Hello everybody! It didn't take me long and I came back as promised with a Kuroko no Basket fanfic! I was inspired to write these stories because I started watching the anime again because of a friend who also helped me with ideas for each chapter.

Each story will be a one shot with each member of the Generation of Miracles and their ideal type.

So leave some comments and tell me what you think!

The first chapter is about Midorima and his need to succeed.

[Kuroko No Basket belongs to Tadatoshi Fujimaki]

[English isn't my first language, so please be kind]

1

First Place

(Shintarō Midorima)

There was a strange gray cat looking at me as I ate my lunch. He was round and had yellow eyes, looking too rested and carefree for my taste.

- If you come close to me, I'll throw you away - I said.

I liked cats, I just didn't want one near me right now, but I wasn't serious either, I just wanted to vent some of my anger. My lucky item of the day was a dog keychain so it was not the day to be friendly with each other.

The facilities at Shūtoku High were large and spacious, despite being a bit worn out, but I didn't come here looking for shiny things. Tradition and hard work were part of these walls and I enjoyed the feeling of being part of something bigger.

Maybe that's why I was here now, in a far corner of the courtyard with a can of red bean drink, hidden between the iron fence and the bushes on an old, isolated bench.

Third place it was our best position in the Winter Cup after the Interhigh fiasco which put the school's title of "King of Veterans" in danger after defeats to Seirin and Rakuzan.

I wasn't used to losing, but coming in third place was even worse and this all happened in my first year of high school, the first year of what was supposed to be my reign away from Generation of Miracles.

I didn't want to end the year in such a disappointing way.

I started to hear footsteps coming towards me, so I shrank further away from the fence for fear that Takao had found me. We weren't friends, but for some reason he thought he should talk to me at lunch. But it wasn't Takao, but a girl who snuck out of the building holding a small container of what must have been cat food, because she lured the cat away from me and fed it carefully.

Her face was familiar to me even if we've never exchanged a word before, but she either didn't see me or ignored me, so I decided I should do the same.

I put on my headphones to listen to the broadcast of Oha Asa horoscope again, so it wasn't hard to pretend I wasn't interested in what she was doing even though I knew that it was forbidden to feed stray animals inside the school.

Maybe I should warn her that she could get detention.

- Shin-chan!

I sighed loudly, that voice again, not even the calming sounds of today's horoscope could silence Takao.

Our uniform was black and traditional, but Takao refused to wear it properly which left him looking like a juvenile delinquent, but according to him some girls liked that.

- What do you want? - I asked as I took off my headphones and put the dog keychain in my pocket so he wouldn't steal it as a joke.

- Nothing, actually, I was just looking for you, how long are you going to eat there hiding in the middle of winter?

- Until the winter holidays begin.

- But that's still weeks away! - Takao seemed surprised, but I wouldn't change his mind - There's no need to be embarrassed just because we lost.

I guess the change in my expression finally had some effect on Takao, because he stopped smiling and just nodded silently. He didn't know what it felt like to always win and then suddenly have it taken away from you.

The girl suddenly started looking at us, I hadn't forgotten about her. The cat had finished eating and ran away but I noticed she wore the same keychain as me hanging on her skirt.

- You don't need to start questioning your talent - he said - We still have two years left, and the annual school rankings will be revealed tomorrow, you can guarantee first place in your first year, no one has ever done this before!

The fact that we have the same random keychain could only be a coincidence, right? Although I didn't really believe in coincidences.

- Botan Akiyama - the words left my mouth as soon as the girl returned inside the building.

- What?

- Haven't you seen it? She's a second year and was right there.

- Of course I saw it, I just didn't think she wanted to be noticed, just like you - Takao replied, then a mischievous smile took over his face - so the rumor that you like older girls is true?

- Let's go back inside! - I hurried to say as I stood up from the bench. Takao followed me, still saying something about strange rumors that I swear I've never heard of before.

I still tried to turn my face slightly to try and see if Botan was still nearby, but she had run inside too quickly. It must have been really cold that afternoon, maybe I wasn't feeling it because of the bandages on my left hand, so I picked up the empty red bean drink can and threw it into the nearest trash can.

He was right, there was still the announcement of the annual Shūtoku rankings, and I could still win.

