Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Kuroko no Basket!

...

...

3rd year – Teiko

"Daiki," Mac looked at her best friend from the doorway in his room, he was sitting on the bed with a magazine in his lap and she spotted the image of the girl on the page opened. She tried hard not to be disgusted and completely ignored the knot in her stomach, but she couldn't help the small wrinkle on her nose as she noticed how little she was wearing and how revealing it all was, she thought she recognised her from one of those shows Daiki liked to watch. Looking away from the magazine she saw Daiki looking at her with an arch brow. "Do you want to come with me to the park?"

Daiki frowned and looked away making Mac sigh, she had guessed that would be his response but she couldn't help but ask anyway.

"No," Daiki said, "I don't feel like it."

"Okay;" Mac said trying to sound like she wasn't disappointed, "I'll see you later then, I guess."

Mac turned to leave and didn't see the longing in Daiki's eyes that watched her close the door and listen as her footsteps faded away. She didn't see him leaning back and close his eyes while fisting his hands or how he twitched like he wanted to get up and follow her.

Mac, of course, didn't see all that and walked down the stairs feeling quite dejected. She smiled though when Shiro came bursting out of the kitchen wearing his ever fateful football jersey. He grinned when he saw her.

"Can I come with you to the park, Mac-nee?" he asked her pleadingly. "I want to play football!"

Mac relaxed her shoulders and nodded, "if your mum says it's ok."

"Yay! Mum!" Shiro yelled making Mac chuckle amused.

"What is it, Shiro?" Ayano's voice sounded as Mac had followed the hyper boy out of the hallway and to the kitchen.

"Can I go with Mac-nee to the park?" he asked and Mac could hear his excitement easily and couldn't help but remember another 8-year-old boy who had the same look on his face and the same way to almost burst with excitement. He looked like he was unable to keep still, almost bouncing in his place.

Ayano glanced over at Mac who shook herself out of her memories and smiled at her with a nod.

"I was going to the park anyway, he is welcome to join me if he like," Mac said. "I'm meeting Tetsu, but Shiro is welcome to join us if he wants."

"I want to!" Shiro said looking at Ayano. "Please, mom!"

"Of course," Ayano smiled amused but Mac could see something in her eyes that had her wondering what Ayano was thinking, it was almost sad.

...

Daiki paused on the top of the stairs as he watched his little brother bounce eagerly next to Mac getting ready to go out, he saw the football under his arm and heard the excited chatter about the sport from where he was watching the two. He couldn't help but focus on Mac's smile and the patient way she listened to Shiro, he couldn't quite understand the sadness that was lurking behind her smile though.

He had gotten up and out of his room in search of her, regretting his refusal to join her in the park. He had stared at the door for a long couple of minutes before he got up and followed her, but now looking at her with his little brother something kept him from speaking up. He wanted to step forward and join them, but he didn't. Instead, he watched them leave the house, Shiro's hand in hers and he wasn't sure why he felt jealous over that.

He still hadn't moved when Ayano suddenly was in front of him jumping slightly at the sudden sight of him.

"Daiki!" Ayano gasped, "you scared me!"

"Sorry;" Daiki muttered.

Ayano looked at him closely, "something wrong?"

Daiki just shrugged and turned walking back to his room and shutting his door with a sharp click and sank down on his bed again. The magazine laying open on the bed next to him, but he didn't pay it any attention. He should have said yes, he thought and closed his eyes.

...

"Hi, Tetsu!" Mac smiled at the shadow who was standing by the basketball court at the park waiting. He smiled and gazed over at Shiro when he heard the small surprised gasp coming from beside Mac.

"I didn't even see you!" Shiro exclaimed, "so cool!"

Mac smiled amused and looked at Tetsuya who blinked looking adorably confused.

"Um. Hi?" Tetsuya said.

"This is Daiki's little brother," Mac said, "Aomine Shiro, he just turned 8. Shiro this is my friend from school, Kuroko Tetsuya."

"Hi Shiro-kun," Tetsuya said smiling shyly at the little boy.

"Hi, do you know my brother too?" Shiro asked curiously.

