seeing a thick streak of white lotion down his nose. "Dork," he commented as he used his thumbs to rub the lotion into the pale skin. "You gotta stay coated, got it?" Tetsuya nodded as he offered the sunscreen to Kagami. Kagami rubbed it into his skin, using what was left on his hands to get Tetsuya's arms again.

"You guys are so weird," Hyuuga grumbled as he shoved past them. Kagami snorted and slipped the bottle back into Tetsuya's bag.

"Watch, he's gonna burn like a lobster," Kagami whispered to Tetsuya, who stifled a laugh. Nigou circled his legs as they walked, barking. Tetsuya bent down, pressing a palm to the concrete. Kagami, along with Furihata, Mitobe, and Koganei, watched curiously.

"Whatcha doing?" Furihata asked as Tetsuya stood back up, rubbing his hand on his shorts.

"Checking the temperature. Making sure it isn't too hot for Nigou's paws," Tetsuya explained as he picked Nigou up. "His tiny paws can burn." Nigou wiggled before getting comfortable, tug out and panting.

"You know a lot about dogs," Koganei commented as Mitobe came over, petting Nigou's head.

"I've always wanted one, so I learned all I could about them. I'm allergic though, so I was never able to get one. Unit now, of course." Tetsuya must have said the wrong thing because Furihata swiped Nigou out of his grip, holding him close to his chest.

"You're allergic to dogs?!" Furihata cried out while Mitobe fretted around them. "Dude! Animal allergies are serious business!"

"Ah, I just sneeze," Tetsuya explained as he held his arms out for his dog. "May I have Nigou back please?" Furihata shook his head, Koganei chuckling at their antics.

"No, I'll hold him. You just - like - don't suffocate!" Tetsuya looked dejected as Furihata jogged ahead, catching up to the rest of the team. Koganei and Mitobe followed, leaving Kagami and Tetsuya to trail behind.

"Everyone's so weird," Tetsuya grumbled to himself. Kagami snorted, shaking his head.

"They're just worried for you," Kagami soothed. Tetsuya gave a unimpressed look at the taller teen.

Kiyoshi looked back at them, waving wildly to get their attention.

"Come on you slow pokes!" Kiyoshi called. Kagami and Tetsuya hurried over, seeing Riko's father drive away. Riko turned to them, looking triumphant.

"Let's go check in and set our stuff down and then we can begin!" Riko called, guiding the teens over to the Inn. Tetsuya looked up at the rustic looking building, eyes sparkling. He loved the older looking Inns, loving the culture and history behind them.

"It looks haunted," Kawahara whispered to Furihata, who squeezed Nigou tighter to his chest.

"Don't say that," Furihata hissed out as Kiyoshi laughed. "You'll jinx us!"

"Maybe some sootballs are living here!" Kiyoshi suggested, eyes gleaming at the potential of spotting the fictional spirit. "I brought some candy just in case!"

"Now I think that's asking for too much," Hyuuga grouched as they walked into the Inn. After getting their rooms and setting their bags down, they changed into proper sportswear and met Riko outside.

"Alright guys!" Riko called, wearing a halter-top and some shorts, "ready for Hell?" The team blinked at the basketball hoops in the sand, staring.

"We're playing...in the sand?" Furihata asked as he settled Nigou down, watching the dog sniff at the sand.

"Yep! Ah, Kuroko, let me help you put some sunscreen on," Riko spoke, turning to the phantom. Tetsuya stepped up beside her, bottle in hand. Kagami was rubbing a new coat onto his own arms, eyebrow furrowed as he struggled to get his back. He'd ditched his shirt, deciding he was just going to sweat it off by the end of the hour. Kiyoshi helped, asking for some sunblock in exchange of getting Kagami's back.

"Alright you guys, start playing!" Riko called as she handed Tetsuya a pair of sunglasses. "Tetsuya, I'm going to have you do some side-steps, okay?" Tetsuya tilted his head to the side, watching as the guys struggled to play basketball in the sand.

"I can't play with them?" Tetsuya asked as Riko shook her head, grinning.

"Nah, I've made a separate training schedule for you. See that area over there?" Riko asked, pointing to a small beach towel spread out under a giant umbrella. Tetsuya nodded. "Every 20 minutes, you are going to take a ten minute break under there and rehydrate. Now, get to stepping!" Tetsuya gave a inaudible grumble and began to hop to side to side, nearly skidding a few times.

The day stretched out, Kagami or Riko helping Tetsuya with his new coat of sunblock. Riko had him jog with the team for a few meters before calling him back. She made him rest before instructing him to do some planks. Soon they were able to access the gym and the training continued.

"Oh my god," Kagami groaned after training ended, slumped against Tetsuya on the floor. "I know why it's the training camp from Hell." He gave a whine as he tried to get up. Tetsuya grunted as he tried to wiggle out from Kagami's weight, giving up halfway. This was his life now, Tetsuya decided.

"Suffer," Tetsuya whispered softly to himself, quirkling a smile when Kagami nudged him. "Let's go wash up, Kagami-kun." Tetsuya struggled to help Kagami up, Kiyoshi helping when he saw them failing to get up.

"You'll get used to it soon," Kiyoshi commented as he ruffled Tetsuya hair. Tetsuya knocked the hand away, frowning at the touch. He wasn't a dog - why did everyone touch him like he was Nigou?

