A/N: Mm, this chapter is kind of eh to me. I'm not fully just into writing now, but I'm sort of, kinda(ish?) I mean, I just need inspiration :* I might just rewrite it in the future (maybe)? I don't like how this chapter flows ;-;

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 Four: Are We Out of Time?

"Running out of time.

I'm not feeling so fine.

Am I going to be alright?

I don't have the energy to run or fight."

When Kuroko woke up, he found himself on the couch in his living room. He looked around the room trying to remember how he fell asleep in the living room, when he heard a groan. Startled, he sat up and searched for the source of the sound. Takao once again groaned from the other couch and rolled over causing him to fall.

Thud.

"Ow," whined Takao as he sat up from the floor. Kuroko had to distract himself so he wouldn't laugh at his friend and stood up. He stretched and after hearing his bones pop, he sighed in satisfaction. "Are you okay, Kazunari-kun?" the smaller teen asked his guest. "No, I have stiff neck," complained the point guard as he too stood up and stretched.

"Ah, well since we fell asleep after our discussion last night, I couldn't offer you a nicer place to rest. I'm sorry for being a bad host," Kuroko apologized as he cleaned up the living room. Takao grabbed a pillow and launched it at the other. "It's fine Tet-chan, we both were exhausted. I could've slept on the floor and I'd be fine." Kuroko snorted, and rearranged the pillows on the couch.

"Tet-chan what time do you need to be at your game today?"

Kuroko went over to a paper on the coffee table and picked it up. "It says the game is at ten," he said. Takao started making his way to the kitchen. "Ooh, okay, I can start making breakfast, Tet-chan go get ready. We can go together." Kuroko nodded and made his way up the stairs to get ready.

"Hmn, now what shall I make?" pondered Takao as he searched through the pantry. He moved aside a bunch of snacks and found what he was looking for. "Aha!" he said triumphantly as he grabbed the bag of pancake mix and read the directions on the backside of the box.

He grabbed all the necessary ingredients and started to mix the pancake batter. At some point he started humming a random song he heard on the radio. Cooking was fun for Takao, and he was happy that he got to cook a meal for Kuroko. He poured the batter in the pan and smiled. He knows that the blue haired teen will absolutely love his pancake, and possibly beg him to make him more. When one side was cooked, he expertly flipped the pancake, and did a dramatic pose and a little dance.

"I am a MASTER at cooking!"

A cough interrupted his moment and he turned to the source. At the entrance he saw Kuroko standing there in a plain white t-shirt and his Seirin High basketball uniform short. Kuroko dried his hair with his towel and slung it over his shoulder. "Kazunari-kun, I finished. I can take over now, go shower and get ready. I put aside some clothes for you to wear in the guest room."

Takao awkwardly laughed. "Alright Tet-chan, thanks for the clothes." He left when Kuroko went over to the stove and started watching the pancakes. He went to the guest room and found a set of clothes and a towel neatly on the bed. "Tet-chan is a great host, I have no idea what he is talking about," Takao muttered to himself, before heading to the shower. If he's being honest, staying with Kuroko is really fun, he's sort of like his best friend. Kuroko is such an amazing friend; he's very thoughtful and caring. He also carries a lot of burden though, just like Takao. Can he help Kuroko? Can he lessen the pressure on his shoulders? Can he chase away his demons? Takao doesn't know, but he's going to try. He's going to do his best to, because Kuroko deserves it, he deserves to be happy.

When he gets out and changes, he heads to the kitchen with the towel around his head. He sees Kuroko waiting for him, and he smiles. "Tet-chan, you didn't have to wait for me, eat," he says, while getting situated in his seat. "It's alright Kazunari-kun, we should eat together," Kuroko replied, if he was being honest, he's too nervous to eat.

"Thank you for the meal."

They ate quickly and then went off to the venue for Seirin's game.

Sadly, when they arrived at the venue, Takao and Kuroko had to part ways. Kuroko went and joined his team, and Takao was left alone. He walked around for a bit looking for a seat. Thankfully, he found a good seat to watch the game. He's not going to lie, he's very excited to watch the game, he can't wait to see Kuroko's moves as a spectator.

After a few moments, the teams headed onto the court to start warming up. He scanned the court to find Aomine and was surprised to not see him on the court. His surprise quickly turned to anger. "What the hell? Where's that bastard at? Did he really not show up!?" Takao asked angrily, which gained him a few annoyed looks from others watching. He didn't care though, Aomine really had the audacity to not show up to a game with his former best friend and teammate. What a fucking ass. "He better show up," he whispered to himself angrily while he watched Seirin warm up. They all looked a bit too tense, which was to be expected. Afterall, Touou is not the team to mess with. If they continue to be on edge, they're going to be at a serious disadvantage. He watched as Kuroko tried to make a shot and chuckled to himself a little. It bounced off the rim and went over to Touou's side of the court. Kuroko jogged over to their side to get the ball, but was stopped in his tracks by Imayoshi Shoichi, Touou's captain. They exchanged a few words and Imayoshi handed the ball over to Kuroko. He leaned in to whisper something to Kuroko, and the smaller teen's face twisted into one of panic after the captain's words sunk in. Takao's concern for his friend grew, and he wanted nothing more than to run over to the Seirin basketball player and take him away.