"Yes," Tetsuya said.

"We all play basketball together, Shiro," Mac told the boy.

"Oh," Shiro said.

Mac exchanged an amused look with Tetsuya before shrugging.

"He asked if he could come," Mac told Tetsuya, "hope you don't mind. He'll probably want to play a little football, though."

"Do you play football, Kuroko-san?" Shiro asked eagerly.

"No, haven't really played much football before," Tetsuya admitted.

"Never?" Shiro asked horrified.

Mac laughed unable to not think about the first meeting with Daiki and his reaction to her ever having played basketball before. Again, she saw Daiki in Shiro and she couldn't help but smile even as it turned sad.

"Then we'll teach him, right Shiro?" Mac asked and Shiro nodded solemnly.

...

"Thank you," Mac told Tetsuya after they had played football for a while and Shiro was sitting exhausted on the bench drinking from the water bottle Mac had bought him.

"No need to thank me, Mac," Tetsuya said.

"Yes, I do," she insisted, "I know we planned on playing basketball together today and I was supposed to help you with your misdirection. I just couldn't say no to Shiro when he asked to come."

"Its fine," Tetsuya said with his usual blank expression but Mac could read him well enough to see that he meant it. She smiled and nodded.

"Good," she said.

"I'm surprised he's not a basketball fan like Aomine-kun," Tetsuya commented glancing over at Shiro who still drank from the bottle.

"I know," Mac smiled fondly, "Daiki used to complain about it. He's tried to make Shiro love basketball as much as he did, still does, but Shiro is just as stubborn as his brother and has decided that football is his thing. Besides, he's good."

"He is," Tetsuya agreed. "Just a surprise, that's all."

Mac laughed, "mhm. Daiki blames me."

Tetsuya arched a brow and took in the look that said she didn't mind that at all.

"You look really sorry about that," he commented.

She just smiled and shrugged, "Shiro loves what he loves and he still watches basketball with me when he wants to. He's just found his own thing."

She cast another fond look at Shiro who looked tired and then looked at Nao who was resting on the grass beside the bench watching her with alert eyes. Mac smiled a little and looked back at Tetsuya who was silent beside her.

"Anyway, let's play a little basketball now," she said, "Shiro will be okay on the bench for a little while."

"Okay," Tetsuya agreed and picked up his basketball before throwing it at her.

Mac caught the ball and looked down at it, it felt worn and the leather was almost slippery instead of rough like it normally was. She arched a brow as she studied the ball closer and saw how faded the orange colouring of the ball was in various places. Mac couldn't help but glance over at Tetsuya and wonder just how much time he used on practising to make the ball this worn out. Deciding to refrain from making any comment, but filed the information away for later she started to bounce the ball and move around the court and passing the ball to Tetsuya before getting it back in different ways.

...

"We're home," Mac said when she stepped into the house and made sure Nao was inside the door before closing it. She heard the footsteps coming closer and looked up to see Ayano pause in the doorway with a raised brow as she took in Mac with Shiro half-asleep on her back.

"He was too tired to walk home," Mac explained with a sheepish smile. "I think we overdid it."

"Its fine," Ayano smiled, "let's get him off you and get your both ready for dinner."

Mac nodded and smiled as she moved so Ayano could take Shiro off her back, the boy mumbled something and opened his eyes blinking a few times as he did.

"We're home?" he asked.

"Yes, sleepyhead," Mac said, "did you rest well?"

"Mhm," Shiro nodded, "can we go and play again soon?"

"We'll see," Mac promised, "now it's time for dinner. Go and wash up."

"Ok," Shiro said and blinked when he spotted Ayano. "Oh, hi mum!"

Ayano shook her head and gave them both a fond smile before leaving the hallway and disappearing back into the kitchen.

Mac made her way to the bathroom and took a quick shower before changing into a comfortable pair of trousers and shirt, she paused by the mirror and looked at herself. Her hair was getting rather long, maybe she should cut it? She had little colour in her cheeks after spending a day outside, and her scar was still standing out on her forehead. She didn't really care about the scar, but it was an unwanted reminder of her parents' fate now that she knew the truth. Looking at it she wondered if her mum would have been like Ayano, caring and loving. Would she come watch Mac play basketball? Would she like her friends? Questions like that filled her mind and she had no way of knowing if she was.

