Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Kuroko no Basket!
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2nd year – Too Academy
...
Mac was for once happy that magic transportation existed. She didn't want to spend 6 hours or something on a train (but she would if she had to), not when she could get where she wanted almost right away.
Why hadn't she used it more? She was a bad friend…
"Are you sure you have to go?" Daiki asked with a pout as he stared at her.
Mac was packing a small bag to bring just in case. She glanced over at her boyfriend who looked much too sulky (though also handsome) for his own good. She rolled her eyes.
"I told you," Mac said. "I'm worried."
"He's a big boy," Daiki said. "Can't we just invite him here?"
"Daiki," Mac said. "He always comes here. I should go and see him too sometime."
Daiki sighed. "I just wished we could spend more time together this weekend. You've been so busy."
Mac put down the clothes she had in her hand and walked over to Daiki. She smiled a little as she pushed her hand through his hair. It had gotten a little longer than before and she wondered if he was going to cut it or maybe let it grow.
"I know," she said, "and I want to spend time with you too, you know that."
She gave a startled yelp when she suddenly found herself on her back on the bed looking up on Daiki who was leaning over her. He gave his crooked smile before leaning in pressing his lips to hers. She immediately got lost in the kiss and put her arms around his neck pulling him closer.
She felt out of breath when he pulled back and he had that smug look on his face that told her he knew just how she reacted to his kiss, but she could also tell that he wasn't unaffected either.
"Shut up," Mac said but she smiled and pulled him down for one more kiss before she pushed him away and sat up. He turned to his side and looked at her but didn't sit up.
"I know he needs you too," Daiki sighed, "I'm just selfish when it comes to you."
Mac gave him a smile, "we'll find some time soon, promise."
"Fine," he said. "I guess I can share you. A little."
"Thanks," Mac rolled her eyes, but she sounded more fond than anything.
"Well," Daiki sighed, "now I just need to find something to do…"
"You could come with me, you know," Mac said.
Daiki looked at her before getting up from the bed and pulled her into a hug. She felt him drop a kiss on top of her head.
"No," he said. "He needs just you for this, I think."
Mac smiled into his chest. Despite Daiki's grumblings, she knew he cared for their friends and didn't really mind her going to check on one of them. She knew he worried too (even if he didn't admit it).
"Maybe you can ask Tetsu to hang out or something;" Mac said pulling back.
"Maybe," Daiki said.
...
Mac was happy they had a shorter day at school this Friday. Something to do with the teachers having a meeting or something similar, it didn't really matter. She just knew that it gave her an opportunity to go and visit Atsushi who had been quiet lately.
She didn't really get replies to her texts and felt worried. When he did reply it was…sad and dejected. She just couldn't ignore it anymore.
So, she asked her uncle about going to visit him and he agreed even if he was a little reluctant. She was glad he understood her concern and trusted her enough to let her go.
So, Mac was on her way to the school now hoping to catch Atsushi before he left for the day. She knew he lived in the dorms at the school somewhere, but she wasn't sure where to find them.
Well, if she didn't find him she would just call and let him know she was there. She hoped she didn't have to do that, though, because she really wanted to surprise him.
She found the school easily enough and walked through the gates looking up at the large building. She immediately thought it looked like some private school with a classic look to it. She knew it would be near or probably the end of the day by now and she could see a few students starting to leave the building.
She wandered into the school looking around knowing that her friend would stick out to her since he was so tall and had that bright purple hair. She wouldn't admit it, but she felt a little nervous about just showing up like this. Like she was intruding on something, but she knew she was being silly.
"Ah, Mac," a voice said, and she turned to see Himuro smiling at her. "What are you doing here?"
"Himuro," Mac smiled. "Looking for Murasakibara."
"Ah, should have known," he smiled wryly. "He left already."
"He did?" Mac sighed. "I was sure I was here in time."
"I saw him leave earlier," Himuro said.
"Guess I will have to call him, then," Mac sighed.
