A/N: Wow... Almost two years. No excuse for this, but I'm still sorry! I wonder if anyone is still reading this one.

I discovered this halfway done chapter when I started checking "Would you dare", and I finished it. For those who are also reading WYD, we're travelling back in time to the CH9. And there are some things that were not mentioned during the match. Now I wonder if I should've mentioned them...

Ah... Enjoy!

There is some good in this world, and it's worth fighting for. ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers

Trusting is hard. Knowing who to trust, even harder. ― Maria V. Snyder, Poison Study

Don't be afraid to be unique. Love yourself before you love another. ― Simone Elkeles, Rules of Attraction

You, of all people, deserve a happy ending. Despite everything that happened to you, you aren't bitter. You aren't cold. You've just retreated a little and been shy, and that's okay. If I were a fairy godmother, I would give you your heart's desire in an instant. And I would wipe away your tears and tell you not to cry. ― Sylvain Reynard, Gabriel's Inferno

Kiku and Ishii were called out to present their history project at the end of the lesson. For Kiku it was the highest form of torture, she couldn't handle all those eyes staring at her. She could feel her knees trembling, despite the fact that she had rehearsed it. She threaded her way to the blackboard carefully, making sure she wouldn't trip over her own feet. She stood to Ishii's left side – closer to the door and turned around to face the classroom.

All the classmates were now watching her; she could feel their eyes on her, and it made her nauseous. She didn't dare to lift her gaze to look at them. Her heart was pounding like crazy in her chest.

"What is your topic?" Ueda-sensei asked them with interest. The topic choice was completely up to the students and he was quite curious what they would choose. Because he learnt that if students worked on something that piqued their interest at least a bit, they tended to do a better job than if they were forced into a topic picked by the teacher.

"We decided to write about Shinsengumi." Ishii said, looking at the teacher expectantly.

Ueda-sensei nodded. It was a good topic. "Go ahead then, you have 10 minutes. We're all listening."

The voices sounded like ringing in her ears. It was up to her to start. She took a breath to speak, but no sound came out. They'd laugh at her stuttering.

"Kiku-chan," Ishii nudged her quietly and his voice sounded gentle, "it's all right. Present it to Aya-chan."

She gulped. Her throat was dry and her palms were cold, but sweating. She was sure she was red in the face. Dammit, I'm supposed to be an archer, a warrior. I can't run away from this… She tried to persuade herself.

"T-t-the Sh-sh-shinsengumi was a s-s-special p-police force, a-a-active i-in y-y-years 1863-1869," she started stuttering out the basic introduction of their topic.

Someone in the class sniggered and whispered something to his seatmate. Even if she couldn't make out the words, it hurt her. She was trying. It was beyond her why her body reacted this stupidly when she was stressed out. Her stuttering, blushing, she could hardly influence any of that. She just hoped it would disappear one day, because it was making her life difficult.

"I-i-it w-w-was e-e-established by t-the Ba-Bakufu, d-d-during t-the Ba-Bakumatsu p-p-period – l-late To-Tokugawa sh-sh-sho-shogunate."

"Gee', we'll be here till the evening if she continues at this tempo." Aki in the second row protested and yawned.

"Yeah, we can't make out the content of the work properly through that stuttering." Rei, Aki's best friend added. Those two didn't like Kiku and even if Aya held a protective wing over this small girl, they would use any opportunity they could, to make fun of Kiku's stuttering.

"Then maybe you should clean your ears once in a while." Aya's voice sounded from the back of the classroom with a steely edge to it.

"Maybe she should learn to talk properly." Aki turned around to glare at the redhead and she regretted it immediately. Aya's piercing stare was scary.

Ueda-sensei sighed. Teenagers could be hard to handle. "Ohno-san, do you want to continue, or would it be better for Ishii-kun to do the presenting?" He asked. He appreciated the girl's trying but it was indeed eating up a lot of time they didn't have.

She fondled with her fingers and glanced at Ishii.

"I'll do the presenting." He said confidently and shot a glare at the two girls who insulted Kiku. "Just so Aki and Rei can understand everything and take proper notes."

Ueda-sensei nodded and stared at the two girls in scolding. "Well, I recommend you to take those notes, because I'll examine the two of you from today's project."

"What? You haven't said you'd be examining us from those projects!" Rei protested. That was unfair.

"Then I'm announcing it now. Be grateful I'm warning you ahead of time. I won't do it again." He said levelly, bullying in class was unacceptable and he wouldn't tolerate it.

The two knew well enough to keep their mouth shut, but it didn't stop them from glaring at Kiku.

She shrank back, staring fixedly at her feet. This was a failure she wanted to avoid so much. Ishii did the entire presentation, while she could barely keep the track of what he was saying, her blood was ringing in her ears too loudly to make out Ishii's words. And she had robbed the others of their free time during the weekend. I'm the worst.

Ishii finished his presentation just as the bell rang. They were rewarded by 80 points. There were some things Ueda-sensei found lacking and Kiku's obvious inability to present took some of the points as well.

