A random belated Aomine birthday scenario appears!

I know it’s a couple
days late and during my AU event, but I wasn’t able to touch base with @hiding-from-senpai
(time zone differences I think) until a day after Aomine’s birthday and didn’t
get my butt around to writing this until now. I didn’t remember until after I
finished that she was supposed to be his best friend so they ended up more acquaintances
from their early days but since it’s almost 11PM and I don’t want another day
to go by I kept it as it is. So, happy belated birthday Aomine!

Here’s what she
requested when I proffered her with the question of what she’d like to read for
Aomine’s birthday since he’s her bae: We
read in canon that Aomine likes writing his memoirs. In this request, he is
already working as a detective. Can we please have an excerpt from a chapter
that he had just finished writing some hours after his birthday has passed (ex.
1am). The subject matter of his entry has to do with recounting events,
specifically his trying to do something major before his birthday — something
that he isn’t sure of to challenge himself. The challenge he set for himself
was to confess to this fem!bestfriend whom he had a crush on since highschool
but he never got the courage to confess because he always thought she was out
of his league. He’s had two failed relationships and some flings and decided
he’s had enough. Please include how he confessed and her reaction. He also
remarks how this is his greatest victory.

Memoir entry August 31^st

I’m not sure what time
it is, late no doubt, or early if I’m being honest. Ever since getting this
job, I feel both more and less observant. More to the things that matter to catch
the bad guys, less to my everyday life because I’m just always so damn tired.
Ironic, really, for a detective as good as I am to miss so many of the clues.

But I’m getting ahead of
myself.

Today (or yesterday
really) was a day built for reflection. For consideration of where I’ve been,
what I’ve done and unsurprisingly of where I’m going. Birthdays will do that to
you, draw up not only the joy of being alive but the reminder that you’re one
year closer to the end, one year closer to the conclusion of your story and doesn’t
everyone want to make it a good one?

I thought I’d found the
secret to a happy, uncomplicated life. I started out seeking some fulfillment
in coupling up only to find it almost impossible given the strain of my job. Most
people aren’t cut out to date a cop, especially one who’s focused on making
detective.

I guess those two gave
it their best shot. I know I’m not the easiest person to get along with on a
good day but add in the stress of training, reports and chasing assholes and
well…I become one pretty damn fast.

But sleeping around wasn’t
helping either, just adding angry texts and crazy bitches pounding at my door because
they couldn’t get it through their stupid heads there wasn’t anything deeper going
with them than a rough fuck.

Now though…now I’ve
finally met my match. Or rather, I’ve become reacquainted with her considering
we’ve known each other through high school. ______ has always been my yard
stick for measuring women, none really being able to hold a candle to her and
that’s where my problem lay. She saw through all my bullshit so plainly that
she scared me. She was almost if not more perceptive than Satsuki and that wasn’t
something I was ready to deal with.

That and she’d most
likely have laughed in my face if I ever did confess. Why would someone as good
as her ever want to be with someone like me?

But this year, I decided
enough was enough. I’ve arrived, top of my unit and continuing to rise but now,
now was the time to look at the other areas of my life I’ve neglected for so
long. I don’t know how I’ve managed to keep my friends but it was good to see
them at my birthday dinner.

It’s weird as fuck to
see Midorima married to his high school sweetheart and that Kagami actually made
it in pro ball. Akashi’s kids look just like him, creepy little fuckers, but
Mursakibara hasn’t changed a bit and that’s strangely comforting. Satsuki
finally nailed Tetsu and they’re getting married next year. Only Kise couldn’t
be there because of a job but he sent a kick ass bottle of scotch to make up
for his absence.

I’ll have to send him
one hell of a thank you in return because it was that bottle that provided the opportunity
to talk to _________ again. After the dinner, I ran into her randomly in the parking
lot and we started talking. She just moved back and is looking for a job. Our
conversation led to the reason of my being where I was and when I mentioned it
was birthday she smiled brightly.

“I’ll have to buy you a
drink,” she exclaimed.

“No need, I’ve got some
right here,” I answered showing her the bottle. Then after a second added, “My
place isn’t too far, care to come over for a shot?”

And that’s how we ended
up on my couch, catching up on all the years we’d been apart. She moved to
Australia to continue her studies and had me rolling with laughter at all her
crazy ass stories from that place. One shot turned to two and then three. I could
feel the alcohol loosening my inhibitions and quelling my nerves. It’s probably
not advisable to confess to your long-time crush while buzzed but it’s what I
did, spitting out randomly, “You know I had a huge crush on you in high school
right?”

