Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Kuroko no Basket!
...
...
3rd year – Teiko
"Eh?!"
"What?"
The shocked exclamations seemed to be going around from one to the other as they all stared at Mac who was shifting uncomfortably at her seat on the side of Kiyoshi's bed. She felt like fleeing as their eyes were trained on her. She felt her mouth go dry and her palms were sweaty as she so suddenly found herself in the focus of all of Kiyoshi's team. She knew that they were his closest friends and she really wanted them to like her. A flash of her friends meeting Kiyoshi crossed her mind and she almost winced. Would they react the same way to her?
"Kiyoshi Teppei," the only female in the group said as she stepped closer and her eyes narrowed in annoyance, or so Mac would guess. "Just what is going on here? Who is she and why is she wearing the Teiko jersey?"
Mac winced slightly at the way Riko, she was sure that it must be the coach Kiyoshi had talked about, said 'Teiko'. It was almost like it was a bad word. Though, anger was also lurking underneath the nerves and worries. She didn't like to hear others talk badly about her friends, they might be a little…um, intimidating and unsociable but they were her friends and she owed them more than anyone.
"Oh!" A loud voice interrupted Riko in her glaring at a still silent Kiyoshi and Mac glanced up when she suddenly had a figure right in front of her and blinked two times as she stared up at the boy who had held Hyuga back. She felt weary as he grinned looking like he had figured something out. "I know! I know!"
"What do you know?" Hyuga snapped annoyed with a glare that had Mac wish to hide but she kept seated in the same place without moving. She too was curious about what the teen knew.
"I know who you are!" He said triumphantly. "You're the girl that was with the Generation of Miracles earlier! You smiled at us!"
Mac opened and then closed her mouth before turning her head to look at Kiyoshi who was looking amused. He smiled when he met her eyes and she realised that he hadn't said anything because he enjoyed watching his friends freak out as they tried to guess.
"Um…I guess so," Mac said quietly honestly feeling confused.
"You're a player?" one of the others asked looking eager and almost like he was about to start bouncing. Only a hand from the tall quiet one seemed to keep him in place.
"I am," Mac said dragging the words out before glancing at Kiyoshi urging him to take over. She felt stupid for not having better answers but it was like her mind had shut down and she could only hope that her boyfriend would step in soon.
"Guys," Kiyoshi said with a smile as he squeezed Mac's hand in his. "This is Mackenzie Potter, third year at Teiko and a part of their basketball team as well as my girlfriend."
Again shocked silence filled the hospital room as the team gaped at them. It was amusing the way they looked from Kiyoshi and over at Mac and back again. Mac noticed how their eyes seemed to stop momentarily at their joined hands as well. She would have laughed if she wasn't so nervous about how they would react.
"Eh?"
"What?"
And there, they were back to where they started. Mac stood up from where she was seated and felt with a loss that Kiyoshi's hand slipped out of her own. She wished to take it again, but right now she thought she should try to be polite as she faced Kiyoshi's friends.
"Girlfriend?"
"You have a girlfriend?"
"I never knew you had a girlfriend…"
Mac wasn't sure what she felt when she realised that he had never told them about her. Was he ashamed of her? She was younger than him, and a part of Teiko… maybe he didn't really want her to meet his friends? Was it a mistake to come here?
"Hello," Mac spoke up as she pushed her inner worries away for now and bowed politely to them. "It's very nice to meet you all. Teppei has told me a lot about you."
The stammering and gaping stopped as they were again all focused on her; she kept her small smile on her face as she waited for someone to say something. She saw the way Riko's eyebrows had arched as if surprised, and the way Hyuga stared at her.
"I knew he was hiding something," Riko broke the silence and shot Kiyoshi a look. "Hello, Potter-san. I'm Aida Riko, Kiyoshi's coach."
Riko smiled as she stepped closer to Mac and held out a hand for her to take. Mac shook it quickly feeling herself relax a little, as they one by one started to introduce themselves and shake her hand. Finally, she found herself in front of Hyuga who was not smiling but watching her with a critical eye and she could see the distrust in his dark eyes. She swallowed and felt herself tense again.
She remembered clearly that Kiyoshi had told her that Hyuga had given up on basketball because of her and her friends. Of course, he would have a problem with his friend dating one of them. He must hate her for all the pain they had put him through. She remembered him from when they played against his team. She remembered how enthusiastic he had been about basketball and how his eyes shone with the love of the game. She also remembered the broken look in his eyes when they were done.