Kiku was too ashamed to make eye contact with anyone. "I-I-I'm so-so s-so-sorry." She mumbled when Ishii came back to his seat as well.

"It's all right, Kiku-chan. 80 points is still a great mark, I'm sorry they were so rude to you."

She bit her lower lip. "I-i-it's my own fault."

"You've tried. That's not a bad thing. Next time will be better." Aya said with an encouraging smile in her voice.

"I-I-I've wasted your t-time, during the w-weekend." Kiku peeked at Aya carefully, but there was only friendliness and kindness in the redhead's eyes.

Aya raised an eyebrow at her and chuckled. "Wasted? Don't overthink it, Kiku. I had fun spending my time with friends. And even if you didn't present much of it, you managed to get 80. No need to beat yourself; the necessary confidence won't magically appear throughout a night. It needs to be built up over time, by experience."

She nodded and a small smile graced her lips. "Thank you." She peeped. Finally, she found people who weren't prejudiced and who were supporting her. I'll manage the next time. She promised herself.

######

"Kiku-chan! How was the presentation?" Misaki asked her when she finally arrived at the cooking club's kitchen.

"Hm?" Kiku blinked at the senpai in surprise, she didn't remember sharing this information with her. "W-well… I-it could've b-been better."

"Oh, you. I bet it was all right! What was the mark?"

"80 points." She said with her head hung low.

"That's awesome! I presented my project today too, and we got 70. Urgh… And there I worked so hard on my part, while my partner busted it." She complained and then continued with the story.

Thanks to Misaki and her talkativeness, Kiku knew about most of the teachers and people in school. It wasn't that the senpai was fond of gossiping, she usually kept a low profile, but she heard things and she liked to share them with Kiku. Apparently, Kiku struck her as someone who wouldn't spread it further, and it filled the time spent in the cooking club.

Abe-sensei walked in and clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "Hands up who made cookies at some point?"

All hands went up and sensei nodded in satisfaction. She liked these kids. "Good. Today and tomorrow we'll be baking cookies. I'll give you two of my best recipes for today. And I want you to bring your own recipes tomorrow. And I also want you to find a new recipe you'd like to try tomorrow. We'll save samples from today and taste everything tomorrow to make comparisons…" She waited until she saw them all nod in understanding. "Then we'll vote for the best recipe. I'm curious myself." Her smile was contagious and so was her enthusiasm in cooking and baking.

A smile appeared on Kiku's face too. This was an unexpected help. She could probably come up with some new, maybe even better recipe than she'd had. And present that to the basketball club. She had no idea why it made her happy, but it did. She could do someone a favour. And show off her good skills a bit too, without anyone giving her weird looks.

The Golden week holidays were peaceful for Kiku. She spent most of her days reading, shooting or playing with the kids in the orphanage. Then the day before her trip to school, she retreated to their kitchen and started baking. It was a calming activity she liked.

"What are you doing?" Taiki's head appeared in the door. He hadn't seen Kiku at the shooting range which was unusual and he decided to check up on her.

"Uhm…" She turned to her father with a big bowl of cookie dough in her hands. "Cookies."

His eyes narrowed as he eyed the other three bowls full of dough standing neatly on the counter. "For the entire neighbourhood?"

"Ah… Aya-san asked me to make them for the basketball club. As a treat for their training camp."

"The girls' basketball club?"

"No, we don't have that, father. The boys' club."

"Hmmm…" He hummed and frowned deeply. "You don't have to do it."

Kiku sighed and this time she mustered the courage to look her father in the eye. "I want to do it. She's my friend… And she paid for the ingredients. Don't worry I'm not in loss."

He opened his mouth to retort but then he closed them. It was the first time Kiku looked at him with that determination in her eyes. And she finally mentioned a friend. He didn't like the fact that his daughter was baking for a bunch of wild boys, but he didn't have the kind of relationship with her where he could object to it.

With a curt nod he turned on his heel and departed the kitchen.

######

"Sora? Do you know Kiku's making cookies for the boys' basketball club?" He asked when he found his wife immersed into making new arrows. She was just attaching a fletching to an arrow shaft.

"Mhm." She hummed, not looking up from her activity. "I offered to help, but she said she didn't need my help with baking. Though I'll help with packaging it later on."

"It's the boys' club. Why is she baking for them?" He asked with a hint of desperation.

Sora sighed and let the unfinished arrow rest in her laps. "Because her friend is the manager of the club and she asked Kiku a favour. I don't remember our girl talking about friends for quite some time, so I'm not going to oppose this."

"Aren't you worried?"

"About our girl having friends? No."

"But it's boys!"

"Honey, I wouldn't be surprised if she brought home a boyfriend one of these days. She is in high school now, after all."

"A b-b-boyfriend?!" He exclaimed, his voice catching in his throat. "No. I won't allow that!"

Sora laughed heartily. "I know you love her and want to protect her, but honey, are you making sure she knows that?"

"Err… Uhm… I'm not good at that." He admitted begrudgingly under his wife's burning stare. "And she seems so… clumsy, fragile, scared… I don't know how to talk to her. She isn't Ryuunosuke."

