Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Kuroko no Basket!
...
...
1st year – Too Academy
"You know you can stop staring at me like I'm going to break," Mac spoke up breaking the silence that stretched between them. Both Daiki and Seijuro just stared at her and she sighed as she got up from the sofa and walked to the kitchen.
They had both followed her up to her apartment and refused to leave her alone. Both her uncle and cousin weren't home yet and she was grateful to her boyfriend and best friend that they stayed and didn't let her slip into her mind too much. Though, she was getting pretty tired of the concerned looks they gave her and almost wariness they had cloaked themselves with around her.
She wasn't going to break. Really.
She tried to ignore the lie in her thoughts and the way her hand shook as she reached for a glass before filling it with water.
"I know that," Seijuro spoke up and she glanced at him.
She rolled her eyes.
"Are you ready for the match tomorrow?" Seijuro asked. "You're playing against Onita."
Mac nodded and took a sip of the water.
"I know," she said and glanced at Daiki who was seated on the sofa still and was watching her. She frowned slightly as she noticed how he held his arms and made a note to check on it a little later. "I'm ready."
"We're ready," Daiki interrupted.
She frowned at him again but she didn't say anything before looking back at Seijuro.
"What about you?" she asked. "You're also playing tomorrow. You're playing Murasakibara and Yosen."
"I'll win," Seijuro said surely and Mac smiled slightly before shaking her head.
"I don't know why I even bother," she sighed but it was more fond than anything else. "Murasakibara is strong, though."
"I'm stronger," Seijuro said.
Mac nodded and she had to admit that it was true. Though, she knew that it didn't necessarily mean that he would win but she bit her tongue and didn't say anything.
She sighed as she looked out of the window and stared at the buildings that stretched out and the lights flickering on and off in the various windows. Her mind swirled back to the meeting and she clenched her hands as she wondered what to do and what this all meant.
"Hey," Daiki spoke up and she suddenly realised that he was right in front of her without her even realising that he had gotten up from his place on the sofa. "You'll be okay, Kenzie. We're here for you."
She blinked at him for a moment before a smile crossed her lips and she nodded. She reached out and grabbed his hand and squeezed it before pulling back. She looked at Seijuro who nodded at her and gave his own smile in support.
"Thank you," she said and they could hear the emotion in her voice. "So, what about ordering some food?"
"Awesome," Daiki smiled.
...
The food had just arrived when Taiga entered the apartment and stopped short when he saw his cousin on the sofa with Daiki next to her (he was gradually getting used to the idea of Daiki being her boyfriend) and a boy he hadn't seen before on the other side of her. He scowled.
"Ah, Taiga," Mac said when she spotted him. "You're finally back. Did your training camp go alright?"
"Yeah," Taiga nodded. "Riko tried to kill us, though."
"I bet she did," Mac said a small smile on her lips as she did but he couldn't help but think that something was off. Her eyes weren't smiling like they used to. "Are you hungry? We have enough food if you want some?"
"I'm starved," Taiga admitted and stepped forward but frowned when he saw the cold heterochromatic eyes glare at him. "What's your problem?!"
Mac sighed and glanced at Seijuro.
"Seijuro," she said tiredly. "Be nice."
He didn't reply.
"Taiga," Mac said and looked between him and Seijuro. "This is my best friend, Akashi Seijuro. Seijuro, this is my cousin, Kagami Taiga."
Daiki snorted but didn't say anything as he watched them and Mac shot him a look.
"I've heard the name before," Taiga frowned. "He's from Teiko too?"
Mac sighed but she nodded.
"Yeah, he's our Captain," Mac said.
"So, you're good, huh?" Taiga looked at him with a calculating look.
Seijuro arched a brow.
"Sit down and eat, Taiga," Mac said before he could challenge Seijuro to a match. She was too tired to deal with that right now.
...
Taiga observed how both boys seemed to cast concerned glances over at Mac whenever they thought she wasn't looking and he frowned slightly. What was going on?
"What school are you on, Akashi?" Taiga broke the slightly tense silence and cold eyes locked onto him again. What was with this guy? How could Mac be best friends with someone like this?
