A/N: In description text everyone will be referred to by their given name, because it's set in western society. But when they talk basketball, about other teams, they'll always refer to them by their family name. Except for in cases of friendship, like Tetsurou and Koutarou's with the Seijou seniors (third years). Sorry if it's annoying and complicated, but I'm going for consistency. Think of it as a good opportunity to learn their given names! ^_^

Also, thank you for all the reviews and favourites and just reading really. I'm glad you're enjoying the story!

Tetsurou's fingers clench tightly around the hand of his arch nemesis, and Tooru squeezes strongly in turn, each attempting to prove he's the stronger. Of course it's always like this when they play, sneering at each other through tight lipped, fake smiles, that probably make them look constipated. Only this time they're Captains and they have their teammate's lines up behind them. Some members frown in confusion and others sigh or shake their heads, wishing they didn't know their idiot Captains.

"You better be prepared to be demolished, fucktruck," Tetsurou jeers as they continue to shake hands, neither willing to concede and let go.

Tooru's jaw clenches at the name. "I'm sorry, I can't hear you over the stink of that animal that died on your head."

Biting back a growl, Tetsurou squeezes harder.

Behind him he hears Morisuke sigh exasperatedly. "It's just a practice game, we all know we're not even playing our best teams… Why are they like this?"

"It's the principle of the thing!" Koutarou explains, bitterness in his voice as he backs Tetsurou up.

"…What principle?"

"The one about enemies and stuff, y'know, 'loathe thy enemy'."

"That's 'love thy neighbour', bird brain," Akinori corrects, amusement clear in his voice.

"Or maybe it was, enemy of my enemy is my..." Koutarou trails off. "Whatever! The point is he's our enemy!"

"Let me at 'em! Hey, beanpole, hold me back," Shouyou says under his breath – though everyone can hear him – to Kei, who's standing next to him.

"Sure."

Shouyou stumbles forward and then glares back at the smirking blond. "What the hell? You were supposed to hold me back!"

"Sorry," Kei says, not sounding apologetic at all. "You were too quick for my lumbering reflexes. Here."

The redhead stumbles forward again, when Kei purposely doesn't hold him once more, and growls back at Kei, who is covering his mouth and snickering. Shouyou stomps back to his position and angrily folds his arms over his chest, turning away from Kei pointedly.

Hajime's head is in his hand as he shakes his head and heaves an embarrassed sigh. Issei and Takahiro are leaning into each other, smirking with great amusement.

"Hey Makki, you think they'll be like this all day?"

"They will be if they don't notice the superglue we put on their hands soon."

Tetsurou and Tooru jump apart, staring down at their hands, horrified, but there is nothing there. Issei and Takahiro high-five each other before doubling over in laughter, along with most of the Seijou and Nekodani teams, albeit less intensely. While Tooru's distracted Hajime pulls him back by the collar of his white and turquoise sweat jacket, muttering about 'shitty idiots'.

Seijou's head coach, Irihata, watches on, smiling with amusement while Keishin scratches the back of his head and chuckles awkwardly.

"A-All right, let's get started," Keishin suggests.

The teams start moving to their designated benches – and to the other court for the second string – most of them ending up in the stands to watch. Before joining them in the stands, Tetsurou and Koutarou join in the huddle with the starting team down at the bench.

"Seijou are a tall team, which is why their in-and-under style is as surprising as it is damaging," Keishin starts, only summarising as they went over the game-plan in greater detail before Seijou arrived. "Without Oikawa and Iwaizumi their setups won't be as aggressive or complex, but that doesn't mean they'll be simple either. Kunimi and Kindaichi are not to be underestimated.

"Our greatest challenge will be Matsukawa and Hanamaki; Lev and Kei, you'll have to be cautious with your marks. They're national level basketballers, they may seem laid-back and jovial but don't be fooled, they're competitive. Watari will likely be playing at Nationals this year too, Shouyou, be wary, he's as agile as you are."

The team listen intently, they look determined, even if it is only a practice game. After Keishin finishes discussing preferred gameplay, Tetsurou pulls Kei aside.

"Makki's smart and quick," he explains, talking quietly as he stands close to Kei. "He makes plays with Tooru effortless and almost as well. Kunimi will be relying on him a fair bit. Also, you need to time your defensive jump well, Makki jumps much quicker than you do for a three-pointer. But because of it, it's easier to make him miss. React faster and he won't sink a three-pointer on you."

Kei nods sincerely, expressionless in concentration. "Got it."

Tetsurou grins and pats him on the back. "Good. Also Keish was serious. They're really competitive even if they don't show it. Don't get cocky if you get some points on him; Makki will just push harder and you need to be ready for it. Take it slow with him and remember, have fun Tsukki!"

With that, Tetsurou makes his way over to Koutarou, sitting in the third row of the stands with a clear view of the court. Koutarou grins at him, excited but jittery, likely wishing he was out there playing as much as Tetsurou is. Whistles are blown and the teams get setup on court.

"You think we'll win?" Koutarou asks.

"This game isn't about winning or losing, Kou."

"Everything is about winning and losing!"

