Five years had passed since then.
Being 18 and having had a job for a few years, he had saved up more than enough to get himself a place. Due to being on good terms with everyone in the orphanage, they even let him do extra work there. He had always been good with the younger kids, after all.
It had almost become a passion for him.
With the other boy gone, he dove right back into the darkness and it was much heavier than it had ever been before.
He had completely shut himself out until he had come across another boy he could share the court with. This particular boy didn't suddenly disappear. Every day they would meet up, and when he couldn't, he would make it known. It was something he had grown to appreciate more than he realized. If there was a day that Aomine didn't tell him he wouldn't be around, Kuroko would spiral into a panic until he got word from the other.
He found that the more accustomed he got to people, the worse it was when they went away.
He realized that he was becoming terrified to be alone.
"Damn Tetsu, you really got yourself a nice place."
The dark skinned teen welcomed himself into Kuroko's new home and made himself comfortable on the couch that sat in the center of the small livingroom. He looked around curiously before throwing his head back in an attempt to see behind him.
"So, you're going to school around here?"
"Yes, Aomine-kun. We've talked about this before."
Huffing, the larger boy soon collapsed to the side and stretched himself out, hands resting behind his head as he watched Kuroko move around to tidy things up before he came face to face with a pillow that had been sent flying at him from the other.
"It is rude to keep your shoes on in someones home, Aomine-kun." While his tone was flat, Aomine knew better than to push the other and was quick to slip his shoes off and toss them by the door. Sitting back, he kept himself upright this time.
Kuroko moved around a bit more before coming to sit in a small chair that rested just next to the couch. These new surroundings was something he found he'd have to adjust to.
"Are you hungry, Aomine-kun?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah, sure. I could go for something to eat."
It was that moment he realized he never stocked up on food, and found himself rubbing the back of his neck.
"Would Aomine-kun accompany me to the store?"
A deep chuckle rumbled out from the taller of the two and he stood up from the couch before moving over to Kuroko and ruffling his hair.
"Let's just go get something. I'll treat you this once, Tetsu, as a moving in present."
He chuckled again but was quick to move his hand from Kuroko's head, knowing full well the damage the male could do if he really wanted.
It seemed unanimous that they'd go to a nearby burger joint they were both fond of, and they took no time before heading out of the apartment. Keys in hand, Kuroko made sure to lock up before turning to head toward the elevator when he caught a familiar flash of red out of the corner of his eye.
Was he seeing things?
Aomine had stood himself to the right of the bluenette, blocking him from being in view of the red head that proceeded to pass them and move a few doors down on the opposite side of the hall.
No, he wasn't seeing things.
"Kagami-kun."
He watched then as the red head froze, turned his head, and nearly jumped out of his skin.
"WOAH! ..Wait...Kuroko!?"
While the two stood in bewilderment for a few moments, Aomine was quick to step up to Kuroko's side. Placing a firm hand on his shoulder, he pointed at Kagami, his eyes narrowing. "THAT'S Kagami? What's with those damn eyebrows!? And...what are you doing here!?" His tone was demanding and threw Kagami off but he was quick to regain his composure and return fire.
"Hey! I live here! And who the hell are you, anyway!?" Kuroko could feel the tension growing and he lightly tapped Aomine in the side, who groaned and immediately stepped back. "Damn, Tetsu. No need to be so violent." Stepping forward, then, the thin framed boy made sure to meet Kagami's gaze. He had so many things to say to him. So many questions to ask.
Why didn't you show up?
What happened to you?
Where did you go?
"He's Aomine Diaki, a friend of mine. It's nice to see you again, Kagami-kun. It seems like we are neighbors now."
Kuroko could hear Aomine suck his teeth but he paid no mind, his thoughts currently completely taken over by the one that stood before him.
It had been 5 years.
5 years since he disappeared.
5 years that he spent nights up thinking of what happened to the boy.
He watched as Kagami grew restless under his unwavering gaze, and he watched as that nostalgic hue of pink crept it's way onto his tan cheeks. Gradually he lost the ability to hold eye contact, and looked off to the side while scratching the back of his head.
"It's nice to see you, too." Suddenly there was strength in him again and he looked eager, meeting Kuroko's gaze once more and stepping forward.
"Kuroko, can we talk? I have a lot I need to tell you.."
That's when it seemed Aomine's patience ran thin and he stepped between the two.
"Alright, I've seen enough."
Turning to face Kagami, he pointed at him as he had earlier. "I don't know who you think you are, but you're not going to waltz in here and act like nothing happened. You don't get to just disappear and then reappear and act all buddy buddy. Not if I have anything to do with it."
He didn't wait for anyone to speak. He took Kuroko by the wrist and pulled him away and to the elevator. In truth, Aomine wanted to beat the crap out of the red head, but he kept his cool for Kuroko's sake.
Once in the elevator, Aomine almost found himself cowering in the corner, sure that Kuroko was ready to destroy him. When nothing happened, he looked down at the boy who was simply staring at their reflections in the elevator doors.
"Thank you, Aomine-kun."
It was then that Aomine noticed the trembling. Those small hands of his were shaking, and his normally flat expression had completely crumbled away. All of his pain showed on his face, and Aomine sighed.
"Idiot. Don't just put a brave face on."
He reached a hand out, gently placing it on the top of Kuroko's head and pushing it down so he'd be looking at the elevator floor.
"You don't need to act so tough around me. I'll kick his ass, you know."
They stood in silence the rest of the elevator ride, and when those doors opened, Aomine pulled Kuroko right along.
It had been 5 years since Kagami disappeared.
It had been 3 years since he had met Aomine.
They were both important to him.
All he could think of throughout the rest of the night, however, was what Kagami said last.
"I have a lot I need to tell you..."
What was it?
What did he have to say?
The all too familiar question ran through his mind again.
Where did you go?
