Chapter eleven.
An empty meet-up.
Aomine watched as Kagami just laid on the floor of the indoor basketball field where he was supposed to meet with the others. The red-haired giant seemed really down, for some reason. ''Care to even spill what happened?'' Aomine asked, somewhat uncomfortable. He wasn't one that talked about emotions, certainly not with other men. With Kise, or Moimoi, sure no problem. But Kagami was different. Too bad the others weren't around yet, though they were taking their sweet time. They had agreed to meet up around eleven, and it was almost twelve o clock!
Midorima was probably at the hospital, helping out his father, and where ever Midorima was, Takao was close too, so that explained the two of them, and Akashi was still on his business trip. Murusakibara was slow, most likely purchasing some snacks. But that didn't explain Kise or Kuroko. He had even looked around if Kuroko was just pulling his invinsible trick, but he wasn't.
''Even if something is wrong, do you think I'd want to discuss it with you?'' Kagami's muffled reply was just audible enough for Aomine to understand. ''Do you see anyone else here?'' Aomine told him. To that, Kagami wasn't sure how to reply, so he remained silent. ''Yeah, though as much. I'm sick and tired of this shit! Everyone is keeping some big secret.'' Aomine grouched.
''Mine isn't as big as Kise's. I don't think it's more troublesome as Kuroko's and I'm not sure about Akashi.'' Kagami said. ''Then, why not just tell me? Man up already, and spill.'' Aomine said, taunting was always a good method, and it worked so well with the red-haired player. ''Fine, but don't hit me.'' Kagami said. ''That bad?'' Aomine asked. ''That bad.'' Kagami replied.
''I can't promise that then. If it's that bad, you deserve to get hit. It's not like I do actual damage.'' Aomine said. Kagami gave him a look, making Aomine shrug, ''Okay, maybe a little.'' he added. ''How about this then? We play a match, wait for the others to arrive, and then you can always tell Kuroko, seeing that he's your best friend.'' Aomine asked after a long pause.
''Sounds good to me. I'm up for some basketball, and trough with crap too.'' Kagami said, making Aomine grin. They played for an hour, before they realised the others hadn't arrived yet. ''Maybe they are running late.'' Kagami said, and Aomine nodded, that had to be the reason. Then they played for two more hours, before Aomine said, ''Dude, I'm beginning to think they aren't coming at all.''
Kagami shared a worried look, as he stated, ''I didn't think Akashi would show, neither would Kise, but for Kuroko and Murusakibara to not come, what the hell happened?'' ''Beats me. I thought we were fine yesterday. How can we share milkshakes and laugh one day, and have these types of situations the other? Wait, what the hell do you mean with Kise not showing today?'' Aomine asked.
Kagami swallowed before he said, ''I already said I messed up. I really messed up big time.'' ''What did you do?'' Aomine wondered, in Kise's eyes Kagami barely could mess up things, he loved everything he did, and said. And though it hurted him to even think this, Bakagami was genuinly a nice person. ''Well, after you left yesterday, Kise and I decided on playing some outdoor ball. He's good, and we had fun. Afterwards, I asked him to go and grab some dinner, but-''
Aomine interupted him, ''Dinner?'' he asked. ''Another word for supper.'' Kagami replied. ''American's always have to use something else, eh?'' Aomine asked, but Kagami ignored that, as he continued talking about what happened. ''He declined, saying he was planning to cook some stew at his place.'' Kagami explained. ''His place, as in his parent's house. Did he mention whether his father was at home?'' Aomine asked concerned.
''Will you let me tell the story?'' Kagami asked. ''Sorry, go on.'' Aomine apoligized. Kagami huffed, as he said, ''No. Appearently he has his own place, and he ensured me that he was mature enough to have one, even if you and the others believed the contrary.'' ''Oh, that's good. So what does his place look like?'' Aomine asked. ''Good. He used some bright colors, but makes things more vivid, more alive if you ask me. He also makes a good stew, and possesses one of the most impresive movie collections ever.'' Kagami said.
