A/N:

I'm sorry, again, for the rather long wait. *hangs head in shame* Still, I hope you like this chapter!

Also, the next one is almost done too so it won't take as long!

Thanks for the lovely reviews, I decided to reply here instead of individually, since I didn't have time (or any internet) to do so. I apologize.

DMizuki: Thanks for your kind words! Your ideas were really, really cool but I read them too late. I already had the chapters, more or less, written down when I read your review. Had I seen it before I might have done it like this. Thank you so much for your suggestions! I hope you like this chapter as well.

myanimeobsession: I'm glad you like my story so far! Yes, I'm set on explaining everyone's abilities in the upcoming chapters. It was a bit hard to come up with new (and not overused and cliché) powers, but I managed. I will try to include all the couples in the future though it is a bit hard to do so.

YJV: I'm glad you like the previous chapter, but I guess I failed at the 'update soon' part, didn't I? I'm really sorry for that. *bows deeply* I will try to update more regulary!

There was also a guest review, but since I don't really have a name or something (I don't even know if they'll read this haha) I thank you very much as well for taking the time to review!

Thank you for all the follows and favourites as well!

"You must really be at your wit's end if you're willing to ask me for help."

Akashi resisted the urge to roll his eyes and tried not to let his annoyance slip into his voice. "I would not go as far as that. I simply want to make sure everything runs smoothly...even if it means I have to ask for your help." The last part was mumbled but still heard loud and clear by the other. "You really know how to charm your way into people's hearts." You had to be deaf to not hear the sarcasm in that statement. "But I suppose I do like that trait. I dislike people who lie. Your brutal honesty is refreshing. At least once in a while." "Lying to you would not work anyway, so what's the point? But, back to business. Will you help me or not?" The other let out a long sigh. "Well, they're still somewhat my responsibility too. I'll be there in a bit."

"Oh, one more thing. I would like you to check something...or rather someone for me. Only you can do it. I will give you the details once you arrived." One more sigh."Alright. Later then."

The 'beep beep beep' sound indicated that the conversation was over. With this another small wheel fell into place. "Seijuuro, was that him?" Akashi's red and golden eyes fell onto the other occupant in the room that had remained silent until now. "Yes, everything is settled, Kouki." The satisfaction at having completed his 'task' was obvious. "But will this really work out...?" Furihata's eyebrows furrowed in worry at the thought that they soon would have to face the dangers Hanamiya posed. Akashi's eyes narrowed slightly. He had done everything in his might to ensure the success of his plan and still Kouki doubted him...? "Are you really questi,-" His eyes widened in surprise when his beloved cut him off suddenly. "I'm not...!" Furihata stopped when he realized he was almost shouting. He didn't mean to. It was just his nerves getting the better of him. He was worried and afraid. Afraid of losing loved ones in this battle. He avoided Akashi's eyes and slowly breathed in and out. "I'm not questioning your ability to judge this situation or the countermeasure you think is best. I just..." his soft voice trailed off not knowing how to word his concerns. Akashi was such a fool, he concluded. Here his mate – the person who he loved most and held dear like no other – was asking for nothing more than reassurance. Longing for Akashi to just ease his worries and offer him comfort, even if it were only nice words. And what did he do? He tried to show his authority and control of the situation.

He swiftly stood up and made his way over to Furihata, who still avoided meeting his eyes. He cupped the brunette's cheek, gently turned his head and made the brunette look at him. "I'm sorry." A kiss was placed on soft lips. "Of course everything will be fine. I promise you Kouki." And Furihata wanted to believe in those words more than anything.

