AN: *bows to you* I'M SORRY! PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR MY ABSENCE! I've been in the middle of moving I just got settled in and I still have to find a job. Plus my school year is starting so it's all a bit hectic.

And OMG I started something. There is another Characters watch Kuroko fic! I'm so excited! I haven't read it yet but its already got like 23 chapters so kudo's to her. I'm glad that people are copying me it's really flattering. O/O ((seriously it makes me blush ))

Anyway besides that… YOU GUYS ARE SO AMAZING! I can't explain how amazing it feels every time I get a review notification. I gush over your reviews and take each of the seriously into account when I start to write my next chapter. Thanks for helping with my inspiration. Also Thank you guys so much for your patience it was really nice not to be yelled at even though I hadn't updated in forever so thank you guys.

Akabae—I would never be irritated by your reviews I'm so happy that you enjoy my story so much!

Akahana28—I really like that idea. It probably won't come up till later; maybe at the end of each season I'll do one? Either way I'll be sure to dedicate all such chapters to you. Thanks for the splendid idea!

I can't tell you how nice it is to know you guys still enjoy this story. I was so nervous about starting it because the characters all have such unique personalities and I didn't want to mess it up. So thank you guys again for your support. I hope you really enjoy this next chapter. I tired ot make it extra amazing since you waited so long. Also the next episode is already almost halfway done so that will be out shortly. Again SO SORRY FOR THE WAIT!

Episode 11

In the span of a few minutes between episodes Kuroko had managed to "accidentally" Hit, trip, and spill something on poor Midorima. The green haired shooter was livid. Kuroko looked up at him innocently and Midorima did the only thing he could. He shoved a pillow into the blank faced man; making sure to hit him hard with the soft material. Midorima missed his lucky item right now more than ever. "Kuroko perhaps you should sit elsewhere before one of us gets seriously hurt" He told the teal haired passer while pinching the bridge of his nose to keep himself calm.

"That's an excellent idea; Tetsuya you can sit here and I'll sit with Shintaro" Akashi volunteered. Midorima went pale; honestly could his luck get any worse?! It wasn't that he hated Akashi and they did get along but still their Ex- captain was terrifying. Even he had to admit that.

The switch was made and Kuroko sat on the comfy chair while Akashi took his seat between Aomine and Midorima. Aomine stood up quickly "umm… I'm feeling a bit cramped over here" He said lamely and Akashi raised an eyebrow at the tanned player. Aomine ignored him and ran over to Kise and Kagami. He'd rather sit next to the Idiot then Akashi. His ex-captain was likely to kill him before the game was done.

Kise tried to protest but he was dumped onto the floor. The blonde frowned but he walked over and sat next to Akashicchi. Akashi smiled at the blonde but it was dark and evil. "Oh Good Ryouta now we can talk about what happened with you and Tetsuya" Kise let out a soft 'eep' but the new episode had already started and no one was listening. Poor Kise…

Everyone stared at the court in amazement; none of them had ever seen such a pass in their wntire lives. The crowd whispered not sure what sort of pass that was or how it had happened. Hyuga stared at the phantom player I've never seen that before either. But thanks to him the flow of the game hasn't changed. This game… He thought

…is just… Kuroko thought

…Getting started! Kagami finished as they ran down the court.

Midorima was passed the ball and went to shoot but saw Kuroko there already under the basket waiting. He glared but passed the ball.

"Midorimacchi, you could've made that shot" Kise said confused

Aomine laughed loudly "Tetsu shut you down"

"Only for the time being" Midorima glared "I'm not that weak" He huffed.

"I see" Kasamatsu observed next to his teammate

"Huh?" Kise questioned.

"How can you be so observant as to be a copycat and yet so clueless at the same time?" Kagami asked looking over at Kise. The poor blonde was knocked out against the couch a little ghost escaping from his mouth. Akashi looked satisfied as he lounged next to the passed out blonde without concern. Kagami paled wondering what had happened while they'd all been distracted.

The camera changed to Shutoku's coach. He watched the game and gave a small hum "I was already surprised by how little presence he has, but he can pass like that too. They can shut down Midorima that way. What should we do?"