I didn't wake up with a good feeling the next morning, but the Oha Asa horoscope said that the Cancer sign would have a day full of surprises. I didn't doubt the seriousness of the horoscope so I bought the lucky item of the day before going to school: a stuffed bear. My sister thought I would buy her one too, but it was still too early for Christmas presents and we shouldn't spoil children too much.

I never argued with the horoscope, I just followed the instructions, and it never failed me, but that day I doubted for a second its effectiveness, as surprises could be both good and bad, so the scales tipped towards the side I feared most.

- We had a tie in the final grades.

At first I thought I had heard wrong, but it was the girl next to me who seemed most offended.

- What? This can't be right.

The school principal looked tired, I think he already imagined that this would be her answer.

I was told by my teacher that I should go to the principal's office for a special announcement related to my final grades, but I didn't imagine meeting Botan Akiyama here either for the same reason.

She was shorter than me, which wasn't difficult of course, her black hair was long and looked heavy as she always kept it tied in a braid that started at the top of her head and went down to the middle of her back, almost reaching her hip. She had well-cut bangs, and glasses like mine. Her uniform was well pressed and neat, buttoned up to the neck, but with a skirt.

- Unfortunately, it's the truth – the principal continued - you had the same grades in all subjects during the final tests, even though you, Miss Akiyama, are in the second year.

Man proposes, God disposes. I should have learned by now.

Botan tapped her right foot repeatedly on the floor, looking stressed, then looked at me out of the corner of her left eye, threateningly, and for some reason I felt my face heat up quickly.

- We could select an additional subject to break the tie, which would be physical education or sports, but...

- That would be unfair - I interrupted him.

Botan looked at me in a mixture of fright and shock. I didn't do it to show off, but just because it wouldn't be right. I wasn't too excited about sharing first place either.

- Why don't we do another test?

The principal pondered for a moment, it would be difficult, but not impossible and we would have little preparation time, but Botan nodded as if she depended on this test to keep on living.

- You have two days - the director pointed to both of us - then we will do a new test with general subjects to decide the best student this year.

Takao was waiting for me outside, somehow he had found out that I was here, but I really wanted to talk to Botan about what had happened.

- You should have given up - she said before I could even say anything.

- What?

- You should have given up on first place, you're already a basketball prodigy, the whole school is already rooting for you, do you really need to have everything all the time?

Her eyes got teary, which made me hesitate to answer her, I didn't know what I should do. I just stared at how the ribbons in her hair had teddy bear prints on them.

- And why are you holding this cute, stupid teddy bear?

More silence.

I didn't know how to react when girls cried, especially if it was a girl like Botan.

- I won't lose this time.

Botan turned around as her tears began to fall, leaving with heavy steps filled with frustration. And it was my fault.

- What happened? - Takao ran to my side after Botan left, he really didn't seem to know anything.

- Her voice is melodious, even when angry.

- What did you say?

- I said I'll have to retake the test.

- Sure... - Takao said, but his mischievous smile was back and I didn't like it.

- Why was she so nervous?

- It looks like first place will give an important speech at the schools' annual conference this year - Takao started to ramble - if you want to be accepted into a good college, everything counts, especially if you're already in your second year. I did some research while you were inside, it seems that Botan is very smart; she wants to be a doctor.

I couldn't hide my look of disgust when I looked at Takao. Who gave him the right to go around asking people about Botan? What if people suspected he was asking questions on my behalf?

I held the teddy bear tighter. Botan had liked him.

- If she wants a real battle then she will have it! Take the bicycle, Takao, I need to go to the library.

- To the library? Why don't you study at home like everyone else?

He continued to complain for a bit until we got the bicycle, as Shūtoku's library was away from the main buildings, but then he stopped.

- I hope you win, Shin-chan - said Takao - and then ask Botan out, you need to have fun.

- Shut up - I said, but I was grateful that he was in front, with his back to me, because that way he couldn't see me smiling.

Two days passed with me practically living in the library, there was no time to sleep or relax, I needed to improve myself to face Botan the way she wanted, and this time I would win first place.

I tried not to look at her before taking the test, but we both had miniature elephants in one hand. Mine was green, hers blue.

- Do you like Oha Asa horoscope? - were my first words that morning before the teacher assigned to administer the test entered the room.

Botan's rosy lips opened slightly to tell me something, but then she gave up and focused on the test.

I looked at my green elephant before writing my name on the sheet of paper, that could only be destiny!