The buzzer went off, and all the players besides the starters went off the court. It was time for the game to begin. It was all or nothing from now on. If Seirin wanted to win, they needed to focus.

The referee threw up the ball.

Touou's center ended up getting the tip off. Everything else went downhill from there.

They underestimated them since Aomine was absent.

Touou gained a 10-point lead within the first three minutes.

Seirin constantly got the ball stolen from them.

Imayoshi was able to stop Kuroko countless times, Kuroko was benched.

The second quarter played out the same as the first.

Seririn's spirit was wavering just a bit, Kuroko looked hopeless.

During the third quarter Aomine arrived and widened the point gap.

Kagami had an injury and was unable to play at his full potential.

Seirin was exhausted at this point

Kuroko was sent back in, he faced Aomine and once again was crushed by him.

Takao stood up and screamed, "Don't lose hope Tet-chan!" but it was too late.

Their spirits were crushed by the fourth quarter.

Seirin was out of the Interhigh.

They lost.

Kuroko walked behind everyone while they headed to the changing room. No one in Seirin said a word. They were too shocked to say anything, they couldn't offer each other any consolation either. They worked so hard and it wasn't enough. Kuroko was on autopilot, they lost. He failed to help the team. He failed. He changed into clothes that weren't so sweaty and packed up. Slowly the members of Seirin trickled out of the changing room, leaving just Kagami and Kuroko by themselves.

Kuroko was just checking his bag to make sure everything was fine when next to him Kagami slammed his locker shut. He turned to Kuroko and clenched his jaw in anger. He didn't speak for a few moments, he just studied Kuroko. "I think, we should stop working together," Kagami said after a while of silence. "What?" Kuroko said in surprise.

"I said, we should stop working together, obviously we don't work out. I'll see you later, Kuroko."

Kagami walked out of the changing room, leaving Kuroko alone.

He couldn't help it, he burst into tears and that's how Takao found him five minutes later. He ran over to Kuroko and pulled him into a hug. "Hey, hey, Tet-chan, you're alright, I'm here," Takao whispered, trying to calm Kuroko. "It's… all my f-fault, Kazunari-kun. We lost today because of me. The team hates me, Kagami-kun hates me," Kuroko sobbed. Takao rubbed his back soothingly to comfort him. "Did they really say that Tet-chan? Or are you just assuming," he asked, wanting to make sure he didn't need to add any Seirin members to his shit list. "N-no, the other team members didn't say they hated me, but I feel like they do… besides, Kagami-kun said we shouldn't work together anymore. I— I feel like he hates me, I was supposed to assist him today— I was supposed to help him beat Aomine-kun. I promised him Kazu… I promised him that we'd beat the Miracles together, but I can't even do that, and I broke my promise." Takao internally cooed at 'Kazu' but he kept his composure and brought Kuroko to his feet.

"Well, Kagami's an ass, does he even know how valuable you are? You're an amazing teammate and friend Tet-chan, hell if I could, I'd snatch you from Seirin and bring you to Shutoku so we can play together," Takao said as he urged Kuroko to walk out of the changing room. He made sure he grabbed all of Kuroko's belongings and closed the door. "Here, I'll tell you what, since it's the weekend now, I'll stay over for the whole week. Just let me text my parents and then we can head over to your house," the point guard added. After taking out his phone and messaging his mom that he'll be staying over for the weekend, he slung his arm around Kuroko's shoulders and directed him to the exit of the venue.

Kuroko wrinkled his nose in disgust. "Kazunari-kun, I'm really sweaty, don't put your arm around me or you'll get my sweat on you," he complained.

"It's okay Tet-chan, I'm fine with that."

Kuroko sighed in exasperation, but deep down he's glad that Takao is doing this for him. Takao could've just left him by himself that rainy day, but nope, he went over to Kuroko and talked to him. He was so glad that the point guard was his friend and was eternally grateful. Even now, Takao could've just left him in that changing room, he could've left him and never turn back— but he decided to stay with him for the whole week. Did he deserve Takao or his kindness? Probably not, but he never wants to lose him and that's for sure.

When they arrived at Kuroko's house, Takao went and put Kuroko's bag in the room while the other went to go shower.

Takao looked at the time and saw that it was around twelve and decided to order some take out for the both of them. After he placed his order for some pizza and pays, he went over to the couch in the living room and sat down. He leaned back and closed his eyes to try and clear his thoughts. Ever since the match his mind has been racing and it's giving him a headache.

Kuroko definitely didn't deserve everything that has been happening to him. He's such an angel— but life has been throwing so much shit to him, and it's not fair.

Still, it's Takao's personal goal to make sure that Kuroko knows he's loved.

He ends up falling asleep.