"Rakuzan," Seijuro finally answered after a nudge from Mac.
"You should eat more, Kenzie," Daiki said and pushed another slice of pizza over to her. Mac frowned and opened her mouth but Daiki scowled at her. "Eat or I'll shove it into your mouth myself."
"Mean," she mumbled but she took the slice and started to eat. "Happy?"
Taiga blinked as he watched and again felt lost. Something was clearly going on but he had no idea what. He wasn't even sure how to act with both of the boys there and every time he was about to ask something he felt cold eyes on him and he closed his mouth again.
"You took your time coming back, Taiga," Mac finally spoke up and she looked at him. "I thought you would finish early today."
"We went to watch your match," Taiga said, "and then I played a little with Kuroko."
"You saw our match?" Mac asked and for some reason she was tense and so was the other two. Taiga frowned because he couldn't tell why they would tense up because of that. They had won.
"Yes," Taiga nodded. "Riko arranged it. You really impressed us all, Mac."
He gave a proud smile.
"I think the others are upset that you never showed that skill when we played you," Taiga continued. "But we'll bring it out the next time we play you!"
Mac stared at him for a moment before she smiled slightly and nodded.
"Alright," she said. "I'll look forward to it."
Daiki scoffed but his shoulders had relaxed slightly as he leaned back in the sofa and Seijuro just stared at him making Taiga want to shift or glare back. He did neither, though.
"You're light is still too dim," Daiki spoke up.
"What did you say?!" Taiga glared at Daiki.
"You'll never beat us," Daiki smirked.
"We will!" Taiga declared. "Just you wait!"
"Daiki," Mac sighed and much to Taiga's surprise the blue-haired boy didn't say anything else and turned his attention back to her and reached out to tuck at a strand of her hair. His expression softer now and Taiga suddenly felt like he was intruding on something private.
...
Mac leaned against Daiki for a moment and allowed his warmth to comfort her and smiled as he softly pressed a kiss against her temple. She sighed contently before she frowned.
"I'm scared, Daiki," she murmured.
"It'll be alright," he said. "We'll figure it out together."
She nodded and knew that he would be there for her and it helped. Also knowing that Seijuro would be there helped, he had just stepped out to answer a call from his father but he would be back soon. Taiga had retreated to his room and she was on her own with Daiki.
"I know," she said.
"Are you really ready to play tomorrow?" he asked looking at her.
"I think I'll need the distraction," she said. "It will be good to think about something else for a little while."
He nodded and winced.
"Daiki," she frowned at him and he blinked at her. "Let me see your arms."
"Why?" he asked but stretched out his arms even as he asked and she pulled away from him so she could take a look at his arms. She grabbed the right one and started to examine it closely. She bit her lower lip as she made him bend it at the elbow and how his muscles felt tight under her fingers. She did the same with the other one before she walked to the bathroom and came back with the same salve she had used on Taiga's legs.
It was starting to run out so she had to make some more soon, but it would be enough for now.
"Kenzie?" he frowned at her.
"You're injured," she scowled at him. "Why didn't you tell me your elbows hurt?"
"It's not that bad," Daiki protested.
"Yes, it is," Mac said. "You gave more in the match against Kise than you should have. I'm an idiot."
"What? Kenzie," he frowned.
"I should have seen that you felt it in your elbows," she said. "I noticed Kise's legs, so I should have noticed your elbows as well."
"And what is this?" Daiki said after a moment.
"A salve I made in potions," Mac said. "It's a magical salve that will speed up your healing, but…"
"But?" Daiki pressed.
"It won't work as fast on you as it does on me," she admitted. "Because I have magic and it helps speed up the healing process, but for you, it will not speed it up the same way. It will help you faster than normal medicine but not fast enough."
"And that means…" Daiki was scowling now.
"You can't play in the next game or the one after that should we win against Onita, Daiki," Mac said softly.