"Midorimacchi's been shut down?" Kise exclaimed from his seat in the stands.

"I've not been shut down" Midorima grumbled from his seat on the couch.

"Yeah, that kids spinning long distance pass. Midorima's team returns to defense during the long hang time of his shots, and that's good for stopping run and gun plays. However not everyone goes back. Just in case he misses, they leave somebody behind to rebound the ball. That hang time bites them in the ass. If Midorima can go back then Kagami can also run back. They can counter Midorima with a superfast break by running past him. That's why Midorima can't shoot. But the timing and decision to show us that pass… The confidence to get in one shot… It's reaffirming." Kasamatsu explained smiling at the end Kise glanced over at his captain. "I can see how he played at Teiko with you; he's a battle- hardened warrior"

Akashi nodded. The other former Teiko team all did the same. Kuroko was a unique part of their team even when he couldn't do the things he did today. It was why Akashi tried so hard to replace the bluenette. In the end that endeavor had failed to do what it should have, but half of that was his own fault. Unlike Mayuzumi, Kuroko had been trained under him as the real Akashi.

Takao smiled as he glanced over at Kuroko. We can't have people thinking this is all it takes to shut us down. He thought. With that Takao was off dribbling the ball around Seirins players. He passed over to number 4, their captain, who scored.

The crowd cheered wildly.

Hyuga passed to Kuroko; everything seemed to slow down as Kuroko stepped back finding an open player to send the ball to before passing seamlessly.

"No matter how many times we see it; that is still amazing Tetsu" Aomine said as he watched.

"Kuro chin is really cool" Murasakibara complimented

"Thank you" Kuroko nodded his head politely to the two.

"You know you don't have to be so polite around us Tetsu; we're friends" Kuroko nodded but he didn't really know what to say. He had always been polite it's how he is. "You could at least drop the honorifics on our names" Aomine suggested. "I mean it's not as bad as calling us by our first names."

Kuroko looked nervous, what Aomine said was true. "I will do my best" He assured.

Kuroko's pass went to Mitobe who scored.

Shutoku's coach watched for a moment "Takao, Kimura, switch marks" He said.

"Now Kuroko's shut down" Midorima smiled triumphantly.

"And yet we still win" Kagami shot back.

The two began to argue glaring at one another. Kuroko leaned over tugging on Murasakibara's hoodie to get the giants attention. "Kuro chin?"

"I was wondering if you'd make me another vanilla shake. Please Murasakibara k-…" He stuttered to a stop trying to remember what Aomine had asked. Murasakibara was more than happy to do as asked.

"Yo Murasakibara make me one too" Aomine said over his shoulder

"No."

"EH! Why not?"

"I don't want to make you one" the purple haired giant pouted

"I think that's a good idea" Akashi nodded "I'd like one too please" He requested though coming from Akashi even the please sounded more like a command. Others chimed in after that until the whole room wanted a milkshake. Murasakibara sighed but got up to go to the kitchen and get started.

"I'll help you" Kuroko offered. He really enjoyed cooking with the center and wanted to do so again.

"It's alright Tetsuya I'll help him, it was my suggestion that he make one for all of us after all" Akashi said and stood up following the giant into the kitchen. Kuroko pouted.

Kise opened one eye looking around discreetly before sitting back up sighing in relief now that Akashi was gone.

"Takao get on number 11" The coach ordered

He's marking Kuroko? Hyuga wondered to himself.

Takao had the ball he dribbled up to Izuki and then passed behind himself toward his teammate. Izuki's eyes widened as he realized Takao had a version of his eagle eyes.

Takao ran up to Kuroko walking backwards in front of him as he talked animatedly. "I knew this would happen; Shin-chan would say it's our fate to fight against each other. I didn't think we'd face each other so soon. It occurred to me the first time we met you and I are the same kind of person. We're both first years too. Passing is our bread and butter. So I guess you could say I hate you. "

"It's hard to believe he could hate anyone" Kagami said remembering the happy go lucky player.