"He doesn't know you're here?" Himuro asked.
"No," Mac shook her head. "I wanted to surprise him."
"He sure will be," Himuro smiled a little. "He has been a little…distracted lately. I haven't seen him very much. He keeps avoiding me."
Mac sighed but nodded.
"I was afraid of that," Mac said. "So, you don't happen to know where he usually hangs out?"
Himuro looked at her for a moment before he smiled slowly.
"Well, it just so happens that I might know that," he said. "Why don't I show you?"
"That would be great," Mac said with a smile. "If I don't keep you from something?"
"Nah," Himuro shrugged, "I have the time."
"Thanks," Mac smiled, and he smiled back.
...
Mac wasn't really surprised when she realised that Himuro led her to a bakery not too far from the school. She glanced in through the window and saw the displays of baked goods and the long counter before she moved her eyes looking over the tables and people sitting there until she found who she was looking for.
He was sitting in a corner on his own eating and not looking up. He looked lonely. Her heart ached, wondering how she could have missed this. Guilt filled her as she watched her friend. She should have done something sooner.
"Thought he would be here," Himuro said bringing her out of her thoughts. "He loves the pastry here."
"I see," Mac said. "Thank you for showing me the way."
"He needs you," Himuro shrugged. "I had planned on calling you soon, anyway. So, you saved me a call."
Mac smiled, "you're a good friend for him."
Himuro just shrugged again, "I miss him at practice. Strangely enough."
Mac nodded. She didn't want to say she would bring Atsushi to practice or promise that he would return to basketball because that was his choice, and she didn't want to pressure him into playing if he really didn't want to.
"I'll leave you to it," Himuro said. "Oh…and if you need a place to crash… I don't know when you plan to go back, but just let me know and we'll work it out, okay?"
"You don't…" Mac started.
"You have always welcomed me when I visit Taiga," Himuro said interrupting her. "You're his cousin, so you're family."
Mac felt a little stunned, but she nodded and smiled.
"Thanks," she said, and he waved as he left.
Mac turned her attention back to Atsushi and wondered how she could help him. But she wouldn't be able to do anything just standing outside looking in, so she walked over to the door and pushed it open. She saw that he hadn't looked up at the door opening and closing so she walked over to the counter and the smiling man behind the registry.
"Welcome," he smiled. "How can I help you, young lady?"
She noticed the small sign of 'help needed' before looking up at the man who was still smiling.
"Ah, sorry," she said. "What would you recommend?"
"Oh? Always fun to recommend something," he said. "We have the Chocolate Geteau with raspberries, it's a rich chocolate cake. Then we have the green tea cookies, those are always a favourite. And of course, the Daifuku. A very popular Japanese sweet."
"One of each, then, please," Mac smiled.
"Eating here or take away?" the man asked.
"Here," Mac said, and he nodded and started to plate it up.
Mac glanced over at Atsushi and saw that he still was absorbed in his own world and hadn't noticed her.
"Here you go," the man said, and Mac paid before she took the plates (she somehow managed to balance them) and started to walk over toward Atsushi. It was only when she put the plates down at his table that he looked up and blinked.
"Mac-chin!" Atsushi looked so bewildered that she smiled a little.
"Hey, Murasakibara," Mac said. "Is this seat taken?"
He stared at her for a moment longer before he smiled and stood up so abruptly that he knocked into the table a little without seeming to notice as he stepped out and pulled her into a hug. She hugged him back not caring that they were gathering some looks. She just allowed him to hold on and hide his face against her shoulder (though he had to bend down to do that).
"You're here," his voice was muffled against her shoulder.
"I wanted to see you," Mac said patting him on the back.
He finally let her go and smiled making her smile back.
"Come on," Mac said, "I bought some more pastry I think we need to try. I'm sure you have already tried this, but I wanted to as well."
He nodded and sat down again, and she sat down on the free chair.
