Would you dare?

by Sonya06

What if Kagami Taiga had a twin? And what if that twin happened to be a challenging girl, who decided to attend Touou Academy as the second manager of the basketball team... Is she capable of managing the problematic ace? And is he capable of handling her?

52. Chapter 52: Routines

A/N: Hi everyone! Thank you for follows, favourites and reviews! It makes me very happy.

I think this time I managed to keep my schedule (more or less). We are slowly getting to school/competitions reality.

Enjoy!

---

A generous heart is always open, always ready to receive our going and coming. In the midst of such love we need never fear abandonment. This is the most precious gift true love offers - the experience of knowing we always belong. ― Bell Hooks, All About Love: New Visions

Happiness is not the absence of problems, it's the ability to deal with them. ― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

If you hurt her any more than you already have, the wound could be too deep to fix. ― Haruki Murakami

I fell in love with her courage, her sincerity, and her flaming self respect. And it's these things I'd believe in, even if the whole world indulged in wild suspicions that she wasn't all she should be. I love her and it is the beginning of everything. ― F. Scott Fitzgerald

The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

---

The twins were eating their much deserved breakfast after pulling an all-nighter to successfully finish all their homework. Alone. Haruka and Derek were both still sleeping. It was nice and calm.

"AAARGH! DAMN IT!" Taiga swore, breaking the atmosphere after he dropped his food again. Getting better at using his left hand was terribly annoying and difficult. "How d' you do it?!" He turned to Aya for advice.

She was silently singing whatever from their playlist that was playing on their stereo (she knew every single song there by heart) and dancing on her chair, while eating. She gawked at him, quickly closing her mouth but the chopsticks remained sticking out and she had her cheeks stuffed like a cute little hamster.

"Huh…" He blinked at her. She blinked back.

Then she hastily chewed her mouthful, almost choking on it. "…guah…"

"Has Aomine seen you like that yet?" He laughed at her.

"Shut up." She muttered grumpily, but blushed. She could be embarrassing when she was in a great mood, relaxed and in her territory. And there was music… "So? How do I do what?" She quickly got to his question.

"Use your right hand! Uuhmmm… well… How do I get better at using my left hand?"

"Uh… by using it? Obviously…"

"What awesome advice…"

She shrugged. "There's none other. Why do you even need to learn it?" Not that she didn't appreciate his tries.

"I need to be better at my left-handed ball handling… There's no other way I can win against Aomine if my left handed skills suck. I don't have his… or your… explosive power and that ridiculous reaction time." He complained; he was very aware of his shortcomings.

A few months ago, Taiga wouldn't admit that. He's growing much much faster… not just in basketball. "You still have two months and you'll have to get that far first."

"What?"

"The prelims?"

"Wait… Aren't you in the prelims too?"

"No. Eeeer… The Winter cup has different rules. We've been over it in the camp. It's more important than the Interhigh, because only the best teams can get there. Plus there's some anniversary this year, which means some special rules."

"Like?"

"Like the best two teams from the Interhigh getting a free ticket; we and Akashi are already in the main event. We don't have to participate in the prelims. The rest of you have to fight your way there. And only the best 8 teams from the summer get their chance in the prelims. Well, in our area. There'll be four matches eliminating half of those 8 teams – your opponent will be pulled out of a hat I presume – and then it's a final league like it was in the Interhigh prelims. There you need two wins to qualify for the Winter cup. The prelims and final league are in the beginning of November. And then there's the actual Winter cup in mid-late December."

"Of course the bastard had to get a free ticket…"

"Not just him; and we did end up second." She reminded him.

"Yeah, yeah… So? Any ideas how to help me?"

"Hmmm… Let me think…" Taiga could jump a little bit higher than Daiki, but if he couldn't fully utilise it, it was a pointless skill. Daiki could control his body perfectly when it was about basketball and sports. Taiga's coordination wasn't bad either, but… She bit into chopsticks thinking of how to help Taiga. "Ah! Have you tried tying your right hand behind your back? And playing a game like that? Or something of the sort?"

"Huh?" He blinked at her in surprise. "You can't play with just one hand…"

"Why not?" She challenged him.

"Because… you can't. You can't cross, or fake much, or surprise your opponent… It's just, impossible."

"Is it? Hmmm… but won't it force you to become better using your left hand? You won't be able to cheat and rely on your dominant arm to cover for your inability… Besides, wouldn't the others help you?"

He was staring at his plate, obviously considering her idea. "I'll ask Riko-san…"

"I can practise with you in the evenings, after dancing practises if you want to. Or we can ask Ishii, Naito and Kano to join… They're not regulars so it shouldn't be a problem if they help."

Surprisingly he befriended the trio of childhood friends from Aya's team. "That'd be nice."

And then Haruka strolled in to have breakfast and the two exchanged glances not sure if they should quiet down or act like he wasn't there. They were far from being used to seeing him daily.

Out of whatever reason and mood, Haruka just raised his hand in salute, yawned and said; "act like I'm not here. Damn… I'm too old for jet lags…" He grumbled and poured himself a generous fill of coffee. He'd been in for what, two weeks? A bit more, or less? And he still couldn't get used to the time difference.

"Err… right…" Taiga hummed, collected their dishes and went to wash them. Aya took the dish towel and joined the work.

######

Daiki was a bit out of it in the morning. He wasn't sure how to face Aya after what they'd done. Yeah, she did walk the dogs with him and all, but they were both somewhere up in the clouds and not caring about anything or anyone. But now they were at school again and had to function normally.

He yawned.

"Didn't sleep much?" Satsuki asked with a knowing smile.

He blushed and turned away, damn Kise. "Tch, not really." He grumbled.

"Aya-chan in your mind?"

"…y' can't imagine…" He sighed happily.

"Good for you…" She hummed, but her mood wasn't the brightest. The talk with Kise had been nice, and all, but she just didn't want to butt in too much. She didn't want to be a bother and she didn't want to be left alone either.

Daiki already knew that tone of voice. "What's goin' on with you?"

"Huh?"

He raised an eyebrow at her. Maybe his head was full of Aya, but it didn't make him blind. "I've known you for years, stupid. Spit it."

"Uhmmm… you're still my friend, right?" She asked timidly.

"Hah?!" He snapped his head in her direction. "What nonsense are you asking? She's your friend too, y' know?"

"But… now you've got each other… and I forgot it was her birthday too…"

He sighed heavily; of course it was something like this. "…stop with that, Satsuki. Aya wouldn't mind even if Kise didn't save your ass and you know it."

"If she'd forgotten my birthday I would've minded…" The pinkette pouted. Although at the time they weren't really friends and they'd had no idea they'd known each other in the past, Aya had given Satsuki chocolates and a cute notebook for her birthday…

"You're overthinking, and when you're overthinking you tend to fuck things up, so stop with that. Yes, we do want some time alone, and yes, we won't tell you everything…" he blushed at remembering their make-out session, "but we need and want you around. That's that. You ain't getting rid of us so easily."

She blinked at him with her big pink eyes and then her affectionate smile turned into a teasing one. Me getting rid of you?... "You said 'we'… It's the first time I heard that in ages. Ah… you're growing up."

He rolled his eyes, but had to admit she was probably right. It was usually always 'I' or 'me'… "Tch, you sound like mom…"

"That's the manager's job! To mother you out of your home."

He shuddered. Aya was a manager too, and that just sounded creepy.

But Satsuki laughed, a huge stone lifted from her heart. Kise had been right, with Daiki and Aya; she needed to be 100% honest. Or she'd fuck something up again. Daiki had just confirmed it. And she didn't want that.

######

"Katsu?" Aya stopped him in a hallway before their homeroom would start.

"Could you call me –sensei, while we're at school?" He asked with a sigh. He didn't mind her calling him by his name, but some people were already talking, although everyone knew they were family.

"We are family for all I care…" She rolled her eyes. "But as you wish, Harasawa-sensei."

He shuddered, that sounded way too unnatural when she said it. "Whatever…" He muttered. "So?"

"So father's back."

Katsunori's eyes widened in shock. He had talked with Kyou a lot during the camp and even if Aya didn't tell him things, he knew about them. "…seriously?"

"Yep… for good, he said…" She bit her lip and sighed. "He knows I'm dating someone by now, but I don't trust him."

"Want me to drop by?" He got a feeling he'd become the closest thing to a parent they had here. And surprisingly, he was actually happy about it.

She smiled at him. It relieved her, he caught on. "That sounds nice. Dinner on Friday?"

"Make ratatouille." He blurted out, he loved the dish and the twins could make one of the best he'd had in his life. Cédric, their grandpa, had taught them well indeed.

She chuckled. "Okay, as you wish."

"At eight?"

"Like usual, yes." She nodded.

"I'll be there then."

"Thank you." She smiled kindly and with the ringing bell, she went to the classroom.

######

Of course everyone had noticed the slight awkwardness between Daiki and Aya, but no one knew what exactly was going on, so there was no teasing. The whole opening ceremony was boring. Daiki decided to take seats at the very back; strategically close to the exit, in case they wanted to disappear in the middle of it.

