Title: Love Hoop
Rating: T (language warning)
DISCLAIMER: Inuyasha belongs to Rumiko Takahashi and Kuroko no Basket belongs to Tadatoshi Fujimaki. Two respected mangaka! I do not own the characters in any way nor the story plot. Only the idea of this fanfiction!
MizukixTsukiyomi's Notes: Before I say anything, I want to apologize for the long wait. Last week was very stressful as I had so many things to finish, but it seems my weeks are dying down from homework, so I should be coming back to fast updates! Just please be patient with the other stories and this one.
But I do want to thank you all! Last chapter was given so much love so that pushed me through to finish all my homework so I could comeback to writing! Really thank you all!
Now this chapter does have different sections as there is no basketball game, but pretty much about Kagome going on through her day and guess what...-drum roll- she meets a certain tan a****** (don't worry, Aomine is the babe~ along with every KnB character...) hahaha Makes you wonder how Kagome will react to him, huh? Trust me, she is just as feisty so go on ahead and read both of them clash.
Also, Momoi makes her appearance and let's just say her comments just don't stop haha (don't worry, I don't hate her). Also, NIGOU! He appears!
Anyways, hope you enjoy, and sorry if...I failed you all in this chapter. Really sorry...
Chapter 11: Insulted Greetings
A sigh passed the miko lips, watching the last piece of her meal sizzle on the hot plate on their table. She continued to repeat the warned name in her head even trying to picture this 'Aomine Daiki'. Closing her eyes, she reached for her last piece with her chop sticks only to feel the blonde beside her lean closer.
"What are you thinking about, Kagomecchi?" he blinked with a smile. "You look so lost."
"Huh?" she blinked back, lowering her chopsticks.
The tiger placed his cup of water down, raising an eyebrow in question: "Oi. Don't dwell on Midorima's words so much. Whoever this Aomine guy is, don't worry, I will take care of him."
"Stop being selfish," she glared before looking over to the silent phantom male. "Are you okay, Kuroko-kun?"
He turned to face her and nodded, seeing the worry back in her own cerulean orbs. "Hai, Kagome-chan, but Kagami-kun is right. Don't worry about Aomine just yet. We should celebrate our victory right now."
"Right…," she whispered, returning to grab her last piece of food.
"Oi, Kise, let's go."
All eyes landed over to the Kaijo captain as he grabbed his gray jacket and slung it over his shoulder. Placing his own money down on the table, his eyes looked over to the blonde smiling and standing.
"Hai, hai," he smiled and waved at the Seirin team as they were finishing their own meal. He placed his hand on the miko's shoulder and lowered himself to whisper in her ear: "can we talk for a minute outside?"
Seeing the closeness, the tiger raised a brow again: "Oi, stop whispering in her ear."
"Mah, don't get so protective, Kagamicchi," chuckled Kise, straightening himself up. "I was only saying bye."
"You don't have to whisper it thought," the phantom player turned to stare at the blonde, almost making him jump slightly at the harder tone he was given. Kise quickly raised his palms to his chest defensively, chuckling nervously at the stares he was getting.
Kasamatsu shook his head, seeing his team player was only asking for trouble if he wanted to go on flirting with the manager, but who was he to stop him. He was surprised the miko did not fall so easily for him already. He would give her credit on that. With a sigh, he walked past the table: "Let's go, Kise."
"Hai," he nodded, grabbing his jacket and patted the miko's shoulder.
Kagome blinked silently before slowly coming to look over her shoulder to see the Kaijo players walking out the restaurant. She looked back over to the two first years on her table and jumped slightly at their silent stares on her. "W-What…?"
"You really need to start pushing him away, Kagome," Kagami shook his head, coming back to finish his other half of his food.
"Push him away?" she raised a brow in question. Was he mad? She was starting to think that they were getting along just fine. Her eyes glided over to stare at the ghostly haired male beside her: "Are you two angry or something?"
Kuroko shook his head, placing his chopsticks down on the table: "No, but Kise-kun does like to flirt a lot."
"Is that what you are worried about?" she blinked. The flirting? Really? She dealt with Koga for Kami's sake and that she had handled pretty well. With a low chuckle, she caught the attention of the two: "Guys, don't worry. I can protect myself just fine." Looking over towards the doors to the restaurant, she sighed and slowly stood up: "But excuse me for a while."
"Where are you going?" questioned Kagami while munching on his okonomiyaki.
"Somewhere," she replied.
"Where?" he glared before being smacked on the back of the head by the coach herself.
"Bakagami, stop interrogating her," Riko sighed, shaking her head while ignoring the sent glare from the tiger. Looking over to the miko, she sent her a smile: "Don't worry, Kagome-chan. Go ahead." Riko sent the miko a wink, knowing where she was going.
With a small smile of her own, Kagome nodded her thanks and headed out the restaurant. Kuroko slowly began to stand from his seat only to feel the light weight of Riko's hand on his shoulder to sit him back down.
"Nope, you two are staying here," she smiled; innocently.
"Oi!" glared Kagami.
"Stop," she crossed her arms, seeing that the two only wanted to keep an eye on the girl, but she knew Kagome was going to follow Kise for information. If anything, Kise was their only ticket now for gaining information on the other Generation of Miracles. She only hoped Kise would be a great help on the next one. "Let Kagome-chan do her job."
"Her job?" blinked Kagami, rubbing the back of her head.
Yuka sighed, resting her cheek on her palm: "Kagome-chan is so lucky. Not only is she part of the basketball club, but she even knows Kise Ryouta…not every girl is lucky to get close to such a good looking model."
Eri nodded, pouting as she grabbed her drink: "but she deserves it. She has gone through a lot with her ex-boyfriend."
"Ex-boyfriend?" blinked Hyuga, having heard the conversation between the two.
"Yeah, she had a two timing boyfriend back in middle school," replied Eri, setting her cup down on the table. "The guy kept going back and forth with his own ex and Kagome-chan. She was really in love with him, but I guess she saw that she just did not need that."
Shinji blinked, turning his attention over to their manager as she left the restaurant: "Hmm…kind of weird to see Kagome-chan with a two timing ex-boyfriend. Who would do that to her?"
"Good question," sighed Yuka, shaking her head. "Even we were surprised."
"But," smiled Ayumi, catching the group's attention, "I think you are all bringing a new light into her. We haven't seen her that happy in a while."
Kuroko blinked at her words before turning his head over his shoulder, seeing the shadow of the miko behind the shoji doors before she walked over to her left. She was not happy before? Just what kind of past did Kagome have?
Upon exiting the restaurant, cerulean orbs landed over to the blonde basketball player standing beside his captain towards the end of the small building. A small chill ran up her skin as the cold air of the forgotten rain hit with a breeze. She came to hug her own arms while walking over to the duo and noticed the small smile on the blonde's face.
"I thought Kagamicchi would be coming from behind if you came out," he chuckled, placing his hands inside his pockets.
"What did you want to talk about?" she questioned.
A small pout replaced his lips, seeing the miko wanting to get the talk over with. "Mah, already down to business, Kagomecchi?" he chuckled.
"Oi, she is cold," glared Kasamatsu, seeing the small shake on the girl's body. "Get it over with."
"Ah! You are cold!?" he exclaimed before taking a few steps towards the miko to wrap her in a hug.
She quickly took a step back and raised her palm to stop him: "Really, Kise-kun, I am fine. I just want to know what you wanted to say-"
"Aomine Daiki…just as Midorimacchi mentioned, he has a similar game play to Kagamicchi," Kise cut her words, seeing that she would question about Aomine soon enough. "I do have to warn you though…he is the type that one should be cautious. He is not to be taken lightly."
The miko blinked silently, seeing the seriousness reflecting onto the blonde's golden orbs. Was Aomine that…dangerous to Seirin? Just what kind of player was he?
"You played with him in Teiko right?" questioned Kasamatsu, breaking the silence. "You think he has improved?"
A small sigh passed the blonde's lips, a chuckle joining right after: "He…was the reason I came to join the basketball team back in Teiko."
Kagome's eyes slightly widened at the information. It had been someone that made Kise come to love and join basketball with Kuroko and the rest of the Generation of Miracles?
"He has a different way of playing, so just be careful," he smiled. "I mean, I do want to get my revenge on Seirin." His eyes lowered and tightened, making the miko chuckle. He really meant his words.