...

Mac smiled as she noticed Daiki taking the free spot next to her on the sofa and saw the moment he relaxed when he meet her eyes. She turned her eyes back to the television and the show that was on, a warm feeling settled in her chest at the knowledge that Daiki was beside her. Nao opened his eyes and looked at Daiki for a moment with searching eyes before closing his eyes again content to rest on his mistress lap with Mac running a hand through his fur from time to time. They didn't speak, but Mac didn't care. She didn't need to fill every silence with sound and liked just sitting beside her best friend and watch a rerun of Glee. She hadn't really watched it before, but it was slightly catching.

"What's this?" Daiki finally broke the silence and Mac looked at him to see him look confused and slightly disgruntled.

"It's called Glee," Mac said.

"Huh, all they do is sing…" Daiki said frowning.

Mac laughed at how confused he looked and knew it wasn't something for him, really.

"Yeah, it's kind of the point," Mac said amused, " it is a show about a school choir."

"Boring," Daiki yawned, "why do you watch it?"

"It's nothing better on," Mac shrugged, "besides I kind of like it."

Daiki shook his head but he didn't get up but started to complain about the jocks in the series and how they were too full of themselves. Mac smiled and refrained from pointing out that they also were full of themselves.

...

Ayano smiled softly as she spotted Daiki bantering with Mac in the living room like they used to. It was a while since she'd seen them look so relaxed together, it was nice. She was worried they would grow apart too much, she wasn't blind. She saw the tension between them grow over the last year and knew much of the blame was with Daiki and his detachment to basketball. She hoped they would be able to keep a hold of their friendship.

"Well, look at that;" Takehiro said startling her as she hadn't noticed him coming up behind her, "they look like they used to."

"Yeah," Ayano said, "hopefully Daiki can keep from pushing her away too much."

Takehiro nodded and pressed a soft kiss to his wife's temple. "They're kids. They'll work it out with time."

"I hope you're right," Ayano sighed but smiled at her husband.

Just as he was about to say something the doorbell rang and Ayano shot him a smile before going to answer it wondering who it could be since it was getting late. She opened the door and blinked when she saw the familiar man standing outside.

"Ah, Sasaki-san," Ayano smiled even as a sinking feeling was settling in her stomach at the sight of the smiling man in front of her. She had almost forgotten about him when the time had passed and they hadn't heard anything from him, but now he was standing there and she felt a sudden need to slam the door closed. She didn't, of course, because that would be rude.

"Hello, Aomine-san," Sasaki smiled, "may I come in?"

"Oh, of course," Ayano said trying to sound cheerful and opened the door wider to let him in. She fought the blush in her oversight.

The man stepped inside with a carefree smile and nodded politely when Takehiro joined them. Ayano saw the surprise and the apprehension in her husband's eyes as he recognised the man as well, and she was sure that he too had forgotten about Sasaki.

"Aomine-san," Sasaki smiled at the other man, "how are you all?"

"Sasaki-san," Takehiro smiled tightly back, "we're fine. May I ask what you're doing here? It's rather late, isn't it?"

Ayano winced slightly at the almost rude tone of his question, but Sasaki seemed unbothered and just smiled back.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but I need to talk to you and to Potter-san," Sasaki said with an apologetic look and Ayano sighed softly before nodding.

"Alright, she's with Daiki in the living room," Ayano said.

...

"Mac," Mac looked away from Daiki when she heard Ayano's voice interrupt their still going bantering about Glee. She stilled though when she spotted Sasaki behind Ayano and felt her hand that was petting Nao tighten in apprehension. What was he doing here? Daiki tensed next to her, she could feel it but he didn't say anything.

Nao opened his eyes when he felt Mac's tension and growled in warning, Mac could feel his fur standing up as he raised himself slightly only her hand keeping him still seated. She started stroking him again to calm him down.