Aya was listening to all the (un)necessary talking and motivational speeches teachers were trying to give them, more or less. With Daiki right beside her it was quite difficult to concentrate on anything. But she had to, Katsunori was forced to give a speech too, and she just had to see that.

By the end she yawned widely, barely managing to cover her mouth.

Daiki bumped her knee with his.

"What?" She whispered.

"Couldn't sleep either?"

"Homework." She rolled her eyes. "I was teased to no ends… so I could hardly concentrate on anything."

He raised an eyebrow and chuckled quietly. "And there's a study session ahead."

"In the library. With the librarian present. So… studying. English. And history…" She nodded, but her eyes were betraying her as she was glancing at his lips.

"If you say so…" He shrugged with a grin and looked at the English teacher struggling with the microphone batteries.

She shook her head. Really… He was unbelievable. For a moment she paid attention. Then she touched his hand with her pinky. He glanced at their hands and did the same. After a few teasings like that, they held hands, intertwining their fingers. It was sure one of the best boring opening ceremonies they'd been through.

After the study session, which turned out to be quite successful despite the heat going on, they were wandering around the school grounds until Derek would come fetch her. The morning talk with Taiga was stuck in her mind. So she had to ask. "Ne?"

"Hm?"

"Is it possible to play basketball with one hand tied behind your back?"

Daiki blinked at her in surprise. "Why d' y' ask?"

"Just answer me, please. Do you think it'd be possible?"

"Hmmm… Why not?" It wasn't such a bad idea, though he'd never tried it before. "I mean… it's possible to play basketball on a wheelchair, so why not with your hand tied back?"

"Have you ever tried it?"

"No."

A challenging smirk formed on her lips. "Would you try it? With me…"

"It won't make me lose, you know…" Though he wasn't so sure about it... If one of his hands was hindered like that, given Aya's agility and reaction time, it could give her just enough advantage to win.

"I'd really like to see that."

"So, I answered. Why d' y' ask?"

She sighed; it was only fair to explain her stupid question. "Taiga's left-handed ball handling is far from good, so he's been trying to force himself into using his left hand more often, but it's not going easily… So I thought he could try playing with his right hand tied back, that way he'd be forced to get better, if he doesn't want to lose. But it's just my crazy idea…"

"You come up with some drastic measures." He glanced at her a bit frightened by her ideas. But it could actually work for the redheaded ace; he was her brother after all.

"He wants to try beating you, he desperately needs drastic measures."

"If they get that far, he's free to try."

"When they get that far," She corrected him; Seirin was a strong team, she was sure they'd manage to get to the Winter cup just fine, "you might find yourself surprised."

"Who do you even root for if that match happens?"

"… I don't think I'll bet on anyone when the match happens. I'll enjoy it instead."

Their banters were unbelievable sometimes. "How can you be so sure it will happen?"

"It'd be a shame if it didn't. And besides, don't you want that match too?"

"Tch… Maybe?"

She chuckled. "I knew you were looking forward to the competition."

"Because I'll win it this time." Satsuki forcing him to sit out the final match had been a shame, and the only reason Touou had lost. This time, he was determined to win it. But the Winter cup was too late in his opinion, he wanted to go and win it immediately. Three months to sit and wait, until all of the decent opponents took their sweet time getting to him; it was excruciatingly long. He was impatient; he wanted the thrill of those matches. He wanted to beat Tatsuya and Atsushi and for that he needed another try, as their last match got interrupted by an injury. He wanted to beat Akashi and he wanted to beat Taiga again. To prove he was the best. Because he was the best.

"Mhm, fingers crossed."

"Why do you sound like you're doubting it?"

"I'm not." She said immediately, she'd swear it too. She didn't want her team to lose. She hated losing. And she was glad he was confident, but… Taiga was her brother. This was a terrible inner conflict of hers. She didn't want either of them to lose.

He narrowed his eyes at her. "You'd better not be..."

"Or what?" She looked at him with question in her eyes.

He smirked, and it told her everything.

She blushed and looked away. Dammit… "I'll need you to stop by my place some time after school… would that be okay?"

He blinked at her, "…your turn?" He asked with a blush. He was still more or less clueless what to do to satisfy her on that front…

She chuckled and her blush deepened. "I doubt that with Haruka home we'd get to anything of the sort, so no… Uhm… It's about granting you entrance to our apartment whenever you might want."

"Like… giving me the keys?"

"You've showed me where your spare key is hidden." Aya shrugged. "We have the reception down there for that reason. Many apartments are rented out and the reception is just a safety measure. But they need to see your ID and get your signature too. Uhm… and if your dogs have some IDs bring them too. Pets are allowed, but they need to be registered too. So… Just in case you'd bring them over at some point."

He raised his hand to shut her up for a moment. Then he was processing it for a few minutes. Then he looked at her with a huge blush and a really excited light in his eyes. "You're giving me the keys?"

She blinked at him and laughed. "W-well, yes."

"Seriously?"

"Mhm." She nodded. "Oh… Sorry, I don't want to be too pushy or anything, if you mind–" She suddenly realised it might've been too much. But before, back in L.A. Tatsuya had come and gone to her house whenever he liked. She was kinda used to something like that, and she didn't want to limit Daiki, especially when Taiga had approved. And Daiki had shown her their spare key's hiding spot.

He chuckled and shut her up with a kiss. Before she'd talk herself out of it.

"I don't mind. I'd love that."

---

Daiki blinked at the lunch box Aya put in front of him. "I thought it was only for a few weeks back then…"

"If you don't want it, I'll stop bringing it." She chuckled with a raised eyebrow.

"No!" He protested hugging the lunch with his arms in a protective gesture. "I want it. Just… didn't expect it, that's all."

"Aaaah, lunch boxes from you girlfriend, must feel nicer than some won bet… hmmm~" Kano mused out loud.

"Envious?" The ace raised an eyebrow at his friend.

"You bet. I'd want that too." He nodded vividly, then shrugged and winced in pain, "ouch…" his broken collarbone was far from healed, though he was determined to ignore it as much as he could. "But I might find some next year or so. I'll be called 'senpai' like Kiku-chan calls Waka–"

Ishii slapped the back of his head. "Stop daydreaming. It's disgusting. And you're making Kiku-chan really uncomfortable. She isn't someone you tease."

The timid girl was completely red and willing to disappear under her desk. She wasn't surprised that the team knew, she wasn't surprised by the teasing – some must've come, but… but… She was so embarrassed. She couldn't handle it easily like Aya.

"Hey! I'm hurt! Hurt! See this?!" Kano protested pointing at his sling; his right arm was out of use for some time. He wasn't even sure why he was at school when he couldn't write, but…

"Yeah, yeah. Poor thing. At least you didn't bite your tongue off, that'd be really terrible." Ishii grumbled sarcastically and rolled his eyes. "You can't imagine how unbearable he's become, Aya-chan." He complained to the manager. "Help with that, bring me that, ah, could you carry my stuff," Ishii imitated, "what am I, his handyman?"

Aomine raised an eyebrow at the two. They weren't as bad as he'd originally thought. "As long as he doesn't ask you to jack him off…" He hummed nonchalantly like announcing weather.

Kano went red to the tips of his ears and Aya and Kiku almost choked on their food. Sakurai wanted to disappear and Ishii just blinked at Aomine.

Ishii's darker side resurfaced. "He'd better not, or his little friend will be chopped off."

Aya was laughing. "Ah, how I missed this." Things were getting back to normal. She was more than happy about it.

Daiki grinned and dug into his lunch. He kinda missed this too. Not that he'd admit it.

######

At the dancing practise, everyone seemed delighted to see Aya and to be back to the usual regime. They had all hoped the young dancer would teach them for the year once again. Derek was a new figure, but they soon learned he didn't understand them and that was there just to watch.

Because Senri was late, she started practising on her own. All the attendees needed a thorough warm up and repetition of what they had been learning before the summer break. Many of them had forgotten, so Aya was reminding them patiently. The kids were catching on again much quicker than the older couples, but it was fine. Everyone had their pace of learning, she understood that.

"And what is the meaning of this?" A woman's voice stopped everyone and they turned to their previous lady teacher. Some of the elders rolled their eyes.

Senri was standing behind her giving Aya a warning look. The last few weeks with Miki had been disastrous for him. He loved her, or he liked to persuade himself about it, but sometimes he felt like he couldn't stand her whims. Aya raised an eyebrow and looked the woman up and down. She was in Senri's age, shorter than Aya and quite pretty, but there was something nasty in her look, something bully-like. She was glaring at Aya with obvious distaste, as if the redhead totally intruded her territory.

Territorial much? Aya thought. "Welcome back, Miki-san." Aya said politely. "It's nice to finally meet you in person."

"How can you start the practise without the coaches?"

"I'm sorry, but you were running late and I've been leading these practises for months. It was good they all warmed up before you two deigned to show up."

"Aya," Senri wanted to tell Miki off, but… He was embarrassed for turning up late, and he'd never blame Aya for starting the practise, he was actually glad for it. But Miki was…

"Just tell her!" Miki turned to him with a bossy tone in her voice. Then she turned back to Aya, "just because you've won some world championships doesn't mean you can take over someone else's club, kid. We are the leaders here. Not you. You can practise if you want, but that's that. Not like you have a partner anymore anyways."