Kagome nodded and smiled at the two standing before her: "Well, your revenge is going to have to wait, Kise-kun. For now…we have to worry about Tōō."
Both Kise and Kasamatsu nodded with a smile, seeing the girl already becoming more part of the team. If anything, they could see the strength and determination evolving since the last time they had seen her. During their practice match, she had even looked lost about the whole sport.
With a low chuckle, Kise patted the girl's head: "Well, keep your promise to make Seirin come and meet us once again on the court, Kagomecchi."
He turned along with his captain, beginning to take their leave. A small smile pressed up on the miko's lips, watching them walk away. "Don't worry, I will help them to the top," she whispered to herself.
Bark.
The miko quickly jumped at the sound of a low bark coming to her left on the alley beside the restaurant. Had she heard wrong?
Bark.
Blinking her eyes away, Kagome slowly made her away into the alley and noticed the black wagging tail coming outside the cardboard box.
'A tail…?' she tilted her head to the side to get a better angle to see what it was. She squatted down slightly and extended her arm out slowly. The animal quickly turned around with a bark, making her jump slightly from the small scare.
Her eyes blinked again upon staring at the small white and black dog staring at her with his blue blank eyes. His tongue darted out with a small smile as his tail continued to wag in excitement. Another bark came her way, seeing his paw landing at the edge of the box.
"An inu?" she whispered, coming back to pet the dog's head slightly. Her lips tugged up to a smile, seeing the content expression on the mammals face. An inu. Scratching the back of his ears, the dog quickly wagged his tail once again. 'Hm…how I miss touching his ears…'
She looked around the alley, seeing no sign of someone being the owner. Coming back to stare at the dog inside the box, she created a frown: "Who would leave you in such a cold and lonely place, little guy?"
"An inu."
The miko quickly jumped with a scream as she looked over her shoulder to see a blink coming from Kuroko. "K-Kuroko-kun?"
"I was beginning to worry because you hadn't come back," he replied, seeing that she was going to question why he was there.
"W-When did you get here?" she blinked, feeling her heart calming down from the scare. She looked back at the dog, seeing his tail wagging nonstop.
"Since you and Kise-kun started to talk," he answered, his eyes landing back on the animal inside the box.
"You overheard us…?" she questioned. How could she not sense his aura around? His lack of presence was really questioning now.
He gave her a nod before squatting down himself and petting the dog's head: "I did and…," his lips curved slowly into a small smile, "I know you will do everything you can to take us to the top."
A small blush colored over her cheeks, seeing the phantom's player's eyes staring into the dog's. Looking away, she tried calming her rose hue and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Although she rarely blushed, something about his smiles made her feel safe and accepted. But it was not just him…the whole team and people she had met so far made her feel useful. She lowered her sights over to the dog, watching as the phantom player continued to pet his head.
"What should we do with him?"
Taking her out of her thoughts, the miko blinked: "huh?"
"The inu," he continued, looking over to her. "It looks like he was left here."
Kagome's hand reached to touch the back of his fur, feeling the dampness: "He was out here in the rain…poor little guy." Another bark came her way, creating a smile once again. "I don't have the heart to leave him, but we can't just take him."
Her eyes quickly followed Kuroko's hands coming to pick up the box as he stood on his feet: "Then let's take him."
"W-Wait…I just said we can't, Kuroko-kun," she straightened up, watching as the dog looked between the two teens as they stared at each other.
"But you said you can't leave him."
"I know, but…what if his owner comes back?"
"What kind of owner leaves a puppy out in the rain, Kagome-chan?"
The dog barked again, catching the attention of the two as he was carried inside the box between the two. Kagome sighed, seeing the pleading eyes of the mammal. Bending down to his eyes, Kagome leaned closer and gave the dog a smile: "I guess Kuroko-kun is right. You want to come with us?" She just did not have the heart to leave him alone here. He was only a puppy. What harm could happen from bringing a dog?
With another bark, the dog came to lick Kagome's nose, earning himself a small chuckle.
"I will take that as a yes," she scratched the dog's head once more and came to straightened herself up. "How should we convince the team?"
Kuroko's eyes dropped down to see the dog staring at him. "I…don't know."
"Hm," Kagome tapped her chin with her index finger, seeing the tail continuing to wag. "Well…let's just hope the inu's charm gets to them." She blinked, seeing the dog's blue eyes once more on her person. Raising a brow, she looked back at the phantom player ahead: 'Is it just me…?'
"Well," Eri smiled at the Seirin team as they walked out the restaurant, watching as Ayumi said her goodbye to her boyfriend, "we should get going. We need to study for our incoming tests."
"Ah that's right," nodded Hyuga, "you first years have tests coming up."
Kagami scoffed, scratching the back of his neck: "those should be a piece of cake."
Yuka looked around the area, seeing no sign of her female friend: "Ano… where did Kagome-chan go? She has been gone for a long time now…"
"Now that you mention it…," whispered Kagami, seeing the girl had already taken a long time to come back.
"Well, I am sure she is fine," smiled Yuka, waving her hand up and down. "She is a strong girl, but," she sent them a wink, "please do take care of her for us."
Shinji sent out a laugh from his lips: "Ah don't worry! She is in good hands! Besides, that girl has been taking care all of us."
"I am sure she is," nodded Ayumi, coming to stand with her two female friends. "Well, we will be leaving. It was nice meeting you all."
"Likewise," Hyuga waved away, watching the three girls turned around and headed over to the nearest bus stop. He gave his team a nod, seeing them huddled around him: "yosh! On to the championship league then!" He blinked, not only realizing Kagome was missing, but Kuroko as well. He was sure Riko had stopped him from escaping: "Huh?" He looked around, turning his head side to side: "Where did Kuroko go?"
"Ano…"
All eyes turned to see the searched miko and phantom player standing beside each other with a box in Kuroko's hands as the small animal wagged its tail with a smile.
"We found this…," blinked Kuroko, watching the silent blinks coming from his teammates.
"Huh?"
"Inu," he continued, seeing the questioning looks.
"Oi!" shouted Hyuga, coming towards the phantom player. Where the heck did he get a dog from!? "Don't take him with you!"
"But we found him," pouted Kagome watching as the dog jumped into her arms. The team watched as the dog began to lick Kagome's cheek as she held him close. "We couldn't just leave him out in the cold. He is only a puppy."
"But still!" scolded Hyuga.
"What are we going to do with that?!" exclaimed Shun.
"Chotto! Have you see Kuroko-kun?" called out Riko as she walked out the restaurant. "I was sure he was inside-" blinking the sight before her, she watched the sudden appearance of the dog in the miko's arms as they stared at her innocently. In a blink of an eye, she quickly scooped the dog into her own hands and twirled in circles as she held him up in the air. "He's so fluffy! Kawaii! Where did you come from!? Kawaii~!"
"Coach, calm down…," whispered Hyuga, watching the different side of Riko overwhelming them all.
Riko turned her head over to the miko: "Where did you find such a cutie?"
"In the alley…," she pointed over to the direction. "Kuroko-kun and I couldn't just leave him there so…we brought him with us."
With a huge grin, Riko looked up to the held dog in the air and watched him blink. Tilting her head to the side, she stared closely to his eyes: "Hmm…doesn't he look like someone?"
The miko walked over to stand with the team, watching the dog's eyes and slowly coming back down to stare at the phantom player's orbs before looking back over to the dog. The team quickly jumped back, seeing the resemblance with a scream.
"It's the eyes! The eyes!" shouted Shun.
"Oh crap!" exclaimed Hyuga, shaking his head, "he is already become attached!"
Shinji quickly pointed over to the dog: "Okay! Your name will be Tetsuya Nigou!"
"Don't name him!" scolded their captain, hitting the back of Shinji's head. "It will only make it harder to leave him!"
The dog quickly jumped into the miko's arms and coming back to lick her cheek. "I think the name suits him just fine," she chuckled, glad she was not the only one who thought the resemblance was close to Kuroko.
"Not you too!" Hyuga sighed, watching the girl gently rub the dog's ears.
"I think we should keep him," she smiled. Perhaps having a dog in the team could change things up? She gave the males a close-eyed smile: "Why not as a mascot?"
