Hurt   von Gepo
                           (A realistic Omegaverse)
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                          Kapitel 3: Getting together
                          ---------------------------


“I think you learned to pass from every available angle.” Otsubo shook his
head but smiled. “By now you can pass into his jump when he hasn't even lifted
from the ground behind your back. That is simply amazing.”
“It would be more amazing if I wasn't the only one able to do that.” Takao
confronted their captain. “If I got injured or sick, this team would be
completely dysfunctional. Of course I am everyone's link as your point guard but
you all need to train on passing between each other. I can't be the only one to
pass a ball to Shin-chan.”
“That is correct.” His boyfriend nodded.
“And right back at you! You need to learn to pass to others and trust your
teammates.” Everyone drew in a sharp breath at Takao's words.
Shin-chan simply lowered his head and pouted. He was cute like that. Takao
patted his head for not immediately reacting with refusal. All their teammates
simply stared in a mixture of shock and astonishment.
“That is most true, Takao. Thank you for bringing that up. We will use our
summer camp this year to focus on passing and teamwork. Your basics are great
but as Takao mentioned he is the only one working as a team player. So some of
our time will be spend on trust exercises.”
“Coach?” Their captain looked at the older man with dread. “Trust
exercises with Midorima? That … really?”
“What are trust exercises?” Shin-chan asked Takao.
“Things like letting yourself fall and others catching you and stuff.
Exercises where you are forced to trust in others. It doesn't hurt but it will
most likely be quite disturbing for you.” He laid a hand on his shoulder.
“I'll be with you, don't worry.”
“I think that is one of the most horrible things coach can come up with.”
Kimura said. “Except for Takao, we will all be miserable.”
“Ah, don't be like that. In the end it will be fun.” He grinned. “We could
even prepare ourselves for it. How about an evening of karaoke?”
“Karaoke?” Miyagi looked at Shin-chan in doubt. “Do you know any pop
songs?”
“Kazu makes me listen to them when I am at his house.” His boyfriend raised
an eyebrow at Takao. “That does not mean I can sing along to them. I can only
sing Enka.”
“You can actually sing?” He asked in surprise.
“My family specializes in tea ceremony. I can sing Enka, do fan dances and
serve tea.”
“No way!” He blinked. “How come I didn't know that?”
“You never asked.” Shin-chan actually smiled. “And you do not have a
professional tea set at your place.”
“I direly need to buy that.” Takao inclined his head to the side. “You
know, I wanted the others to come to karaoke to relax a bit around you but now I
am actually curious to hear you sing. Are you good?”
“I was trained in it. What do you think?” Ah, Shin-chan was showing his
arrogant self again. Of course he had trained to perfection, just like with
anything he did. Tea ceremony suited him, it was a precise art.
“So, who else wants to hear Shin-chan sing?” Takao turned with a grin.
“Well … it sounds better than doing trust exercises. What do you think?”
Miyagi turned to their other two starters.
“I'm in.” Kimura said, the other nodded.

Wow. He hadn't expected that. They were all clapping wildly. Shin-chan wasn't
only good, he was really great. If he wasn't a genius and a pro basketball
player, he could be a singer without problem. It was unbelievable what the guy
could do.
“And here I thought you had no emotions. Songs about loneliness are definitely
your thing.” Miyagi stood to shake Shin-chan's hand. “I am sorry if I ever
insulted you, carelessly thinking you would not feel it anyway.”
His boyfriend simply blinked in confusion.
“Thank you, Miyagi. Some of your words hurt and I am happy I could get across
that I am a human being like everyone else.” Takao said over Shin-chan's
shoulder mimicking Shin-chan's voice.
“Oi!” The bigger one turned.
“Someone has to represent your human side, Shin-chan. It's because you never
let them see you cry or hurt that they think like that.” His boyfriend seemed
to decide that silence was the best course of action, so Takao let him sit.
“Now, who is next?”
“You are.” Otsubo gave him a microphone.
“Well, I am not as good as you, Shin-chan.” Takao winked at him. “But I
specialize in love songs. You can learn to sing about something other than
loneliness.”
“I guess it is not exactly easy to feel lonely with that guy at your side.”
Miyagi sat next to Midorima.
“Not when we are alone at least.” The bigger one studied his captain for a
moment. “I still feel disconnected from everyone else. But Takao helps a
lot.”
“So you are interested in other people?” Miyagi looked surprised. “You
never gave off that feeling.”
“I never understood what was positive about talking to others when it was not
about achieving some kind of goal. But Takao never stops talking and somehow I
learned to like the chatter.”
“So put in one, you have no clue how to talk to people?” Miyagi spoke
without any accusation in his words.
“Pretty much.”
“Huh … I am beginning to see what Takao sees in you. Even though I still
don't understand why he bothers with you. But I guess if it is true you really
perfect everything you do, you must at least be quite skilled in bed.”
“That's not what we are about.” Shin-chan straightened. “Kazu has the same
trust issues I do. He simply has another way to deal with them. Do you really
think you know him? Then think again.”
Miyagi blinked in confusion. It took a moment before he spoke again: “I
instinctly wanted to disagree but you are right. He seems like an open and
outgoing person but he is close to no one but you. So I guess you know what you
talk about.”