She giggled, a sweet
sound I always want to hear. “Really? And here I thought you hated me!”

That got my attention
like a bucket of cold water to the face. “What do you mean? How could you think
I hated you?”

She stuttered slightly,
cheeks turning pink and I know it wasn’t from the scotch. “We-well, you avoided
me a lot. Like, you never seemed to want to talk to me. Not that you really talked
to anyone that much but with me, it just…felt like you were avoiding me on purpose.”

“Shit, I…really?”

She laughed again,
downing another shot then shrugging her shoulders looked me in the eyes. “Yeah,
I mean, I thought maybe the bentos would help clue you in but you never said
anything. And every time I went to a game it’s like you didn’t even see me.” She
looked away to the fire place, its flickering flames dancing on her face. I was
startled to see glistening trails of tears on her cheeks as memory of those days
took hold. She shook her head, wiping them away quickly. “Sorry, old scars. I
don’t want to be a downer on your birthday, Aomine-kun, so I’ll get going.”

She stood but I grabbed
her wrist tugging her back down practically in my lap pulling a startled squeak
from her lips which my eyes locked onto. Leaning forward I whispered, “I wanted
you so bad it hurt but I…I couldn’t…you
were too good.” Closer, breaths mingling, I could feel the thrum of her pulse
against my fingers. “Honestly, I never stopped wanting you, still do as a
matter of fact.”

“Aomine-kun, I think
that’s the scotch talking.” Her tone tried for light, hand pressing against my
chest to push away but I wouldn’t let her go, not when I finally had her in my
arms.

“I’m not drunk, and I’m
not saying these things because I feel bad, although I do, I was an asshole to
you and I’m sorry. But I’m saying these things because they’re true. I…I want
you, _______.”

Her eyes searched mine
for what felt like an eternity but finally, finally
she moved forward and touched her lips to mine. They were petal soft, warm and
sultry, everything I’d imagined but better. The kiss went from sweet to heated
quickly, unsurprisingly because I’m an impatient bastard. Her mouth tasted
faintly of the scotch but was ten times more intoxicating.

I don’t think I’ve ever
had so much fun making out with someone in my life.

And now I’m here,
watching the rise and fall of a blanket where she lies encased in the warmth of
my bed. I’ve accomplished a lot in my life, but being given a place in ________’s
heart to call my own, is the greatest victory I’ve ever known.

Best. Birthday. Ever!

Kurobasweek Day 07: Free Day – “Free Throw”

AU: What if the
Generation of Miracles met before junior high?

“Yes!” Aomine shouts
when another shot makes it in. He dribbles the ball making moves as though to
pass invisible opponents when he’s surprised to actually knock into something
solid. A startled gasp followed by a low groan alerts him to the fact whoever he
ran into is now on the ground. Looking down, he’s surprised to see a shock of
blue hair followed by bright blue eyes when the boy he knocked over looks up at
him.

“Oi, sorry ‘bout that,”
Aomine says with a sheepish grin, “I didn’t see you.” He extends a tanned hand
which is taken by the smaller boy.

“It’s ok, that happens
to me all the time,” he replies as he stands.

Aomine is confused on
how someone who was literally right in front of him could just disappear but he
opts to forgo further investigation in favor of recruiting a player so he’s not
alone. “Well, since you’re here anyway, wanna play?” he asks tossing the ball
in his hand up and catching it on the tip of his finger.

The smaller boy nods
softly. “Great!” Aomine exclaims, then almost as an afterthought asks, “What’s
your name?”

“Kuroko Tetsuya,” is the
reply.

Aomine sticks out his
hand again, shaking the other’s. “Nice to meet you, I’m Aomine Daiki!”

The two play a bit of
one on one though Kuroko struggles to do anything even remotely right. But
instead of being frustrated, Aomine finds himself welcoming the challenge of
teaching someone something. As Kuroko takes another shot that hits the rim
sending the ball backwards to the other end of court, Aomine instructs, “Ok,
you need to hold the ball a bit different. I think you’re putting too much spin
on it.”

Kuroko nods and is about
to turn to retrieve the ball when both boys are startled by it sailing over
their heads and clearing through the hoop with a faint whoosh. Turning around, their eyes land on a green haired
bespectacled boy who’s just as tall as Aomine.