Tetsurou's gaze floats over the five red uniformed players. Shouyou looks pale and as if he's about to jump out of his skin; Taketora is already starting trouble with Issei who is smirking right back at him; Lev looks stiff; Kei's biting his lip – but at least his fingers aren't laced together. Keiji is their only saving grace, looking as calm as ever, his dark green eyes scouring the court.

"We won't win," Tetsurou asserts confidently. "Lev hasn't played someone as experienced as Matsun, even though he's practiced with me, he's not strong enough to beat him. I doubt Tsukki has played anyone as cunning as Makki; Makki's likely going to play circles around him and there won't be much Tsukki can do about it. If the Shrimp can work well with Keiji and Tsukki he might get them somewhere with Tora's help. Mostly, they haven't played enough together."

Koutarou gasps, as if personally offended. "You don't think Keiji can lead them through it?"

Tetsurou chuckles and pats his best friend on the leg reassuringly. "Keiji's good but he's not that good, I don't think anyone is. It's only a practice game bro, it's not supposed to be perfect. We're watching to smooth out the kinks."

"I'll smooth out your kinks," Koutarou says, laughing at his own joke and elbowing Tetsurou in the side as if he's not going to get it.

"I like my kinks the way they are thank you very much!" he pouts playfully.

His eyes move to the court as the ball is thrown up and the game starts. Issei wins the tap down, because Lev mistimed his jump, and the balls goes straight to Takahiro but Kei is on him quickly, blocking his path. Because of the pressure Takahiro is forced to pass back to Akira for a play setup rather than doing it himself. For Nekodani it's better that way. Akira is young and probably not as good of a game strategist as Takahiro. If Kei can continue to keep them playing that way it will make the game much easier for Nekodani.

It's the first time Tetsurou's watched Kei play against someone other than himself, outside of the training scenarios he plays against Lev or Keiji at practice. From this vantage point he can see how he moves, methodical and measured. Kei's long limbs make him look deceptively slow but when playing against him it doesn't feel that way, he moves almost as quickly as Tetsurou. His lean body makes him look deceptively weak but Tetsurou knows firsthand just how strong he is, especially through the hips, he's defensively unmovable at times.

Shinji makes the first score, weaving through the defence skilfully. Koutarou makes a frustrated noise that's mirrored by Shouyou on court. He's going to have to move faster if he's going to keep up with Shinji.

Lev throws in to Keiji who makes his way down court with ease. Akira defends him well but Keiji's not completely denied from making a play, he could if he truly wanted to, but Keiji passes to Kei. This is why they have Keiji on court after all, to test how he works with Kei. The ball barely settles in Kei's left hand before he passes powerfully and quickly to Taketora. Takahiro and Yuutarou have no time to react or defend and Taketora dunks it, celebrating excessively, Koutarou doing the same.

Tetsurou grins proudly as he watches Takahiro size up Kei, surprised.

Even if Tooru, the proficient researcher, had told them about Kei's three-pointers and game sense, they clearly hadn't expected him to play so efficiently with Keiji after one month. Keiji had passed that ball without even a glance in Kei's direction and Kei had reacted without hesitation. It's unusual how synchronised they are, it had even surprised Tetsurou in practice, and it will be an asset through this year's tournament.

"Woah, did Tora even know that was coming?" Koutarou asks, his arms crossed and his brow furrowed. "It looked like he fumbled a little."

Tetsurou nods, leaning forward and setting his elbows on his knees. "He did fumble, he had no idea it was coming and was lucky to score. Wherein lies the problem. Keiji adjusts his passes to inside players because he understands what they need. Kei doesn't have that ability, but because of that he can move the ball faster, even Keiji can if he needs less time to adjust. It's just something we'll develop when we start playing actual games in training over the next few months."

The quarter continues on, the team's scoring back and forth and the score remaining close. Kei has done exactly what Tetsurou told him to do and hasn't scored any three-pointers, mostly relying on Taketora and Lev. Shouyou has been unreliable, seemingly a little overwhelmed by his first game.

"You think Shrimpy will be okay?" Koutarou asks, sounding nervous. When Tetsurou glances at his best friend, he's sitting on the edge of his seat, carefully watching Keishin talk to Shouyou and worrying at his lip. The two of them have been practising plays together and Koutarou thinks of himself as Shouyou's mentor. To say they've bonded is an understatement.

"Yeah bro, don't worry. He's resilient, he's not the type to stay down for long. It's important for him to be able to pick himself back up and to rely more on his teammates. Kid's a fast learner, you know that. He'll be fine," Tetsurou assures him, bumping their shoulders together.

Koutarou agrees loudly, pumping his fists in the air, but he still looks concerned.

Tetsurou glances down at the bench, he frowns when he sees Kenma approach Keiji. Kenma seems to be explaining something, his eyes flickering over to Shouyou and a fire of determination burning in them that he usually reserves for his video games. His shoulders are set and his hand is clenched into a fist; this is important to Kenma, likely information to help Shouyou ease into the game. Keiji nods almost imperceptibly and now Tetsurou truly isn't worried.

His gaze moves over the team, assessing Lev's fatigue and Taketora's mindset, until it lands on a head of golden blond hair. Tetsurou watches as Kei tilts his head back and drinks from the bottle Hitoka handed him. His every movement seems leisurely, elegant. It's why he can make people feel inferior simply by looking down on them with his intense golden-brown eyes. Kei's head comes back down when he finishes drinking and he presses the back of his hand against his lips.

