Hi guys!

I hope you are all doing well!

First I would like to thank AlexisHard for reviewing! I'm sure she is not a Pisces. Emiyo has a sweet side to her but she is also honest and has a more fiery side to her, espiecially when someone threatens or talks badly about her friends. But once they change, so will she. Regarding Himuro. I see where you are coming from and this might be an aspect I will explore once he is introduced.

Next I want to thank ethompson928 for reviewing! I love jealous Aomine too. I'm so glad to hear you liked the Culture Festival! It shows all of them in an normal environment for once and I really liked writing that. Thank you so much for your sweet words and don't worry I will be crying with you in the corner!

I already know how she will react when they start playing between themselves and getting bored. And let me tell you, you will all be introduced to a different side of hers. I'm really torn, because part or me wants to keep them innocent and their friendship intact but another part of me is ready to let the story unfold and let them mature... The struggle is real! Thank you for saying I'm able to keep them in character. This is very important to me. I spent a lot of time analyzing each scene and thinking how they would react and what they would say. It's hard to write Murasakibara and Midorima but sooo much fun as well. I just love them!

Anyways, I always love reading what you have to say! It puts a smile on my face every time.

Enjoy Chapter 25! A slightly more emotional chapter for me to write.

Chapter 25: Birthday Celebration

November passed and December began.

I was hoping every day for snow to fall but until now my prayers were ignored.

It was cold and windy outside but no snowflake on the horizon. But with the beginning of December came something else as well.

My birthday.

I would become fourteen on the 8th.

Momoi began casually asking me what I had planned for this day and I shrugged every time. I knew that she was planning something, because unfortunately she wasn't able to hide her plans from me.

I had also an idea what I could organize but I wasn't sure how it would be received.

But one day during lunch I cleared my throat to get their attention. When they turned to look at me. I began to speak.

"As some of you might know my birthday is on Saturday." I said.

"Everybody here knows when your birthday is." Midorima said sternly and I smiled softly at him.

"Let her speak." Aomine said sounding annoyed and both of them started to bicker and I took a deep breath and waited for them to finish.

When they noticed that they were keeping me from speaking further they eventually stopped. But not before exchanging annoyed glances with one another.

"Yes. As I said my birthday is on Saturday." I said looking around my group of friends.

"And I wanted to invite you over to my place and I would love to do a sleepover."

I hesitated saying the last part.

"But I understand if you would rather not come."

I was about to ramble on when Momoi interrupted me.

"What are you talking about?" She said excitedly.

"Of course, I would like to come. Count me in." She said beaming at me.

I returned her smile.

"Great." I said.

"I'm coming as well." Aomine said smiling brightly at me.

"Me too, Emi-chin." Murasakibara said while patting my head gently.

I turned to look at Kuroko who nodded.

"I'm coming too." He said. "Thank you for the invitation."

I smiled and then Akashi spoke up.

"I will be coming as well."

"Great." I said and then I turned to the last person from our group who hasn't spoken up yet.

"Shin?" I asked a bit hesitant.

"Of course, I'm coming." He said while he held his glasses in place with his index finger.

"What kind of question is that?"

I was beaming excitedly in my seat. Everybody would come. What more can I wish for?

xXx

Saturday morning came and I was woken up by my phone ringing. I looked at the display and smiled when I saw who was calling me.

It was my mum.

"Hello?" I asked hoarsely.

"Morning love." She said. "Happy Birthday."

I immediately felt a sort of longing. I missed them dearly and I didn't know when I would see them again.

"Thank you, Mum." I said and then I heard two other voices call out the same thing.

"Dad? Tenjin?" I asked and I heard the voice of my brother Tenjin on the other side of the phone.

"Of course, it's us. Who else could it be?" He asked sarcastically and I rolled my eyes.

"Miss you too, dear brother."

I heard him chuckle.

"How are you Emiyo?" My father asked me.

"I'm good. Just missing you that's all."

"We miss you too." My mother said and I smiled softly at her words.

"What are your plans for today?" She then asked.

"I'm having a sleepover with my friends." I said excitedly.

I couldn't wait for them to show up. But that wouldn't be for another couple of hours. I had told them to come late afternoon.

"These boys you can't stop telling us about?" Tenjin asked and I rolled my eyes.

"Sa-chan is coming as well." I said.

"Doesn't matter." He said immediately.

"There will still be how many boys present?" He asked.

"Five." I said.

"Five." He exclaimed loudly and I could hear my parents chuckle at my brothers' antics.

I heard him leave the room and then my mother spoke up sounding highly amused.

"He just said he will take the next flight to Tokyo."

I laughed.

"Since when is he so protective?" I asked still chuckling.

"He was always protective over you." My mother said gently.

"But now that you're away he worries a lot. Even though he would never want me to tell you."

"Oh Tenjin." I said quietly.

"Emiyo." My mother said.

"Yes?"

"Your father and I had an idea." She said slowly and I waited for her to continue.

"We would like for you to come home for Christmas."

My smile immediately widened.

"I would love that as well."

"Excellent." My father said. "You've been gone far too long."

"I know." I said.