“Wait a second,” the
dark blue haired boy says, “did you make that shot from there?”

The boy nods and Aomine
rushes to him. “That was awesome! Do you want to play?”

At first it looks like
the newcomer is going to decline but the slight gleam in his eyes gives away
the fact that he really does want to join in. So, he nods in affirmation,
following Aomine back to the free throw line where he introduces himself:
Midorima Shintaro.

“Maybe you can help this
guy,” Aomine says flicking a thumb towards Kuroko.

“I highly doubt it,”
mumbles Midorima.

“Hey! Do you guys need
another player?” a shrill voice cries out.

The three on the court
turn their heads bringing into their line of sight an enthusiastic looking
blonde gripping the chain-link fence set around the basketball courts.

“Yeah!” Aomine responds
with a flick of his wrist.

The boy lets loose a
yelp of happiness, rushing to the gate and over to where they stand.

“I’m Kise Ryouta, what
are your names?” he asks excitedly.

After introductions,
it’s decided to have Aomine and Kuroko play against Kise and Midorima. The game
is a bit one sided to the half of the blonde and green haired boys, mostly
because Kuroko has a really hard time keeping up with the running. But Aomine
doesn’t really care since he finally has some people to play with.

Eventually the quad of
boys decides to take a break, mostly so Kuroko can catch his breath.

“Sorry,” he pants
heavily, wiping sweat from his brow, “I just don’t have a lot of stamina.”

“It’s fine,” Aomine says
quickly, “we’re just having fun you know?”

“Care to add two more to
your game?” a voice says from behind.

The four players look
over their shoulders, eyes widening a bit at the sight of a huge purple haired boy standing next to
a shorter red head. It must have been the latter who spoke since the former’s
mouth is full of chips that he crunches.

“Sure,” Aomine answers
standing up. “Who are you guys?”

“I’m Akashi Seijuro and
this is Murasakibara Atsushi, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance…”

“Aomine,” he replies
pointing to the other boys as he introduces them.

Akashi smiles softly,
looking up at his tall companion. “Come on, Murasakibara, put down your chips
and let’s play.”

The purple giant
grumbles but does as instructed, brushing crumbs from his t-shirt as he walks
onto the court. He joins Kise and Midorima while Akashi is with Kuroko and
Aomine. With another player able to score on their team, the blue haired boys
start to close the gap in points between themselves and their opponents.

Akashi, after watching
Kuroko for a while, calls a time out and draws him aside. “Kuroko, I think it
would be better if you focused on passing more. Dribbling is not your strong
suit and your shots are making it harder for us because we have to get their
rebounds,” he says but with a gentleness that takes the sting out of the truth
of his words. Kuroko nods feebly, heading back to where the rest of the boys
stand waiting for them.

After the first pass, he
feels his heart lighten up a bit; he just may be good at something after all.

The six boys play until
almost sun down, each promising to return the following Saturday to play again
and bring someone else if they can so it can be more like a real game. As
Aomine makes his way home, his smile is bright and wide. He really loves this
game and it’s been a lot of fun getting to play with other boys who, while
maybe are not as good as him, take away the loneliness of playing by himself.

He thinks as he bounces
the ball in his hand, “I hope we all end
up at the same school in junior high, we could really dominate if we do!”

Kurobasweek Day 06: Memories – “Many Times Over”

I took a different interpretation
of this day and focused on the families of the main boys.

It wasn’t often the generation of
miracle’s parents were able to make it to their games but for their first
championship they all did their best to be present.

Aomine’s dad smiles proudly
watching his son score point after point, seemingly with little need of help
from his team mates; he has enough talent to do this on his own. But his smile
fades away as the reason his son is this way dawn on him; he’s almost always
alone. Ever since his mother passed, Aomine’s been left to his own devices
because his dad simply can’t be there due to work. Watching him now, he’s happy
to see that he has friends on who he can rely but a nagging feeling in gut
tells him, this joy is not going to last.

Kise’s mom and sisters cheer loudly
next to him, their shrill voices carrying through the din of shouts and
exultations for each team to do their best. His mother winces when he takes an
elbow to the shoulder while getting a rebound, part of wishing Kise had just
stuck to modeling where it was safe. His sisters remember the fun they had
teasing him while they were growing up, making him play dress up with them. He
doesn’t have time anymore for mall crawls and fashion talks, constantly
obsessing over “beating Aomine-cchi”. The three women remember and miss the
childlike innocence Kise possessed before joining this team. It’s still there,
but it’s growing dimmer.