The baths were a in and out process, Kagami wasting no time in soaking when he caught the time. Tetsuya followed suit, the two quick in their after bath stretches.

Tetsuya rolled on his compression socks, watching Kagami dig through his bag. Kagami pulled out his laptop, impatient as he waited for his computer to finish waking up fully. In a matter of minutes, the Skype app was open and calling his parents. Around him, the boys peered over curiously.

"Hello~!" Ilya cheered as she waved, beaming happily. "Ryuusuke got called into work today, so it's just me! Oh my, are you with your classmates?" Kagami enlarged the screen showing his mother, angling the camera to take in the team's shell shocked expressions.

"Yeah! We're at a training camp on the beach," Kagami commented as he tugged Tetsuya over to sit next to him. "Say hi, Kuroko."

"Hello. It is nice to talk to you again," Tetsuya greeted with a bow, Ilya giving a cheerful greeting in return.

"You look good today!" Ilya spoke, both eyes sparkling as she smiled at him. "You look tired, though." Tetsuya nodded politely, trying to stifle his yawn.

"I didn't sleep much the night before. You look very good as well," Tetsuya commented, wondering about the lack of eyepatch. Ilya laughed, looking around at the players as they began to inch closer.

"Well don't be rude, Taiga! Introduce me!" Ilya chided and Kagami began to introduce the teens, all of them bashful and shy against the parent. She waved happily, squinting as she peered at Kagami. "You don't look like you've been out in the sun."

"Kuroko's been putting on sunblock like every hour, so I did to so he'd remember easier," Kagami spoke as he shook Tetsuya's head. "Your eye good today? You aren't wearing your eyepatch."

"Yep! I can see out of both today!" Ilya reassured with a thumbs up. The two continued to talk for a few minutes until Ilya had to leave, having a lunch date with Alex to get to. Kagami disconnected the call and was met with embarrassed stares of his teammates.

"Dude! Warn us next time we're gonna meet your parents!" Furihata whined. "I always get so nervous meeting parents." Kagami blinked, confused.

"Why? She's through a camera. Can't get more impersonal than that," Kagami countered and Fukuda sighed.

"Dude, still. She's pretty, though. Where did you get your looks from?" Fukuda teased while Kagami smiled in pride.

"Isn't she? She's gorgeous!" Kagami boasted. "I take after my dad mostly. I'm like a splitting image of him when he was younger, apparently."

"Kagami-kun is a momma's boy," Tetsuya teased. Kagami tried to smother him with a pillow, only to accidentally smack Kawahara in the face.

Silence met the attack and Kawahara smiled icily at the teen. "Pillow fight!" Kagami gave a smirk as Furihata tugged Tetsuya out of the line of fire, the three other first years engaging in an all out war.

"Hey Kuroko-kun?" Furihata asked as he led Tetsuya out into the hall, away from the rowdiness going on.

"Yes?" Tetsuya asked as the two walked down the hall, walking aimlessly as they moved further away from the noise.

"I, um…" Furihata fidgeted as he tugged on his shirt, looking everywhere but at Tetsuya. "Um. I-I'm trying to go into Sports Therapy after high school." He licked his lips, coughing as Tetsuya nodding in encouragement to continue speaking. "And-um- this sounds weird, I know, but - um - may- may I try practicing on you? Sometimes?" Furihata's voice cracked at the end, pitched high in nervousness.

"Is Coach giving you tips?" Tetsuya asked as the two stopped, staring at each other. Furihata nodded vigorously, worrying his bottom lip. "Then I don't mind. You want to go into Sports Therapy? That's amazing." Furihata flushed and stammered, looking away from Tetsuya.

"Aw, that's so sweet!" Kiyoshi laughed as he leaned against the wall in front of the two. "I think you'd do good in Sports Therapy! If you need another person to practice on, I'll volunteer. My knee was injured last year, so it'd be good experience for you." Furihata seemed to flush darker as he ducked his head, nodding happily. Riko, standing beside Kiyoshi, snorted.

"What are you two doing out anyways?" At her feet, Nigou barked as if repeating her question. Tetsuya bent down, expression bright as Nigou pranced over. Furihata rubbed at his neck and Kagami's loud voice roared down the hall. Riko's eyes narrowed. She stomped down the hall, slamming their door open with force. "Go to bed!" She roared and it fell silent.

"Good night," Riko bidded to Tetsuya and Furihata, tugging Kiyoshi down the hall with her. Furihata and Tetsuya shared looks before bursting into light chuckles. They traveled back to the dorm, Tetsuya carrying Nigou so the puppy wouldn't immediately head for Kagami. The two peered into the room, seeing the stiff, awkward positions Kagami, Kawahara, and Fukuda had frozen in.

"That dog is not sleeping in here!" Kagami snapped, catching sight of Tetsuya and Nigou. "Nope! He's sleeping outside!" Nigou gave a whine and his blank blue eyes seemed to grow wider. Tetsuya's eyes mirrored Nigou's and the two tried to make Kagami cave. "If he's sleeping in here, I'm sleeping somewhere else."

A knock sounded and Riko popped in, eyes sparkling as she let her gaze settle on Nigou. "I'm here to steal him! I promised him I'd sleep with him tonight." Riko held her hands out expectantly and Tetsuya looked stricken as he handed the puppy over. Riko cuddled Nigou to her chest, cooing.