"What are you sulking about, idiot?" Yukio Kasamatsu's already thin patience finally snapped. Kise had been sulking ever since the groups for tomorrows fight had been announced along with their strategy. Of course the reason for the blond's moping about was the fact they weren't in the same unit. He was squatted down near a corner, arms wrapped around his knees with his head resting on his arms and Kasamatsu could swear he saw some dark rain clouds above the blond. "I wanted to kick that guy's ass." He mumbled dejectedly. The imaginary clouds got darker and it started raining. Kasamatsu sighed. "What are you talking about, dumbass?" the insult sounded more like an endearment at this point and Kasamatsu gently slapped the back of his lover's head, lacking the usual vigor. Even if he'd never admit it out loud, he was happy that Kise always thought of him and his well-being. Worrying about him, wanting to protect him...it made him feel loved. Kasamatsu was the same, even if he didn't show it as openly as his counterpart. He'd rather get hurt than let the other suffer any injury and he knew Kise would do the same for him anytime. "I can take care of myself. I've still got a score to settle with this Yamazaki anyway." The determination and finality in Kasamatsu's voice was steadfast. Kise's scowl deepened and he just delved deeper into his 'depression'. The black-haired male paused momentarily in thought before he gently ruffled Kise's hair. "Come on; let's go back to our room, Ryouta." He walked past his mate and let his hand slide through the soft golden locks one last time. Kise blinked before he scrambled hurriedly after Kasamatsu, the usual bright grin back full force.

Takao was acting strange, Midorima noticed for the umpteenth time that day. It wasn't an outstanding change in behaviour or anything like that. Anyone who didn't know the black-haired male for as long as he did would say that everything was perfectly fine with Takao. But for his mate to just sit quietly on the table in the library, staring out a window and not talking was reason enough for Midorima to worry (just a bit of course). Not that he would ever admit it in front of anyone. For once he missed the obnoxious chatter that always came from Takao. The constant remarks like "Shin-chan, I'm bored!" and "You're such a stick in the mud...!" were missing, not even a word left Takao's lips since they arrived - even though they were here for more than half a hour now - and the green-haired male found himself wishing he would say at least something.

Midorima sighed silently and closed his book with a soft 'thump' that seemed to echo in the otherwise silent room.

Takao was so lost in his own thought that he only noticed Midorima had stopped reading when said male stood in front of him. For once they were the same height - since Takao was sitting on a slightly high table - with a scowl and...was that a hint of worry Takao saw in those green eyes? He tried to smile, Takao really did, but it was only a ghost of his usual smile and the black-haired flinched inwardly at that.

"What's wrong, Shin-chan?" the forced cheerfulness sounded even fake to his own ears. Midorima just stared sternly at him, and the longer he continued to do so Takao could feel his smile slowly fade away and he sighs. His shoulders slump in defeat and he looked down on the ground in slight shame.

"You're worried." It's a confidant statement, not deniable. Takao still did not lift his gaze off the floor. It was Midorima's turn to sigh. "It's unnecessary." Takao flinched a bit at the hard tone and Midorima clicked his tongue. Not at Takao, he did nothing wrong. Only at his obvious disability to properly say what he wanted. He always had trouble expressing himself and communicating with others. His rather egoistic and stoic personality did not help matters at all. He took a deep breath, determined to try again. "Kazunari..." Takao's eyes snapped up to meet Midorima's at the sudden use of his first name, eyes wide with wonder, with a bit of happiness mixed in. "I'm telling you it's fine." He said it as softly and reassuringly as he possibly could, trying to coax his mate into believing his words.

After a moment of hesitation he made up his mind. He leaned down to place a chaste kiss on Takao's lips. The black-haired male was too surprised to even react and before his mind could catch up with the happenings it was already over. Midorima hurriedly returned to his seat, picked up his book and pretended to go back to reading. The bright blush that stained his cheeks showed that he was anything but calm. Even the book he held right in front of his face could not conceal his embarrassment. Meanwhile, Takao's brain had decided to take pity on him and started working again. Slowly a genuine smile stretched across his face and he laughed light-heartedly. He looked lovingly at Midorima, his eyes danced with various emotions ranging from happiness, content to love. His smile transformed into a full-blown grin.

"You might wanna turn that book around if you want to read, Shin-chan."

"Tomorrow is the big day, hm?" Kiyoshi nonchalantly noted suddenly. He sat, together with Kuroko, on the couch watching TV and just relaxed for the time being. He cherished the bit of time they had left before the operation was to begin the next day. Kuroko was sitting in-between his legs, comfortably leaned against his chest. In his hands the light blue-haired male held one of his many books, silently reading. Kuroko merely nodded to Kiyoshi's announcement, or rather, reminder.