"But I will be returning to Tokyo, right?" I asked just to make sure.

"Yes." My mother said and I knew that she wasn't lying to me.

"We just don't want you to spent Christmas alone. Even though Akahana had already contacted me and asked if it would be alright if they invited you over for Christmas."

"She did?" I asked surprised.

"Hai." My mother said. "But we told her that you would come home."

"I'm surprised Sa-chan hasn't said anything."

My mother laughed. "She probably didn't know about it, otherwise you would have been the first one to hear about it."

"That's right." I said joining into her laughter.

"Have fun today, alright?" My mother said softly and I smiled holding on to my phone a bit more tightly.

"Of course, mum." I said. "I wish you could get to know all of them. They are really amazing."

"I have the feeling I already do." She said and I chuckled.

"Do I really talk about them so much?" I asked.

"Yes, you do." Tenjin said having re-entered the room.

"I would like to have a little chat with them." He said and from his tone I could hear that it wouldn't be a friendly conversation.

More of a grilling from my brother's side.

"If you want to intimidate them, good luck with that." I said laughing. "I think you will be the one intimidated in the end."

"Pfff." He said. "I can take on some basketball players."

I snorted.

"Yeah right." I said. "Do I need to remind you that they are not only taller than you but older as well?"

"And what?" He said defensively. "Besides I am taller now. I have grown since the last time you've seen me."

"Oh Tenjin." I said. "I doubt you will be taller than Shin or Atsushi."

"I don't care." He said loudly and my parents laughed.

"I think there is no point in arguing with your brother." My father said and I had to agree with him.

"One day you will meet them all." I said softly and I could picture my brother having his arms crossed in front of his chest and looking sullen.

"They better be prepared." He said and I rolled my eyes.

"Alright." I said.

"So dear." My mother said. "Enjoy your birthday and don't forget to tell us all about it."

"Thank you, mum. I will."

"See you soon, love." My father said and I smiled softly.

"Bye dad."

"Be careful with those guys." Tenjin said and I rolled my eyes.

"Love you too little brother."

I heard him murmur something and I smiled before I hang up the phone.

I would see them soon.

This made the start into my birthday even better.

I looked at my alarm clock and noticed that it was already 10 a.m. I had really slept in. I looked once more at my phone and noticed that I had an unread message. I opened it and smiled when I saw from who it was.

From: Aomine Daiki

To: Masako Emiyo

Re: Text me

Hey Em! Good morning and Happy Birthday. Write me back as soon as you're awake.

I did and a moment later my doorbell rang.

I frowned not putting one and one together. I got up and walked still half asleep towards my door.

When I opened it, my eyes widened in surprise.

Standing in front of me was Aomine, wearing his thick winter jacket and smiling brightly at me. His face slightly red from the cold outside.

"Good morning, sleepy head." He said and he entered while I closed the door, freezing from the winter breeze he had brought in.

I was still in shock that he was already here. He took off his coat and his shoes before he wrapped his arms around me and lifted me in the air. He swung me around while saying loudly.

"Happy Birthday, Em."

I chuckled and when he let me down, I felt slightly dizzy.

"Thank you, Daiki." I said smiling brightly at the boy in front of me.

"But what are you already doing here?" I asked.

"I couldn't wait till later." He said shrugging innocently. "Besides I wanted to spent some time with you on your birthday without the others and so I decided I would make you some breakfast."

"You're making me breakfast?" I asked not entirely sure I had heard correctly.

"Hai." He said. "It's your birthday. You should have someone who is making you breakfast."

"That's sweet of you." I said blushing slightly. I was extremely touched by his gesture.

We walked to the kitchen and he immediately went behind the counter. He had brought in a couple of bags I hadn't even noticed until now.

"What did you bring?" I asked curiously.

"You will see later." He said smiling mysteriously and I groaned.

"Daiki you know how impatient I am."

"I know." He said. "But that's what makes it fun."

"But it's my birthday." I said. "You shouldn't be torturing me on my birthday."

I was looking at him with my big silver eyes but he didn't give in.

"Doesn't work like that." He said and I muttered something under my breath.

He chuckled.

"Besides." He said and his eyes were twinkling. "Cute pyjamas."

I looked down and saw that indeed I was still wearing pyjamas. I hadn't even noticed but I didn't mind it either. Because I agreed with him.

They were cute.

I had some green shorts on and a white top with pineapples all over it.

"I know right." I said smiling proudly.

He chuckled.

"What would you like to drink?" He asked.

"A coffee please." I said and I took a seat at the counter.

"Daiki you know you don't have to do this." I said.

"I know." He said giving me a soft smile. "But I want to."

I returned his smile and thanked him when he handed me my coffee.

He began to work and I observed him the entire time. I couldn't help but to feel like I was the luckiest girl in the entire world having someone like him in my life.

"Daiki." I said slowly having just realised something.

"Mhm?" He asked not looking up from his work.

"How long have you been standing in front of my door?"

At this he stopped and he chuckled awkwardly, his hand gliding through his hair.

"Well." He began. "I didn't know when you would get up so I had to come here early."

"How long Daiki?" I asked already dreading his answer.