Aya took a deep breath; she was considering throwing something at that woman. Or telling her something really nasty. How could that be Senri's fiancée, was beyond her. Senri was so patient and kind and good… and she was just… a demon woman with complexes? Maybe that's why Senri was scared of leading Aya before?

But the redhead smiled – though it was so fake – and took a step back; she'd not be a reason for their arguments, though she felt she already was. "Then take the lead please. I believe you do know what we've practised in the last lesson." She said in a venomously sweet voice and 'really' wanted to see how well Miki knew that.

Miki blinked and looked at Senri, searching for support. She'd had no idea what had been going on in the practises during her absence. She believed they'd do something totally new. Something she'd come up with.

"What a nasty woman…" Aya sat down next to Derek and switched to Russian, because she knew Senri and Miki spoke English very well.

"What did she tell you?" He was accustomed to her language choice and watched what would happen. He didn't understand the words, but the tone and expression spoke loud and clear too. It was obvious some elders were frowning at Miki in disapproval and kids were scared of the new-old teacher. They seemed to tense up.

"Basically, that I have nothing to do here and they are the leaders… And some world champion has no right to teach in someone else's club." She rolled her eyes.

"Didn't they ask your help?"

"Senri did. She probably wasn't delighted…"

Aya turned back to the couples and got up. She needed to stand to see them better. She started frowning. Everything she had been trying to teach, Miki was ruining. Instead of praising the good parts, she always pointed out the mistakes. Kids were scared of her, so they were stiff, which caused a lot more mistakes than anything else. And elders needed much more time to get their movements right than Miki was willing to give them. Senri was trying to even it out with secret praises, but it was obvious he was totally listening to Miki.

When the practise was officially over and Miki went to take a shower and change –as the first one – one of the older ladies came up to Aya. "Aya-chan…" She was over seventy, old enough to ignore the authority of the twenty-something Miki. "Can you show me how to do it again, please?"

"Er…" She glanced towards the changing rooms, but the old lady patted her hand.

"Don't worry about her, my dear. You'll be teaching us again soon enough, I can't believe how we managed to cope with her for so long."

Aya shrugged with a genuinely happy smile. This was the biggest praise she could get as a teacher. "You didn't know anything better…?"

The lady chuckled. "That's right. But now we do. And we old folks will fight for you. This club lives on us, after all." She winked at the young champion and pulled her towards her husband who gave Aya a toothless smile. They wanted to learn it right.

She chuckled too. All these amazing people had grown to her heart already. She'd fight to teach them too. And so, she happily showed them what to do and explained it in a way they could understand. She managed even without a proper partner.

"What's that again?" Miki asked when she came out. "We need to lock the gym." She frowned at all the attendees who were asking Aya's help.

"Aya-chan will lock it, once we are done." The lady looked at Miki with steely eyes. "She's never had a problem staying longer with those who wanted to practise."

Miki glared at Aya and frowned at the lady. "The practise is time limited."

"You were late." The lady protested. "Senri-kun, we want to stay." She looked at Senri kindly. He sure didn't have it easy. "I believe your grandfather wouldn't mind it." She had known the old man quite well indeed.

Senri sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. Then he looked at Aya, "I'm counting on you, Robin." He gave her a tired smile.

"Thanks, Senri."

"But dear!" Miki protested, but Senri grabbed her elbow.

"We're leaving. And we'll talk at home." He said with an edge in his voice. He knew Miki could be like this, but he'd seen her so rude for the first time in his life. And those elders deserved nothing but respect and gratitude for coming to the club.

"I hope we didn't ruin his relationship." Aya muttered, looking after the two.

"The boy will only suffer with her." The old lady said with a caring smile. "I've known for a long time, but he doesn't listen… Well… Maybe something will change."

"They're engaged…" Aya doubted something would change.

"That's not a vow yet."

"Right…" Then she clapped sharply. "Let's get back to it!"

######

Taiga was cooking dinner again. Judging by Aya slamming the door, she must've had a really bad practise.

"She's a fucking self absorbed bitch!" She stomped into the kitchen without saying hello. Her anger at Miki was piling up the whole practise and home was the only place she could vent it out.

Haruka looked up from the newspaper he'd been cosily reading on the couch with wide eyes. Aya had yelled at him, but he'd never seen her angry or swearing like this with anyone else. He blinked at Derek who was towing after her, but the driver just shrugged; he didn't understand and he was surprised too.

Taiga blinked at her. "Whoa, someone had a baaaad first meeting with the fiancée."

"If he really marries her, our gift is a coffin. Because he'll either kill her or himself. That woman's impossible!" She thundered and sat on one of the bar chairs. "Oh… hello, by the way."

He chuckled at his sister. "It's been a long time since I last saw you like this."

Aya huffed. "You can't imagine how rude and impatient she is with all the members, who just want to learn! Shiranui-jii-san must be turning in his grave."

"It's Senri's club though. His decisions."

"I know…" She grumbled. "But she's destroying it."

"She'd been teaching there before you."

"She's still destroying it now."

"You've spoiled them then."

"No, I taught them. The same way, Shiranui-jii-san had taught us. If he'd been so impatient with me, I would've never won a single contest."

He yielded. He hadn't been there after all. "That bad?"

"Come with me on Monday and you'll see. Apparently, Miki had allowed me to practise there, but 'you're not the leader' and hey 'you don't have a partner anymore anyways'. Tch, I want to show her just who she's taunting."

Taiga stared at her and then he laughed. Really, when was the last time he'd seen this side of Aya? "Then let's show her." He grinned and held his hand up for Aya to high five. And 'tch?' she'd been Aominefied… He thought, knowing he should store it and use it against her some time later.

She smirked and high-fived him. "Sounds like a plan."

He nodded. "If you want dinner, go wash yourself, stinky."

With an eye-roll she ignored it and went to take her pyjama from her room.

"What?" She looked at Haruka, who's been trying to burn a hole in her head with his burning red eyes, for the first time admitting his presence.

"I didn't know you were teaching. And at Shiranui's no less…" He said in surprise and frowned. He'd remembered the club, but he thought it had dissolved after the old man had passed away. The boy was only starting university at the time, the other two were still in high school and junior high and there was no way the three kids could have managed to afford their living let alone leading and paying the expenses connected with the club; especially when many members had left. There was some other vague memory trying to resurface, but he couldn't remember. He'd swear Keiko had been somewhat involved with the club and the kids despite the distance.

"You never asked." She reminded him and strolled past. Then she remembered one more thing. "Oh, Katsu's coming over tomorrow. It'll be ratatouille night. I cook, but who's up for buying groceries? Because I'll come with Katsu after practise…" She said in English so Derek wouldn't be left out completely.

"Not me!" Taiga answered immediately. "I have practise too, and I'll be staying longer."

"Well… That leaves us with…"

Haruka frowned; he didn't feel like seeing Katsunori, not after ignoring the man for so long. But he couldn't really run away.

"I can go…" Derek volunteered.

"Tch, you barely understand the basic greetings…" Haruka grumbled. "I'll go. But leave me some list, or something." When was the last time he did something so mundane as buying groceries? He couldn't remember.

She blinked at their father. She could trust him with buying groceries, right? "Okay…I'll leave the list on the fridge in morning." She hummed and, shaking her head in surprise, she went to her room to take her pyjamas.

"You know how it goes in shops, right?" Taiga jabbed with a raised eyebrow.

Haruka looked at his son with an unimpressed look and then resigned with a sigh. He totally deserved that one.

---

Derek knocked on the 'work room' or library, or whatever the big room filled with books and desks was. Haruka had shut himself in the moment the twins had left for school.

"Yeah?" Haruka called him in with a rather absent-minded voice.

He opened the door and peeked inside. Haruka was sitting behind the table with his laptop, which was not even turned on and dozens of papers spread around, obviously looking for something. But he looked up at the young man.

"What is it?"

"Uhm…" He took a deep breath; he wasn't comfortable asking for favours. "I'd need to go back to L.A. next week, for a couple of days. Would it be possible?"

"Ah, the rent and stuff, right?"

"Yeah." He nodded.

"I'll go with you. I need to find some papers, and give Lindsay and some managers a crash course of leading the company." Haruka rubbed his eyes and pushed the papers away. What he'd been looking for wasn't here. "And maybe rent out some rooms in the main house, since we're not there anymore…"

Derek nodded and stared at the boss for a moment. The tone of Haruka's voice was a lot calmer, kinder even. Was it just him, or was the man much more tolerable when he wasn't wearing a suit and working? Or was it the kids that were responsible for this subtle change?

"Why are you staring at me like that?"

"You've changed?" He blurted out. "Errr… sorry… It's nothing."

"It's fine." A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips. "I never intended to be the scary man I've let myself become. I guess I'm trying to go back to what I used to be. If only they could see that…" He cleared his throat and pushed himself to his feet. "Now, shall we go shopping?"

######

"Look how well they get along. Ah, youth~" Imayoshi mused when he, Susa, Wakamatsu and Tada were searching for a vacant table in the school's garden to eat their lunches. The other three followed his line of sight.

All first years from the club were bunched around one table, with the addition of Kiku, discussing something. Aomine was at the very edge of the bench, sitting backwards to everyone else and watching clouds, looking totally disinterested, but when Aya asked him something he actually replied.