"Clumsy? Her hand-eye coordination is marvellous! I've never seen anyone shoot with such accuracy!" She waved the arrow in the air dangerously and Taiki had to lean back to avoid the sharp tip.

"Too bad her foot-eye coordination is worse than terrible." He muttered, remembering how many times Kiku tripped and fell on the flat floor. The arrow was still threatening his face and he scowled. "Careful with that." He grabbed the shaft and took it from his wife.

"Ops, sorry." She smiled sheepishly. "Are you disappointed by our little Kiku?" She asked him seriously.

"I'm not –" he started to protest but then he quieted, thinking over the question. "I don't know." He admitted. "I feel like she slipped somewhere far from my reach. She is perfect at shooting, but she doesn't compete, she can't teach anyone besides children and petite women. She is smart, but her grades aren't perfect. I'm not sure she can take over the dojo once we're gone."

"She is just a teenager, Taiki. You can't burden her so much. Our girl is kind and caring. She's not someone who has the drive necessary to compete and win, that's not her path. Maybe she'll take over the dojo, maybe she won't. She still has so much to learn and experience. I don't want to push our wishes on her. It didn't work with Ryuunosuke, it probably won't work with Kiku either."

He sighed. His wife was right. As much as he'd wished that his son would stay in the dojo, he'd gone his own way. And all he'd accomplished as a father in their father-son relationship was a huge argument and loads of time of repairing it. Needless to say, it still wasn't perfect. He felt lost as the father.

"Kids teach us a lot too, don't you think?" Sora smiled at him kindly and ruffled his hair, knowing he didn't like it; he used to retort that he wasn't a kid anymore, but she did it anyways. She also knew that he loved his children more than anything, yet lacked the ability to communicate it properly.

The weather looked like it was going to rain again. Dark clouds were swirling in the sky ominously, predicting a nasty thunderstorm. No one would want to be caught up in that storm once it'd start.

Kiku was glancing at the clouds doubtfully, hoping they would give her another 15 minutes until she'd collect enough courage to walk into the school grounds. Coming to school when it was officially closed was strange. For Kiku it was the first time she did it and there was a bunch of boys from another school at the entrance; she was scared to pass by them to get in. Then she noticed Aya coming out and chatting with another girl from the same school as those boys, and a guy with glasses wearing Touou's t-shirt. Probably Imayoshi-senpai, Aya had mentioned before.

Aya's eyes trailed off and she noticed Kiku shyly standing at the side. She waved her cheerfully and Kiku couldn't hide anymore.

"Kiku! Glad you came! Come on." The redhead urged her, glancing at the sky anxiously.

With her eyes glued to the ground she approached her enthusiastic friend.

Imayoshi looked at the shy girl with a question in his eyes and examined the box she was carrying.

"Oh, this is Imayoshi Shoichi, the captain of our club." Aya introduced him.

"How rude of me. I'm sorry." He smiled at the girl and bowed in apology. "I should have introduced myself. Nice to meet you…?" He gently nudged her to give him her name.

"Ah, so-sorry," she startled and bowed deeply. "I-i-i'm Ohno K-kiku." She bowed again and looked up at the tall boy, her thick-framed glasses almost falling off. "N-n-nice to m-meet y-you, I-imayoshi-senpai." She stuttered and bowed deeply yet again. Her cheeks were burning in embarrassment, because everyone from the other school saw her pathetic introduction. She wanted to find a hole and bury herself in it.

Aya placed her arm around Kiku's shoulders in a protective gesture. "Kiku is out of your league boys." She said to those, who were eyeing the cute little girl. "You are here for the practise match, not to get girlfriends."

Huh? Kiku didn't notice anyone looking at her in particular. She had no way to interest someone on a dating level. Things like those went over her head.

With that said and one threatening glare, Aya turned around and started dragging Kiku away. As clumsy as Kiku was, she stumbled a couple of times, but Aya's arm always steadied her and the box she was carrying. She had no idea where Aya's confidence originated, but she'd love to know.

"T-t-that was embarrassing." She muttered; still red in her face.

"What are you saying?" Aya asked with a smile on her face. "I dragged you out from your hiding spot, despite knowing you don't like being in the centre of attention. I'm sorry for that, but… It's fine, you did great."

Because of Aya's praise, Kiku's cheeks reddened even more. "T-thank you."

"It's okay. Do you want to watch the match?" Aya asked, letting go of Kiku's shoulders.

"If it's not trouble..." She fidgeted, "I'd like to."

"Sure! They'll be glad to have another girl caring for them." Aya winked at her and entered the gym, inviting Kiku in.

She made a few tiny steps and fidgeted again, too shy to walk in there like Aya did. After all, she was just an outsider. She had no right to walk in like she owned the place. A few deep breaths gave her the courage she needed to take that last step and walk in.

A thunder rumbled outside loudly. Kiku jumped in fright, turning around and ramming her back into someone.

"Oi! Watch your step." Wakamatsu turned around to see who it was hitting his back.