"Two hours." He said quietly and my eyes widened.

"Please tell me you're joking?" I said but he shook his head.

"I'm not." He said.

"Daiki you should have rung the bell. It's freezing outside." I said and he shrugged.

"Didn't want to wake you up."

I facepalmed.

"What if you get sick?" I asked urgently.

"It was worth it." He said and I groaned.

"Sometimes you do incredibly stupid things."

He shrugged again.

"Only for you." He said winking at me and I blushed slightly.

I rolled my eyes seeing the smug look on his face when he noticed my blush. I got up from my seat and walked towards him. He was about to protest while turning towards me but I simply brought my arms around his waist and hugged him while burying my face in his chest.

"Thank you, Daiki." I said.

"But next time you ring that bell." I said the last part looking seriously up into his deep blue eyes but he simply smiled softly at me.

"Yeah, yeah." He said and I rolled my eyes at him, which caused him to laugh. I felt the vibration of his body against mine and I let go of him.

"You can be really stubborn sometimes." I said which caused him to laugh even harder.

"You're the one to talk."

"Do you really want to start an argument about who is more stubborn?" I asked raising an eyebrow at the boy in front of me.

He shook his head.

"Better not." He said. "It would go all day and today is supposed to be a great day for you, so I will give you that one."

"Good choice." I said winking at him.

"Go sit down." He said nodding at the table. "Breakfast is ready."

I did as I was ordered and as soon as I was seated Aomine brought over the breakfast he had prepared.

To say I was impressed was an understatement.

He had made some classic Japanese breakfast dishes and it looked delicious.

"I didn't know you could cook." I said still stunned at all the different dishes in front of me.

"I try not to be offended by that." He said jokingly and I nudged his side.

"You know what I mean." I said. "You either forget your bento, or your mum makes it. So, it never occurred to me that you might be a good cook."

He chuckled.

"I'm usually too lazy to cook, but when I was younger my mum made sure to teach me how to cook. Or at least she made sure that I am able to prepare the simplest of dishes." He said.

At that I laughed.

"I'm glad you decided to show me your skills today." I said softly. "Because it all looks amazing."

"Then let's dig in." He said.

I smiled at him and nodded.

"Itadakimasu." We said in unison.

The food was fantastic and continued chatting about everything and nothing without really noticing the time that was flying by.

"So, what do you want to do today?" Aomine asked leaning back in his seat.

"Mhm." I said thinking about the different possibilities. "I didn't really think about it to be honest."

He chuckled.

He looked out of my window and I saw that the sky was covered in clouds but otherwise it looked like it wouldn't rain today.

"Weather seems to be holding so we can do anything you want." The way he said it made me blush a little.

"Ehm, I really don't know." I said awkwardly.

"We can also stay here." He proposed. "We don't have to go outside. It's cold anyway."

"Yeah, you would know." I said giving him a hard look while he laughed.

"How about we watch a movie." He said looking as his watch. "The others will be here soon so we couldn't go far anyway."

"Sounds like a plan." I said and I got up. I was about to take the dishes when his hand stopped me.

I looked at him questioningly and he gently shook his head.

"Go choose a movie and I will take care of the dishes."

I was about to say something when he cut me off.

"No need to argue with me."

I immediately closed my mouth and he looked immensely pleased with himself.

"Fine." I said and I walked over to my TV where I had an assortment of DVDs stored in the chest of drawers underneath it.

I was sifting through them when I suddenly felt Aomine standing behind me. His hand reached over my sitting form on the ground and he took hold of one.

"This one." He said.

"Jurassic Park?" I asked amused while looking up at him.

He nodded.

"Fine by me." I said and I inserted the DVD before getting up.

I walked over to the couch when I noticed he had brought my blanket from my room and even some snacks to munch on during the movie.

"It looks like you have planned this." I said nodding at the snacks.

He shrugged innocently.

"I don't know what you're talking about." He said and I laughed.

I sat down on the couch and he sat down next to me. He laid the blanket over the both of us and I brought my legs up into a more comfortable position. I leaned back into the cushions of the couch and he pressed play.

The movie began and I watched the story unfold. But during the movie I noticed Aomine fidgeting nervously with his hands. He seemed that he was pondering about something. I didn't know what was bothering him and I was debating whether to ask him or simply let him be when I noticed his arm was slowly moving towards me.

I immediately held my breath but tried to act at the same time like I hadn't noticed it. My eyes were fixed on the screen but I was observing from the corner of my eyes the movement of his arms.

He slowly lifted his arm up and placed it on the couch cushion behind my head. He wasn't touching me so I didn't react in hopes of seeing what he would do. One of his fingers began to slowly and with a bit of hesitation trace my shoulder. When I felt his finger, I instinctively turned to look at him.

"Does it bother you?" He asked.

I shook my head.

"No." I said quietly.

Encouraged by my answer he moved his arm from the couch to my shoulder.

I smiled at him and he smiled back at me.

I took all the courage I had in me but I moved to snuggle my body into his.

My head was now on his shoulder and he had his arm firmly around mine. My body was touching his and I couldn't help but to feel happy. My heartbeat began to beat faster when his long arm reached towards my hand. Our fingers intertwined and we remained like that for the entirety of the movie.