''Man, you've hit the jackpot when you two start going out.'' Aomine replied. ''Yeah...'' Kagami said, sounding more dull. ''Let me guess, that's where you messed up. Did he stop liking you? Did you say something stupid?'' Aomine asked. ''I don't know. I acted upon my impulses, so I wasn't sure why, but when I left, I pecked his cheek. I didn't say anything about it, I fleed instead, shouting something among the line, see you tomorrow.'' Kagami explained.
Aomine wacked his head, as he stared in disbelief. ''Ouch, you wouldn't hit me.'' Kagami complained. ''Only if you didn't deserve it. What kind of special idiot are you? I give you my blessings and you're pulling shit like that?'' Aomine lectured. Kagami blinked a few times, ''Excuse me? Your blessings? Since when do I need that? That's like me approving of you dating Kuroko which makes no sense at all.'' Kagami said franatic.
''That's different.'' Aomine said stiffly, the comment of his dating Kuroko felt really awkward somehow. ''Just how is that different? You and Kise aren't related. Wait, you aren't, right?'' Kagami asked. That would be a huge let down to be related to Aomine, by marrying Kise. ''Ehr, no. I'm his best friend. Best friends also approve or dis-approve their friends dates. And seeing that you're a decent guy, even if you said no in the first place, I do think you make Kise happy. Better than that psychopath.'' Aomine said.
''What psychopath? Wait, Haizaki isn't his ex, is he?'' Kagami asked worried. ''Then he'd be dead by now. Never mind that, you shouldn't be here, you should be with Kise. Making up for running away.'' Aomine said, trying to focus on their main topic again. ''I had hopes he would show up anyway. Why isn't anyone showing?'' Kagami asked, looking around in the empty field. ''I don't know, but if they aren't showing, then we shouldn't either. Maybe we all need a break from this.'' Aomine said. ''And let this get to us? I think we should pay a visit to the others, and maybe call Akashi. Only to see if everyone is alright.'' Kagami said. ''So troublesome.'' Aomine said, but went along anyway.
Akashi stared in disbelief, as Midorima and Takao stood in his room, accusing him of- ''How dare you.'' he growled. ''Well, it makes sense really. All of the signals are here, and you're pretending to be gone for a while, to get your mind settled. Are you really going to tell me I'm wrong, and nothing is going on?'' Takao said. ''I told him that this theory couldn't be right, Akashi-san. But Takao insisted.'' Midorima added.
''I see, let me be with Kazunari here then and fetch us some tea.'' Akashi said, a devious grin on his face as Midorima left. ''I know I'm right, and whipe that grin off. I have control over Midorima as well, I just don't abuse it.'' Takao told him. ''I don't like you meddling in. We were doing fine without you, or Taiga, you know.'' Akashi stated. ''Good enough for a mental house, yes. Meeting others was a good change, not just for you, but for the others as well. Kuroko is trying to accept his issues, Kise's been trough a lot, but at least seems more genuine. Aomine needed the challenge, and Murusakibara is maturing. Midorima is getting more understanding, so you see, coming on terms isn't that bad.'' Takao said.
''It was a good change, yes. There is nothing wrong with me anymore. I am more human, or so they say.'' Akashi said. ''More human means emotions too, and embracing them too. You may be more human, but as long as you dont embrace your feelings for-'' ''Shut up.'' Akashi demanded, as Midorima entered the room. ''Everything alright, Akashi-sama?'' he asked. Takao gave him a disapproving look, Akashi needed to get this out of his system, not pampered like some baby.
''I'm fine, Shintarou. I told your boyfriend his theory is nonsense. Tell the others I will return from my trip within three days, and that we will spend a day to an amusement park for bonding. For now, I'd like you to leave me alone.'' Akashi said. ''Of course, Akashi-sama.'' Midorima said. ''Thank you very much. Until next time, Kazunari.'' Akashi said, gaining an awry look from Takao, who seemed unsettled. ''Let's go.'' he told Midorima, simply taking his lover's hand.