"Do you think Tsukki's attractive?" Tetsurou asks, unable to forget Tooru's words yesterday. When he turns to Koutarou he sees a deep what-the-fuck frown creasing his forehead. Tetsurou's worried that Koutarou thinks he's accusing him of cheating or—

"Of course he is!"

Now Tetsurou frowns. "…Really?"

"Fuck yes dude! What are you blind?"

Tetsurou chuckles. "Er, straight, but I guess it's kind of the same thing. Does Keiji know of this opinion of yours?"

"Ha! Keiji was the one who pointed it out, I tend not to notice these things," Koutarou says, smiling smugly. "It's hard to see pretty people when I get to be with the most blindingly beautiful person every day of my life. Why do you ask bro?"

"It was just something Tooru said yesterday," Tetsurou admits, scratching his cheek. "It just made me think… I mean, Tsukki seems so guarded, I doubt he's ever let anyone get close enough to really know him or feel—" Tetsurou's eyes go wide, overly dramatic when he gasps, "Dude, you probably stole his first kiss!"

Koutarou snorts. "Yeah, right. Tsukki's been kissed before."

"What? One peck on the lips and you know his entire kissing history?"

Setting his features into an all-knowing expression Koutarou nods wisely. "Trust me, bro."

"I guess I'll just have to take your word for it, oh wise one," Tetsurou jokes, grinning broadly. "It's not like Tsukki would ever tell me."

"Why do you even care?"

Tetsurou knows why and knows it has nothing to do with who Kei has or hasn't kissed. It's about everything Kei keeps to himself. Even Tadashi doesn't know for sure why he doesn't want to celebrate his birthday. Perhaps he confides in Akiteru, but Tetsurou somehow doubts it. Does anyone truly know Kei?

It worries Tetsurou; he doesn't like the idea of Kei suffering alone, locked behind those walls he's built up around himself. Tetsurou merely shrugs though. It's not like he can express any of this, it wouldn't be fair to Kei.

"I don't really care but… Sometimes I feel like Tsukki's such a mystery it makes me question whether I know him at all. Call me old fashioned but I like to know my friends."

"You don't have to know everything."

"Dude, you literally message me every time Keiji so much as accidentally touches you."

"Every touch is important!" Koutarou argues, his voice high pitched.

"And I appreciate that you share those important moments with me," Tetsurou grins at his friend.

He turns back to the court in time to see Keiji discreetly speak a few words to Shouyou.

The whistle is blown and the second quarter starts. Intercepting a pass, Taketora immediately gives off to Kei. His pass to Keiji, down the other end of the court, is like a bullet and Keiji receives it with ease sizing up their attack before he even has the ball. Without hesitation Keiji shoots from outside the three-point line.

At least it looks like he's shooting.

Keiji misses the hoop, but to everyone's surprise Shouyou is in the air, higher than should be possible for someone of his stature. With almost inhuman reflexes, Shouyou snatches the ball out of the air and twists his body to dunk it through the hoop. He hangs there for a moment, eyes sharp and intense – lacking usual brightness – like a bird focussing on its newly spotted prey.

When Shouyou's feet hit the ground a grin breaks out uncontrolled across his face and he hollers in celebration. Tetsurou smiles with him and Koutarou rises to his feet, loudly hooting for his 'bird son'.

Tetsurou's gaze wanders down to where Kenma is sitting on the bench. A smile warmer than Tetsurou has ever seen brightens his best friend's face. Kenma looks proud and happy, openly so. More than any score the team makes, or any progress for the team, Tetsurou is happy for Kenma.

"Your boy played well," Tooru comments, sauntering over to Tetsurou after the practice game.

The teams are currently warming down, stretching as they listen carefully to their coaches. The game, though starting fairly slow, quickly grew intense in the second half. Taketora, Shouyou and Lev became rather vocal as Shouyou finally found his footing, and Seijou became competitive in response. Especially Takahiro when Kei started shooting three-pointers.

In the end Seijou won by a small margin, as Tetsurou knew they would, but the Nekodani team learned invaluable information about their areas to work on. Therefore, mission accomplished. As much as he would have loved to rub it in Tooru's face.

"He did," Tetsurou agrees, knowing that pointing out the fact that Kei isn't his boy will only lead to 'how did you know I meant him?'

"Makki destroyed him of course, but that is to be expected."

Tetsurou clenches his jaw, controlling the urge to snap back and defend Kei. While he may have lost the shooting guard match up with Takahiro, he certainly wasn't 'destroyed'. But Tooru knows that, he's simply attempting to get a rise out of Tetsurou.

"You're new protégé is coming along nicely," Tetsurou says instead, subtly hitting a nerve of the missing figure of Tobio in the white and turquoise uniform. Tooru doesn't act as he expects though, his eyes glazing over as he stares at Akira.

"Akira's has a great ability to connect with his teammates, knows what they need and has a good understanding of complex gameplay," Tooru recites. "He'll be a wonderful point guard."

Tetsurou hears the 'but he's not Tobio' even if the other doesn't say it. The wistfulness in his voice is unmistakeable and Tetsurou doubts Tooru's unfair mental comparison has anything to do with their ability. In Tooru's brown eyes he can see the longing, the hurt; he's never experienced anything like that, a desperate need for someone. For basketball yes. But basketball doesn't have emotions or a personality or an ability to reject and hurt him. If this is what love does to someone, Tetsurou certainly doesn't want it.

