A/N: Un-edited. I'm surprisingly happy with this chapter :)

Warnings: Mentions of mental illnesses and self-destructive behavior. Strong language is present in this book. Canon-divergence(ish?). Kuroko/Takao. More warnings will be added as the story progresses.

Summary: "Sometimes, I just want to be noticed by those around me."

"Really? Well guess what, I noticed you the moment we met, and honestly, I couldn't take my eyes off of you after that."

"Thinking"

'Texting'

'Calls'

"Talking"

Chapter Three: I Feel Like I Might Break

"I act tough to pretend I'm okay.

I smile to hide that I'm in pain.

I hide behind a mask all day.

I fear that my mask will one day break."

When Takao went back to school, he slipped into his classroom unnoticed by all except Midorima. He ignored the questioning look his partner shot him, and became immersed in his thoughts. He drowned out his teacher, his friend, everything.

Seeing Kuroko so broken, so sad, broke his heart. Takao feels so drained, and he can't find it in himself to do anything.

Honestly, he feels like a shitty friend. He's supposed to be there for Kuroko, but he can't even tell when something is bothering him.

Takao wants to laugh, what a great friend he is.

Something akin to anger and resentment bubbles in his chest. He feels his heartbeat quicken and his palms get sweaty. God, he just wants to help Kuroko, but how can he when he's powerless? What can he do? Tell Kuroko everything is going to be alright? Like that will do anything, obviously Takao can't do anything.

It's getting harder to breathe, and his head hurts. Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. Inhale. Exh-

He snapped out of thoughts when he feels Midorima put a hand on his shoulder.

He turns to his partner only to see him point to his teacher who has a worried look on her face. "Takao-kun, are you okay? You look a bit pale," his teacher questions.

Takao nods, "I just have a slight headache Sensei. I'm fine."

Midorima sends him a pointed glare and Takao ignores him once again. He's about to zone out again when Midorima slips a paper onto his desk. Surprised, he looks over to his partner, who is looking everywhere but at him. He opened the paper to find a message written.

We're going to talk about your strange behavior later. You've been acting like this since the incident with Kuroko.

Midorima's words made his gut twist; he doesn't want to talk about it. Still, it's nice to know that his friend cares, even if he's a tsundere. He's not looking forward to later.

He writes a message on the paper and gives it back to Midorima.

Shin-chan is worried? AWH! I always knew you liked and cared about me!

After he read it, he crumpled the piece of paper and threw it at Takao. This did not go unnoticed by their teacher, and she shot a glare at the two boys. Their classmates all snickered at the two, and Takao couldn't hold in his laughter when he saw Midorima turn red. Messing with him is really fun.

"Sorry, Sensei," Midorima muttered while glaring at Takao, but he couldn't help but to worry for the other. Usually, Takao is bright, obnoxious, and always happy, but now he just looks so sad and defeated. It bothers Midorima because he only knows Takao as an optimistic person, and seeing this other side of him is an eye opener.

Maybe this is the real Takao, and Midorima only knew the 'fake' one.

Classes for the day were finally over, and it was now time for club activities. Midorima and Takao made their way to Shutoku's gym, and Takao was dreading practice. Every single step was a step closer to an awkward confrontation. Takao knew he could probably avoid the shooting guard, but his partner is very persistent.

When they reached the gym, they greeted their teammates and headed to the changing rooms. The silence was killing the point guard, and he couldn't stop himself from squirming.

Midorima set down his lucky item, a stuffed monkey, down on the bench and turned to Takao. He walked closer to him, and Takao cursed the very big height difference between the two.

"What happened when you found Kuroko?"

Takao gulped, he knew Midorima wouldn't accept 'nothing' as an answer and he hoped his answer would satisfy him.

"I found him at a park, I told him everyone was worried about him," Takao stated, and Midorima was unreadable, which bothered Takao.