"You sound like an old man, captain." Tada hummed teasingly.

"I'm handling you lot~ that certainly adds to my years."

"They're not as wild as you like to present." Susa shook his head. "And the managers are the ones cooling them off the most."

"Aya-chan, you mean?" Imayoshi raised an eyebrow

"Momoi-san's different, but if Aya-san wasn't around I believe she'd be craftier."

"Hmmm… why don't we join them?" Wakamatsu asked with his eyes narrowed. He didn't like the way Kiku blushed among the boys. He wanted to know what was being discussed that made her embarrassed.

"Oya, oya, there goes Kou's protective mode." Tada chuckled, but Wakamatsu was already on his way to the first years, and his friends followed with deep sighs.

"To think we'd have to handle him in love…" Imayoshi shook his head. "And with such a timid girl. Now I've seen everything."

######

"You comin' to practise?" Aya asked Daiki after classes. It was their turn to clean the classroom, so they were the last ones left. This time, he actually helped around with the chores a bit.

He looked at her from his bag, where he was stuffing textbooks. "I've told you I wouldn't."

She shrugged with a smile. " 'kay. I asked just in case."

He sighed and scratched his cheek. "I'm waiting for you though."

"For Satsuki, you mean?" She teased with a smile; the two had been going home together from the day one.

"Hey! You don't actually mind that." He protested and took a step forward to Aya, who turned to face him. "We live in the same area. Besides, you go home with the three all the time too."

She laughed. "That's true. But…" She tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear and blushed slightly.

His offended look changed and deepened as he erased the distance between them to a few centimetres. "But what?" He wanted to know. It was only three days of school, but it was so difficult to have Aya within reach and not able to do anything to her, now that they were actually dating. Everything fell back into the routine so quickly. Practises, classes, lunches with everyone and more practises… All the people around. There was literally no time for them to just be together alone. He knew it wouldn't get much better. And he was playing with an idea to steal her for himself for some time.

"The semester's gonna be difficult, I think…" She sighed and brushed his forearms, catching his hands. He responded with a gentle squeeze and she stared at their hands with a warm smile.

And he was certain she felt the same. "I'll steal you here and there." He hummed, which made her look up at him.

"I'm counting on that." That warm loving look melted her heart all over again. To think the intimidating Aomine she'd met on the first day could make this face too… Just for her. "Two lunches and a proper date a week." She demanded.

"That's not enough."

"Very pleased to hear that." She chuckled. "But that's what we can work with, given our schedules."

"Your schedule, you mean?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Mhm, says the one raising two huge dogs and doing jiu-jitsu in his spare time."

"You know I can manage that, or ditch the practises if I want. So, you were saying?"

She sighed. Daiki: 1, Me:0. "Nothing to be done about that. From today onward, it's your job to remind me if I get too carried away."

"I gladly accept." He snickered and let go of her hands, just so he could grab her waist and pull her against him. She squealed at the sudden motion, but his lips quieted any possible protests – not that there were any.

Aya loved his kisses, and would thoroughly enjoy them. It was indeed difficult to go without, even for a day. She stood on her tiptoes so he didn't have to bend down too much and ran her hands up his chest; diving her fingers into his hair. She sighed against his lips letting him deepen the kiss.

Encouraged by her reaction, he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her higher, closer and tasting her with his tongue hungrily.

"Ah!" Aki and Rei walked into the classroom to get Aki's forgotten pencil case.

Aya and Daiki quickly parted and took a step back from each other, licking their lips, but they were obviously excited and annoyed by the disturbance at the same time. They had faint blushes colouring their cheeks, but it was nothing compared to the girls who interrupted them.

"Er… Sorry?" They were blushing like crazy, not looking at either of them. They swiftly took what they came for and ran away.

"Aaaand the whole school will know by Monday." Aya sighed. They should be more careful, really. She didn't need any more rumours and bully notes. Yes, she could efficiently ignore it, but it still stung.

"Do you mind?" Daiki asked her, thinking that the rooftop was probably the only safe place for them, as Satsuki was the only other person who went up there. "Did you want it a secret?"

She blinked at him. To her it sounded more like 'are you embarrassed about me?', which was totally not true. "No! Of course not! You're my man, I'm proud of that." She blurted out. "I just hope it won't turn into another bully-notes-shit…"

"Oh…" He didn't think of that. Of course she'd mind things like these; she'd been called 'a whore' after all… "Tch, you do tell me, if it happens again." He said seriously, observing her with his burning eyes.

"Roger that." She chuckled.

"And your father?"

"Hm? What about him?"

"Did you tell him yet?" He was curious. For some reason he thought it was important.

"Yep. He knows." She nodded. "Doesn't mean he'll like you, he tried to voice objections, but… I guess we have an upper hand now. As it seems he's trying to go back."

"Go back?" He asked and picked up his bag.

"Mhm." She nodded and took her stuff, so they could head to practise. "Back to the person he used to be."

"That a good thing or a bad thing?"

"I'm not sure. I don't know what happened to cause this change in him, and I certainly do not trust him as a father… But still, he's living with us now. I sent him shopping today… I'm quite curious what I'm going to find when I get home." She chuckled. "At least I hope he took Derek with him. The fact there is someone to look out for him kinda calms me down."

"So he's really trying to reach out?" He really didn't understand the man, but maybe his father was right. Then again, it made him think about the troubles his parents had faced and he wanted to know. He wasn't a kid who couldn't handle anymore. But he quickly shook it off and focused on what Aya was saying to him.

"You wouldn't believe it, but yes. And we're having dinner with Katsu tonight, sooo… The two used to be best friends but they haven't talked for years. I guess we have one tense dinner ahead of us. And don't get me started on Senri's fiancée I met yesterday."

"The dancing practise?" He asked, slightly confused. Aya hadn't talked about it with him before. Maybe she'd thought he wouldn't have been interested, or she'd just considered it 'her territory', or whatever. But now that she was opening up like that about her usual activities, he liked it. She could be really talkative and rambling, and he liked it; listening to her.

"Yeah. I mean… I got a reality check. Apparently I have no right to lead the club and I can come, but oh, I don't have a partner anymore. She was like what does this random world champion want here, in my club?" She imitated Miki's voice. She was terrible at it, but it made Daiki laugh. "I mean… that's his fiancée. And she was so rude to those people."

"You're not leaving it like that, are you?"

"Hell no. I might've quit competing, but I'm no loser. And I love those kids and elders, working with them. It's priceless. I don't want to quit that. Definitely not because someone tells me."

The passion in her was contagious. He wanted to see her in action. She'd lead basketball practises, but dancing was her specialty. "Can I come and watch some time?"

"Sure. Whenever you want." She agreed immediately. "But you'll dance with me."

"Wha-?! No! I ain't–"

"When everyone leaves, and we're there alone, you'll at least sway with me to the rhythm for three minutes. Please?" She glanced at him with those irresistible eyes.

He looked away. Blushed. Then looked back at her. "Tche. But you won't make fun of me."

Daiki:1, Me:1. She clenched her fist in a victorious gesture and grinned. Then she realised he was watching her, so she quickly straightened her expression. "Never." She said seriously, but a smile was twitching the corners of her lips. "I just want to dance with you, you know."

He chuckled and shook his head. That honest childish glee in her eyes was so funny. And the fact she wasn't really trying to hide it too much. I'll regret it… He thought, but it actually excited him too. And there was one more thing that was worth trying out…

"Wanna try that one-handed basketball during the weekend?" It was most certainly one of the best picks for a 'date' and change of the topic.

"Sounds good. Your place, two PM?" She suggested, knowing it was probably better to use Daiki's personal mini court at their house than hoping the court in the park would be vacant.

Daiki nodded and looked around, realising he followed her all the way to the changing rooms and the gym.

"You're here. Why don't you at least watch if you don't want to practise?" She asked with her hand on the handle.

Daiki sighed; sure he could chill out in the spectators' area or something. "For this once. I'll be up there."

"Glad to have you there, Ace." She swiftly kissed his lips and vanished inside the girls' changing room – he totally felt like following, but then he decided against it and leaned against the wall. The only reason he popped up at the gym was Aya. Nothing unusual, really.

######

Katsunori wasn't sure what to expect from this reunion. There were only a small number of his former teammates he still kept in contact. He was always a bit introverted and antisocial. The twins were his best friends; Haruka, really, and he'd hurt him the most. The kids had kind of mended the bitterness he'd felt, but then he'd learnt what they had been through with Haruka, and he got even more disappointed. And now he dared to come back playing the father he'd given up on being so long ago?

What the hell? His hands clenched the steering wheel and he frowned at the road.

"Are you okay?" Aya asked him with concern in her voice.

"Yeah. I'm fine, Robin." He replied, trying to sound as composed as he could. "I'm just not sure how to face him after all these years."

"You'll figure it out on a go. Like your games." She smiled encouragingly. "Still, thank you for coming over."

A small smile lifted a corner of his lips. "Your food is an irrefutable temptation."

"It was your choice."

