A/N - Hullo again! This is a quick post, since I was motivated. Might get started on Kuroko's chap later. There are purposefully some things writing in a similar way or of the same things, because I believe that Aomine and Kagami are similar in lots of ways.
Disclaimer - I do not own Kuroko no Basuke!
Kagami realizes that he is not as smart as Kuroko or Tatsuya and he is fine with that. He is not the sort to spend hours upon hours thinking of what should have been done and can still be done. He does know however, that that kind of thinking is sometimes useful and so he sits - thinking of how to improve, make Kuroko proud – and sits on his bed for hours on end, hours that wind up in frustrated groans and endless back pains.
He looks down at the arm he is holding, the smaller male not being able to stand on his own. - Idiot, you can't stand, do you want me to carry you? - He snorts with a slight twitch. But he feels the confused tension flowing from the opponent's ace, Aomine Daiki, and subtly shifts the phantom player behind him.
He knows he may not be smart, but alas, he has always relied on instinct.
And so, Kagami flourishes.
He returns from America, eyes full excitement for - the sound of shoes squeaking against the panels, the sound of that beloved orange ball thudding across the court – what lies before him, not behind him - Tatsuya, hurt ankle, how do you expect me to play seriously – and is disappointed by the lower level of basketball at first.
But he plays, always with his whole heart, a shining beacon for all those watch him. An incredibly fierce young man who seems ready to conquer the world.
Kagami considers his first meeting with Kuroko. He heard about the so called 'Generation of Miracles' and it made him curious - like a tiger, ready to pounce - only to come up short. He scoffs and snorts, says what he think is best for the other - no talent, you'll get ripped apart in court, careful of the tiger's claws - and pushes him from his thoughts. He knows that he does not have time or consideration for those not in his direct surrounding and it doesn't bother him.
But the sudden showing of the phantom player's abilities turns Kagami's head right around. He is not used to his steadfast opinion being overridden by anyone - especially not a short guy, what about those tiger's claws - and feels his thoughts focus on Kuroko. He realizes that they are in one class, he realizes just how much shorter the other is - it's not like it wasn't obvious, maybe Kagami just liked putting his elbow on the others head - and realizes that he doesn't mind.
He has to sit out whenever his legs are damaged and curses up a storm when he thinks the coach can't hear him. But his thoughts are disrupted the instance he spots Kuroko on the court. He plays so gracefully - slim, long limbs, what would those feel like beneath him - that it makes him jealous for a moment.
If Kuroko was a light summer breeze, Kagami was a tropical thunderstorm.
And he is okay with that, because now he knows he can learn from and teach the other,but the thought of Kuroko dunking and playing on his own leaves him breathless - would he still be needed? Could he still be his side? - and it darkens his expression. He watches Izuki coordinate passes, Hyuuga shoot three pointers, Mitobe score hook shots. He watches them all, but only has eyes for one. Blue eyes - so terribly, terribly blue, it hurts to look to long, seeing beyond him - gently crinkle into a smile and Kagami knows he is lost.
When he meets the rest of the Generation of Miracles, Kagami knows he will never forgive them - distrust, betrayal, the tiger's claws are a-waiting - for having crushed his partner so carelessly.
He knows that his own light has to shine so much brighter. He is confused by the sudden thoughts of how he will play - not the usual, not enough, push, JUMP - to become better for somebody else, not just await the next best challenge.
He knows that all, yet - why can't he jump, why why why - why does he find so much easier to just live and not plan? Why can't he be more serious about the future?
He knows that he is not good enough for Kuroko as he is.
And thus, Kagami falls.
He falls the moment he tells Kuroko to stop playing basketball, the moment he ignores - the blatant hurt, the fierce determination - theother player, the moment he thinks himself better.
He falls when he expressively tells Kuroko that they should - keep from distance each other, don't pass to me, I'll play on my own - work on their separate strengths first, when Hyuuga has to tell Kuroko that - no, Bakagami is a idiot, he just wants to be a better light to you - and he falls when he realizes that Kuroko still is the one helping him.
Damn this all to hell.
He gives in. He doesn't stop to think anymore, he just acts - even if dealing with the consequences is hard, it's better than having nothing left to fight for - and it brings him so much more joy than what he felt when had torn himself from thinking of the present.
And so when Kuroko shows up at his door, Kagami does not hesitate. He pulls the other inside, neither saying anything - he knows blue and red clash, but it leaves a delicious contrast, the colours of passion and calm - but saying everything at once. He feels like he should be drowning, but calloused hands grip his face, bring it closer - soft, pliable, do I taste vanilla? - The taste gives him a delirious high and the urge to - consume, possess, own - taste more. It takes him to dizzying heights and he feels his blood pumping ever faster, a crescendo of sensations and emotions.
When he wakes up next to a warm body the next morning, he realizes that maybe relying on someone else isn't such a bad idea.
Kagami Taiga lives for the present, because nothing else makes him feel more alive.