"What?" Daiki stared at her. "Kenzie…"
"Please understand, Daiki," she said. "If you push yourself and play now then the salve won't do anything for you and you'll be out longer with the injuries. It might even affect the Winter Cup. At worst you could push yourself so hard that you can't play basketball again."
Daiki was still frowning.
"I don't like it," he muttered.
"I know," she sighed. "I don't either, but it's the truth. I thought talking to you about it would help, but you know that Coach will probably have noticed as well or will when he sees you tomorrow and he will ask me about it. I can't lie and say that you're fine when you're not."
Daiki was silent for a little while and Mac allowed him to think. They both sat down on the sofa again and she snuggled into his side and rested her head on his chest as he automatically put an arm around her shoulders and held her. She listened to his heartbeat and a peaceful feeling filled her.
"Alright," he finally said. "I will stay out of the next couple of matches."
...
"I'm fine," Mac said as she stared at the two boys who both looked rebelliously at her. She hid a sigh as she remained staring at them. "You both should go home and get some rest. I'll be fine."
"But…" Daiki frowned.
"Fine," she said again.
"You…" Seijuro said.
"Fine," she frowned.
Both of them scowled at her now and she allowed a small smile to cross her lips as she watched them and couldn't help but think about two adorable puppies trying to seem threatening. Though, she thought, they probably did look threatening to anyone who wasn't her.
"Listen," she said. "You both need the rest. Seijuro you have a match tomorrow and you should see your team given that you decided to stay at the hotel with them instead of going to your home here in Tokyo. They're probably wondering where you are and it's getting late."
Seijuro snapped his mouth shut and frowned.
"Daiki, you have played a match today and you're exhausted," she continued and looked at Daiki. "Don't try to tell me you aren't. Your parents will also be wondering where you are, so you should go home. I'll see you tomorrow."
Daiki huffed but didn't protest anymore.
"And I'm tired," she said. "I also need to think and be by myself for a moment. I really appreciate you both being here and keeping me from losing my mind. You've both helped me a lot and calmed me down. Thank you."
"Alright," Seijuro said even though he clearly wasn't happy about it. "I'll see you tomorrow, Mac. Call me if you need anything before then."
Mac smiled and hugged him tightly allowing herself to be comforted by the strength he provided and the fact that he hugged her back and seemed reluctant to let go.
She hugged Daiki after Seijuro and gave him a quick kiss before pulling back.
"Call me if you need me," he said and smiled his special smile making her nod and felt her heart beat harder in her chest.
...
"Mac?" Taiga looked at her when she stepped out of the bathroom having taken a shower and changed into her pyjamas and gotten ready for bed.
"Yeah?" she looked at him.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Why do you ask?" Mac asked him.
"You just seem…different than usual," Taiga said.
Mac watched him for a moment. She wasn't sure what to say. A part of her thought about telling him but right now she was just so tired and really didn't want to talk about it. Also, she wasn't sure how to explain it and it felt like it would be more real if she talked about it.
"I'm fine," she said after a pause that probably was too long to make it believable.
Taiga frowned at her but he nodded and accepted it. She liked that he didn't push her to talk.
"I'm tired so I'll go to bed," she said.
"Alright," Taiga nodded. "Good night."
...
Seijuro was frowning. He stared out of the window of his room and thought about all that had happened during the day. The match, how proud he had been watching Mac play her best, the fear and worry that had filled him afterwards seeing her cornered by two strangers and finally the anger at the threat the two posed to Mac.
He wouldn't allow them to hurt Mac. It was unacceptable and he would do everything he could to prevent it.
The afternoon spent with Mac and Daiki had calmed him somewhat but he was still upset with the entire situation. He had come back to the hotel and seen his team who had been wondering where he had been just like Mac had said. He had talked to them some and given the last instruction before the match the next day before returning to the room he was sharing with Mibuchi.
At least Mibuchi allowed him to sit or in his case right now stand in silence without forcing a conversation. He could only imagine the loudness and annoyance that would result in sharing a room with Hayama.
He knew that Mac wasn't alright even as she pretended to be. She was still shaken up about it all and that was why he hadn't given her the number that he had been given. He ignored the voice that said he hadn't given it because he didn't want to.
