(Long AN ahead! Feel free to skip to the goodness if this stuff bores you!) So, guys. I fell victim to the fanfiction curse. Say you're gonna update and then life is like, "hey, you're wrong. You'll never have time to write again." I really didn't have time and it absolutely sucked. I'm not sure if I've given any context to my life beyond university, but I'm a single momma working full time and earning three degrees (lawd. just typing that wears me out.) Long story short, my little one started school last year and since then it's been a roller coaster trying to keep up with life's fun little challenges.

Good news is that I've gotten a full ride to university for the next two years! So the goal is to work fewer hours and free my schedule up some. Fingers crossed, right?

In regards to this story, I'm not going to promise frequent updates but I will upload as much as I can. Chapters will probably end up being shorter as well. Since I've got a backlog of story material, I wouldn't worry about the story being abandoned any time soon. (Also, I seriously haven't picked up the pen in a year... ya'll give me strength as I figure out how to write again.)

But guys, I missed you all so much.

Thank you for sticking with me and all the hugs for all of you guys.

Couldn't do it without you.

Warnings: Bad language, occasional violence, and the worst editing you could ever find!

Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basuke.

Fluctuating Feelings and Strange Situations

Two days of summer camp passed before Hana realized that somehow, she'd developed a pattern.

It was the third night in a row that she'd followed Kagami out to the basketball court they'd visited days before. Once would be considered a rarity, twice may be a coincidence, but by the third day, Hana knew it to be a pattern. And trust her, she'd know. She'd played this angle before; build trust through familiarity and intimacy and all that psychological mumbo jumbo.

But get this… this time, it wasn't even her idea.

That had to be the oddest thing about the situation and she still bumbled over the strangeness every time Kagami met up with her. Honestly, Hana didn't think they'd ever hung out as much as they'd done in the past few days. Sometimes, like yesterday, Kuroko would end up accompanying them and the new development wouldn't be so stark, but today the shadow was nowhere to be seen. Ahah! Irony!

But tonight, it was just Kagami and her hanging out under the dark skyline.

A shame she wasn't participating much right now.

Instead, Hana perched against the closest car in the parking lot and scrolled through her phone. She'd been in the process of clicking a promising cat video only to pause as its vibration halted her social media binge. It vibrated again and her mouth twisted as she scanned the caller ID. Figures. Parental angst was just what she needed to cap off her vacation. Why not enjoy the whole trifecta? While she knew she promised to call her mother at some point… she just hadn't expected her mom to call her first.

She had to prepare for these things like twenty-four hours in advance. Maybe 48 on a bad week.

"Technically, Interhigh isn't over," Hana consoled herself as she let the call fall to voicemail, "I'm totally busy right now— yeah, that'll work."

The sound of the ball slamming into the hoop's backboard previewed Kagami's voice, "Don't tell me you've started talking to yourself."

"Nah, not yet," her phone's screen went black and Hana sighed before crawling to her feet, "Just inanimate objects."

"… is that supposed to be better?"

Stretching, Hana stepped away from the car and pulled her leg back until her hamstring gave a satisfying ping, "Depends on the level of batshit you're looking for. Inanimate objects are at like a three… talking to yourself is a four. Talking to Jesus would be like a seven."

Kagami's dribbling slowed as he peered at her, "What would be a ten?"

"Probably chilling with Cthulhu," repeating the process with her left leg, Hana smirked, "Don't worry. You're only at a six."

"What the hell?" Kagami ran for the net, dunked, and caught the rebound before glaring at her. Kind of impressive actually. "How am I a six?"

"Obviously you've never seen your face during a match— straight up horrifying."

He scoffed, "That's bullshit— 'sides how would that be crazier than talking to yourself?"

"Well you see," Hana hummed as she stepped forward, "Crazy is in the eye of the beholder— hence the rating. You've never eyed the beholden."

"I… I don't even know how that makes sense."

"It's physics."

"That makes even less sense!"

Hana couldn't stop her snort from escaping as his cheeks colored. Kagami, realizing he had unwittily turned into the butt of the joke, rolled his eyes before continuing with his shooting practice. So far, he'd included a nice mixture of shots: three-pointers, layups, and of course the ever-present dunks. Easy, easy, easy.

Hana shifted as she watched. She'd been bored before, but because of her mother's call, she felt antsy. She needed to move. Normally she'd have used this time to bother Kagami, but today Hana just wasn't feeling it. Green eyes watched the ball fall through the net yet again before Hana broke the silence, "I'm about to head down to the vending machine. Want anything?"

"What'd you say?" Twisting his head over his shoulder, Kagami almost gaped, "Are you even Imamura?"

Really? Hana's face fell before she huffed. Fine, no need to help the helpless— okay, wait, that came out wrong. Instead of trying to adjust her morally flawed consciousness, she replied, "Got it, you don't want anything," waving her hand over her shoulder, Hana spun on her heel and walked in the direction of the hotel's snack machine, "I'll be back."

"Wait—"

"Missed your chance, smartass!"

Kagami puffed out a rebuttal, but she was already heading down the sidewalk.

The walk didn't take terribly long, though her stomach growled in vague disagreement. It was a crappy layout. The path around the building was inconvenient— they should have a vending machine at all entrances— but by the time Hana got to the back of the building, only a few minutes had passed. Passed in complete hunger, mind you, but they passed.

So, with the dull lighting of the snack machine illuminating the newly reached area, she shoved a hand into her pocket and marched forward, "I need food— but I want coffee."

Unfortunately, the decision was made for her.

The Gods had spoken. She wasn't going to get anything.

Just as she inserted her first coin, a voice offered, "That would—"

And like that, her heart exploded. All the money Hana had was pitched into the air, "Gah!"

