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

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3rd year – Teiko - Nationals

"Listen here," Sanada said standing in the locker room before their first match. He was looking at them all with a serious look on his face and Mac nudged Daiki who looked ready to doze off. He startled slightly but seemed a little more awake so she focused back on the coach. "I want you all to go out there and give it your all. I do not want anyone of you slacking off just because you think you're the best!"

"We understand," Seijuro said coolly.

Mac was worried but she pushed it back as she stood up next to Daiki. He rolled a shoulder before starting to walk out of the gym. Mac glanced at Sanada who was watching them with a pensive look on his face, when he noticed her watching him he gave her a tight smile before heading out. She briefly wondered what he was thinking.

"Ok," she muttered to herself. "Remember what Teppei said… just focus on having fun. Playing basketball is fun."

She inhaled deeply as she repeated the mantra to herself in her mind one more time.

"Kenzie?" Daiki reappeared in the door looking at her curiously. "You coming?"

"Yeah…" Mac nodded and joined him. He nodded and walked beside her with a bored look on his face. She glanced at him and wondered when the last time she had seen him bouncing in excitement before a match was. It seemed like a lifetime ago. She shook her head pushing out the brooding thoughts; she couldn't start thinking about that again.

They entered the court and saw the other team Hiramine Junior High was already there warming up. Mac knew each player on the team from her research and she also knew that they were a hard-working team when they were at their best. She could only hope that they would manage to bring it for this match.

Mac started on the bench and had to watch as her team completely trampled over Hiramine who faltered quickly. She realised as she sat there watching that it was the first time she'd ever seen them play at full power all at once. They hadn't gone all out together before, and if she thought the result was bad then… now it was a disaster.

"Oh my," Sanada muttered next to her and Mac glanced at him to see him looking pale and shocked like he had seen something really unexpected. Not that Mac really knew what was so unexpected about this. This was what she had been waiting for. "They're too good… It's like the pressure doesn't even register with them anymore. Is their talent really that overwhelming?"

Mac wasn't sure he meant her for hearing him as he was staring at the match. She could only start to imagine what he must be feeling watching the Generation of Miracles waltzing over their opponents. Though, he had seen it before but not with this kind of overpowering force and not with this kind of setting. The nerves that had still been on the team a year ago was completely gone.

"I think your request before the game had them all face Hiramine more seriously than before," Mac spoke up quietly not taking her eyes off the game. "They're showing off."

"I see," Sanada said. "You knew they…they could do this?"

Mac didn't say anything for a moment before she sighed and nodded.

"I knew it was a possibility," Mac admitted.

He frowned but nodded looking dejected but also resigned. She wasn't sure what he was thinking and he offered no more insight into this thoughts.

It was over and Teiko won 198 – 8. It was their largest victory yet and all Mac felt was dread twisting in her stomach as she watched her friends' line up. Hiramine's players looked broken and she forced her eyes away.

...

"Looks like we took them too seriously," Ryota moaned as he sat down at the bench in the locker room, sweat was dripping from his forehead and he raised his hand to wipe it off.

"See…" Atsushi yawned widely.

"As expected, they're not worth shit…" Daiki commented. "Should we do that again starting from the next game?"

"Hmph!" Shintaro grunted turning away from them and toward the locker.

Seijuro was silently watching them with a small smirk on his lips.

Mac noticed that Tetsuya was sitting silently with his head bowed and hands clenched tightly making his knuckles turn almost ghostly white. She could spot the tense shoulders and how he winced as he heard them talk.

"What was that?" Mac demanded quietly.

They blinked at her almost as one.

"Eh?" Ryota broke the confused silence that filled the locker room. "What do you mean, Mac-cchi?"

"You trashed them," Mac said. "You treated them like they weren't even worth being there, that their effort to qualifying to the Nationals was nothing. Why did you do that?"

"Coach asked us to not slack off," Daiki shrugged.

"Yeah, he did," Mac nodded. "But…"

It was hard because technically they hadn't done anything wrong. They won because they were better than the others and asking them to not play with their all was wrong as well. Yet… yet… she didn't feel good.

"Who cares?" Atsushi asked through another yawn. "We won. Like always. What does it matter how we did it?"