Her chest felt tight and throat dry as she tried to find a way to face him, but all she could think was that he had been driven from his dream because of them. She fisted her hands and the feeling of her nails digging into her palms calmed her down slightly.
"I remember you now," Hyuga suddenly said. "You played the last quarter when our team played Teiko."
"Oh…I had forgotten…" Izuki said wide-eyed. "How could I forget that I've played you before?"
Mac shrugged, "some do."
"Because we were focusing on the others and how…how they trampled right over us," Hyuga grumbled but he didn't seem to focus on her the same way anymore.
"Oh, I suppose so," Izuki said and looked at her curiously.
"Mac is both a player and the manager for the team," Kiyoshi explained casually making Mac wondering if he was completely unaware of the way she was feeling right now. She glanced over at him and saw the warm and reassuring smile he gave her and she felt herself smile back and relax. Of course, he wasn't, he was just trying to keep her calm.
"Manager, huh?" Koganei asked with a grin. "I would guess that taking care of those guys is a challenge."
Mac snorted and shot him a grin missing the way Kiyoshi smiled at her at the same time, "you have no idea."
Mac sat down again but this time on a chair between the window and the bed smiling when Kiyoshi reached out and took her hand back in his giving it a small squeeze. She felt bad for doubting him, she knew he was the best and was only trying to help her.
...
"Anyway," Hyuga said shaking his head a little, "the distraction aside… how's your injury?"
The air in the room turned sombre again as the team looked at Kiyoshi with worried eyes and seemed to be holding their breaths. Mac glanced over at Kiyoshi and saw him blink a few times as he looked at his friends. She felt him tighten his hold on her hand as he looked away from them.
"Sorry," Kiyoshi said, "but about that… I'm completely fine!"
He grinned and Mac could practically see the rainbow colouring behind him as he did. She kept her face carefully blank as she observed the relieved reactions from his team. She understood the need to protect them from the truth of his injury, but she also knew that there was no way for him to hide it forever. Mac looked up and met Hyuga's eyes and knew that there was one on his team that didn't buy the lie. She gave a small nod and saw the pain that crossed his face before he looked away. She waited for him to say something, but he didn't. He let Kiyoshi keep reassure the others that he was fine and that it was only a sprain.
Just when they had all calmed down and Kiyoshi's team were reassured that their friend was going to be ok the door opened again and Mac could feel how the tension got back.
"What are you doing here?" Hyuga snapped glaring.
Mac leaned forward a little so she could see who was standing in the doorway and felt her eyes widen when she saw her Captain standing there looking calm and imposing. His heterochromatic eyes snapped to her before looking at Kiyoshi who was looking surprised on the bed.
"That is none of your concern," Seijuro dismissed coolly as he stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. "Mac."
"Seijuro," Mac frowned at him as she stood up and rounded the bed. "How did you know….Oh, Tetsu."
"Yes, Tetsuya called me," Seijuro said not looking away from her. "He thought you might need….some help."
Mac rolled her eyes a little but she did feel a little better with him there, not as exposed. She knew that only he or Daiki could make her feel like that, but Tetsuya wouldn't call Daiki. Not with the rift between them.
Seijuro was watching her keenly and she knew he was watching out for signs of her discomfort and pain. Mac could easily see the way a muscle in his jaw jumped and the worried look in his eyes.
...
Riko was watching the scene with curiosity and wondered why the Captain of the Generation of Miracles had come all the way here. He looked cold and intimidating, and she was slightly worried about the fact that a 14-year-old boy could take up so much room. He was staring at Mac, at Kiyoshi's girlfriend (boy was that a strange thought), and while she couldn't say that there was anything romantic in the way he looked at her…there definitely was something.
"Nice to see you again, Akashi-san," Kiyoshi said with his easy smile.
"Kiyoshi," Seijuro said calmly. "How's the knee?"
"I'm fine," Kiyoshi grinned.
Riko furrowed her brows as Kiyoshi yet again assured he was fine, but her gut said differently. She looked at Seijuro and while his face didn't betray anything of what he was thinking he was staring at Kiyoshi before glancing over at Mac with a small twitch of eyebrows. Mac just shrugged and leaned against the bed again.
