A/N: Hey guys! I was going to take a break from writing stories, but due to the evidently explosive reaction of the previous chapter, I decided, eh, why not?

This chapter is finally their transition to their senior year in Junior High – where all the sad and bad and whatnot detonates. This usually means angst is guaranteed, so for those who like that kind of depressing material, here is your fun! For those than don't, I give you my sincerest apologies. The Teiko Arc is just really… disheartening and harrowing, and quite histrionic as well. But I swear, this chapter is lighthearted. Really, I promise you… kinda.

A quick FAQ, since I've had many reviewers ask this question:

Is Ogiwara going to take an important role/be a part in the story?

My answer:

Yes. Hopefully not spoiling too much, he is not the most crucial character that affects the plot, but it is true that he would appear a lot more frequently than he had before, and would also appear in the sequel I have planned for this story.

Anyway, enjoy!

Chapter 14

"I didn't want to lose them. I didn't want to lose anyone again."

Winter break.

Christmas edging was edging near.

If Kuroko Tetsuya was supposed to feel an emotion of excitement, then that surely wasn't occurring.

Her second year of junior high had been nothing but an utter mess. Maybe the fault was on her for not being able to move on, focusing too much on one particular person and not capable of comprehending what was going on in her surroundings. She couldn't remember the last time she conversed with Generation of Miracles for more than five minutes, minus the awkward pauses in between.

Since when? Since when were the pauses in existence? Since when did Midorima cease to provide her with her daily lucky items? Since when did she stop going home with at least one of them? Since when was she unable to talk to Aomine in the eye? Since when did she grow uncomfortable around Akashi?

The fact that she didn't know the answer to any of those questions scared her. She didn't know that unawareness could be such a fearful weapon against her vulnerable stance. She noticed that the Generation of Miracles were continuing to progress in their paths – but she was at the same station, like a malfunctioning train. Without her Lights, she was a mere shadow. No, she wasn't even a shadow. She was nothing. Without them, she was nothing, and could be nothing but nothing.

Her parents were off to the US for work. Her grandmother returned temporarily to the countryside, and now she was alone for New Years. What had she been doing the previous year during this time? She was pretty sure she wasn't alone, though.

Lowering her head as she turned on the TV, Kuroko Tetsuya stared at the buzzing screen with an empty look. Some early Christmas shows were broadcasting live, and she merely sat there, listening to the noisy entertainer babble off about the wondrous sight of Christmas lights, trees, and decorations. 'Deck the Halls' was playing as the background music, and everyone was dressed as a reindeer.

"Christmas…"

When she was younger, her favorite holiday was Christmas. Not because of the presents, but because everything was so warm, so happy, so exuberant and vibrant with enlightenment. Tasty food, Christmas cakes, gentle snow, romantic music and carols, dreams and coziness in the air – she loved all of it, from one to ten.

She turned on her phone and glanced at the date. It was December 23rd – a day before Christmas Eve. Her parents weren't coming back until January, and her grandmother was returning in mid-February. So far away.

Just when she was about to turn the cellphone off, a number appeared on the screen. The name read 'Haizaki Shogo'. For about the third time it rang, Kuroko was unsure how to respond. She wasn't exactly expecting a call from anyone. Reluctantly, she picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Hey."

"Um –"

"I was wondering if you wanted to come over."

"… Pardon?"

"Do you want to come over? I bet you have nothing better to do anyway. It's Christmas, Tetsuya. I know your parents aren't even here."

She gaped. "I never told you that –"

"See? I'm right."

"Wait, were you guess –"

"Whatever, does it matter? Come out, I'm in front of your house."

Kuroko lowered her phone, and squinted her eyes at the door in suspicion. She gradually got on her feet in disbelief, as she cracked the door open a little. There was Haizaki Shogo, in his bright red parka and jeans. He scanned her head to toe, then scrunched up his nose.

"Did you just wake up or something? You look… what's the word? Grotesque?"

"Says the person that just barged into somebody's house without warning." Kuroko said with a cross look, growing sensitive at the unnecessary adjective. But then she sighed, giving in. It wasn't like she could just leave the male out there in the December cold. "… Come in. I'll make you some tea and boiled eggs."

"Why the heck is it boiled eggs?" Haizaki frowned, as he undid his scarf and stepped inside.

"I only know how to make boiled eggs. Do you have a problem with that?" She scoffed, taking out three eggs from the fridge. Shrugging, Haizaki took a seat as if it was all natural. Truth to be said, this wasn't his first time barging into Kuroko's house without warning. They often stayed together, as Kuroko helped Haizaki with his homework (it wasn't like Kuroko was particularly intellectual, but she certainly received higher grades than Haizaki) – Kuroko's parents were fond of him (surprisingly), as he managed to pull their daughter out of her small depression.