"It matters because we're trashing other's dreams as we do it!" Mac snapped. "Respect isn't just giving it our all, it's acknowledging that their effort also matters despite that they lost! It's treating them with respect and not talking badly about them afterwards and during the match!"

They were silent as she snapped at them her frustration bursting through, but before she could say anything else she shook her head and turned her back to them. She looked at Tetsuya who was staring at her with such wide eyes that had her calm down slightly. He gave a small smile but didn't say anything.

...

Mac was playing in their next game, it was clear that they had heard their result from their last match and Mac sighed. They looked scared, and she couldn't really blame them. Not anymore. It hurt to admit that to herself.

"Have fun," she whispered. "Have fun."

"Mac-chin?" Atsushi blinked confused at her.

"Nothing," Mac said with a small smile. He just shrugged and turned toward the match again.

Mac passed the ball and ran past the defending opponent who she noticed had a torn look between defeat and anger on his face. She pushed the observation out of her mind as she caught the pass from Tetsuya and jumped up and released the ball in mid-air before watching as it flew through the net just as she landed on the parquet floors again. The rush of cheers from the spectators did nothing to the lack of celebration in her team.

"I'm getting the next goal," Ryota said from beside her and she rolled her eyes but didn't comment. She saw the tension in Tetsuya's shoulders and knew he had heard the comment as well; she gave him a small pat on the shoulder in support as she passed him.

Mac passed, shot and then passed the ball some more as the match continued. It was easy to see through the other team's strategy or almost lack there off. She glanced at the coach on the other team and saw the blank look on the older man's face. It was like he was bored and would rather be home or something than there with his team. She glanced at the players on the bench and noticed how quiet they were; one even had his phone up and seemed to be texting. What was with that?

Mac sighed and focused on the match again just as the referee called for a member change and she saw Shintaro standing ready. Mac knows she's the one who's supposed to change so she moves across the court and to the bench.

"Do they have anything to come with?" Sanada asked glancing at her.

Mac took one last look at the other team and felt her stomach clench as she saw them all to familiar sight of disappointment and defeat on the other teams face. She couldn't see anyone who seemed even the littlest bit interested in trying to challenge them.

"No," Mac sighed, "they've given up."

They won. Mac smiled a little and did the regular line up, she ignored the tears in the other team's eyes knowing it was not the time to point it out or show any kind of sympathy.

...

They had easily won the first two days full of matches and was now ready for the semi-finals against Kamata West the next day. The finals would take place later the same day so for better or worse there was only one more day of Nationals before it was over. Before…before they would know and Mac would know what was left of her team. Mac sighed and hesitated outside the door to the hospital room where her boyfriend was staying, and from where she stood she could hear the cheerful voices and laughter coming from the room. She supposed that his team was there again visiting. She almost turned around and left, but the door opened and Izuki blinked at her before smiling wide.

"Potter-san!" he greeted.

"Oh, is Potter-san here?"

"Let her in, Izuki!"

Mac plastered on a smile as she stepped into the room and found the entire Seirin team already there surrounding Kiyoshi who was sitting propped up on the bed wearing a large smile on his face, he looked happy and she felt the knot in her stomach lessen a little.

"Mac," Kiyoshi smiled, "you're here? I thought you wouldn't be able to visit during Nationals?"

"I thought I'd check in," Mac said smiling a little but it felt forced. "We just finished our games for today."

Kiyoshi looked at her with a worried look and she was careful to not show how confused and hurt she felt. She gave him a smile to show him that she was alright and he relaxed slightly, but there were still traces of worry in his brown eyes.

"Oh, I take it would be a stupid question to ask how it went?" Koganei grinned.

There wasn't anything maliciousness hidden in his statement but Mac still had to hide a wince, she hated that there wasn't even anyone who would genuinely ask how they did and not already expect the answer. They all saw it as impossible for them to lose.

"We won," was all she said. She saw the concerned look from Kiyoshi but she didn't betray what she felt or what she thought.

"Hm," Hyuga looked thoughtful, "I see. That's good. You look forward to tomorrow?"

Mac shrugged, "I suppose."

Mac watched them feeling strangely detached from the others as she did, it was like there was a wall between them and she struggled to see a way past it to join them on their side. Their happy smiles and free laughter was foreign for her, but at the same time, she longed for it. She wanted it, but she was unable to get it. How could she get it and not only her but her team as well? They tried so hard, but… it was like it was always out of reach. She knew that no one else would understand what she felt, they would see a team winning their games and playing well. They didn't see the team struggling underneath and only wanting to be together and play. They didn't see how it tore them all apart.