The growling softened slightly but didn't stop completely and together with the singing from Glee was the only sounds that filled the living room for a moment before Mac found her voice again.

"Hi, Sasaki-san," she said softly at the same time as she shut the television off.

"Potter-san," Sasaki said sounding a little breathless and she saw him staring at Nao with wide eyes. "Um, you've got a new pet?"

Mac smiled fondly and nodded, "yeah. His name is Nao."

"I see," Sasaki said visibly shaking himself out of his shock. He smiled at Mac and Mac had to smile back, she was nervous and fearful of why he was there but it was hard to not smile back at the older man. "How are you, Potter-san?"

Mac shrugged, "I'm fine."

"Typical teenage answer," Sasaki said, "how's your schooling going?"

"Muggle or magical?" Mac asked and he smiled.

"Both," he said.

"Alright," Mac said, "it's a little tiresome and exhausting at times, but worth it. I'm really happy with how it's going."

"That's good," Sasaki said, "Professor Sato is very happy with you. He said you're one of the best students he's ever had."

Mac looked down to hide her blush and ignored the knowing smile on Sasaki's face.

"Why are you here?" Daiki asked rudely in Mac's opinion and she nudged him with her leg, but the other boy just glared and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Daiki!" She hissed.

"It's alright," Sasaki said looking slightly amused.

Ayano and Takehiro came to join them and Mac noticed that Ayano had a tray of coffee with her that she placed on the table. Sasaki sat down in one of the chairs and Mac felt him looking at her without saying anything for a moment and she fought the need to shift in her place or ask what he was doing here like Daiki did. Nao was tense in her lap, but he had stopped growling.

...

Sasaki took a moment to watch Mac. She had changed in the months since he last saw her, she looked more confident now and had gained a little more weight, she didn't seem as fragile as she used to. It was clear that she had been thriving under their care and a spark of uncertainty hit him. Perhaps removing her from this home was a mistake? He pushed the thought away and inhaled before starting to speak.

"I know it's been a while since last time I was here;" Sasaki started, "and I will admit that finding a family for you that was suitable to take you in, was harder than I thought it would be."

Sasaki saw the way Mac's shoulders tensed and how she looked down at the fox in her lap without comment. He sighed, he wished he didn't have to upset her with his news, but he hoped that in time that it was the right decision to make for her.

"But you've found one?" Takehiro broke the silence that had filled the room where he had trailed off for longer than he planned to as he had been studying Mac. Sasaki glanced at the older man before looking back at Mac who looked up and met his eyes. He was slightly stunned by the steel in her eyes as he met them, but he also saw the nerves and fear in them.

"Yes," Sasaki nodded and raised his hands before they managed to say something, "please, just listen."

He saw the battle going on in Mac's eyes before her shoulders slumped and nodded and he noticed how she reached out and took Daiki's hand in hers and seem to stop him from saying something as well. Sasaki was slightly amused to see how the other boy closed his mouth and glared at him but didn't say anything.

"Like I said," Sasaki started again, "it was difficult finding a suitable family for you. James Potter had a few distant cousins in England but they're all in one way or another not suitable for you. Some followed Voldemort, while other's has been almost wiped out in the war as well."

Mac frowned but didn't say anything.

"So, I moved on to your mother's family," Sasaki continued and noticed that Mac looked back up at him, "it was a challenge since she was the first magical in her family and we don't really have all that information on muggles. It took time and I had to use a private detective, but I finally found something."

Mac listened as he explained how he had found out about her grandfather and how he'd had an affair in between Petunia and Lily. Mac didn't like it, but she pushed the feeling away in favour of listening to him tell her about an aunt she never knew about and how she had married a man from Japan. Hope flared inside her as she heard that, maybe… he told her about her cousin being born and how they had lived in Japan for a few years before they moved to the US. Mac felt her stomach drop and felt how Daiki tensed beside her. Sasaki didn't let her interrupt and continued to talk, and at the end, Mac was left staring at the other man.

"You mean…they live here?" Mac whispered. "In Tokyo?"