The teal-haired girl returned with some matcha green tea, as a small trail of smoke from the glasses blocked her view. She placed them with caution on the table, and then took a seat across the male.

"What brings you here?" Inquired Kuroko, taking a savoring sip of her green tea.

Haizaki's answer was not the most satisfactory. "I was bored."

As this was how the brute usually responded when asked a bothersome question, Kuroko didn't press the matter too much on him. It wasn't like Haizaki was the most reasonable of people, or the most explanatory. And now that she was used to his personality, it wasn't much of a big deal. However, it frustrated her every now and then.

"I see." She forced those two words, as Haizaki tried to cool the hot tea. He never liked hot things.

"Precisely," Haizaki began, "there is more than boredom. But that is the core of my reason. Mostly because, you know, mom's nagging. I gave up on getting fifty diamonds for my video game, and gravure magazines get repetitive after a few good ones. So this was my last option left."

Kuroko shook her head. "I'd prefer if barging into my house wouldn't be an option to fulfill your entertainment."

"Not like you're having so much fun either." Haizaki eyed the Christmas channel she forgot to turn off. "I mean, who watches those?"

"It's a family tradition." She said in her defense.

"Sure, sure." Haizaki merely snorted. "Anyway, I was wondering if you wanted to come over to my house. Just for a few days. I mean, surely it's safer at my house than staying by yourself here." Excuses! His inner self screamed at him. EXCUSES!

Puzzled, Kuroko tilted her head to the side. She couldn't understand the cause behind Haizaki's actions. But again, the gray-haired boy had the tendency to confuse her every now and then.

"Like," He tried to provide further information. "I'm saying, that…" God, this would be so much easier if we were just… I don't know, going out? "You should spend Christmas with my family."

… Silence.

"Why?"

"Uh…" Haizaki went speechless. He did come all the way here, taking extremely sluggish steps, scripting different responses from how to start this conversation, suggest this idea, and end it with a happy ending. He had planned out nearly thirty different situations, and four hundred different responses to unexpected questions. But now that everything was real, he quickly learned that this was not like any of his simulations. "I don't know. I mean, we're… friends." He winced as he muttered the word. He had just casually friendzoned himself.

However, it seemed to have worked. Kuroko's eyes softened at that. "I guess we are." Then her head turned to the pot. "Wait, I'll go get the eggs."

As she vanished into the kitchen, Haizaki threw his head backward in exasperation. My fucking god, I'm so dumb. "Friends. We're just friends." He repeated the word over and over again, trying hard to convince himself and hypnotize his mind. But do friends usually spend Christmas nights together? Especially a girl and a guy? Does that happen? "Of course it does." He answered his own question, as the girl came back with a bowl of boiled eggs.

"I'll have to ask my parents for permission." For a second, Haizaki had no idea at all what she was talking about. But then he soon caught on, as he cracked the egg. "But they know you, so I think it would be okay."

She dialed a number, and put the speaker to her ear. Haizaki just stared at her, throwing the egg into his mouth. Why in the great name of Aphrodite do I love her anyway? Kuroko Tetsuya was not the smartest, the cutest, the prettiest, the sexiest, or the brightest of people. So why? Why was he compelled to love her? He wouldn't know.

The girl nodded. "They did say yes, only if your parents were fine with it –"

"My dad's not home. And my mom is generous when it comes to girls. About my brother… well, just keep a safe distance from him. He won't bite, anyway." Popping a second egg into his mouth, Haizaki licked his lips. "Well?"

"If you insist." The girl sighed, as she went to her room to pack up.

But even so, she couldn't help but feel slightly happy.

"I have no idea what I am doing with you on a perfectly fine day."

"Don't question."

"I would and always will question matters of fate. It clearly told me today that Cancers were to avoid Libras, and yet –"

"Enough of that, Mido-chin… what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

It was, by mere coincidence, that the two boys had to face a forced encounter at the shopping mall. They were not in the least bit interested in meeting each other during break – or really, during any day of the year. But they met at the 'Christmas ornaments' section, and now, they really had no choice. It had turned out that due to an event going on, their pathway was blocked – which precisely meant, that they had no choice but to wait patiently.

So they resorted to a petite café in the corner, with Murasakibara ordering a cup of hot chocolate, and Midorima red bean soup. They surely attracted a lot of unwanted attention, with their astounding hair color and Murasakibara's fearsome height. They were a formidable duo when it came to these things.