Spinning around, Hana held her phone out as a decidedly puny weapon against the mystic force. Are they invisible?! It wouldn't do much in the stabbing department, but she figured if it was chucked hard enough, it'd take an eye or two out. All pumped up and ready to kick some ass, Hana paused then promptly deflated when her eyes met her assailant's.

She wasn't too sure who appeared most exasperated; her or Midorima.

"You—" Hana stared. Her hand fell to her chest in comfort, "You— Can't do that to people!"

"I... apologize," eyes wide, his voice stumbled, "I hadn't expected that reaction."

She couldn't help her sarcasm. This was male obliviousness at its finest. Hand motioning outward, Hana deadpanned, "We're in a dark corner. Alone. It's called murder, Midorima, mur-der."

Following the direction of her hand, Midorima ignored the gist of her rant and scanned the area. As green eyes flitted from the garbage can to the bushes and finally back to the sidewalk, his gaze landed back on her. Hana raised a sardonic brow and Midorima quickly turned away. Her shell-shocked heart was mildly satisfied by the blush that crawled up his neck.

"Despite our location," his eyes fell to the ground, eyeing the money she'd sent sprawling across the area before frowning, "That wouldn't be probable." A stagnant pause grew between them before Midorima broke the peace by kneeling and retrieving the closest yen, "Here."

Hana blinked twice. For good measure, she blinked again before carefully moving forward, "Thank…" he rose as she took the money and she faltered, "… you?"

In his more typical tsundere fashion, he forwent a response.

"Uhm," Hana stared at the coin dumbly, "Okay, then."

The week's strangeness just kept piling up. Maybe it was something about the beachy air that just had everybody acting out of character? I mean seriously! Midorima hadn't spoken to her since their first day here. Did this odd phenomenon just affect males? First Kuroko, then Takao and Kagami, and now here she was, dealing with an outlandishly nice version of Midorima.

Okay, dude can be nice, but this… Hana's thoughts trailed off as Midorima fidgeted, his eyes roaming toward the vending machine behind her. Freaking figures. She squinted at her companion. Can't just have a peaceful vacation— nooo. Got to be full of surprises.

Unknowing of her inner musings, Midorima was already moving past her to reach the machine. Again, that uncomfortable silence of before raised its ugly head. At least something's normal. Meanwhile, the machine buzzed as it ate the money Midorima inserted. Hana shuffled on her toes, fiddling with her now slightly damp currency.

"I was trying to tell you that you shouldn't drink caffeine without eating," something inside the machine thumped twice and as Midorima bent to retrieve the items, he huffed, "It's unhealthy."

"Probably." There was ominous laughter in her head. For a reason she wasn't keen on acknowledging, the tone resembled Takao's. She wouldn't worry about that now. I'll see a therapist when we get back. First, she needed to handle this attitude adjustment, "Not like it matters though. I can only afford one thing and coach's cooking? You think Momoi's is bad? Man, Riko's—"

"Here."

Green eyes stared at the pale arm extended in her direction before trailing down to the brown can held in its grip. What. For a solid second, Hana couldn't understand what she was seeing. Why is there an arm here? When her baffled gaze darted to Midorima's face, he merely raised his brows. It was just the expression needed to snap her back into reality.

"You didn't have to—" she fumbled over her response before Hana released a hefty sigh. Screw social niceties. "What the hell are you doing, Midorima?"

"Don't be ridiculous," when she didn't move to take it, Midorima basically shoved the can into her chest. Hana's gaze roved over the label and Midorima tilted his head out of view to hide his ill-ease, "It's nothing more than a drink."

"I'm not talking about the drink," She snapped, "Did someone put you up to this? … Is Takao here? I swear to god—"

"He isn't," Midorima attempted to halt her rant, but when it didn't cease immediately, his voice rose a pitch, "Don't be a fool. He isn't here."

"Then why—" her mind was spinning in circles. Hana just couldn't comprehend, "Like no offense, but our friendship is pretty much dependent on me and your occasional tolerance. Which is cool— I don't mind because I know you and all, but—"

Something cool fell over his expression and Hana swiftly shut the hell up. If needed, Midorima could pull a stunningly effective poker face. Quite deadly really. She figured it was a side effect of his formative years being spent around the other miracles, but she wasn't certain. At any rate, she didn't have time to ponder before he spoke again.

"Oha-Asa warned about this," the near silent words slipped beneath Midorima's breath before he swiped a finger atop the ridge of his glasses, "I didn't think it would occur so suddenly."

And we're back to cryptic, great. Convenient subject change as well. But, at times like this, it was just better to roll with the punches. Still a tad dubious, Hana popped the tab of her new drink open, "What's happening now?"

Green eyes peered down at her for a moment, "The moon is in Aries for the rest of the week."

"Alright…" And that matters why? She rolled her wrist for him to continue, "That's the ram thing, right? I don't really know about the detailed astrological stuff, like moons and mercury and all that. You'll have to fill me in if you want a partner for this conversation."

It was clear he'd rather do anything else. As his mouth tightened, Hana rolled her eyes. At least that hasn't changed. She didn't think he would ever respond, but eventually, a reluctant scoff fell out of his lips.

"The sign is known to be impulsive and gratitude seeking," back straightening, Midorima turned away from her, his eyes tracing the sidewalk back to the parking lot, "It's presence encourages extreme change."

She still felt like she was missing an important piece of the puzzle, but Hana would let it slide for now, "You're kind of making this sound like a shitty thing," when Midorima turned back to her, Hana quirked a brow, "Having some... unexpected changes?"