"Why are you here?" Hyuga asked again taking threatening step forward and grabbed Seijuro's shirt. "Come to gloat? You don't care about Kiyoshi. So, why are you here?"
Riko felt her eyes widen in slight fear as her team Captain grabbed the Captain of the Generation of Miracles by the shirt. She might not have met him before or even really watched him play, but she had heard enough to know that he would not take being treated like this. Before she could react Mac had moved from her side at the bed and over to her friend.
"Seijuro…" Mac said her voice calm and Riko saw the way she put a hand on Seijuro's shoulder before turning to Hyuga. "Let go of him, Hyuga-san."
Hyuga glanced at her before he did as she asked and Seijuro straightened his shirt without saying a word. Riko noticed that Mac stood tense beside him and her eyes alert and slightly worried. Riko had no idea what to expect but she felt herself tense even more.
"Seijuro," Mac said again and Riko thought her tone was almost pleading. Riko watched as the two exchanged another look and then Mac looked relieved making Riko wonder what she had seen in the cold mask on her friends face.
"I did not come to gloat," Seijuro's voice was quiet and cold. "You're right about one thing; I don't especially care for Kiyoshi. But Mac does, so I'm here. And…I don't need to explain myself to you."
Riko frowned as the well-known cold Teiko Captain openly admitted that he was there because of Mac. She looked over at Mac and saw the small smile on her face and noticed that she did seem more relaxed than she had since Riko met her.
...
Mac felt relieved when she managed to calm the situation down and make Seijuro step down, she had seen the need to retaliate and knew it would prove disastrous if she didn't stop her friend. He would not be kind or gentle in proving that he was 'better' than Hyuga. She really didn't need him to make them more sceptical toward her.
"I guess it's time to go home," Riko said breaking the tense silence that filled the room.
Mac looked around and saw the wary looks and slight relief in their eyes. She sighed a little; the first meeting with Kiyoshi's friends hadn't gone quite as she wanted it to. She looked at Kiyoshi who was watching her and Seijuro with a thoughtful look on his face, but he smiled when he met her eyes before turning back to his team.
"Ok, bye guys," Kiyoshi waved.
"Bye! We're so happy you're okay!" Koganei said waving with Mitobe nodding along behind him. "Mitobe also thinks so!"
"See you at school," Tsuchiba said quietly with a genuine smile.
"Yeah," Kiyoshi nodded and waved at them. Soon everyone from Seirin had left the room leaving Mac and Seijuro alone with him.
"You came down here for Mac?" Kiyoshi asked Seijuro whose face didn't betray anything.
"Yes," Seijuro said. "We all would have come if necessary."
Kiyoshi frowned a little before he smiled like he realised something. Mac wondered what it was.
"Well, thank you," Kiyoshi said. "I appreciate it."
Seijuro looked slightly surprised before he schooled his face again and nodded. He glanced at Mac before looking back at Kiyoshi.
"She's ours," Seijuro simply said and Mac wasn't the only one who heard the possessive note in his voice. She said nothing.
"Will you please make sure she gets home alright?" Kiyoshi asked. "She's tired and should get home to rest."
Seijuro nodded sharply before turning around and walked to the door where he paused clearly waiting for her. Mac walked over to the bed and took Kiyoshi's hand in hers.
"Are you going to be fine?" she asked looking at him.
"I'll be fine, Mac," Kiyoshi smiled at her. "You should go and get some rest."
"But…" Mac frowned unwilling to leave her boyfriend.
"It's okay," Kiyoshi said.
"Ok, but I'll be back tomorrow," Mac said. "And I'll text you tonight."
...
Mac stepped out of the car outside of her apartment and turned to see Seijuro also step out behind her. She looked at him confused and he gave her a small smile and she tried to smile back, but the day's events came back at her and she could see Kiyoshi lying in pain on the court and Hanamiya's cruel smirk taunting her.
"Mac?" Seijuro sounded worried and he was suddenly much closer than before. Mac blinked at him trying to figure out how he got so much closer. "You're pale."
"Oh," was all she said.
"Come," Seijuro said and lead her to a bench across the street and sat her down. She followed without much thought and thankfully accepted the help from her friend. "Are you ok?"