I tried to contain my excitement as the test went on, I didn't even look or breathe in Botan's direction so as not to disturb her or end up getting distracted.

- I couldn't give up on the test - that's what I told her after we were dismissed. It was a funny scene, the only students in the building after school hours, in full uniform, holding miniature elephants in one hand - it wasn't a winning year for the Shūtoku basketball team, I can't help but run after other awards.

Botan didn't say anything, just stared at me silently with a judgmental expression behind her glasses.

- Besides, I don't think you'd like me if I gave up so easily.

Botan's gaze widened and it was the first time I noticed that her brown eyes were lighter than most. She looked at my left hand full of bandages, then hid her red fingers from the cold on her back.

- I won't do another test, it would be ridiculous - said Botan - so it's better to take second place, three-point boy!

- Wait, I...

She didn't let me speak as she walked away quickly, her steps once again full of frustration.

I hadn't really said anything wrong this time, but I couldn't sleep that night thinking that we would have to meet again for the official result.

The second meeting in the school principal's office was awkward, but Botan seemed confident before hearing the announcement:

- We had another draw!

- What?! - We both said at the same time.

We ended up looking at each other, I was as surprised as she was. The lucky item of the day was an octopus, I carried a paper mache miniature that my sister had made at school, Botan wore it on a hair clip. So she actually listened to the Oha Asa horoscope broadcasts!

- It was something completely incredible! - the principal seemed really surprised - You got all the Chemistry and Biology questions right, we tried a tiebreaker in languages and mathematics, but it was the same result.

Botan continued to look at me, her expression changed from surprise to disappointment with herself, I could feel her wounded pride and if I asked the principal to let her to be in first place alone I would end up hurting her even more.

- You two will give this year's speech at the schools' annual conference, it's an important national event so we hope you will give a speech together, for that, of course, you need to get along, we don't want angry sparks going off on television.

I think I anticipated what he was really trying to say, but Botan was slower. When she finally realized it, she moved away from me a little.

- You have a week to become friends and stop this quarrel - said the principal - and we want a speech written by both of you, read by both of you, so get together and rehearse.

He handed us a folder with the theme of this year's conference and told us to leave.

Botan took the octopus clip out of her hair and threw it on the ground, she was ready to step on the clip to destroy it, but ended up stepping on my left hand. When Botan realized what she had done, she took two steps back and almost tripped. She was probably thinking that she ruined my hand and so would actually sign her own expulsion letter, but I was fine.

- This is a lucky item, you can't do this or your luck will run out.

I returned the hair clip to Botan, who looked tired and embarrassed. There was no point in getting angry, we would have to do this together.

- Our schedules are different, so let's try writing the speech after your basketball practice.

- I'll be waiting - I said.

Botan nodded, then turned and left, taking a deep breath, this time walking calmly through the corridors.

The hours passed slowly the next day as I waited for practice. I didn't have the courage to look for Botan before that and I avoided going back to the place where she escaped to feed the gray cat. I just sat by the window looking outside, hoping to see her pass by.

- She likes sports - I heard Takao say while I pretended not to be interested - she is part of the volleyball club even though she's not that tall.

- I think she's the perfect size - I blurted out. When I looked at Takao again he was already laughing - I mean, you shouldn't judge people's height, and how did you know that she plays volleyball?

- I asked, this is how you get information about the person you like.

- I don't like her, stop with these hasty statements!

- Sure, sure… - Takao continued laughing - but your face is all red again because of BOTAN AKIYAMA!

He shouted the last part, making everyone in the room and hallways during the break stare at us. It didn't take long for the gossip to begin.

I was going to hit Takao, but I didn't want to hurt my hands since we still had some practice before winter break, so I just tried to disappear into my seat, hiding my face behind an old book, the lucky item of the day.

Training became complex, but necessary as we had a new captain. I didn't have much confidence in Miyaji's leadership, but it wasn't something that was under discussion as long as I could make my shots without anyone getting in my way.

I was always alone after training to practice my shots, some days Takao was waiting for me, some days not, sometimes I didn't even notice his presence. It wasn't like he didn't have a presence like Kuroko, I was just too focused.

- How much longer will it take? - I heard the melody that was Botan's voice as soon as I finished shooting the last ball from the cart.

- I didn't want to disturb you, but everyone already left and Takao said I could come in...

- Yeah... Did you talk to Takao?