Kuroko gets out of the shower and sees Takao sleeping on the couch, and quickly gets him a blanket from his closet. He gently places it on Takao and smiles. He looks peaceful while sleeping, and it makes Kuroko happy that he doesn't seem to on edge anymore. Ever since the game, Takao's looked very agitated and tense, so seeing him in such a peaceful state makes Kuroko happy.

Though, his smile slowly fades when he's reminded of the game.

They were humiliated badly; they were absolutely destroyed by Touou and kicked out of the Interhigh. "I've let down my Senpai, I've let down my team… if only I were stronger." He's even let down his Light, just like… Aomine. Kuroko's mind drifts to what Imayoshi said before the game.

I'm looking forward to seeing you play, Phantom. Don't disappoint me like you disappointed Aomine.

"He knows," Kuroko whispered. "He knows what has been done to me, how I was treated, he knows, and he used that fact against me." A bitter taste was left in his mouth, Aomine told him, he told him everything, and the worst part is, that means that Aomine knew what he was doing.

It wasn't like he didn't know he was hurting Kuroko, and deep down, the small teen knew this too.

He always, always, always believed that Aomine meant no harm, that it was just rage and nerves from the game speaking— but nope. Aomine, he knew what he was doing, and he meant every single word he said.

We don't need you anymore, I don't need you.

God, even Kagami thinks that way, he thinks that Kuroko is a burden, that's why he said those hurtful words.

We should stop working together.

A stray tear fell down his face. "Am I really that hopeless?" he muttered. He certainly feels that way, and he hates that. He hates feeling so small, he hates crying over these silly things, and he hates his low self-esteem. He can't figure out why he always lets down his close friends and everyone else around him. Suddenly, he feels someone wiping his tears away, and looks up to see Takao with a napkin gently wiping away his tears. "Kazu-kun?" he whispered in confusion.

Takao melted at the nickname and smiled sadly at the other.

"Tet-chan, you dummy, I told you I was here for you anytime, so if you need a shoulder to cry on, I'm here," he told the shorter boy. Kuroko stopped crying and was now sniffling, which relieved Takao. "I thought you were sleeping," Kuroko admitted. "I'm sorry if I woke you up."

Takao waved his hand dismissively. "I wasn't fully asleep, so it's fine Tet-chan."

He then pulled in Kuroko for a hug again, knowing that he needed it. "Stop crying now Tet-chan, you're not useless, you're not a burden, you're so amazing and worth much more. I'm so sorry you felt that way— and that you've been struggling with this for so long… but now I'm here. I'm here to tell you that Aomine, Kagami, and whoever else hurt you are wrong and stupid." Takao started to become a little bit emotional and he softly laugh. "Tet-chan, you're making me such a sap."

Kuroko giggled a bit; Takao was being super mushy right now.

"Cute," Kuroko mumbled.

A knock on the door echoed throughout the house and Takao went to go open the door. When he opened it, there was the pizza delivery guy and Takao smiled. "Ah, food's here!" he yelled to Kuroko who was still on the couch. "One large pepperoni pizza?" the pizza delivery guy asked. "Yup," Takao answered, before getting out tip for the delivery guy. "Thank you, sir," the guy said and left.

Takao walked back to the living room and placed the pizza box on the table.

"Let's eat Tet-chan!" Takao took a slice while Kuroko did the same. It was now close to one in the afternoon and they both were hungry.

"Hm, Kazunari-kun, I just want to thank you for everything. I've been a little annoying with all my crying and moping, haven't I, yet you still stayed with me and have been going out of your way to help me. I appreciate it," Kuroko confessed.

Takao lightly glared at Kuroko. "First of all, Tet-chan, you aren't annoying at all. Second, you've done the same for me too so we're even."

"Still, you didn't have to, and you still did— and I want to know, why. Why did you approach me that day?" Kuroko asked, setting down his slice to listen.

Takao shifted in his seat and finished up his slice. "Well," he began, "I don't have a particular reason, it was more so of a spur of the moment thing. It was a good decision too because now I'm friends with you, plus, you didn't have to keep in contact with me, but look where we are now."

Kuroko nodded in acknowledgement. "You're right."

They were silent for a few more minutes till Kuroko was reminded of something.

"You know, I never really noticed this until now, but Kazu-kun likes giving hugs, doesn't he," Kuroko teased, he laughed when he saw Takao flush bright red.

"Hey! Hugs are great! They make me happy! I like giving hugs!" Takao spluttered.

"I'm just teasing Kazunari-kun, I like your hugs," Kuroko admitted, and he smiled just a bit. Takao honestly made him feel better, lighter, happier somehow.

Kuroko was good for Takao too, he forgot all his problems and worries when he was right next to the blue haired teen, and he's happy with that.

A/N: woooo i actually finished a chapter in time. also, sorry that i wrote the match that way, i just suck at writing basketball matches. anywho, i just wanted to say that school sucks and it's totally kicking my ass right now :*

hope you enjoyed~

- The Mysterious Rhea