It was supposed to be a joke. An innuendo, if you will. You know? Puberty? Unexpected changes— yeah, forget it. Maybe not one of her best jokes, but that was the original intention of her last quip. Well, it didn't quite work out that way on Midorima's end. Jokes just aren't his thing.

Again, silence was all that greeted her. Silence atop of more silence, atop of more silence.

Just what she needed to top off the awkwardness.

"Bad joke," raising her drink in thanks, Hana pulled a guilty grimace. Time to make a break for it, "Sorry. I'll just shut up now; I need to get back to Kagami anyway. But thanks for this—"

And just like that, the oppressive hush ended. Unfortunately, it was only replaced by a tension Hana couldn't quite put her finger on. Just what I wanted. The shade that had fallen over Midorima's expression earlier returned with his next question, "You've been with Kagami?"

"Yeah," Hana waved her unoccupied hand over her shoulder to the area she came from, "He's shooting, I'm watching. It's buckets of fun."

"I see…" his taped fingers flexed around his drink and Hana's nose scrunched as she spied the label. Red bean soup? In the meantime, contemplation pulled at Midorima's brow and another beat of silence passed between them before, "I'll walk you back."

Uhhhh. Boy said what now?

"Hold up," her mouth couldn't function due to the sandpaper between her lips, "What? Why?"

As soon as the words left, Hana wasn't sure she wanted the answer.

Thankfully, or unthankfully, Midorima remained as sharp-tongued as ever, "Don't be mistaken, I was already heading in that direction."

For some ungodly reason, Hana hadn't expected that answer. She swallowed despite the sensation that forebodingly felt like disappointment, "Oh, duh." Reward for overreaction of the year goes to me. She took a deep breath, "Kagami's gonna pitch a hell of a fit, you know."

"That idiot's opinion means little to me," the slight tilt of his lips said otherwise. Dear god, it's almost a smile.

Hana rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time. Boys. At the very least, this moment provided another subject change. So, trying to shake off any remaining tension, she motioned her hand forward, "I don't get why guys get off on antagonizing each other so much, but whatever. Lead the way."

In his typical Midorima fashion, he chose not to respond to her quip.

Yay, Hana deadpanned, more awkward silences. Was communication really this hard? Hana didn't think so. Usually, it came relatively easy for her, but as she marched up to match her pace with Midorima's, Hana was coming to the distressing realization they had nothing to talk about. Time to sing the awkward song. Awkward, awkward, awkward, why is this so effing awkward—

Well, technically they did have something to talk about. But there was no way in hell Hana intended to ask Midorima about Takao's words from days before.

She peeked up at the shooter with thought. Conveniently enough, her look was right in time to catch Midorima glancing down at her. The eye contact lasted for less than a millisecond, but it was just enough for both teens to jerk their heads in the opposite direction. Jesus, what is this? A Lifetime movie?

Yup, it was positive. No way in ever-loving hell was she bringing up Takao's theory.

When they made it back to the parking lot three emotionally problematic minutes later, Hana couldn't decide if she could consider it a blessing or not. On one hand, no more difficult silence between the two and she was free to spontaneously combust in peace, but on the other hand… Kagami. If there was something her tortured subconscious certainly did not need, it would be the redhead's input.

Speaking of the ace…

"Imamura! What took so—" Kagami stumbled as he landed from his most recent dunk, "Midorima?"

"Come on, Taiga," Hana stepped into the parking lot with a smirk. Completely focused on escaping her mental meltdown, Hana didn't notice Midorima's sharp glance. Instead, she taunted, "Where's your hospitality?"

"Shut up, will you?" Tucking the ball under his elbow, Kagami glared down at her. It was clear he wanted to direct the conversation toward Midorima, but for now he settled on her, "Is he the reason you took so long? Coach was looking for you."

Kagami's budding tension only skyrocketed her own, so Hana didn't glance at Midorima as she moved further into the parking lot. Too bad the hairs on the back of her neck informed her that he hadn't done the same. She chose to ignore it, "Why?" Hana groaned with realization, "… Oh, come on. It's Kiyoshi's turn for dinner prep!"

"Not that. It was something to do about tomorrow— I don't know," and with that lackluster parting statement, Kagami finally directed his glare toward the other body in the area, "What do you want?"

"Nothing," adjusting his glasses with a taped hand, Midorima came forward to stand stiffly near Hana. His gaze roved over Kagami dismissively before finishing, "I simply went to buy something to drink."

"A drink?" Red eyes fell to the can in Midorima hand before sneaking a skeptical glance Hana's way, "Huh," when he found whatever he was looking for on her face, Kagami huffed, "What a coincidence. You Miracles seem familiar with those."

Can we not start shit? Can that be a new cool thing we do? Growing tired of the developing ill ease, Hana moved between the two and hip-checked Kagami along the way, "If anything's a coincidence, it's your hair."

Despite not budging from her bump, Kagami's posture slumped, "What does that even mean?"

"Don't know," her shoulders lifted in a mockery of a shrug as she walked toward the edge of the court, "But it sounded insulting."

The big lug huffed, "… idiot."

"Takes one to know one."

Watching the proceedings, Midorima took a measured sip of his drink. His green eyes scanned over the area with a newfound aloofness. His stare traveled over Kagami's appearance, his stance, and even his shoes before landing on the backboard of the basketball net. Meanwhile, Hana found her way back to her previous resting spot against someone's blue sedan.

She only had enough time to glimpse Midorima's mouth tightening as she settled in. Oh, come on. Not again—

If Hana had been more in tune with the aura of the area, she might have caught the moment Midorima's earlier kindness tapered off when they stepped into the lot. Or maybe she'd have seen the way his shoulders stiffened as he watched their interaction. She might have even noticed the way his expression chilled the more he observed. But as it was, Hana didn't sense the incoming showdown until it was too late.