Midorima’s mother and father are
busy people, but his sister whined something fierce about coming to this game
and they couldn’t deny it was important to Midorima’s formative years to have
support from them in something he so enjoys. At least, they think he enjoys it;
it’s always so hard to tell with their stoic son. Shot after shot is made, both
amazed at how far he can stand from the hoop and score. When her son receives a
pat on the back from his captain, Midorima’s mother leans to his father and
says, “Do you remember the struggle we had just to get him to talk to other kids? Look at him now!”
His father nods, pleased to see his son assimilating so well amongst his peers
but he can’t help wondering if something so simple will remain so. Somehow, he
doubts it but doesn’t voice his apprehension.

Murasakibara’s entire family has turned out to watch the youngest
of their brood play in his first championship game. It’s odd to them to see the
normally laziest member of themselves playing such a high energy sport but he’s
doing well, both in defense and offense. “Remember when we couldn’t even get
him out of bed on time for school?” one of his brother’s comments, “Now he’s
actually running!” They all nod, varying degrees of smiles on their faces.
“It’s so nice to see him passionate about something,” his mother coos. She
misses the frustrated look on her son’s face, the tightening of his jaw as he
watches the other team continue to struggle in vain. She doesn’t understand;
he’s not passionate he’s talented and that will lead to his arrogance growing
until these moments of seeming happiness are nothing but a memory.

Akashi doesn’t have to look to the crowd to know his father isn’t
here. He has no interest in his son’s extra circular activity, has no words of
encouragement or praise to offer to his son who has assumed position of
captain. So he pictures his mother, remembers her smile the first time she gave
him a basketball and urged him to “go have fun”. It’s a bittersweet memory but
one he cherishes nonetheless. It floats away to return to the back of his mind,
a comforting blanket he uses in secret whenever he feels the need for
validation.

Kuroko looks up from the bench, able to spot his mom quickly and
sends her a discrete wave before turning his attention back to the court. She
clenches her hands together, anxiety rolling in her stomach. She isn’t naïve to
her son’s struggles with stamina and talent when it comes to this game, which
is why she was so surprised when he announced he’d made it to first string.
Despite her pride in how far he’s comes, she can’t help worrying that maybe he
isn’t ready for it. But as he takes to the court and dominates the passing
game, her eyes grow wide, tears brimming their rims as she watches him excel. All her doubts melt away and she stands up
cheering for him loudly making all the spectators around her wonder who she’s
calling out to, but she doesn’t care. She
can see her son clearly and while he may be called a shadow, he’s the light of
her life.

Kurobasweek – Day 05: Scenery – “Let’s Enjoy The View”

The day after Seirin’s
victory to claim title of Winter Cup Champion, Riko was walking towards the
gym, head filled with new training regiments, dietary plans, and just how she
was going to manage without Kiyoshi being there.

The squealing of over
enthusiastic females coupled with the surprised grunts of male voices caught
her attention. Looking forward, she could see her whole team standing in front
of the gym practically surrounded by an ever-growing crowd of students, mostly
consisting of girls’ voices overlapping one another.

“Kagami-kun, you were so
amazing yesterday!”

“Izuki-san, how did you
steal the ball after they passed you already?”

“Mitobe-san, are you
gonna be the starting center now?”

“Hyuga-san, don’t look
so serious! You should be celebrating!”

Even Kuroko was managing
to garner attention, a bright blush on his cheeks as one girl leaned in a bit
too close.

All the boys weren’t
sure what to do, having never really garnered this level of attention, at least
not at close range, particularly with girls. They looked a bit more comfortable
answering questions from the guys, some apparently interested in joining the
team, though Riko doubted they were aware of just how much work went into it
and were most likely just wanting to hang on the coat tails of their
predecessors’ success!

Rolling up her sleeves,
the coach made to stride forward only to feel a steady, firm hand on her
shoulder stopping her progress. Looking up sharply, she found Teppei there, his
usual soft smile on his face.

“Let them be Riko,” he
said, a low chuckle in his throat. Drawing her closer, he went on, “We’ve
worked hard to reach the mountain top. Let’s
enjoy the view, eh?”

Riko huffed. “Fine,
baka, but they’re getting extra laps for delaying practice.”