"Yes," Sasaki nodded, "Kagami Tarou and his son just moved here because of his work."

Mac looked down at Nao giving her mind time to think and process what she had just been told. She had another uncle, an uncle married to her mum's half-sister. That didn't mean that he would like her or take care of her, she had learned that the hard way. Nao yapped softly nudging her hand while giving her a worried look. She didn't respond as she was still thinking.

"Did you say that…my aunt died?" Mac asked finally glancing up to see Sasaki patiently sitting in his seat waiting for her to speak. She saw the sad smile on his face and knew it was true.

"Yes," Sasaki said. "She was killed in a car accident a little over a year ago."

Mac looked down again biting down on her lower lip before looking back up.

"And he still…" she frowned not knowing how to word it. "He still wants me to live with them?"

"Yes," Sasaki nodded, "he is willing to take you in. He said it is what his wife would have wanted and his son deserves to get to know his cousin."

Daiki shifted next to her drawing her attention for a moment, his face was…bowed forward almost hidden in shadow but she saw the scowl on his face anyway. She could feel the tension in him even without touching him. She reached out and took his hand making him glance at her quickly before looking away again.

"I…" She turned her attention back to Sasaki. "I don't know what to think…I mean…a-aunt Petunia and u-uncle Vernon both was family and they…they didn't care for me. D-Dudley bullied me and did everything he could to make me miserable. What to say that they won't be the same?"

She couldn't quite believe that she actually voiced her fears, but it spilt out of her before she could hold it back. It was something she feared more than anything, she had found a safe place and just the thought of having to give it up… no, it was too much. She fisted her hand that was still in Nao's fur making him tense again and growl as he burrowed closer to her as if trying to give her comfort.

"I'll let you think about it," Sasaki said getting up. "I know it's a lot to take in, Potter-san. I will come back tomorrow and we'll talk more, ok?"

He waited until she nodded but she didn't say anything, she couldn't.

"Though, I promise you, Potter-san, Mac," Sasaki said making Mac look up at him at the use of her first name, he was looking at her intently, "I promise that it won't be like before. Kagami-san is a good man and he was genuinely interested in meeting you. He's not like the Dursley's."

Mac swallowed before she nodded slightly to show she heard him, but she wasn't sure she believed him. Even uncle Vernon had been able to charm others when he wanted to. Who's to say that this Kagami Tarou wasn't the same?

...

The next day Mac woke early from a restless sleep, she smiled a little at the sight of Nao curled up protectively at her side before her smile slipped off her face as the memories of the day before rushed over her again. What was she supposed to do with the information she'd learned? What was she supposed to feel? All she could feel was an overwhelming sensation of fear and worry.

"Go to your cupboard and stay there! Freak!"

Mac winced and hurried to the cupboard before her uncle could do anything else. She winced at the loud sound as he threw the glass against the wall. She could only imagine all the small pieces of glass that spread around the kitchen. She could hear her aunts shrill shriek of 'Vernon!' from her cupboard.

Mac barely had time to blink before another memory hit her making her curl into herself.

Laughter and cheerful chattering sounded from the living room and Mac paused in the hallway where she had entered after scrubbing the bathroom floor with a worn toothbrush. Pushing her sweaty hair out of her face she looked at the door to the living room and heard the laughter again. She recognised it now, it was her aunt that was laughing. It sounded genuine and warmer than when she laughed at something one of the neighbourhood women said. Unable to keep from moving Mac walked to the door and looked inside.

Inside she saw her aunt seated on the sofa with Dudley in her lap, he was pointing at the television and waved his pudgy hands excitedly with a wide grin on his round face. Mac looked up to see her aunt smile so warmly and caring down at him like he was the best thing in the world and Mac felt something in her chest that made her ache.

She had been good, so maybe her aunt would look at her that way? Maybe she would smile and say that she did a good job, that she was a good girl. Mac pushed the door open further and stepped in, hope to flare in her chest as she looked at her aunt.

"What are you doing in here, girl?" Aunt Petunia's voice was sharp and cold making Mac shrink in on herself and she felt her hope die a little more inside.