To be honest, it had been quite a while since the two were left alone together. The last time they shared a proper conversation was in the bus, on their way back home – and that was ages ago. After Haizaki's departure, the Generation of Miracles began falling apart all together, and as a result, those members that were never close to begin with just grew further away. A perfect example was Murasakibara and Midorima.

"What have you been attending to lately?" Midorima broke the ice.

"That's a odd question."

"I know." The bespectacled boy snapped. "But it isn't like you probably had anything better to say."

"Quite." Murasakibara admitted. "Just the usual stuff. Doing housework, preparing my siblings' lunches, doing the laundry, cleaning the house… washing the dishes, wondering how to cover the expenses for our shattered window and crashed heater, and buying the groceries, I guess."

"… Define the 'usual stuff' a boy in middle school should be doing."

The purple giant didn't have much to say for that. The Murasakibara household was quite extraordinary – the older one got, the more irresponsible they seemed to be. And having three brothers complaining about not having a girlfriend, and having a moodswingy older sister didn't exactly help his distress.

"How about Mido-chin?"

The shooting guard cleared his throat, readily preparing his response. "I spent immeasurable moments at the convenience store. It was truly heavenly, as they had this special Christmas sale on practically all the Oha-Asa merchandise. I went ahead and helped myself with a sufficient amount of everyday stationery, as well as a few cans of red bean soup."

"That sounds exciting." Despite his words, Murasakibara sounded like the most dejected person in the world. Midorima noted his tone, but didn't say anything.

Just then, a rather disturbing sight caught his eye beneath his glasses. Murasakibara paid no attention as he had his back to the window, but Midorima, who could see everything, stared at the two people that were laughing as they walked by the café. Murasakibara turned back, as he saw Midorima's expression of pure incredulity. Then his thin eyes widened as well.

When the two were gone from their vision, the center opened his mouth. "That was Kuro-chin and Zaki-chin… right?"

"Correct." Midorima mumbled. "Correct." He repeated.

"Never knew that those two had such an intimate relationship to be spending the Christmas week together." Quickly recovering from the shock, Murasakibara took a relaxed sip from his hot chocolate. "Talking about intimacy, why are we spending our precious Christmas week together again?"

Midorima rolled his eyes. "That's not the focal point of this topic. What I want to say is…" He trailed off, the words dying in his throat. Murasakibara just waited, stirring the brown substance with the wooden stick. "… I wonder, Murasakibara, if we're… just afraid."

The purple head frowned at that, stopping the motion of his stirring. But then he continued, as if nothing happened. Nonetheless, he was listening, and Midorima was perfectly aware of that.

"We're afraid of this change." Midorima muttered conclusively, although quite uncertain himself.

"Perhaps so." The giant was neither as intelligent nor insightful as Midorima. He was a simple individual that despised thinking, and he couldn't be of any psychological assistance of the nerd. His responses were bound to be limited.

Thoughtful silence spread upon them. They didn't need to communicate verbally in order to comprehend each other's speculations. The two boys were polar opposites, and individuals that didn't associate with one another. If someone were to point out one thing they had in common, it would be that they were connected through a bond called the Generation of Miracles, both new and old.

Afraid of change? Murasakibara squeezed the cup he was holding, its warmth creeping through his body. There's no way that can be it. The fleeting image of Kuroko walking alongside Haizaki flashed across his mind. He closed his eyes decisively, wrapping his hands tightly around the heated glass. Releasing a long sigh, Murasakibara murmured the same words in his head again.

"… Let's go, Murasakibara."

"… Yeah."

It would be okay.

It would be okay.

It would be okay.

No, it wouldn't.

"Oh, so you're Kuroko, aren't you?"

"Y-yes. It's my pleasure to meet you –"

"Ahaha, no formalities are necessary in this house! Haizaki's are free – very free, we are. Wouldn't you agree, Sho-go?" The woman winked sadistically at her son. "And Hasaya, get your lazy butt down in the living room, NOW! ARE YOU PLANNING TO MAKE A GIRL WAIT ON YOU, ARE YOU, BRAT?"

Rapid footsteps were heard from above at the belligerent call, as a man tumbled down the staircase. The woman flashed a smile. "That's my idiotic son number one. Name's Hasaya. You can call him by his given name, or simply call him an idiot. I wouldn't mind."

"I would mind."

"Nobody cares about you, my idiotic son number one."

"Do not call me that."

Lively was the word to define the Haizaki household. Although not like any other ordinary family, it was exactly the way Kuroko imagined it to be.