...
Daiki scowled as he stared up at the ceiling of his bedroom. He was lying on his bed and tried to fall asleep but he couldn't. His mind spun and he wanted to go and find Mac and make sure that she was fine and that the two men had stayed away from her.
The day spent with Mac and even with Seijuro had been nice. Though he would have liked to spend time with Mac alone he knew that Mac really enjoyed spending time with Seijuro and it wasn't often she got the chance to do so anymore with him living in Kyoto and all, so Daiki didn't mind that much.
He was…worried. It was no denying it. He had tried to reassure Mac and didn't want to show her just how worried he was so he said it was going to be okay. He hoped it would be, but… what if it wasn't? What if they took Mac away?
He sighed and closed his eyes. He had to stop thinking. He was never going to get to sleep if he kept thinking like this. He wouldn't lose Mac. He would need to trust that.
...
Mac sighed as she got out of bed. She hadn't slept that well given that her mind had raced over everything that had happened. She glanced at the nightstand table and where her photo album, the one she had received from Newt and Tina, was still lying opened and she stared at the wedding photo of her mum and dad. Her eyes lingered on them for a moment before straying over to the two men on the photo. She recognised them now. It was Remus and Sirius, the two men from the day before.
So, they had been telling the truth about knowing her parents. That didn't answer where they had been all these years, though. Her hands clenched at her side and her eyes narrowed as she stared at the photo taking in how they smiled and waved up at her as they could see her.
Abruptly and with more force than planned she shut the album close and tossed it into the drawer of the nightstand with a sharp thud.
"Focus," she muttered. "Focus on the match."
The match. They would face Onita today and she would have to be focused and especially since they didn't have Daiki for the match.
With that thought she got ready for the day and was grateful that she didn't have to go to her magical lessons since they had reached the semi-final. Though…shouldn't she talk to professor Sato about this? Should he know?
A frown marred her face again as she suddenly realised that she probably should talk to him, but not now. She would think more about it after the Inter-High was over. She just couldn't deal with more now.
...
Mac couldn't help but look around and see if she saw Remus or Sirius when she arrived at the arena. She didn't. But that didn't mean that they weren't there…watching her.
"Focus," she reminded herself as she forced the thoughts out of her mind.
"They won't come near you," Daiki said quietly next to her and she glanced at him not that surprised that he had known what she was thinking about.
She nodded but couldn't quite manage a smile. They entered the arena and made their way to the locker rooms. Mac slipped into the one she used and changed before leaving it to find Daiki waiting for her.
"Come on," he sighed.
"Yeah," Mac said and followed him. She blinked when she felt him take her hand and squeeze it. She squeezed it back and allowed him to calm her down.
"There you are!" Wakamatsu exclaimed loudly when they entered the locker room. "Aomine, you're late to change!"
Mac ignored him and walked over to Harasawa who was standing in silence and just observing them. He looked at her when she reached him and nodded at her.
"Potter-san," he said.
"Coach," Mac started. "Daiki is injured."
"Injured?" Harasawa frowned glancing over at Daiki who had folded his arms over his chest as he glared at Wakamatsu.
"His elbows," Mac said following the coach's look. "He went too far against Kise yesterday and his elbows aren't fully developed yet and therefore are more prone to injuries. I didn't catch it during the match…"
She felt guilty for that. If only she had…
"Hm," Harasawa frowned and reached up to scratch his cheek with a finger as he thought. "I take it he won't be able to play at all?"
"If he does then he could prolong his injury and it might affect the Winter Cup," Mac said. "Daiki won't be able to restrict himself when playing. Well, maybe this match, but should we win and then face either Yosen or Rakuzan…then he will go all out and his injuries will be worse."
Harasawa nodded and sighed.
"I'm not one to use injured players," Harasawa said. "Have you talked to him?"
"Yeah," Mac nodded. "He knows that he probably won't play. He's not happy about it, but…"
She shrugged and Harasawa nodded.
"Then you will be in the line-up, Potter-san," Harasawa said.