"I don't think he hates me; at least not outside of the court." Kuroko reasoned "Does he Midorima ku-"

"How should I know" Midorima said pushing up his glasses as he continued to watch the screen

"It's just you guys seem close" Kuroko teased

"We're not. I could care less about that idiot"

"HAHAHA Right sure" Aomine laughed loudly.

Kagami and Midorima were face to face. Kagami looked over at his shadow and the Shutoku player then back at Midorima

"What do you think you're doing? No matter how fast Takao is that's no way to handle Kuroko"

"I am already familiar with Kuroko's abilities. You will see soon enough"

"That was always one of our flaws when going up against the Generation of Miracles" Riko said "We couldn't surprise them with Kuroko as easily because they already knew what he could do"

"He still managed to keep us all on our toes though" Aomine stated

"You have no idea how hard he worked to beat you guys" Riko told him. The Generation of miracles turned to stare at Kuroko who stayed blank faced.

"Yeah" Kagami nodded "He used to practice later than all of us and often he was on his own"

Riko looked down "I didn't always know how to train Kuroko; he's a different sort of player than we were"

"I can help you with that" Akashi stated he and Murasakibara had begun handing out shakes "I still have all the old notes I made from Teiko"

"Why would you do that" Riko couldn't help but be suspicious

"It wouldn't be half as fun if not all of us improved." Akashi said simply

"I've been improving" Kuroko defended himself

"Really?"

"You'll see" Kuroko told him a glint in his normally blank blue eyes. Akashi smiled he loved seeing Kuroko worked up. It made him tingle knowing the phantom player had more surprises to show him.

"I can't wait" Akashi whispered in his ear as he gave him his milkshake. Kuroko shuddered at the soft breath hitting his ear and Akashi laughed. Kuroko stared at his former captain. He didn't often hear the man laugh and he decided that it was a very nice sound.

The two sat down everyone sipping on their milkshakes

"Thank you Murasakibara" He managed this time to not include the honorific.

"You're welcome Kuro chin"

Seirin passed the ball to Kuroko but it was stolen by Takao, who passed it to number 5 who passed it to Number 8 who scored.

Takao turned to Kuroko "I've never felt this before but I think it's because there's something different about you."

Kuroko stared at him with blank eyes "I'm sorry."

"Wait why are you apologizing?" Aomine asked

"It just seemed like the right thing to do"

"You can't just apologize for who you are Tetsu"

"I'm sorry"

"Stop that!"

"I'm sorry"

"Tetsu if you say sorry one more time…"

"Forgive me I will not do it again" Kuroko said face blank. Aomine looked like he was going to kill someone and the others were laughing.

"AGH!" They were interrupted by Midorima who had just taken a drink of his milkshake and started gaging. "What is in this it's disgusting?" Everyone took a drink of theirs and shrugged

Murasakibara looked like he was going to cry at the harsh words about his homemade drink. Kuroko patted him gently on the shoulder in a 'there there' manor. "I think it tastes amazing" He told the center.

"Well mine doesn't"

"Let me see that" Kise said grabbing the drink and taking a small sip. He turned green and ran for the nearest bathroom.

"So it's only my shake then" Midorima looked put out but not surprised. Kuroko knew it was Akashi the red haired man was too unphased by the whole happenings and the bluenette felt bad. He looked down at his milkshake and sighed.

Midorima threw the drink away and slumped onto the couch with slight frustration at the day. A shake was shoved into his hands suddenly and he looked over. Kuroko was there "You can have mine Midorima"

"Uh no… that's…" He stuttered but Kuroko was already walking back to his seat.

"Kuro chin you should have given yours too me"

"You already have one" Kuroko told him

"So" Murasakibara pouted and Kuroko rolled his eyes.

Midorima was blushing as he put the straw to his lips it was still warm from when Kuroko was drinking it and the green haired shooter turned even more red at the indirect kiss.

Akashi did not look so pleased anymore.

"No one has ever said that to me before" Kuroko told Takao. "So I don't know what to say"

Takao looked half shocked "What?"

Kuroko stared at him "But I think I have a similar feeling" He said.

"That's good; we're ready to go then" Takao grinned but Kuroko was gone "Hey wait! How rude are you to suddenly disappear like that Just kidding"

Midorima shook his head at his partner.