"Mac?" Kiyoshi broke into her thought making her realise that she had been quiet for a little too long.

"Sorry," Mac said and faked a yawn, "tired. I think I should get back home."

"Ok," He said looking a little concerned but not overly so. His friends smiled and waved at her, some wished her luck for the games tomorrow.

"Bye, see you tomorrow or the next day," Mac said.

"Sure," Kiyoshi grinned. "I'll text you."

Mac nodded and with a last smile and wave left the room and closed the door behind her separating her from her boyfriend and Seirin. As soon as the door was closed she exhaled and leaned against it for a moment feeling her mask fell away and tension leaves her shoulders. She had made it without being called on her act. She had for the first time since meeting them felt uncomfortable around them, she knew that if she told them about what had happened during the days matches they would judge and she didn't want to see it in their eyes. She liked them, but they wouldn't understand this. She wasn't even sure Kiyoshi would understand.

...

Walking aimlessly she didn't realise that she ended up in front of Daiki's house until she stared at the house that had been her home for a long time, even before she officially moved in when the Dursley's left. It had been the place where she felt safe and home, still did if she was honest with herself. She wasn't sure why she had ended up there now, though.

"Mac-nee?" Shiro's voice sounded breaking into her thoughts and she blinked realising that the boy was standing right in front of her. He was dressed in his football gear suggesting that he had just come back from his practice. "Are you ok?"

"Hi Shiro," Mac forced a smile for him. "I'm good."

He looked worried still but nodded and grabbed her hand and pulled it, "come on! Don't just stand there and stare at the house."

Mac followed him inside and felt warmth fill her when Ayano greeted her with a hug and kind smile and without questioning why she was there. She glanced at the stairs and Ayano smiled kindly at her and nudged her toward the stairs seemingly knowing just who she was looking for.

"Tell him dinner is ready soon," Ayano said.

Mac nodded and ruffled Shiro's hair as she passed him and felt a spark of amusement when he complained.

She pushed the door to Daiki's room open like she had so many times before and soon spotted her best friend lying flat on the bed staring at the ceiling looking peaceful. He glanced at the door when it opened and she saw the surprise in his navy blue eyes when he spotted her, but his face soon broke out into a smile and he sat up.

"Kenzie," he said. "I didn't know you were coming over."

"I didn't plan to," Mac shrugged and walked over to the bed and sat down at the edge of it.

He looked at her for a moment and his searching eyes swept over her like he was looking for something. He sighed a little and gave a sad smile before reaching out and pulled her into a hug. She felt a moment of surprise before relaxing into the comfort he offered her. He didn't say anything just held her and let her take the comfort she needed.

"You're mum said dinner is ready," Mac said pulling back feeling a little better.

"Ok," Daiki said standing up and grabbed her hand to pull her off the bed before letting go of her hand. "Ready?"

"Yeah," Mac said.

She ate dinner with them and felt the familiarity of the situation calm her even more and even cracked a smile at the bantering between the family. Shiro and Sayuri seemed to both tries to cheer her up even when they didn't know what upset her in the first place.

Mac was very much aware that both Ayano and Takehiro looked at her a little worriedly, but neither seemed inclined to bring it up. She appreciated it.

"I'll walk you home," Daiki said when Mac said it was time to go. He waved off her protests so she gave up and nodded her acceptance. He grinned at her and like she had with Shiro earlier ruffled her hair.

...

They walked in silence for a while and Mac glanced up at the starry sky, the full moon was lightning the evening up nicely. She felt Nao nudge her leg from where he was walking beside her and she glanced down to see her little fox friend look up at her with worried eyes. She smiled and leant down to pat his head before straightening again and continued to walk.

"I know you're upset," Daiki said quietly. "I know and I try to… but…"

Mac sighed as she heard the conflicting emotion in her friend.

"I know," she whispered not looking at him.

Daiki sighed silently to himself and wondered if he would ever find out how to not hurt his best friend. He always ended up doing something that hurt her, and he hated that. He just couldn't seem to stop. He glanced down at her there she walked beside him with a lost look on her face. Her eyes were directed upward as she watched the stars and he thought that she looked pretty. He frowned at his thoughts, why did he suddenly think that she was pretty?