"I…I'm done with my chores, Aunt Petunia," Mac whispered looking up trying to see some sort of affection from her aunt, but all she saw was dislike and coldness in those cold blue eyes.

"Then go to your cupboard and wait there until it's time for you to make dinner!" Aunt Petunia snapped at her harshly. "Don't come in here and ruin my perfect little Dudders day! Always seeking attention, girl, it's not becoming! You should know your place!"

Mac swallowed the tears away as she whispered, "yes, aunt Petunia, sorry."

A sniff was all she heard and Mac turned and escaped to her cupboard just as the laughter picked back up and Mac lost her battle against the tears.

Jerking upright Mac rubbed a hand over her eyes ignoring the startled yelp Nao let out at her sudden movement. She hadn't thought about any of that in a long time. She had only been around five or six when that happened and some part of her was still that little girl who just wanted someone to love her, to care for her and be proud. But another part was unable to believe that she would ever find anyone actually related to her to feel like that, she knew that Daiki and his parents cared about her. She had believed that would be enough, but now she was supposed to leave? Could she find it in her to do so?

Mac sighed; she didn't have a choice though. Sasaki had always said this solution was only temporary, and it was not fair of her to ask (beg) Ayano and Takehiro to take her in for any longer than they already had. They had already done so much for her, she couldn't expect anything else.

Suddenly a wet tongue licked her cheek making her blink and look at Nao who was now standing in her bed and was now level with her in height as she was seated on the edge. She smiled at him and leaned her head against his seeking his comfort.

"Yow-ow-wow," Nao soft sound in her ear calmed her more than anything and she hugged him tighter for a moment before letting go.

"I'm sorry, Nao," she said, "I'm fine now."

Nao gave her a look and she chuckled ignoring that it sounded a little wet.

"Promise."

...

"What's wrong with you today?" Seijuro asked or more like ordered when he saw her stepping out of her changing room. Nao by her side. The team had gotten used to seeing the fox beside her now, but Mac still smiled at their shocked and slightly fearful reaction to him the first time they'd seen him.

She looked over at her friend to see his eyes narrowed and she knew he was trying to read her and find out what was wrong.

Mac looked away from him, she didn't want to lie but she wasn't sure she was ready to say it out loud either. She knew that Seijuro would be annoyed with her delay, but unlike with others, he wouldn't press.

"Well?"

Okay, wouldn't press too much, Mac corrected herself with a wry smile. She sighed and looked at him again to see the annoyed look in his eyes, but it was the worry deeply hidden that had her deflate and shoulders slump in defeat. She both hated and loved that he was able to bring her defences down without really trying, just like Daiki could. Though, in different ways.

"My…social worker has found a family for me," Mac admitted almost wincing as the words left her mouth and it hit her, it was real. She was supposed to move to another family, to someone who was related to her.

She dared look up and saw Seijuro having tensed beside her, he looked so tense that she worried he would snap like a string tied to tight. She looked around and saw that it was starting to fill up but only Shintaro and Ryota had shown up who was a part of the regulars that started the games. Both looked over at them with a wary look, she saw that Ryota was about to come over but Shintaro grabbed him by his shoulder and pulled him back. Which was probably a good idea seeing that Seijuro looked likely to go off at any moment.

Mac yelped slightly when her wrist was grabbed and she found herself being pulled toward the door, only a hand to Nao stopped him from reacting with other than growls as he followed.

"Seijuro!" Mac gasped but he didn't stop or say anything.

...

"What's wrong with you?!" Mac demanded when he finally stopped outside partly hidden from the gym and let go of her wrist.

"You're not moving!" Seijuro snapped at her his eyes flashing and he took a step toward her. "You're not leaving the team!"

Mac blinked before taking a breath to calm down and look at Seijuro who looked angry and demanding but also worried and Mac could see some fear in his eyes. She knew that he too was afraid of being alone.