"I-i-i'm s-s-sorry." Kiku stammered and hugged the box of cookies closer to her chest. She felt like running away. The boy was tall and wide, he looked scary and he was frowning at her. She quickly averted her eyes, not studying the boy's face much. All she noticed was that he was blonde and frowning.

Wakamatsu's eyes widened when he noticed the small girl, staring at him with wide, frightened eyes of a roe deer. She was none other than Ohno Kiku-chan who kept intercepting his path way too often. "You again..." He said with a blush, trying to lower his voice, to not scare the girl any more than she already was.

"Eeek." She took a step back finally recognizing the blonde. It was the guy she'd dragged down two weeks ago when running for her club. She'd slipped and fell down the stairs, accidentally using him to cushion her fall. She had no idea he was on the basketball team, or what his name was. But he was also familiar to her from the dojo – or at least his voice. Now it was official – she felt like hiding in some hole and never coming out or dying of shame – not sure which option was better. "I-i-i'm r-r-really, r-really sorry." She bowed deeply, closing her eyes. He'd definitely yell at her, or hit her, or mock her for being so clumsy.

"O-oi... It's fine, you don't have to do that." He said awkwardly, holding his hands up in what he considered to be a soothing gesture. He wasn't sure what to do in this kind of situation. Where the hell is Shun when I need him? He was trying to find his best friend, but Shun was nowhere in sight, and the others seemed to have a good show watching him trying to calm down the tiny girl. "At least you didn't get hurt…" He mumbled.

Kiku shot up and blinked at him in surprise. She wasn't sure she heard those last words right. Then she looked around at several curious boys watching the show. Her cheeks turned even redder. Being around many people wasn't good for her heart. It was beating so strongly in her chest; she thought it would burst out. It was overwhelming her.

She wanted to run away.

Another thunder rumbled.

She took another step back, her back hitting something solid once again, and she froze, too scared to turn around.

"So you're here, huh." Aomine's husky voice rumbled above her head. Right now, she found it scarier than those thunders outside.

"S-s-sorry." She lowered her head under Aomine's gaze. She wasn't good at dealing with this boy.

"Tch. That scaredy-cat attitude of yours pisses me off." He said and walked to Satsuki to announce his presence.

Tears stung in Kiku's eyes at Aomine's harsh words. She shook her head to keep it in.

"Oi, Aomine!" Wakamatsu turned on his heel to catch up with the ace and make him apologise.

"Kiku!" Aya stopped at her side. "Sorry I had to prepare the water bottles. Is everything alright?!" She asked with a slightly panicky voice, because she noticed that the girl was on the verge of tears. "Did he say something rude?"

Kiku shook her head no, because he was essentially right. She was way too scared of everything.

Aya sighed, prepared to interrogate Aomine later. He was much aware of Kiku's personality...

"Come on." Aya caught the girl's arm and gently pulled her towards their classmates. With her head down, Kiku followed.

"No one here wants to hurt you, okay. Those guys are not bad; they are just not used to having shy and cute girls around." She was talking to Kiku in a comforting voice. "Everything will be fine."

Kiku nodded and a small smile appeared on her face. The boys tended to be wild when bunched up together, it was nothing new. She did have an older brother after all, but Ryuunosuke was a calm type, these boys were far from that. She'd need to get used to it, her friend was after all a part of this team. She should learn to interact with them.

At least now she could see some familiar faces around and it was a bit easier to handle. Also, the big blonde senpai was further away.

"Kiku-chan!" Kano greeted her and inspected the box. "What's in there?!" He asked curiously with his eyes sparkling.

"Y-you'll see later." Kiku chuckled and hid it behind her back – out of Kano's reach.

"Not fair." He pouted. "We are friends, aren't we?"

"Y-yes, but this is… you'll see later." She said and glanced at Aya, who was obviously searching for someone. When she followed the redhead's line of sight she spotted Aomine, Satsuki and two other boys – the big blonde and someone else in a heated discussion.

"They're probably fighting again." Ishii cleared for Kiku, noticing her curious stare.

"D-d-do t-they fight often?"

"On a daily basis." Naito, the boy she'd come to know just recently but who belonged to Kano and Ishii, spoke up with an unimpressed shrug. "Well… Not on a daily basis, but whenever Aomine decides to grace us with his presence. The two don't get along at all; Wakamatsu-senpai doesn't like the lazy types."

"You're the one to talk." Ishii snorted.

"So what? I'm using my energy efficiently, I'm not lazy. There's just no reason to overwork during the practise."

"Mhm…" Kano hummed, "last time I noticed, you were running at the tail with Arai-kun barely catching breath."

"Oh, don't get me involved." The lean boy spoke up from the bench upon hearing his name. Then he heaved himself up and approached Kiku with a smile. "Nice to meet you, Ohno-san, I'm Arai Souta from class 1-4."

Kiku bowed deeply. "Ohno Kiku." She said without stuttering this time. Arai-kun was pleasant to the eyes and friendly – well he had to be if he occasionally worked as a waiter in his family's diner.

"I heard you were in the cooking club," he said politely. "Is the club good?"

"Eh? Uhm…" She blinked at him, surprised by the question. "Yeah, Abe-sensei is very kind and cooking with her is really fun."