"Anyway, I apologize for the probably rude way my idiotic son number two –"

"Number two?" Haizaki wailed desperately.

"- Would've asked you out." Ignoring the interjection, the woman went on. "My name is Haizaki Miwa. Make yourself home here, Tetsuya-chan."

Kuroko flinched at the familiarity displayed by the woman. Nobody addressed her casually with her given name on their very first encounter – nobody except Haizaki. Maybe it was in the blood. Nevertheless, that didn't mean she disliked the mannerism. It was merely foreign to her, and that was all there was to it.

Hasaya, recomposing himself from the fall, cleared his throat. Bluntly saying, he had the appearance of a delinquent – a middle schooler that was determined to fight against the whole world if necessary. Long, silver hair (it was longer than her mid-back one) that was tied into a careless ponytail, and a face that slightly resembled his younger brother's. She had previously heard uncanny rumors about him floating around the school – that he beaten up 25 students from a neighboring school, and had picked a fight with a group of well-formed high schoolers.

However, the person she saw in front of herself was just a cumbersome man that acted just like Haizaki Shogo, her friend. The resemblance was quite funny.

"Shogo couldn't have possibly gotten a girlfriend earlier than me." Hasaya pointed his index finger at Kuroko, his face twisting into one of disgust and horror. "He has no sexual appeal or whatsoever!"

"You're only a year older than him, my dear son. That's like a bottle of coke claiming that they taste better than a bottle of coke that was made a year before them. They're both coke anyway." Oddly enough, she had a sensible point there.

Hasaya didn't back down. "I'm a high schooler next year. I need to make a girlfriend earlier than Shogo, or else my pride as a brother will falter –"

"She ain't my girlfriend." Muttered Haizaki in quite a bitter fashion, as he took off his parka. "Just a friend at school."

"Just a friend at school, he says!" Hasaya exclaimed dramatically. "Just a fucking random friend at school that you invited for Christmas! You never invite anyone- well, you never celebrate Christmas!"

"Changed my mind."

"Wow, just wow."

Kuroko stood awkwardly at the sidelines. Miwa left the two boys to argue, and led her to the spare room the house could offer. She couldn't allow the frail girl to sleep with a bunch of aggressive wolves (that she called her sons) after all. "I hope it isn't to messy." The mother smiled apologetically. "Shogo only suggested that you come over yesterday, and I still had some arrangements to smoothen out. It's Shogo's old room."

"Anything would do for me." Kuroko presented her thanks. Truthfully saying, she was still pondering on her reason why she was here, away from home. Of course, it was fairly true that she had nothing better to do. She couldn't express how grateful she was to Miwa for her unbridled kindness and considerate behavior ever since her arrival, which had been no longer than thirty minutes. She had experienced something similar very long ago, this sensation of acceptance. When was it?

A knock sounded on the door, and Kuroko turned. Haizaki entered, now changed into a T-shit and shorts. He had a rather sheepish look on his face, as he just slumped down on his bed, touching the fresh futon that his mom washed only yesterday. They had been together in a room many times, but he wasn't sure when he would ever get used to it. Probably, never.

"Sorry that my brother is such a jerk." He started, not knowing what to say. "He's so salty over the fact that his girlfriend dumped him a week ago."

"I don't really mind." Kuroko said softly. She knew Hasaya didn't mean any harm, and by any means, she wasn't disturbed by his tone at all.

On the other hand, Haizaki was personally regretting the fact that he invited her over. Of course, he was secretly delighted that she agreed to his invitation, although it was rather sudden. The shameful part was when he had to introduce his family to her – and he knew that it must be quite different from what she had seen growing up. Surely, she was from a more… a more refined household, where violence wasn't tolerated, Asian standards, blah. Her parents were perfectly nice people, and seemed just like that.

Surprisingly enough, Kuroko started giggling out of the blue.

"What's so funny now, huh?"

Kuroko glanced up at the male. "I don't know… your family is just what I imagined it to be, that I really don't know what to say."

"Are you insulting me?" Haizaki glared, but Kuroko just shook her head.

"No, I like it." She opened her eyes, and Haizaki held his tongue as he saw the light in her turquoise eyes. "I really do."

He snorted, rolling his eyes, helpless. Running his hand through his hair, he lied down on his comfy bed and stared at the ceiling, then glimpsed at Kuroko's thin figure. This tranquility was exactly what he desired – nothing more, nothing less, but just how they were right now. It was fine with him if she didn't like him back – he long knew that Kuroko wouldn't be able to get over Aomine, at least, with his power alone. However, if she could at least forget about the power forward for an instance, enjoy this moment with him – he was fine with that alone.