I didn't know what had me captured more.

The movie or Aomines hand wrapped around mine.

I had begun to trace it's outline with my free hand. He didn't say anything nor did he seem to mind. When the credits started to play, we remained like this for a while longer. I didn't want to move but after a while I realised, I had no other choice. I had to get dressed before the others arrived. I couldn't possibly greet them still wearing my pyjamas.

I cleared my throat and said rather awkwardly.

"I think I need to get changed before the others arrive."

He nodded.

"Right." He said and he let go of my hand.

I took it as a cue to stand up and I immediately regretted it because I missed the warmth that had been radiating off his body.

"I will be right back." I said before I took my blanket and walked into my room.

I took a few deep breaths when I closed the door behind me and then I went and got changed.

I also visited my bathroom and brushed my hair so I would look a bit more presentable. I walked back into my living room and found Aomine still sitting on my couch.

"Hey." I said and he turned to look at me.

"Hey." I said right back.

I smiled at him. I walked over and sat down.

"Em." He said quietly and I looked questioningly at him.

"I, ehm…" He started and I noticed a small blush appear on his cheek.

"Yes?" I said quietly.

I tried to act normal but I was eager to hear what he had to say.

"We, ehm…"

I continued to look at him but he appeared to be struggling to find the right words.

He opened his mouth one more time when the doorbell rang.

"What did you want to say?" I said remaining where I was instead of standing up and answering the door.

He shook his head.

"I will tell you some other time." He said softly. "Go open the door. It will be the others."

I nodded trying to act not too disappointed.

I really wanted to know what he was about to tell me but I had no other option than to wait.

I stood up and walked towards the door, which rang again. I opened it and right enough everybody was standing in front of it.

"Took you long enough." Midorima said when I smiled at them and let them in.

I rolled my eyes.

"I'm happy to see you too, Shin." I said jokingly before I was almost suffocated my Momoi.

"Happy Birthday, Emi-chan." She said loudly.

"Thank you, Sa-chan." I said with the last breath I had in me.

Luckily, she let me go and I could recover.

But the next moment I was lifted from the ground and hugged once more.

"Happy Birthday, Emi-chin." Murasakibara said and I chuckled.

"Thank you, Atsushi."

He let me down gently.

Someone tapped on my shoulder and when I turned around, I was surprised to find Akashi with his arm stretched out invitingly.

I smiled brightly at him and he hugged me tightly before saying quietly.

"Happy Birthday, Emiyo."

"Thank you, Seijuro." I said.

We looked each other in the eyes and when neither one of us said anything we knew that we were both on the same page.

It had been long overdue that we called one another by our first name anyway.

Kuroko hugged me next.

"Happy Birthday, Masako-san." He said and I chuckled.

"Thank you, Kuroko-kun."

The others already went ahead and I could hear their surprise when they spotted Aomine.

Only Midorima and I remained in the entryway.

He was holding his glasses in place but after a while he seemed to get over his initial irritation when he said softly

"Happy Birthday, Emiyo."

He hugged my tightly and I couldn't help but to hug him tightly back.

"Thank you, Shin."

We walked into my living room and I could see the surprise on Midorimas face when he spotted Aomine.

"Should have known there was a reason you kept us waiting." He said.

"I don't know what you mean." I said rolling my eyes at him in amusement.

We joined the others and when I sat down Momoi was smiling brightly at me.

"Everything alright, Sa-chan?" I asked amused.

She nodded her head.

"I'm just so excited for today."

I chuckled and I exchanged an amused look with Akashi.

"So." Akashi said calmly. "What do you want to do, birthday girl?"

"Mhm." I said looking out of the window.

"Basketball." I said simply and Murasakibara groaned.

"You spent clearly too much time with Aomine." Midorima said while giving Aomine a hard look.

"Hey." Aomine immediately exclaimed. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Midorima was about so say something when to everyone's surprise Kuroko spoke up.

"I would like to play basketball with you, Masako-san. I have only played a one-on-one with you but I have never seen you play in a team before. But from what I heard your team won the last time."

I smiled at him.

"We're not starting this discussion again." I said when I saw both Aomine and Midorima were about to clarify why they lost.

"Besides." I said smirking. "You can make up for it today."

That of course got them.

Momoi and I exchanged an amused look when five minutes later we were walking to the basketball court nearby.

"Boys." She said giggling. "They are so predictable."

I chuckled as well.

Aomine was leading the way and I was surprised when he didn't walk into the direction of our usual court.

The one hidden in the park.

Instead, he led us to another court a bit farther away. We put our bags down and I took off my jacket. I walked on the court and began to stretch my body. Aomine joined me and I said quietly to him.

"I'm surprised we're not using our usual court."

He remained quiet for a while.

"I didn't want the others to see it. It's something that belongs only to the two of us."

I blushed slightly when I heard his reasoning. The others joined us on the court and luckily my blush went unnoticed. Mainly due to the reason that everybody had rosy cheeks from the cold weather.

"So, are we really doing a rematch?" I asked cheekily.