Kiyoshi smiled wider
when the crowd finally took notice of their presence and a few girls rushed
Riko, questions and comment flying quicker than she could blink.

“Aida-san! You’re so
lucky to be surrounded by such handsome men!”

“How do you keep them in
line?”

“Do you need a manager
this year?”

As Riko spluttered her
replies, Kiyoshi slowly retreated backwards, taking in the sight one last time
before he turned to leave. It was a memory he would keep with him while he was
in America.

So fourth day is about victory, rite? I thought myb putting in other victories in their life like their biggest achievement, their first job, their first love, their wedding day and so on and on and when they look at it they start pitying the narrow view of victory they had in their teens

Day 04: Victory – “We’ll Become The Best”

Thank you for the suggestion anon! I loved the
interpretation of this theme and really hope you like what I came up with based
off your idea!

Victory

1: the overcoming of
an enemy or antagonist

2: achievement of
mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties

Kuroko smiles warmly, sincere joy on his face as he stares
down at his new born son; he has his father’s eyes which are wide open and full
of curiosity. Nuzzling his nose, father whispers to son, “I don’t know what I’m
doing but I promise to become the best father I can be for you.”

Kise takes a deep breath working to calm his nerves. He’s
never had stage fright or performance anxiety, always overtly confident in
everything he’s ever done. But as he slips the small velvet box open and shut
one last time he feels his heart racing; this isn’t a game, it isn’t a stage
and there’s no one to copy.

He’s all on his own.

The night goes off perfectly and as he takes a knee before
the woman who’s captured his heart for good he says through tears of his own, “I’ll
never stop working to be the best husband for you, if you’ll have me.”

Midorima has always known the value of hard work. Natural
talent helps but it can only take you so far. That’s why he never stopped
practicing even when everyone else did, why he always to this day makes sure to
have his lucky item so he can say he’s literally done everything he can to
succeed. As he grips his doctorate, a wealth of new ambition surges through his
chest and he knows without doubt that hard work and dedication will lead him to
become the best heart surgeon in the country.

Aomine has trouble remembering joy, that deep seated feeling
of happiness outside of circumstances. It’s been so long since its touched his
life. But now, looking at dozens of hope, fear and excitement filled young
faces, he remembers the elation he felt the first time he touched a basketball.
“Consider yourselves lucky brats,” he announces after roll call, “Cause you’re
gonna be working with the best coach you’ll ever have!”

Akashi understands pressure, more so than most people his
age. He had to grow up quickly and for the most part, alone. He pushed down
feels of inferiority exerting his will to dominate things which for normal
people would be out of their control. But even he couldn’t avoid a fall of ill
fate forever. But now, having regained the part of himself he lost, he
understands that adversity (and failure) is something to be appreciated, because
through them one’s character can grow. So when he found himself wishing he’d
had someone to remind him of that while growing up, it set him on a new path in
life for good. And as he stands before a
line of boys who’ve suffered the same loss as himself, he takes a deep breath,
internally vowing, “I will be the best
group therapist there is.”

Murasakibara surprises everyone when he leaves Japan after
high school and heads of to France. When asked about his choice in destination,
he replied simply, “It’s where the best pastries are.” Eventually he falls into
culinary school only to drop out and start working at a local pastry shop to
learn from a true master who takes him under his wing. His appearance garners a
wealth of attention which drives the sales through the roof pretty much sealing
his fate as a well-known apprentice. Now completed with his training, he
returns to his home country, and for the first time in his life truly has something
he’s passionate about. “I’m going to become the best and most well-known pastry
chef in Japan,” he affirms to Himuro.

The generation of miracles stand together in a large park,
Kuroko smiling as Kise’s fiancé holds his blued eyed baby boy cooing at him and
making him giggle.

“Looks like I know what’s next for you, Kise-kun,” he
teases.

Kises laughs, a light blush coming on his cheeks. “Kuroko-cchi!
Not so loud! You’re gonna give her ideas!”

“I think the idea is already planted,” Akashi remarks with a
small smile. He casts his eyes to the basketball court, pleased to see his
group of boys getting along so well with the few from Aomine’s team that happened
to be at the park today, all of them getting coached by the former ace of Too.

“It’s weird to see Mine-chin with kids,” Murasakibara
comments.

The rest of the groups nods as

Midorima

replies, “He only
does so well because Momoi-san still keeps him in line. Those two are attached
at the hip I believe.”

“Well, they will be if Aomine-cchi ever gets his act together
and proposes! The poor thing’s been waiting forever,” whines Kise.

