Another update! And so soon too. Honestly these chapters are so long. Should I cut the length or are you all happy with massive updates?

Anyway, I'll blabber at the end. Enjoy the chapter. ;)

Chapter 3: Storm

Night fell earlier in the winter, and the weak street lights did a poor job in illuminating the rundown basketball court. A small silhouette stood beneath the hoop, silently gazing up at the metal structure.

The chain link fence clattered as Aomine stepped through it. The man turned around, his mismatched eyes managing to reflect what little light there was. "Eight on the dot. Very punctual of you, Daiki."

"Akashi," Aomine snarled, feeling fury simmering in his veins. "That was Midorima this morning, wasn't it?"

Akashi lifted an eyebrow.

"I'd know that bastard's shooting anywhere! He was always a show off. You're the one that ordered him to shoot at Kagami, didn't you?"

Akashi smiled and Aomine could feel the ice in it. "I gave Shintarou his orders. How he carried them out is of no concern to me, as long as the job gets done."

"Bullshit," he growled. "You already know how I feel about him. I had to ignore him for months because I was busy doing your dirty work. You tapped my phone or some shit, yeah? Blackmail isn't enough for you, now you have to threaten me?" Aomine's fists clenched. "How low will you go, you bastard-"

His back hit the fence with a clatter, and pain shot through his spine and straight into his head. He groaned as the smaller man fisted his shirt, his eyes boring into Aomine's own. His golden eye flashed with supressed anger. Akashi may have been small, but the man knew just how to throw his weight the right way.

"One more insolent word from you, and I will cut your tongue out. Don't be a fool," he said evenly, mouth pressed in a thin line. Aomine didn't doubt him for a second. With a brisk nod from Aomine, Akashi let him go and stepped back. "Good. And yes, I had your phone tapped a long time ago," he added offhandedly. "Now for that good news I wanted to tell you about. Of course I know about your…attraction to that detective, as though it hadn't been blatantly obvious the moment you met him." He smiled and Aomine wasn't sure if it was genuine or not. "You seemed to get that light back in your eyes. The light we all lost."

Aomine wanted to talk back, but knew better. He opted for scowling instead. "What do you need me to do?"

"I need you to seduce Detective Kagami Taiga."

Aomine wasn't sure he heard right. "Sorry. What?"

Akashi smirked. "Shouldn't be a problem. You should enjoy it."

"B-but why?"

Akashi sighed. "Superintendent Riko Aida is a very capable woman, and I was worried when she opened up this strange little investigation of hers, but it seems that it will work for the best. She probably has no idea that I am fully aware of her operations. I asked you to get Imayoshi Shouichi to initiate the joint operation so that you would get access to their files. But to get more information, I need you to be more closely involved without seeming suspicious," he spoke as though he were communicating with a child. "What better way than to be in a relationship with their top detective? You could snoop around, and access data on his phone and his computer quite easily. Get him to talk about thing he wouldn't normally mention."

Aomine's heart sank at every word. No, Akashi couldn't be serious. Couldn't be this cruel.

"Don't make that face, Daiki. It's good news. You can play with little Taiga and get the job done, at the same time."

"Don't. Call. Him. That." He could feel anger and panic churn like a foul concoction in his stomach. Seduce Kagami? So I can use him? If I'm gonna seduce that bastard I want it on my own grounds! But fighting with Akashi right now would be disastrous, not only for Aomine but for the ones he cared about as well. Using Kagami…that was unforgivable, but he'd already done unforgivable things – which was why he was in this mess in the first place. If he could protect that man by betraying him, he would. And although his life had been peppered with falsehoods and half-truths, his feelings for Kagami weren't lies at all. Then he realised something. "W-why can't Tetsu do it? He's been Kagami's partner for years! They're practically brothers!"

The redhead's eyes narrowed fractionally. "Tetsuya…has been a little difficult to get a hold of."

Aomine couldn't say he was surprised. Kuroko wasn't as involved as the rest of them. And the guy had balls. Enough to bite back against Akashi, unlike the cowards the rest of them were.