Aomine and Midorima exchanged a look and it was a rare sight to see them agree on something.

"I will be the referee then." Momoi said excitedly.

"And Tetsu is joining us." Aomine said clapping Kuroko on the back.

Kuroko nodded and I could see Midorima eyeing him from the corner of his eyes.

He sighed.

"You better take this seriously, Kuroko." He said before all three of them walked to the other side of the court.

"Oh Shin." I said quietly and Akashi chuckled.

"Maybe it's for the best when those two play together." He said. "It may finally lead Shintaro to accept Kuroko."

"Hopefully." I said eyeing my green haired friend who was in a heated discussion with Aomine, while Kuroko was standing next to them being his usual calm and collected self.

"We better talk strategy." I said. "They won't go easy on us."

"Nor will we, Emiyo." Akashi said and I smiled.

"I will take on Mido-chin." Murasakibara said.

"Good." Akashi said. "I will be keeping Kuroko in check."

"Which leaves me to take care of Daiki." I said.

"Yes." Akashi said smiling confidently.

"Nothing easier than that." I said jokingly and both Akashi and Murasakibara laughed.

"You know we will be here to support you." Akashi said and I nodded.

"Of course, you are." I said giving both of them a soft smile.

"I know I can count on the both of you."

"Then let's start."

"Hai."

We walked towards the center line and I could see the determination in our opponents' eyes.

Murasakibara naturally was going to perform the tip off for us and to my surprise it was Midorima for their team.

"Interesting." I heard Akashi murmur and I had to agree.

Even Murasakibara looked surprised to see Midorima there. I was even more surprised when I saw Kuroko covering me instead of Aomine.

"I won't go easy on you, Masako-san." He said looking calmly into my eyes.

"You better not." I said. "Because I won't go easy on you."

The next second the ball was in my hand, courtesy of Murasakibara.

I gave Kuroko one last look before I dribbled right past him, without thinking about faking.

Kurokos eyes widened but the next second I was blocked by Aomine.

"Hello there." He said smirking at me.

My eyes widened when I realized they had planned this.

I saw Kuroko from the corner of my eyes stretch his arm out, about to steal the ball and I reacted just in time.

Aomine eyes widened.

"Should have known you would catch that." He said before he took a step towards me.

He was so close that the pressure was rising within me.

Think.

I said more to myself than to anybody else.

And then it occurred to me.

I wasn't going against them on my own.

I looked Aomine in the eyes and did a step towards him, which seemed to confuse him.

I used this moment of confusion to my advantage.

While he was looking into my eyes, he lost sight of the ball and I managed to pass it underneath his legs towards Akashi.

"Nice pass." Akashi said.

He dribbled towards the basket and I heard Aomine curse. With his incredible speed he sprinted after Akashi who looked like he was about to do a lay-up.

But Aomine was already there.

"Akashi." I said loudly and in the last second Akashi directed the ball into my hands.

Without thinking I redirected it into Murasakibaras hands, who dunked it in.

We cheered loudly.

Kuroko looked at me with wide eyes.

"You redirected the ball." He said.

"It isn't your misdirection, don't worry." I said softly. "I just have the knack of knowing exactly what they all would do which gives me an advantage."

"Is that part of your style?" He asked sounding impressed.

"I still haven't figured it out yet." I confessed. "But I know it incorporates teamwork."

"And trust." I said when Murasakibara clapped me on my back grinning broadly at me.

I had no time to chat any longer because Aomine and Midorima looked ready to attack.

I immediately ran to Aomine, who had the ball in his hand. I was ready for a one-on-one when he did something totally unexpected.

He passed the ball to Midorima, who immediately got into shooting position and Murasakibara having not expected a pass from Aomine was a second too late.

Midorima scored.

"I never thought I would see the day when the two of you play together." I said quietly.

"We have a common goal." Aomine said shrugging slightly. "And the only way to contradict your teamwork is by working together as a team on our own."

I smiled softly at him.

"Nothing bad about teamwork." I said and he rolled his eyes. He ran back to defend this suddenly gave me an idea.

"Guys." I said and Akashi and Murasakibara looked at me questioningly.

"I have an idea. Just trust me, ok?"

They nodded and Akashi passed me the ball.

On the other side of the court Aomine and Midorima looked alarmed.

"Is Masako-san acting as point guard?" Kuroko asked calmly but you could hear from the tone in his voice that he was surprised by it as well.

"Be prepared." Aomine said sounding excited.

"For what?" Kuroko asked.

"For literally anything." Midorima said seriously his eyes narrowing when he saw Akashi and Murasakibara run ahead.

"Aomine." He said.

"I know." Aomine said. "They're using the same tactic they used in their previous game."

"What happened?" Kuroko asked.

"Em let us two believe that she would shoot a three pointer from behind the center line. We both ran up to stop her but instead she planned an alley-oop with Murasakibara." Aomine explained.

"They really think we would forget about that." Midorima said sounding annoyed.

"Aomine you're on."

Aomine nodded and I smirked when I saw him run up to me about to block my way.

I got into shooting position and without thinking about what I was about to do Aomine leaped up.

My smirk widened.