"I went to see Teppei," Mac said and Daiki shook the thoughts from his mind.

"Oh," he said.

"I couldn't…" Mac frowned looking like she was searching for words. "I couldn't tell him or his friends that we won with a 190 point difference."

"Why?" Daiki asked.

"They wouldn't understand," Mac sighed. "This part of basketball is a part they don't understand."

Daiki nodded and refrained from saying anything as he glanced at her. He did understand what she meant. It was something no one but them understood. The burden, in lack of a better word, of winning with such clear margin was not easy. Daiki could still not get the horror of their opponents out of his mind or the echoes of the word 'monster' out of his mind. Everytime he touched a ball it rang in his ear and he lost the will to show excitement or joy in the game. Yet, they won and he couldn't remember what it felt like losing anymore.

"I didn't want to see the shock or horror on their face," Mac admitted. "Not directed at me."

Daiki glanced at her again, "I'm sure they wouldn't look at you like that."

"They would," Mac said meeting his eyes. "I'm one of you and…and they would only see how much better we are. I know we're not monsters, Daiki. I know that, but all the others out there… they seem to think that we are and…I don't think I can handle seeing Teppei and his friends look at me like that."

Daiki sighed and placed an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer as they continued to walk. They were almost to the bus stop now Daiki noticed briefly as he tried to figure out how to help her.

"Kiyoshi already knows," Daiki pointed out feeling the slight tremble going through her body. "He played us, remember? But… if they do look at you like that if he does…then he's not good enough for you, Kenzie. There's nothing bad about you, you're not a monster. You could never be seen as a monster."

Daiki blushed slightly as he said it and refused to look at her, but he felt how she leaned against him and squeezed her shoulders. He knew it was true, Mac was not a monster. She was too good, too…perfect.

"Thank you, Daiki," she whispered.

...

Later Mac was curled up in bed with Nao snugged into her and she felt lighter as she thought back at Daiki's words. She still found comfort from him even when he also was part of the reason why she needed comfort in the first place. She frowned; no she couldn't blame him or the others. They didn't know what to do with the kind of talent they had and lack of competition. It wasn't that strange that they developed a superiority complex toward the other teams.

She felt her phone buzz and she lazily grabbed it off her nightstand, Nao whined softly in protest, and smiled a little when she saw the text from Kiyoshi.

Thank you for coming to see me today, Mac. I know you have a lot on your plate with Nationals and everything, but I don't want you to worry about me right now, Mac. I have decided to take the surgery. It's scheduled in a week. Good luck tomorrow and remember: just have fun! –T.

Mac smiled in relief that he was going to take the surgery, it lessened the worry she felt for him and she was sure he would come back and be even better than before.

Good! I'm happy you decided to take the surgery. Thank you, I will try. –M.

She felt too tired to expand on the text and sank down on the bed closing her eyes and patting Nao distractedly when he adjusted his position due to her moving around. He purred a little and she let his soft fur and purrs lull her into sleep.

...

"Hi Tetsu," Mac said joining Tetsuya who was on his way to the gym. He glanced at her and barely smiled making her feel a little worried. "You ok?"

"I'm fine," he deadpanned.

Mac nodded not sure how to make him open up. "I see. Well, if you need to talk you know you can come to me, right?"

He glanced at her before nodding and she knew that was all she could hope for so she let it go.

"I see Meiko is also making their way through," Mac commented. "Your friend is very good."

Tetsuya nodded with a determined look on his face. "Yes."

Mac glanced at him again and sighed, "you're not very talkative today."

"Sorry, Mac," Tetsuya apologized. "I'm just tired and have a lot on my mind."

"I understand, Tetsu," Mac said, "I just wished you would stop taking everything onto yourself. I'm here if you need me."

"I know," Tetsuya nodded.

"Do you?" she murmured to herself as she watched him go to the locker room and she had to go to the one she was using to change into her jersey. She worried about him even more than the others, right now they were not on the edge of breaking but she knew that Tetsuya was close. So very close to breaking.

...

"Coach," Tetsuya spoke up efficiently silencing the others as he normally was quiet during these talks before matches. He had a determined look on his face and Mac arched a brow in slight surprise. "Can I start today?"