"He's my dog…" Tetsuya muttered to himself as Riko stole Nigou away. Tetsuya sneezed and rubbed at his nose, pouting. Kagami laid their futons out, bringing out a bag of chips as he settled it between his and Tetsuya's places.

"Yeah, yeah, come lay down. You're probably exhausted," Kagami patted Tetsuya's futon, grinning when Tetsuya just continued to grumble under his breath. Tetsuya plopped down, Furihata across from them with Fukuda and Kawahara. The five settled down under the covers, Kagami opening the bag of chips without prompting. He shifted the bag to where anyone could grab some, popping two into his mouth.

"It's like a sleepover," Fukuda snickered softly as he grabbed a handful of chips. "Reminds me of elementary school." Tetsuya burrowed into his pillow, taking chips offered to him by Kagami.

"Kuroko, how are you not dating Momoi-san?" Kawahara asked bluntly, stuffing his face with chips. Kagami choked on his mouthful, pounding his chest as he coughed. Furihata fluttered over, lightly patting him on the shoulder while Tetsuya raised an eyebrow.

"Momoi-san? Why would I date her? She's just my friend," Tetsuya responded as he popped another chip into his mouth. Kawahara sighed, shaking his head. He sent a 'what-can-you-do' expression to Fukuda, who also shook his head.

"Kuroko, we only met Momoi-san for, like, ten minutes total but even we could see she's practically head over heels for you," Fukuda complained while Kagami made a strangled noise in his throat. The teens eyed him before turning their attention back to Tetsuya.

"And? I don't understand why I should date her just because she has feeling for me," Tetsuya defended as he furrowed his eyebrows. "I like Momoi-san as a friend. Nothing more. She knows this." Kagami seemed to calm down at those words, able to shove another mouthful of chips in.

"What a waste," Furihata sighed as the conversation began to decline.

"Oh, Kuroko, I gotta have you listen to this new song," Kagami mentioned as he pulled out his Ipod, scooting closer to Tetsuya to hand him a earphone. Seeing the two become occupied with each other, the other three freshman rolled their eyes and began to ask each other who they had crushes on at school.

Tetsuya put the earbud in, blinking as the song began. They were arm to arm, Kagami pushed close to slacken the earphones. Tetsuya nuzzled down into his pillow, head tilted as he listened to the soothing music.

"It's making me sleepy," Tetsuya mumbled as his eyelids fluttered. Kagami lowered the volume and set his music player down, grabbing his phone.

"You had, what, maybe two hours of sleep total today? It better be making you sleepy," Kagami snapped as he scrolled through his phone, looking at the latest news stories or updates to any comics he followed. Tetsuya's soft breathing answered him and he glanced over, seeing the phantom fast asleep. Kagami slowly and gently took the earbud out, pulling his blankets up higher.

"You sure do care for him, huh?" Fukuda asked as they observed the two, hunkered down for bed. Kagami shrugged his shoulders, turning off his music player.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I? We're best friends," Kagami commented as he stared challengingly at the three. Furihata gave a reassuring smile and nestled down while Kawahara and Fukuda merely shrugged.

"None of our business," Fukuda spoke and stood to turn the lights off. The room was cloaked in darkness and Kagami shifted, turning onto his side to stare at Tetsuya's outline.

---

Kagami woke with a snort, feeling a pressure against his chest. He blinked, looking down to see Tetsuya had stretched out, one of his hands pushing into him as he snoozed. Kagami sat up, nudging Tetsuya awake as he moved. He looked around, taking in the sprawled out positions of his teammates and huffed through his nose.

He grabbed his toothbrush and went to brush his teeth, Tetsuya trailing behind him silently. The two brushed their teeth silently, Tetsuya turning his head as he heard familiar voices.

"Seriously?" Takao gasped in pure excitement as he laid eyes on Kagami and Tetsuya, Midorima stiffening beside him. "What are the chances!"

"Oh my god, no," Kagami grumbled as Tetsuya bowed politely to the two. "No, no, no." Midorima pushed up his glasses, giving a huff.

"Why are you two here?" Midorima's eyes flashed down to Tetsuya's compression socks, eyebrow raising at the tan material, before he scowled at Kagami. "Taking a vacation?"

"We're here for training," Tetsuya corrected as Kagami tried to flatten his locks out. "What about you?" Takao shoved Midorima out of the way, eyes sparkling

"We're also here for training. It's a Shuutoku tradition to come here for summer camp!" Takao explained, Midorima hauling him back by his shirt collar.

"Are you wearing the proper amount of sunblock?" Midorima asked as footsteps sounded ahead of them. "Making sure to stay out of the sun during its peak hours?"

"Peak hours? No," Tetsuya answered as Riko descended upon them, body smeared with red...something.

"There you guys are!" Riko whined as she waved a butcher knife in her hand. "Everyone's already in the dining hall. What was taking you - oh, is Shuutoku here?"

"Kuroko, what is your school?!" Midorima yelped as Kagami discreetly slid in front of Tetsuya at the first sign of the knife.

"Seirin," Tetsuya responded, peeking from under Kagami's arm.

"Stop waving that knife around! Give it to me, you're handling it wrong!" Kagami snapped. Riko blinked and handed he knife over, jumping when Kagami all but snarled at her. "This is a dangerous weapon! Don't be running in the hallway with it! Are you stupid?"