"Mascot?" blinked Riko, her eyes landing over to the phantom player as he slowly walked over to the miko and patted the dog's head. She quickly clapped her hands together: "I think that is a wonderful idea!"
The miko gently placed the dog into the box once again, watching the team kneel to pet the dog themselves. "See? He is taking a liking to us." She watched the captain release a sigh with his own hand coming down to rub the back of Nigou's ears.
"I can't believe people abandon their dogs like this," commented Shun, watching as Nigou licked his finger.
"Ne, ne," Riko waved her hand up and down, catching the team's attention over to her, "I've been wondering…," all eyes followed her line of eyesight, seeing the red headed male hiding behind a sign as he held his head with both his hands while crouching down.
Kagome blinked, seeing the slight tremble in the tall male's body. Tilting her head to the side, she walked over and poked his shoulder: "What are you doing, Kagami-kun?"
Turning his head over his shoulder, the miko quickly took notice of his slight fear painted over his face. "Uh, well…I can't handle dogs…"
"Huh?" the miko's shoulders dropped, surprised that such a big guy was afraid of such a tiny animal. "Are…you serious?"
"H-Hai…"
The miko stood from her position and looked over to see Kuroko holding the box in his hands once again: 'Huh…who knew…'
Nigou quickly jumped over his box and walked over to the tiger. In reflex, Kagami scooted further away from the pet and watched the miko pick him up into her arms. With a small pout, the miko's eyes landed forward, seeing the small glare yet fear in Kagami's eyes: "He isn't so bad…"
"Just…don't have him near me…"
Kagome released a sigh: 'Well…there is something I didn't know about Kagami-kun…'
"Hmmm…"
"What's wrong, Kagome-chan?"
The miko looked from her notebook over to her friend, seeing the tilted curious expression. "Ah, Ayumi-chan."
"You have been silent all day in class," she spoke, seeing the miko tapping her pencil on her desk. After their victory dinner last night, she barely had any sleep due to her worries of the next upcoming match. They had secured their spot for the Inter-High so she knew the pressure definitely was rising for them. Not to mention, she had no idea how she could help with no information on 'Aomine Daiki'.
But even with that, Kuroko has suggested her keeping the dog, but she had told the whole team she had Buyo, her cat – much to their surprise. As much as she wanted the dog, she obviously had to ask her mother if it was okay. A sigh passed her lips, hearing Ayumi coming to sit next to her during their lunch hour.
"What is this?" questioned Ayumi, pointing down to the small sketch on Kagome's paper.
"Huh?" the miko's eyes dropped down to see the sketch drawing of a jersey with the number '16'. "Oh…Kuroko-kun and I found a puppy last night."
"A puppy!?" exclaimed Ayumi, clapping her hands together in excitement.
"Yeah," she chuckled, remembering how much the team continued to comment on the eyes of the dog's and Kuroko's. "So we decided to take him in as a mascot."
"Kawaii!" smiled Ayumi. "How old is he?"
Kagome tapped her chin with her pencil: "Hm, not sure…but he does look young. Maybe close to one year? Or maybe even less."
Ayumi's eyes returned back to stare at the sketch drawing: "Is that a jersey for him then?"
The miko chuckled, seeing Ayumi guessing her drawing correctly. "It was just a thought to see Nigou in a uniform, but I don't know if companies even do dog uniforms."
"Why not make it?" smiled Ayumi. "Your okaa-san is good at sewing right?"
"Hmm, maybe," pouted Kagome, looking back over to the small sketch she drew. "I would need to get the fabric though…"
"Let's go after school!" Ayumi stood from her seat. "But are going to need to take the puppy with you to get the measurements!"
The miko nodded, continuing to shade in the colors of the uniform. Her lips curved into a smile, already picturing the dog in his small uniform. 'Hmm…I should order new uniform for the team as well…'
The day had finally ended and she was glad Riko had decided to give them the day off. Of course the team needed a rest after going against two kings in one day. But in the back of her mind, she was worried over Kagami's legs and the team as a whole. Riko had even asked her to help in the healing of Kagami's legs tomorrow. She was not sure how she could help…but she had given thought in using her miko-ki.
'I could heal them a little with my miko-ki, but I can't do it too much. Even Riko-senpai would see it too abnormal for an athlete's legs to heal so quickly…,' a small sigh passed her lips, realizing the tight situation she was in. As much as she wanted to help, she was also limited. She could not just show all her abilities like that.
Kagome looked around the hallway leading to Kuroko's and Kagami's classroom and stopped in her tracks as she saw Kuroko exiting the class with the tiger behind.
"Ah…Kuroko-kun. Kagami-kun."
Looking to their right, they watched the blue eyed female walking over to them. Kagome clutched her school bag and waved at the two: "Hi."
"Yo," greeted Kagami.
Kuroko blinked, turning to face the miko: "Domo, Kagome-chan."
"Are you two heading home?" she questioned with a smile.
Kagami released a scoff: "Yeah, unfortunately."
"Unfortunately?" blinked Kagome, seeing the irritated expression on his face. "Is everything alright?"
"He is just annoyed that the coach told him he can't play for a while until his legs heal," answered Kuroko. He fixed the strap of his bag over his shoulder and felt the slight movement inside.
"I am fine," Kagami looked away, holding a glare.
Kagome raised a brow at the tiger, crossing her arms: "Riko-senpai is right, Kagami-kun. You can't overdo it. Besides, if you want to go against Tōō, you are going to have to heal and not play for a while. It is only for a few days, Kagami-kun. Tomorrow I will wrap your calves, okay?"
"Whatever," he sighed, swinging his bag over his shoulder.
"So what are you here for, Kagome-chan?"
The miko looked over the phantom player, seeing the curious expression on his face. It was definitely rare for her to even come looking for them at their class since they always met in front of the gym for practice. Neither of them even thought about having lunch together or meet outside their classes.
"Ah, I was wondering if I could borrow Nigou today?" she smiled, not seeing the small jolt in Kagami's body at the mention of the dog.
"Nigou?" repeated Kuroko. Why would Kagome want Nigou so early after school? "I don't mind…but what for?"
"It's a surprise," she chuckled, but quickly noticed the small movements inside Kuroko's bag. "Um…Kuroko-kun…," her finger came to point to his bag, catching the tiger's attention as well.
"Oi, it was doing that too during class," Kagami's eyebrow twitch, having a bad feeling about this.
Bark.
Both teens jumped slightly at the familiar bark coming from Kuroko's bag before the phantom player came to unzip an opening. Kagome's eyes widened along with Kagami's as they watched Nigou's head popping out the small opening of Kuroko's school bag. There he was; smiling and wagging his tail.
Kagami jumped back and scooted away: "Oi! What the hell!?"
"K-Kuroko-kun…you can't be bringing a dog over to school!" exclaimed Kagome, watching as the dog returned to jump ahead and into the miko's arms. Her eyes scanned around the hallway, hoping that no teacher would appear and a second scolding would be coming their way.
Kuroko watched the female catch the small fur ball into her hands and blinked innocently: "well, my grandparents are too busy at home to take care of him, so I brought him."
"What if they find the dog, baka!?" shouted Kagami, seeing the dog staring at him.
"He is the mascot," replied Kuroko.
"That is not a reason to bring an animal to school!" he scolded back.
Kagome sighed, coming to scratch Nigou's head: "Well, I mean…if Kuroko-kun can hide him well, I am sure there is no problem." She could not remember the countless times Inuyasha had sneaked into her school to get her out and back to the well. Because of him, she had acted so many times like a fool. She shook the memories away and sighed: "he is right. Nigou is our mascot now."
"The hell he is!" Kagami came to stand in front of the miko, glaring at her: "He can't be our mascot!" He leaned back, watching as Kagome held the dog in front of the tiger's face.
Kagome leaned to the side, pouting: "You can't say no to this face."
"Yes I can!" he shouted, scooting further away.
Quietly, Kuroko came to stand beside the miko and gave him the same puppy eyes: "Please don't say such things, Kagami-kun…"
"Stop it you three!" Kagami glared at the trio turning against him as they held their pleading. "Fine! Keep him as the mascot, but don't put him near me!"
Seeing the win, Kagome chuckled, lowering Nigou back to her arms and tapped his nose lightly: "Don't worry, Nigou. He isn't that mean." She smiled at the two first years and waved away as she used Nigou's paw: "well, we will see you tomorrow at practice. I will take good care of him."