Akashi tilted his head. "Also…Kagami Taiga's phone. I'd like you to install my company's antivirus software on it, and then delete the application. It shouldn't require a password to download."

Aomine's eyes widened. "Your company's software? Akashi Antivirus? Is that how you tapped my phone?"

Akashi looked at him curiously before shaking his head. "You ask a lot of questions. Befitting of a police officer," he added, completely dodging the question. "And also, the reason I wanted to physically meet you…" he tossed something into the air.

Aomine caught it, examining the small black device.

"I want that in the superintendent's office."

He stared at the redhead blankly. "You want me to spy on my superior?"

"As if you haven't done worse," Akashi raised an eyebrow. "And you won't be the one doing the listening. You have your orders. And Daiki, behave yourself."

Aomine could only scoff at the irony of that remark.

Kagami stared at the man cuffed in front of him as he grinned playfully.

"Miss me?" Takao sniggered, rocking in his chair. He had a bruise on his left cheek and a split lip. Kagami shook his head, walking up to him and taking out the key for the handcuffs. "I've always had a thing for cuffs. They're really kinky, aren't they? Say, have you ever had sex with handcuffs? Maybe with that guy you were this morning. He looked like the kind who would…appreciate the creativity."

Kagami scowled, colouring at Takao's language as he unlocked the shackles. "Aomine's just my partner," he mumbled. "What are you doing? I thought your petty crime days were over. And stand up. I need to check you."

"Aomine, huh?" Takao frowned, as though the name meant something to him. He stood up and allowed Kagami to pat him down.

Kagami stiffened when his hand hit something in Takao's right jacket pocket. He pulled out a cylindrical container of white powder and sniffed it before slamming it down on the table. He glowered. This was what Kiyoshi was talking about. "Heroin, Takao? Where did it come from? Tell me and maybe I won't have to charge you for drug possession. You don't want to spend five years in prison, do you?"

Takao leaned back in his chair, darting a glance out the door. "Put it away, Kagami. Now. Please."

Kagami frowned at Takao's slightly panicked tone, but pocketed the illegal drug. He sat down opposite Takao and placed his hands on the table. "What's really going on, Takao?" he asked more gently.

Takao bit his lips. "Look, I can't meet like you like we used to, and the fact that I got myself into a fight when that ex-cop was walking past wasn't a coincidence either. I'm not supposed to be here. The last time we met was supposed to be just that – the last time." He looked down at his hands, his grin disappearing. "I like you Kagami, you're a good guy. I don't want to see a good guy like you get hurt. So I'm telling you right now," he glanced up. "You're walking on thin ice. You never wondered why this investigation was opened up in the first place?"

"The joint operation?" Kagami puckered his brow.

Takao shook his head. "Not the operation, the investigation. The operation is like the method. The investigation is the purpose. Why did it happen in the first place?"

"Chief never told us," Kagami said. "We were just given orders."

Takao massaged his temples, and Kagami had never seen the man look so defeated. It unsettled him. "You may call me selfish, but I've risked so much just coming here. Look, I don't know much and I don't want to say much, but…" his slate grey eyes trained onto Kagami's fiery red. "There's a storm coming, and if you keep doing what you are, you're gonna be stuck in it. I don't…I never wanted to be involved, and it isn't fun," he raked a hand through his hair.

Kagami's mouth went dry. "What…what are you talking about?"

"Kagami…the Kiseki Syndicate. They're coming back."

Kagami could feel his heart thundering in his ears, cold sweat beading his forehead.

The Kiseki Syndicate.

He could remember that day like it was yesterday, and suddenly he was living it again.

"Mum, I need to take a dump."

Mrs Kagami Keiko frowned at her son's choice of words, but Kagami Taiga could see her holding back a grin. She smiled sweetly at the bank teller in front of her. "Excuse me, but where is the men's bathroom?"

"Just down the hall to the right."

"I'll be back," the red haired young boy ran away, ignoring his mother's yells to stay safe. He was already fifteen, he could go to the toilet by himself.