''Ehr, Aominecchi, Taigacchi and Kurokocchi, what brings you here?'' Kise asked, as he found the three in front of door, the first knocking rather harshly on his door before he had opened up. ''I'm being forced.'' Kuroko deadpanned, and Kagami just blushed, before he said, ''Ahomine made me show him the way.'' ''You're the only one that knows I live here, aside from my manager, and Takao.'' Kise said, inviting them in nontheless.
''And why exactly is that? You never told me you had an awesome place like this!'' Aomine said, as he jumped upon the couch, admiring the tv Kise had. ''And have you here around all the time? No thanks.'' Kise said, teasing his friend. ''I don't think having Aomine-kun as a roommate would be that troublesome. He doesn't do much, and therefor only lies in the way, but can easily get distracted by a basketball, and needs to be fed every once in a while. Aomine-kun, you're like Nigou.'' Kuroko told him.
Kagami and Kise snickered as a bewildered Aomine asked, ''Did you just compare me with a mutt?'' ''No, a dog. Then again, you'd classify as a mutt.'' Kuroko replied. ''Oi! What are you calling me a dog for?'' Aomine demanded to know. ''Oh, sorry. Did I call you a dog? I must have had the urge to do so.'' Kuroko deadpanned, pretending that he didn't just do that. ''Speaking of urges, you and Kise didn't have the urge to show up today.'' Kagami said.
''Did the others show up?'' Kuroko asked, as Kise had the decency of looking ashamed. ''That's beside the point.'' Kagami said. ''I'll take that as a no. You have no right accusing us for not coming if you and Aomine were the only ones that came.'' Kuroko said. ''Actually, Takaocchi mentioned he wasn't coming. I would've mentioned, but then.. well...'' Kise blushed. ''You're not helping.'' Kuroko hissed.
''Tetsu, what's going on? Why didn't you show?'' Aomine said, it was clear that he expected answers, and didn't have the patience to wait for them. ''Kise, why didn't you show? I mean, you had the time, or so you said. Should I be concerned?'' Kagami asked friendly. Obviously Kuroko wasn't going to spill why, but Kise, when treated nicely, surely wouldn't withhold any information.
''Well, Moimoicchi came by earlier today, so we hung out, just talking a little. We were having so much fun that I had forgotten about the time, and then when I realised how late it was, the meeting would have been over.'' Kise explained. ''And you couldn't have texted us? For all we know you were out there getting ki-'' Kuroko stomped Aomine's stomach, making the tanned player tumble over.
''Did you tell her?'' Kuroko asked, corncerned. ''Of course not. Moimoicchi can be terrifying and she'd be upset if I blurted it out just like that. We should tell her eventually though. Even Kasamatsu-san is wondering what's going on by now.'' Kise replied. Kuroko nodded earnestly, just imaginging how she'd coddle him after all this gave him shivers. ''Wait, you didn't show up because of that? I thought, seeing that...'' Kagami blushed furiously, and Kise blushed as well. ''That was a reason not to come at first, but when I pondered it over, it didn't bother me as much. You shouldn't run away next time, though.'' Kise said. ''What exactly did I miss?'' Kuroko asked, and Aomine shook his head.
Takao refused to look at Midorima, as they headed back home. ''I told you that . Why are you being so persistant today?'' Midorima asked. ''Forget it, I'm not talking to you.'' Takao said, opting to text Kise instead, but decided against that. ''You just did, nandeyo. Stop being so stubborn, and help me find my lucky item.'' Midorima said. ''I didn't talk to anyone, I was talking against the big cloud of air that we call sky. And, unfamiliar voice, who I defiantly refuse to reconize, you can find your lucky item yourself.'' Takao said angrily.
''... are you that sure of your case?'' Midorima asked, deciding to play along. Takao was so not cute when angry. ''I'm not answering you.'' Takao huffed. ''But at least you're talking to me.'' Midorima pointed out, making Takao stop in his tracks. His cheeks turned red, before he started walking more fast, saying something among the lines of ''Shut up.''
Midorima rolled his eyes, they were not going to find any lucky items for today at this rate. ''Eh, Takao-chan, Midori-san? Is that you?'' he heard a familiar voice say, making the both of them look. They spotted Moimoi, looking at them, with her hands folded behind her back. Midorima twitched, she wore a purple dress! He shouldn't encounter a purple dress today, where were those lucky items when you needed them most.