"Hmn, when did you get close to Kuroko? When you heard he was missing, you dashed out of the classroom," observed the shooting guard as he started changing, with Takao following suit.

"We're not close," an obvious lie, but what Midorima doesn't know won't hurt him. "We're just acquaintances with a mutual friend." Takao pulled off his uniform shirt and pointed to Midorima. "We only talked a bit because of you, Shin-chan."

Midorima started tying his shoes, and Takao finished changing his clothes. He sat down next to his partner and sighed.

"Well, you've been acting all sad and stuff since you came back," commented Midorima nonchalantly, not wanting to make a big deal out of it.

Takao saw the opportunity to tease his friend, but he didn't comment and just watched as he taped his fingers.

"Honestly," he hesitantly began, "I'm just too tired to make jokes and do the usual things I do." It was half true, but Takao didn't need to let his friend know about his thoughts right now. Takao's just scared that Midorima will think less of him for being so weak. He struggles enough as things are, he barely has Midorima's respect, and he doesn't want to lose it.

He just doesn't want to be pitied; he's had enough of that in middle school.

The green haired teen went silent, his face not giving away what he was thinking. It unnerved Takao, he hoped that Midorima bought it, and just let it drop. He honestly hated this anxious feeling, he feels like he's hiding some big secret from his parents.

Takao was about to make a joke to try and lighten the mood, but was interrupted by someone who barged into the changing room.

"First years, hurry up it's time for practice start," their captain, Otsubo ordered.

Takao quickly followed their captain into the gym, with Midorima trailing behind. They walked over to the rest of their teammates with Otsubo standing next to their coach. When everyone settled the coach cleared his throat before briefing them.

"Today we start training for the Winter Cup. We may not have made it to the Inter High, but that's okay, we'll win the Winter Cup for sure," the coach's words lit a fire in everyone, they all enthusiastically agreed. "Now after stretching I want you guys to run drills, and then after we'll have a match, understood?"

A chorus of "Yes, Coach." was heard, and with that everyone started practice.

Takao started stretching, and he zoned out. When he finished, he started doing some shooting drills away from where the rest of the team was. He just wanted to be alone right now.

He dribbled the ball in his hands, got into shooting form, and released the ball. He smiled when the ball went in with a swoosh.

He picked up another ball an repeated the process, a few times more. He missed only one shot out of the seven he did, and was satisfied with his performance. He then dribbled the ball to the right side of the court and got ready to shoot once more, but the ball was snatched out of his hands surprising him.

He turned around to see Miyaji dribbling the ball with a grin on his face. Takao's expression turned smug, and he quickly got into a defensive stance not letting Miyaji get past him easily.

The small forward smirked and tried to drive past Takao, but with his Hawk Eye, Takao was able to steal the ball from Miyaji. He ran towards the net and got ready to shoot, but before he could, he dropped to the ground startling Miyaji and Otsubo who was near the two.

Black spots danced across his vision, and when he finally regained his eye sight, he saw Miyaji, Otsubo, and Midorima standing over him.

"Are you okay, Takao?" Miyaji asks worriedly, and he helps Takao sit up and puts a hand on his head. Takao nods, but no one believes him.

"Takao, you look really pale," pointed out Otsubo, he waved their coach over.

"Plus, you're heating up," Miyaji chimed in, and Takao groaned. There's no convincing them that he's fine now.

"There's no lying now, we know you're not feeling well," Midorima chided as their coach approached the four teens.

"What's wrong?" the coach addressed Otsubo, not looking amused at all.

"Takao's sick, sir. He was practicing with Miyaji when he suddenly fell," Otsubo reported to the coach. The coach took his chin between his thumb and index finger, looking thoughtful.

"Takao, you are dismissed from practice for today and tomorrow. Go rest up, and don't even think of stepping near the gym or I'll kick you off the team. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," Takao replied as Miyaji helped him stand up.