"Wait, Kagami, what-" Riko squeaked as Kagami growled.

"Knives are fucking sharp! You could have hurt yourself, hurt someone else! No more cooking!" Kagami barked out. Riko frowned.

"What?! Hang on, I'm your coach-"

"If you can't handle knives properly in and out of the kitchen, you don't deserve to be in the kitchen!" Kagami snapped out and Riko fell silent, looking shocked at having been chastised in front of three other teens.

"Kagami-kun, you are too harsh," Tetsuya whispered, poking at Kagami's side. Kagami huffed, shaking his head.

"No I'm not," he defended, eyes narrowed. "It's basic knowledge you don't fuck around with knives. She was flailing it around willy-nilly when she got here. What if she cut you?" Kagami tugged on Tetsuya's cheek, pulling hard. Riko flushed and looked down, Takao and Midorima shifting awkwardly as they glanced to each other. They debated making their escape when Kiyoshi popped up.

"Hey guys, what's taking...so...long…?" Kiyoshi stared at the tense group, eyes flashing from Kagami's twisted expression to Riko's shamefaced one. He studied the group, smile tight as he crossed his arms. "Everything okay?"

"Coach was improperly using a knife and Kagami-kun got mad," Tetsuya explained, plucking the knife out of Kagami's hand. "We're coming to breakfast now. Is Midorima-kun and Takao-kun joining us?" Tetsuya turned to the two, who jerked at being addressed.

"Ah, no. We ate before we got here," Takao laughed awkwardly. "Thanks though?" Midorima patted Takako's shoulder, signaling it was time for them to leave. "Ah, we gotta go pack up. Bye!" Takao and Midorima left, leaving the four Seirin students to stand there in silence.

"I'm...sorry," Riko gritted out. "For not thinking while having a knife in my hand." Kiyoshi patted her on the shoulder as Kagami's shoulders loosened.

"Sorry for snapping," Kagami relented and Tetsuya jabbed him. "It was uncalled for me to do that in front of other students. Sorry." Riko and Kagami looked at each other before nodding tersely to each other.

"Let's go eat then! Breakfast is gonna get cold," Kiyoshi laughed, guiding Riko down the hallway. Kagami and Tetsuya followed, Tetsuya tugging on Kagami's shirt.

"Kagami-kun gets worried because of his mother?" Tetsuya asked. Kagami nodded, tense, and Tetsuya brushed their arms in a sign of comfort.

Breakfast was awkward, Riko not feeling up to being cheerful and Kagami shoveling food down without pause. That didn't stop him from passing off seconds to Tetsuya, once he noticed the phantom had cleaned his portion (though it was significantly lesser than the rest of the team's). Kagami's mood lightened as he saw Tetsuya eating more, finished with his own three portions and watching Tetsuya try and finish his second.

"Can you stop watching me eat?" Tetsuya asked after a bite, peering at Kagami out the corner of his eye. "It's making me uncomfortable."

"Sorry," Kagami apologized, looking unapologetic as he turned his gaze away. Riko stood up from her chair, empty dishes collected and ready to be taken to the kitchen.

"Alright guys, out on the beach at 9!" Riko spoke as she left the dining hall, leaving the team to slowly chew on their food.

"I've got a bad feeling about this," Hyuuga muttered to Tsuchida, who silently told him to stop jinxing them.

Breakfast finished and soon everyone was out on the beach again, continuing their training. Riko made Tetsuya repeat the routine from the day before, reapplying his sunblock every hour without fail. When it was time to head to the gym, they were met with Shuutoku.

"We've decided to have joint-training with Shuutoku~!" Riko cheered out, smiling widely as the two teams gawked at each other. "So, let's all play nice!"

Takao snickered, hugging his stomach as Midorima pushed his glasses up stiffly.

"Kagami-kun, can you come here though?" Riko smiled and Kagami winced, shuffling over. "There is a convenience store 500 meters from here, through the beach. Please go buy drinks for ev-er-y-one~!" Riko's smile was sharp like the knife she'd been wielding that morning and Kagami gritted his teeth.

"Through the beach?" Kagami grunted and Riko nodded. Kagami wavered and grumbled, bowing his head. Riko handed him the cash and he was off, leaving the team to go complete the mission.

"Where's Kagami?" Fukuda asked, making Tetsuya look around. Riko waved away the question, motioning for the game to start.

Tetsuya got in front of Midorima, startling him.

"You going to try and go one-on-one with me?" Midorima asked, only to watch as the ball slipped from Tetsuya's hand and bounced away. "Or not."

"Ah," Tetsuya looked down at the abandoned ball. "I was going to try something."

"Something?" Midorima asked as the two guarded each other. "Your playing style is getting sloppy." Tetsuya considered Midorima's words, looking thoughtful.

"It isn't sloppy," Tetsuya countered as he tried to keep Midorima from getting the ball. "I'm trying to get stronger. Broaden my horizon." Midorima regarded Tetsuya, trying to hide a smile.

"Don't make me laugh," Midorima cut through the squeaking of shoes on the court. "I don't know why you're suddenly deciding to try and change your style, but a lone fighter can't get stronger by himself." Midorima got the ball and scored a three-pointer, making Izuki groan.

"I want to get better," Tetsuya whispered to Midorima as he passed by. "Because this might be my last year to play." Midorima nearly missed a step, turning sharp eyes to Tetsuya's retreating back. Takao saddled up, poking him in the shoulder.