"That too." He agreed with a chuckle; he simply loved french cuisine. For a few minutes they silenced. Then Katsunori glanced at her again, the girl had changed too. Maybe it was harder to see, because she'd always been a cheerful stamina monster with great social skills and strong personality but… Now she seemed happy, calmer, and stronger than ever. Her dating Aomine hadn't been his intention but it probably helped both teenagers in a way. "I'm glad you're happy."

"Hm?" She blinked at him in surprise. She'd always been happy, or not?

"You shine more than usual. Aomine totally brightens you up." He sighed. "I didn't expect this to happen when I asked for your help, but… I guess I approve, as long as he'll keep his focus on the games."

"Don't worry, he will. And once he'll recognise someone as an equal rival… I'm happy you've asked for my help which let me meet all those dorks."

"You'd have come with Taiga either way. And given your nature, you'd have gotten to know them one way or another."

"Actually… I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. Taiga wanted me to come, but I was thinking of staying in France back then. Your request helped me make my final decision. I missed you, and everyone, but I didn't feel like being home. I thought it was just an apartment with a shitload of memories and times long gone, which I wasn't sure I wanted to return to." She chuckled and stared out of the window at the passing lights. "Then again, if I hadn't I would've never met that arrogant ace of the generation of miracles..." …who smashed my walls and grew to my heart.

"Then I'm glad I reached out. My life would be plainly boring without you two."

"I should record that. Can you repeat it?" She joked to which Katsunori rolled his eyes. "To think, you'd appreciate the additional trouble you have because of us…"

He shrugged and pulled over. "It's not that bad."

She chuckled and got out, taking all her things. "It'll take time to cook, so you'd better be prepared for some tense waiting."

"I should handle it. We're too old for overly awkward meetings."

"Hmmm… we'll see. Ah! Taiga!" She called out when she spotted her brother entering the apartment building.

But Taiga had his headphones in his ears and was listening to music, so he didn't hear her. He yawned, stretched and walked in.

She narrowed her eyes at the ignorance. "Oh, just you wait." She hummed and sprang forward before Katsunori managed to grab her collar and stop her.

Quickly, but quietly, she crept onto her brother to snatch his headphones from behind. Or, she wanted to do it, but somehow he sensed her, and turned around just in time.

"And you wanted?" He smirked at her.

"Tch." Sometimes the bond was more of a hindrance. "You ignored us." She pouted and glanced at Katsunori who strolled through the door acting like he didn't know the two.

"Good evening." Chiba-san greeted them from the reception desk. "I'm glad to see you two lively."

"Good evening." The twins said in unison.

The old man laughed and waved his hand. "Ah, twins... Are you having some gathering?" He asked curiously.

"Just a family dinner. I can bring you a bit if you want." She offered immediately. "If you're up for the night shift you could use some additional energy source."

"Heh, don't worry yourself with this old man, Aya-chan. But if you have some leftovers…" He winked at her, the girl surely pampered them from time to time, and he wouldn't refuse. Their cooking was exceptional.

"Okay, I'll bring you some later on then."

They walked to the fourteenth floor, like usual, even though the lift was working again. The twins were used to it by now and it was an additional practise they wanted to have. Katsunori didn't object, but he was starting to feel his age; his knees mostly. It made him wonder how Kyou, who was older, managed to be less wrecked than him. And he was out of breath too, but he would never ever admit it. Maybe I should get back to actually practising too…

"We're back!" Taiga announced their arrival once they entered the apartment. They went straight to the kitchen to wash their hands and check out if Haruka had bought everything they wanted.

Haruka hummed in greeting and got up from the couch where he'd been trying to watch a movie. But in reality, he couldn't focus on it so he switched it off. Meeting Katsunori again was like facing his demons. The man who was like their brother, his friend, his rival… Now he was watching over his kids and all Haruka had done was ignoring phone calls and e-mails. He sure was good at ignoring. He squared his shoulders and decided to plunge into it and get it over with.

Katsunori blinked in surprise, because he'd too, gotten used to seeing Haruka only in suits, perfectly neat. Now his red hair woven with silver was messy, he had stubble and wore sweatpants and a plain grey t-shirt. And still, his presence was immense, he towered over Katsunori with his height and wide, muscular build. He looked exactly like Kyou, and not like Kyou at all. He had more wrinkles from frowning than from smiling and his eyes were still far from warm, kind and lively, they'd used to be, but… There was something slightly tolerable there too.

"Long time no, see, Katsu…" Haruka greeted him first. "I hope they didn't cause you too much trouble."

For some reason, that completely unnecessary sentence made the blood of the usually calm and lax Katsunori boil. It clearly reflected in his grey eyes, and that look alone made Haruka take a step back. The shorter man might not have ever been the captain of the team, but he sure was the one keeping his teammates in control. Always… And once his self-control slipped…

"Come again?" He asked with a very dangerous undertone and tilted his head. He looked like a bird of prey.

"He's backing away from Katsu?" Taiga whispered to Aya.

"Well, Katsu can be scary." She said seriously. "Remember the demon-senpai story?"

"Still… I've never seen that."

"I mean… They're," Haruka stammered and ran his fingers through his hair, smoothing it up a bit.

"Think wisely how you'll finish that, senpai."

Haruka bit his lip and let out a deep sigh; he disliked being called that. But it forced him to think about his answer. "They're mine after all…"

Katsunori snorted and pulled at his fringe, the mood easing up ever so slightly. He decided there was no need to kill Haruka. "As long as you remember that…" Then he turned and sat up on one of the bar chairs. "Do you have any whisky here?"

"Sure. Want a cigarette too?" Aya asked with a raised eyebrow while Taiga took out Katsu's favourite 'food' and two glasses.

He stared at her for a moment. "Do you have some?"

Aya rolled her eyes and reached into one of the drawers, throwing him a pack. Of course she had some. "But take it outside please."

"Thanks." He said, and took his whisky heading out. To his surprise Haruka followed suit.

"I hope he won't throw him over." Aya mused and turned to check out the result of Haruka's shopping. "Huh, he actually managed it," then she saw an unknown fabric softener and sighed, "more or less."

######

"Can I take one too?" Haruka asked as he leaned against the railing next to Katsunori.

"Didn't know you smoke." Katsunori looked at him harshly, but offered him the pack. "These are Aya's though." He said as he lit up his cigarette and handed the lighter to Haruka.

"Huh? No way. She wouldn't." He was certain of it and didn't believe it.

"Don't be surprised when you see it then." Katsunori shrugged.

Haruka took a deep breath; he owed it to his friend. "Look, I'm sorry..."

"I know. I've spent some time with your brother. He's been saying something about you feeling strange and changing. I haven't lectured your kids and I'm not going to lecture you; you're too old for that, but I hope you realise just how much you've hurt them both." He blew out a cloud of smoke. "You've said things a father should never ever utter to anyone, let alone his growing daughter."

Haruka blinked away some treacherous tears threatening to escape; he was a courageous man, standing proud and emotionless for so many years… But once the dam broke, it was difficult to keep it in. "Too late to take it all back."

"But not too late to never repeat it. She's been through some 'whore' bully notes in school too – the former English teacher just couldn't stomach someone like Aya in her class and found the articles she needed. So don't you dare go as far as even imply something of the sort ever again... or I will hit you."

He didn't know that. He didn't know about any problem the twins had faced. Everything was reminding him just how useless, uninformed and ignorant he'd been. And that he'd have to work super hard to make up for that. Because he never wanted to repeat it, but… "she has a boyfriend…" he grumbled, "again."

Katsunori raised a mocking eyebrow at him. "And? What bothers you so much? It's totally normal. Besides, weren't you two creepy twins switching girls, confusing them and taking advantage of the fact they couldn't tell you stupid brothers apart? It's you who was whoring around in your high school days, not your kids."

"Tch." He didn't like remembering that time before his lovely wife… How stupid they had been. Yep, Katsunori was giving him one blow after another. Demon-senpai, all right…

"Just so you know, she's happy with him, happier than I've seen her so far, so don't you dare cracking that in any way." He sounded less strict, but the edge was still there.

"Wait, you know him?"

Katsunori rolled his eyes and looked at the cars passing below them. "He's my ace. Of course I know him."

Ace?... Haruka used to be the ace, aces had a lot of quirks, and they loved playing around. No, maybe he'd never met the guy in person but he was already set on disliking him.

As if reading Haruka's thought process, Katsunori sighed deeply. He's an unbelievably thick-headed idiot… "By the way, I do lead a basketball club now. And no, Taiga goes to a different school."

"Any good players out there?" He asked, ignoring that jab.

"Hmmm… Someone's curious?"

The basketball was still in his blood, drilled in his bones, there was no way he wouldn't get interested once he had enough time to get back to it. "Go to hell, all of you," he grumbled distastefully, "I'm not a robot, I've never been, I just…"

"Burned out the circuit processing emotions?"

"Huh?"

"Why do you even want to change? Don't you have it all? Money, successful company, partners, anything you want?" Katsunori asked. He knew those were not real values, but…

Haruka smiled sadly and pulled out the medallion he'd gotten. "I do. But it's lonely, and I let the most important things run through my fingers like sand. They found this," he played with it between his fingers. "I guess I was mourning her, and then mourning myself, and how incomplete and useless around the kids I felt without her. It blinded me. She'd never want this to happen. If it had been me dying there, she would've pulled through. And maybe they'd have you as a father now…"

He almost choked with the whisky, but miraculously managed to keep a straight face. "That's nonsense." Besides… If it had been you, they would've been true orphans now. He didn't dare to voice that thought though.