''Moimoi-chan! Pleasure to see you. I'd hate to inform you Midorima isn't around. This is just some look-alike wuss.'' Takaoa greeted her. She blinked a few times, before saying, ''Oh, is this a fight? That's no good, you shouldn't fight. Be like me and Tetsu-kun.'' If Midorima had acted upon his impulses, he'd defiantly knock some sense into either of them. ''Eh, you are dating Kuroko-chan?'' Takao asked. ''Perhaps one day. But I'm kinda glad I see you two today, how are you?'' Moimoi asked.
''Good, good. Things have been busy lately.'' Takao replied, and Midorima couldn't help but hear some curiousity in Moimoi's voice, that was a bad omen. ''We should get going.'' he told Takao, who still ignored him. ''I can imagine. After all, you'd be bad friends not spending time together, especially after Ki-chan went to the hospital for suicide. Midorima Shintarou, tell me what is going on.'' she demanded to know.
''Well?'' Moimoi asked impatiently, giving Midorima a stern look. Midorima had frozen up though, as cute as Moimoi was, she really didn't need to know all of this. It was bad enough Takao knew that much, any more outsiders could be troublesome. He looked at Takao, who was smiling very uncomfortable, fumbling with his phone. He wanted to get away probably as much as Midorima did. If only he had those impulses, they could've run away with a decent enough excuse, but that seemed like a bad idea. And Moimoi would chase them, she always chased after Aomine after all.
''I don't like being lied to, you know. I talked with Kise today, after I read about his 'incident', it was all over the tabloids. He said nothing was going on, but I know all of you better than that. If you don't talk, Aomine or Murusakibara will. I will hold it against you.'' Moimoi said, sounding upset. That was bad, Aomine wouldn't talk, but she had those breast, and he did have a weak for those. And Murusakibara surely would be bribed with food.
''A white flowery hairclip!'' Takao suddenly shouted, making both Moimoi and Midorima blink. ''Moimoi, that dress is a bad sign, you need a white flowery hairclip to balance your luck. I already though something was off. Oh Hasa is never off, you know.'' he said, as he took her arm. ''Come on, let's find you one already. We need to find Midorima a red shoe as well. You know he gets without those lucky items.'' he pulled her along, and Midorima smiled.
'He may have gotten Oha asa's name wrong, but at least he's distracted her.' he thought, as he watched Takao chatting animatedly, as Moimoi just frowned, but went along anyway. He texted Akashi-sama to be sure though. ''It appears a new person entered the field. She's smart enough, so this might be interesting. Did you text her to hang with Kise on purpose, to keep my attention away from you? That sounds like cheating if you asked me.'' Haizaki, possessed of coure, said, as he sat across from Akashi.
''You've never explained any other rules, other then hanging out together, to confront our fears and feelings, and to keep things interesting. I don't see how bringing an extra piece to the game is cheating, seeing that you nearly cheated by taking one away.'' Akashi said. ''True, true. However, these aren't pions you own, and life certainly isn't alike to your Shogi board, is it?'' Haizaki asked.
''Interesting comparison. From where I stand, you play us as a game, but I join in, this isn't a game. Perhaps, you're messing with the one person you shouldn't be messing with.'' Akashi told him. ''I could have chosen the others, but you'd meddle in either way. I look forward to you screwing up. Or do you intend to keep up your farcade during the amusement park. Not that you'll be able to.'' Haizaki said, before getting up, and left as adruptly, as he had come. Akashi sighed to himself.
It's has been a while, I hope you still enjoy this fanfic, I tend to like it a lot, but struggle at times how to write upcoming scenes. Acting upon impulses isn't as intersting as switching bodies, but believe me, Haizaki has his reasons.
I nearly spilled Akashi's secret a few times, I think a few of you may have figured it out by now. And Moimoi finally makes an appearence, I've been waiting to create a chance for her to be in this fic. She's adorable, yet an amazing character, so I'm going to enjoy writing her character.
Please read and review, and until next time.