“Yeah, I've never seen Takao with anyone but you. You seem to be his whole
focus in life.” Kimura leaned nearer. “Sometimes I asked myself if he might
secretly be an Omega or something. It is unusual for a Beta to focus on a person
like that.”
“True … since that day I threatened to throw him off the team and he bit my
head off, he has been offensive in his affection towards you. He does not hold
back at all, he simply refrains from openly kissing you. But anyone could see
you are a couple.” Otsubo said and seemed to collect his thoughts. “You know
that gay players are not taken on as JBL players? If you stay with him, you
won't have a career in basketball.”
“If they don't want me it's their loss. My parents want me to study medicine
at Todai anyway.”
That left all three with their jaw hanging open.
“Oi, Shin-chan!” Takao put down his microphone, the song had just finished
anyway. “Have you said something rude?”
“I am not aware that I did.” His boyfriend answered.
“That does not mean you didn't. What has he said?” He turned to Miyagi who
was normally the most coherent.
“He says he does not need to play for the JBL, he can study medicine at
Todai.” The blond shook his head. “Is he for real?”
“He is simply stating facts. Shin-chan finished our last exams as one of the
top ten in the country.” Takao sat on Shin-chan's other side. “He's a super
genius and a great athlete.”
“If you were an Omega or a woman I would completely understand the allure but
his genes won't exactly help, you cannot get pregnant, Takao.”
“Shame that.” Still he only shrugged. “I like Shin-chan a lot anyway.”
Miyagi couldn't seem to find anything to say to that. Kimura saved the situation
by asking: “Does anyone want ice-cream? I'll get some.”
“Matcha for Shin-chan and vanilla for me, please.” Takao, who nearly laid in
his boyfriend's lap to talk with others, looked up. “Now I know why you always
get matcha. Do you even know any other flavors?”
“Why should I try? I like matcha. It is healthy.”
“Kimura, if they have chocolate, bring a choco one as well. Better yet, I am
coming with you. Shin-chan has to try every flavour they have.”
His boyfriend only sighed deeply. Still, he would try. After all, he was a
tsundere. Takao wished he could kiss him in public.

“Takao?” Shin-chan inquired on their way home. By now he spent half the week
at Takao's place anyway, his mother did not worry anymore. “Why is everyone so
sure that you bottom when we have sex? Is it so strange that I like it?”
“Not at all.” He smiled to the taller one. “Most Alphas are simply too
proud to even consider not topping for once. After all, topping is an instinct
for Alphas. I guess we Betas never think about the fact that someone could want
to act against their instincts until we are confronted with it.”
“So you expected me to top as well? Are you dissatisfied with-”
“Please don't even finish that question, it is absurd.” Takao went serious
for once. “Sex with you is the best, among other things we can do together.
Really, Shin-chan, sleeping with you is the absolute bliss. I completely forget
why I was ever into women.”
“Really?” The other seemed surprised.
“Nothing beats your muscles, your smooth skin and those cute little noises you
make right before you come. For me, you are the best ever. I hope that never has
to change.”
“You aren't growing bored of me? It's been two months after all. Your
girlfriends never lasted more than a week.”
“That should tell you that you are nothing like them.” Takao stopped
suddenly and took his boyfriend's hand. “I might sound very cheesy now but
this is important, so listen. You are great in bed, don't worry. But more
important than that is the fact that I love you. Even if you did not have this
perfect body or couldn't move or I don't know what, it would still be great
because it is you.”
Sadly it was too dark but he was sure that Shin-chan had a slight blush on his
cheeks. Hell, even Takao might be blushing, this was damn embarrassing. But with
Shin-chan you simply had to be honest. He would misunderstand everything else.
“Can we continue home?” The other shyly asked.
Takao was glad they were still standing or he would have stumbled at those
words. Home? Had Shin-chan really just called his flat home? His grin could not
be tamed when he answered: “Yeah, let's go home.”

“Shutoku team members, please gather.” They followed their coach's order and
came to stand in front of him. “As you know, this team is about tradition and
we have been visiting the same training camp for over ten years now. This year
we have been met with an obstacle though. Another group already booked the guest
house. They have only smaller rooms available now, so no more than the main team
and our bench will be able to go. As an apology to the rest of you, we will hold
a party where all of you are invited.”
“Yes, a party!” Takao grinned.
“You are too happy for this world.” One or two shook their heads in humor.
“Come on, it's a high-school party. You smuggle a lot of alcohol, call a
stripper or two-”
“Takao Kazunari, there are first-years … oh well, I momentarily forgot you
are one as well. Where do you come up with such ideas?” Their coach shook his
head, definitely not in humor.
“The world is such a lonely place without a cute female manager … why are we
the only top high school team without any female support?”
“Well … err.” Their coach looked around as if suddenly looking for one.
“Didn't we have one?”
“She graduated last year, coach.” An older student said.
“Really? I must be getting old.” The man sighed. “Whatever, come see me
after practice for the room arrangements.”
“I hope we can get a two-bedroom.” He said to his boyfriend.
“We are going there for training, you pervert.” Shin-chan did not sound too
annoyed though.
“Oh, I am all for physical exercise.” He grinned. “You are a great partner
to train with after all. All those special moves they have given us...”
“Just shut up.” Shin-chan still smiled faintly.