"Yes, Coach," Mac said.
...
Daiki noticed that Mac drifted off as soon as she had finished talking to Harasawa and sat down. Her eyes became unfocused and even though the notebook was in front of her he knew she wasn't really seeing it. He sighed.
He wasn't pleased with how pale she seemed and it was clear that she hadn't slept that much. He should have dragged her with him back to his place yesterday instead of letting her be on her own (he ignored the fact that her cousin had been home).
He sat down next to her and glowered at the looks he got when he didn't change into his jersey and just kept his team jacket on.
"Alright!" Harasawa called out. "Aomine-kun won't be playing."
"Eh? Why?" Sakurai asked before quickly bowing. "I'm sorry that I asked!"
"He's injured," Harasawa said simply. "Potter-san just made me aware of it and that's why he won't be playing."
Daiki scowled but he didn't say anything nor did Mac but Daiki was pretty sure that was because she hadn't heard what was being said. She was staring at the page blankly and he felt a stab of worry hit him. Would she be alright to play?
"Mac?" Imayoshi spoke up after they had discussed the upcoming match for a little bit and everyone turned to look at Mac who normally would have contributed with some analysis of the other team.
Daiki sighed and nudged his girlfriend who startled and blinked when she realised that they were looking at her.
"Oh, sorry," she said and rubbed her forehead. "What?"
"Do you have anything to say about Onita?" Imayoshi asked.
Mac inhaled and scolded herself internally for allowing herself to get lost in her mind and glanced down at the notebook before she listed up the stats for the team and which player to look out for. She didn't notice the worried looks she got from the others or the thoughtful one she got from Harasawa.
Daiki did though and sighed. This would not be easy.
They finished their talks before the match and went out onto the courts to warm up before the match. She followed in a more sedate pace and couldn't help but glance around (again) once she stepped onto the court. She noticed that it had already started to get crowded and she felt everyone staring at her. She stopped and suddenly felt an overwhelming need to turn around and flee.
"Kenzie," Daiki's voice was close and she felt him behind her and a hand landed on her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
"What if they're here, Daiki?" she asked quietly. "What if…"
"They won't do anything, Kenzie," he said and turned her around to look at her. "You're safe and even if they are here, then so what? You don't have to care. I'm here and Akashi isn't that far away either. You're not alone, Kenzie."
She stared at him for a moment.
"I'm being stupid," she muttered. "I…"
"You're not stupid," Daiki denied. "It natural for you to feel like this."
She smiled slightly.
"Who knew you could say something wise," she said.
"Hey!" Daiki protested but he smiled as he saw her eyes light up and the smile on her lips. "I can do that!"
"Huh," Mac said. "Still news to me."
"You little…" he grumbled but it was ruined by his smile and his hand reaching to ruffle her hair. "You'll be fine."
"I know," she said. "As long as you're here."
"Always," he promised suddenly serious again.
...
Too Academy vs. Onita High School
...
23-14: 8 minutes played – 1st quarter
...
Mac slipped and missed her mark once more and gritted her teeth as Kaboyashi Keisuke from Onita was past her and moving toward the hoop. She followed but her timing was off and he managed to pass the ball to Ikeda Yasu.
"Shit," she muttered when he scored and she fisted her hands feeling her nails dig into her palm. "Stupid…"
She should have had that ball. She should have covered him completely. She felt eyes on her and it felt like everyone was staring at her and she focused her eyes on the ground. What was she doing? Why was she even playing when she couldn't even…
She realised that the game was continuing and her team was playing again. She caught the ball from Imayoshi and immediately was faced with Kaboyashi who smirked at her. She knew he was good, she would say he was around the same level as Hyuga from Seirin.
"What? You don't want to challenge me?" he asked. "I was so looking forward to facing the Generation of Miracles today….only to find out that the best one wasn't even playing and you…you're quite…lacking."
She tried her best to ignore his words as she dribbled the ball but she couldn't find an opening. She saw Susa coming up behind her so she passed the ball to him and let him take it from there. She pretended not to see the smirk on Kaboyashi's face.