Kagami sighed, releasing his held breath from his fear: "What the hell, Kuroko? You can't be bringing a dog here!"
"No one noticed," he blinked innocently once again. "Besides, Nigou makes Kagome-chan happy."
The tiger opened his mouth to reply back only to see the point Kuroko was trying to make. Closing his eyes, Kagami released his anger and shook his head: "W-Whatever…but like I said, don't you two dare have that dog come near me."
Kuroko nodded slightly, following the tiger out to the other side of the hallway.
Walking towards the gates, Kagome headed to her exit and smiled down at the fur ball in her arms. Petting Nigou's head, she watched the excitement running inside the dog's blue eyes: "Kagami-kun will warm up to you soon. Besides, I wasn't a dog person at first neither."
Nigou sent her a bark before licking under her jaw.
'Inuyasha's ears were the start of it all…'
Her eyes blinked at the stare she received from the dog. With a smile, she cuddled it closely: 'Kawaii!'
The miko pouted, seeing the two different types of red in fabric as she held them in each hand. Her eyes glided over to the dog near her feet, watching as Nigou silently watched her back. She was surprised how obedient the dog was to her.
"Ne, Kagome-chan!"
Looking over to her right, she watched as Ayumi held a small dog pattern set for uniforms in her hand: "I found a jersey pattern to help us make Nigou's uniform!"
Kagome smiled: "That's great!"
"I am going to see if I can find the number patterns," Ayumi turned around before walking into a different aisle for her intended find.
Kagome sighed, taking a small glance over to the dog once more. She was afraid she would be chasing him all around if she placed him down, but luckily, Nigou had become attached enough for him to listen. With a small smile, the miko knelt down and held both options of fabric in front of Nigou: "Which one do you like?"
Nigou tilted his head to the side before coming to smell the darker shade of red and giving her a low bark.
"This one?" she questioned, coming back to stand before the counter of different fabrics. Having come to a cosplay shop, she was scared at first that the store would kick her out for having a pet, but the store clerks had welcomed her saying it was okay.
'Hmm…then again, this store has about everything for cosplay, so it must be normal to bring pets and dressing them up.' Placing down the rejected red fabric, Kagome grabbed the black and white she had picked out earlier and looked down to her feet. "So these three are okay-?"
Her eyes widened slightly, watching as Nigou began to walk away and wander out on his own.
"O-Oi! Nigou! Chotto!" Chasing after him, the dog began to run away, seeing it only as innocent game play for him. All he wanted was a chase. "You can't run in here, Nigou!" She cursed inside her head, questioning her idea of bringing a puppy out - who of course had lots of energy to distribute.
"N-Nigou!"
She was only grateful that he did not have the same low presence of a certain male.
Releasing a long yawn, dark blue eyes scanned over the magazine in hand as the male watched the new spread of pictures of his loved idol. "Ha…Horikita Mai-chan definitely has the best breasts." Flipping the page over, his eyes blinked, completely admiring the new photoshoots he was given. He did not care one bit in skipping practice and now even more that he found the cover of his favorite idol on a magazine.
Blinking, he slowly flipped the next page only to see a black and white dog jumped in front, knocking the magazine away from his hands. He looked down to his side: "Oi! What the hell…" Turning his head, he blinked blankly as he connected his eyes with none other than the dog's blue orbs. Had the freaking dog just knock his idol down the ground?
Squatting down, his tan hand reached down to grab the dog from the back of his fur. Raising him eye level, the male's eyes narrowed: "Oi, I was enjoying those you know, you little mutt." He blinked, watching the dog simply bark with a wide grin as his tongue darted out.
"You could careless, huh? Look, no one knocks down my Horikita Mai-chan, you here? Not even a mutt," he raised a brow, bringing the dog closer to his face.
"Nigou!"
Catching the voice of a female, the tanned skin male looked over his shoulder, watching a female with black hair running up to him and stopping in her tracks at the glare he sent. Continuing his hold on the dog, he straightened himself up and held the dog towards the female.
"Yours?" he raised his brow.
Her cerulean orbs blinked, watching Nigou's tongue darted out with a grin: "Um…yes…" the miko's hands reached out and gently grabbed the dog back into her arms. Taking a short glance to the male, she lowered her sights back onto the puppy: "Nigou, I told you to stay put."
Kagome raised her view once more to apologize, but quickly noticed the different features he held compared to most Japanese. For a Japanese, he was definitely tan and tall, but his aura…definitely intimidated her in some way. She was not sure what it was, but something told her to stay cautious.
Lowering her sight, she gave him a slight bow: "G-Gomen..."
The male raised a brow before coming back to grab his dropped magazine on the ground. "Just keep a better eye on the mutt."
Kagome's eyebrow rose, remembering the insult from long ago in her adventures. Sure, the insult could easily be ignored, but Nigou has only a puppy and with her past experience with Inuyasha, she hated when the word 'mutt' came out along when they would call her a 'wench'. She glared at the blue haired male: "don't call him that."
"What?" he looked over at his magazine, flipping back to his page. "A mutt?"
"Yes," she watched him continuing to stare at the idols in the magazine, really trying not to stare too much at him and his weird habit. Great, she stumbled upon a pervert who was into watching girls in bikinis.
"That is what he is," he cut in, taking a small glance to towards the girl.
The miko raised a brow: "So should I call you a hentai?"
His eyebrow twitched at the insult he was given back. He quickly closed the magazine and pointed at the cover: "Just because I stare at girls in bikinis does not make me a hentai! I simply like women with big breast!" Why did everyone think he was a hentai for liking a woman in a bikini?! It was a normal thing for men!
"A hentai," she blinked in a bored tone.
"Oi," he took a step closer, leaning down to her height, glaring at both the female and dog, "watch it girl."
"Then watch your mouth," she glared back.
Bark.
Both teens looked down, watching Nigou wagging his tail as he looked upwards with his tongue still darting out. The male's eye brow rose as he started into the dog's eyes. Something definitely caught his eye, but he could not put his finger on it. Those eyes seemed way…too familiar. His eyes glided back over to the female, seeing the blue in her own hues.
"Oh? A Japanese with blue eyes? Quite rare."
"Huh?" the miko's eyebrow twitched, getting quite uncomfortable at the close proximity.
He closed his eyes, giving out a shrug after giving a small glance to her chest: "Too bad your breast are too small," he shook his head.
Never had anyone commented so low on her appearance, but now she could see why some people got annoyed. Kagome felt the tick on her forehead twitch, ready to send in a slap or something that could hurt, but seeing it was not the time nor place, Kagome swallowed her anger and looked over at the blue haired male, watching him lean back.
"Well, sorry to disappoint you," she glared, "but last time I checked, I did not bump into you to impress you. In fact, I don't waste my time with men who have such low standards."
The tan male's eyebrow twitched once more, seeing she was not yelling at him but simply talking back in a calmer tone than he expected. Before he could open his mouth for a comeback, both teens blinked upon hearing another female calling out a name.
"Kagome-chan!"
The miko turned her head over her shoulder, watching her friend Ayumi holding the found letters for the team uniform.
"I found the letters!" waved Ayumi, holding the 'S'. "I think we have everything now!"
Kagome nodded with a smile and released a sigh, thanking Ayumi in her head for saving her before she released her anger on the stranger. What was she doing wasting her time with this guy who had not only insulted her dog, but insulted her? She turned to face him and returned the glare: "Well, gomen again, but next time, don't go insulting people like that or you could get much worse." She shifted Nigou to her other arm and carried the fabric on the other. "Let's go Nigou. We need to make your jersey for the team."
The male blinked, watching the miko turn and walk away to meet with her friend. Kagome? A sport jersey? He continued to stare at the girl before she slowly disappeared into the aisles. Where had he heard that name before?
"Ah! There you are!"
Looking over his shoulder, he watched the familiar pink haired female running to him and with a pout. "Dai-chan!" she huffed, seeing that the much taller male only ignored her call and returned to stare at the magazine before him. "Everyone is angry that you are skipping practice again!"
"They are fine, Satsuki," he sighed, nodding to an approved picture. He even wondered how easily the girl was able to find him…then again, she did know his love for idols and his usual spot to pick up the magazines he wanted.