He was so excited. Junior high had finished just last week, and his father had informed them that due to his business, the family was moving to Los Angeles, America. Taiga felt giddy, dizzy with apprehension and excitement at the prospect of a new land, a new language, a new culture. His mother was in charge of sorting their overseas accounts, which was why they were here in the first place.

Taiga zipped up his pants and went to unlock the door.

It was stuck.

He felt panic burn in his throat as he pulled it, over and over. He didn't want to be stuck, where no one could hear him. How long would he be there? A few hours? A few days? No, his mother wouldn't forget about him. Right?

It wouldn't budge! Move, move, move!

He stumbled backwards as it finally swung open, the relief he felt overpowering. He took a deep breath, laughing nervously at how scared he had gotten just over a jammed door. Worried over nothing.

Taiga was washing his hands, when he heard the bang.

He didn't know what the sound was, but it didn't sound nice. He creaked open the door of the bathroom, and creeped down the hallway, peering out. His mind went blank.

The cowering people or the masked men seemed to miss his attention completely.

All he could see was the woman on the ground, dark hair curling in a pool of liquid the colour of Taiga's hair. Her purse lay at her side, forgotten.

There was nothing after that. No tears, no screaming. Taiga merely fell to his knees for the longest of times, longer than any other time, while people screamed and police horns blared and a blanket draped over him. Someone picked him up. It smelt like his dad.

He closed his eyes, but he didn't see darkness. Only her.

"Kagami? Kagami? Hey, are you…crying…?"

Kagami blinked up and into confused grey eyes, remembering where he was. He rubbed his eyes with his fingers and they came off wet. His hand was shaking. "No, I…Kiseki Syndicate? That's impossible. After their numerous failed operations and inner feuds over ten years ago, the syndicate was dissolved and the main heads were never found," he intoned as though reciting from a textbook.

"Exactly," Takao nodded, still looking warily at Kagami. "I'm not the best person to discuss this, but I think you should talk to your Chief about it. If I say anything else, I'll get myself in deeper shit." His cheeky grin returned. "So, since I got arrested just to be helpful to you, you'll let me go right?"

"Helpful? I just have more questions. But I know you're not gonna talk, about the Kiseki, or the shooting. Or your little present." It was Kagami's turn to grin, although it came out slightly forced. "It'll look too suspicious if I just let you leave, and I need to get revenge for the bullet that ruined my favourite jacket."

"Why is that my fault?"

"Because that bullet was aimed at you, obviously," Kagami snorted. "I won't cuff you again if you follow quietly."

Takao didn't respond until they reached the holding cells. Once he was locked in, he turned around. "…Kagami. The heroin. That wasn't a mistake either. I'm not that stupid. But do me a favour, keep it to yourself. I can't tell you where I got it, but it'll lead you to someone who can."

Kagami subconsciously felt his pocket. "Why keep it to myself?"

Takao lay down on the flimsy bed. "You may not want to take any delicate information to the police until you have a solid case," he muttered. "The Kiseki have eyes and ears everywhere. And although they aren't at full power, they're still quite capable. You shouldn't be quick to trust anyone," he said. "We're all bastards here."

Kagami gripped the cell bars. "Are you saying there's a mole?"

Takao shook his head. "Moles, hackers, I don't know anything. I'm just some petty criminal. A tired one." And with that, he turned around and spoke no more.

Kagami was walking up the stairs up to his apartment when he saw a silhouette lounging by the yellow light of the hallway outside his door. He instinctively reached for his gun before realising he kept it at the precinct when he was off duty. He had one in his apartment, but obviously couldn't get to it right now. Crouching low, he slowly made his way forward, preparing for the worst. The figure turned around, and Kagami relaxed when he saw midnight blue hair glinting in the light, and familiarly long limbs reclining against the opposite wall. The man had a basketball in his hands.

"What are you doing here, Aomine?"

Aomine snapped his head up and gave Kagami a small smile. Kagami could feel his traitorous heart speed up, but he evened his breathing and walked up to his partner.