"I…" Mac started to say she was fine, but the words didn't come out. She remembered the pain in Kiyoshi's eyes, the news that his knee wouldn't be okay like he said. She remembered the hurt in Hyuga's eyes knowing that she was a part of the reason why Kiyoshi's friend had been in pain. She remembered that despite knowing that they had reasons for thinking badly about her friends, her team she still felt angry hearing the tone of how they talked about them. "I don't know."
Seijuro looked at her for a moment before he placed a hand on her shoulder. She accepted the comfort for what it was and slightly leaned into the touch. She knew he didn't offer comfort to many besides her, and not like this often.
"How is his knee really?" Seijuro asked after a moment and Mac sighed. She looked over at Seijuro as she pulled away from him and saw the serious look in his eyes. She knew he hadn't bought Kiyoshi's lie about being alright.
"It's…bad," Mac admitted quietly. "He needs surgery and then therapy."
Seijuro nodded and Mac could tell he was thinking hard about something.
"Can't magic do anything for him?" Seijuro asked surprising Mac slightly. He hadn't really talked about magic that much since learning about it; she had wondered when he would bring it up.
"I don't know," Mac said with a heavy air around her. "I don't know much or anything about magical medicine. I need to ask my professor… perhaps there is something? But…muggles aren't supposed to know about magic and I can't see them allowing me to tell him the truth…"
Seijuro nodded in understanding but didn't say anything else. Soon he got up and told her to get inside and that he would see her at school the next day. Mac nodded and waved at him as he stepped into the waiting car again and drove off.
...
Mac stepped into the apartment and instantly heard the sound of the television from the living room. She made her way inside and saw both her uncle and cousin seated on the sofa. A basketball match was on the television and Taiga was watching while Tarou was reading a book.
"You're late getting back," Tarou commented when he spotted her.
Mac glanced at the clock and saw that it was past nine and remembered now that she had said she would be back by six. She had completely forgotten during everything that had been going on. She looked back at her uncle who was watching her. He frowned and put his book down as he leaned forward slightly.
"Mac? Something wrong?" Tarou asked making Taiga look away from the match for the first time and over at her as well.
"I'm sorry," Mac said trying to smile. "I just…"
She trailed off unsure of what to say or if she should tell them the truth. Something inside her held her back from telling them about Kiyoshi and the trouble he was now in. The faces of Vernon and Petunia flashed in her mind, their sneers and taunting laugh filling her ears. They wouldn't wish to be burdened with her problems. Why would Tarou be any different?
"Mac, come and sit down," Tarou said and Mac moved to the chair and sat down like her uncle said. She was still not sure about what to say or if she wanted to tell them. She hadn't actually told them that she had a boyfriend either.
"Mac, what's wrong?" Tarou asked when she didn't continue and Mac looked up and saw the worried look in his eyes. Did he really care?
"My boyfriend got hurt and is in the hospital," Mac said quietly looking down at her lap waiting for her uncle's response. She heard the sharp intake of breath, but otherwise no other reaction. She dared to look up and saw the concerned look in Tarou's eyes.
"How did he get hurt?" Tarou asked making a mental note to himself to ask about the boyfriend part later.
"He was hurt during his basketball match," Mac said and a dark look entered her eyes just remembering it. "He was jumping up to dunk a ball and the opponent landed on his knee…"
"I'm sorry to hear that," Tarou said, "will his knee be alright?"
Mac shook her head and she fisted her hands. Tarou sighed and nodded.
"Who is he?" Taiga asked speaking up for the first time.
Mac looked at him and saw the frown on his face; she also noticed that Tarou gave his son a look that Taiga ignored.
"Kiyoshi Teppei," Mac said.
"I've never heard that name before," Taiga said. "He's not one of your friends from your team?"
"No," Mac shook her head. "He's in High School."
Taiga scowled but didn't say anything when his father put a hand on his shoulder. Mac was grateful for it because she couldn't deal with the overprotective cousin right now.
"We'll talk more about it later, Mac," Tarou said. "You should get ready for bed. You must be exhausted."
Mac nodded and got up.
...
After a quick shower and changing into her pyjamas she was curled up on her bed with Nao safely curled up close to her. She allowed Nao to comfort her and calm her down as she pulled out her phone and texted Kiyoshi.
Hi, how are you feeling? – Mac
A minute later the response came.
Hi Mac. I'm feeling ok. Did you get home alright? – Teppei
Mac narrowed her eyes as she read the text and shook her head. Looking at Nao who blinked up at her she sighed.