Kiyoshi smiled softly and he nuzzled Kuroko's soft hair with his nose. "Guess I don't have to tell you to be careful then?" "On the contrary, I should be the one saying this to you, shouldn't I?" Anyone else would have missed the amusement in Kuroko's voice but Kiyoshi could easily detect it. After all the time they spent together he could easily tell of his Kuroko was joking around or not. "Ouch. Way to reduce my ego to zero." Kiyoshi sighed dramatically before bursting out in whole-hearted laughter. His arms tightened slightly around the smaller male and he rested his head on his shoulder. Kuroko was quietly chuckling to himself.

Kiyoshi's cheerfulness and bright view of the things around him had been contagious from the very first time they met. No matter how dark or impossible the situation he found himself in, Kiyoshi was always there to support him. The pure light in the oppressing darkness to guide him home and to safety. And Kuroko tried hard to be the same for the other, even though he couldn't shine as brightly as his lover. He wanted to give back to Kiyoshi just as much love, unending trust and warmth – the feeling that he was home –as his mate offered him. A small smile formed on his lips and he couldn't really help his next words. He felt the need to say it then and there and he had no reason not to.

He felt Kiyoshi stiffen for a moment and Kuroko's smile widened. He usually wasn't the first one to say it; it must have surprised the brown-haired male. He was admittedly still a bit shy in that area. Kiyoshi recovered quickly enough though and let himself fall onto his right side. Kuroko lost his hold on his book and it landed with a soft 'thump' on the carpet. He didn't really mind and just turned around in the embrace to snuggle a bit closer, the arms around him automatically pulled him closer. "I love you, too. You've got no idea."

"Um...Atsushi?" "Mmmh?" "How long are you going to keep this up for?" Himuro tried to turn his head to his right to look at the purple giant. He was currently trapped in an embrace from behind, Murasakibara's head resting on top of his. His arms were tightly wound around his middle, which made 'escape' impossible. Himuro didn't really mind at first, it wasn't an uncommon occurrence for him, but after one hour in the same position he was becoming a bit restless.

"Buuuuuttt..." Murasakibara whined and only tightened his hold on the black-haired male. "We're gonna be apart all day tomorrow and I have to fight and move a lot without having any snacks." The last part was said with so much indignation as if it was the worst kind of crime one could commit. But it was Akashi's orders so Murasakibara wouldn't object. It didn't stop him from complaining a lot about it, though. "One of those things alone is horrible enough, but both at the same time?" the big baby Himuro called his lover continued his whining. "Sooo I'll have to get double the dose of Muro-chin today." And that was all the explanation Himuro would get, he assumed. He sighed light-heartedly and leaned back into his lover a bit more. It's not like Himuro himself wasn't enjoying the closeness, too. "Guess I'll also get my two doses of Atsushi then."

Both Kagami and Aomine were in their room, just lazing around. They had decided to spend the rest of the day with relaxing and doing absolutely nothing. The blue-haired male was playing some video games while Kagami was just staring off into space, not really focusing or thinking about anything in particular. Both of them were leaned against each other, back to back. It had been silent for quite a while; neither the red-head nor his other half really ready to break the comfortable silence. Finally Aomine brought up the topic that was swirling around in the back of their minds.

"Worried about tomorrow?" He mumbled lowly.

His eyes never left the screen but his attention was solely on Kagami at this point. Said male hesitated a second before he answered, his eyebrows furrowed in thought. "Weirdly enough, no." Aomine felt his mate shrug. "I know that all of us are strong. That you're strong." Kagami leaned a bit more against his lover and sighed almost contently. "I just want to get it out of the way, honestly." "Right. I don't wanna see that bastard's face again after this." Aomine grumbled irritated as the 'game over' flashed across his screen and finally paused his game. Silence again. "It will be fine." Kagami concluded with finality and Aomine couldn't agree more. Akashi had done everything in he could, everyone had trained, prepared themselves thoroughly.

Of course the thought of Hanamiya being able to neutralize their abilities was scary, but they had a way to deal with the weird stuff that loony had developed. He snapped out of his thoughts when he felt strong arms loosely wrapped around him and a head rested on his shoulder. Aomine pecked Kagami's cheek. "Love you." he mumbled softly. Kagami's eyes lit up and a smile stretched across his lips. "Me too. Whatever happens tomorrow, that won't change."