The pink haired female crossed her arms under her breast, watching the male only continuing to enjoy his time with the magazine. "They still need you, Dai-chan."
"I only need myself," he chuckled. "In basketball…you play for yourself."
Momoi sighed, dropping her arms as she saw the male coming to stare to his right for something. She shook her head: "But still…you need to show up to practice. Even the coach is beginning to get angry-"
"What was the name of the girl?"
"Huh?" she blinked, taken back by his question cutting her off. "What girl?"
Aomine's eyes narrowed, taking a small far-away glance of the miko near the register. "Of Seirin's manager."
"Seirin's manager?" she tilted her head to the side, quite confused on the sudden interest the male had on someone other than Kuroko. What had brought this up? "You mean Higurashi Kagome?" She jumped slightly at the sound of his hand closing the magazine closed. Her pink orbs scanned upwards, seeing the small grin on his lips: "Dai-chan…?"
"Higurashi…Kagome, huh?" he released a smirk as his eyes narrowed. "How common is that name?"
"Kagome?" she blinked. "Not…very…"
"Interesting…," he placed the magazine back into its place and walked past his childhood friend.
Momoi blinked again before turning around to follow: "W-Where are you going, Dai-chan?" She huffed, seeing his ignoring actions: "Dai-chan!"
Ignoring her question, the tanned male placed his hands inside his pockets: 'Hm…Seirin's manager is definitely feisty.'
The next day had seemed to fly by quickly and with the day before having ended with her head clouded with the insult the stranger had given her, she had tried to start on Nigou's uniform after introducing him to her mother – which surprisingly, she welcomed with open arms.
Her mind had to get distracted to get over the insult of her breasts – even if she knew herself they were not that small. Although she had only finished about half the uniform, she was surprised how fast the day had ended. With the next day having arrived, she had hid Nigou in the locker rooms and picked him up right after, worried that the puppy might start to make a mess with rips and scratches all over. The repairs would only come from the club's funds! She didn't want that!
With a smile, the miko looked down to her feet, watching the dog walking beside her as she held the first aid kit supplies to heal Kagami for today's practice. "Are you excited to see them practice for the first time, Nigou?" she asked.
She received a bark before chuckling and coming over to the front doors of the gym. "Well, let us not distract them too much, okay, Nigou?"
Bark.
"And please do not runaway again…I would really appreciate it that I don't run into anymore jerks like yesterday…," Kagome's eyes landed ahead, remembering the blue haired male and scowling: 'The ass…'
"Damn it," the tiger's eyes narrowed, watching his teammates practicing on the court as he spun an orange ball on the tip of his index finger. "I'm itching to play."
"You have to wait until your legs heal!" glared Riko, standing beside him while holding her whistle in hand. "Don't worry, Kagome-chan should be coming soon with her supplies."
"Tch, I can't wait that much longer," he glared, continuing to spin the ball.
Bark.
The tiger quickly felt his eyebrow twitch at the sound of the familiar bark and looked over to the propped doors. Looking over her shoulder, Riko smiled upon seeing the miko with Nigou down at her feet: "Ah, Kagome-chan! You're here."
"Gomen for being late," she chuckled, walking over to the chair and placing the supplies down. "I had to go get Nigou."
"You brought him?" she smiled, watching the tail on their mascot wag as his eyes observed the team passing the ball.
The miko nodded as she took out the white bandages: "Kuroko-kun is taking him for the night."
"Eh~," smirked Riko, nudging the side of Kagome's ribs: "what is this? It sounds like you two are raising a child."
Kagome turned her head to the side, giving the coach a questioning look: "W-What are you talking about? It is a dog, Riko-senpai…"
"Yeah, I know," she chuckled, "but hearing you two going back and forth in taking care of Nigou makes it sound like you two are the parents."
The miko sighed, seeing Riko wanted to get her flustered and in which, it was working, but she tried getting herself calm before letting her blush get the best of her. Her eyes landed to the right, watching Kagami spin the ball on his other finger, as he slowly scooted away from the two. Was he still afraid of such a small dog?
"Are you alright, Kagami-kun?" she blinked, worried that she might be getting the tiger in an uncomfortable spot with Nigou around now.
"Just peachy," he glared ahead, not even bothering to look down afraid the dog would be staring back into his soul.
Nigou released yet another bark upon seeing Hyuga's shot into the hoop. "Nice shot!" shouted Shun.
The team looked over to the small mascot, smiling at the excitement he was presenting. "Oh?" smiled Hyuga, looking over his shoulder, "you know how to play basketball?"
Another bark was released.
"You are quite the talker, Nigou," laughed Shinji.
Kagome chuckled as she watched the small pup walking into the court but her attention was drawn over to the bouncing ball beside her without the tiger. Blinking, she watched as Kagami tripped on his feet as he headed for another door to escape his fear and reached for the knob.
The miko sighed, placing her hand on her hip: "Kagami-kun…do you really not like dogs?" She was finding it hard to believe that such a stubborn and hard headed guy was being frightened over such a small animal.
"H-Hai…," whispered Kagami, dropping his head pathetically.
Kagome's shoulder dropped down, wondering how she was even going to get Kagami to sit on the bench knowing Nigou would only follow to her feet. Did he have a fear to them?
"Kagami-kun..."
Hearing the voice of the phantom player, Kagome looked to her side, watching Kuroko hold Nigou in his hands as he held him facing the tiger. Kagami looked over his shoulder, seeing both their similar eyes drop in a hurt expression.
"Don't say things like that," he finished.
"I said to stop looking at me with those eyes!" shouted the tiger, tired that the two and including the miko used the pleading puppy eyes on him! Him!
The miko blinked, watching as Kagami quickly scrambled onto his feet and began to run away from the chasing Kuroko as he held Nigou out.
"He's kawaii," continued Kuroko, ignoring the fright in the tiger's eyes.
"Don't! Kuroko! I will kill you later, teme!"
"He is definitely doing it on purpose," sighed Hyuga.
Kagome sighed, crossing her arms as she watched the two run around in the court. 'Kuroko-kun…that is not how you get someone to get over their fear.' She shook her head and felt the light hand of the coach on her shoulder.
"Kagome-chan, tomorrow since it is Saturday, we are heading to my father's training building to continue on with practice."
"Training?" she blinked.
Riko nodded, dropping the whistle from her hands and winked at the miko: "I will be training the boys at the pool for strength. So make sure you bring a bikini."
"Huh?" the miko raised a brow. Bring a bikini? Why was she supposed to bring one!? The guys were doing the training! She shook her head, looking back over to the chase: "I refuse."
"What?" Riko blinked, taking a step back: "You have to!"
"Nope," the miko shook her head again. "I rather get wet in my uniform." The fact that she had a huge scar on her hip was something she did not want to show. Not because of embarrassment, but knowing questions would be coming.
Riko sent her a glare: "You are bringing a bikini and that is that."
"W-Wait-"
"You hear me?" she gave one last glare, seeing the coach's glare pointing at her. "Be there at eight o'clock."
Kagome sighed: "Fine…but I am wearing shorts." Crossing her arms, she blinked at the upcoming appearance of the tiger coming towards her before he grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her in front of him. "O-Oi…!"
"Get away, Kuroko!" glared Kagami, "or Kagome gets it! That dog has become attached to her right?"
"Oi…," Kagome's eyebrow twitched: "Don't have me hostage!"
"Then tell the teme to back off!" shouted Kagami, turning to face the miko with her own glare.
Kuroko blinked, watching the two continuing to argue, completely seeing the two immersed with the argument. Looking down to his arms, he noticed Nigou's eyes on him with his tilted head upwards.
"Those two are always at it with arguments," Hyuga shook his head, resting his hand on his hip. "Will there ever be a moment of peace between the two?"
"But that is what makes them…them," whispered Kuroko, catching the team's attention.
Releasing a low chuckle, Hyuga looked back over to the miko and tiger in their yells. "I guess you're right."
"Alright! Make sure you pay more attention to stretching than usual!" shouted Riko, holding her whistle in hand as the males formed two lines inside the pool and waited for the coach's signal. "We will start with squats!"
With each whistle blown, the boys lowered down into the pool and into a squat position while having their hands behind their head. Kagami sighed, watching the team training as he sat on the bench with a stack of towels beside him as the miko folded them.