"You good, Shin-chan?" Takao asked, seeing Midorima's drawn expression. Midorima brushed off his touches, nodding his head. Takao hummed, unconvinced. "You guys have too much drama."

"What was that?" Midorima turned to blink at Takao. Takako smiled and smacked his back, jogging past.

"Nothing Shin-chan~!"

---

By the time Kagami came back, the game had long ended in Shuutoku's favor and everyone was bathing or eating a late dinner. Riko squealed as the front door slid open with a bang, Kagami wheezing and gasping for air as he set five plastic bags down.

"Where have you been this entire time?!" Riko cried out, eyes wide as she stared at the assortment of drinks. There had to be roughly 30 drinks in the five bags. She gawked.

"I helped an old lady," Kagami gasped as he bent over, sweat dripping down his body in steady ripplets. "She needed help with her shack. I would have been back sooner but…" Kagami sucked in a breath. "There's Shuutoku's too. Can Kuroko and I go out to the beach for a little while longer?" There was something bright in his eyes that Riko couldn't distinguish and she hesitantly nodded.

"Hey! Kuroko!" Kagami slipped into the Inn, hunting for his partner. Tetsuya looked up from his book, raising an eyebrow as Kagami burst into the room, shirtless and out of breath.

"Put some swim-trunks on! Let's go!" Kagami ordered, positively giddy. He hurried to his bag, throwing on a clean shirt and switching to swim trunks. Fukuda, Kawahara, and Furihata raised eyebrows while Tetsuya slowly complied, changing quickly. "Oh my god, you are so slow!" Kagami grabbed his wrist, tugging him out of the room.

"Kagami-kun, I've already had a bath," Tetsuya tried to protest, only for Kagami to ignore him. He bowed to Riko as they passed and off they went, unaware of Midorima and Takao catching sight of them as they walked back to their room.

"Oooh, let's follow them~!" Takao suggested, eyes gleaming. Midorima curled his lip up in disgust but followed as Takako slipped out of the Inn, muttering obscenities to himself about how immature Takao was.

"Kagami-kun?" Tetsuya asked as Kagami slowed their pace, a hand still on his wrist. "What's the rush?"

"I helped an old lady out with putting some heavy boxes away at her shop," Kagami explained, grin wide. "Turns out she had a few surf boards and when I mentioned I surfed, she said I could use one of her's for as long as we're here as thanks!" Tetsuya's eyes sparked, his lips quirking as Kagami led him into the sand. A long, plain yellow board was leaning up against a close shack, looking used but still in good condition.

Tetsuya looked out at the beach and admired the view.

The waves curled languidly, white froth bubbling up at it touched sand, stealing grains away back into the abyss. The sand had cooled, sitting lukewarm against the casted moon. The water shimmered against the moon's reflection, the ocean a blanket of fallen stars twinkling an unheard song.

Without the constant smells of sweat and sunblock, Tetsuya could taste the salt. It rested on the back of his tongue, a constant tang, along with the faint smell of earth and sand. Under his toes, the sand sunk and shifted, indenting his path. The only proof he was out there after dark, hidden under the shadows like it was a second home.

"It's so peaceful," Tetsuya commented as Kagami dug the surfboard into the sand, studying the lazy waves.

"Yeah," Kagami inhaled deep and grinned wide. He side-eyed Tetsuya, taking in how his blue hair almost seemed otherworldly against the moon's white light. His eyes held a luminesce to them that sunlight couldn't draw out, as if under the shadows was where he truly shined. A phantom in the moonlight, basking in the shadows as the moon's glow seemed to chase away any darkness from his pale skin. He truly was… "Beautiful."

He tilted his head, dark wine-colored eyes moving to the small waves. "The waves are too small to actually surf but I can still take you out." Kagami lifted the board, padding over to the edge of the water. He shedded his shirt, tossing it over his shoulder as he stepped into the dark water. Kagami placed the board down, facing him, and began to push it into the water.

Tetsuya hung back, watching as his partner stepped further into the water. A shiver ran up Kagami's spine as he sunk into the water until he was knee-deep. He quickly got onto the board, straddling it as he kept his feet anchored in the sand. Making sure the board wouldn't suddenly drift away, Kagami help a hand out to Tetsuya.

Tetsuya slowly crept closer, goosebumps racing up his arms and legs as his feet hit the cold water. While not freezing, it still held a bit of bite to it, keeping him alert. He pushed his way closer to Kagami, grasping his hand.

"Now just sit down, okay?" Kagami asked as he kept a tight grip on Tetsuya's hand, keeping him steady as Tetsuya eased onto the board sideways. Tetsuya shot his other hand out, latching onto Kagami's bicep as the waves rocked the board. Kagami gave a bark of laughter, slowly pushing off from the sand.

"I'll keep us close enough to where we're near shore, but we've got enough depth to just float, okay?" Kagami suggested as they began to drift back, inching away from shore. Tetsuya turned his head, watching, his lips parted.

"Hey, relax dude," Kagami comforted as he used his free hand to rub at Tetsuya's arm. "It's all good. Nothing's going to happen. Just relax." Tetsuya loosened his grip, moving to grip the sides of the board. Kagami leaned back, kicking his legs leisurely as the summer night breeze passed through them.