After the warm down stretches are complete and Seijou is packed up, Nekodani escort them out to their bus like a good host team. Which, of course, is as tense as when they arrived. At least to Tetsurou.

"I would say it's been a pleasure, but it really hasn't," Tetsurou says, smile tight, but not as tight as his grip on Tooru's hand.

"I would wish you luck but it would be a lie, I wish you no luck," Tooru responds, his smile more convincingly sincere than Tetsurou's but just as bitter.

"Good, we don't need luck."

"Poor, delusional Tetsurou. I don't know what game you were watching," Tooru singsongs. "But luck is the only way you'll meet us at Nationals."

"Please tell me they're not doing this again," Morisuke sighs from behind Tetsurou.

"They're not doing this again," Kei repeats the words dryly.

"It didn't help."

"Didn't think it would."

Most of the Seijou team are on the bus, ready to go, except for the seniors. Hajime is having a pleasant conversation with Keiji and Koutarou, while Issei and Takahiro snicker about their captain's idiocy, inside jokes murmured between them.

"Hey fucktruck, you have a shit stain on your ass," Takahiro tells Tooru, his voice matter-of-fact even though Tetsurou can see the shit-eating grin spread across his face.

Tooru doesn't react, his overly-friendly-but-not-at-all-friendly gaze never leaving Tetsurou.

"Wow, now that's rivalry commitment. Not even worrying about the embarrassing stain on the ass of his white pants," Issei remarks, sounding more sincere than his counterpart. It makes Tooru's eye twitch but he still doesn't move.

Finishing his conversation, Hajime turns to his fellow seniors with a scowl and commands them to get on the bus. Of course Tooru doesn't listen. Not paying much attention, Tetsurou flinches almost as much as Tooru does when Hajime smacks Tooru upside the head.

"Haji," he whines, touching at his hair and pretending that's all he cares about. "Be careful, you'll ruin my hair." Hajime levels an obey-or-die stare at his best friend and Tooru rolls his eyes. "Fine, fine, I'm going. You ruin all the fun, Haji."

"See you at Nationals, Tetsu," Hajime says before dragging a sulky Tooru onto the bus.

The Nekodani team waves goodbye – Tetsurou flipping off Tooru and receiving a kick to the shin from Morisuke – before heading into the locker rooms to change. The boys are loud and excited in the wake of the practice game and the strong team they played, enthusing over certain parts of the game. Shouyou and Lev, once consoled by Tetsurou, bounce around happily with Koutarou and animatedly discuss things they would do differently.

Through the excitement Tetsurou notices a blond head of hair moving towards the door and turns to see Kei leaving. Quickly fixing the collar of his red Nekodani jacket, he runs after Kei.

"Oi Tsukki!" he calls out, catching up to him by the trophy case in the corridor. "Good game. You have plenty to work on, but Makki isn't an opponent to scoff at, you played really well against him."

Kei blinks, barely registering the compliment. "I'll do better next time."

"I didn't mean… I know you will," Tetsurou says, knowing that no amount of compliments will be accepted or believed and moving on. There is a reason he stopped Kei. "What are you doing Friday night?"

Almost imperceptibly, Kei's eyes widen before he gets control of himself, mask of indifference in place and so disciplined he doesn't even avert his gaze. Kei's long fingers grip at the strap of his bag; Tetsurou pretends not to notice.

"Nothing, probably homework and sleep."

Tetsurou silently and diligently watches him, waiting for a crack to appear, waiting for some recognition that Friday is his birthday. But nothing happens. Kei truly doesn't wish to celebrate his birthday, doesn't even want to acknowledge that it's happening. Maybe he cares so little about it that he's forgotten. After all, why remember something you don't even care about.

Tetsurou feels himself getting angry and curls his hand into a fist. Before he can do something stupid, like flat out demand to know why Kei refuses to celebrate the day of his birth, Kei interrupts him, an eyebrow raised.

"If you're going to ask me to play one-on-one with you, I refuse."

"No, I was just curious," Tetsurou responds, but offers nothing more, simply staring at Kei aimlessly.

"All right… I have to go, Aki's probably waiting for me," Kei says slowly, like he's talking to an invalid. He may as well be for all the attention Tetsurou is paying. He does hear Akiteru's name though.

"Say hi to Aki for me," Tetsurou somehow manages to say to Kei's retreating form.

In a daze Tetsurou makes his way back into the locker room, barely answering his teammates when they pass saying 'see you later Captain.' He wants to know why. Why won't Kei celebrate? Why does he keep everyone at an arm's length? Why has he isolated himself? What happened to him? The questions swim around his mind continuously.

"Kuro?"

Kenma's voice, even as quiet as it is, draws him from his thoughts, and he realises why when he looks around at the now empty locker room. As Tetsurou gazes down at his reserved best friend, who keeps everything to himself, he realises something. It doesn't matter 'why', Kei will open up to him when he's ready. All Tetsurou can do is be there for him.

"What are you doing?" Kenma asks, his brow furrowed.