"Tch…and here I am sitting down doing nothing," he whispered. It annoyed him greatly that he was not able to be active. He wanted to play for Kami's sake! Train! Something! Although he had to admit that Kagome's healing the day before was working wonders. He was not sure what it was, but the whole time he had been staring at the team practicing, he had only paid attention to her wrapping around his calves – thankful that Nigou had kept his distance.
The miko blinked, lowering the towel down, watching the tiger place his cheek on his knuckles. "Stop being stubborn. Your legs are healing." She was glad that her miko-ki was able to help him move his muscles a bit, but she could not over do the healing since most people would see it weird that he suddenly had a miracle healing.
Healing would just have to take its time.
"I know that," he scoffed, looking over to the girl and blinked, noticing the attire she wore: "Oi, why are you wearing the school uniform on a Saturday?"
Looking down to her clothing, she scratched her cheek: "Well…"
Riko lowered her whistle while waiting for the boys to come back to stand on their feet: "Okay, take a one minute break!" Looking to her side, she could not help but release a blink at the sight of the miko wearing her uniform. "Chotto…Kagome-chan, I told you to wear something for the pool."
Kagome set the last folded towel on the stack: "But…why me? The guys are the ones inside the pool…"
"Because my father's policy is to not wear regular clothing inside the pool area," she sighed.
"Kagami-kun is wearing sweatpants!" exclaimed the miko, pointing over to the red head.
"Oi! Don't bring me into the middle of this!"
Riko placed her hand on her hip: "I am wearing a bikini top and shorts. You said you were too, now go and change. You did bring something…right?" she raised a brow suspiciously.
"…yes," Kagome lowered her eyes, watching as the coach returned to stare at her clipboard in hand. 'She just wants me to wear a bikini for another reason…,' sighing, the miko grabbed her bag and looked down at her feet. "Come on, Nigou, let's go to the changing room."
Putting the strap of her bag over her shoulder, she walked towards the girls' changing room with the dog behind her. Riko chuckled under her breath, seeing that perhaps with that, either Kuroko's or Kagami's attention could be caught. Sure she was being devious in making the girl change, but she was just curious. No harm in curiosity.
"Mah, these pool exercises are tough," sighed Shun, running his fingers into his hair.
Hyuga looked over to his side, watching the floating phantom player on the pool: "Kuroko, don't sleep! Don't just float there!"
"Oi, why are you pushing Kagome into changing?"
Having heard the tiger's voice, Riko looked over her shoulder and sent him a smile: "No reason. Just want her to be more comfortable."
"She looks comfortable to me," he raised a brow.
Riko sighed, shaking her head: "You wouldn't understand, but trust me on this one."
"Huh?"
"Seriously, why a bikini? I am fine just like this…," Kagome shook her head as she took out her white bikini top. A pout formed on her lips upon seeing the top in her hands. Memories of the stranger's words of his comment on her breast hit back. 'Screw him…'
Bark.
Kagome's eyes lowered down to see Nigou wagging his tail. Nodding, she knelt down and petted his head: "You're right. I shouldn't dwell so much on someone's words. Especially on someone who I will probably never see again."
Standing back up, Kagome resumed on her change and replaced her bra with the bikini top. Proceeding in taking off her skirt, Kagome eyes landed over the bite mark on her hip. Her fingers gently grazed over the scar as she stared at herself in the mirror.
The reflection of her carried memories of her feudal adventure truly brought her back to her days when she had placed her life in danger countless times. It always reminded her to stay strong as she had been in much worse situations. Situations no one could imagine…
A sigh passed her lips before coming to grab her bikini bottom and replaced her panties with the other piece of clothing. Grabbing the black shorts she had packed, she was immediately stopped at the sound of another female's voice.
"Excuse me, but do you happen to know which is the door to Pool-A?"
"Huh?" looking up, Kagome's eyes met with a pair of pink orbs matching the rose colored hair on the female as she wore a teal colored bikini with a white jacket over her. Kagome blinked, seeing the much exposed breasts and skin on the girl.
"Pool-A?" she repeated. Kagome titled her head to the side: 'Isn't that where we are training?' Although it was a bit suspicious, Kagome pointed over to the door on the left: "yeah, just exit through that door and it should take you to where you want."
"Ah, arigatou!" smiled the pink haired female. "I truly appreciate it, Kagome-chan!"
"No problem…," the miko's eyes glided over to the female's form as she disappeared from the changing room. With a blink, Kagome continued to stare at the open door. Wait…she had mentioned her name? How did she knew her name? That was definitely suspicious now. Coming to place her shorts, Kagome quickly noticed the missing figure of Nigou beside her and looked around.
"Nigou? Nigou?" dropping her shorts down, Kagome's eyes landed over to the door where the girl had headed out. She could sense the small trail of Nigou's aura and cursed herself for not keeping a close eyes on the troublemaking dog.
Cursing under her breath, she headed out the door, completely forgetting the shorts she was going to use to cover her scar, but only hoped to save Kagami's life from the small terror.
Running with a bark, Nigou made his way toward the tiger and sat on the edge of the bench. Kagami's eyebrow twitched and slowly glided his eyes to the corner, seeing the damn black and white pet smiling at him. Could the dog not get the hint?
Kagami scooted away: "Oi…," shooing him away with his hand, he moved away slightly with every little step Nigou took his direction, "go away…," he looked around the pool area: "Damn, where is Kagome when you need her?" He continued to hear the whistles blown from Riko, hoping they would stop soon so at least Kuroko or someone could get him away.
"What a kawaii dog."
All eyes inside glided over to the owner of the feminine voice, quickly taking in the slender yet busty female wearing a teal bikini standing at the edge of the pool. The boys in the pool quickly blew bubbles at the sight before them, not being ready for the attractive female.
Moving her pink hair over her shoulder, her pink eyes closed with a smile as she sent it over to the boys in the pool.
The phantom player blinked, finally taking in the person: "Momoi-san…"
"You know her!?" exclaimed Shinji, turning to face the unaffected first year.
"Uh…who are you?" blinked Riko, quite surprised herself that someone had come inside.
The pink haired female looked to the side, placing her finger on her chin in thought: "Um…how should I put this…I'm Tetsu-kun's girlfriend. I couldn't wait for the championship league, so I came here."
"Tetsu-kun?"
Attention was drawn over to the female wearing a white bikini top and bottom as she tried catching her breath from her small run to the dog. Nigou gave out a bark, wagging his tail at the appearance of the miko. The pink haired female looked over her shoulder, seeing Seirin's manager finally having arrived.
The males quickly went wide eyed to see their manager in a bikini for the first time. It was like a dream come true to have females in their presence and showing this much skin to them.
"Ah, Kagome-chan…," whispered Riko. Although she wanted to be happy the girl listened to her to change, the moment was not right as she was questioning the sudden appearance of the other girl, who obviously had caught the attention of the males.
"Who is Tetsu-kun?" blinked Kagome.
Momoi smiled: "Kuroko Tetsuya-kun."
"Nani!?" all males exclaimed at the sudden news. Just what kind of life did Kuroko have in secrecy?!
'Girlfriend?' blinked the miko, having heard the female mention that she was here to see him before the championship league. 'He…has a girlfriend?' Her eyes dropped over to see the small stare Kuroko gave back to her.
Shinji quickly swam over to Kuroko's side: "Y-You have a girlfriend?!"
Having caught his attention, Kuroko shook his head: "No. She was my manager in middle school."
'Manager?' Kagome blinked over to the pink haired female, seeing the innocent smile she held. 'Wait…are we up against her school?'
Momoi quickly ran over to the phantom player as he slowly got out of the pool and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Tetsu-kun! It's good to see you again! I missed you!" Hugging him tightly, everyone watched silently as her breasts pressed up against Kuroko's chest.
"I can't breathe, Momoi-san," he whispered.
The pink haired female wrapped her arms around his neck once more as she pressed herself behind Kuroko's back. With small chuckles echoing from the girl, Kagome continued to blink, quite surprised that such a busty female had the attention of such an invisible guy.
Kagome's eyes dropped to her chest, once again, the image of the tan male coming in with his comment. Shaking her head, she watched as the team got out of the pool and faced the duo.
"Wait, why Kuroko?" questioned Shinji. "He's dull and invisible and boring!"