"I wasn't blind, I just decided to trust both of you." He hummed knowingly, sighed, and then almost whining, he added, "which brings me back to why couldn't I trust my own kids?"

He is still there somewhere… "You don't want me to answer that."

######

Daiki was thinking about her the whole evening. He was lying in his bed, staring at the ceiling with a frown. He wanted to call her, to hear her voice, but decided against it. She might've not had the time or the mood to answer. He was wondering how the whole dinner thing with the coach and their father went. He couldn't even start imagining.

He sighed and decided to send her a message. He wouldn't be able to sleep unless he was sure everything was fine on her side:

'Everything all right?'

The reply came surprisingly fast and it startled him so the phone fell out of his hand and hit his face.

"Tch." He clicked his tongue in annoyance and unlocked his screen.

'Everyone lives, no one got poisoned. It was surprisingly cosy. Ratatouille's magic… Most likely…'

What's that Rat–thing? He wondered, but another message beeped before he could ask:

'Can't sleep?'

He checked the time and it was indeed almost midnight.

'Needed to be sure y' were all right.'

He replied honestly. Maybe he was being too curt with messages, but he had no idea how to write essays…

'Thank you. See you Sunday, be ready to lose.'

With a snicker he shook his head. The girl just didn't know when to give up. How truly amazing…

---

"We're going to L.A. for the next week." Haruka announced them during breakfast.

"Already running away?" Aya asked unimpressed by the news. "Did Katsu scare you out?"

"No. We'll be back. But I need to take care of some things."

"Like?"

"The company. And the house."

"I hope you're not firing Gabi and Ivan, throwing Kouta away and putting down the dogs or something…"

It had occurred to him, but no. He wanted to keep the house. And the people and dogs in it. "No, I was thinking of renting out some guest rooms, since there are Gabi and Ivan to keep an eye on things."

"Oh… Sounds good to me." She glanced at Taiga and she knew he was thinking the same thing: Finally some rest from this tension.

"Are you sure about your quitting?" He asked just in case. So far he hadn't brushed the topic.

"I don't think I need the contract. As owners we are on the yearly pay check, and if some of our clients do call me, I'm not ignoring it, don't worry. I just don't feel like doing those reports and whatnot. I heard you have Thalia for that now."

He sighed, but he was already levelled up with it. Somehow. "As you wish, but you could give her a little crash course on what I expect from her."

"Can't you do that? Or you don't want to be bothered? Besides, isn't it too late?"

Haruka frowned and sighed again, heavier than before. "...please?"

Aya blinked in surprise, utterly confused by the changes going on with Haruka. For a moment a nasty thought that it was Kyou making fun of them crossed her mind, but she could reliably distinguish the twins. Who was this person again? And what happened to that curt strict Mr. I'm-always-right? He was getting under her skin already and she wasn't sure she liked it. She feared the moment she'd show some affection, some forgiveness, he'd go right back to the man she didn't want to ever see. "Learnt a new magic word?" She snorted.

He just stared at her with that typical unwavering, numb but persistent look in his eyes. No, it wasn't totally numb. More like, enduring. He wasn't backing down, but he wasn't going to retort or scold her or get offended either.

"Fine, I'll get in touch with her." She sighed and yielded, maybe because she knew there was no point fighting, or maybe because she wanted to help the poor thing who had taken her place and had to respond to Haruka in her stead. "So? When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow evening."

"Good. And when do you plan to be back?"

He glanced at Derek, in question. "Seven to ten days?"

Derek shrugged, he didn't really care. He could take care of the rent in that time span. "Fine by me."

"Don't do anything stupid." He looked at both teenagers.

"Like we haven't lived here alone for months." Taiga said with an eye-roll, before Aya would steal his line.

---

Aya arrived at Daiki's just like they agreed. She found him sitting on the ground in front of the open garage, brushing Shiro's fur; an unbelievable amount of excess fur was coming off the dog and piling up next to them. The first to greet Aya was Shiro with her specific sound she always made. But the dog was so comfortable lying over Daiki that she didn't bother getting up to physically greet her.

Daiki raised his head right away. "Hey." He greeted her and was about to get up, but Aya stopped him with her hand (and Shiro with her displeased gurgle rumbling in her chest).

"Hey." She leaned down and kissed him briefly. Then she ruffled Shiro's fur to say hello. "You could stuff pillows with this!" She pointed at the pile of fur on the ground.

"That's partly what they were bred for." He chuckled.

"Really? Whoah…" She sat down by his side and patted Shiro's head. "How often do you do this?"

"Usually everyday or every other day. If we don't want her fur in our toothpaste – it happened, don't ask me how." He said seriously. Then he frowned, "but while I was away she got only one brush a week and I slacked off a bit, so this is what I get for reward." He was annoyed by his own negligence.

"You have to take proper care of your ladies." She chuckled teasingly and turned around when she heard the other two dogs approaching them. "Well hello there." She reached out to cuddle them, Kurome was happily wagging her tail, working her way to rest on Aya's lap, while Akari obediently sat next to Aya and patiently waited until the girl would give her the attention she wanted. With one hand occupied by Kurome, she used the other to pet Akari. "Haven't seen you in weeks."

Daisuke was right behind the dogs. "Oh, hi, Aya-chan! I knew someone favourite arrived when they bolted out with such vigour."

"Hello." She greeted him with a smile. It made her happy the dogs liked her.

Then he spotted the mountain of Shiro's fur and his eyes widened. "Woah, we've gotten another Samoyed. Is that all, or is there gonna be a third one too?"

"If you hadn't forgotten to brush her, it wouldn't have come to this." Daiki rolled his eyes pointing at the pile.

"Ups, sorry, the other two aren't so high maintenance." He shrugged with a sheepish expression, but Daiki knew his father didn't mean it, and he did it on purpose, to give him additional work. Then again, if he'd brushed Shiro right after coming home from the camp…

He yielded with a quiet grumble. "I'll be done in two minutes." He said and coughed, pulling Shiro's hair out of his mouth. "Geh."

Daisuke laughed. "I'll take it to the groomer when I head to work, she sells the fur or what... Do you two have some special plans, or will you stay for dinner, Aya-chan?"

She blinked at Daiki and shrugged. "I don't know. We planned on trying some things my brother could use in his practise and our guys too, actually… I guess, I don't have to stay for dinner, I don't want to be a bother."

"Oh, come on, you're never a bother, Michiko will be delighted to have you at the table again. Now, when you two are dating…"

"Errr…" She blushed slightly and looked away. It was Daiki's father… She felt awkward. Then she decided that was no reason to be embarrassed. "Well, okay, if you don't mind."

"Pleasure is ours." He winked at her then he smirked at Daiki. "So basketball, huh? Can we come and watch? Finally?"

He knew better than to blush now. "Tch, why would you?"

"Just 'cause; I don't remember when was the last time I got to see you play. I need an update."

"Heh, it's not gonna be a real update when we'll be testing things. Besides, do you think I'd go–" He swallowed the words under Aya burning glare.

Then she glanced at her nails and a really dangerous expression settled in her eyes. The only word to describe Aya's look could be 'ravenous'. Taiga looking for any desperate methods to get better, Miki's rude challenge on Thursday, the approaching competition and research she was helping with again... Somehow she felt much more involved than before. And that unyielding thirst to improve, rise, win was still burning deep within her. I will not be left behind. In anything. "If you think you can take it easy~"

"Tch." His look wasn't any less threatening. He had his overwhelming presence too.

"Ooooh, definitely a keeper." Daisuke chuckled and then called the dogs to follow back inside. "Put that fur into some bag, please."

"Ossu…" He nodded and glanced at her, while searching for any bag he could use. "What's gotten into you?"

Aya smirked. "I feel good; like it's the day I'll finally score one on the great ace Aomine Daiki."

It wasn't like people never got to score against him or anything, but so far, Aya hadn't been lucky in one-on-ones. He wanted to keep it that way. But the certainty with which she said it sent chills down his spine. "I won't let you."

"I hope not." She chuckled. She knew her shortcomings in ball handling, though it'd gotten much much better since she'd become the manager and joined in the practises. But facing Daiki like that was simply thrilling. It gave her a feeling that she learnt and grew faster whenever playing against him. Even if she kept losing, or maybe exactly because of it.

Dammit, I love her. He thought when he went to fetch a ball and some rope they could use to hinder their dominant arms. At first he wanted to leave her an advantage, but after that look, he wouldn't. Plus he'd watched the practise. Aya had improved beyond expectations, really. She was someone with whom no one could afford to slack off or she'd eat them alive.

He closed the garage door so the ball wouldn't fly in if they happened to lose it in the process. They warmed up briefly, as she insisted. The last thing they needed was injury. Then he turned to her with the part of the rope and a grin.

"Willing to tie me up, Sweetheart?"

She blushed at that, her imagination taking the best of her for a second.

Me:1, Aya:0.