"Hmmm… I thought of joining that, but uh… thought I'd be picked up on again, so…"

Kiku was staring at the boy who was around Sakurai's height but leaner, almost skinny. He was giving out similar vibes to her, which meant he must've been a shy person who rather kept to himself than enjoyed group sports. Yet, he was a part of the wild basketball club. She wondered what his reasons to play basketball were. Maybe because he was bullied before too?

"Why?" She asked.

"Boys don't cook." He shrugged, blushing a little.

"Men tend to be more innovative and often better in the kitchen than women…" Kiku said with a nod. That was her opinion and she thought it might encourage the boy a bit too.

"Ah…" He scratched his rosy cheek. "Maybe that's true."

"What's that?!" Tada rolled up to the group with a wide disarming grin. "Why are you hiding this cute little thing from your senpais, huh?" He teased them.

She blushed furiously and took a few steps back, trying to hide her face behind her glasses and fringe. She wasn't cute. The boy was almost as tall as the blonde and right now he was equally loud. But the loudness didn't quite fit his features, so she wondered if it wasn't fabricated.

"Not hiding, protecting." Kano said with his chest stuck out. "Because you, senpais, have no delicacy. None at all."

Shun narrowed his eyes. He snaked his arm around Kano's shoulders and pulled him down, rubbing his temples in punishment.

"Ow, ow, ow." Kano protested.

"You're just confirming Hideki's words, Senpai." Naito said, staring at his nails nonchalantly. "And you're proving to us that we indeed, need to shield Ohno-chan from you, wild and manner-less bunch."

Tada laughed and released Kano from his deadly grip. "Oh, but we're far from manner-less, Kiku-chan. We don't bite and we won't hurt you." He smiled. "That big guy who argued with Aomine, he's my best friend. He might be too loud, but he's just told Aomine to mind his tongue around you."

"Eh?" Kiku blinked at him. She was utterly confused by the senpai.

"Oh, I'm Tada Shun, sorry for my rudeness."

"O-ohno Kiku." She nodded, completely baffled. She couldn't make up her mind about this boy. Was he a good person? Was he just playing it? She couldn't tell.

"Oi! Kousuke! Come 'er!" He waved to the blonde who turned to him and, noticing Kiku, he blushed and looked away.

Oh… So I've gotten him into a weird situation… She thought dejectedly. She didn't want to cause trouble to anyone.

But before Wakamatsu could get to them and get a proper introduction with Kiku, the other team strolled into the gym, already changed into their uniforms and eyeing Touou with curiosity and determination. And he was dragged into the usual vice-captain activities, introductions and getting ready for the match.

Wakamatsu frowned, when he spotted Kiku sitting between Aya and Tada. Aya didn't bother him, Shun, on the other hand… He looked at the manager desperately, because this was certainly her doing. Scheming like Imayoshi-taichou and Shun… Urgh… Aya smiled at him and nodded. It reassured him she'd take care of the little girl. The last thing he wanted was to freak Kiku out completely.

It was Kiku's first time seeing Touou's basketball team play. Or any basketball team. She wasn't into team sports or ball sports that involve running. She was glad for sitting next to Aya, and Tada-senpai seemed to be decent too. She still couldn't make up her mind about him, but he wasn't bad.

The scary blonde, Wakamatsu Kousuke-senpai as she'd learned, was Touou's choice for the tip-off. He was the tallest of them, so it was probably for the best.

And Aomine was put in the game from the start. Kiku was curious about his skills too. She'd heard rumours, she was witnessing his behaviour first hand and it interested her if he was really that good. But even as a complete basketball outsider, she had a feeling Touou was much better. Judging just by their aura of confidence…

The whistle marked the beginning of the match.

Wakamatsu got the ball for Touou and the game started.

The opposite team wanted to take it easy and test the waters first. But it proved a very foolish decision.

Aomine got the ball first and took the first points for Touou in an instant, leaving the opponents stare at his back in bewilderment and awe.

Kiku blinked. Did her eyes see right? What was that speed and coordination?

"He is like that." Aya said, and then sighed. "But he seems to be more aggressive today… I wonder what's going through his head."

The entire game went on like this.

Aya took the role of a teacher and she was explaining Kiku the rules, with Tada-senpai mingling in at times; pointing out mostly Wakamatsu's skills. Kiku noticed that whenever Aya looked at the boys, her eyes would unconsciously follow Aomine. The ace was everywhere and no one could possibly stop him. When the opposite team tried to triple team him, he got past them with a snicker, or the free players of Touou would score instead. That was the harsh truth. But Kiku could see that Aya was admiring the ace. That she liked his plays even if they got a bit rougher – yet Aomine didn't foul at all.

"I-i didn't know they were this good." Kiku whispered to Aya, so the boys wouldn't hear her. It wasn't like she'd underestimated them; she just hadn't expected them to crush the other team that much.

"Actually... Me neither. And we are in the top eight teams of Japan." What they were doing exceeded Aya's expectations. "But I don't think they are enjoying this." She continued gloomily. "Just look at their opponents, do they seem like having fun?"