"Boys…"
Feeling ok? Sure you're not in pain? And yeah, I got home alright. Seijuro had his driver drive me back. I would have texted you earlier but my uncle was home and he asked me what was wrong. I had to tell him. Hope you don't mind? – Mac
She waited nervously for him to respond, she hoped he wouldn't be upset with her for telling her uncle about him or his injury. She was also wondering if she could have her uncle do something about Hanamiya. He was a lawyer after all.
I really am feeling ok, Mac. Don't worry too much. I got some medicine for the pain that helps and right now I don't feel the pain too much. Good Akashi-san got you home safe. Thank him for coming to see me for me, ok? I am still surprised that he did. But it was fun watching the others reaction to him entering the room. ;) Of course, I don't mind you telling your uncle about it. – Teppei
Mac snorted and Nao yapped at the sudden sound. Mac patted him in an apology.
Of course, you would find that amusing. And of course, I'm going to worry, Teppei. I don't want to see you in pain. I know how much basketball means for you. I will tell him. Seijuro has another side to him, but he doesn't normally allow anyone see it. – M.
I know. I think my friends liked you; Hyuga came back after you left. He knew I was lying about the injury. I had to tell him. – T.
Mac sighed sadly and cuddled Nao closer to her chest wishing that she had been quicker and read the situation faster so she could have prevented the entire thing. If she had her boyfriend would be fine and his team wouldn't be going through this now.
I thought he might. He looks to be sharp and he knows you. Your team will support you, Teppei. They will need to know at some point. – M.
I know. I just want to protect them for a little bit longer. I don't want to see pity in their eyes, Mac. I don't think I can handle that… - T.
Mac felt her throat go dry and tears in her eyes as she read the vulnerable admission and she could tell it was something he normally never would admit to. She wished she was with him right now so she could reassure him in person and not over the phone.
I know. I understand why you did it, and I will support you in whatever you decide to do. But I think you should put your trust in your team, Teppei. They might surprise you. –M.
They continued to text for the next hour before they finished and Mac let her exhaustion pull her into a restless sleep.
...
Sato's house
Sato observed his young student who was sitting quietly at her desk reading and doing what he had told her to do. She had been quiet ever since she arrived and had barely spoken a word. The shadows under her eyes showed that she hadn't been sleeping well and he felt a little worried about her.
She had glanced at him several times and had shifted in her seat like she was nervous more times than he could count. His own curiosity and worry had him almost asking what was wrong, but his wife's words from when he'd talked to her about it during lunch held him back. She had told him to allow Mac decide if she wanted to tell him or not. That if she wanted to she would ask.
He almost wished Daisuke was there, he seemed to be able to get Mac to talk. He had been surprised when he saw Mac and Daisuke fall into an easy friendship. If he were honest with himself he would have thought his daughter, Sachi, would be the one to befriend Mac. But it was Daisuke who had been the one to befriend the girl. Sachi had teased her brother saying he liked Mac, but Daisuke had only shrugged and said he did. He liked her as a friend and almost like a little sister, he said she looked kind of lonely and he just wanted to look out for her. Sachi had rolled her eyes but hadn't teased him anymore.
"Professor Sato?" Mac interrupted his thoughts and he looked over at her to see her green eyes watch him closely from behind her glasses.
"Yes, Potter-san?" Sato answered.
"Can magical healing help muggles?" Mac asked sounding nervous and he could tell she was biting down on her lower lips as she watched him closely. He took a moment to watch her, it was clear that it wasn't just curiosity that had her asking. No, there was a reason for her question that hadn't anything to do with academics.
"Not all magical healing, no," Sato answered after a pause and saw how her shoulders slumped.
"Why?" she asked.
"It's a complicated matter," Sato started deciding to answer her fully. "Magical healing is complex and many think it's an easy solution, a quick fix to your injury or sickness. That's not true. It takes a lot of the body to be healed like that, and magical healing draws on the patient's own magic to heal."
"So it's because muggles don't have any magic that they can't be healed with it?" Mac asked.
"Yes," Sato nodded.
"So, there's not anything that can help muggles?" Mac asked almost desperately.
"Potter-san?" Sato asked seeing the desperation in her eyes.