It was great meeting Kuroko and Kagami at the guest house. Takao gave them a
thumbs up and a thanks, even though they did not know for what. One evening he
actually had the chance to chat with Kuroko a bit while Kagami was still out
running. Secretly watching their boyfriends had forged enough of a bond for him
to freely talk to the smaller boy.
So he learned that Kagami was in fact not mated to Kuroko. Though he planned on
asking Kagami, he wanted to do so after he was sure he could stand the
“red-haired idiot” (his own words) for a lifetime. It got Takao thinking. He
was pretty sure he wanted to spend his life with Shin-chan but he had never even
considered doing something about it. It was not as if they could mate. They also
couldn't marry. Was there anything they could do? He would have to consider it
further.
But before any of that, he would concentrate on the Winter Cup. Of course about
two weeks before the event, the worst happened and Shin-chan caught a cold. The
team went into a panic, showering him with fruits, medicine and well-wishes to
last a lifetime for his boyfriend. So he decided to pay Shin-chan's home a
visit.
Before he had always stopped in front of the gate, never entering the premises.
He didn't know what he had expected. The Midorima family was into tea ceremony,
so of course they would have a traditional house, maybe even a tea parlor or a
restaurant. He did not expect an old samurai mansion though. Not only a mansion,
it was a two yard house, more expensive than anything Takao had ever seen in
Tokio except for the Emperor's palace. The place was huge! Not only did it have
two inner yards, it had a front yard and a surrounding garden. It was beautiful.
The flowers were still in bloom at the same time that the leaves turned yellow.
A paradise of golden hues and orange filled his surroundings, stopping him in
his tracks.
“May I help you, dear?” A regal woman in a kimono asked him.
“Ah, I am deeply sorry for intruding.” He bowed down low. “My name is
Takao Kazunari. I was sent by the Shutoku basketball team to bring their
well-wishes and gifts for your son's speedy recovery.” At least he hoped
Shin-chan was her son and he had not unwillingly insulted a cousin of some
sorts.
“That is most kind.” She smiled which lit up her whole face. “Would you
accompany me to the kitchen, so that we can prepare some of that delicious
looking melon?”
“Of course, Madam.” He stepped out of his shoes in their entryway and
followed her.
“Takao-kun, you said? So you are the boy our son spends all his time with
lately?”
“That is correct.” What could he say? “He tutors me and we play games
sometimes.”
“I hope he is not intruding too much. He has good manners but sometimes he
seems unable to correctly judge other people and overstays his welcome.” They
entered the kitchen where Shin-chan's mother bound up her kimono arms.
“Please do not worry, he is polite to a fault. He is more than welcome at my
place.” He tried to assure her.
“Your place?” She turned to him, a questioning look in her eyes.
“Yes, I am living by myself. My father currently works in another city and
changed his living place accordingly. My mother passed away.” Or something
like that. She left with a lot of money, never to be seen again. She was dead to
him at least.
“I am sorry, dear.” She had a sympathetic smile that seemed genuine. “In
that case I am happy to know my son spends you company.”
“Yes, I am really thankful actually. It gets lonely in that flat without
him.”
“So that is why he also spends his nights. I feared he was into girls now but
I did not actually believe that to be true. So I was unsure about his
reasons.” Her smile grew wider. “It is a relief to finally talk to you. I
was so afraid Shin-chan was doing something dangerous.”
“You also call him Shin-chan?” Takao smiled as well. “I started doing that
to signal him he was behaving alright because he was unable to sense that
himself. By now I rarely ever call him Midorima, he is a fast learner.”
“I am happy to hear someone is looking after him.” She took the melon and
began slicing it. “He behaves perfectly as long as everyone follows the old
etiquette. But as soon as someone oversteps, he becomes unable to deal with
that. I fear today's high-schools are full of people who never even learned
those rules.”
“Yes, he was quite lost in the beginning.” Shin-chan's mother seemed aware
of her son's shortcomings though she had nice words for it.
“I fear we were unable to give him a good guiding example how to interact with
the outside world. My life is spent in these walls and my husband holds tea
ceremonies here and outside. For hundreds of years our family has followed the
samurai path until we changed to tea ceremonies after the Meiji revolution. We
mostly marry into or from other such families or temples. It is a reclusive
life-style that might seem backwards to modern people like you.” She looked at
him. “For us it is keeping a tradition that is dying in modern times. We try
to keep the life of our ancestors alive.”
“That sounds most honorable.” Wow. Shin-chan was from a really, really
strict family. Suddenly his behavior seemed completely normal. “Shin-chan
hasn't told me much about his family. I just learned a few weeks ago that he had
learned tea ceremony and other skills at a young age. I heard him sing once, it
was beautiful.”
“He has a great voice, doesn't he?” Her smile was brilliant. “He is not
the most social but has a reliable, giving nature. I always fear that people
might exploit that but on the other hand, he is an Alpha, so I guess he can fend
for himself.”
“If not, I do it for him.” He couldn't stop himself from uttering that. Of
course she had looked up at that, who wouldn't? He must sound extremely blunt in
her opinion. “I am protective exactly because he has such a beautiful soul. He
learned to be arrogant and mean to keep others off but that is not him. I like
it when he acts like himself and trusts me to keep others from thinking him weak
because of that.”