It was visible how determination of the opposing team slowly evaporated into the thin air. The storm raging outside matched the mood of the game perfectly. True Wakamatsu yelled at the opponents to not give up or something along the lines, but it had no effect at all. Though the attempt to cheer on the opponents still warmed Kiku's heart.

During the last two minute break between the third and the fourth quarter Wakamatsu wanted to kick something. "Why don't they even try? They are not that bad!" He complained, staring at Shun.

Instead, Aomine answered, "Hah," he snickered. "Look at the score, genius. You think they have a reason to try?"

Wakamatsu frowned at the ace, but looked at the scoreboard. It showed one-sided results indeed: 145 – 42, for Touou. "That's not a reason to give up! It's just a practise match!"

Kiku shot another curious glance at the blonde. Her eyes were strangely following him the entire game. She found herself admiring his coordination and mental support he was subtly offering to his opponents. Maybe it was because of Tada's comments, but the huge blonde seemed to be genuinely encouraging the opponents. And that caught Kiku's interest. There weren't many people who would do that.

Maybe he wasn't as bad and scary as his first impression gave out. This spark of curiosity didn't go unnoticed by both, Aya and Tada-senpai. The two schemers were watching Kiku carefully when she wasn't paying them attention.

"Want me to sit out?" Aomine asked, staring at Wakamatsu, challenging him to confirm that he was considered to be a monster by him too.

"No." Katsunori jumped into it, pulling at his fringe. "This is Touou's current strength. You'll finish the match in this line up. Only if they demand another match I might consider changing the players, so the others would get to play too."

"Tch." Aomine clicked his tongue in annoyance. He wanted Wakamatsu's answer, not the coach's meddling. "As y' wish." The ace turned and strolled to the court.

Wakamatsu stared after him, speechless.

"Kousuke," Shun sounded worried.

"Hm?" He turned to his friend.

"You know what Aomine's point in asking that was, right?"

Wakamatsu stared at him with a perplexed expression and then his eyes widened and he nodded. "I won't fall for this one."

"Good, because if you tell him to leave, or skip, or sit out…"

"I don't get him and I hate him, but I don't hate him this much." A crooked smile appeared on Wakamatsu's face.

"Thanks." Aya joined in. Yes, their senpais were great. And she'd have to talk with Aomine a bit after this game.

Kiku could see it in Aya. The redhead liked Aomine, she worried for him. Obviously Aomine had some issue, some reason why he behaved the way he did. She was curious, but Wakamatsu's exchange with Tada only reassured her that even the huge senpais were thinking about the wellbeing of all of their team members.

As they all expected, the game was one-sided from the beginning to the very end.

The last ball was handled by Aomine who dunked a buzzer beater with such brute force that he broke the hoop. It came off with a terrible ripping sound.

The opponent team stared at it with fright in their eyes. How could a single fifteen year old brat have such a brute strength that he managed to rip out a hoop?

Aomine Daiki was a monster.

Even Aya's mouth hung open for a moment. And Kiku didn't know what to think. Was it possible to break that thing? It looked very sturdy.

"Oh..." Aomine looked at the hoop in his hand with a wild expression. "It came off." His eyes travelled to look at Aya's face, just when she shook off the initial shock. "... Sorry, I suppose." He shrugged.

Kiku noticed an unbelievably agonized expression in his eyes for a split second. She glanced at Aya to see if the redhead saw it too. Apparently she did, and wasn't sure what to do. Kiku wanted to comfort her friend somehow, but she didn't even know what was going on. Why was Aomine so surprised? Was it even a surprise? She looked back at the scary boy.

He threw the broken hoop into the corner, where it landed with a clank resonating in the entire gymnasium. Then he turned around and left. It didn't seem to bother him that it was raining cats and dogs outside.

"Uhm…" Kiku hummed very quietly, to get Aya's attention. Unsuccessfully.

The redhead quickly glanced at Satsuki but the pinkette seemed frozen on her spot and close to tears. Almost everyone, coaches included, was frozen in shock.

"See? A monster. I told you." One of the third years, sitting further from them muttered victoriously. Kiku turned his head to him in disbelief. So they called Aomine a 'monster'? Seriously? How rude was that?! And the guy continued with his unpleasant tone. "He definitely did that on purpose."

Aya clenched her fists. That comment made her blood boil instantly. It wasn't just for Aomine, it was personal. She got up and made a few steps towards the third year, who was sticking in her gullet since the day one.

Kiku blinked in shock when Aya headed towards the senpai with a murderous expression in her burning eyes. It was the first time Kiku was scared of Aya.

Before Katsunori, or anyone else could stop Aya, the sound of a big-ass slap resonated throughout the gym.

Yamaoka instinctively touched his stinging red cheek. His huge shocked eyes were staring at her in a mixture of hatred, anger, shock and fear. "What the hell you bi-"

"You've crossed the line, senpai." She hissed, not letting him finish the insult.