The ball was passed to Kuroko who moved to pass it to Izuki but just as he hit the ball it was hit once more off course by Takao. Kuroko's eyes widened as did everyone else's on Seirin. Takao scored. Midorima smiled "Too bad Kuroko"

"Midorima you're acting like a movie villain or something" Kagami said

"Am not"

"Are too" The two players glared at each other.

"Wait, why are they not getting yelled at" Aomine asked Akashi pointing at the two as they continued to glare at one another.

"Because they aren't nearly as annoying as you and Taiga"

"What… But…" Aomine's eyes narrowed "I think it's because you like Midorima better"

"Your right I do" Akashi said

Aomine glared at the blunt answer.

"That's the first time he's failed" Hyuga said

"No that wasn't a mistake" Izuki corrected "Takao's got the same eagle eye I have. No… his hawk eye's field of vision is even wider than mine."

"It's not fair" Izuki pouted although he'd decided to spend his time in the future trying to improve his eagle eye.

In fact everyone on the team wanted to train themselves to improve. It was going to take a lot to beat the Generation of Miracles once again and their crazy coach was expecting double wins.

Riko smiled at Izuki examining him "Izuki you have the potential to make your eagle eye a hawk eye, but it's going to take a lot of intense training. We'll have to get started as soon as we're done here." Her smile promised immense pain in store for him and Izuki prayed for his life.

"We need to keep her away from Akashi" Izuki whispered to Hyuga who nodded.

"Kuroko's misdirection relies on redirecting the gaze of other players; however, the hawk eye allows him to see everything. He's not just trying to watch Kuroko, in other words Kuroko's misdirection won't work against Takao"

"That was really frustrating" Kuroko said

"It had to happen eventually" Riko conceded "Really it was bad judgement on my part for not preparing for the eventuality"

"Seirin time out" The buzzer sounded and the scoreboard was displayed 8-11 Shutoku.

Hyuga drank his water looking put out. I can't believe he can follow Kuroko.

I didn't think there was anyone like that. Riko added We're in trouble.

"I'm sorry" Kuroko apologized and his team turned to stare at him. The bluenette looked slightly troubled in the face of his team mates thoughts.

Riko looked down a bit ashamed. It was true they put a lot of pressure on Kuroko and Kagami on holding the game up and it couldn't be easy for Kuroko thinking that he let them down. "It's not your fault Kuroko kun. "

"Yeah don't worry about it. In the end it was because of you that we won this game" Izuki smiled and Mitobe nodded in agreement.

"What am I chopped liver" Kagami asked

"Pretty much" Aomine snickered

"Don't forget who had to knock some sense into you during this game" Hyuga reminded Kagami who blushed lightly and scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

"Oh right"

"What?" Aomine and the others beside Kise and Midorima looked confused. No one answered turning back to the TV leaving them clueless and with no choice but to wait and watch. Kagami half hoped they wouldn't show it, for his sake.

Takao glanced over at the other team "Seirin's in trouble"

"Do not let your guard down; Kuroko will not go down so easily." Midorima told him sternly

Kuroko smiled at Midorima; despite the green haired shooters harsh words he still held him in such high regards it was really sweet of him "Thank you for your faith Midorima"

"There's nothing to thank me for, I was just stating a fact" Midorima's cheeks were dusted pink.

"It's fine, once you take away his lack of presence he's worthless"

Seirin was yelling at the screen version of Takao defending their silent player. Akashi glared at the screen.

"Takao is an idiot, pay him no mind" Midorima told Akashi. He really didn't need Takao to be killed because of something he said in the past. It would severely ruin his game plays and who else would cart him around town. No, it was better if Takao was alive.

"Do you know why I don't like him" Midorima asked

Kuroko looked over curiosity present in his big baby blue eyes.

Takao looked over and Midorima continued "It's because I respect Kuroko; he has no physical strengths. He cannot do anything by himself. Despite that, he wore the same uniform as the rest of us at Teiko, and led the team to victory. His abilities are nothing like ours. His strengths are one of a kind. That's why I hate him, because a man I respect has chosen to bury himself with a team that cannot fully utilize his abilities."