"Oh, this is good," Atsushi said looking at what she had brought over.
"Yeah?" Mac smiled. "So, let's start eating."
He agreed and they started to eat, and he explained about the pastry and how it was getting the texture and taste. She smiled listening to him and hummed in agreement here and there.
"It's good, but now I'm full and can't eat anything more," Mac groaned.
"You're a lightweight," Atsushi said.
Mac rolled her eyes but nodded, "compared to you, I am."
He laughed.
...
They stayed there for a long time talking and eating, and Mac used the time to observe her friend. He was smiling now and talking like he normally did but she still saw the pain in his eyes. Though it was lighter as he talked about food and this bakery.
"You come here a lot?" Mac asked.
He nodded almost shyly.
"I like it," he said.
"I can see why," Mac said looking around. "It's cosy."
"And the pastry is good," Atsushi said making her laugh.
"That too," she agreed. She wanted to say something more, but she held back. "Want to show me around?"
Atsushi looked at her and smiled getting up and she took that as a yes. She noticed the man behind the counter watching them as they left, and she waved at him making him smile and wave back. She linked her arm through Atsushi's as they started to walk through the streets making him look at her for a moment and smile.
"Where are your favourite places?" Mac asked.
"The bakery," he said.
"Besides that," Mac said.
He hummed, "I like the park. It's peaceful there, and Muro-chin used to come with me when I went there. And then I like the sweet shop and another bakery."
Mac shook her head but not surprised. They walked to the park first and she would admit that it was a nice park. It was still a little cold so it wasn't really the time to sit down and just hang out but they did walk around for a little while.
"I like it," she said. "I can see why you find it peaceful."
"Mm," Atsushi said. "Why did you come, Mac-chin?"
Mac looked at him before looking up at the blue sky.
"I wanted to see how you're doing," Mac said. "I missed you."
"I missed you too," Atsushi said. "But it's a long trip…"
"Not when you use magic," Mac said, and he blinked. "I should have thought about it before, and I'm sorry I didn't."
"Oh," Atsushi said. "Right."
"Don't worry about it," Mac said. "I would have come even if I had to take the train."
He smiled shyly again.
"You're my friend," Mac said looking at him and hesitated for a moment. "Atsushi."
He looked down at her quickly and she saw the surprise but also happiness in his eyes.
"You said my name," he said.
"I did," Mac said wondering why she hadn't done so before. "I should have done it before. I don't know why I didn't."
...
Atsushi knew he was smiling and ducked his face hoping to hide how happy it made him that she finally called him by his first name. He had wanted her to do that forever (or so it felt like), but she kept using his family name.
"Do…do you mind?" Mac asked. "I mean… I can continue using your family name if you prefer that. I just…"
"No, I like it," Atsushi said stopping her rambling.
"Oh. Good," She said sounding relieved.
He knew she liked him, that they were friends. But he always had envied Daiki and Seijuro when she used their names feeling like she was closer to them or something. Well, he supposed that she was… but he wanted that too. He wanted her to use Atsushi. But he never could bring himself to ask her to do it. What if she didn't want to?
He didn't really know why she was here now, despite her saying she wanted to see him. But he didn't really mind either because she was there, and she was smiling at him and keeping close. He felt calmer with her beside him.
"Did I tell you about the house Sirius and Remus bought?" Mac asked.
"No," Atsushi said. "They bought a house?"
"Mm," Mac nodded. "I even got to decorate a room. Next time you're in Tokyo you and the others can come over and see it. Sirius even put in a basketball court and a pool. He went a little overboard."
"He wants you to feel comfortable there," Atsushi said.
"Guess so," Mac agreed.
"If they hurt you, I will crush them for you," Atsushi promised.
Mac laughed the laugh he loved, and he smiled.
"Good to know," she said squeezing the arm she held. "Let's go find something to eat. I can't believe that I'm actually hungry again. I thought I never would be able to eat anything again ever after those pastries."