“I thought a lot about what a friend of my son might be like. I always guessed
it would be someone he could open up to, someone reliable and deeply caring. I
guess I was right.” She put the melon on a plate. “I just did not think he
would be able to find such a person so early.” She turned to him. “It takes
a lot of personal growth to forge such a deep bond. Most teenagers would shy
from it.”
“He is worth overcoming such childish fears for.” If he really wanted to
have a marriage like bond with Shin-chan one day, this would be the person he
had to impress. In such families, women seemed devote but were the ones who
influenced their husbands' decision a lot as far as he knew. This might be the
deciding moment for their future. She had already told him she expected her son
to marry a girl of her choosing. Now it was his turn to show her that might not
be the only option. He had an inkling that in the end, Shin-chan would follow
his mother's word no matter what. It seemed he was brought up like that. So his
only option for keeping Shin-chan was to show his mother that he might be worth
consideration.
“I'll show you to his room. He will like the company.”
Takao smiled. It might take years to persuade her but he had made a step in the
right direction.

“Are you sure you can play?”
“We are playing Seirin, it is not like I could sit this out.” Shin-chan
sighed. “I trained my endurance for months. A small cold which should be at an
end anyway will not keep me from playing.”
“I just worry.” Takao knelt in front of his boyfriend. “I know we cannot
win this without you but I rather lose this tournament than to see you harmed.
You know that you can get a heart infection from playing while you are still
sick. If you feel dizzy, I want you out, do you hear me? No matter if we lose
than. I rather lose a game than you.”
“I will look after myself.” Shin-chan promised.
Takao played with a strand of green hair in thought. Was it really alright? He
knew Shin-chan was stubborn but he could persuade him if he really wanted to.
Maybe he should press his point if his boyfriend looked as if he needed a break.
Playing Kagami would be hell. He'd give him a nice hot bath tonight.
“I know you are in love and such but could you please be a bit less
lovey-dovey? There are people without girlfriends present.”
“Go out and have your pick.” He gave his captain a certain look. “Easier
yet, take one of the lot that is after my boyfriend. You can keep them all.”
“You'll have to fend those off for the rest of your life.” Kimura smiled.
“At least there have been less and less the last few weeks.”
“They seem to be finally getting the hint. As if the first fifty weren't a
clue he might not be interested in dating.” Takao rolled his eyes.
“Well, he was. Just not into girls.” Miyagi shrugged. “Every girl thinks
she might be special, might be the one. They are not like we guys. We are
exchangeable and we know it.”
“With the right person you are never exchangeable.” Shin-chan said and
stunned everyone with that. “Neither boy nor girl. If it is love, you will be
special for the other person forever, no matter how ordinary you might be.”
“Could you turn for a second and pretend you don't know I am kissing him?”
Takao asked his teammates.
Miyagi sighed deeply but turned his back to them to rummage in his bag. He took
that as a sign of approval, so he leaned up and pressed his lips against
Shin-chan's briefly. They had never actually outed themselves but in the last
few months one had to be blind not to see the obvious. They weren't exactly
hiding their relationship either. So the others had more or less accepted them.
It was a great feeling to be able to freely love Shin-chan. He hoped they would
never have to stop.

“I can't believe this is going to be the first match.” Takao shook his head,
still in shock even after they had taken their seats and saw the teams bow.
“Who starts with Seirin versus Touou as the first match? Are they after the
press this match generates?”
“It will certainly be a high-class match and distinguish the Winter Cup from
the InterHigh. It is not a bad choice for an opener, people will want to come
back after that.”
“But I rooted for Kuroko. It is … I mean, they won't beat Aomine's team,
won't they?” He looked to his boyfriend.
“Touou is a team of specialists who play well together. It would give old
Teiko a good match if that was possible, at least the team of second grade.
Seirin has good teamwork but their individual skill is mostly good at best.
Kagami and Kuroko are special, Kiyoshi and Hyuga are exceptional and Izuki is
good but their opponents are all exceptional to special. With a lot of luck they
may win but only if they found a way to stop Aomine. And I fear to experience
what a developed Aomine looks like.”
While they talked, the game had already progressed to the second quarter.
“Say, this tension ...” Shin-chan made an appreciative noise when Takao
searched for words. “I don't know, doesn't Kagami look extremely on edge? Even
more than the normal “I am playing a miracle” tension?”
“I don't think he has taken kindly to Aomine humiliating Kuroko. Here you see
two Alphas fighting over an Omega with a basketball.” Shin-chan sighed.
“This will turn ugly.”
“Were Aomine and Kuroko … an item of some sort?” While Takao asked, their
teammates leaned over to hear as well.
“I am sure that Kuroko was infatuated with Aomine at some point. But Aomine
behaved like the ass- I mean … he wasn't very polite.”
Takao was already laughing and the others snickering at least.
“Oh, shut up.” Shin-chan crossed his arms. “Aomine has a bad personality.
I could give you some examples but most of them are highly private. Just believe
me when I tell you that you can't imagine how bad he can get. He hurt Kuroko a
lot. I was so angry once I physically attacked him. Sadly he is stronger than
me.”
“He made you mad enough that you … what? Punched him?” The blackhaired
smiled.