"Oh, sorry Ken, I just got a bit lost in strategizing," he lies and if Kenma notices he doesn't say anything. "I just have to go talk to Keish and then we can go."

Merely nodding, Kenma pulls out his PSP and wordlessly follows Tetsurou out of the locker room. Dumping his bag by the door, Tetsurou takes the seat across from Keishin and Kenma quietly sits next to him, eyes on his game. On the walls of the coach's office are posters of Jordan and LeBron, calendars for the team's training and tournament schedule, team structures with their names and multiple strategy sheets.

"Tetsu, Kenma," Keishin glances up at them from his desk, raising an eyebrow. "You're still here? What's up?"

"I want to invite Karasuno to our training camp," Tetsurou states without preamble.

This makes Kenma glance up at him, but Tetsurou's focus is on Keishin, who frowns.

"Karasuno… Why?"

"They're a strong team, even before Tobio Kageyama transferred there," he says, and judging by Keishin's lack of reaction he already knew, which isn't surprising. "Practicing with them will be a great benefit to us. Stronger opponents mean better training. We have multiple connections with them, Kei and Hitoka and you… I'm sure they'd appreciate the invite."

"M-Me?"

Tetsurou smirks, not missing the flush that colours Keishin's cheeks. Karasuno's head coach, Ikkei Ukai, is Keishin's grandfather. But, more than that, Keishin has a poorly concealed relationship with Karasuno's assistant coach, Ittetsu Takeda. Clearly Keishin's first thought is for his partner, because Tetsurou could just as easily be hinting at his grandfather.

"Yeah… Your grandfather?"

"Oh..." Keishin's blush deepens with embarrassment as he realises his mistake, he clears his throat, "right. That's, uh, a good idea, I'll get in contact with Itte—with my grandfather. I'll let you know when they respond. Go on now, you kids should get your asses home."

Saying farewell to Keishin, who stubbornly refuses to even glance up at them, Tetsurou leads Kenma out of the office and out to the car. The whole way Tetsurou can feel Kenma's eyes on him, can feel that his best friend has something to say. Kenma doesn't say anything though and it leaves Tetsurou uncomfortable not knowing.

"What?" he questions as they get in the car.

Kenma pauses his game but barely turns his head to meet Tetsurou's gaze. "Why do you want to invite Karasuno? And don't tell me it's because of Tobio."

Tetsurou frowns. "What else would it be?"

Kenma searches his expression and, likely only finding confusion, turns back to his game, barely moving his shoulders to shrug in response.

Kenma lazily sorts through his messy locker, attempting to find a book he needs for History homework. Since they had the practice game yesterday they don't have training this afternoon. Which is good. Kenma played an intense half game of basketball yesterday and it's enough for the week. Or, at least, until tomorrow afternoon.

He likes basketball, the strategies make sense to him and they're even fun to play out to defeat an enemy… team. Like in League of Legends or Starcraft. Though he much prefers games where he doesn't have to rely on other people. Other people tend to be unreliable. But his team, Nekodani, are reliable; Kenma liked playing with them yesterday. He liked the way he could work with Kei effortlessly, Lev was a pain but Taketora was always in the right place at the right time. However, the person Kenma liked playing with most was definitely Shouyou. The way he moved and—

Kenma jolts as he notices someone standing beside him, round sunset-orange eyes focusing intently on him. Kenma doesn't think he was so lost in thought that the usually loud and talkative Shouyou could sneak up on him. And yet there he is, sending butterflies fluttering through his stomach with his mere presence.

"Shouyou… How long have you been standing there?"

"Not long," Shouyou responds, his voice softer than usual and his smile nowhere near as blinding.

"What are you doing here?" Kenma asks, glancing around the rapidly emptying junior corridor. Shouyou's locker is two buildings over, he must have run to get here. He's not out of breath, but then he's very physically fit so it probably wouldn't show.

"Oh, I um," Shouyou mumbles, scratching his cheek. "I wanted to ask if you'd like to come over… To my house. This afternoon. N-Now…"

Kenma feels his eyes widen and wishes they didn't; he wishes he had more control like Kei or Keiji. The response that immediately builds at the back of his throat is 'yes', but he bites it back as anxiety kicks him in the gut, twisting uncomfortably. Being in a strange, new house, specifically in Shouyou's house… Kenma averts his gaze to his locker.

"I need to do my homework," Kenma says quietly. Then mutters under his breath, "If I can ever find my book."

There is movement beside him and when he looks back he finds Shouyou kneeling in front of his locker, digging into the lose sheets of paper at the bottom. He straightens and holds a book out for Kenma, smiling warmly.

"You mean this book?"

Kenma swallows, his skin burning where their fingers touch as he takes the textbook. "Yes, thank you."

"You're welcome!" Shouyou salutes, which is an odd thing to do, but Kenma doesn't mind. "Um, but you can do your homework at my house, I promise I won't annoy you! I should probably do mine too, I suppose. I hate it though. Especially Math. I mean, what are all those numbers good for anyway? They don't even make sense."

"I can help," Kenma blurts, his thought process all of: I'm good at Maths. "I mean, if you would like."

Shouyou's eyes light up to their usual brightness. "Really? That would be awesome! Thanks Kenma!"

"I haven't done anything yet. I might be no help at all."

"I bet you will be. Anyway, it'll be fun just to have you there."