Kuroko stared at the screen eyes wide then looked over to Midorima. "So now that our team has proven themselves does that mean you don't hate me anymore?"

Midorima glared at the screen for displaying his thoughts for everyone to hear. "I guess" He said

Kuroko felt bad now for pranking him.

The screen changed to Kuroko. Kagami put a hand on his head. "Hey, don't tell me you're going to keep letting them get to you."

"Well I suppose I don't like it"

"That's what I like to hear" Kagami grinned "Coach! Let us keep going like this… please"

"going like this? You know your misdirection won't work against Takao kun right? Are you going to be ok?"

"I'm not ok. I have a problem."

"Way to inspire confidence" Koganei laughed

"That's just Kurokocchi's way of saying he's going to fight" Kise supplied

Kuroko nodded and Kise pouted. Kuroko noticed and sighed "Ryouta is right" He said softly

Kise squirmed in his seat happily before wincing as Akashi's foot made contact with his shin. "Ow ow ow ow ow ow" He grimaced

"I don't know what you did but you shouldn't trick Tetsuya like that" Akashi glared

"I'm not tricking him" Kise pouted "Your just jealous" He said under his breath

"What was that?"

"Nothing!" He held up his hands in surrender and Akashi narrowed his eyes at him.

"Yeah" Riko nodded and then did a double take "Wait, what are you going to do about it" The buzzer rang then signaling the end of their timeout. Kagami stood up

"Take care of Takao"

"Yes" Kuroko nodded back.

Takao was in front of Kuroko as the game commenced "So did you figure out a plan?"

"I'm still thinking" Kuroko answered truthfully.

Half the room face palmed

"You're what?" Takoa was confused.

The scene changed to Mitobe at the basket playing center, Shutoku's captain was on him. Then to Hyuga and Miyaji, and Izuki and Kimura. Izuki had the pall and he dribbled looking for an opening. He tried for the pass but was intercepted. Shutoku scored.

Those on the bench watched with baited breath.

"Are the upperclassmen already short on breath" Furihata panicked

"Its okay" Riko assured them watching the game with a serious face. "This game definitely depends of Kuroko kun and Kagami kun who we had on reserve. However that's not all" She looked down at something in her hand.

"What is that?" Fukuda asked

"One I broke before" Riko said

"Broke?" He questioned

"After we lost last year."

There was a flashback to Hyuga talking to Riko.

"Hey coach how can I make my shots while under pressure? All our players are my age and I'm not a very good leader. I want to be able to lead everyone with my own play."

Riko looked thoughtful and then smiled "You have to get used to it"

Hyuga in the room looked utterly depressed about what was about to happen.

Hyuga looked confused and Riko elaborated "Always play under pressure and you'll get used to it. For example break one of your precious Sengoku Warrior figures for every shot you miss during practice."

Hyuga looked horrified "Ok I'll do it" he had tears running down his face as he conceded

"What, really?" Riko said shocked that he had accepted.

It showed Hyuga shooting and every time he missed a figure was broken.

"Masamune!" Hyuga shouted as it showed the first figure broken. Then "Yukimura!" And "Shingen!"

"Wow that's harsh" Kise stated staring at the devastated captain.

"And this year we're going to kick it up a notch" Riko smiled

"WHAT?" Hyuga paled as he stared at their coach

"How are we supposed to go for back to back championships if we don't step up our game" Riko said offhandedly "That goes for the rest of you as well" The entirety of Seirin looked shocked.

"Double Championships" Furihata whispered in disbelief

"Of course; or would you rather strip naked and confess"

"But we made our goal this year" Fukuda said

"It starts over every year of course" Riko stated as if it were obvious.

Kuroko couldn't help but laugh a little at that and Kagami laughed loudly "Don't look so down; we just have to win again is all"

"Tch don't take us lightly you idiot tiger" Aomine glared

"I didn't say it would be easy" Kagami glared back "But I'm not going to lose to any of you"

There were sparks in the air and Kuroko smiled.

The flashback ended and Hyuga sunk a basket. "Who cares about kings! Go die."