Sanada's eyebrows rose as he stared at the shadow of the team, he also noted the determined look on his face and how he seemed set on something.

"You want to play from the start?" Sanada asked.

"Yes," Tetsuya said.

"You're suddenly fired up, huh?" Ryota commented surprised.

"This is unlike you, Kuroko," Shintaro said.

Sanada glanced at Mac who shrugged a little; she didn't see a reason for not letting Tetsuya start the match. She knew Sanada planned on spearing a few of their players from start this match anyway, so Tetsuya was a good choice.

"Understood," Sanada said looking at Tetsuya. "Either way, I was planning on preserving some of the players today in preparation of the finals. I am benching Murasakibara, Midorima and Aomine from the start in the day's match. So for the day's line up we have: Akashi, Potter, Kise and Kuroko."

They stepped onto the court ready to face Kamata West Junior High and a pair of twins smirked at them as they did. Mac remembered them from last year and she was curious about how much of a challenge they would be now. Last year they had managed to challenge them a little, so she had a little bit of hope.

"We'll take revenge from last time," twin one said with a smirk.

"We'll drag those other three from the bench before you know it," twin two added with an identical smirk.

Mac rolled her eyes but smirked back, "let's see you do it."

They looked at her a little curious but didn't lose their smirk. Mac could tell that they were confident and mainly because that they had three of the supposed strongest members of the Generation of Miracles on the bench. They seemed to be underestimating them and Mac almost felt bad for them.

"They are underestimating us;" Seijuro spoke up coldly next to her. His eyes flashed as he stared at them. "They think they have a shot at this."

"Well, it's better than not believing at all," Mac shrugged, "but I'll admit… it's annoying how much they seem to be underestimating us." She frowned as she heard the players of Kamata West discuss how easy it would be to win with the three Miracles on the bench.

Seijuro smirked at her, "let's show them how wrong they are, shall we?"

"We shall," Mac nodded. Okay, so maybe she was a little used to being feared and didn't like being underestimated either. But…come on, who would think that even with three of five official Miracles on the bench that they would take the victory easily? Didn't they do their research? And what was with the same surprise she saw in their eyes when they spotted her playing? She wasn't a shadow like Tetsuya, yet they seemed to block out playing her all the time. She just didn't understand people sometimes.

...

Mac passed the ball and moved around the defending player with ease before catching the ball again, she heard the surprised gasp around her as they didn't understand where the pass came from. She jumped and released the ball in the air watching as it flew through the hoop.

The match continued much the same way and Mac noticed how the desperation grew in Kamata West's players as the game continued. She felt a flare of disappointment as the resignation and defeat emerged in their opponents.

Ryota caught a pass from Tetsuya who looked determined still and she squared her shoulders for the rest of the match.

The twins combined well together and Mac suddenly found herself on two against one with them, they glared at her as they passed the ball between each other with quick movements and they moved on each side of her. She saw their plan, and she had to admit that it was a good one. She could see why they had reached this far with this combination play. When she moved to stop one he passed the ball to his twin without having to look at where he was.

Mac observed them closely and noticed how twin one's eyes briefly flickered to the side when she moved closer and she anticipated the move before he did it and when he passed the ball she was there and caught it instead. She heard the curse leaving twin two's mouth as she passed the ball to Tetsuya who again passed to a Ryota who was completely free and scored.

"No way…" Mac heard some of the Kamata West players mutter as they stared.

"They weren't supposed to be that good without half of the Miracles," one of them mutter. "How can they all be that good?!"

Ryota dribbled the ball over the court before passing it to Mac who was free. She caught the ball and easily made the shot.

Mac panted and dried her sweat off her forehead as she watched the other team. They were in the last quarter now and she knew that they were close to breaking point or well past it really. They had given up; she saw it in their eyes.

They were once again on their way forward when suddenly a loud scream filled the court.

"AAAAGH!" Twin two yelled.

Mac felt her eyes widen as she saw the elbow closing in on Tetsuya with a force she knew was meant to harm, she moved but she knew she was too late. Again, she was too late. The elbow connected to Tetsuya's head and he went down hard. The crash on the floor sounded unnatural high even around the cheering from the spectators and running feet against the parquet.