"That's good."

Akashi Seijuro sat ramrod straight on his chair, signing papers for his father. Albeit the fact that Christmas was near and his birthday had just passed, no mercy was given to him. He yet to have opened the presents given to him by the maids and servants that pitied him for his father have not giving him one himself – again.

It was only natural that his father didn't do such a troublesome thing. But Akashi found himself in the same location repeatedly every year, not knowing what to expect – when he knew the answer so well, so well painfully aware.

His actions a few weeks (no, maybe it had only been days – he had been losing count) since his fateful action. It was an unplanned event, and that was seldom done on Akashi's part of life. But during the past year, he found it rather challenging to control himself – his own mind. Which he found utmost frustrating, and even caused him to feel useless and terrifyingly inhuman. He felt irate and bewildered, overwhelmed by his own insanity.

There was somebody else dwelling and growing day by day inside of him, and although it was yet to awaken in its physical form, Akashi was afraid. Terribly afraid that one day, he wouldn't be Akashi Seijuro anymore, but somebody else. That he would lose all memories and people, trust, friendships, family, and love.

It's not like you have any of those right now, either.

His grip tightened on his pen. "That is spurious."

You would say so. You were always very ignorant, after all. The time is soon, Seijuro. Time flies, as you can see.

"You speak of lies." Akashi muttered in grief. "Leave me alone."

Oh, I speak of only truth. I merely wish for your happiness, Seijuro. Together, we can reach the goal you aim for. It may seem impossible by yourself – in fact, it is impossible to reach by yourself. And that is precisely why we need to cooperate.

"I am not," the red head shut his eyes close, trying to dismiss the voice that sounded exactly like his own away. "Going to cooperate with the likes of you. I will accomplish my goals with my strength, my power alone. I do not need a bit of assistance from an unknown existence –"

But I am not unknown, or what you would name 'the likes of you'.

"That is preposterous – terrifically false."

But I am you, Akashi Seijuro.

"Shut up." Akashi seethed, gritting his teeth. "Please."

With that, the voice disappeared.

Kuroko had to say, that she enjoyed the few days with the Haizaki household to the fullest. Hasaya realized that she liked the same band as he did, and was quick to break the ice with her. Miwa was naturally congenial, and Haizaki was, well, Haizaki. Although it had only been two nights, it felt as if Kuroko was just always there – where she belonged. Home. This was, in fact, home.

"I LOST AGAIN!" Hasaya screeched, hurling the controller across the living room as it hit the wall, creating a new dent. Miwa laughed, victorious. At this very point, Kuroko was skeptical of the woman's abilities – she was skilled at practically everything.

"You probably just suck, Hasaya." Grunting, Haizaki wolfed down another bowl of popcorn. They were supposed to be watching 'The Train to Busan' (A/N: Did anyone watch this movie? Because god, it was sad.) until Hasaya started crying a river when the muscular husband died for the rest of the group.

"That too." Miwa smirked, as she put the controller down on the floor, not seeming to care at all about the dent on the wall. It was Christmas, yes. They hadn't exchanged presents, as the Haizaki family didn't display such friendly elements, but it was still lively and exuberant nevertheless. It was an enterprising night.

Kuroko's phone beeped amidst the noise.

The ID on the phone made her eyebrows furrow, but not in displeasure.

From: Ogiwara Shigehiro

To: Me

Subject: Merry Christmas!

Hey, Kuroko, how have you been? It's really snowy here. I remembered you, when I was celebrating Christmas with some of my buddies (they thought it was weird I had a female friend). Anyway, I'm having one of the greatest Christmas nights of my life. It would've so much better with you, but can't help that, I guess. I hope you're having a great time too!

P.S.

Meet you at the nationals next year!

She stared at the blinking words of her screen, then typed a short response, in comparison to Ogiwara's quite lengthy one.

I'm having a wonderful time too.

And she meant it, for once.

A/N: I meant it when I said this was going to be lighthearted chapter… kinda. I wanted to show some progress in the characters this time, as I rushed events and everything.

Some reviewers keep on guessing what I'm going to write in the next chapter, and they get it right. You geniuses. Please don't read my mind.

And one of you guys mentioned (I think) that some characters, get a lot more attention, like Akashi, Kuroko (duh), Murasakibara, and Haizaki – and not Kise, Aomine, Midorima (this guy actually is appearing a lot more often nowadays) and whatever. This is only for the first book. Aomine will probably get like 10 chapters for himself in the sequel, and so will Kise… I think.

Anyway, please tell me your opinions on this chapter in your reviews!

Meiko