"Eh?" blinked Momoi, stopping her tight hug. "That is what is good about him. But isn't the way he becomes a different when he plays striking? Besides…he gave me a popsicle," she blushed, closing her eyes at the memory.
"Pop…sicle?" whispered Kagome, coming to stand beside the sitting tiger. She looked to her side, seeing the bored expression on his face as he stared at the ogling eyes the team held towards Momoi. "Do you find it weird he has a girlfriend?"
Kagami blinked and turned to face the miko: "You heard him. She was his manager back in middle school. I doubt he thinks he is her boyfriend."
"I…see…," Kagome turned back to see the blank looks on the team as the pink haired female explained her story how she came to fall in love with the phantom player.
The tiger released a sigh, seeing it a waste of time for him to be here. His eyes closed as he rested his cheek once again on his palm and opened them. A small blush crept onto his cheeks as the view before him was nothing but Kagome's body in a full worn white bikini.
Had he missed that when she walked in? Perhaps it was his constant thinking of getting away from Nigou that made him ignore the sight before him, but he could not help but look from Kagome's shoulders and down to her hips. Had she always been this toned? From what? No one was that toned naturally.
He stopped; blinking. Kagami's eyes set onto the scar on her hip. If anything, it looked like a bite mark. Where had the girl been to receive such a big scar? His eyes glided back upwards, seeing the attention she gave as Momoi cupped her cheeks with a blush.
"That is why I wanted to go to the same school as Tetsu-kun," she blushed, catching the tiger's attention in the process. "But…but…," she shook her head, turning away from the males as she rubbed her tears away with her cries.
"Momoi-san, your voice echoes inside the pool," whispered Kuroko, trying to calm the girl down, "so please don't yell."
"What is going on…?" whispered Kagome, unsure of the whole situation before them. Walking over to the coach, she blinked: "Did you invite her, Riko-senpai?"
Riko placed her hands on her hips, narrowing down her eyes: "Who the hell does she think she is?"
"Huh?"
The coach raised her chest a bit out, pouting at the size of her breast compared to the pink haired female: "Just because her boobs are a little big and she is kind of cute, you guys are making too much of a fuss over her!" She turned to the captain of the team, seeing him glance away from her eyes: "right, Hyuga-kun?"
"Yeah…right," he answered, taking a small glance at Momoi.
Kagome's eyes dropped blankly, seeing that Hyuga was not getting the hint Riko was trying to make. She shook her head, already seeing what was coming next.
"Don't try to snake glances at her!" shouted Riko, punching the captain away into the pool.
Kagome sighed, watching as Hyuga came back up into the surface from his deadly punishment. 'Why do I picture Sango-chan all of a sudden?'
Riko pulled the miko beside her, pointing at the girl: "Look! Kagome-chan might not have big breast like the girl, but she is kawaii and she is toned!"
"C-Chotto matte…," Kagome blushed, seeing the eyes on her next.
"Wait…," Riko turned to face the miko, "why are you so toned? Do you run or something?"
Kagome scratched the back of her head: "Uh…well, no…kind of?"
"Huh?"
Hyuga blushed, finally taking in the sight before him on the manager as she tried getting away from Riko's grasp. Coughing out the water, he tried calming his heated blush before Riko could do anymore harm to him.
Momoi walked over to the edge of the pool: "You'll kill Hyuga-san like that!"
"Huh?" Hyuga blinked, looking over at the female: "How do you know my name?"
Both females looked over to their right, seeing the innocent smile she held. Kagome blinked before narrowing down her eyes: 'Wait…she knew my name before too…who is this girl?'
Momoi smiled, placing her index finger on her lip: "I know all of you. Seirin basketball club captain and clutch shooter, Hyuga-san. The eagle-eyed point guard, Izuki-san. The silent and hardworking hook shooter, Mitobe-san. The power forward with incredible jumping power, Kagami-kun," she turned to face the other members left: "Also, Koganei-san and Tsuchida-san."
"What…?" blinked Shinji, not believing that it was only his name that she remembered.
"That's all?" sighed Tsuchida.
"Finally…," Momoi smiled at the two females standing next to each other as she laid her land on her chest, "the barely-B coach, Riko-san."
Riko quickly jumped at the insult and took a step forward only to be held back by the miko. "Don't be ridiculous!" glared Riko.
"C-Calm down, Riko-senpai," whispered Kagome. Her eyes landed ahead, seeing the innocent grin Momoi held. 'Why was she going on with insults? First the damn jerk from the store and now her? What was it with breasts these days!?'
"What the heck is her problem?" glared Riko, feeling her cheeks burn.
"Ah and of course," Momoi's finger pointed ahead to the miko, "Higurashi Kagome, Seirin's new manager. Hm, although I am a bit disappointed not much information was on you."
"Information?" glared Kagome.
"I did see you were absent a lot during middle school and I have to say, you had some very weird diseases and illnesses," Momoi shook her head: "Are you sure you are okay still? Some sounded deadly."
Both Kagami and Kuroko looked over to the miko, seeing her glare soften to a wide eyes expression. Kagome released the coach and came to stand beside the angry female. "Wouldn't that be prying into our private life?"
"Innocent information," smiled Momoi, "but I did here Midorin warned Dai-chan about you. I wonder why."
"Dai-chan?" blinked Kagome.
"Aomine Daiki," cut in Kuroko, coming to touch Kagome's shoulder.
"Ah," she nodded. "Yeah, I did overhear that conversation. Apparently I am trouble," Kagome raised a brow but took a step back at the sudden jump Momoi gave, watching Kuroko's hand laid on her shoulder.
"Ah!" Momoi quickly shook her head: "no! Why are you touching my precious Tetsu-kun!?"
Kagome's eyebrow twitched before coming to stare at Kuroko's hand. 'Huh?'
"He has never touched me!" Momoi wrapped her arms around herself, looking away from the duo. "So unfair, Tetsu-kun! And I have known you longer!"
The miko sighed and looked over to the phantom player: "Is she always like that?"
Kuroko slowly retreated his hand and looked at the pink haired manager: "somewhat...," his eyes blinked, seeing a perfect chance to ask a few questions he had been wondering. "Momoi-san, did you really go to Aomine-kun's school?"
The pool went silent, seeing the girl's eyes drop from the sudden question. With a soft sigh, Momoi looked away: "Yeah…," she walked over to Nigou, squatting down to his height. "I really did want to go to you school. But who knows what he will do if I don't watch him…," a low chuckle was heard, her pink orbs staring at Nigou's blue ones. "He looks just like you."
She lowered her hand to pet him, only to stop as Nigou turned his head away. She tried again before seeing the dog walking over to the miko's feet. Momoi smiled: "What's wrong?"
Kagome blinked, watching the hurt in the female's eyes. Seeing Momoi stand back up on her feet, she sighed: "What is…Aomine Daiki like?"
Having caught everyone's attention, Momoi looked over to the miko before releasing a smile. She gave her a nod and walked past the miko: "…a very difficult and gifted person."
Kagome looked over her shoulder, watching Momoi's form leave from their sights after she gave them a wave.
"Bye-bye, Tetsu-kun! See you soon!"
The miko sighed, seeing everyone was now just as worried over their next match.
Kagami stood from his spot: "Whatever. We just need to train and we will be fine."
Kagome turned to face the tiger: "You aren't supposed to be training yet, Kagami-kun."
"I know," he glared at her before turning away from, not wanting to blush at the sight of her. He walked past the team, feeling all eyes on his person.
"Where are you going, Kagami-kun?" glared Riko.
"For some fresh air," he replied, leaving the pool area.
Kuroko blinked, seeing the annoyance in Kagami's face from not being able to do something.
"Are you worried?"
The phantom player looked at the miko, watching as she squatted down to pet Nigou's head. A small smile pressed up her lips as she turned to look at him: "Want me to keep an eye on him so he doesn't do something reckless?"
Kuroko blinked before sending her back a soft smile. The girl was beginning to read his mind now. Something he would not mind having now. She only hoped her high spirit would not crash from their upcoming match.
"Ano...Kuroko-kun?"
Blinking again, he was met with Kagome's cerulean orbs on him.
"Is...she really your girlfriend?"
Blink.
"I mean, I am just curious!" she chuckled nervously. "I just never thought of you having such a secret you know-?"