Atsushi shook his head. He never understood how someone couldn't believe that they would be hungry again. He was always hungry. At least that was what it felt like.
"There's a Maji's burger close by," Atsushi said. "We have been walking around for a couple of hours."
He led her to the Maji's burger feeling like old day and almost expected to see the others coming and joining them as well. But he was glad it was just him and Mac right now. She was smiling at him and listening when he talked. He talked and talked telling her about school and the bakery and almost everything he had been thinking.
She just listened and he knew she understood.
He didn't want to question why she was there; he was simply happy she was. He missed her but knew she was busy with school, basketball and her magic lessons. She had enough on her plate, and he didn't want to bother her with his issues.
He would rather be sad than putting more on her. He knew she would immediately drop whatever she had going on and turn to help him if he asked. So, he didn't ask. It was better to be sad and confused than to make her sad.
...
"It's getting late," Atsushi said looking up at the sky. "Do you have to go home now?"
Mac looked at him and saw the sad look on his face.
"Um… I can stay if I just find someplace to sleep," Mac said. "Himuro said to let him know and he would help."
"You can stay with me," Atsushi said not wanting Himuro to be the one helping her.
Mac looked at him and shrugged, "okay."
He smiled and she followed him back toward the school and when they entered through the gates they turned left, and she guessed it would lead to where the dorms were located. She didn't mind them walking in silence, knowing that sometimes silence was good.
Mac paused when she saw Atsushi stop and then saw Himuro coming out of the building.
"I thought I saw you coming," he said. "I take it you're staying?"
"Yeah," Mac said.
"It's not really allowed with guests in the dorms," Himuro said. "But if you stay in Atsushi's room and he stays with me, it should not cause too many problems. Besides, we don't have to tell anyone."
Mac frowned a little, "I don't want to get you into trouble."
"It's fine," Atsushi said. "I don't want Mac-chin to leave yet."
"Well, okay," Mac said.
"Your uncle knows you're here, right?" Himuro asked. "Or should I not let Taiga know that I know you are here?"
"He knows," Mac said. "I asked and he trusts me. And my friends."
She looked at Atsushi who smiled back at her.
Mac noticed that Himuro gave Atsushi a look before smiling softly but didn't say anything. He just turned his attention to her.
"So, we'll sneak you in!" he said with a grin. "It'll be fun."
Mac was wondering if this really was a good idea. She really didn't want to get them into trouble… but she knew she couldn't just go home and then come back tomorrow without raising questions. Besides, Atsushi told her he wanted her to stay.
"Okay," Mac said.
...
The actual sneaking in part was easier than one would imagine. She just climbed in through Atsushi's window. She couldn't help but feel a little silly doing it but laughed when Atsushi grinned and looked happy. If it made him happy she would do it again.
"Nice room," she said looking around as she also helped Nao out of the bag. He jumped onto her shoulders eyeing Atsushi and Himuro for a moment before settling. "It's very you."
Atsushi shrugged, "I like it."
Mac noticed the cookbooks and walked over to them and was surprised (kind of) by the amount of them on the shelf. She hummed thoughtfully as she looked them over.
"I love that picture," Mac said noticing a picture of her together with Atsushi after one of the Nationals wins at Teiko. She was on his shoulders and laughing as he held her steady.
"Mac-chin always liked high places," Atsushi said.
"I do," Mac smiled. "You always were the tallest one of us."
"Mine-chin is tall too," Atsushi said.
"I know," Mac said. "Both of you are annoyingly tall."
Atsushi laughed.
"Ah, you made it!" Himuro said as he entered the room. "Don't you feel like a rebel?"
"You make it sound like we're in a movie or something," Mac said amused and Himuro shrugged.
"It's been boring around here," he said. "We have to make our fun somewhere. You should change the bed, Atsushi. I've put out the spare mattress in my room for you, so come over when you're done talking, okay? I'll leave you two alone."
"Thank you, Himuro," Mac said.