Midorima's wrath always did come on silently.

"I've lost faith in you," the statement was seemingly directed toward Kagami, at least until Midorima turned his head carefully in her direction. He wouldn't meet her stare, instead focusing on the tinted car windows beside her head, "Both of you."

"Where'd that come from?" Kagami barked.

"Me?" We were fine ten minutes ago! Pointing a finger to her own chest, Hana gawked, "What'd I do?"

Sitting his drink down on the pavement, Midorima rose to his full height. His expression cloaked in darkness, the sight of Midorima was almost intimidating with the light of the moon. His gaze fell on neither her nor her teammate before he began, "Before losing to me, you were destroyed by Aomine—"

"I'll win next time!" Foot falling forward in offense, Kagami snapped right back at the accusation, "It won't always be that way!"

Hana echoed Kagami's resulting irritation despite the shock of his attitude change. Now we're going below the belt. That match was a sore spot and well, Midorima should have damn well realized it would be. I want nice Midorima back. If he had called her out on her practice plans, her notes, or even her espionage attempts, Hana might have understood. But the Tōō match?

That still hit a tad too close to home.

"Before you go into whatever pissing contest you're planning," plucking at the hem of her shirt line, Hana stared at Midorima from beneath her bangs, "Don't forget you lost to us first. Call it shit luck or fate— we still won. So, in theory, Aomine kicked your ass too. Again."

When Midorima cut his eyes in her direction, Hana lifted her chin. See, I can play dirty too. It wasn't too long ago that they'd exchanged a similar tense conversation, but this time Hana knew the playing field a bit better. I know your soft spots too, pal. Green eyes clashed with green for a solid few seconds before Midorima twisted his head away.

Despite the conversation's chill, when Midorima focused back on Kagami, Hana caught a brief flash of approval in his otherwise unaffected appearance.

Her new thoughts of retribution sputtered to a halt. Approval?

Bruised ego pushed aside for the moment; Hana stared as the two boys resumed their conversation. What… why would he…? As she watched the two snap at one another, she took a moment and considered the events occurring. What's he doing this for? Midorima wasn't the type to needlessly attack— his actions were almost always as calculated as Akashi's.

And this change of attitude had come out of nowhere…

Hana got the answer when she turned her attention back to the boys.

"Is jumping all you think about?" Midorima's tilted his head down with a scoff.

Again, Kagami's hackles rose, "What?"

"Jumping higher will not change the results," kneeling down, Midorima palmed the wayward basketball, "It's only half the answer. It's not a weapon." Back straightening, Midorima turned toward Kagami, "I will correct your simplistic thinking."

"Oh," Hana sighed as the boys moved closer to the basketball goal. She sunk further to the ground and took a forlorn sip of coffee, "We're doing this again." Who needs communication when you have basketball?

A convenient breeze rolled through the air, making Midorima's next words all that more cinematic, "We'll play ten tries. You're on offense. If you score even once, you win."

"What?" Kagami repeated again. He really wasn't doing anything to improve his airhead reputation, "You really think you can stop me ten times in a row?!"

Yup. Hana offered mentally. And it was true, Midorima probably could. Not only was he taller than Kagami, but Midorima understood angles. While his ability to calculate the perfect path to shoot worked well in offense, it also transferred to defense, gifting him the ability to track probable movement. Not enough for him to be tall, nooo. Gotta be smart too.

Ten minutes later, both Hana's and Midorima's predictions were proven to be true. No matter what Kagami did, each movement was met by Midorima head on. Jesus. Hana groaned when Kagami's offense was choked again. Can you just let him get one? He's going to be insufferable.

Midorima didn't listen to her telepathic thoughts, instead choosing to block Kagami's final dunk and send him crashing to the ground.

"Damn it," Kagami cursed as he retrieved the ball, "One more—"

Brushing his shirt, Midorima denied, "I'm finished. No matter how many times we play, it will be the same."

Snarling, Kagami stepped forward, "You bastard!"

"Oi!" Hana tried to crawl to her feet. Here comes pissed off Kagami. Not that she particularly cared to save Midorima's face from Kagami's fist, but well, yeah. Not going to let that happen, "Kagami! Chill!"

Glancing at Hana momentarily, Midorima turned his back to Kagami, "Notice already, you fool. No matter how high you jump stopping you is easy because I know you will dunk."

Well, that's one way to end a conversation. The Shutoku ace didn't stick around to acknowledge his flabbergasted rival, instead calmly walking past the 's mouth opened and closed as he stared after Midorima's back.

"Takao," Midorima didn't walk very far before he stopped in front of the surrounding bushes, "We're leaving."

Great. How long has that asshole been there? While Hana went through a nice mental montage of confusion and stalker accusations, Takao and Kuroko popped out from behind the shrubbery. And Kuroko too? Wonderful. Hana didn't have very long to consider this new development. Without a second glance at the remnants of the Seirin team behind them, Takao and Midorima were well on their way back to the resort.

Finally managing to make it to her feet, Hana ignored the crunch of concrete against her knees as she hurried after them.

Gotta get some answers after all that.

"Hey! Hey, wait up!" Darting down the sidewalk, Hana skidded to a stop only a hairs breath away from Midorima's and Takao's backs. She panted, "You never explained— You said— back there— what'd I do to make you disappointed or whatever in me? Total bullshit by the way."

The pair in front of her fell silent. Coming to a standstill, Takao turned and looked her over almost suspiciously before twisting his attention to Midorima's back. Hana raised a brow. Really? What am I gonna do— stab him? Past Takao, it appeared Midorima wouldn't stop, but when he realized his companion had, a shallow sigh lifted his shoulders.