Botan nodded, she was still in her uniform and placed her backpack on the floor.

- He was the last one outside - she continued, looking at my hands, and before I realized she was already holding my left hand - I'm sorry for stepping on you.

Botan released me, but I didn't move, I couldn't even breathe properly and I must have had a strange expression on my face now.

- You're red! Never held a girl's hand before?

- Of course I held it!

I shook my head, I don't know why I was acting so strange.

To my surprise, she smiled and I wanted to compliment her smile, to have said something kind, but I felt like something was stuck in my throat, holding me from speaking

I thought she would act the same way she did when we were in the principal's office, focused on winning, but her expression now seemed more relaxed.

- My parents said it doesn't matter if I share the first place and that I shouldn't have been so stressed - she said as if she had read my mind.

Botan picked up a basketball and handed it to me.

- Show me how you do it.

- What?

- As you shot from long distances, Takao said you are the best, but I have never seen a game of yours - She seemed really interested, she wasn't just making small talk - how far can you get?

- I can shoot from the opposite side of the court - I adjusted my glasses, they were falling off my face because of the sweat - let's go.

I don't know if Botan believed me or not, but she followed me to the other end of the court and waited until I got into position and made a perfect three-point shot.

Usually people were too impressed to speak when they saw me shot for the first time, the reactions were the same and I was already tired of them, but I never imagined that seeing Botan look at me in awe would make me feel like there were a bunch of butterflies in my stomach. They were rummaging through everything that was inside me, violently.

Her glasses also started to slip off, so I put them back on her button nose.

- We better write something - said Botan, I stood still as I watched her run to retrieve her backpack - then I can buy us some ice cream.

I just nodded silently, grateful that she was walking in front of me, because that way she wouldn't be able to see how much my face was burning of excitement.

The week went by too quickly and we couldn't finish the speech in time because I was always so nervous around Botan and my head felt foggy. Although most of the ideas belonged to her, Botan wanted us to have equal participation so we ended up meeting on Saturday at a coffee shop to review the latest draft.

I don't know how, but Takao found out and ended up intruding on the meeting, sitting with us. Takao always laughed at my lucky items from Oha Asa horoscope, but he praised Botan's, as she always ended up incorporating the item of the day into an accessory.

If Takao had just praised the lucky item I could have remained calm, but he had the audacity to hold a few strands of Botan's hair while doing so! And what's worse, she laughed at his lame jokes and comments he thought were smart!

Furthermore, they spoke with a certain intimacy between them, as if they knew something that I didn't, which irritated me deeply.

Takao left first, at least he did one thing right that evening, and I automatically jumped to the empty seat next to Botan, but without looking so desperate of course.

- We are neighbors - Botan said.

- What? - I blinked, I thought I hadn't heard correctly.

- Takao and I - Botan replied, I couldn't stop looking at her lips - we've known each other for years, he is one of my brother's friends, so he knew that I'm from the volleyball club and that I want to be a doctor.

"That treacherous fox!" I thought. Now everything made sense.

- You mean he let me worry and stress for no reason?

- There's no need to be so angry - Botan flipped her hair over her shoulder, she smelled like strawberries. It was the first time I saw her without braids - although I may not be the best person to give you that advice.

She smiled, and unlike Takao's laugh her smile was bright and made me feel like I could float and explode.

- You're going to the second year soon, and I'm going to the third...

- Yes - I agreed.

- I know you will be recruited by a good college...

- Correct - There were no lies in that statement.

- But I need to focus on my studies if I want to be successful, do you understand?

She was trying to reject me before we even started anything, but I wouldn't let her, and I never ran away from challenges.

- I'll do what you say, I'll... - for a moment I felt stupid for saying that out loud - You can teach me whatever you want…

She didn't seem very impressed at first, but she continued to listen to me. I just loved how decisive she was and how she wasn't afraid to say what she wanted or give me orders.

- And we can give each other strength as we achieve our dreams.

Botan looked at me, finally delighted, because I wouldn't give up. I liked the fact that I was taller than her, so I lowered my head slightly, just enough to kiss her button nose.

I also liked how focused and honest she was, because I also acted the same way.

- Come watch my next game - I said - I promise I will win first place next year for you.

That was the first story! Midorima was a character that grew on me as I rewatched the anime.

Next week I'm back with chapter two: Rent-A-Girlfriend - Ryōta Kise