"Don't mention it," he waved her off and left the room again.
"He is a good friend to you," Mac said looking over at Atsushi who was frowning a little. "Atsushi?"
"I don't know why," he said.
"Why he is your friend?" Mac asked and he nodded. "He likes you, Atsushi. You're a nice person and sweet."
"I was mean to him," Atsushi said after a pause. "When we played…"
Mac walked over to him and put a hand on his arm making him look at her.
"Hey," she said softly. "He's not mad at you, and if you say you're sorry he'll tell you that."
She wanted to say more but at the same time didn't want to push him. Not yet, at least. For now, she just wanted to take a little more time to observe before she said anything.
...
Mac helped to change the bed and listened to Atsushi talk about school. He was complaining about a test and Mac felt her lips twitch.
"If only Mac-chin was here to help me," Atsushi sighed. "It was better when we were at Teiko. Mac-chin always helped us with our homework."
"You helped me as well," Mac said. "You just need to focus, Atsushi."
He shrugged.
"You like studying those cookbooks, don't you?" Mac asked making him look over at her and nod.
"Yes," he said.
"So, you can study," Mac pointed out. "True, it is easier to study when it's something you're interested in, but you do know. Maybe you should set yourself a goal? You know, something that makes it easier to motivate yourself?"
He looked thoughtful.
"Do you want to work with food when you're done with school, Atsushi?" Mac asked sitting down at the bed and looked over at her friend.
He shrugged.
"You'd be good at it," Mac said.
"I want to make sweets," Atsushi said. "Desserts, I think."
Mac hummed, "I'd come and eat your desserts, and I know the others would too."
He smiled shyly before it fell away. "Mum and dad think it's not good enough. They think I should do economics or something like that."
Mac hummed, "but it is your life and your choice. Maybe they just need to see that you're serious about it?"
Atsushi frowned. "How can I do that?"
He looked at her so hopefully that she felt like she had to have the perfect solution even if she weren't sure how he could do that. She hummed.
"Let's think," Mac said trying to think.
She didn't know his parents, so she wasn't sure how to convince them that Atsushi's dream lied in food and she just couldn't see him doing an office job. It just wasn't him. But how to show this… she frowned as she remembered something.
"What if you got a part-time job working with food?" Mac asked. "Is that something you think you would be able to do besides school?"
He blinked.
"What kind of job?" Atsushi asked.
"I saw a help-needed sign at the bakery," Mac said. "You could apply?"
He was silent and she knew he was thinking. She didn't say anything as she allowed him to think, she didn't want to push him either. It had to be his decision if it were something he could like doing.
"Think about it," Mac said. "You don't have to decide anything now. If you don't want to do that, then we'll think about something else, okay?"
"Okay," he said.
...
The next morning Mac woke early and yawned as she sat up feeling a moment of confusion about where she was before she remembered. She smiled a little as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. She knew that she would leave later today, she had told her uncle she would only be gone for a day (and one night).
She got ready for the day deciding it was best to do so early (less chance of running into someone she shouldn't) and went back to the room. She wondered if she should ask Atsushi about basketball later, or if he would mention it. So far they hadn't really talked about it, only a few references here and there.
She sighed. She didn't know how to go about this. She didn't want him to quit basketball. She would lie if she said it wouldn't be disappointing, but at the same time, she didn't want him to continue if he really didn't like it. She wanted him to be happy and it was clear to her that food and especially pastry and sweets were what made Atsushi smile and look like an excited child. Adorable, really.
He had supported her, so she would support him too.
Her phone rang and she smiled amused as she saw that it was Daiki. She had just texted him last night before going to bed, so she wasn't really surprised that he would call her today. Well, maybe a little surprised that it was so early.
"Morning," Mac said as she answered the phone. "I'm surprised you're up this early."
"Kenzie," Daiki said and she heard the eye-roll through the phone, "I don't always sleep in."