A rough shout of, “Hey!” calls all their attention. Walking
over and down the crest of a hill comes Kagami, fresh from America on a break
during the off season. He reaches the group, extending proper greetings to them
all before sending a wave to Aomine who pretends to ignore him.

“Still an ass, I see,” mutters the basketball star.

“Aomine-kun is Aomine-kun,” Kuroko sighs taking back his son
to pass him to his best friend. “So you did it,” he continues, watching as
Kagami attempts to hold the baby comfortably and failing miserably.

As he returns him to his father, Kagami asks, “Did what?”

“You became the best.”

Looking around the group of faces, knowing where each of
them has ended up, Kagami splutters with a red face, “We all did, just in…different
ways.”

Kurobasweek Day 03: Defeat – “It Really Is Frustrating”

Kasamatsu sighs heavily, placing the washed and folded number
four jersey into Hayakawa’s locker; it’s really over. He doesn’t think he’ll
ever get the sound of the final buzzer of his last game as Kaijo’s captain out
of his mind and for all the wrong reasons.

They were supposed to win damn it!

His fist hits the harsh
metal of the locker, the angry strike reverberating through his nerves. He
bites back tears, unwilling to cry any more than he already has and flops onto
the bench. His eyes wander around, taking in the sight of a room filled with so
many memories. These walls have heard it all: encouragement, cursing, vows,
broken promises, laughter and cries of victory.

He gets up, striding into the gym, the feel of his street
clothes heavy on his body. The first and second years are there, running drills
and trying to keep up with their new captain’s rapid speech.

A bitter, incredulous laugh leaves his lips as he thinks
about what awaits him when he leaves this place for the last time. College
entrance exams, moving away if he gets in where he wants to, harder classes, speculation on whether he’ll have time for basketball, it’s all suddenly looming over him.

Three years sure went by fast and he knows he has too many
regrets for someone so young, the weight of defeat bearing down with renewed vigor
because there’s no more second chances, no more practice with this team to get
it just right, no more time.

Kasamatsu grunts to himself, “It really is frustrating,” before turning on his heel and walking
out of the gym doors.

Kurobasweek – Day 02: Omake – “Time Out”

Thank you to @rock-n-magick for the great suggestion for this day!

Kuroko’s phone rings, the loud sound piercing the dead of
the night rousing him out of his slumber. His groggy, “Hello?” is answered
by heavy breathing. Glancing at the display Kuroko furrows his brow in concern.
“Kagami-kun?”

“Kuroko,” the ace whispers harshly,“ I need
your help! Get over here as fast as you can!”

“What’s wrong?” Kuroko asks through a yawn.

“He’s in my apartment,” Kagami replies voice rough
with fear.

This catches Kuroko’s full attention. “Who is, what’s
going on? Are you ok?”

“No! That’s why I’m calling you! Just get your ass down
here!”

“Kagami-” Kuroko begins but is cut off with a
hasty, “I’ve gotta go, he’ll hear! Just hurry!”

With that, the line goes dead. Kuroko is tempted to call back
and scold him for playing around but the more he thinks about it the quicker he
argues himself away from that possibility; Kagami doesn’t play pranks. Yawning
again, Kuroko gets dressed and hurries to the station, lucky to find the 24-hour
line at his stop. He makes it to Kagami’s neighborhood and jogs to his complex.

Upon reaching his floor, Kuroko takes quick steps from the
elevator to Kagami’s door. He’s about to knock when he thinks better of it. If
there really is an intruder he doesn’t want to alert him to his presence, best
to use his lack thereof to sneak up on him. He uses the spare key given to him
by Kagami and opens the door only to find said man cowering in the corner with
a mid-size dog between him and the door.

Kagami’s look of relief would be comical if it weren’t so
sincere.

“Kagami-kun,” Kuroko begins slowly, trying not to laugh but
failing, “why is there a dog in your apartment?”

“Because the damn thing followed me home!” he shouts red
faced.

“Really? Why?” Kuroko asks striding forward, hand
outstretched to the red furred creature that is eyeing him with a mixture of
curiosity and caution.

“How the hell should I know? One second I’m walking down the
street mindin’ my own business, the next this dumb ass almost runs into
traffic!” Kagami steps forward a bit when the dog inches closer to Kuroko,
sniffing his hand. “So I grabbed him by the,” he motions helplessly at his neck
searching for the right word.