"I never said anything about leaving the team," Mac finally said and he looked at her sharply as if challenging her to lie to him. She rolled her eyes. "I'm not. My social worker found out that I have or had another aunt. Mum's half-sister that no one knew about. She's dead though, but her husband is willing to take me in. He lives in Tokyo."

Seijuro still hadn't moved but his eyes were locked on her and she waited until he found his voice again or decided to move.

"Oh."

Mac almost snorted amused at the untypical response from Seijuro but she didn't as her mind was back on her situation. She sat down on the curb and looked out over the schoolyard without really seeing it. She was aware that Seijuro sat down next to her and glanced over to find him looking away from her.

"You're upset," Seijuro broke the silence with his statement.

"I guess," Mac sighed and leaned back leaning on her hands to keep her upright. Mac knew he wouldn't press her to speak now that he was reassured she wasn't going to leave, and she was grateful for the silent companionship he offered.

"We're still here for you, Mac," Seijuro said startling her slightly. "You're not on your own."

He didn't look at her with hurt eyes or like he wanted to say something but held back, like Daiki did. She understood Daiki, though, but right now she needed someone to just reassure her that everything would be okay.

...

"I'll meet him," Mac said when she met Sasaki later that day and saw the proud smile on Sasaki's face. She had made up her mind during practice, not that she really had a choice but she decided that she wasn't going to be difficult about it. "I'll see what he's like, but I can't promise anything."

"That's alright," Sasaki smiled. "I'm glad you agreed to meet him."

Mac shrugged and looked down, she wasn't sure she really wanted to but she was going to anyway. Maybe she should allow herself one more chance at a family, maybe this wouldn't turn out as bad. She inhaled deeply and glanced over at Daiki who was silently watching her. He hadn't said much since the day before, only watched her and she wished he would say something.

"If you're sure, Mac," Ayano said making Mac look away from Daiki and over at the older woman who was giving her a sad smile. "You're always welcome here, Mac. We'll support you in any decision you make."

"Thank you;" Mac said trying to smile.

Daiki got up and left the room without a word. The room felt colder without her best friend there, she could only stare at the door where he had disappeared to and heard the footsteps moving up the stairs and soon the sound of his bedroom door closing.

Mac didn't notice the looks exchanged between the adults as she stared at the door. Daiki was upset and it was her fault, she wanted to make it right and comfort him, but could she?

"Excuse me," she whispered and got up Nao following like always.

"Of course," Sasaki said with a soft smile. "I'll talk with Aomine-san."

Mac nodded once and walked out of the door.

...

"Daiki?" Mac paused outside the door to his room. There was no answer and she rested her hand on the handle waiting and deliberating what to do. Should she give him space or should she enter and force him to talk to her? She wasn't sure what the best option right now was, but her need for her best friend pushed her hand down and opening the door without really her conscious approval of her own actions.

The room was only lit up by the light from the window and she saw the old basketball lying on the floor by the door and a few heaps of old clothes spread on the floor as well. She quickly saw him standing by the window with his back to her and shoulders slumped, slightly leaned forward as if he was leaning against the windowsill.

"Daiki?" She asked again in a small voice she didn't like, but she couldn't help it. She felt so…vulnerable and she needed her best friend. She stepped further into the room and moved almost all the way over to him, but stopped before she reached him. "I…I'm sorry."

Daiki stiffened and she could see how his muscles tensed, but he didn't say anything.

"I don't know what to do," she whispered, "I don't…I'm scared."

The admittance escaped her lips before she could control it, she hadn't admitted that to anyone. Not to Seijuro earlier that day, or to Nao or even to herself. But now, with Daiki she found herself admitting to it.

"I'm scared, and…what if he's like uncle Vernon? What if he hates me too?" Mac whispered, "what if I'm unable to have a family that loves me? What if…"

Her words were stopped when she suddenly found herself pressed against a strong chest with firm arms around her holding her surprisingly gently. She hadn't even noticed Daiki move before she found herself in his arms and hugged like she was the most important person in the world. She relaxed into the hug after a moment and let her best friend comfort her with his warmth and secure presence. She was safe with him.

...

...

AN: Thank you for reading!

Meeting Kagami in the next chapter :)