"True," Mac said, "I guess you haven't slept at all tonight, then."
"Funny," he said but he laughed, "I slept just fine, thanks."
"Good," Mac said.
"How is Murasakibara?" Daiki asked.
"Confused," Mac said simply. "But he's good."
"Okay," Daiki said. "Is he still not playing?"
"No," Mac said, "don't know if he will go back to it or not."
"He should," Daiki said. "He's good."
"He must enjoy it too, you know," Mac said. "If he doesn't like it…"
"He likes it," Daiki protested. "He does. He wouldn't have been able to enter the zone if he didn't."
"True," Mac said, "but if he…"
"Well, I guess it is his choice," Daiki said. "I just don't think giving up is the answer."
"Hm," Mac frowned feeling worried. "I just want him to do what makes him happy."
"He will," Daiki said. "You'll make sure of that."
Mac frowned, "but I don't want to be the one to push him. He…"
"He listens to you," Daiki said. "He always turned to you or Akashi if he was bothered by something. Just be there and he'll find the answer. Trust him."
"Thanks, Daiki," Mac said. "Who knew you could actually say something…smart."
"Oi!" Daiki protested. "I do that all the time!"
Mac laughed relaxing a little. They talked some more until she heard the soft knock on the door. She quickly said goodbye to Daiki and went to open it (it was the knock they had agreed on the day before just in case because it wouldn't be wise for her to open the door and there being someone else on the other side).
"Good morning, Mac-chin," Atsushi smiled.
"Morning, Atsushi," Mac smiled. "How are you feeling today?"
"Good," Atsushi said.
"That's good," Mac smiled.
...
Himuro came with food soon after and Mac smiled as she thanked him and invited him to stay with them to eat. Atsushi nodded along and Himuro accepted as he sat down.
"How did your training camp go?" Himuro asked. "Taiga said you would be joining up for a training camp last weekend."
"Yeah," Mac said, "it went alright. It was fun."
Atsushi looked at her but didn't say anything. He had a pensive look on his face though.
"Taiga said something about an obstacle course?" Himuro asked.
"Riko and I put it together," Mac nodded. "It was six obstacles…"
She continued to tell them about the obstacle course and how they had planned it and executed it. Himuro was nodding along asking questions here and there while Atsushi was listening.
"Sounds fun," Himuro said. "Wish we had something like that."
"You could arrange it, you know," Mac said.
"Maybe," Himuro said.
"Mine-chin is still having fun playing?" Atsushi asked.
"Mm? Oh, yeah," Mac said. "He is. Especially when he gets to play against Taiga. The two of them challenge each other all the time now. I think he was meeting both Taiga and Tetsu today to play."
"Oh," Atsushi said.
She looked at him and noticed the small glint of longing in his eyes and made a mental note to think about it later.
"Well, I have to get going," Himuro said. "We have a practice today since we lost one earlier this week. So… See you later, Mac. If I don't see you before you leave, have a safe trip home."
"Thanks," Mac said and waved at him.
...
They were in the park again and Mac looked at Atsushi. He had been quiet since they left the dorms and she knew he needed to think so she didn't say anything. They found a bench and Mac allowed Nao to get out to run around a little since there was almost no one around. He kept close by anyway.
"Would Mac-chin hate me if I didn't play basketball?" Atsushi suddenly asked.
Mac blinked, "eh? No! Of course not, Atsushi."
"I know you said to take time," Atsushi said. "And I have…"
"Atsushi," Mac said. "I promise you that I won't hate you, okay? The others won't either. They might be sad that you don't play anymore, but they will support you. If you have other interests, then it's fine. As long as you're happy."
"Do you want to quit basketball, Atsushi?" Mac asked seriously. "Do you not enjoy anything about it anymore?"
"I…I don't know," Atsushi said.
"Do you like being with Himuro and your friends?" Mac asked.
"I like that," Atsushi said. "Muro-chin is nice."
"Do you like playing with them?" Mac asked.