"Look Kagami," Aomine straightened up and twirled the ball on his finger. "We both got off on the wrong side of the bed today, and I wanted to make sure we were…well…that we were still okay."

Kagami felt a muscle twitch at the unsubtle reminder. "You wanna make things okay? You hit your head or something?"

Aomine tossed the ball and Kagami grabbed it instinctively. "Remember how we used to play often at the Academy? Then we got separated, and our jobs got busy."

"You're the one who got busy, ignoring me for the past few months," Kagami mumbled. He didn't mean to sound bitter but it came out that way.

Instead of teasing him, Aomine just sighed. "I'm sorry." And in that moment, in that light, Kagami could see the wrinkles of exhaustion on Aomine's face, the tenseness in his shoulders, like the weight of the world was on him and there was no one to help.

Kagami didn't know what was wrong, but he wanted to help. And he would in the best way he knew. "Okay, I forgive you. Let's play some ball. There's a court a few blocks down from here."

Aomine seemed to brighten up a bit, and as they began walking, he spoke up. "I still remember the first time I met you, you know."

"I don't think I'd forget either. It was that stupid team bonding thing at the Academy wasn't it?"

Aomine chuckled, and Kagami's face warmed. "Yeah. Tetsu had spoken about you, but that day when we played against each other, facing each other on opposite teams, I saw the chemistry between you and Tetsu. I saw that passion and love for basketball I thought I had lost. And I found it again." He closed his eyes briefly.

If only you had come into my life a few years earlier. How different would my life have been?

If only you weren't my partner. Why is life so cruel?

Kagami shot him a sideways glance. "You really have hit your head, haven't you? Getting all mushy like that."

Aomine scowled as Kagami opened the rusty gate to the basketball court. "Shut up, asshole. Here I am trying to connect and you go and ruin it."

Kagami laughed and Aomine couldn't help but smirk in response. "Yeah, yeah. We gonna play or what? First to three baskets wins."

They took off their jackets and dumped them on the ground. Aomine rolled his shoulders and lowered his stance. Kagami dribbled the ball in front of him, and in an instant, he flashed past Aomine. Aomine grinned, twisting on his heel and launching himself at his opponent, hand going to spear the ball out of the others reach. Kagami saw the movement in the corner of his eye and switched hands a split second too late. Aomine whooped as his fingers scraped the ball and he twirled around Kagami, grabbing the wayward basketball and tossing it towards the hoop. He felt a shadow fall over him as Kagami jumped in the air, his perfect form catching the ball at its highest peak, before landing and running for those insanely long slam dunks of his.

Kagami laughed at his victory, Aomine catching the ball as Kagami passed it. "Don't make this too easy!"

Aomine shook his head. Kagami really was the best. There was nothing that equalled playing basketball with this man. That feeling of exhilaration, excitement, hot and heavy strenuous exercise leaving him sweaty and panting.

That thought led Aomine to wonder what having sex with Kagami would feel like.

Okay, stop. Aomine smacked the ball against the ground.

Kagami's eyes were absolutely focused, ignoring everything but Aomine and the ball. He was so different when he played basketball. Focused, serious, yet that passion and love for the sport shone through his eyes and smile. Aomine couldn't hurt this man. He wouldn't forgive himself if he ever did. He took in a deep breathe. I'll protect you. No matter what, I'll protect you. Even if you end up hating me.

He rushed forward, dodging Kagami's interceptions, and aiming for a formless shot. Kagami was just a little behind, and the ball only missed his fingers by millimetres and slammed against the backboard before falling through the hoop.

"Please, Kagami, give me a challenge."

Kagami snorted, eyes analysing Aomine's stance. Kagami made the next basket with more ease than he would've expected. Aomine was playing really well, of course, but he seemed distracted. Kagami had thought there was something deeper when Aomine had showed up in front of his door, but he assumed Aomine would tell him when he was ready. But if it was affecting his playing, Kagami needed to know.