His words are light with innocent sincerity and he smiles gleefully, even as a faint blush colours his cheeks. Kenma is good at reading people, he can see every twitch and fidget as lies and deception spew from people's mouths. Everyone lies, sometimes insignificantly and sometimes ridiculous in their enormity. But with Shouyou, it's like lying is never even an option, not something he would even consider. It's simultaneously refreshing and terrifying.

"Are you ready to go?" Shouyou asks when Kenma doesn't respond. Kenma quickly glances back at his locker when he realises he's been staring.

"Ah, yeah," Kenma mumbles, shoving the book in his bag and closing his locker.

"Okay! Let's—oomph—"

"Do you ever look where you're going?" Kei's drawling voice draws Kenma's attention, his tall form looming over an instantly annoyed Shouyou. "Or just barrel blindly down any path you want?"

"Lamp posts aren't supposed to move into my way!"

Kei barely registers the complaint, his sharp eyes flickering to Kenma from behind black-rimmed glasses. Even before Kei has been told what's happening there is a sense of understanding in his eyes. Tetsurou knows how Kenma feels about Shouyou, they've been best friends – practically brothers – for so long, there is no way Tetsurou doesn't know. And therefore Kei knows.

Tetsurou and Kei have been close lately, spending more time together than with anyone else. Which makes sense considering the relationships that have developed between the people they'd usually spend time with. Kenma's grateful for it, it means Tetsurou annoys him less. But it also means Tetsurou shares a lot of information with Kei. It's a good thing Kenma trusts Kei, or he'd be rather uncomfortable about it.

"You aren't coming," Kei says, it's not a question.

Kenma shakes his head, no. "Can you tell Kuro I'll message him to pick me up?"

Before answering, Kei's eyes drop to Shouyou and narrow for a threatening moment before he looks back up at Kenma and nods an affirmative. Kei's been protective ever since the incident with Keiji being bullied. Nothing overtly obvious, just wary glances and subtle intimidation. It's not really necessary anymore, but sometimes, at lunch, Kenma catches people staring at him and then going wide-eyed before quickly looking away.

"I'll see you in the morning," Kei says, turning on his heel and walking away.

"What the hell is his problem?" Shouyou questions, turning to Kenma frowning. "He looked at me like I was doing something wrong. I was just standing here!"

Explaining that Kei's worried Shouyou will hurt him clearly isn't an option, so Kenma simply shrugs and says, "You were rude to him." Which is the wrong thing to say.

"Kei started it! He's always mean to me!"

"We should go," Kenma mumbles and starts walking down the corridor, hoping to end this topic of conversation. The rift between Shouyou and Kei is exhausting and unnecessary, Kenma doesn't understand it. Shouyou races after him and practically skips by his side while they make their way out of the building.

"I mean, he's so damn tall and he doesn't do anything awesome with it, like dunking! He's so close to the net already. And he can jump higher than I can, you know, because of his height advantage, which is basically cheating. He's such an asshole to me. I don't know why he hates me."

"Kei doesn't hate you and you're mean to each other," Kenma huffs exasperatedly.

Shouyou groans and slaps a hand to his forehead. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to ramble like that. I just… I don't know what to do. We're going to have to work together, it's important that we work together, but I feel like everything I do annoys him."

Kenma smiles and lowers his eyes to the footpath in front of him, hoping that Shouyou doesn't see it. Shouyou adores basketball, he radiates excitement when he's on the basketball court. Kenma likes seeing him like that, happy to be somewhere he belongs.

"Maybe just instead of snapping back at him next time, bite back your words and respond calmly," Kenma suggests, slipping his hands into the pockets of his blazer as they walk out into the cold air. "If you do that he won't have anything to ridicule. And maybe if you keep doing it he'll care less because he can't get under your skin."

In his periphery Kenma sees Shouyou's eyes narrow on him thoughtfully. "Hm. If you think that will work then I trust you, Kenma. You're super smart after all!"

Kenma has no idea how to respond to that, so he doesn't, swallowing hard as silence falls between them. Usually Kenma likes silence, but with Shouyou, who's usually so talkative, it feels awkward. At least it does when Shouyou is being awkward. Kenma can see Shouyou's fingers twitching restlessly by his side – but just the one closest to Kenma, like he wants to hold his hand – and his eyes flitting nervously, glancing at Kenma.

Thankfully Shouyou's house is close, directly opposite the school, and they arrive promptly. He fumbles with his key before sliding it into the lock and walking in, holding the door politely for Kenma.

"Shou, honey, is that you?"

"Yes mom!" he calls out in response.

Shouyou leads Kenma into the living room where her pleasant voice came from. The house seems only marginally larger than Kenma's, but there are four of them living in the Hinata residence. Shouyou, his parents and his younger sister.

A woman in lavender coloured medical scrubs walks in as Shouyou dumps his bag on the sofa. With curly, bright orange hair escaping its tied-back confines and large eyes that widen when she notices Kenma and smiles, it's clear who Shouyou takes after.

"Oh, you have a friend over."

"Mom, this is Kenma," Shouyou responds so that Kenma doesn't have to introduce himself.

"Oh, Kenma! I'm Maiko, it's nice to finally meet you," she says with all the earnestness Shouyou speaks with.