"A little," Atsushi said. "But I haven't…"
"Do you miss it?" Mac asked knowing she was pushing a little despite telling herself that she wouldn't, but she needed to ask and he needed to think about it.
"I…" he started but frowned a little before he nodded, "yes, a little."
"I know it's hard being better than everyone else," Mac said gently. "I know you are stronger than most, and you're good. It comes easily for you, but you will find challenges when playing. Maybe not in every game, but in some. Look for it where you can, Atsushi. And focus on having fun with your friends."
He grimaced, "fun isn't…"
"I know that you don't think fun is relevant in the game," Mac said, "but then focus on being with your friends. You like that, right?"
"Yes," Atsushi admitted.
"Why don't you try a little more and see how it goes?" Mac asked. "Even if you continue with basketball, it doesn't mean that you can't find something else you also like. Like the bakery, for example?"
"You think I could really do it?" Atsushi asked.
"I know you can," Mac said surely.
...
Mac ended up going with him to practice so he could talk to his coach Araki and see if he could get back to the game. She glanced at him as they made their way to the gym not sure if she was doing the right thing. Was she pressuring him to go back?
"Are you sure you want this?" Mac asked." Ah, sorry. I just don't want to push you into something you don't want to do."
"I know," Atsushi said with a soft smile.
"Okay, then," Mac said.
They entered the gym now and she heard the familiar sound of a basketball bouncing on the parquet. It made her smile at the comforting sound. She saw Himuro and Liu Wei, doing a drill together while some of the others did something else. She saw a few new faces here as well. She realised that Okamura and Fukui were both gone and had graduated (of course they had been third years last year).
"Murasakibara," Araki said appearing at their side. "Oh, and Potter-san."
"Araki-san," Mac nodded.
"Coach," Atsushi said.
Mac glanced at her friend and nudged him giving him an encouraging smile. She looked over at Araki and saw the searching look on her face as she watched Atsushi. Mac had to bite her tongue to stop herself from speaking knowing that Atsushi had to do it himself.
"You want to come back?" Araki asked when the silence dragged out becoming slightly uncomfortable.
"Yes, coach," Atsushi said not looking at her. "Can we talk?"
He glanced at Mac again who gave another encouraging smile and Araki nodded.
"Let's go to my office," she said.
"I'll wait here, Atsushi," Mac said. "You can do it."
He nodded and followed Araki to her office leaving Mac alone in the gym with his team. Himuro who had noticed them came jogging over.
"He left you alone?" He smiled.
"Yeah," Mac said.
"I take it is a good sign that he is here?" Himuro asked and she saw the question in his eyes.
"Probably," Mac said. "Though, I don't know what your coach will say."
"So, you want to play?" Himuro asked.
Mac looked at him and then over his shoulders. "I don't want to interrupt your practice."
"You won't," he said. "Come on, I would really like to get the chance to play you."
Mac gave in, "fine. I'm not really dressed for it, but who cares, right?"
"Right," he grinned.
She followed to the court he wanted to use and caught the ball when he tossed it to her. She grinned.
It was easier to distract herself from Atsushi's talk with his coach when she got to play basketball and she didn't even notice the others stopping to watch her and Himuro playing.
She also took the time to observe him as they played and noticed that he had gotten stronger.
"You're more balanced," Mac commented as she dribbled the ball. "And calmer than you used to be."
He smiled, "you think so?"
"Mm," she said, "but you still keep your weight on the wrong foot."
She sped up her dribbling and faked going to one side before spinning and stepping to the other and jumped up as she released the ball and watched as it flew through the air and through the hoop.
Himuro grumbled, "that eye of yours shouldn't be allowed."
Mac smirked, "sorry, don't think that's how it works."
...
Atsushi came back to the gym and wasn't surprised to see mac playing against Himuro looking like she was having fun. He smiled a little. He was glad he got to see her play, she always (well almost always) looked free when she played. Like she was finally where she belonged.