"What's wrong?"

The question took Aomine off guard. The ball felt heavy in his hands. It never felt heavy when he played with Kagami. He looked up. "Nothing."

It definitely wasn't nothing since it allowed Kagami to make the third basket, and he wasn't even out of breath. Aomine ran his hands through his hair, staring at the sky as the ball bounced away, partly forgotten. Kagami grabbed Aomine's shoulder and Aomine stiffened. "Tell me. I…I can help."

Aomine scoffed. "You can't, Kagami." His voice was soft and his eyes reflected Kagami's own sadness.

Kagami grabbed his other shoulder and shook him, hating his expression. "Dammit, Aomine, I'm your partner!"

"That's the problem!" he shoved back, and Kagami stumbled back at the sudden force. He felt himself stumble over his feet and go off balance, falling…

He braced for the fall. His body was enveloped in heat, his hip hitting painfully against the concrete but something bony cushioning his head as it cracked against the pavement.

"Shit, Kagami, oh god, are you okay?"

Kagami blinked owlishly as he stared into eyes the colour of the night sky. Such a beautiful, pure colour. He reached out subconsciously to cup Aomine's worried face. "I'm fine. Your hand…"

Aomine was cradling his head, his legs between Kagami's splayed ones as the two of them lay awkwardly on the ground. His other hand was trapped beneath Kagami's waist. "It doesn't matter. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed. I just fuck everything up…" he made to pull away but Kagami fisted his hands in his shirt. Aomine quirked an eyebrow in confusion.

"Don't-" Kagami's voice cracked like a teenage boy's. He had no idea what he was doing. Aomine was so close, he could smell the other's sweat. It smelt nice. Really nice. "I-I'm okay. You didn't…fuck anything…" he could only stare at Aomine's lips, so close to him.

Aomine could feel Kagami's breath against his face. He could feel the sting where his knuckles had hit the ground. But the only thing that he noticed were Kagami's eyes on his lips. Lips that he licked, tantalising slow, just to see those bewitching red eyes follow the movement.

He almost laughed. He didn't need to seduce Kagami. Kagami was the one who was doing the seducing, and he had already fallen long ago. He came closer slowly, allowing Kagami time to move away.

They weren't drunk. They weren't angry. Their heads were as clear as they could get when they were around each other.

Kagami closed the distance himself, and this time, the kiss was soft and chaste. Kagami's lips were slightly chapped from the cold, but they tasted like ambrosia. A few teasing licks to each other's mouths and they could already feel their heads clouding. Things never seemed to stay tame when it came to the two.

"We shouldn't be doing this," Kagami gasped into Aomine's mouth as his hands slid around Aomine's back and into his hair. I've wanted to do this for so long.

"There are a lot of things we shouldn't be doing," Aomine murmured as he used the hand that was holding Kagami's head to tilt his mouth at just the right angle, his other arm pulling Kagami's body closer to him. "Are you really sure about this?"

Kagami really was a drug. The best kind.

The worst kind.

Kagami licked his lips, closing his eyes. "I'm really sure I'm hard." He proved his point by slowly wrapping his legs around Aomine's waist and rolling his hips. I'm really sure I've just lost my mind.

Aomine groaned at the contact. Whoever called Kagami innocent was sinfully wrong. He thrusted in response just to hear Kagami's stifled moan. Their lips met again, and this time, chasteness had left the court. Aomine sucked and nibbled Kagami's lips and tongue, the redhead rutting obscenely on the ground. Kagami's nails scraped through Aomine's scalp and he felt tingles of pleasure run down his neck. It felt amazing. Aomine's brain had only one agenda – getting Kagami to moan his name. He slipped his hand under Kagami's shirt, brushing against his nipples and sending jolt of pleasure shuddering through Kagami's body.

Kagami breathed heavily against Aomine's neck. He didn't know what was happening, but for some reason, he couldn't control his body. Or his brain. Or his mouth. I want to taste him. He licked and bit Aomine's neck as the bastard's fingers danced over his chest, teasing and touching.

