Another day, another chapter.

- reviews removed after story was finished for better view -

Wow, thanks again guys for all the follow, favorites and reviews! It was a nice timing that this sweet chapter was uploaded on Valentine's Day. Although this chapter is more of a slow, short time skipper then real fluff.

Sorry about that, but I've planned a big step towards the 'love-department' improvement. I just needed to establish their current stand; I hope you won't mind the lack of lovey-dovey!

Thanks for reading! I'm really, really happy that you like this story!

DAY TWENTY ONE

Mia hugged the pillow close to her chest, watching the television intently. The noise filled the living room, voices discussing, laughing and exchanging punch lines. The girl stretched her legs over the couch she lay on. Her toes touched the thigh of an older man whose clear green eyes flickered towards her.

It was a small smile they exchanged. The atmosphere calm and relaxing as their attention returned to the colorful screen. Mia could feel him shift slightly, his upper body falling more into the cushions behind him as he sighed deeply.

"Aren't your exams next week?"

"Don't remind me, dad." The orange-head groaned.

Her father, on the other hand, laughed, his right hand grabbing her feet in a silent threat. He was going to tickle her if he wanted to and that thought alone made her tense, her legs jerking away in a weak attempt to withdraw her poor feet. Although the tall man had a strong grip, keeping his victim in place - she never won against him, she mused in defeat.

"Don't." Mia breathed. "I'll tell mum."

The smile slipped from his lips, the short bright hair - shining in the same color as her own fell into his face as he offered her his complete attention.

"Don't you dare."

The teenager started to grin, the amusement shining in their eyes as they stared each other down. But as something happened on the screen, the noises rising in volume they stopped their silly battle and turned back towards the show they had watched.

Her father started laughing at the joke from the comedian, his daughter giggling more or less because the voice of the older man was rather catching. It felt like the calm right before the storm; the next few days would be filled with stress and panic. She didn't need to be reminded of that by her dear family.

Though her father just loved torturing her.

Suddenly her mobile phone came to life, making her jump. She clung to the pillow in her arms while her heart leaped into her throat. Her father threw her a puzzled glance, his attention now divided between the television and his daughter. Hastily Mia got hold of her phone which had vibrated and signaled quite loudly the arrival of a new message.

Maybe Nanami still had problems with English?

"Is your little friend panicking as well?"

Mia merely smiled at his comment, too lazy to try and think of a comeback. Instead she gave him a light kick against his legs. After a second, however, where her eyes scanned the small screen of her black phone her lips fell into a confused thin line.

Aomine.

He seriously, seriously, seriously did send her a message.

Quickly she pushed a few buttons, opening the small file until the message her classmate had written appeared on her screen.

'I didn't do the History homework. Let me copy them tomorrow.'

Mia could feel herself frown. She knew it. That was the very reason he had wanted her phone number, now he wouldn't have to wait until they were in class to surprise her and steal her homework. No, now he could annoy her whenever he wanted. The girl pulled her legs towards her, bending them at her knees to squish the soft pillow between her body and her legs.

'No.'

Her answer was short and simple. Just because he won yesterday didn't mean she'd now suddenly offer him her homework whenever he wanted. The Sunday wasn't over yet, he still had enough time to do them himself. He was just too lazy.

...how could he win anyway? That shouldn't have been possible!

To her surprise his answer came fast.

'I'll buy you a spicy bread.'

Mia couldn't help but laugh, the sound earning her a side glance of her father. It couldn't be that much better to go all the way to the cafeteria, fighting through the masses of students to buy a single bread. He should just start to do his homework for god's sake!

'And why the bread.'

She replied, remembering the break a few days ago where they had been in a situation which was slightly similar to this one. Strangely she could smile about it now even though back then she had been nervous to approach him like that.

'It's bribery.'

Ah, he did remember as well. Obviously he did. Or...at least she thought so, he could have forgotten it as well. Right? But he didn't. The orange-head frowned, scratching the back of her head as her mind started to hurt from all the thinking. It was no use to speculate over something like that...there was no reason to really care either.

"It's just funny..." Mia mumbled to herself.

As if she needed to justify her own thoughts in her own head...

She was losing her mind...wasn't she?

'Make it two.'

Her toes were pushing against another; her gaze was glued to the screen to see what the lazy giant would write next. There was always the possibility that he'd just ignore her, tell her she was being greedy or something else. It was hard to imagine seeing him sitting at home, just like her, with a mobile phone in his hand.

Although it felt easier to talk with him like this, she didn't have to fear the twist and turn his mood could take. No nasty glare could bore through her skull.

Her gaze snapped back towards the screen as her phone signaled the arrival of a new message, and rather curious she opened it by pressing a single button.

'Fine.'

Oh, that was easy.

Mia relaxed in her seat, easily ignoring the curious glances her father threw in her direction. He'd never stop pestering her about more information if she said her classmate, or friend, asked her to copy her homework. Again. Who appeared to be a guy. In exchange for bread...would this be her job for the next two years?

Well...it would save her a lot of money...

Quickly the girl pushed a few buttons, forming reply which was just as short as his one.

'Deal.'

Satisfied, Mia put her phone aside. Once more joining her father in watching the show - to her dismay she had lost already a handful of jokes. The episode was coming to its end for today. With a sigh she stretched her legs out, the older man catching her feet this time with his hands as he pulled her towards him.

The girl yelped, the laughter of her father nothing but a thorn in her pride.

"Dad!"

He grinned at her in return, the wrinkles around his eyes increasing with the gesture.

"If you fail your exams you'll have to live in the garden."

"Wha- Mum!"

"Dear, don't disown our daughter - we already agreed that we'd sell her." Her mother called out of the kitchen, still busy to make herself a can of tea. Although that was Mia's last concern. It was horrible how easily her parents formed a team against her. No matter in which situation.

"Thanks..." The orange-head grumbled after her phone once more started ringing.

The screen blinded her for a second, she was forced to narrow her gaze in order to read the message - which again came from no one else than the lazy basketball player.

'Let me copy your exams as well.'

Mia started to frown at her mobile phone.

...why didn't surprise her that at all?