...
27-17: 10 minutes played – 1st quarter (end)
...
Mac sat down on the bench and refused to look at anyone as she felt more eyes on her. Her hands were fisted on top of her thighs as she barely heard what Harasawa said and her mind was spinning. It seemed impossible for her to focus.
"Potter-san," Harasawa spoke and she almost flinched.
"Yes?" she glanced up to see him give her a stern look.
"What's wrong with you today?" he asked. "You've made more mistakes than normal."
"I know," she said quietly. "I'm sorry."
He was silent for a moment before he sighed and she couldn't quite hide a wince as she could practically feel the disappointment coming from him. She hated it. She didn't want to disappoint him.
"You're on the bench," he said.
"What? Coach…" Mac started.
"It's clear that your head isn't in the game, Potter-san," he said and looked at her. "Until you can focus on the match you are on the bench."
"Yes, coach," Mac looked down and forced the tears that threatened to spill back.
She was silent as she listened to Harasawa instruct Yamaguchi to take her place and give new instruction for the next quarter.
...
27-17: 10 minutes played – 2nd quarter (start)
...
Mac watched her team play from the bench and swallowed. When was the last time she had been subbed out of a match because her head wasn't in it? Had it even happened before?
"Kenzie," Daiki was looking at her and he was worried. She hated that he was worried. "Are you okay?"
She just nodded and stared at the match and watched how Imayoshi combined with Susa and scored.
Just why wasn't her head in it?
Mac was quiet as she sat on the bench and stared at her team, at her friends… their backs seemed so large and steady as they worked together in their way even if it seemed to be one on one most of the time.
She felt her eyes drift up to the stands and scanned the cheering crowd. Where they there? Did they come to watch again?
Did she want them to be there?
The question in her mind had her still and her hands clenched harder against her thighs. No. She didn't want them there, she wished they hadn't approached her at all, she wished they would never have found her…
She was happy with how things were. She was happy with her team, with her friends from Teiko. She was happy without them and she didn't need them to come and bring up the past again.
...
46-34: 20 minutes played – 2nd quarter (end)
...
The quarter was over and it was time for their ten minutes break and Mac followed quietly after the others with Daiki by her side.
"We're in the lead," Inoue said when they reached the locker room. "But they're strong."
"They're in the semi-final as well, you know," Yamaguchi pointed out.
"That sounds like something Mac would say," Namamura said and they blinked and looked at Mac who hadn't said that and was silently sitting on the bench staring at her hands.
"Mac?" Susa was the one who broke the silence that had suddenly spread.
Mac didn't look up as frustration filled her. Just what was she playing at? She was letting them down. She could almost feel the disappointed eyes on her and she hated it.
Abruptly she stood up and walked out of the locker room without a word. She wasn't going to let them see her tears just because she couldn't focus on the match.
...
Daiki sighed and stood.
"Aomine-san?" Harasawa spoke up and Daiki looked over at the coach. "Is she alright?"
Daiki hesitated for a moment before saying, "she'll be fine."
With that he left and walked to find Mac standing by the large windows he had been standing in front the day before during the break. He could see her shoulders shaking slightly. He walked over to her and put his arms around her from behind and hugged her.
She didn't flinch so he knew she had noticed him coming up behind her.
"I'm such a fool," she muttered. "I thought I had it under control, Daiki."
"Hey, you're not a fool," he said. "It's not that strange that you're affected by what happened."
"But…"
"If you can't focus on the match then tell coach that you can't and he'll let you stay on the bench," Daiki said. "It's not something to be ashamed of."
"I'm already degraded to the bench," Mac muttered. "I'm terrible."
"You're not," Daiki said.
"I am and I can't even focus on the match," she said. "All I can think about is them and if they're here and watching and if they're going to approach me again and what if they take me away? What if they can make uncle Tarou lose custody of me and I have to move to England again? What…"
Daiki turned her around and placed his arms on her shoulders making her stop talking and just stare at him with slightly wide eyes.