He was doing exactly what I had expected him to do.

"We would never use the same strategy against you twice." I said and his eyes widened.

I passed him and I sped up even more when I felt him hot on my heels.

I stopped abruptly and passed the ball to Akashi who was guarded by Kuroko.

He managed to pass Kuroko and he passed the ball perfectly towards Murasakibara.

"Not so fast." Midorima said through his gritted teeth. Both him and Aomine, had run up to Murasakibara to block his attempt at the same time.

Murasakibara looked surprised to see both of them there.

"Atsushi." I said loudly.

He spotted me from the corner of his eyes and when he got hold of the ball, he passed it to me instead of forcing his way through Aomine and Midorima.

I was at the three-pointer line and when I released the ball it soared in perfectly.

"Whoohoo." I cheered loudly at my grin widened when I saw the baffled look on both Aomine and Midorimas faces.

"You had planned this entire thing, hadn't you?" Midorima said while walking up to me.

I smiled innocently.

"Maybe."

"You knew what we would do." He continued.

I shrugged.

"I had a hunch." I said.

"How?" Was the only thing Midorima could say.

"I'm afraid I don't understand what you're getting at." I said.

"How do you know what we will do." Midorima said his eyes focused on mine.

"Isn't it obvious." Aomine said. "We taught her how to play basketball. She knows what our style is and therefore she can predict our movements."

Aomine sounded impressed instead of annoyed.

"I wouldn't go that far." I said quietly. "I simply have a hunch what you will do. But I can't be one hundred percent right. Because there is always the possibility that you change your pattern."

Midorima looked thoughtful about how what I had said.

"Shall we continue?" I asked quietly.

They both looked at me and then nodded.

Kuroko and Akashi were standing nearby.

"Impressive." Kuroko said.

"She is, isn't she." Akashi said smiling slightly. Kuroko looked at him but he had only eyes for me.

"You can learn a lot from her." Akashi said. This time looking at Kuroko directly.

Kuroko nodded.

"When did she start playing basketball?" He asked quietly.

"When she met us." Akashi said. "Daiki was her first teacher as you may have noticed by her style of basketball. She is as unpredictable as him."

"Tetsu." Aomine shouted and the next second the ball came flying into his hand.

Akashi looked surprised when Kuroko managed to redirect the ball into Midorimas hands in front of him.

Akashi chuckled.

"Well, let's continue then." Akashi said smirking at the blue haired teen in front of him.

"Hai." He said.

The match continued to be as gruelling as ever. Neither team gave in and when the sky was beginning to darken Momoi decided to end the game.

"But Satsuki." Aomine said with a sense of urgency in his voice. "We're tied. We can't end the game on a tie."

"Of course, we can." She said sternly. "Besides it's getting late and we better head back. I don't want any of you to get sick on Emi-chans birthday."

"Momoi-san is right." Akashi said. "Besides I am sure you're all hungry."

Right on cue Murasakibara stomach rumbled.

"Emi-chin." He said loudly and I began to laugh.

"I know, Atsushi." I said. "Let's go home."

The walk back was uneventful. I was walking in between Midorima and Murasakibara and I was simply happy.

But I noticed Midorima being quieter than usual.

"Do you regret teaching me how to shoot, Shin?" I asked quietly.

"Of course not." He said immediately. "If anything, I am proud of it."

He gave me a soft smile and I couldn't help but to return his smile.

"Then what is bothering you?" I asked.

"Your talent." He said and my eyes widened in surprise.

"What do you mean?" I asked a bit hesitant.

"You shouldn't be sitting on the bench acting as our manager." He said sternly. "You should be out on court with us."

I laughed thinking he was joking but I immediately stopped when I saw how serious he was.

"What?" I said.

My mouth was wide open and I had a hard time comprehending what he was indeed implying.

"You want me to play in an actual game?" I said slowly.

Midorima nodded.

"I do."

I looked at Murasakibara expecting him to completely dismiss Midorimas suggestion. But to my surprise he looked thoughtful.

"I agree with Mido-chin." He said. "I like playing with Emi-chin."

I was too caught up by Midorimas suggestion that I didn't hear the conversation between Aomine and Akashi.

But everybody else did.

"See." Aomine said. "I told you we need her."

"I know." Akashi said. "I can see that too."

"So will she stand with us on court?"

"One day." Akashi said. "When she is ready. Because she needs to be. They will mock her for being a woman and not take her seriously."

Midorima and Murasakibara exchanged a look hearing what Akashi had said.

Then they both looked at me.

I was still lost in thoughts otherwise I would have seen some concern in their eyes.

"Not that we will tolerate it." Akashi said and they all silently agreed with him.

"Emi-chin." Murasakibara said and I turned to look at him.

"Hop on." He said pointing at his back.

All thoughts about Midorimas suggestion immediately vanished.

I giggled highly amused.

"You want to give me a piggy back ride?" I asked slowly making sure I had understood what he was suggesting.

He nodded and I laughed.

"Alright." I said and I jumped on his back.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. He was holding me up gently so I wouldn't fall back down.

"For that you get a special treat." I said giggling in his ear.