"How dare you-"

"I've told you something about calling others 'monsters', haven't I?!" She interrupted him again in a threateningly quiet voice. Her eyes pierced him and he suddenly felt like a little boy. "Or maybe you can't comprehend something as simple?"

"AYA!" Katsunori admonished her.

"Right." She shook her head and calmed down. Kiku was staring at her friend with wide eyes. Aya's self-control was unbelievable. "I'm sorry." She apologised, not looking at the third year. It was obvious she wasn't apologising to him. If she could, she'd probably slap him a couple times more. "I apologise for causing a scene." She turned around to face everyone and bowed. When she straightened, she was already smiling. "Anyways. Why don't you play some more with our other players? I believe it could benefit both parties." She said to lift up the heavy atmosphere she didn't quite help with her little outburst.

"I-i don't think so." The captain of the opposite team stuttered, staring at the score dejected.

"Oh come on! If you don't try you don't learn! It's as simple as that. You want to get better? Then train your asses off, play against strong opponents, and don't run away after one defeat." She said with hands on her hips. "It's a practise match! And I don't remember we've agreed to have a practise match with a bunch of sensitive princesses. Or am I wrong?"

Her words were harsh, but it was exactly what they needed to hear. The redhead wasn't looking down on them, none of the boys sitting on the bench behind her back was. The captain took a deep breath and then looked at his team. "What do you say guys? Want to play some more?"

"OSU!" Those who hadn't gotten their chance previously shouted in unison.

"Due to the broken hoop, we will continue on the half courts." Katsunori quickly caught up. "That way we can have two matches at the same time and rotate players. What do you say?" He looked at the other coach, who nodded in agreement. It was a good opportunity to evaluate the other players at Touou's disposal.

"Uhm…"

"Aya-chan isn't usually like this, but Yamaoka-senpai, the one she slapped… well, they're on bad terms since she joined the club." Tada explained apologetically, noticing Kiku's distress. "But you've seen her self-control just now, right? I don't think she'll slip again."

"Why does he call Aomine-san a monster?"

"Ah… You've seen his plays. Personally, I think he's jealous of Aomine's skills and Aomine took his position..."

"Oi," Wakamatsu popped up, throwing his arm around Shun's shoulders. "You comin' to play or what?"

"Ah," there was a barely visible hint of a blush on Shun's face; he didn't mind Wakamatsu touching him in these friendly gestures – but only when he was mentally prepared for it – otherwise… "Gee'. Right, comin'." He said, shrugging off the friend's arm and following him to the court.

Kiku turned to Aya, just to see the redhead was gone and her place was taken by Satsuki. "Where's Aya?" Kiku asked, confused.

Satsuki sighed. "She probably went to look for Aomine-kun. I suppose she is the only one he listens to."

"Does she like him?" Kiku asked quietly. If anyone knew…

"Hm?" Satsuki blinked at her. "You think so too?"

"Well… i-it looks like it." She was praying this was not causing any trouble for Aya.

The pinkette sighed again. "I think they are both stubborn idiots, who'll keep circling around each other rather than admitting it."

"Oh, so Aomine-san…"

"Please, I've known him since forever. I'd swear he has a thing for Aya, but he won't do anything until he's 100% sure, if that will ever happen… And when I asked her she said she couldn't 'fool around', whatever that means. Urgh… I'd throw them into a box and shake it, until they'd get out as a couple." Satsuki was fuming quietly. She cared for both, but she shouldn't mingle in too much. She hoped she wouldn't have to.

Kiku's laughter made her blink down at the girl. It was as unusual as snow in June. "What?"

"It's good they have such a good friend."

Satsuki rolled her eyes. "They could appreciate me more." She pouted.

######

Kiku smiled when Aya and Aomine returned together, totally drenched, just to get scolded and chased away by Satsuki, to go take a shower. She wondered what had happened. Did they talk? Or maybe did they… kiss? No, not possible. Kiku shook that image out of her head. Given what she knew about the two, they wouldn't go as far… Yet…

And then they returned once again, in clean dry clothes, sharing an umbrella and bickering about something. They made it back just as the practise matches ended. No one else seemed to notice them, until they stood next to Satsuki.

The pinkette looked at them curiously. "Glad you came back."

"Of course! I want those cookies." Aya whispered to her, looking at Kiku with a warm smile. "Kiku's sweets are heavenly!"

"What a sweet-tooth you have."

Both teams said their goodbyes and the other team ran towards the changing room to hit the showers and then sprint to their bus without getting too drenched. The Touou's team was getting ready to tidy up the gym and everything.

"Okay guys!" Aya clapped her hands to get her team's attention. "Before you start cleaning up, there is one more thing we've prepared for you. Now Kiku, if you would..." She invited Kiku to the middle of the circle that naturally formed around her.

Kiku took a few steps forward to stand next to Aya. She was carrying the box – already opened, and everyone tried to get a peek at what was inside. Happy whispers spread among the boys.

One step before her desired destination she tripped over her own feet. The least thing she wanted was to embarrass herself like this, and yet. You're an impossible failure. She thought bitterly, expecting a harsh greeting from the wooden floor.

None came.