"Your uncle has custody of you and there's nothing they can do that can make him lose it right away," Daiki said, "and if they try then we'll fight it. Akashi would help with that, you know he has access to great lawyers and so would that professor of yours and I'm sure even Sasaki-san would help. He was the one who found your uncle, after all."
He paused for a moment giving her time to process what he was saying.
"And I told you, that you're not alone in this," he said. "I'm here and so is Akashi. I'm sure the others would be here too if needed. If they try to approach you again then I'll get them to leave."
"But…"
"Kenzie," Daiki said and used a hand to tilt her head up so she met his eyes. "They don't deserve you working yourself up like this over them. This is your life and, despite how much it pains me to say it, our team here at Too is also here for you."
Mac stared at him for a moment before she nodded and threw her arms around Daiki and hugged him with all she had. She felt safe as soon as his arms wrapped around her again and she could feel his breath against her neck and she shuddered slightly in his arms as her heartbeat sped up.
...
55-47: 24 minutes played – 3rd quarter
...
They joined the team on the bench seeing that the third quarter had started and Mac inhaled deeply as she sat down and watched the game. She thought about what Daiki had said and knew he was right. She wasn't going to let them win.
"I'm sorry, coach," she murmured to Harasawa who glanced at her.
"Are you okay, Potter-san?" he asked.
"I'll be fine," she said. "I'm better at least."
He nodded and looked back at the game.
"Hm," he frowned as he saw the Onita players being more aggressive and winding the ball higher up on the court.
"We need to adjust how we pressure them," Mac said frowning thoughtfully. "They allow them to push them back."
Harasawa nodded.
"Coach," Mac looked at him. "Please give me one more chance. I want to help them."
He looked at her.
"Are you sure you're up to it?" he asked.
"Yes," Mac said quickly. "I'll do my best!"
He nodded.
Yamaguchi smiled at her when his number was called up. He lifted his hand for a high-five and she slapped her hand against his managing a smile back at him. She wasn't lost to the relieved look on his face as she did so. She inhaled deeply and this time she would do it. She was going to do it for her team, for herself.
They would not ruin something she loved doing. Not anymore.
"Oh, seems like they're getting desperate now," Satou Shouhei laughed to his teammates. "Putting in the girl who couldn't do anything before."
"Seems like it," Maeda Kazuki said.
Mac ignored them as she gave a short message to Imayoshi who nodded after a sharp look holding concealed concern for her. She just nodded at him and caught the ball when he passed it to her.
...
Mac face Kaboyashi again and he smirked but she just arched a brow as she bent her knees slightly before starting to dribble the ball. She knew he was fast, but she could be faster. She watched as he moved and with a quick tap on the ball she changed the direction and got past him on his weak side and spun on her heel all the while as she dribbled the ball as she faced Shimizu who came to cover for Kaboyashi making her spin past him and have a free path to the hoop.
With a jump she released the ball and it flew through the hoop.
Stunned silence filled the entire arena before it was like an explosion from the crowd as they started to cheer. But the Onita players were staring at her with stunned looks on their faces before it turned into determination.
...
Mac passed the ball to Sakurai who challenged Maeda but the Onita player had no chance against Sakurai's quick release and another three pointed was given to them. Sakurai quickly apologized to the enraged Maeda before going back to his position.
Susa stopped Kaboyashi from scoring by jumping up and beating him in the air, he quickly passed the ball to Imayoshi who scored.
...
89-50: 30 minutes played – 3rd quarter (end)
...
"That's some transformation;" Ikeda frowned as he looked over at the Too bench and more precisely Mac who was taking a sip from the water bottle given to her by the other Miracle.
"She's completely different from how she was at the start of the match," Shimizu wined. "I thought we had gotten lucky…."
"You have to focus on playing your own game," their coach said. "Don't allow her to do what she wants!"
They exchanged grim looks as they nodded.
"It will be difficult to take in the lead they have, but…" Kaboyashi said. "We'll do our best!"
"Yes!"
...
Mac smiled slightly as she listened to the voices around her. Finally. She was able to focus and her team was not questioning her just accepting her back and she felt a warmth spread in her chest.