His face perked up and suddenly he started to run.

"Atsushi" I said laughing loudly. "We have to wait for the others."

He simply shook his head.

"No. I want my special treat, Emi-chin."

I laughed even harder.

Some onlookers were casting us amused glances but I didn't even notice.

"Who would have thought Murasakibara would be the one distracting her." Aomine said.

"It's actually not that surprising." Midorima said. "He protects her. And he takes it very seriously."

"I'm protecting her as well." Aomine said immediately.

"We all do." Akashi said calmly.

Meanwhile Murasakibara and I had reached my apartment.

I let us both in and he immediately walked into my kitchen and opened the fridge. When he found what he was looking for he looked immensely pleased.

A few moments later the doorbell rang again and the others entered.

"We better all better get a shower and change into our pyjamas so we're warm and comfortable."

Momoi nudged Aomines side who looked like he was about to say a dirty comment.

"Who wants to go first." I asked looking around the group.

"You." They all said at the same time.

I rolled my eyes.

"Fine." I said walking towards my bathroom.

Half an hour later we had all showered and changed into our pyjamas.

To say I was enjoying seeing the boys in theirs was an understatement.

They looked so cute.

Especially with their wet and dishevelled hair. Aomine, Akashi, Kuroko and Murasakibara were making dinner while Midorima and Momoi were ordered to set the table.

I was walking around trying to help them but they wouldn't let me. So instead, I started to move the furniture in my living room to make space for the futons we would be sleeping on tonight.

"Dinner is ready." Murasakibara said and we all sat down at the table.

"Oh, it looks amazing." I said smiling brightly at my friends. "Thank you so much."

"Itadakimasu." We all said and then we dug in. We were all eating quietly for a while, enjoying the food which filled us all with warmth.

"So." Momoi spoke up. "What are your plans for Christmas?"

"The usual." Aomine said immediately.

"Spending it with my family at my grandmother's house."

"Is everybody going to spent it with their family?" Momoi asked.

"Hai." We all said.

"For me it will be slightly different." Akashi said. "My father organizes a party every year where important clients of his are invited."

"Sounds not very Christmassy." I said and he nodded.

"It's not really." He said. "But you said you're spending it with your family as well. Does that mean they're coming to Tokyo?"

"Other way around." I said smiling. "I'm going back to France."

Clirr.

I turned around towards the sound and realised that Aomine had let go of his chopsticks.

"You're going back to France?" He asked sounding alarmed.

"You can't."

"She's obviously coming back you baka." Midorima said rolling his eyes.

"You are coming back, aren't you?" He said looking intensely at me.

"Hai." I said. "I am."

"Good." Midorima said and Aomine immediately relaxed.

"When will you be leaving, Emi-chin?" Murasakibara asked.

"I don't know yet." I said. "But probably on the 23rd or something."

"And when will you be back?" Momoi asked.

I shrugged.

"Don't know."

"I'm sure you're excited to see your family again." Kuroko said.

I nodded.

"Haven't seen them in forever. Apparently, Tenjin got taller." I said chuckling at the last part remembering the conversation I had had with my brother earlier.

"Really?" Momoi said giggling. "I'd love to see him again."

I chuckled.

"You will see him again, but I can't tell you when."

We finished dinner and then we cuddled into blankets while sitting on the futons.

I was chatting with Midorima about something that I didn't even notice Murasakibara and Momoi missing from our group.

Suddenly I heard them sing happy birthday and when I turned around my eyes widened in surprise.

Murasakibara was holding a giant cake in his hand with fourteen candles lit on top of it. He walked over to me and kneeled in front of me so I could blow out the candles. When I did, they all cheered loudly and I couldn't help but to feel extremely grateful to have them.

"You have to wish something." Momoi said excitedly and I closed my eyes.

My wish was clearly forming in my head and I smiled while formulating my wish.

"What did you wish for?" Aomine asked sounding extremely curious.

"Dai-chan." Momoi said loudly.

"It's bad luck to share your birthday wish with anyone, Aomine-kun." Kuroko said and Aomine looked betrayed, while the former looked amused.

"But she can share it with me." He said.

"Mine-chin stop being annoying." Murasakibara said.

"Besides when then Emi-chin will tell me."

"I won't tell anyone how about it?" I said looking at my friends with amusement.

They both grunted and I turned to look at the cake.

"Atsushi did you make it?" I asked seeing his handywork incorporated into the cake.

He nodded.

"I couldn't let Sa-chin make it."

"Thank you." I said looking softly at him and he smiled at me.

"Only for Emi-chin." He said.

Momoi had brought some plates over and when I cut the cake, I made sure Murasakibara was the first one to get his piece.

When I took a bite out of my cake I was immediately in heaven. He had baked me a chocolate cake with raspberries incorporated into it and it was delicious.

"Atsushi it's amazing." I said gushing.

"Thank you, Emi-chin." He said.

"Time for presents." Momoi said enthusiastically clapping into her hands.

I chuckled.

She got up and came back with a couple of bags.

"Sa-chan what did you buy me? The content of an entire department store?" I asked jokingly.

"Almost." Akashi said and when I caught his eyes he winked.