He begrudgingly made his way back to the changing room, and grabbed all his things. After a quick goodbye to his team and a response of 'get better Takao' he left Shutoku's gym.

With nothing else to do, Takao decided to head to Kuroko's house, and sent a text to his friend.

FR: TAKAO | 4:32 PM

My coach sent me home early today.

I'm coming over to ur house :)

When he arrived at Kuroko's house, he saw Kuroko waiting for him at the front of the house. "Tet-chan!" he called out, and he ran over to Kuroko.

He stopped in his tracks when he saw a frown on his friend's face.

"Tet-chan, what's wrong?" he was really concerned, especially after what happened earlier today. Kuroko ignored Takao, and walked into his house.

The point guard was confused at Kuroko's silence, but he followed him into the house in silence. He didn't want to make Kuroko mad at all, a mad Kuroko was a scary one.

After removing his shoes and setting his bag down on the couch, he followed the blue haired teen into the kitchen, and sat down on a stool. "Kazunari-kun, why did your coach tell you to go home? You didn't do something so you could see me, right?" Kuroko narrowed his eyes at the other while preparing some food for them.

"No," Takao said, feeling like a little kid being scolded.

Kuroko brought over some fruits and green tea, and sat on the stool. He pushed the tray towards Takao, and gave him his tea. "Eat," the smaller boy commanded.

Takao shook his head, "I'm good Tet-chan, I'm not hungry."

"Bullshit, you look so pale and fatigued," Kuroko said before sipping his tea, "Oh, that's why you got sent home, huh? Kazunari-kun, you're an idiot."

"You're right Tet-chan, I may or may not have skipped lunch and fainted during practice?"

"You need to take care of yourself, Kazunari-kun," chided the blue haired teen as he shoved a grape into Takao's mouth, surprising his friend.

"Eat Kazunari, or I'm going to continue feeding you like a baby."

Takao shivered when he heard Kuroko use no honorifics, he knew that usually meant that Kuroko was mad. He reluctantly picked up slices of an orange and ate them all under Kuroko's watchful eyes.

Takao has to admit, it was weird that someone was taking care of him. He wasn't used to people caring about his well being. People usually thought he was fine because he was always joking around and acting so cheerful. Another part of his mind deep down knew that he was purposely acting that way. Takao acted like that because he didn't want people to worry about him or feel bad for him.

"Kazunari-kun, I just want you to know that if you ever need someone, I'm here," Kuroko had broken the silence, and met Takao's gaze.

Takao saw sadness and determination in his eyes and couldn't hold back a smile. "I know I said this earlier today, but I will say it again to make sure you know. I'm here for you too, Tet-chan."

He then felt bad remembering that Kuroko wasn't really in the mood today either. He ended up finishing the tray of fruit and realized that he felt better after. The smaller of the two noticed and softly smiled.

"Do you want to watch a movie?"

"Sure."

They both got up, and Kuroko was about to take all of their dirty dishes but Takao stopped him and insisted that he do it. Knowing that the point guard wouldn't back down, Kuroko just sighed and went to the living room to find a movie that the two could watch.

"Hey Kazunari-kun, do you want to stay over?" Kuroko asked when said boy walked into the living room. He plopped himself on the couch and answered, "Yes! Let me text my mom and tell her I'm staying for the night.

He took out his phone and messaged him mom, and a thought popped into his mind,

"Hey Tet-chan, I don't have extra clothes for tomorrow."

Kuroko was still looking through all his DVDs and absentmindedly responded to him, "That's fine, I'm sure you can find something to wear from my closet." He finally found the DVD he was looking for and smiled triumphantly. "Aha! There it is," Kuroko said excitedly as he put the DVD into the DVD player.

Afterwards, he went to sit next to Takao on the couch and grabbed the remote. "What movie are we watching?" inquired the point guard as the movie started.

"We're going to watch The Phantom of the Opera."

"Really? I didn't know you were into this type of stuff, Tet-chan." Obvious confusion was laced in his voice.