"Go on, Takao," Midorima stopped walking to turn back to her, "I'll join you shortly."

Despite the order, Takao hesitated. His bright gaze danced between Midorima and Hana before he acquised, "If you say so, Shin-chan."

Midorima nodded, "Go."

He went, but not without a few nosy glances backward. Hana resisted the urge to flick him off— just barely. Next time. A few seconds after Takao turned around the next bend, Midorima took a shallow breath before pushing a finger against his glasses. When his attention fell on her, Hana shuffled. She was suddenly regretting her determination. I swear to god… this better not be stupid.

And by stupid, she meant soul-crushingly painful. Because you know, boys were good at providing that.

"So," Hana figured it was probably better to rip the bandage off quick, "Uh, want to explain? Because that'd be cool."

"It's no longer important—"

"Yeah, that's a load of crap," Midorima's brow rose at Hana's word choice, but she chose to ignore the warning sign, "If it was true you wouldn't have said anything in the first place."

His mouth tightened as he contemplated. Again, the darkness of the night hid his expression from providing her any forewarning. It was thankful then, that while Midorima didn't speak for a moment, when he did, he cut straight to the issue, "You aren't trying hard enough."

If she had to be honest, that wasn't quite what she was expecting. That's turning into a pattern lately. She'd kind of predicted a more direct approach. You know, something like: hey, your spying skills sucks. Or, hey, you suck. Also, probably wouldn't have too much of a reach.

"I'm not…" Despite the ambiguity, his response was just vague enough to spike her indignation. Her mouth fell open and Hana waved a hand between them, exasperated, "I'm not trying hard enough? On what? I've been working my ass off—"

He wasted little time in correcting her, "On the wrong things. The most important thing for you to build is the one thing you're refusing to."

"Really—" Ego smarting, Hana took a step forward only to stop and reconsider. You asked for this. She tamped down on the growing ire to voice her next question, "And that's what?"

A minor staring contest ensued. Hands perched on her hips, she narrowed her eyes on his figure. Midorima didn't appear keen on offering an explanation, something Hana wasn't about to let him get away with. In the classic avenging woman stance, she jutted her hip out in defiance. Midorima reluctantly adjusted his glasses.

"You forget, that despite knowing our own weakness as well as you seem to," his eyes trailed over her face before a frown pinched his lips. For a reason she couldn't discern, he appeared hesitant to finish, "We know yours. It would be wise of you to fix that before…"

Kind of ending on a threatening note there. Indignation twisting into bafflement, Hana hedged, "Before… what? You've always known I can't lie to you guys worth shit, why's it a problem now?"

"Because of your growing attachments," when Hana attempted to object, Midorima scoffed, "It matters little to me if you're interested in those fools. I'm simply reminding you to be aware that it's possible to twist your weakness for another's gain."

"How?" Her confusion only grew, but she wasn't even going to ask how he knew about that. Not the best time really, "I don't see how my… attachments have anything to do—"

"I wouldn't put it above some of my former teammates to use your feelings for us against you," Midorima cut her off before turning his body away in a preview of his parting. Apparently, the conversation was over, "If you still remain unable to lie, your biggest strength is gone; making your abilities useless. You wouldn't stand a chance."

Stand a chance against who?! Her mouth dropped as began to leave, "Come on, wait! Who would—"

"It doesn't matter who," his feet leading him further down the path, Midorima paused. As his head tilted over his shoulder, the moonlight reflected in his glasses blanked out whatever emotion was hiding in his expression, "Just think about what I've said."

Hana couldn't help throwing her arms out in frustration. So damn cryptic! Why even tell me anything?! That brought up a good point. When Midorima started his pace back toward the hotel, Hana called out after him, "Why are you warning me? What's in it for you?"

"Nothing," he didn't stop his stride to face her, instead muttering his finally reply under his breath, too low for Hana to catch, "I've simply reconsidered things."

Arms still hanging in the arm, Hana blinked after his back.

As the warning sank in, her arms sluggishly lowered to her waist. While Midorima's figure got smaller and smaller, she let out an exhausted groan. Just what I needed to end this vacation from hell. It wasn't bad enough she had to deal with Kuroko's and Midorima's shifting attitudes, her own fluctuating emotions, but now she had to deal with some mysterious threat.

But really… like I don't already know who's he's warning me about.

"Ugh," dragging a hand down her cheek, Hana turned her head to the stars and whined, "Since when was this my life?"

She waited a minute, but when an omnipotent voice didn't suddenly offer advice to her from the sky, she eyed the path back to the parking lot.

Is it too late to get another coffee?

x

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

x

Hana hadn't slept well that night.

Between Midorima's vaguely hostile parting speech, her mother's call, and the hotel's rickety old bed, Hana woke up the next morning just an inch shy of feeling like hell. Thankfully, it wasn't something a few copious cups of coffee couldn't fix, but her spotty sleep schedule did give her the advantage of not giving a flying fluff about anything.

So, dressed in her pajama shirt, her old white skirt, and her hair still in her customary sleeping pigtails, Hana wandered out of the hotel behind her teammates. While they bitched and moaned about the summer heat, she drank her fifth coffee in peace. When they groaned at having to go to the stadium and watch the Kaijo versus Tōō game instead of going home, Hana only shrugged.

I have achieved enlightenment. Mortal issues no longer bother me.

It was when she was sipping at the dredges of her coffee that her teammates finally took notice of her appearance. The first culprit was Furihata. He'd glanced backward for who knows what reason, only to do a double take and promptly trip over his own feet when he spotted her. After that, a chain reaction sparked.