"I think I just saw a fish," Tetsuya piped up as he bent over, peering into the dark water. "Maybe." Kagami snorted, straightening to glance at the spot Tetsuya was pointedly looking at.

"Wouldn't be surprised. Since there isn't any people out, they might just be swimming around," Kagami mused as Tetsuya grew brave, slowly sticking a hand in the water. He wiggled his fingers, feeling the air bubbles tickle between his digits. Kagami watched, expression softening, as Tetsuya smiled.

"This is nice," Tetsuya stated as he looked around, closing his eyes as the wind brushed through his hair. Kagami gave a hum, keeping an eye on how far they were out. If he hopped off his board, the water would be up to his chest, so he decided they were still good.

"How have you been feeling?" Kagami asked as his body seemed to sway side to side along with the waves, eyes half-lidded. Tetsuya looked over at him before returning his attention to the water.

"I've been having more good days than bad," Tetsuya spoke and kicked his feet, watching the air bubbles race up to the surface. "But Akashi-kun has me stressed out."

"Forget that guy," Kagami gruffed, knocking his foot against Tetsuya's. Tetsuya kicked back, smiling slightly. Kagami raised an hand, scooping up salt water into his hand. He splashed at Tetsuya, causing him to sputter at the sudden assault of cold droplets. A shiver past through him and Kagami's laughter broke through the serene music of dancing waves and wind breeze.

Tetsuya tugged on his shirt, looking down in annoyance at the wet spots. The hem was soaked through, and he knew that was going to cause him problems later. Tetsuya scooted closer to Kagami, slow and wary as the board rocked. Kagami regarded Tetsuya as he moved, a devious glint shining in his eyes.

"Oh no," Kagami gasped out theatrically, beginning to rock the board, "we might tip over!" Tetsuya jolted, head snapping up to stare wide-eyed at Kagami.

"Don't," Tetsuya begged. Kagami smiled. "Kagami-kun, please. I had a bath. A bath, Kagami-kun." Kagami stopped rocking the boat, staring sullenly at Tetsuya. Tetsuya relaxed. That was his first mistake.

"Oops."

Kagami tipped the board, sending the two splashing into the water. Kagami stood up, laughing loudly as Tetsuya surfaced, spitting and coughing. Kagami was fast in climbing back up, hauling Tetsuya up beside him.

"Kagami-kun!" Tetsuya growled as he pushed his wet hair out of his face, choking and retching on the salt water in his mouth. Kagami tossed his head back, roaring in laughter. Tetsuya tried to shove him, only to cling to him as the board rocked again. Kagami wrapped his arm around Tetsuya's shoulders, feeling him shiver against his chest.

They sat there, Kagami hugging Tetsuya to his chest, as the waves lulled them into a calm state.

Tetsuya shifted his head to the side, staring off into the distance until the reflection of the moon disappeared into the horizon. Kagami set his chin atop of Tetsuya's head, humming softly.

"I don't want anyone to know I'm sick," Tetsuya whispered, his words sending vibrations through Kagami's chest. Kagami tightened his grip around Tetsuya, letting him know to continue. "I don't want them to tell me it's impossible."

"To what, play?" Kagami asked, feeling Tetsuya nestle closer against him. Tetsuya was greedily leeching off any heat Kagami had to offer, his shivers dying down into the occasional shudder. "There are tons of athletes who play on a daily basis with medical conditions. You aren't the first, Kuroko."

"I know but Akashi-kun and them…" Tetsuya burrowed his face into Kagami's warm chest, inhaling that earthy, herbal scent that was distinctly Kagami. "They mean well when they say that I'm weak. They know my physical limits. They don't want me to hurt myself."

Kagami's arms loosened around Tetsuya's shoulders, a hand moving to muss up his blue locks. "You aren't made of glass, Kuroko." Tetsuya lifted his head, chin digging up against Kagami's chest uncomfortably. "You aren't made of eggshells either. Fuck 'em if they think you're weak. I know you are a tough player."

Tetsuya felt his cheeks heat up and he ducked his head down, pushing himself back from Kagami. "Kagami-kun is very kind." Kagami snorted, shaking his head. He looked pointedly at Tetsuya's soaked state and Tetsuya paused. "Most of the time."

"My mom has a saying," Kagami offered as he began to kick his legs, guiding them back towards the shore. "'Humans are built tough. We gotta be - to deal with life'. You aren't weak, Kuroko." Kagami caught Tetsuya's eyes, holding his gaze. "You are amazing. You are strong. You're my partner."

Tetsuya looked away, taking in the rippling reflection of the stars and the moon as he tried to cool his face. "Does it scare you, being here and not with your family?" Kagami stopped his motions, expression slackening.

"Every single day," Kagami admitted quietly. "But I know my folks are tough too, and we talk almost every single day, so it helps." Kagami's kicks started back up, more lackluster than before.

"Kagami-kun is lonely," Tetsuya stated. "If you ever want someone over to help with that silence, I'm here for you."

"So when were you diagnosed?" Kagami asked, leaning back on the board as Tetsuya kicked his legs back and forth, watching the water lazily curl around his movements.

"My third year at Teikou. I kept getting fevers that wouldn't go away and the stress just built up until it became to much. They ran the necessary tests and..well…" Tetsuya shrugged his shoulders. "I went to America for a few months because my dad knew a doctor there who could get us visits cheap."