"I… my boyfriend hurt his knee during a basketball match yesterday," Mac said quietly, "he needs surgery and…"
Sato sighed as he realised why she was so distracted and upset. He wished he could have a better answer.
"I'm sorry, Potter-san," Sato said. "There isn't anything that will help with that. There might be a few potions that can help with pain and speed the healing up a little, but not completely."
"What kind of potions?" Mac asked.
Sato looked at her and frowned. "You know you can't tell him about magic, Potter-san."
Mac nodded, "but I don't need to tell him that it's magic. There's plenty of muggles that believes in herbs and medicine coming from nature. I could use that as an explanation."
Sato arched a brow, he hadn't known that. Muggles kept surprising him. He looked at her again and thought for a moment before getting up. He walked to the bookshelf and after a moment he pulled out a book and levitated it over to her.
"Read that and see if you can find something that can work;" Sato said. "However, before you attempt to make it I want you to write an essay on it to me and convince me that you know how to make it and how it is used. I do not want to learn that you've done something without my knowledge. Potions are dangerous and made wrong could hurt your boyfriend more than help him. Do you understand?"
Mac nodded quickly as she looked away from the book and over at Sato.
...
Teiko
Mac stepped into the gym for the morning practice before school started. She was tired having just finished her magical lessons and was now starting her day for the second time. The potion book Sato had given her was lying in her bag ready to be read, she wished she could skip practice and just read but she knew she couldn't.
"Mac-cchi!" Ryota wailed as soon as she stepped into the gym. "Midorima-cchi is mean to me!"
"Stop whining!" Shintaro snapped annoyance clear in both his voice and his face. He pushed his glasses up his nose as he glared at Ryota.
"I just want to borrow it!" Ryota wailed.
Mac shook her head and ignored them as she walked to the bench and sat down. She missed the way both Ryota and Shintaro stopped their bickering and stared after her. She placed her bag on the bench and pulled out her phone. She sent a quick text to Kiyoshi where she asked him how he was.
Daiki stepped into the gym annoyed at Seijuro who had ordered him to come to practice today; he had planned on skipping it. He had been there enough and should be allowed to do so, but no! Come to practice and don't even think about skipping. That had been the message Seijuro had texted him. He scoffed. As soon as he stepped into the gym he looked around and found her on the bench by herself. He frowned when he saw the tense shoulders and how she seemed to be in her own little world.
He looked to see Seijuro enter the gym and he arched a brow at the Captain. Seijuro met his eyes and he saw him look toward Mac. Perhaps Seijuro had a reason for ordering Daiki to practice. He walked toward Mac with quick steps as he tried to figure out what was bothering her.
"Kenzie."
Mac looked up and he was hit with the worry in her eyes, her green eyes were darker than normal with it. She tried to smile at him, but it fell flat. He sat down next to her and grabbed her hand trying to give her comfort.
"Kenzie?" Daiki asked again. "What's wrong?"
Mac shrugged and looked away from him to see the rest of the Miracles having gathered around her too. She sighed and tightened her hold on Daiki's hand making him frown at her.
"Kiyoshi Teppei was injured yesterday," Seijuro spoke up and Daiki stilled.
"Eh?" Ryota asked shocked. "How?"
"Hanamiya Makoto," Mac said quietly.
Daiki glared at the floor as the name called forth memories he'd rather forget. Mac had almost been injured when they had played him and only her quick reflexes had saved her from getting an elbow in her ribs. He could still see the elbow aiming for her ribs knowing he couldn't do anything to stop it.
"I dealt with him," Mac said and Daiki glanced at her. He could see the storm of emotion in her eyes and knew she was more rattled by the meeting with the one who had been out to get her in that match than she had let on.
Daiki watched as the team offered support to Mac in their own way and how she accepted it. Then Sanada entered the gym and started practice.
...
"Kenzie," Daiki sat down in his regular seat in the classroom that was beside hers, but instead of going to sleep he looked at her with a worried look in his eyes. She looked up from her notebook and met his eyes.
"Daiki?" She asked looking confused.
"How are you feeling?" Daiki asked.
"I'm fine," Mac said looking back at her notebook.
Daiki scowled and suddenly stood up and grabbed her hand and with his other hand grabbed her bag (knowing Nao was inside) before pulling her out of the classroom. He ignored the protests she gave as he dragged her with him. He knew she could have gotten free from his grip if she really wanted to.