"She isn't my girlfriend, Kagome-chan," he smiled, seeing her nervous for the first time in asking such a question. "Don't worry, when I have a girlfriend, people will definitely notice and I won't keep it a secret."
It was the miko's turn to blink back as she heard his words. A small smile appeared on her lips: "Well, I await the time that happens, Kuroko-kun." She turned around and headed back into the changing room to change before chasing the tiger, leaving the phantom player staring at her form. He definitely had taken notice of the scar on her hip. Although he was curious about Kagome, he was becoming more intrigued on the type of person she was. So little did he and rest of the team know about her.
His lips curved into a smile before coming to stare at Nigou down at his feet.
The tiger's eyes narrowed as he eyes the hoop ahead. Bouncing the ball in place, he smirked at his idea of having hid a basketball in his bag and coming over to the basketball court Riko's father had for them. 'I can't just sit around anymore,' he grunted under his breath. He looked down at his legs: 'The pain is mostly gone anyways!'
Grabbing the ball into his hands, he took a step forward for a jump only to feel the strain in his muscles and quickly bringing him down with the ball leaving his grasp and rolling back on the court.
"Oi!" the miko quickly stood in front of him, placing her hands on his chest as she pushed him back up on his feet before he tumbled over.
Kagami cursed under his breath, having been caught and the strain of his muscles coming back. Damn everything! Just how much time did he need off the court!?
Kagome sighed, placing her hands over her hips. After telling Riko she would be checking on the tiger, she quickly put over a black shirt and her shorts and was not surprised to see Kagami out on the basketball court.
She was going to yell from her spot, but quickly caught the distressed aura and ran to his aid. She could not blame entirely for wanting to play. It was his passion after all, but the guy had to stop being so stubborn.
The miko shook her head: "We told you to stay put…"
Kagami remained silent, glaring at the floor beneath his feet.
"I know…you want to move around, but please stop putting so much strain on your legs. At least listen to me. Your legs are not ready…," she looked down to his legs. "I am trying everything I can to help you heal as fast as possible, Kagami-kun."
The tiger looked over to the worried expression over the miko's face. Releasing a sigh of his own, he slowly placed his hand over her head, surprising her.
"I know….I am just being…impatient…gomen."
The miko's eyes rose, seeing the slight blush on his cheeks obvious that he was not used to his apologies. With a smile, she nodded before sensing an aura coming their direction.
"Yo."
Both the red head and miko looked behind him, seeing the ball being stopped by a tan hand and grabbed into the male's palm. Kagome's eyes widened slightly, taking in the familiar person ahead. Those damn blue eyes and tan skin…it was the same stranger who had insulted her at the shop! What the heck was he doing here?"
A smirk rose on the male's lips: "You're Kagami Taiga, right?" He rose the ball in his palm: "Play me. I'll test you."
"What?" glared Kagami, turning around to face the blue haired male, blocking the miko's person. "Who the hell are you? I don't take kindly to guys who tell me to play them without even telling me their names."
"I'm not asking how you feel," he smirked back. "If I tell you to play, you play."
'Wait… Kagami-kun can't play!' The miko shook her head, trying to walk around the tiger only to stop at the sound of the familiar voice.
"Well, I'll tell you my name, at least," smirked the blue haired male as he continued to hold the basketball on his palm. "It's Aomine Daiki."
"Aomine?" Kagami's eyes widened along with the miko's at the introduction.
Kagome stopped in her tracks, staring down at her feet as she felt the familiar aura. 'This is the same aura from the guy…at the store. There is no way…'
Holding a grunt, Kagami's fingers curled into his palm: "I've heard about you, but you can't expect me to just say yes when you talk down to me like-"
Aomine released a laugh, seeing the intensity in the tiger's glare: "oi! Oi! Come on, now! I said I am not asking. Shut up and play. No one is expecting a real match. I told you, I'm testing you." His eyes tightened as his grip on the ball only got firmer: "I'm not looking for something that doesn't exist, like a stronger player than myself. I just want to know how much you can do to relieve my boredom. Now come."
"No one is doing anything."
The tanned male's eyebrows furrowed at the feminine voice coming from behind the tiger and slowly rose them up at the sight of the miko coming around. "Oh? If it isn't the girl from the shop."
Returning the glare, Kagome stood in front of the tiger, holding her ground: "Yeah, seems like fate likes to drop bombs of jerks in my way."
Aomine chuckled under his breath: "Kagome was it?"
"I don't remember giving you my name," she held her tight glare, watching his smirk only widen.
"You didn't need to. I have my ways," he spun the ball on his finger: "I have to say though, I am quite offended for what you said the last time we met."
"Good," she replied.
Kagami blinked, watching the interaction between the two. The two of them had met before? When? He lowered his sight onto the miko in front of him: "Oi, when did you met him?"
"You can thank Nigou for that," she whispered back. "Although…I had no idea he was Aomine in the first place…"
Kagami's eyes stared ahead, seeing the still smirk on the Generation of Miracles' member. The miko watched the male in front drop the ball into his palm once more. "I know you are here to see Kagami-kun's skills, but he is not playing."
"Oi!" glared the tiger, taking a step back from the miko.
"You are not!" she glared back, turning to face the red head. "You are still in the process of healing! Don't let my work go to waste!"
Holding back his yell, Kagami's eyes narrowed: "I don't back away from a challenge!"
"You aren't backing away!" she shouted.
"Then let him play," smirked Aomine, taking a step forward.
"I already said no," Kagome turned back around, facing the blue haired male. "Now stop pushing him."
Releasing yet another laugh, Aomine leaned forward, coming face-to-face with the miko. "Oh? Does he have to ask you permission or something, flat girl?"
Kagome's eyebrow twitched before tightening her own glare: "I. Am. Not. Flat."
Aomine leaned back, smirking at the much shorter girl: "You are feisty, I will give you that much since I like that, but," his eyes glided onto the tiger, "I am here for him at the moment."
"Bring it," glared Kagami, taking a step forward.
She knew she was overreacting, but Kagami did not have the proper strength in his legs just yet to fully play! Taking a step forward, Kagome stopped Aomine from making any further steps. "He is not playing."
Aomine's eyebrow rose before setting his eyes on the tiger: "Oi, set neko-chan to the side."
He already gave her a freaking nickname?! Kagome opened her mouth to speak, only to feel Kagami's hand on her shoulder. Trailing the arm, she could see the hidden eyes under Kagami's bangs.
"Kagome…please let me do this…"
She knew how much he wanted to protect his pride…but this was a problem of his legs! She was responsible to keep out of anything that could strain them further! She shook her head slowly, wanting to convince him, but his mind was set.
"What is it going to be?" smirked Aomine.
Taking a deep breath in, Kagami glared at the male ahead: "From Kise to Midorima, the Generation of Miracles is full of guys who piss me off." He raised his hand, rubbing the back of his neck. "But you're exceptional even among them. I'll crush you."
Aomine's smirk widened, soon pulling the miko from her arm and behind, setting her just a few feet under the hoop. "Good. Show me what you got."
Kagome's eyes widened, seeing the slight aura rise not only from the angered tiger, but the opponent. She rubbed the spot he had grabbed, watching Aomine beginning to bounce the ball in place. Looking over his shoulder, he sent her a smirk: "Watch neko-chan…as I show you that you are wasting your time with these weaklings."
The miko glared ahead, seeing both males fully concentrated on the play. Oh she could already feel Riko's rage coming when she finds that Kagami played…leaving her with the same scolding. Gripping her wrist, she felt the air tense: 'Don't overdo it, Kagami-kun…Kuroko-kun and everyone else still needs you…'
MizukixTsukiyomi's Notes: And there we go. Don't worry! Aomine and Kagome will warm up to each other! It isn't going to be this bad forever! Aomine will have his soft moments coming for the girl...so please bare with the character development.
Also, Kagome will be questioned over the scar! Just be patient! Everything is planned out! We are getting close to the Tōō and Seirin match everyone!
But I also want to say that I have Tumblr. where I will be posting updates on how the story's progress is going! For example, letting you know when a certain story will be updated, how much is completed or even sneak peeks! And even art that I will post that I have kept in secret for a while...
Anyways, yes! The link to my Tumblr. is on my profile! Go check it out!
Thank you for reading!
Please review? :3
Ja~ne!