How could he make it sound so perverted? "Just what are you thinking about?" She grumbled to herself and forced the blush off her face. "Yeah, come 'er."

"Me? What are you thinking about?"

And back it was, that furious blush she wanted to hide so much. Daiki:2, Me:0. Dammit. She really needed to score, and make him pay for this innuendos.

With a satisfied smirk, he handed her the rope, failing to see that naughty glint in her eyes. "Tch, not so tight." He complained when she purposefully let the rope bit into his skin.

"Eeeh, you don't like it tight?" She asked with an obvious payback innuendo in her voice.

He went red to the tips of his ears. And, she scores right back.

She laughed, forced him to lean backwards, so she could plant a kiss at the back of his neck and loosened the rope. "There you go."

Being ambidextrous was an advantage in situations like this. She hindered her left hand too. They were mirroring each other; her right hand vs. his left. They would keep the ball on one side only.

"Tch, what a nasty hindrance." He grumbled, because it wasn't only the ball handling and dribbling that was limited, it was disturbing his balance too.

"I thought it would be."

He threw her the ball. "First possession is yours."

"Heeee… someone's generous today." She smirked.

Not really… He thought, I need to get used to this. And for that he wanted to guard first. Their speed and agility were about the same. When it came to natural reflexes, instincts and reaction time they were both monsters, he knew. But he was also bigger, wider, he could reach further and he still had much more experience in playing than her. And many instincts rooted in experience.

Harder than I thought. And I can hardly score with just one arm… Then she decided there was no time to dwell on it and she plunged forward. Tricky plays and confusing twists and turns were limited; she couldn't conveniently pass the ball to her 'better' hand, though the hindered balance was a bigger problem than the hand, so speed was one thing to go about it.

For a while they circled around one another, but she couldn't find a gap to score. She was managing to keep the ball out of his reach, despite Daiki's tries to snatch it. So far, she remembered the tied hand. But Daiki was creating a terrible pressure. His presence was almost scary. Watching her with 'give it here', 'lose it', 'it's mine'…

And then his hand darted forward and she wanted to automatically pass the ball to her left. The rope bit into her skin, messed her balance as she yanked at it and she kicked the ball away from both of them in the process.

"Damn!" She swore.

"A bit clumsy, I see." He teased her and went to pick up the ball.

For him it was a bit easier to find a gap for shooting, but his jump was weaker and Aya got in the way touching the ball so it merely circled the hoop and fell out.

"A bit clumsy, I see." She threw his teasing back at him.

She jumped higher… "Tch, again." When was the last time that he asked for 'again' or 'one more time'?

"That goes without saying. But it's my turn."

It took several more tries and fails until they got somewhat used to the strange feeling the hindrance caused. Daiki managed to score on his third try, Aya tried, but her aim with one hand was still ways off; she only ever got those shots when she was lucky.

Daisuke and Michiko gathered at the edge and sat down. The teenagers were too immersed in their little practise and they didn't seem to notice them or be bothered by their presence.

"That's some speed they've got…" Daisuke hummed, honestly surprised by Daiki's high-level skill, and even more surprised that the girl was reacting to it. Maybe messing up sometimes, but reacting.

"I know nothing about the game, but that's insane." Michiko blinked in awe, "and they have their dominant arms tied."

Daiki would've never thought that his left-handed handling lacked in any way. It was great, far above his peers, but doing this, he realised his left arm wasn't as well synced with the ball as he believed. It could get better. Though what's the point? A bitter voice at the back of his head hummed. But Aya was enjoying herself, so he decided to entertain her a little longer. He wouldn't practise much after this anyways…

They kept at it until they stopped yanking at the ropes and stopped occasionally kicking the ball away from them. They were sweating, they were tired, but they were content. Aya's drastic idea was actually working.

But she couldn't make a single shot. He either blocked her, or stole from her, or she missed. It didn't drown her willingness to try in the slightest, besides, she could feel that with repetition of their small games, she was getting better.

'Then you could dunk, right?' Dominic's voice echoed in the back of her mind. I doubt it with my hand back… She refused the idea. But it was there already. And she felt really good that day, focused, calm, strong enough. Her legs could take her up there…

With one of Daiki's arms tied, she tried the ankle break. Even if it wouldn't work, as long as it made his step delayed a bit or his centre of gravity waver for a moment. One second, one centimetre off, she could use it.

"Oh, you won't." He knew what she was trying, she wouldn't get him; in normal circumstances. But it was fast. A step to keep his balance must've been wider.

She passed him and he turned to chase. And saw her crouching before jumping.

You can't be serious… His eyes widened. If she could actually dunk it, which she had never even tried before, she'd make that one point. At that moment it didn't matter that he'd scored tens of times against her: The only one who can beat me, is me...

He leapt up for a second forgetting it was Aya.

She was right about there. She missed a centimetre for a slam dunk, but… She released the ball, knowing, it was a score.

And then Daiki rammed into her side full weight, going for the ball, but it was already passing the net.

"Gah," she let out, a slight sense of panic rising in her, as she hadn't expected him to collide with her. And that force was… Well, it made her understand why he (and not just him) always held back when she played. It messed up her balance and sense of spatial awareness. And she wasn't sure how to land or where to land. Plus she couldn't use her left arm to cushion any possible fall.

By sheer luck, she landed on her feet, which shot a sharp nasty pain up her legs and still carrying Daiki's momentum, unable to keep balance, she fell on her butt and on her side. But before her left elbow could kiss the concrete she twisted and cushioned it with her right hand.

She sat up and blinked at Daiki, baffled. He was towering above her, and she could firsthandedly feel what Taiga and Kuroko had probably felt in that match. But unlike them, she was awed and surprised. And… She made it…?

"Aya-chan!" Michiko called out startled by the scene that looked so…

"Oi!" Daiki leaned down to check if she was alright. He was inwardly cursing himself for that second of panic he felt that she might score. So what if she did? He'd still be the winner. It was no reason for him to push her down. He shouldn't have felt threatened by her at all. She was a girl. No, she was his woman, and he hurt her? An agonizing look settled in his eyes. He never meant for it.

"Uuuuhmmm…" She blinked again and then a wide grin settled on her face. "I did it?!" Without a second thought she jumped to her feet in one motion that should be impossible for a usual mortal. Her face was centimetres from his and those eyes were burning with pure glee and pride, no pain, no accusations.

"Huh?!" It was him who was utterly confused now, taking a step back.

"The dunk… I did it?!"

"Uh, y-yeah." Sort of…

"YOSHA!" She clenched her fist in a victorious gesture; as if that one dunk had just won a national rated match. Then she leapt up and wrapped her arm around his neck.

He had to take a step back and spin them, or he'd topple backwards under her weight. "Whoah." When he settled her back to her feet, she jumped up and down in pure joy a couple of times.

"I did it." She looked at him.

He was out of it. And apparently so were his parents, because none of them came to check up on Aya. "It's just a dunk…" He blurted out. For him it was no big deal, he could do it with his eyes closed (probably).

"Just?! It's the first success, since Dominic tried to teach me in the summer! I didn't think I could do it!" She stared at her palm in disbelief.

"I pushed you down." He didn't get it. She was so…

"Huh?" She looked at him confusedly. "Ah, so? I'm fine, just lost my balance. But damn you're strong!"

He chuckled and shook his head in relief. "The first time you're realising it?"

"The first time I tested it for real. You're amazing." She blurted out.

Seriously? "Have you seen yourself?"

"Oh! That was a foul! I get one free throw, right?"

"Hah?!" That quicksilver! She was confusing him so much.

"A free throw." She nodded.

He huffed and passed her the ball, shaking his head. "Feel free to try."

And she did. The ball actually circled the rim, and then bounced out. She sighed; that was her shooting with one hand.

"Satisfied?" He teased with a raised eyebrow.

"One more time?" She asked expectantly.

He sighed, he didn't feel like it. His lifespan got shortened by a few years, when he'd realised his mistake. But… that mood, those eyes, that joy and expectation, were so contagious, he couldn't refuse.

"Only with both hands free."

"Agreed." She nodded seriously and untangled her rope and then his.

"Annoying teasing, here we come…" Daiki grumbled when he saw the bruise around his wrist from yanking at that restraint for a couple of times. This kind of practise sure had a major drawback.

"Like anyone would see when you ditch anyways."

"But you don't." He reminded her.

"Eeeer… I have some wristbands at home. No worries."

Daisuke was quietly laughing. He could imagine thousand thoughts going through Daiki's head, when he'd pushed her. But he'd also seen how the girl managed it, and he knew nothing of it was an act to soothe Daiki. It was the way she was. Always getting up, always looking forward (or trying to). "Honestly, I love her."

Michiko jabbed his ribs. "You're too old, and she's Daiki's."

"I didn't mean it like that." He whined, shaking his head. "And I'm thirty six."

"Thirty seven, dear." She didn't forget to correct him.

"In a month." He protested.

She waved her head to shush the banter. "…she's amazing."

"They both are. Amazingly fitting for each other. I don't think she would've made that shot if it wasn't for Daiki being her opponent."

"And he wouldn't jump like that if it were, for example, Satsuki…" She filled in. Her own son amazed her to no ends. She might've known nothing about the game, but she felt he was special.