“No, I tried to snap his neck and when he dodged I got his arm and nearly
broke it. I was seriously trying to kill or at least physically maim him
forever.” The tallest one gauged their reactions, seeing them all looking
aghast. “I didn't work. He was close to breaking my throwing hand when Akashi
stepped in.” He held up his taped left hand. “Since then we haven't been on
good terms.”
“That is the understatement of the year.” Takao shook his head. “Do you
think Kagami knows? Is that why he is so keen on beating Aomine?”
“If Kagami knew what Aomine did to Kuroko, they would not play basketball over
it. If someone did to you what Aomine did to Kuroko, I'd kill him, stronger or
not.”
“Was it rape?” Miyagi whispered.
“Rape is nothing against it, believe me. And I am not belittling rape with
that. It was just that horrible. As I said, you don't want to know because your
minds would never come up with it anyway and it should stay like that.” The
other took a deep breath. “But I think Kagami can feel that there was
something very serious going on between them. It is Kuroko's wish that he beats
Aomine and I am sure Kagami will surpass himself to do just that. To Kuroko,
this is the most important game they will ever play. They will both give it
their all because for Kuroko his sanity might be on the line.”
“That serious?” Takao studied the players closer. Kuroko indeed looked
extremely unhappy on the bench.
“I am not one for melodramatics.” Shin-chan took his hand and interlaced
their fingers. “You know what Kuroko went through to get here. Aomine is the
reason he lived through it all.”
“He is unbelievably strong.”
“Rather he is close to his breaking point. They either win this game or I fear
we might lose the Kuroko we know over it. If they lose, he will simply give
up.” The taller one seemed pensive.
“I direly hope Seirin wins.” He leaned nearer and whispered into his
boyfriend's ear. “Will you tell me what Aomine did?”
“No.” Shin-chan squeezed his hand. “I won't burden you with that. You
would never look at either of them the same.”
Well … seeing as Shin-chan had freely told him about the hunts, the gang-rape
and the abortions, maybe he should simply take his word for it. It was true he
could not even think up something that would be that horrible in relationship to
what the other had already told him. Maybe it was best not to know.

He was sitting in Shin-chan's lap, the other's head buried in his shoulder. He
pressed his wet cheek against Shin-chan's and tried to stifle his sobs. Damn it
all. Shin-chan had told them so much about Akashi but to see it all in action,
used against them, it was just … it was so horrible. They were an unstoppable
might but still it hurt so much.
“I'm so mad right now.” Shin-chan tightened his grip.
“You have a shoulder to cry on at least.” Miyagi sighed deeply. “If I were
to cry like that in front of my girlfriend, she would be deeply disturbed. Most
likely she would tell me it was just a game. Women don't understand such
things.”
“It was just a game to you.” The green haired looked up, ignoring the
indignant shouts from his teammates. “I know Akashi. He did not even go all
out. He used about fifty percent of his strength against us. That is what hurts
most. Akashi can take on a team of miracles by himself, I know, but to be shown
my place like that … that … I hate to be shown my shortcomings like
that.”
“For us you are all monsters when it comes to basketball. To know there is one
among you that you regard with the same awe and fear … we never had a chance
in the first place but it still frustrates me.” Takao leaned back a bit.
“Akashi truly is a league of his own.”
“Well, at least we made it to the semifinals and were not kicked out of
preliminaries like before. That sucked more.” Kimura stood. “I can accept a
loss against a force like Rakuzan. Your former captain is unbelievable,
Midorima.”
“My parents won't accept that as a reason.” There was something close to a
pout on Shin-chan's lips.
“Did they come to watch?” Takao asked smiling. He remembered Shin-chan's
mother, she was a nice and kind, even if strict person.
“Yeah, I saw them.” The other sighed deeply. “Let's shower, wash our faces
and greet them. Hopefully my father won't be too angry. I have most likely hurt
his pride by losing.”
“Well, he can play Rakuzan himself and look how he fares.” Takao snorted.
“It was a damn good match, it is not as if we went down without a fight.”
“Yeah, Akashi smiled at the end. That is a sign we at least entertained
him.” Annoyance laced Shin-chan's voice. “I hate to be proud of that but it
is something to be proud of.”
“Gee, doesn't that make me feel better.” The shorter one climbed off the
lap. “Let's crush Kaijou tomorrow, I feel like I need a morale boost.”
“Not only you.” Even Shin-chan managed a grin. “And you seem astonishingly
sure about Seirin winning the next game.”
He only smiled to that. While they showered, Takao marveled over how expressive
his boyfriend had become. He used a lot more facial expressions and gestures
now. He intoned his speech, not much, but noticeable. He really did well.
They said their goodbyes to the team that went to sit together to watch the next
game. Shin-chan led him to one of the higher ranks where a man and a women sat
in Kimonos at the end of a row. How his boyfriend had spotted them was beyond
him but a lot of things he did were that.
“Thank you for coming.” Shin-chan bowed in front of them. “I am sorry that
I could not show you a better game.”
“It seemed a hard one.” His mother stood and took her son's hands into hers.
“That captain, he was your former captain, wasn't he? The one you used to play
Shogi with.”
“Akashi Seijurou. Why did you not attend the same school as him? He is a
valuable friend.” His father simply stood, he did not even greet. That stern
expression on his face did not bode well.