Three minutes after becoming her team's sideshow, she'd had enough.

"Will you stop staring at me?" Shielding her eyes from the afternoon's sun, Hana glared at Kawahara.

The aforementioned boy didn't stop, but he did rub a sheepish hand behind his neck, "Sorry, Imamura-chan… it's just your hair is different? Not in a bad way— but it's kind of weird?"

"I'm feeling the love," she deadpanned. Ignoring Kawahara's resulting apology, Hana sped up her pace to the front of the grouping. Unknowingly self-conscious, she tugged at the end of a pigtail, "Seriously… they're just pigtails. I wear 'em all the time. Right, Riko?"

"Yeah," Riko didn't pause in her march toward the stadium, "Sure."

The few teammates that were close enough to hear her were suspiciously silent except for one lone snort. Ever the saint, Kiyoshi peered over his shoulder with a smile, "Don't worry about it, Imamura. They look nice."

"At least one of you assholes thinks so," Hana huffed as she fumbled with her hair. Stepping over a crack in the sidewalk, she skipped the few steps forward to stand beside Kiyoshi, "You're my favorite."

"Thanks," Kiyoshi chuckled. A large hand patted her on the head with his response, "I appreciate it."

Someone coughed, but for now, the subject of her hair was dropped. Hana still caught a few glances every now and then, but nothing as severe as their first reaction. Most of the team was too busy chattering amongst themselves to offer any more outstanding commentary and Hana caught the tail end of Izuki's and Hyuuga's conversation behind her.

They were comparing Kise versus Aomine and she almost stumbled when she noticed. I hadn't really thought about that. Peeking up at Kiyoshi, Hana repeated Izuki's question, "Who do you think will win today?"

"Today?" Kiyoshi parroted. His steps slowed as he let out a contemplative hum, "I'm not sure. Kaijo was a strong team last year, but from what I've heard about Tōō… I'm not too sure."

"Tōō is too Tōō— sorry, sorry," Izuki's clap of approval in the background had Hana grinning despite the subject, "Okay— out of the Miracles," she spun on her heel, walking backwards so she could see Kiyoshi's face, "Who do you think will win?"

His head tilted in thought, but eventually, Kiyoshi answered, "From what I remember, I would assume Aomine."

Figures. Hana rolled her eyes, but she couldn't fault his answer, "Yeah. Probably."

"You think so too, Imamura-chan?" Koganei appeared at her other side, "But you and Kise-kun seem so close?"

Her steps paused as she thought about it. Not about how they thought she was close to Kise, but about the results. The background noise of her teammates had also fallen quiet and as Hana glanced to Kiyoshi's left, she caught sight of Riko giving her an appraising look.

Center of attention, great.

Hana's forehead wrinkled as she twisted her hand in a so-so motion, "I think realistically— Aomine'll win, but if we're going to go in terms of who should win— definitely Kise."

"Should win?" Hyuuga raised a brow, "What does that even mean?"

How to explain it? Hana stopped walking, forcing her teammates to pause as well, "Okay, so we've all heard Aomine say his little bullshit motto: The only one that can beat me is me, right?" At the resulting nods, Hana continued to walk, "So technically speaking, Kise should beat him since he's a copy cat and all that. He can just copy Aomine, hence becoming Aomine, and then by the power of Aomine's own logic, defeat him— oh come on, don't look at me like that!"

Their judgment didn't cease. In fact, it got worse.

After another few minutes of awkward hush, Kagami groaned, "I don't think I'll ever understand how the hell your brain works."

"Yeah," Hyuuga scrubbed a hand down his cheek, "I second that."

Someone else offered an unhelpful agreement, "Third."

"Fourth—"

"You know what, I think we all get it," Hana snapped, cheeks blazing from a combination of the sun and her own embarrassment, "You can't comprehend my genius."

"Sure," Kagami snorted as he passed her, "Let's call it that."

Rude! Hana gawked after his back, almost impressed by the amount of attitude Kagami was displaying, "Since when did you get so damn sassy?"

"I'm not sassy."

Really now? She didn't have the chance to reply before Mitobe made a few gesturing motions with his hands and Hana mentally cheered. Mitobe never fails me. All eyes fell on Koganei as the cat-like boy transcribed the message, his hand nervously rubbing at the back of his neck, "Uhm, Mitobe agrees with Imamura-chan."

Kagami glanced between them before he deadpanned, "You've got to be kidding me."

"See!" Hana waved her hand in Mitobe's direction, painting a smirk over her face, "The village has spoken."

And the village rebels. Raising his hand, Izuki coughed when the attention turned to him, "Technically, he didn't speak—"

"Technically," Hana countered. You will not spoil my victory, "That's only a technical technicality."

Moving faster than she'd seen him do in a good while, Hyuuga stepped between them, his glasses flashing, "No, no! Do not start."

Unaccustomed to challengers against his pun-mastery status, Izuki's mouth opened. The team leaned forward as a mutual unit. Izuki's mouth opened further, and the pun of the century almost slipped out, his lips pursing in anticipation, "Technical—"

His ultimate attack was ceased by Riko raising a commanding hand. All eyes flipped toward her.

"If we keep this up, we'll be late," the coach ordered, her hazel eyes scanning over the assembled team, "We're almost there— wait, where's Kuroko?"

Heads roved around the group. Kagami going even as far as to stand on his toes and look back the way they came. This continued for a few more moments with the team's bafflement and the coach's ire gradually building by each continuing minute. When Riko turned an alarming shade of red, Hana decided it'd be best to intervene.