"You were in America?" Kagami asked, perking up as his eyes widened. "Did you learn English?" Tetsuya shook his head, moving a hand to splash at a bright star's reflection.

"No. It was...a blur for me, those months. I stayed in the hotel room when we weren't at the hospital," Tetsuya admitted softly. Kagami nodded in understanding and knocked their feet together again.

"My mom was diagnosed when she was in her twenties," Kagami confessed. "But the earliest I remember her being sick was when I was seven. It just kinda went downhill from there throughout the years. Nothing too bad, up until five years ago." Tetsuya looked up at him and reached a hand out, touching Kagami's knee.

"I'm here for you, Kagami-kun, if you ever just want to talk," Tetsuya comforted and Kagami flicked water at him.

"Thanks Kuroko," Kagami said, and he meant it. Ever since he got to Japan, he'd been so lonely. Empty apartment. No one to greet him when he woke up, when he came home from school. There had been a coldness to his house that no amount of candles or blankets or heaters could erase. No one he could talk to about concerns they wouldn't understand, no one who'd listen and not judge him on his moments of weakness.

It was only after Tetsuya bled into his life that Kagami realized the cold that seemed to seep into his bones had all but disappeared. Tetsuya's life was a up and down roller coaster, every day offering something new and lively. Tetsuya always went on and on about how he was a shadow, a side-character in the background. Tetsuya didn't even know how much his existence brightened Kagami's bleak world, emitting a warmth that would make the sun jealous. He reminded Kagami of home, of endless warmth and affection and happiness. "I'm glad I met you."

"I'm glad I met Kagami-kun," Tetsuya said, not for the first time. Kagami looked at him just as the moon's light seemed to intensify, creating a blinding light off the water's reflection. His breath lodged in his throat.

Kagami would have thought that Tetsuya's hair would have gotten darker when wet, as any normal person's hair would. Instead, it was almost lighter, looking like a halo around his face. His bangs were pushed up, slicked back to expose his face in its entirety. Droplets clung to his eyelashes, moisture clumping them together into an illusion of thicker, longer lashes. When he blinked, they kissed his pink cheeks in delicate motions.

The shimmering, swaying waves casted back the image of twinkling stars in his bright blue eyes, almost as if he was supposed to have had them reflected in his gaze his entire life. It looked natural, to see the cluster of twinkling lights in his round, wide eyes. His lips parted in a breathless smile, cracked and bitten raw from nerves and boredom.

Beads of water trickled down a pale, thin collar bone, slipping down his low collar. Tetsuya's loose shirt clung to him, transparent from the water and revealing his figure. While he wasn't too bulked up on muscles, he wasn't slender either, having that perfect balance of muscle and leanness.

Kagami exhaled a wheeze as his feet brushed sand and he stopped, letting them just sit there. Tetsuya tilted his head to the side, curious at his friend's suddenly silent behavior, before slipping off the board.

Kagami didn't know why he did it. He panicked. He felt that right there, on the ocean, the two of them were the only ones in the world. He hadn't wanted it to end. So, before he could fully comprehend what he was doing, he was moving. He shot off the board, wrapped his arms around Tetsuya's waist, and flung them backwards.

The two crashed into the water, Tetsuya releasing a high-pitched shriek while Kagami just clamped his mouth shut to keep water from getting in. They resurfaced, the water up to their stomachs. Tetsuya looked at Kagami in pure betrayal, Kagami staring right back with a deer-caught-in-a-headlight look. They sat there, quiet, as the two just tried to regain their breathing.

Kagami cracked first, laughing loudly as he splashed at Tetsuya. Tetsuya tried to ignite pass the water, only to end up shoving a giant wave of water into Kagami's mouth. Kagami hacked and coughed, spitting out the saltiness. Hiccupping laughs escaped Tetsuya's mouth as the two engaged in a splashing match.

Tetsuya tried to kick water at Kagami, only to have his ankle snatched up. Kagami hauled him closer and with the weightlessness, his body went along without struggle. Kagami picked him up bridal-style, swinging his arms back and forth in the act of tossing him.

"Wait, wait!" Tetsuya clung to Kagami's shoulders as Kagami tried to pry him off, intent on tossing him into the air. "Kagami-kun, please!"

"Let go!" Kagami chuckled, spinning in circles until the sand caught his foot and the two went tumbling into the waves. Tetsuya tried to dunk Kagami, only to end up being pitched over his shoulder, face planting into the water. He shot up, only for Kagami to splash him the moment he had his first gasp of air.

Kagami laughed, his chest expanding with something solid and warm. His heart raced against his ribcage and every brush against Tetsuya left a scorching trail that lingered even under the cool water. Fuck, Kagami thought as he easily latched his arm around Tetsuya's waist and hauled him up like a sack of onions, I', crushing on Kuroko. Hard. He spun again, more careful of his footing, before throwing Tetsuya into the air in a arch. Tetsuya somehow managed to belly-flop and just laid there for a second before breeching for air, his laughter choked from lack of air.

Tetsuya wiped at his face, hiccuping still, as Kagami picked him up again, intent of dropping him like a rock. Tetsuya clamped onto his shoulders, grip slippery as he tried to crawl up onto his shoulders.

"Wait, stop! I'll drop you!" Kagami threatened as Tetsuya somehow flung his leg over his shoulder, hanging off sideways. Kagami dropped his hands and Tetsuya scrambled, only to hit the water back-first as he lost grip.