The first years looked scared and Riko just shrugged "His personality suffered a little bit though"

"Nah, he's always been that way" Kiyoshi grinned and Hyuga punched him

"Hyuga kun will always make important shots."

Shutoku passed the ball from player to player but Kuroko stole passing the ball himself which was stolen again by Takao.

The camera panned over to Kise and Kasamatsu and then to Midorima who was glaring at Kagami.

"What are you doing? We are doing everything we can. Defend harder. My shooting range isn't that short." Midorima grinned and shot the ball.

Kagami Gasped he's shooting from center line?!

"Showing off a bit aren't you Shintaro" Akashi teased Midorima who just pushed his glasses up his face which only made Akashi snicker.

The ball went in and everyone stared for a moment. The score read 11-16 Shutoku.

Midorima was now under the basket "It's no use now that I'm here you can' get behind me with Kuroko's pass. It's useless anyway. My shots are three pointers your counters are only worth two. Even if we do nothing the gap will grow wider."

Hyuga had the ball as he raced down the court and passed to Kagami who went head to head with Midorima "You've got something interesting there, but" Kagami shot the ball and Midorima looked shocked

A three? Midorima thought

I thought he wasn't good at outside shots? Takao too thought as he watched.

Kagami ran past Midorima. If it goes in that's fine, but if it misses… the ball bounced off the rim and Kagami grabbed it dunking it in. I'll dunk it in myself!

"A one man alley-oop!" Someone in the crowd shouted.

The others congratulated Kagami Izuki even made one of his horrible puns.

Midorima smirked "That shot was pretty good, but" And he got into position and shot the ball from his spot on the other side of the court. "I told you it's not that short, my shooting range is the entire court" And sure enough the ball went in much to everyone's shock, even his own teams.

The first quarter ended 13-19 with Shutoku still in the lead. There was a two minute break and things weren't looking good for Seirin.

Riko looked worried "Kuroko kun did you know he could do that"

"No I only knew he could shoot as far as the half line. That's the first time I've seen him shoot from there"

"The generation of Miracles is ridiculous" Hyuga said

"How are we supposed to stop that" Koganei asked

The camera changed so it was now showing Shutoku's bench "They'll try to stop Midorima first" Their coach said. "There's a few ways they could do it, but let's see… "

"Coach" Midorima asked "Give me the ball during the entire second quarter" The rest of his team looked shocked and Miyaji pointed at him

"Coach can I hit him?"

"Miyaji, why don't you throw a pineapple at him? My family owns a produce store." Another teammate spoke up

Izuki burst out laughing "That's rather random" He said "A pineapple" He continued to giggle and the others shook their heads at him.

Takao too burst out laughing "How self-centered can you get, I love it!"

Midorima didn't falter "No matter what they throw at us, I'll shut them down."

The coach regarded his player and nodded "Alright we'll call that all three of your selfish requests for the day"

"Coach seriously" Miyaji asked

"You're seriously getting on my nerves" The captain said "But if that's what coach wants. If we lose…" he left his sentence hanging and Midorima twitched.

The scene changed to Riko standing in front of Kuroko "You have to stop Midorima kun!" Kuroko nodded.

The buzzer sounded and Takao had the ball first. He passed it to Midorima who was guarded by Kuroko. The people in the stands stared in shock at Kuroko trying to guard against Midorima.

"You think you can stop me with that?" Midorima questioned and he pushed ahead. Kuroko tried to tip the ball from behind but was blocked by Takao.

"Hey now, don't do crude stuff like that"

"Damn it" Kagami went up against Midorima. If Kuroko can't do it, I will!

Midorima and Kagami went head on but Midorima was too quick and scored.

He doesn't just shoot three's he's quick. Kagami thought.

"Don't get in my way Takao" Midorima commanded.

Every play Kuroko and Kagami tried was thrown off by Takao and Midorima.

"The two of you make your own formidable team, kind of like Kurokocchi and Kagamicchi" Kise commented.

There was a sudden flashback to the GoM in Teiko Kise had his ice cream and was contemplating a question. "The coolest shot? That would have to be the dunk" He said happily

"That's why you lose; shooting from far away is obviously the best, since it's worth three points." Midorima was drinking a canned coffee.