"Mom."

Maiko laughs, ruffling her son's hair as she moves past them. "Sorry, sorry. I would love to stay to get to know you better Kenma but I have to go to work. Shou, can you please do your chores before you—"

"But mom, Kenma's here!"

"I know, honey, but you know your dad can't do it and I won't be home until late. It won't take long and I'm sure Kenma has some study he can do whilst he waits."

Shouyou groans but stomps away, muttering to himself about the 'stupid garbage'. Kenma watches after him in amusement before anxiety shakes through him at being alone with Shouyou's mother. But when he turns back to her she's smiling as brilliantly as Shouyou does and Kenma relaxes automatically at the familiar sight.

"Don't worry hon, he won't be long," Maiko reassures him. Running a hand through her messy hair she glances down at her watch. "I have to go, make yourself at home Kenma!"

Maiko grabs her bag and keys before rushing out the door. The house is quiet except for the sounds of Shouyou's grumbling from in the kitchen and a car starting out the front. Kenma turns slowly, his eyes floating over the happy family photos on the walls and basketball trophies displayed proudly on the mantle. It's a nice house; with a worn in sofa and scuffed carpet it's homely and warm. He expects to feel uncomfortable, standing alone in an unfamiliar place, but he doesn't, he feels oddly at ease.

Kenma sits down on the sofa next to Shouyou's bag, sitting his own down more carefully beside the sofa. He pulls his phone out of his pocket to check the message he received on their way over. Considering the fact that his phone vibrated not two minutes after Kei left, Kenma already knows who it's from.

[03:11] kuro
have fun on your hot date ^_^

Rolling his eyes, Kenma shoves the phone back into his pocket, he can feel the warmth in his cheeks and chooses to ignore it. Luckily a distraction has entered the room in the form of a miniature version of Shouyou.

Standing at the doorway with wild orange hair, tied into two small pigtails, is a little girl Kenma knows to be Natsu. Her brown eyes, a few shades darker than Shouyou's, stare at him and Kenma fidgets a little under her intense gaze. It reminds him of the look Shouyou gets when he's completely focussed on playing basketball.

Without so much as a word Natsu makes her way over to the sofa, shoves Shouyou's bag off with a loud thud, and climbs up to sit next to Kenma. She sits there for a moment, her eyes moving over Kenma's face, considering. Kenma gets judged by a lot of people, but this, by far, is the most nervous he's been.

"You have really pretty hair," Natsu decides finally. Her expression softens with sincerity and a smile slowly curls her mouth. "Can I play with it?"

Kenma feels himself relax, as if he's just passed an all-important test. There is something calming about children, their innocence and lack of expectations leave Kenma comfortable in their presence.

He shrugs. "Okay."

Just like that her small round face lights up before she scrambles off the sofa and scurries out of the room. Agile and quick, Natsu returns with a little bag and hands it to Kenma before clambering onto the sofa once more. She stands on it and confidently takes Kenma's shoulders to turn him so she has access to the back of his head. Of course she's too small to actually move him, so Kenma twists on the sofa, holding the bag up for her.

Taking a small brush out of the bag, Natsu sets to work brushing out Kenma's hair. It feels nice against his scalp, she's a little rough brushing through the tangles but Kenma doesn't mind, he tends to brush through it roughly himself.

"Why is your hair two colours?" Natsu questions curiously.

"I dyed it blond and it grew out."

There is a pause in which Kenma can feel her little hands smooth down his hair.

"You shouldn't," she says with certainty. "The two colours are cool but—your black hair is really the prettiest. I like black hair. I wish my hair was black and straight and soft like yours."

Kenma can feel a smile curling his lips. "Your hair's pretty too, much prettier than mine."

It suits you, free and bright, just like you, Kenma thinks. But since he just met Natsu he knows those thoughts are directed at her older brother.

"You think so?" she asks, uncertain but hopeful. "Mom tells me that too, but she has the same hair so she can't decide."

"I definitely think so, your hair is beautiful."

Natsu makes a happy hum noise in response, her focus going back to her work. When she's satisfied with the softness of Kenma's hair, she pulls out some sparkly clips and hair-ties with cats on them. Her fingers pull through his hair as bits and pieces get pulled into ties and clipped back. Soon, Kenma feels exposed as the hair that usually hangs around his face is clipped back.

"Done!" Natsu announces happily, tugging at his shoulder to turn him around. When Kenma turns around her eyes widen and she beams at him, clapping her hands happily. "So pretty Kenma! You look so pretty."

Kenma smiles softly. "Thank you, Natsu."

"Natsu, what are you doing? You better not be annoying—"

Shouyou pauses mid-step, his jaw dropping open comically and Kenma would find it amusing but he's too busy turning bright red, his heart hammering in his chest. Shouyou is staring at him, staring, even as his face flushes with embarrassment.

"K-Kenma, your face…" Shouyou murmurs, and Kenma is about to duck his head when he says, "You're so pretty."

"That's what I said!" Natsu asserts.

It's true, but it means something completely different coming from Shouyou. And with the way he's staring, awed and adoring. It means… It means…

"Er," Shouyou clears his throat, grabbing his bag roughly off the ground, a book falling out that he scrambles to pick up. "Natsu, you should go hang out with dad, me and Kenma have homework to do."