“In that case, we would have been unstoppable and lost our reason to strive to
new heights.” Shin-chan looked his father straight in the eyes. “Being the
best always holds the danger of making one lazy.”
“I see.” The other's expression relaxed. “In that case I am glad to know
you will use this as a reason to better yourself.” His focus shifted. “Would
you introduce us to your companion? I recognize him from the game.”
“Takao Kazunari.” His boyfriend introduced him while he bowed as perfectly
as he could.
“You played exceptionally well together.” Misses Midorima praised him.
“You must have spent endless hours in training to become that accustomed to
each other.”
“Thank you for your kind words.” He smiled at her.
“I guess you will want to stay for the next game?” Shin-chan nodded to his
father. “Then sit with us. We can go to a restaurant afterward. You might not
have won but if it makes you stronger still, it was a valuable experience
anyway.”
“Thank you, father.”
Well, that was unexpectedly nice. They exchanged a smile before they sat down,
Shin-chan next to his parents with Takao in his other side.

A month went by after the Winter Cup before Takao became frustrated. There
simply were no new tricks to learn. His eagle eye saw the whole field, he could
pass from every point on the field in every angle, he could shoot threes – not
as good as his boyfriend of course but well enough – and had even trained pace
changes like Aomine did. He knew what he wanted to learn but hated that it might
be impossible for him. Still, one could try, right? So he invited Kuroko and
Kagami to a basketball double date.
Playing basketball might not exactly be one's dream date but for Shin-chan and
him it was fine. They played the whole afternoon with Shin-chan training Kagami
in long-range shooting and Kagami teaching instinctual play while Kuroko
explained the basics of misdirection to Takao. He bought ice-cream for them all
afterward.
“Thank you, Kuroko. I won't ever be able to do that as good as you know but I
can see how incorporating a bit of this can strengthen my play.”
“Somehow I am sure we will lose the next time we play you.” Kagami sighed
deeply. “If you really learn more formless shots, Midorima, I don't know how
anyone will ever stop you except for triple-teaming.”
“It will be hard for me.” Shin-chan pushed up his glasses. “I rather stick
to traditional techniques and perfect them. Learning unconventional plays is not
my forte.” Still he smiled. “Next time I won't play you when I am still
sick.”
“You what?” The red haired turned with a shocked expression. “You were
sick? I didn't even notice.”
“I had a cold two weeks before our game and were still under the weather.”
The other smirked. “You won't get off as easy the next time.”
“Man, you are unbelievable. I can't believe how horrible it must have been for
people to play Teiko. No wonder everyone seems broken when they talk about
losing to you in middle school. Akashi alone was horrible enough.”
“Akashi is special.” Kuroko agreed. “With teamwork, we would have
overtaken the JBL.”
“We could still do that.” The green haired smiled. “Do you want to issue a
challenge to them in our name?”
“I would like to relax for a bit more first.” Even Kuroko smiled, a lazy and
content expression. “Winning against you all has been my focus and reason for
a long time. Now I have to sort through my priorities.”
“Will you be alright?” Shin-chan turned serious in an instant.
“Thank you for asking.” Kuroko's smile turned to a slightly melancholic one.
“I was able to close the chapter called Aomine. I am not too sure about the
other one right now. It will take more time I think.”
Kagami who stood next to Kuroko looked quite confused. It seemed his
most-likely-soon-to-be mate had not told him about his past. Takao felt bad for
him and intrusive at the same time. Shin-chan had told him a lot of personal
stuff about Kuroko.
“I would like to close my own.” Shin-chan took a deep breath. “Would you
help me one last time?”
“Of course.” Kuroko looked up curiously. “What is it?”
“As you know I hate that I couldn't control my Alpha instincts. I have trained
that as well. For months now I have not been influenced by people's scents
anymore. I could even pass by Omegas without a reaction. I have not tested
myself on a full blast of Omega pheromones though. Would you loosen the control
on your scent for me to test myself?”
Takao sharply drew in his breath. Oh damn. This was Shin-chan's ultimate horror.
If he could not stop himself he might even rape Kuroko again. He would never
forgive himself. He himself certainly would not be able to stop his boyfriend,
he remembered his helplessness when that Omega girl tried her pheromones on
Shin-chan.
“Sure.” Kuroko nodded without any hesitation. “Kagami, if Midorima attacks
me, please try not to kill or maim him. You are strong enough to simply hold him
until I rein in my pheromones again.”
“Err … okay?” Kagami scratched his neck. “You are an Omega?”
“You did not notice that until now?” Takao exclaimed in shock. “How
oblivious can you be?”
“I never thought about it. It is not exactly important, is it? Kuroko is still
Kuroko.”
“Kagami is thick enough that he did not even notice his brother being an
Omega. Himuro tried to distance himself from Kagami after his heats began and
that one never made a connection.”
“Oi, how should I notice my own brother suddenly … well.” Kagami became as
red as a tomato. “I mean you don't expect your brother to develop such
feelings.”
“Himuro is with Mukisabara now, right?” Takao remembered the feminine
looking star player of Yosen.