Kuroko who was net to Midorima stopped drinking his shake and looked back at his teammate "Midorima kun you're usually smart,"

Midorima twitched glaring at Kuroko "You always had a way of insulting us offhandedly"

"He still does that" Kagami said.

"What?" Midorima glared down at the bluenette

"Kurokocchi's so blunt" Kise commented.

"Between two and three points more is obviously better" Midorima defended himself.

"What are you a child?"

"Kuroko kun!" Riko stared at her phantom player

Kise laughed "Kurokocchi can argue just like the rest of us, except he's not nice about it"

Midorima smirked "The truth is simple. I will prove it to you someday"

The flashback faded

"Aww it skipped the rest of the argument" Kise pouted

"There was more"

"Yup" Kise smiled "The entire team got into it, even Akashicchi and Murasakibaracchi"

"Did you guys argue a lot? Even back then?" Riko asked

"Of course" Midorima nodded

"Our personalities all clashed, but during a game we were all on point" Kise said

"I wouldn't have accepted anything less" Akashi said simply

Midorima scored and the score read 13-24 Shutoku pulling ahead.

Izuki passed the ball to Hyuga who passed to Mitobe who scored. Midorima smiled as he got the ball turning to shoot another basket "It doesn't matter if you score, you still can't stop my shots"

"No you don't" Kagami ran up to him and jumped but not high enough as Midorima made the shot. N The crowd went wild and Seirin was completely disheartened.

"This isn't good" Kasamatsu said from the sands "Looks like Seirin's reached its limit"

"Amazing amazing" Takao grinned "Midorima's amazing"

"Tch, we've got nothing to do" Kimura said sounding annoyed

"Hey Kimura lend me that pineapple" Miyaji said.

Kagami smiled then as he always does. He's strong. This is Midorima. Kagami laughed

Kagami always laughs when he's against a strong opponent, but something isn't right. Hyuga thought.

Kuroko stared at his light. And the episode ended.

"Well that was intense" Kise said "Next episode it's Kagami vs. Midorima"

"Huh? What about Kuroko?" Aomine asked

Kagami winced

"You became like us didn't you?" Aomine glared at him

"You can't say anything" Kagami shot back

"Like hell I can't. If you hurt Kuroko…"

"Ha! Like I'm the only one who hurt him, Look in a mirror once in a while"

Kuroko winced himself and stood not really wanting to hear this he walked out; a goal in mind.

Kise watched the bluenette leave and he wasn't the only one, Akashi stood up and marched over to the two a dark energy around him.

Midorima followed Kuroko to their shared room and poked his head in to see the bluenette digging through his stuff. "Kuroko?" He asked Kuroko didn't answer and Midorima leaned against the door frame watching wondering if the bluenette was upset at the two ace's.

Kuroko suddenly topped searching and came back over Midorima's lucky item in hand. He held up the Hello Kitty Figurine necklace and reached up putting his arms around the taller player and attaching the necklace. Midorima froze as Kuroko pushed himself against him so he could reach around. Everywhere the bluenette touched was warm and Midorima's face was tomato red by the time Kuroko let go stepping back and nodding. Midorima looked down at the necklace "but my bet"

"The bet is dumb" Kuroko said simply "I like you the way you are Midorima, Lucky item and all. It's weird if you don't have it"

Midorima stared and then looked away slightly pushing up his glasses "Thank you" he aid stiffly Kuroko smiled. "Let's go back now, we have to finish watching this game before we can sleep and who knows how many episodes its going to take"

Midorima nodded and he and Kuroko walked side by side.

Back in the living room Aomine and Kagami were waiting heads bowed both looking beat up. "Sorry Kuroko/Tetsu"

"Idiots" Kuroko said bluntly and sat down in his chair. Midorima took his usual seat had around his lucky item. The two idiots looked put out and collapsed in their seats pouting.

No one said anything about it but Akashi gave him a few curious looks wondering what he had missed while he beat up both Kagami and Aomine.

AN: PLEASE REVIEW!