"Has anyone called him?" Hana questioned, rolling her eyes at the following looks of confusion, "We do have phones, you know—"

"There's no need," the response came from directly behind Hana, "I'm right here."

Hana was just thankful she wasn't the only one scared shitless this time. Everyone in a five-foot radius was sent stumbling out of shock and Furihata had fallen to the ground alongside Hana. Misery loves company. Meanwhile, the team gawked back at Kuroko who stood unruffled in the center of the commotion.

"I'm sorry," Kuroko blinked, Nigou tucked securely atop his shoulder, "Did I startle you?"

"Yes!" Honestly, her team's synchronization was impressive, "You did!"

Hands stinging from her fall into the concrete, Hana let out a forlorn sigh, "You shit. I think that took about five years off me."

While everyone else worked to gather their bearings, Kagami took the first chance available to shout, "Where have you been?!"

"Right here," Kuroko answered.

"No, you haven't," Kagami lifted a fist. Already it was shaking under the strain of his temper, "Don't lie to me!"

Braver than even Hana could ever hope to be, Kuroko stated, "Kagami-kun isn't very observant."

"Why you—"

"Alright, alright," Riko timed her interruption well, effectively putting a stop to whatever Kagami was no doubt about to scream. Bracing a hand against her temple, the coach sighed, "Now that we're all together again, let's get a move on. Whoever shows up late, it'll be twenty laps."

A brave soul questioned, "Around… what?"

"Tokyo," Riko grinned, her shark-like teeth flashing in the sun, "So you guys better get going."

The pounding of feet was the only response needed for Riko's statement. Still sitting on the pavement, Hana muttered a few unpleasantries under her breath as she was left behind. Thanks, guys. Loving the loyalty. Crawling to her knees, she stopped as a shadow blocked out the afternoon rays. Blue eyes peered down at her when she glanced upwards.

Hana waved Kuroko off, "Don't worry about me. I've just been left to die— a sacrifice really."

"I see," Kuroko's head tilted with the barest hint of a smile as he held a hand out in her direction, "Are you alright? I hadn't intended for you to fall."

"I'm good, I'm good," grasping his hand, Hana tugged herself to her feet, "Try not to be so damn quiet though. You're going to give us all a stroke."

As Hana stood, Kuroko took a step back out of her personal space with Nigou wagging his tail all the while. He spoke, "That would be unfortunate."

"You know," Hana snorted, "You really don't sound all that torn up about it."

He didn't respond with anything more substantial than a noncommittal hum. Smirking at his deflection, Hana bent to wipe some of the dust off her skirt, cursing when she noticed a hanging thread at the tail hem. There goes another outfit. Ripping the string off for good measure, Hana straightened up only to pause at the scrutiny Kuroko was giving her.

She hedged, "Yes?"

"I apologize," almost immediately toning down his inspection, Kuroko blinked back at her, "I just noticed you've done your hair differently."

"Yeah, don't worry," she rolled her eyes as she flicked the length of one of her pigtails. She debated if they'd notice if she took them out, "The other guys have already given me enough shit about it—"

Kuroko interrupted her, "You look nice, Hana."

Hana coughed as her hand fell away from her hair. She gestured down at her outfit with a snort, "All this looks nice?" When he only stared at her self-condemnation, Hana retracted. Swallowing to ease her suddenly parched throat, she wrapped an arm around her waist. The flutters beneath her chest simultaneously startled and pissed her off, "Uh— Thank you?"

"You're welcome," his head inclined, blue hair falling across his forehead. Another moment passed in companionable silence before he glanced back at her, "We should hurry though. We have five minutes before the game begins."

She stared at him. He stared back at her. Slowly, dreading the answer that awaited her, Hana fished her phone out of her pocket. All the while Kuroko sat patiently. Pressing the lock button, Hana closed her eyes and said a silent prayer before looking at the time. Oh, you've got to be shitting me.

"…" all the nice warm fluttery feelings in her chest were replaced by body-numbing horror, "Why didn't you say something?!"

"It's rude to rush someone."

"And it's not rude—" Hana darted past him only to turn at the last second to snag his hand. She shot him a loaded glare before huffing and resigning herself to her fate, "You've got some seriously screwed morals."

Easily keeping pace, Kuroko merely blinked at her, "I'm not sure you're the best judge of character."

"I'm going to punch you one day— swear it."

"You've said that before."

"Yeah well, today I mean it!"

"Of course, Hana."

xXxXxXx

The stadium was packed.

They weren't even to the seats yet and Hana could already feel the sweat building on her back. Oh god, I'm turning claustrophobic. Twisting around a family of five, Hana clenched Kuroko's hand tighter as they weaved through the crowd. She tried to ignore the moisture growing on her palm, instead choosing to stand on her tiptoes to peek above the crowd.

While Kuroko and Hana were on the first floor of the stadium seating, their team was already at the highest level. Good thing they're hard to miss. Even from the lowest level, Hana could clearly see Kawahara's hands flinging through the air as he disputed whatever Fukada said. Thank god for freshman stupidity.

"There!" She jerked Kuroko forward, "Ha! Found 'em!"

Hana's steps were halted as Kuroko stalled. Uh— guess we're not going? She peered over her shoulder, "Tetsuya?"

"One moment," Kuroko released her hand and moved to the safety fence. Resting his elbows on the metal, he frowned, "The teams are coming out."

"Shit," she pulled a grimace behind his back. God, we're so late. After a moment, she trailed after him, "Kise out there yet?"

Not like she cared or anything. She was just you know, curious.

Blue hair jostled as Kuroko nodded in his direction, "Yes, he's over there."