“The scruff?” Kuroko supplies and Kagami nods rapidly.

“Yeah, that, and hauled him back just as he was about to get
hit!” Kagami sits down on the couch, watching Kuroko stroking the dog. “Then
the stupid thing started following me home!”

Kuroko chuckles, “Looks
like you’re his hero then. Why on earth did you let him in?”

“I didn’t! He just barged in!”

Kuroko sighs continuing to pet the stray. “He looks like he’s
in pretty decent shape all things considered,” he mutters. “Did you feed him?
Give him water?”

Kagami looks like he’s about to have an aneurism. “Why on
earth would I do that?!”

“Because it’s the responsible thing to do, Kagami-kun.”

“Yeah, well, it’ll also make’em think he’s staying, which he
isn’t,” Kagami says firmly eyeing both his friend and the unwelcomed “guest”.

“Well, he’s too big for me to take home, plus I doubt #2
will appreciate any competition for scraps.”

Kagami’s eyes open wide. “Hold on, wait, time out! He’s perfect for
you Kuroko! #2 could have…a…a…a sidekick! Yeah, he’d love that, wouldn’t he?”

“No,” Kuroko deadpans standing up. But when he sees again
just how scared Kagami is to have a dog even near him, let alone staying at his
apartment, he takes pity on him. “Look, it’s late and I don’t feel like waiting
for another train to go back home. I’ll crash on your couch and keep him
occupied. Tomorrow, we can take him to the pound. I’m sure someone’s looking
for him.”

Mollified by Kuroko’s offer, Kagami nods his head, uttering some
mumbled thanks before rapidly retreating to his bedroom, slamming then locking
the door. Kuroko curls up on the couch, the mutt settling on the floor next to
him.

The next morning, Kuroko wakes up early, taking the dog to
the local shelter. He hopes they’ll be able to find him a home soon because he
really is a nice dog.

A week later at practice, Kiyoshi announces he has a new
friend he’d like them all to meet. The entire team is shocked when a bright red
dog bounds across the gym knocking Kagami down and licking his face amongst his
screams for mercy.

“Where did you find that thing?” Hyuga asks scowling at him.

“The shelter, my grandma wants a dog for protection and he
looked like the perfect choice,” the taller male rumbles.

“Why was that?” Riko asks confused.

Kiyoshi smirks, watching Kagami trying to shimmy up the
basketball hoop pole. “Because he reminds me of someone I trust,” responds the
former ace of Seirin.

Kurobasweek 2017 – Day 1: Team “Our Basketball”

Day 01: Team –
“Our Basketball”

Kawahara’s chest felt like it was going to burst. A
throbbing tempo beat against his temple but he kept running. Ahead he could see
Kagami with the third years while he and the rest of the seconds were
struggling to keep up the pace. His legs ached and he was sure his toes were
blistered and bleeding by now. Soon enough he fell behind the group, even
Kuroko was ahead of him, and inhaled a deep breath.

He closed his eyes, slowing his pace further. Why was he
trying to hard? It’s wasn’t like he’d be off the bench any time soon, especially
with Koga honing his shots. Depressed thoughts consuming his consciousness,
Kawahara slowed to a walk. He felt just like last year when the temptation to
quit almost overwhelmed him.

A moment later, a hard hit to his back jarred him out of his
dark considerations.

“Come on,” Fukuda said, shoving him forward.

“Yeah, no slacking!” chimed in Furihata.

Kawahara groaned but picked the pace back up, the three of
them closing the distance to join the rest of the team.

“Alright, shooting drills!” shouted Riko when they made it
back to the gym.

Kawahara picked up a ball, bouncing it idly as he watched
the rest of the team moving about the court. Kagami was giving Kuroko a hard
time about his many missed shots earning a yell from Hyuga and a smack to the
back of the head from coach. The familiar scene made the small forward smirk.

His eyes moved to his fellow first years, the guys he’d
joined the team with. They’d all managed to get off the bench at least once
last season and now were pushing each other to get better, to not roll over and
just give away starter spots.

He couldn’t let them down by giving up now.

Taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, Kawahara lined up
his shot, muttering something under his breath.

“What’d you say?” Koga asked sidling up next to him.

Kawahara looked at him, a friendly challenge in his eyes. He
pivoted, shooting the ball and nailing a perfect three-pointer. Looking back at
Koga he affirmed, “It’s our basketball,
too.”