“Yes, after Kagami still did not notice a thing, even after meeting again,
Himuro mated with our old friend.” Kuroko smiled. “Mukisabara isn't exactly
intelligent but he is reliable when you tell him it is important. He is
certainly not the worst choice as a partner.”
“I do question your taste. Though it is not as if your own choice was a fine
example of brain power.” Shin-chan snorted. “Why you two who could have
everyone chose nothing but muscle is beyond me.”
“It is about taking responsibility.” Kuroko smiled slightly. “That has
become more and more important the older I got.”
“True.” Shin-chan looked to Kagami. “In that case I understand
completely.”
“What are they talking about?” The redhead asked Takao. “I don't
understand.”
“That might be because you never put a thought into mating.” Takao shook his
head. Really, that was one oblivious Alpha. He had two male Omegas on a plate
and didn't even notice. Good thing Kuroko did the planning for them.
Suddenly Kagami went still and growled lowly. Takao was the only one who
noticed, Shin-chan was still talking with Kuroko and stood with his side to
them. He tipped the taller one on his shoulder but did not get a reaction.
Kagami's eyes were trained on Kuroko.
“Err, Kuroko? Kagami looks strange.”
While he was still on the last word, all seemed to happen at once. With a jump
even more impressive than anything before Kagami was lunging for Kuroko.
Shin-chan jumped in between, stopping the bull-rush and being knocked at least
two meters backwards for his effort. Kuroko turned and ran at a speed Takao had
never seen before as well. His body reacted on instinct, running as well and
grappling Kagami as good as he could. He only seemed a slight hindrance, Kagami
sprinted after Kuroko anyway, simply dragging Takao along. They were at a park,
so they had a lot of free space. Kuroko run for the fountain, jumped in but
found it turned off due to it being Winter. So he rushed for the next lake.
Takao, his arms slung around Kagami's waist, held on for his dear life. If he
let go, Kagami would be on Kuroko in an instant. Kuroko might want to mate with
the redhead but not like that. Not with a rape. He finally understood the terror
of those hunts Shin-chan had told him about.
Kuroko was the running rabbit.
Kagami was the wild cat intent on devouring his prey.
And right now he was the only one stopping that from happening. He tightened his
grip as much as possible, duck his feet into the ground and slowed Kagami down
as much as he could. He would not let him hurt Kuroko. He would not let
Shin-chan see what he had bad dreams about for years. He would protect his
friends.
Kagami gave the scream of an enraged animal, grabbed Takao's hair, pulled his
head back and went for his throat with his other hand. He saw it coming, knowing
in the same moment Kagami would crush his windpipe without a second thought. In
dread he let go and fell back. The hand in his hair was off in a millisecond,
Kagami turned and dashed off.
“Run, Kuroko!” Takao managed to scream in absolute horror.
This could not be happening. Please don't let it happen. He saw Kagami shorten
the distance in too short a time. Kuroko jumped into the lake, Kagami on him
right that instant, falling into the water with him. He got up and ran after
them. He saw both bodies trashing, water flying, ripped clothes floating on the
surface before they sunk.
“Stop, Kagami! Stop it!” He stumbled forwards, everything hurting from that
short fight.
A taller stature passed by him, jumping for Kagami and pulling them both under
water with the force. A shirtless Kuroko gasped for breath, using the moment of
freedom to dive away from the fighting Alphas.
“Wake up, Kagami!” Shin-chan screamed at the other as soon as they broke the
water's surface again. He was punched for his efforts but his opposition slowed
after that.
Kagami blinked in confusion, finally stopping and helping Shin-chan up after a
moment. He looked around and spotted a drenched Kuroko who looked back with only
his eyes above the water's surface.
“Oh God.” Kagami began to tremble. “I … I am so sorry, I … Kuroko.”
“Your control is splendid, Midorima.” The Omega stood. “Thank you for
protecting me twice. Thank you as well, Takao.” He actually bowed to him.
“Are you hurt?”
“Just a bit bruised.” He looked to his boyfriend. “Are you okay,
Shin-chan?”
That one seemed annoyed at best, a bit grumpy, a bit mad at himself, but mostly
okay. He took in his surroundings and then himself. “I want dry clothes.”
The green haired stepped out of the water. “We will catch a cold if we stay
like this.”
“Quite right.” Kuroko followed him, beginning to shiver before he even left
the water. “Is anyone living nearby?”
“I do.” Takao nodded. “I'll run and get our bags. Shin-chan, take them
straight to my flat.”
“I will.”
“Kagami?” Kuroko turned to the now silently crying boy still standing in the
water. “Would you please carry me? I feel cold like this and you are naturally
hot-blooded.”
Takao who had already turned to make a run for their bags stopped in his tracks.
Kuroko was unbelievable. Did he just forgive Kagami like that? Even if he did,
was he not afraid at all? Hell, he was afraid and Kagami hadn't been after him.
He looked at him for a moment, seeing a lost, guilty puppy looking at them with
fear of rejection in his eyes. He remembered the guilt and shame with which
Shin-chan had talked about raping Kuroko. He had done so much worse than Kagami
did because no one had stopped him. It should not be like that. No one should
have such instincts.
“Come out, Kagami, before you get a cold.” He called out to him.
“Idiots don't get colds.” Kuroko deadpanned.
“True enough.” Shin-chan nodded. “You'll carry Kuroko the whole way as
punishment. Now come out before he loses the rest of his clothes from
shivering.”