"Actually Momoi-san shouldn't we start with you know what." He said and I was immediately curious.

"Yes, you're right." She said and got out a small box.

"Who wants to explain it?" She asked looking at the boys.

"I will." Akashi said. "I may be the best at wording what we want to tell her."

I looked at him and our eyes met.

Momoi handed him the box but our eye contact didn't break.

"Emiyo." He started.

"We thought long and hard about what to get you and we all wanted it to be something special. We can't thank you enough for everything you're doing for us on a daily basis." He said and some tears were starting to form in my eyes.

"You may not know how important you are to us and we wanted you to have something which will remind you of our friendship and bond we all share on a daily basis. Because we want you to know that you will never lose us. This…" He said and then he pointed at everyone in this room.

"Is meant to be forever."

Hearing this I couldn't hold back my tears anymore.

Akashi smiled softly at me and then he handed me the box, which had been carefully wrapped.

I unpacked it and opened the lid of the box to find a beautiful silver bracelet.

Then Akashi came nearer and put in on my wrist.

To my surprise he got something else out as well.

It was a red stone pendant.

He put it on my bracelet and I gasped when I realised that this small stone represented him.

"To remind you that I will always be here for you." He said quietly and the tears continued to flow.

Akashi got up and Murasakibara took his place.

He got hold of my hand with his large hands and then he revealed a purple pendant.

He put it on my bracelet.

"To remind you that I will always protect you, Emi-chin."

With his free hand he wiped some tears away.

I smiled leaning into his touch.

Next was Momoi. She smiled brightly at me but some tears were falling from her eyes as well.

She put a pink pendant on my bracelet.

"To remind you that you always have a sister in me."

Kuroko was next.

He smiled softly at me and he put a light blue pendant on my bracelet.

"To remind you that I will always believe in you."

I smiled softly at him, while he got up and Midorima took hold of my bracelet.

He put a green pendant on it.

"To remind you that luck will follow you everywhere you go." He said while putting one of his hands softly on my cheeks.

"And that I will make sure no bad luck will follow you."

"Oh Shin." I said quietly.

He smiled before he got up and Aomine took hold of my hand.

His hand was shaking slightly and when I looked into his deep blue eyes my heart began to beat faster. He put a dark blue pendant on my bracelet.

"To remind you that I will always look after you." He said. "And that I will always be by your side."

When I heard his last words, it got all too much for me.

I was crying openly and Aomine immediately wrapped his arms around me.

Soon I not only felt his arms around me. When I looked up, I saw that we were all forming one big group hug.

"Oh guys." I said sobbing. "Thank you so much. You have no idea how much that means to me."

For how long we remained like this I couldn't say. But when I had calmed down, they eventually let me go.

"You good?" Aomine asked lifting up my chin.

"Yes." I said smiling at him. "Just hadn't expected such an amazing gift. I will cherish it forever."

The evening continued to be great.

Momoi had bought me a lot of cute dresses and I had a hard time hiding my amusement when I saw how excited she was about it.

Another surprise followed when I saw that they had put a collection of pictures into a frame.

"Who decorated it?" I asked.

"Akashi." Kuroko said.

I looked at Akashi.

"Apparently I was deemed the one who is the most artistic from the group." He said chuckling.

"It's beautiful." I said.

The pictures made me laugh. Especially because they included some from the Culture Festival.

The evening continued on and it was slowly but surely getting late. We fell asleep one after the other all sprawled all over the futons.

Not really being on a specific one.

When I thought I was the last one awake, I looked at the sleeping form of my friends.

And all I felt at this moment was overwhelming joy and love.

Love I had for all of them.

I unconsciously touched my bracelet and a tear was rolling down my cheek.

I got up deciding to get a bit of fresh air.

I stepped on my balcony and carefully closed the door behind me. I watched over the city for a while before I heard the balcony door slide open.

I turned around and saw Aomine step on the balcony wrapped in a blanket. He closed the door silently and then he said.

"Come here." He opened his arms widely. "You must be freezing."

I didn't even hesitate and fell into his arms.

He wrapped them firmly around me and I was immediately engulfed in warmth.

"Em." He said slowly.

"Yes?" I asked while looking up at him.

"I have something else for you as well."

"You have?" I asked softly.

He nodded. He handed me another box and I looked at it.

"Open it." He said. I did as he told me and I gasped when I saw what it contained.

It was a necklace, which had a midnight blue pendant on it.

"When I saw it, I had to get it for you." He whispered.

"Daiki, I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything." He said putting a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Do you like it?" He asked when he noticed I was still staring at it.

"Like it?" I asked in disbelieve. "I love it."

The smile he gave me made my heart skip a beat.

"Can you help me put it on?" I asked and he nodded.

"Of course."

I turned my back to him and he placed the necklace around my neck. As soon as he was finished, I touched the necklace.

"I'm the luckiest girl on earth." I said quietly.

"Why is that?" he asked giving me a sly smile.

Because I have you in my life." I said and this caught him definitely by surprise.

I chuckled.

The wind began to blow and I began to shiver.

"Let's go inside." I said and he nodded.

"Alright." He said.