This wasn't supposed to happen. They were on a fucking basketball court. Sure, it was about ten at night, but anyone could walk in or hear them. Kagami felt like a sinner, dry humping his work partner in a place that symbolised the pure happiness and joy in his life.

Hmm. Maybe it's a sign. Maybe Aomine…can actually…also… his thoughts short circuited as he felt Aomine's hand sneak into his pants.

"Ahhhh," Kagami's legs tightened around Aomine, the breath catching in his throat. "Don't…there…touch…"

Aomine pecked Kagami's lips as he wrapped his long fingers around the redhead's length. Kagami squirmed on the ground. "Too fast?"

"Too slow," Kagami hissed and to Aomine's – and frankly, also Kagami's – surprise, he thrust into Aomine's hand. Kagami's hands slipped under the other's shirt, and Kagami's breath trembled when he felt that silky skin under his fingers. His brain was so clouded. He didn't care about the rough ground scraping against his back. He just craved more contact.

Aomine's brain was memorising the image of a sweaty and needy Kagami sprawled beneath him. It probably isn't a good idea to make him come out in the open. Aomine shoved the thought out of his head. In fact, making Kagami come out in the open sounded like a fucking fantastic idea. He pumped his hand, twisting and flicking his fingers, carefully using his blunt nails to tease and coax.

Kagami panted heavily, licking his way into Aomine's mouth. He'd never moved this fast with anyone in his life, any of his few past relationships, but right now nothing mattered. Only Aomine mattered. Only Aomine.

Only Aomine.

"Aomine," he whispered. "Ahh…I'm close."

Aomine kissed him back, slowly, tenderly. "Let go. I'm here," he sighed.

Kagami felt the pressure pool, the ecstasy shoot through his spine as he spilled into Aomine's hand with a long moan. He blinked through the haze, hands slipping down Aomine's arms. "W-what about you?"

Aomine smirked against his lips. "Take it as an apology for me being a jerk."

Kagami managed a tired laugh. "I can't believe we just did that in public. Two detectives. Two partners."

Aomine rolled off Kagami and languidly washed his hands at the tap that was beside the court. He came back to lie beside Kagami as the two of them stared at the sky. A few stars managed to shine through Tokyo's backstreet light pollution. "So, what now?"

"Well, I'm kind of sticky so I want a shower. And I ruined your pants. I should probably wash them for you." Kagami knew that wasn't what Aomine had meant, but his brain was too lethargic to think of what came after. "And if you come over, you can take care of yourself too."

Ah. Did I actually just say that?

Aomine grinned lazily. "In the shower? With you?"

"I didn't mean it like that," Kagami blushed, draping a hand over his eyes to hide his embarrassment.

Showering with Aomine.

Oh god yes.

Aomine got to his feet unhurriedly and held out a hand to help Kagami up. "Sure you didn't." The worry had left his expression for the time being, and that enough made Kagami happy. He took the offered hand and after picking up their jackets, the two made their way back to his apartment, Aomine's arm thrown over Kagami's shoulders.

Neither of them noticed the shadow that appeared near the court. Pastel blue eyes followed the two oblivious detectives as they walked back home. The figure bent down to pick up a container that had fallen from Kagami's jacket, the white powder within gleaming in the dirty yellow light of the lamps.

A phone vibrated, and a pale hand brought it up to the owner's ear.

"Hello, Akashi-kun."

About the romance: Too fast? About time? Don't care?

The focus of the story is the plot, but I thought the two had pined enough. To be fair, the smut wasn't planned. It just kinda...happened? Hahaha...

Since this story is a bit heavy, and takes a lot of time to write, I'll probably be putting up fluffy and lighter one-shots from time to time (like Americano Express, Bestiality and Applause). If you have any prompts you would like me to consider in the future, mention them in a comment or message me here or on tumblr! :D

Thanks for reading, and for everyone's support! Your comments make my day brighter. And to guest reviewers, thank you so much as well. Get an account so I can thank you properly! ;)