A strong hand caught her elbow and the box before they could fall. She looked up at the person to thank him, only to meet Wakamatsu's hazelnut eyes. "You sure trip a lot." He said, scratching his cheek that turned slightly pink.

Kiku blushed too. "I'm sorry. Thank you!" She said, surprisingly without stuttering,but averted her eyes immediately.

Aya and Tada-senpai exchanged knowing looks, which didn't escape Imayoshi's attention. "I feel some schemes." He said, so only Tada could hear him.

"No way captain. You are imagining things." He whispered back. We have to include Imayoshi later on, he sighed inwardly.

"Uhm..." Kiku stood next to Aya, and the redhead smiled at her encouragingly. "A-A-Aya-san asked me t-t-to prepare a treat f-for y-you... Y-you did a g-g-good j-job." She stuttered and stuck the box out in front of her, as a sign for everyone to take cookies from it.

The boys teared up. They were exhausted and tired, and this cute little thing would bring them sweets.

"THANK YOU!" They shouted in unison and bowed in gratitude. Then they proceeded to take their treats. There was a package for everyone.

Kiku had tears of happiness in her eyes. Good she held her head down, so they couldn't see. It was the first time in her life that schoolmates thanked her for something she'd done. It wasn't like she deserved it or anything. She was glad she could be useful.

And she also learnt that the huge scary guy she kept on colliding with was not as scary as she had thought. He was huge and loud, yes, but he was kind. He was the vice-captain of the boys' basketball team and he even cared for someone like Aomine-san, though they disliked each other.

His name was Wakamatsu Kousuke.

And because he had helped her several times by now, she had to overcome her fear of him. He didn't deserve it.

######

"So you think she can get used to Wakamatsu?" Imayoshi asked when Aya and Shun told him about the idea of Kiku and Kousuke as a couple. He'd forced them, more or less.

Aya shrugged. "Why not? She wants to get over her fears and Wakamatsu-senpai is not bad. Rough around the edges and loud, but he's kind. I don't think he'd ever hurt her. Not intentionally at least. And damn, he even cares for Aomine."

"He'd punch Aomine if he could."

"Yeah, but he doesn't particularly hate him." Shun smiled. "This team is his responsibility. Whoever is in it, Kousuke will care."

"Are you okay with it?" Imatoshi gave him a scrutinizing look.

"Kou asked me that too. I don't see why not. It's a good way for me to move on as well… Though finding a partner for me is quite troublesome…"

"Well, I can only agree," the captain nodded, "but don't push it. We need Wakamatsu sharp for the competitions. We don't have anyone good enough to substitute him."

"Haaai~" Aya smiled. "I wouldn't push Kiku into something she wouldn't want, so… No worries. She needs time to conquer her demons first too."

"She was bullied, right?" Tada asked her out of the bat.

Aya tilted her head to a side staring at him. "Why do you think so?"

"So she was." Tada said sadly. "I'd know. She got along with Arai-kun; we know they made fun of him in his previous school. People with similar experiences tend to be drawn to one other, they feel at ease together and form friendships easily. Because they understand each other. And well… I can tell." He pulled the t-shirt over his head showing Aya his chest, scarred from cigarettes. "I've had my share of that too. I tasted what it means to 'live and love in the way I chose'."

Aya blinked at him speechless. She unconsciously brushed the scarred skin with her fingers, which made the boy flinch, but he didn't step back. "I took you measurements." She said in bewilderment, she hadn't noticed this. "…how?"

"I learnt some makeup tricks to hide it. And I knew you'd be taking the measurements, so I prepared for it. And I usually hide it in the changing room."

"Wakamatsu-senpai knows, right?"

Tada laughed and put the t-shirt back on. "There's nothing I can hide from him, Aya-chan."

"About Kiku…"

"Don't tell us. I'd bet my life she has something similar on her skin. Bullies are not that creative. But she has to get over it on her own first. If she can't, no matter what Kousuke says, no matter how much he accepts, she won't believe him."

Aya sighed heavily. She knew. "I'm not a psychologist, but I'll do what I can, after all…" She rolled up her sleeve showing them her own scar. "I have my demons too."

"One thing though." Imayoshi said, observing Aya's scarred shoulder carefully. "Tell me she was not sexually assaulted."

"I honestly don't know. And I really hope that something like that didn't happen to her."

The boys nodded grimly, hoping for the same thing.

Suddenly the door to the classroom burst open and Aya swiftly hid her shoulder.

"You going, or what?" Wakamatsu barged into the room and halted immediately at the grim, serious atmosphere. He frowned and paled. These three together... "Oi, oi, oi! What kind of scheming meeting is this? Whose murder are you planning?!"

Shun grinned cheerfully, completely changing the air. "No need to worry, my friend, no need to worry. No murder! We were just analysing your chances to capture Kiku-chan's heart."

"WHAT?! You're all crazy! All three of you!"

A/N: Thank you all! for sticking with me, for your patience and all favs, follows and reviews!

I'm not promising any next update. But I'll try to keep this alive somehow.

Let me know what you think and remember, reviews are appreciated, but never necessary.

S.