"Aww, but I wanna play with Kenma!" Natsu whines, grabbing onto Kenma's arm possessively. This brings a smile back to Shouyou's face. "Kenma has the prettiest hair, so much better than yours!"

"Yeah, he does, but we have to do homework. If you leave us alone for a couple hours to do our homework I promise I'll read you the long story before bed."

She gasps. "With the princess voice?"

"With the princess voice."

"Deal!" Natsu turns to Kenma and plants a small kiss on his cheek. "Promise you'll come back to let me play with your pretty hair again?"

"I promise," Kenma says quietly, glancing at Shouyou before answering.

She flies out of the room with a loud, successful cheer and leaves silence in her wake. Kenma straightens on the couch and starts to take clips and ties out of his hair, needing something to focus on other than the way Shouyou is looking at him.

"Where's your dad?" Kenma asks, curiosity mixed with an uncharacteristic need to fill the silence.

"He's in his bedroom, he gets tired easily and has to rest a lot," Shouyou answers, unhesitant, waiting patiently for Kenma.

"Why?"

Had Kenma been paying enough attention he would have realised the idiocy of his question; he would have noticed the red flag in the previous statement; he would have realised 'why' without having to ask. But he's too distracted with his need to be distracted.

"Dad's sick, he has cancer."

Kenma's eyes widen and his head swiftly turns to Shouyou. As he does this the clips he's holding pulls painfully in his hair and gets stuck.

"Ow, shit," Kenma mutters, fingers unsuccessfully working to free the clip.

Shouyou giggles. "They get stuck in my hair all the time. Here, let me."

With a smile on his face, despite their conversation, Shouyou dumps his bag and sits beside Kenma. Shouyou's tongue hangs out his mouth adorably as he takes the stuck clip, their fingers grazing at the exchange. Concentration settles across his features as he untangles the clip with more care than Kenma has ever seen him use. Shouyou is leaning in close, his full attention on Kenma's hair, and Kenma can't help but watch him.

At first glance Shouyou's home life looks perfect, Kenma might have even been a little jealous. A loving mother who works hard and knows her children well, smiling and encouraging, wonderfully kind. A little sister who's fun and cute, intelligent for her age, confident and eager. Shouyou, all of those things and more; talented, driven, happy… But nothing is perfect.

Kenma doesn't know how sick Shouyou's father is, but that much bed rest generally isn't a good thing. How they all manage to remain their sunny, joyful selves Kenma may never know. All he knows is they're incredibly brave and strong.

"There," Shouyou says triumphantly.

The clip comes free of Kenma's hair, the damaged strands falling across his face. He barely notices though, watching Shouyou and more than used to having hair in his face. Shouyou's eyes meet Kenma's and he smiles. Kenma feels frozen as Shouyou's hand comes up to brush the hair out of his face, the tips of his fingers skimming his forehead and cheek. Shouyou tucks his hair behind his ear and Kenma's heartbeat sounds deafeningly loud in the silence of the room as his hand lingers at Kenma's neck.

"I don't remember what it's like to have a mother," Kenma speaks quietly, not sure why he's saying it but feeling like he needs to. "But I don't know what I'd do without my father. I hope… I hope… If you ever need to, um, talk or—something, I'm always here."

Shouyou's lips curl into a rueful smile. "Thank you Kenma," Shouyou says, his voice softer than Kenma has ever heard. Shouyou stands up and he instantly misses his touch. "I might take you up on that. But for now you need to help me with my Math! You promised!"

Kenma smiles. "I didn't promise anything."

"You said you would help!" he pouts.

"I did."

Shouyou beams a victorious grin as Kenma straightens. They collect their bags and make their way into the kitchen where there is a rectangular dining table that Shouyou says he always does his homework at. It seems far too formal for the Shouyou he knows and suspects that he usually does his homework on his bed and doesn't want to suggest that.

It doesn't take them long to get settled in on one side of the table, numerous books sprawled in front of them. Kenma leans into Shouyou's space to point out equations in his textbook and explain. He notices the glazed over look in those rust-brown eyes.

"Shouyou, are you paying attention?" Kenma asks, side-eying him.

"I totally forgot!"

Shouyou turns to Kenma, sets a hand firmly at his neck and jaw and pulls him closer to peck his cheek. Unlike Natsu's, this kiss is forceful, it's pressed against the corner of his mouth and Shouyou sucks at his skin slightly. Kenma turns to Shouyou slowly with wide eyes.

"What was that for?" Kenma distantly hears himself ask.

"For yesterday! You told Keiji how to pass to me and I forgot to thank you. Also for being super fun to play with!" Shouyou enthuses, smiling broadly.

Kenma blinks, once again blown away by Shouyou's words and uncertain how to respond. Without thinking his gaze drops to Shouyou's lips, he leans in quickly and kisses him. Their noses are squished together awkwardly and it's a mere press of chapped lips but Shouyou is soft and warm and everything Kenma knew he would be. When Kenma realises what he's doing he pulls back quickly and air rushes out of his lungs.

"I don't know why I did that…" he mumbles, panicking and trembling, until he sees Shouyou's giddy smile.

"I'm glad you did," Shouyou almost whispers.

Uninhibited a smile curls Kenma's lips. "Me too."