"She is good," Araki said.
"Mac-chin is the best," Atsushi said simply.
Araki smiled a little and watched how Mac and Himuro played and it looked like Mac was winning but Himuro was doing a good job in keeping up with her.
"Ah, they're back," Mac suddenly stopped and looked at them making Himuro pause as well. "How did it go, Atsushi?"
"I'm back on the team," Atsushi said. "Coach allowed me to do as we talked about."
Mac looked at Araki before smiling at Atsushi, "good."
Atsushi nodded. He had talked with Araki and asked to be allowed back on the team, but that he would need to be able to focus on the bakery as well.
They had already stopped by the bakery and asked Hiro-san (he had told Atsushi to call him that) about the job and since he already knew Atsushi (from the frequent visits) had agreed to give him the job. He would be working on the weekends for the most part but also weekdays here and there but it would be adjusted to fit with his school and basketball.
Atsushi liked that he would be able to combine the two things he wanted to do. He was glad he could learn more about food and pastry and that he could keep playing basketball since it did connect him to Mac and the others. They would support him if he quit, he knew that and Mac had been very clear on it, but he still wasn't ready to give it up. Not just yet. He just… couldn't entirely give himself to basketball anymore. Not like he used to.
But Mac had thought about the perfect solution. He would make a deal with Araki about playing, being honest that he wanted to play but also needed to do something else. That he would come to the practices but also be allowed to have the job at the bakery and adjust his schedule for that.
It might be a little different, but it was the best he could do at the moment. And Araki had agreed as long as he didn't complain while he was at practice and did what he was told.
It had been hard to tell Araki what he thought and what it would take for him to keep playing, but it was worth it.
"Good job, Atsushi," Mac said quietly.
...
"Thank you," Mac said looking at Araki.
"He is a good player for our team," Araki said. "We are stronger with him."
"Still, thank you," Mac said. "It means a lot to him."
Araki hummed and looked at her.
"A good coach also adjust for her players' needs," Araki said. "You have a good way of handling him."
"I'm not handling him," Mac protested, "I'm just his friend. This is what he wants, and I just listened."
"If you say so," Araki said. "I'm curious to see how you and your team develop this year. I was impressed with your strategy at the final of the Winter Cup."
"It wasn't just me," Mac said.
"You are humble," Araki said amused. "I can see why Harasawa allows you so much freedom."
Mac glanced at her, "he is a good coach."
Araki looked over her team who was stretching after their practice and Atsushi who was talking with Himuro while the other boy did his stretches.
"He used to be arrogant and stubborn refusing to listen to anyone who wasn't himself," Araki said. "But he seems to have changed a little."
Mac just shrugged, "I don't know anything about that."
"I'm not going to spread rumours about your coach," Araki said with a look. "But he is a hard man to impress."
Mac just shrugged again not really knowing what to say. She was glad when Atsushi and Himuro came over.
"Ready to go? Muro-chin said he would treat us to food," Atsushi said.
"I'm ready," Mac said.
"I'll let you go," Araki said and started to walk away before she paused and turned to look at them with an amused glint in her eyes. "Oh, and one more thing; I'm going to pretend that I don't know where you slept last night."
They stared at her and she laughed as she turned around again. She had seen Mac the day before when she first arrived at the school and met Himuro. It wasn't that hard to guess how they had solved the sleeping arrangement. Yes, she should have intervened, but she also knew that Atsushi saw Mac as his sister and needed her right now (and she may or may not have made sure they didn't share a room), so she was not really feeling guilty for letting it slide this time.
Besides, it was fun to watch their shocked expressions.
...
...
AN: What do you think? XD
So... Murasakibara demanded some attention in this chapter. I hadn't planned on having the whole chapter be basically Mac and Atsushi bonding time, but it just turned out this way and I didn't want to fight it. ;) Hehe. Hope you liked it! XD
Thank you for reading and for your support! XD