She nodded when Harasawa said something and tossed the water bottle over to Daiki again who caught it easily.
"We can do this!" Sakurai said. "With Mac back, we'll do it!"
"You bet!" Wakamatsu yelled.
"Loud," Abe muttered rubbing his ear as he shot Wakamatsu a glare seeing that he had been standing right beside him when he yelled.
"They seemed shocked by Mac's return," Susa commented with a smile. "They didn't expect her to be back."
"And you did?" Mac couldn't help but ask.
"I had faith that you would be back," Susa smiled at her and she smiled slightly back.
...
89-50: 30 minutes played - 4th quarter (start)
...
Mac felt the shove just as she jumped and could feel herself lose her balance but she managed to shot the ball just as the referee blew his whistle before she fell to the ground.
"Foul! One free throw, basket counts!"
Mac grimaced lightly as she pushed herself off the ground and walked to the free throw line and took the ball from Imayoshi who gave her a sharp look before smiling.
Mac inhaled and got into position and shot the ball and she could tell that it would go in. She backed up a step just as it went through the hoop.
...
"I'm sorry!" Sakurai bowed after he scored a three-pointer.
"Stop that!" Satou yelled.
"I'm sorry!" Sakurai apologized.
Mac felt her lips twitch amused as she watched and when it looked like the Onita player would snap she stepped up and easily directed Sakurai's attention over at her and led him away from the angry player. But not before giving the enraged player a warning look.
"You should be careful how much you apologize to the opponents, Sakurai-chan," Mac said. "They might get angry."
"I'm sorry," he said and she sighed.
"Yeah, yeah," she said. "Now, come on. There is still time left of the match."
...
Kaboyashi was rushing toward the hoop and made it past Sakurai and Wakamatsu before he was faced with Susa who just stared at him calmly. Kaboyashi paused and bounced the ball a couple of times before he moved but Susa was ready and reacted in time to stop the move and make Kaboyashi stop while he was still in control of the ball.
Mac saw him look around for an opening but she marked the closest and she saw that the others had marked theirs as well.
Kaboyashi was forced to challenge Susa on his own and while the Onita player was tall he wasn't as tall nor as strong as Susa was. She was already running toward the other hoop when Kaboyashi jumped up to shoot knowing Susa would win the ball.
He did and passed it to her right away making her a clear path to shoot and score another three-pointer.
...
135-55: 40 minutes played – 4th quarter (end)
...
Mac closed her eyes. They had done it. She had done it.
She had managed to focus and forget everything around her as she played in the last two quarters. Her eyes sought out Daiki on the bench and saw his smiling face. She couldn't help but smile back and felt a rush of affection for Daiki.
...
"You did it," Seijuro spoke up just as Mac exited the court and she saw her best friends standing there ready for his own match that was starting soon.
"Eventually," Mac said and glanced at Daiki. "I wouldn't have made it without Daiki."
Seijuro got a pensive look in his eyes before he nodded sharply.
"Good," he said. "I'll meet you in the final, Mac."
"I'll beat you," she smirked.
"Hm," he smirked back. "I don't think so."
He reached out and squeezed her shoulder as he passed her and entered the court where his team was already warming up.
...
...
AN: Please let me know what you think :)
Next chapter will be the match against Rakuzan and I've decided that Seijuro will be playing in this version even if he doesn't play in canon. Daiki won't play, but Mac will also be playing. I'm not sure how much I want to make of the match and how detailed I want to go into it because, honestly, it's really difficult to write out matches when I don't have anything to base it on. That's the problem with showing matches that are not shown in canon or just matches I'm making up to fit in the story. Sometimes I feel like the matches are just dragging on and wonder if they're even interesting to read... It's not easy and I'm using a lot of time to just write them out in a way that I hope is interesting.
Also, the names of Onita's players are names I made up. The only one who's from canon is Kaboyashi Keisuke because that's the only name I found when I looked up their team. Just so you know that the names there are made up and not canon. :)
As always, thank you for reading and supporting this story! I'm very grateful to every one of you! XD