Hana followed his movement, studiously ignoring the other side of court. Yup, there's golden boy. As she trailed her inspection over Kaijo's teammates, Hana's brow furrowed. Whew. They were serious today. Unlike their last game against Serin, there wasn't a smile and all shoulders were tight with tension. Conveniently, her eyes caught Kasamatsu's when his gaze moved over the seats.

When the Kaijo's captain elbowed Kise in the chest, Hana snorted, "That hasn't changed."

"It would seem so," Kuroko hummed, watching as Kise turned in their direction. One of Kise's pale arms flashed in the air and Kuroko blinked, "He's waving at you."

He was, at least until Kasamatsu kicked him in the shin. Kise… you idiot. Her thoughts weren't meant to sound so disgustingly affectionate, soHana shook them off, "I bet he was waving to you."

"Are you not going to wave back?" Kuroko shifted his stance to glance at her, "He'll be upset."

"Kise?" She scoffed before motioning her hand to the stands behind them, "Did you not see all his fangirls—"

Smoothly cutting her off, he motioned his head, "I'm referring to Aomine-kun."

Hana jerked in surprise, "Him?"

Aomine? That asshole? For the first time that afternoon, Hana allowed her attention to fall on the other side of the court. Tōō''s team was a bit farther away then Kaijo, but from what little she could discern, Aomine was indeed looking in their direction. Fan-freaking-tastic. Just what I wanted, attention.

Honestly, she could probably do without Aomine's attention for a good few years.

"Psh, yeah," Hana didn't move her focus even as her lip curled, "He'll be upset."

Kuroko made a vague noise of agreement before stepping away from the railing, "We should join our teammates, I believe the game is about to begin."

"Sure," she didn't move, an idea striking her. Frankly, Kuroko could take the blame. She could have gone the rest of the game without worrying about Aomine's grumpy ass if it wasn't for him. "Give me a second."

"Hana—" Kuroko's question was promptly interrupted.

I'll give him something to pay attention to. Taking a few steps forward, Hana stuck her foot on the bottom rail of the fencing. She smirked before pushing herself up to full height. Take this, Aomine! Nimbly dodging Kuroko's reach, she pushed her chest over the side of the railing.

"Hey, Kise!" Hana cupped her mouth with both hands, "You better kick their asses! This should be easy!"

Everyone on the court paused. When his attention moved back to their location, Kise's mouth dipped open in surprise before a pleased grin dimpled his cheeks. Not a time to be adorable, Kise. While Aomine was still too far away to discern, Hana had to believe he'd be annoyed by her little display.

A thought that was proven correct when Aomine's dark gaze drilled into her position. Meeting his stare head on, Hana raised a hand with a jaunty little wave before tilting her head a bit too innocently, her wave morphing into a much more vulgar hand gesture. A few seconds of tense appraisal passed before Aomine spun on his heel and stalked to Tōō's bench.

Ah, revenge is sweet.

It may have been minuscule in the bigger scheme of things, but she still relished in the victory. Might as well throw him off his game like he threw me off mine.

Too bad Hana didn't have long to soak in her glory.

Her breath was cut off as a hand twisted into the collar of her shirt and she was unceremoniously lifted into the air. "You idiot! You're gonna get us kicked out!"

"Uhmph! Hey!" Legs flailing about, Hana's wide green eyes flew up to meet Kagami's glare, "Taiga— Come on! It's not that big of a deal!"

He only yanked her higher, "Do you ever shut your mouth?"

"Do you really want the answer to that— put me down!"

xxxxxx

Meanwhile…

The game was set to start in minutes.

Kise was currently sitting on Kaijo's bench, elbows braced on his knees as he observed the other side of the court. His hair jostled as his head tilted, golden eyes dancing toward Serin's team sitting in the stands. Imamura-cchi… Kise wasn't sure what to make of the new developments growing within his fractured teammates.

This wasn't the time to think about it though.

Kise hummed, stretching his arms above his head as he stood. He felt limber and ready for action, his heart beating in a staccato similar to his sisters' favorite music. When Aomine moved to the center of the court, it was a quick walk for Kise to join him.

Standing across from Aomine, Kise took a minute to observe his new appearance. He was taller than Kise remembered from Teiko, his muscles leaner and lethal. The aura surrounding him radiated strength, his childhood softness long gone. He's different. Kise wondered in vague amusement if Aomine's observation of him returned similar results.

A second of quiet contemplation fell over the two players before Kise spoke, "I won't lose, Aomine-cchi."

"Huh," Aomine tilted his head, a smug smirk crawling over his features. In the past, Kise would have called it playful, "Have you ever beaten me before?"

"Haven't I?" Knowingly, Kise's gaze sauntered toward the stadium seating. When comprehension darkened Aomine's face with shadow, Kise's mouth tipped into a familiar grin, "I really don't want to lose today though."

"Tch," the gruff noise of disgust was the only comeback Aomine offered.

Don't tell me… Features sharpening, Kise huffed a silent laugh under his breath. Imamura-cchi's actually gotten to him.

The referee's whistle cut across the court before Kise could continue. Without further ado, Kise's former teammate stalked to the back of the court to prepare for tip-off. Aomine's face was taunt with preparation and Kise followed his example after a moment's hesitation, the smile on his face never quite fading.

As his teammates settled around him, Kise's golden stare never left Aomine's position.

Someday I knew we'd play.

The whistle blew and the ball went into the air.

Kise didn't have any time left to think.

The game was on.

Today's the day.

x

I read every single review you guys have given this story over and over during my break.

It was amazing and heartbreaking because I owe you all so much.

I'm not going to reply to them all this go around for the sake of clarity, but those beautiful reviews kept my motivation going throughout the year.

Couldn't thank you all enough.