They only stopped when they reached the park where they had played basketball together during their first years at Teiko. Mac pulled her wrist free and frowned at Daiki.
"What are you doing, Daiki? We have class!" Mac snapped.
"You're hiding what you're feeling! And don't pretend that you care about missing a class," Daiki said. "You know your classes better than anyone!"
"Yeah, because I show up and pay attention," Mac said glaring at him.
Daiki rolled his eyes making Mac sigh exasperatedly. She looked away from Daiki and pulled Nao out from her bag giving him time to run free around her on the court. She smiled slightly at the happy yapps from her little fox.
"Now, tell me the truth," Daiki said. "How are you feeling?"
Mac glanced at him before looking away. "I told you. I'm fine."
"You forget that I know you," Daiki said. "I know you're not fine. Seeing him again and then Kiyoshi getting hurt…"
Mac didn't say anything. It was true that she wasn't fine, but… she didn't want to admit it. Daiki stood close beside her and put a hand on her shoulder. She felt her lip quiver a little.
"I have to be fine," Mac said. "Teppei needs me."
Daiki fisted his hands but kept his comment to himself as he watched her. She was looking determined and he knew she was doing her best to support Kiyoshi. He felt the same unsettled feeling in his stomach that said he was losing her, but he pushed it back.
"That doesn't mean you should ignore your own needs, Kenzie," Daiki said. "Let us help you."
He had wanted to say let him help her, but the word wouldn't get out. He felt the barrier between them and he hated it. She looked at him and suddenly he saw the little girl he had met back when he was 8 years old. The same vulnerable and fragile girl he had wanted to protect.
"I was too late, Daiki," Mac whispered. "I couldn't stop it."
"It wasn't your fault, Kenzie," Daiki said frowning. "You had no power to stop it."
"Perhaps," Mac allowed, "but…"
"But nothing!" Daiki interrupted her. "You can't blame yourself for everything, Mac! You are not the one who hurt him! You tried to stop it, you did everything you could."
"I still should have stopped it," Mac said stubbornly.
Daiki grabbed both her shoulders and looked her straight in the eyes.
"Your aunt and uncle were wrong, Kenzie," Daiki said. "You are not the reason everything goes wrong. You are not to blame when accidents happen. You don't control everyone else's actions. You have to stop blaming yourself for everything, Kenzie."
Daiki knew that this need to blame herself came from her relatives and he hated that she felt like that. He hated that they still had the power over her to make her believe that she was at fault when things went wrong.
"I just feel so helpless, Daiki," Mac admitted looking down. "And…"
"And?" Daiki pressed.
"Do you think Teppei is ashamed of me?"
"What?" Daiki asked shocked. "Where did you get an idea like that?"
"He didn't tell his friends about me," Mac said. "They didn't even know he had a girlfriend…"
Daiki scowled as he saw the hurt in her eyes and he swore that if Kiyoshi hurts his friend he wouldn't know what hit him.
"Why wouldn't he tell them?" Mac asked.
"You didn't tell us either," Daiki pointed out hating that he had to do so. He wanted to show her that Kiyoshi wasn't right for her, but he hated to see the pain in her eyes.
"That's different…" Mac said.
"How?" Daiki asked.
"It just is," Mac mumbled. "Anyway, I was going to tell you. I would have told you by now."
"Perhaps," Daiki allowed, "but maybe he was waiting for the preliminaries was over so he wouldn't take the focus off their practice. You said they are very focused on their basketball and a new team. He might have waited until he could introduce you to them himself."
Mac frowned as she thought about what Daiki was saying. She knew that Daiki had a point. She sighed and nodded.
"I didn't think about that," Mac said.
Daiki's heart felt heavy as he watched his best friend. He knew he hadn't been a good friend to her lately, and that she deserved better. He knew that, but it hurt when it looked like better was not with him. He didn't know how to keep close to her and not argue about the time she spent with him.
"Perhaps you should give him a chance to prove he isn't ashamed of you. I am sure he isn't."
"How can you know?"
"Who could ever be ashamed of you, Kenzie?" Daiki smiled at her and Mac smiled back and without any further warning hugged him. Daiki stilled in her arms before relaxing into her taking comfort from her when he could.
"Thank you," Mac whispered. "Thank you, Daiki."
Mac missed the sad smile on his face.
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AN: Thank you for reading!