Kagami jumped into action at that, enveloping Kuroko with his arms like a
fragile doll and holding him up to press their upper bodies together. With a
smile Takao turned and went to get their bags. Shin-chan strode forward in
direction of the flat with Kagami following him, carrying Kuroko like
instructed. Takao caught up with them on the stairs up to his flat. He
immediately went to get big towels for Shin-chan and Kagami. Kuroko got the
bathroom without anyone even saying anything. While they heard the shower
running, the Alphas stepped out of their clothes except for their underwear and
began drying off.
“I'll get two sets of your clothes, okay, Shin-chan?” Takao asked from the
bedroom. He took out underwear as well, laying both sets on the bed. “Okay,
first one can change.” He stepped out while Shin-chan went in instead.
So he stood in his kitchen, dining and living room all in one with a nearly
naked Kagami who only had a towel around his hips. Reality seemed to have caught
up with him again, he looked down, close to tears again.
“Would you like something to drink? Coffee, tea, chocolate?”
“Kuroko likes hot chocolate.” Kagami whispered.
“Then I'll make some tea and hot chocolate.” Takao entered his kitchen that
was open to the rest of the room. He took out a pot and began heating the milk.
Should he say anything? Was there anything he could say? While the chocolate was
melting in the hot milk, Kuroko called for him. He went to the bathroom from
which Kuroko stuck out his head.
“Could you lend me some clothes, please?”
“Of course! Sorry, I didn't think.” Takao could have hit himself.
“Do not worry. And please tell Midorima to take a shower next. He might rebel,
so insist.” Kuroko instructed.
“Err, okay. I will.” He went into the bedroom where a fully clothed
Shin-chan stood motionless in front of the mirror. “Kuroko says you are to
shower next, no protest accepted.”
The other stayed silent while Takao got the clothes but left the room after him.
With a motion of his hand, he indicated Kagami he should change next and went to
shower after Kuroko stepped out. Takao served him hot chocolate which he was
deeply thankful for, just like Kagami had thought. He concentrated on the tea
when Kagami came out of the bedroom again. Somehow his mind wanted to shut out
the confrontation that was to take place behind his back.
How did you overcome something like that? Sure, his boyfriend had attacked him
once as well but they had known it would most likely not happen again. But to
know how violently you would react if your boyfriend ever relaxed around you …
no wonder Kuroko kept such a tight leash on his emotions. He most likely needed
that to keep his scent under control as well.
When he turned to serve the tea, he nearly let the tray fall in surprise. He had
expected Kagami to stand somewhere in silence and guilt. He had not expected him
to sit at Kuroko's feet, his head in Kuroko's lap, having his hair stroked.
Really, Kuroko was amazing. He knew exactly what Kagami was going through and
seemed to accept it all without a blink. There was not the slightest blame, the
tiniest caution in his posture.
“Please have some tea, Kagami.” He placed the tray on the table. “It is
not as good as Shin-chan's but I learned a thing or two from him. Would you like
another hot chocolate, Kuroko?”
“Yes, please.” The other poked the head he had just petted. “Get up,
Kagami.”
The redhead did as he was told. It seemed guilty Alphas had a thing or two in
common. Shin-chan got obedient when he was unsure too. Speaking of the devil, he
came out of the bathroom and took a place as well.
“Would you like to shower too, Kagami?”
“No, I'm fine, thanks.” He rather seemed to want to stay close to Kuroko.
“Idiots don't catch colds after all.”
“What about you, Takao?” The Omega asked him.
“What?” He blinked in confusion. “I wasn't dragged underwater.”
“I wanted to ask how you were. I was quite occupied running but I understood
you fought a hunting Alpha. Most people who try that end up dead or badly
hurt.” Kuroko gave him a once-over.
“Err, yeah. Kagami aimed for my throat, so I let go. I was too afraid of being
hurt. Sorry.” He looked down in shame. Really, without Shin-chan, he would
have been no help at all.
“I am glad you did. You were in more danger than I ever was.” Kuroko calmly
stated. “Alphas normally don't kill Omegas but interfering Betas … well.”
“Yeah.” He stroked his unblemished throat. “I just got dragged around a
bit, so I am okay.” He sat next to his boyfriend. “What about you,
Shin-chan? He knocked you down pretty hard and punched you.” He gently touched
the beginning swelling on the other's cheek.
“It will bruise but that is all. I am though.”
“You certainly are.” Kuroko focused on him. “Since when have you been
unaffected by smells?”
“I am not too sure. Somewhere before the Winter Cup. Why?” The tallest drank
a bit of tea, smiling at Takao for the well-made beverage.
“While I was turning to run, I noticed how you wrapped your arms around your
abdomen before you landed. I know those symptoms.”
“Symptoms?” Shin-chan questioned.
“Not emitting a scent, being unaffected by other scents, easily catching
colds, feeling weaker, less endurance and protecting your body like that.”
Kuroko watched the other for a reaction. “Maybe even a slight nausea and
sometimes dizziness? I know those well.”
“I couldn't be … could I?” Shin-chan averted his gaze.
“I can't follow.” Takao exclaimed. “What are you talking about?”
“Pregnancy.” Kuroko answered.

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