"No," Mac muttered as she skidded down next to an unmoving Tetsuya. She reached out and touched his shoulder gently. "Tetsu?"

He didn't answer and she felt her stomach tighten in fear. She was unaware of the surrounding around her as she carefully moved her friend. His eyes were closed and a small stream of blood came from his temple from where the elbow had hit.

"Tetsu?" she asked again. "Come on, Tetsu. Wake up!"

Medics came and someone pulled her away from him, but she didn't look to see who it was as she stared at her unconscious friend. Why couldn't she have stopped it? Why was she too late again? She wasn't good enough…

"Kenzie…" Daiki whispered in her ear and she realised that he was the one who had pulled her back. "He'll be alright."

She nodded mutely as she watched the medics get Tetsuya over on a stretcher and carried him off the court. Mac saw Momoi stand from the bench and follow the medics looking pale and worried.

Mac turned toward the twin who was looking a little shocked at himself and she glared at him as she started to make her way toward him. She pushed at Daiki who tried to hold her back.

"You little…." Mac glared at the twin who balked at being in the focus of her glare. "You did that on purpose!"

"N-no, I d-d-didn't," he protested. "I-I d-didn't see him!"

"Like hell, you didn't!" Mac growled stepping closer to him. She was so angry that she felt like her skin was burning. She had only been this angry at Hanamiya before when he injured Kiyoshi. "You saw him and took your frustration out on him!"

"N-no…." he shook his head looking pale and scared.

"Potter-san," Sanada interrupted with a sharp tone. "Take a seat."

Mac debated the pro and cons of ignoring the order from the coach, but when both Seijuro and Daiki pulled at her she allowed them to get her to the bench and away from the trembling twin who was now being comforted by his brother. Mac didn't care. She saw Seijuro say something to them and saw the worried look on their faces, but she didn't care. She wanted them to feel scared. They deserved if for hurting Tetsuya.

...

Mac looked down at Tetsuya who was looking small on the bed they had placed him to rest. He had a bandage around his head making him look even smaller. She sat down on a chair next to the bed ready to keep watch on Tetsuya who was still unconscious. She had asked if he shouldn't be taken to the hospital, but they said he would be fine. So she decided to keep watch to make sure.

She heard some noise from outside and glanced at the door; she hesitated for a moment before getting up and walked to the door. She opened it and saw Momoi standing there as well as Ogiwara, Tetsuya's friend.

"How is Kuroko?" Ogiwara asked as soon as he saw her.

"He's still unconscious, but the doctor said he should be fine," Mac said. "But he'll probably miss the match later today."

"Oh," Ogiwara looked disappointed, "but he'll be ok?"

"Yes," Mac nodded.

"That's great," Ogiwara said relieved. "I think I forgot to breathe when he was hit…"

Mac nodded in understanding. She felt the same way.

"Um… I… I apologize if I ask something I shouldn't, but…" Ogiwara shifted nervously on his feet and glanced up at her before looking away again quickly. Mac arched a brow as she noticed how nervous he suddenly became.

"What is it?" Mac asked.

"Why isn't he smiling anymore?" Ogiwara rushed out and Mac froze. "He always smiled when he played. Always. But now… he didn't even smile once! What happened to him?"

Mac glanced through the door and to her sleeping friend before closing it softly and turning back to Ogiwara. Momoi was watching concerned as well.

"A lot has happened since last year, Ogiwara-kun," Mac said. "Tetsu... Tetsu is trying, but basketball isn't always kind to all."

Ogiwara looked pensive as he looked at her, but before he could say anything footsteps came closer and Mac glanced to the side and saw Seijuro coming up to them. She saw the curious glint in his eyes as he met hers before he masked his face into a cold expression as he turned his eyes to Ogiwara.

"Who are you?" Seijuro asked.

"I'm Ogiwara Shigehiro of Meiko," Ogiwara said bravely. Mac arched a brow in surprise at the even voice and unfaltering eyes, not many could face Seijuro like that. Not when Seijuro was wearing that cold mask of his.

"Ah, you're the reason Tetsuya worked so hard during the game," Seijuro said almost to himself. He gave Ogiwara a curious look.

"Have you heard of me?" Ogiwara asked.

"I've heard of you once talking to Tetsuya," Seijuro said with a casual shrug. "However, since he doesn't like talking about his past I think it's likely that it's only me and Mac that knows about you."