"Yep… They don't really restrain themselves when they're together."

"Good you gave him those condoms."

"Would you stop with that?" He rolled his eyes and pointed ahead. "Watch them, and appreciate it."

Another rally of three short games broke out, but Daiki won them all. With no hindrance he was truly the best. But he had to admit, that each time he played with her, he always had to try a notch harder.

"Dinner will be in an hour!" Michiko clapped, interrupting them, before Aya could demand 'another'. "You should take a shower and rest properly."

"Oh, so you were watching?" Daiki tilted his head backwards and wiped the sweat off his face with the hem of his t-shirt.

"Yep, and we'll go watch your next match." Michiko pointed a finger at him. "Why haven't you told me?! Can't believe I was so ignorant!" She scolded herself and stomped into the house.

"What should I have told her?" He wondered confused.

Daisuke waved his hand. "Beats me... Your hand okay, Aya-chan?"

She looked at those few scratches and shrugged. "Yeah."

Daiki grabbed her hand and examined it himself. There was a bit of blood and it was dirty. He frowned. "I will clean it up though."

Aya rolled her eyes. "It's nothing."

"I'll look at that nothing after you take shower."

She narrowed her eyes. Didn't I say something similar to him before? "Fine." She snatched her way from him.

Aya chatted a bit with Michiko in the kitchen, while Daiki went to wash himself first. They sure hadn't planned to keep playing for that long, but it was fun.

When it was her turn, she took a bit longer than usual, letting the hot water to loosen her muscles. She was drained. The previous day she'd practised with Taiga, they went running both mornings… And the water trickling down her back felt just 'ah, damn, I needed this'. She was happy for fresh clothes she'd brought just in case. It smelled after their fabric softener she loved and it could totally lull her to sleep.

She strolled into Daiki's room seeing he was obviously in a state similar to hers, as he was sprawled over his bed and resting. Without a second thought she stretched herself next to him, forcing him to move to make enough space for her.

"I'm beat." She sighed and used his arm as a pillow.

"Hmmm–" He cracked open one eye and smirked.

"If you say something lecherous…" She threatened, but she couldn't find anything suitable to finish it.

"Then what?" He teased and propped onto his elbow so he could look at her. Without thinking he brushed some strands of her wet hair from her face.

She glanced at him with a smile, leaning into his palm and shrugged. "Dunno." She barely managed to cover her yawn. "But I'm too tired for anything… of the sort. And your parents are here, and the door's open."

He cackled and slumped back, pulling her closer. "I'm drained too, you know."

"Yaaaay!" She fist-bumped the air.

He clasped her wrist and brushed the bruise that formed around her wrist, comparing it to his. "Who taught you to dunk?"

"Dominic. A friend and teammate of ours. He was totally bewildered that I dared to never try, although I could jump high enough. When he trains someone he turns into a demon, but he's awesome really."

"Hmmm… Should I be jealous?"

"No." She chuckled and reached for her phone to show him a picture with everyone.

It was quite a bunch. She named everyone, but Daiki knew he wouldn't remember it for long. The guys looked interesting, strong even. Almost everyone was around his height; he used Taiga as a reference. There were also some girls. She told him some stories from the games.

"Sorry, I guess that's not really interesting." She stopped herself, when she thought she was getting overly talkative.

"Mmmm," his chest rumbled in protest. "I like listening to your voice." Though he was tuning her out a bit now, he was so tired already and there was still the evening walk with Shiro and Kurome.

"I probably sound like a bedtime story, eh?"

He breathed out, rolling around and pulling her into a hug. "Sorta." A soft smile appeared on his face and he nuzzled his nose against her wet hair. She smelled different than usual, but it was still so her; some weird magic...

"Dinners ready!" Michiko shouted from the kitchen, and they both groaned. They'd rather stay in the bed. It was so warm and comfy…

######

Daisuke offered her a ride home, as he went into a night shift. He also wanted to talk to her alone for a moment, ask her about her father maybe, because they talked about light topics at the dinner, and neither him nor Michiko had wanted to ruin the mood in any way.

In the car she fell silent. It wasn't that she didn't know what to talk with Daiki's father, more like she was still enjoying the remnants of their 'family feeling'. And processing everything. It was the second dinner at their place, but Aomines' had such an amazingly warm and welcoming atmosphere, it always got to her. She wasn't jealous of it, not really, but it left a strange, dull pang underneath the warmth. Plus she was simply tired and looking forward to her bed.

"Daiki told me about what happened with your father." He started.

She snapped her eyes at him, but didn't interrupt.

"He was worried and unsure of what to do or how to take it…" Damn, I don't know what I want to achieve here… He bit his tongue. He wanted to help, but if Aya didn't ask for it…

"Is this the moment you tell me to let go of him and mind my own business?" She assumed, and tried to keep her tone calm.

"Wha-?! No! Sorry! Gee', no way! We're not the kind of parents to get into Daiki's relationships, unless they'd be really obviously toxic." He blurted out almost biting his tongue.

"Oh…" That scared her for a moment there. "So?"

He sighed. "Is there something I could do to help?"

"Make him pay a fine for fast driving of something." She muttered. "I'd like that."

"That's vicious."

"I know." Then she sighed and smiled. "I know Daiki worries. And that everyone would love to help. But there's nothing you can do. We need to deal with him on our own, decide on our own, what to do. After we've valued all pros and cons…"

"So you are considering giving him another chance?" Before, she had told him she didn't hate her father.

"I don't know. I don't want to be hurt by him again. Then again, it was me, who was trying to reach out, if I turned my back now I'd feel like I'm chickening out. But I do not trust him; I do not want to forgive him this easily. I don't even know how to talk with him without biting."

Daisuke chuckled kindly. "Forgiveness is a funny thing, Aya-chan. It helps more the one who forgives, than to one who's forgiven."

She tilted her head to a side curiously. "How so?"

"It frees you. Lets you fully move forward and focus on what's important in the present, not in the past. We don't know how much time we have, but we're certainly not here forever, and you understand that better than most kids." He smiled. "I don't know your father, but your relationship hit the rock bottom already, and since it seems he's caught your outstretched arm, there's only one way it can go now."

"…" The man truly deserved to be called daddy. He was the type you wanted to trust and rely on, who was there when you needed him. She turned her eyes away and stared at the road. "…I guess…"

Seeing them grow and giving them a push to be better… "… and well, sometimes our kids teach us more than we teach them."

"Huh?"

"It's nothing, I'm just thinking aloud."

"You should write a book."

"Eeeh, you think so too? I've always been saying that."

######

"Those two are already gone?" She peeked into Taiga's room, already in her PJs.

"Mhm." He hummed, not looking up at her from his magazine. "Said they had to catch the flight."

"Awesome. Aaaanyways!" She plunged into Taiga's bed headfirst. "It's totally possible."

He looked up at her with a fed-up expression, glad his bed was so huge, or she'd crush him. "What is?"

"Playing basket with one arm."

"You're still at it?" He frowned and then noticed her wrist. "Please tell me he did not tie you to the bed."

She gawked at him and slapped his shoulder. "Perv'! Of course not! We tried playing with the hindrance I proposed to you."

"Did you manage to win?"

"What do you think? Of course not. But I scored!"

"Mhm, good for you." He hummed and opened his magazine again.

"Taiga! Don't ignore me!"

"Am not." He sighed and rolled his eyes. "I'll ask Riko if there isn't a better way. I certainly don't want a mark like that. And it must've fucked your balance, suddenly having your arm back."

"It did. Big time. But it gave me the chance to score." She smirked proudly. Then she yawned and stretched.

Taiga paled, that was a premonition of… "No. No, no, no. Go sleep in your room." He pointed at the door. "Out, shoo."

She groaned in annoyance and rolled to her feet. "Wish you a good jerk off, then." She stuck out her tongue and walked out, leaving him red as his hair.

---

I'll so regret this. Taiga thought as he approached Riko the very next practise. "Uhm, Riko-san?"

She blinked at him in surprise. It wasn't every day that Taiga came to her for advice. "Hm? What is it?"

"Aya suggested that in order to improve my left-handed skills I could try playing with my right arm tied behind my back… Er… is that something I should try?"

She tapped her forefinger against her lips. "Hmmmm…" She let it go through her head, weighting all pros and cons of such a method. "Aya's pretty savage…. But it's worth trying. I'd do it with both hands. Changing it, once your right tied, once your left. Even though it'll disrupt your balance at first, if you can get used to it… For start we'll go with that, then we'll switch it a bit." She grinned. "You'll have both hands free, but if I see you touch the ball with 'the wrong hand', there'll be a penalty."

"And that Aya's savage…" He muttered under his breath. Knowing very well, what Riko's 'penalties' could be like.

A vein popped on her forehead. "Eh? What was that, first-year-boy?"

---

A/N: That's it for now. I hope no one's too OOC or something, I wanted this to be a lighter chapter again. There should be one more, and then I should finally get to the prelims. Though I'm totally hooked on Haikyuu (again), so I'm not sure if I'll manage to finish the next chapter on time.

/grammar checked - minor corrections on 18.4.2021/

Let me know what you think and remember, reviews are appreciated, but never necessary.

S.