"What are you two doing?"

Kagami and Tetsuya looked over, water droplets and sand clinging to their bodies. Takao and Midorima stood at the shore, blinking at them. The light and shadow duo shared looks and it was only Takako's "Wait, no!" that alerted Midorima to the incoming water.

Midorima gave a strangled growl as his glasses got knocked out of place by the surprisingly powerful splash of water, Tetsuya giggling as Takako complained about them just having a bath.

"Oh, it's on!" Takako threw himself into the water, tackling Kagami. Midorima stood with his feet in the water, wiping at the drops on his glasses, as Tetsuya crawled out of the water.

"Midorima-kun," Tetsuya greeted as he plopped back-first down onto the sand, wheezing. Midorima shifted, sitting down next to him as Takao and Kagami tried to dunk each other.

Kagami hauled Takao over his shoulder without effort, ignoring the teen's squawks to pitch him a good foot away. Takao met the water painfully and just floated there, eyes wide as he tried to process being tossed around like a ragdoll.

"Kuroko," Midorima greeted, lips quirked up. "You having fun?" Tetsuya gave a breathless laugh, lifting his arm up half-way before giving up, letting it plop down onto his stomach. Midorima looked back at Takao, only to do a double take. "Takao! Drop the surfboard!"

Takako grumbled, dropping the board that he'd been using to create waves with. Kagami snorted, grabbing it before forcing himself out of the water.

"What were you two doing out here anyways?" Takao asked as he followed, soaked but content. The four sat there, Kagami plopped beside Tetsuya while Takao took his spot on Midorima's other side.

"Chilling," Kagami shrugged, falling back to star at the stars. If his hand brushed Tetsuya's and stayed there, well it was chalked up as an accident.

"I think the baths are opened for a bit longer," Midorima commented as he stood up, brushing sand off his shorts. "Might as well go wash up." Kagami hopped up, easily lifting Tetsuya onto his feet. Tetsuya yawned, rubbing at his eyes.

"A bath sounds good," Kagami breathed out and moved to go set the board back up against the shack. "Oh yeah, Coach should have some drinks for you guys!"

"Drinks?" Takao asked as the four began to trek back up to the Inn. Kagami nodded, throwing an arm around Tetsuya's shoulder.

"I was sent to get drinks," Kagami explained. "She said everyone, so I got everyone drinks." Tetsuya stumbled and yawned again, mumbling about skipping a bath.

"You smell like seasalt," Kagami griped as he mussed up Tetsuya's hair further, "you're washing up." Takao had somehow gotten it into his mind to challenge Kagami to a race, leaving Midorima and Tetsuya walking up the stairs together.

"Akashi somehow knows about your illnesses," Midorima blurted out, hands itching for his lucky item that day - a cat ceramic. He'd left it back in the room, fearing it'd break.

"I know," Tetsuya breathed, looking down. Midorima cleared his throat, pushing his glasses up.

"What...what had he whispered to you?" Midorima asked slowly, uncertain he should be asking. Tetsuya closed his eyes, recalling the words.

"It was nothing important," Tetsuya deflected, looking up at Kagami waved for them, telling them to hurry. "It's nothing important."

"Stop while you're ahead, Tetsuya, or I will make you."

"If you say so," Midorima conceded and sighed as Takako began to sing loudly, impatient with their pace. "I'm going to kill him. What even is that song?"

"Midorima-kun looks happy," Tetsuya pointed out. "He has a pretty good voice."

"Me, happy with that idiot?" Midorima asked, looking offended. He studied Takao and sighed heavily. "He grows on you." Tetsuya chuckled softly and brushed their arms together, Midorima's expression softening.

"Don't they always?" Tetsuya asked as the two finally got to their Light and Shadow respectively.

---

So real talk, how would y'all feel about MidoTaka? Yay? Nay? How bout that Mitobe and Koganei tho

Also, how much KagaKuro would you all be happy with? I don't want to force anything no one is uncomfortable reading. I mean, obviously this is staying T. I'm saving that M stuff for the sequel one-shot lol ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) But seriously, is the amount of KagaKuro I'm currently showing okay? Maybe a bit more? Less? Just right? (is this goldilocks?)

I mean, KagaKuro is endgame pairing and that won't change. But I just don't wanna force it out to quick? But personally I'm not a fan of oblivious Kagami when it comes to feelings of love. Like, 'oh shit I think he's hot I must like him' than 'no homo but he's smoking and I'd bounce a quarter off his ass but nO HOMO GUYS'

Tetsuya is that friend who sends you selfies of his pet nonstop because he is totally in love with them and WANTS EVERYONE TO KNOW. He's also that friend who can't help but want to show off his friends and precious ones because 'look at what I have I am so blessed'.

Takao is that friend who knows how to jailbreak any phone and is secretly annoyed that Midorima is still in that group chat so memes for the giggles

So in the manga, Hyuuga has reacted negatively to Mibuchi, our glorious player. More than once, he's commented on 'those type of people' and so I'm playing a bit on that. He'll snap out of it but like, I don't want to portray him as being accepting of Kagami and Kuroko but then going and being like 'ew freak' at Mibuchi.

Mibuchi is a girl because akashi was like 'fuck gender you play basketball super good get tf on my team'