"It looks like both of us awaited the next game," Ogiwara said.

"I'm afraid Tetsuya won't be able to play," Seijuro said passing Ogiwara. "Since the result will remain the same, I hope that you all hang on until the end."

Mac frowned and recognised the spark of anger in Ogiwara's eyes as he turned to glare at Seijuro.

"Wait," he bravely said and Seijuro stopped.

Mac glanced between the two wondering if she should step in, but for now, deciding to remain where she was watching.

"Do you guys feel happy playing basketball at all?" Ogiwara asked.

Mac stilled as her eyes widen and snapped to Ogiwara. He had a look of utter determination and seriousness on his face as he stared at Seijuro.

"I don't know the meaning of that question," Seijuro said after a pause.

å"I can't stand not playing against Kuroko in the final, but I don't plan on saying anything more on the fact," Ogiwara said. "I also anticipated the fact that you don't recognise us as worthy opponents. Teiko is in fact strong. But play for the sake of winning, nothing more than that. There should be something more than just winning games, right?"

Seijuro had gone quiet as he watched Ogiwara, his heterochromatic eyes were watching him closely and judgingly. Mac could sense the anger that lurked underneath his skin and she saw how his shoulders were tense and ready to strike. She also saw the pain hidden in his eyes, but that she was sure no one else saw.

"…so in short, you're telling me we should enjoy the game?" Seijuro asked with an arched brow. "You think you know what you're talking about? You think you know what it's like for us? That sounds like what losers would say to make themselves feel better about losing."

"Of course no one likes to lose," Ogiwara snapped. "But it's thanks to that that one can work harder to win the next time! And that's when we enjoy the result of our efforts! That's the joy of playing basketball!"

Mac stepped forward deciding that if she didn't interfere right now she wouldn't be able to stop Seijuro from doing something he would regret, or maybe not regret.

"Stop," Mac said placing a hand on Seijuro's arm. "That is enough. We have to check on Tetsu and you should get back to your team, Ogiwara-kun. Thank you for stopping by to check on Tetsu, I'm sure he'll appreciate it. We look forward to playing you later today, and I'm sorry that Tetsu won't be able to play."

Ogiwara glanced over at her and he nodded. He turned and left.

...

"Seijuro," Mac said glancing at him. He was staring after Ogiwara and Mac could tell he was bothered by what the other boy had said. She sighed as she glanced at Momoi who blinked and nodded when she met Mac's eyes. She turned and slipped into Tetsuya's room before closing the door behind her leaving Mac alone with Seijuro.

"He doesn't know what he's talking about," Seijuro suddenly said looking at her. "He doesn't understand."

Mac saw the almost desperate need in them to have her understand something, but she wasn't sure she did.

"I know," Mac sighed. "No one does."

Seijuro looked at her before looking away, he was building up a wall and she was not sure how she was going to sidestep it. She wanted to help him, but he was pulling away from her. She sighed, why was everything always changing? Why did Ogiwara have to come right now and challenge Seijuro? Now she had no idea how Seijuro would react in the game. He would be ruthless, or even more ruthless than normal. And she wasn't sure she could stop him. Not when he wanted to prove a point.

"Tetsuya should know better than having friends like that," Seijuro said coldly.

"Tetsu has a right to have any friends he likes," Mac said. "It doesn't mean he's not our friend too."

Seijuro scoffed but didn't say anything. Mac noticed that he swallowed and that his hands were fisted. She worried her lip a little as she thought on best to calm him down and stop plotting in his sharp and brilliant mind. She could see the wheels turning.

Mac did what she would have done if it was Daiki. She hugged him. She pulled him into a hug and held him as he stiffened for a long moment and she worried he would snap at her or pull back, but then he seemed to relax and leaned into her hug and wrapped his own arms around her waist and hid his face in her neck. She wondered if he had ever been hugged before, or when the last time was.

Seijuro is also wondering when the last time someone hugged him was. Had anyone really hugged him since his mum died? He didn't think so. His dad wasn't a hugger, and honestly neither was he. But Mac hugged like his mum, warm and safe. He couldn't help but lean into the hug and feel the warmth she offered for as long as he could.

...

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AN: The Finals next chapter! Thank you for reading and hope to see you all next chapter! :)