"I like some musicals; I guess I kinda relate to the Phantom and that's why I like it so much." Kuroko shifted in his seat, he's spilled his heart out to Takao already, but talking about his insecurities made him feel a bit uncomfortable. Still, after one reassuring smile from Takao, all his worries went away, and he continued his explanation.

"I was literally called the 'Phantom Sixth Man' in middle school. The Phantom was all alone, till he met someone and grew close to them. He helps them achieve their goals and accomplish their dreams, until one day, the person changed after achieving things, and suddenly the Phantom is all alone again."

Takao stayed quiet as his friend explained everything, and he could see Kuroko's point.

"The Phantom," Kuroko continues, "wears a mask to hide his true self, kind of like me where I wear an emotionless mask I guess. He finds happiness for a fleeting moment, and then in the end, he loses it."

"Wow," Takao breathed, he brushed a stray piece of hair from his face and continued, "if you put it that way, it totally makes sense."

Kuroko didn't answer, and Takao didn't get the chance to say anything because he was truly captivated by the show. Now that he knew that Kuroko somewhat relates to the story, he focuses on the movie to try and understand his friend's pain, and to maybe be able to shoulder his burden.

At a little past three fourths through the movie, Takao could tell that Kuroko was getting bored, and felt a little guilty. He was so concentrated on the show and didn't pay attention to Kuroko at all. He tried to concentrate on the movie again, but Kuroko nudged him lightly, and he turned to face the blue haired teen.

"Ne, Kazunari-kun, can I ask you something?"

Takao noticed that his friend sounded a bit unsure of himself, but didn't comment.

"Sure."

"You didn't answer me earlier, can you promise me that you'll take care of yourself now."

Think of Me was playing in the background, and Takao listened to the song for a bit to try and calm down. Kuroko didn't know just how hard it is going to be for Takao to fulfill his request.

"I don't… I don't know if I can promise you that Tet-chan. Some days, it's too hard to even try getting up and going through my day. It's hard to care about myself, so I don't know how I can take care of myself."

Kuroko sighed and turned off the TV wanting to let Takao know that he has his undivided attention. He was willing to hear Takao out, it's the least he could do for his dear friend.

"That's the thing with you. You care too much about others and care little about yourself. You're always giving and not receiving anything. Well, it's going to stop today."

Takao could see a fire within Kuroko's eyes and knew that Kuroko really cared about him, he was touched.

"Kazunari-kun, if you can't take care of yourself then I'll do it, and we start now."

Takao fiddled with one of the throw pillows on the couch, feeling a bit conflicted with this new predicament he's in. On one hand, he's ecstatic that Kuroko is one of the few people who never make fun of you for having problems. The smaller teen is an amazing friend with a big heart, and he's very grateful. However, being taken care of is a foreign concept to Takao. He usually does the caring, and not receiving the care.

Still, he was very happy that he met Kuroko, and maybe Midorima is right. Maybe sometimes, things are just meant to be, because Takao feels like he's right where he's supposed to be when he's by Kuroko's side, like it's fate.

He wonders if Kuroko feels that way too.

"Thanks Tet-chan, thank you for actually caring."

Kuroko just smiled. "There's no need to thank me Kazunari-kun, it's what friends do. I'm here to help you whenever you need support."

"Who knew that you were so cheesy?" Takao teased.

"You ruined the moment Kazunari-kun," Kuroko said as he ignite passed a pillow to Takao's face.

"Ow," the point guard complained as he rubbed his nose. "That hurt Tet-chan."

"It's your fault Kazunari-kun, I was trying to be nice and you ruined it."

"Sorry."

A/N: Okay, so i didn't even mean for the movie they watched to have a significant meaning, but Think of Me has been stuck in my head. The fact that the movie tied into how Kuroko feels was a big bonus to me. It's 4 am I should sleep, thanks for reading!

- The Mysterious Rhea