Author's Note

Yo ^^ obsessed with this PAIRING OMG IMMA DIE OF THIS CUTENESS AS IN KUROKO.. but yeah i HAD TO write this... this fandom need MOREE w I'll be writing another one soon ^^ it'll be AU

Also THIS IS A TRILOGY/ THREE SHOT :)

I'll try to get the other one up... but after this weekend.. for now... ITS OTAKON WE GO :O (i wrote this instead of packing... now i need to pack in like an hr... WTF

but as of nowww ENJOY

Summary:

Not a Fairytale

What they had is no long there, broken beyond repair.

Their promise shattered into pieces, threatening to cut either if an attempted reconciliation is to be made.

Faith and self interests have forced them apart.

It's too late now… too late for a fairytale ending.

Along the Right Path

Rumors of a ghost haunting the Teiko drew the basketball ace, Aomine Daiki, in. The tan teen sighed quietly to himself as he questioned his intentions for investigating this so called haunted gym. "Why again?" he whispered to himself as he nonchalantly crossed his hands behind the nape of his neck. Standing at 192 cm and 85kgs, it was as if God had made him to be a basketball player. On top of that, his sheer love and passion for the sport greatly surpassed that of any player on the team. Grinning to himself, Aomine stepped into the seemingly empty gym. The teen took a long, lingering look at the rather large space. Teiko was a school oriented around basketball, over 100 members on the team and three strings of players, the first string being the starters of every game. Given his natural instincts and talents, Aomine was played into the first string even as a freshman. And yet, he was here, searching for a nonexistent ghost upon the request of his sempais.

Suddenly, he heard a squeak. "Shit!" the teen cursed, genuinely startled for the first time in his life. Thump… thump "holy…." He whispered as a basketball entered his peripheral vision. His eyes widened at the orange ball rolling towards him. "…." It would've been normal in any other situation… well this wasn't. There was no sound of footsteps, no shoes following the rolling ball, not even sounds of breathing… "ehhhh" he groaned slightly, silently debating whether or not he should flee.

"Um… could you please pass the ball?" a random voice called out suddenly. Aomine could've sworn his heart stopped beating for a second as his stomach jumped up. His whole body tensed as he took cautious steps away from the sounds. He was scared… no terrified to say the least.

"Wh-who's-" he stuttered out, but before he could even finish his broken message, a mop of light blue hair appeared in front of him, seemingly out of nowhere. He lost it then. A loud scream tore from the boy's throat as he comically fell backwards.

"Um… I'm sorry… Are you okay?" the same voice called out. The same mop of light blue hair flashed in front of his eyes and this time it stayed.

"Um… hahah yeah… I guess so" Aomine chuckled slightly and ruffled his hair a bit, seeing the hand offered in front of him, he gladly took the paler, much smaller hand into his own, just to make sure this kid was REALLY NOT a ghost.

"I'm sorry about what happened" The teen in front of him said quietly, a stoic mask covered the other's visage. "I don't have much presence" he stated simply and picked up the discarded basketball.

"Uh… so… do you practice here all the time?"

"Yes, every day after the basketball club ends" the blue haired teen slowly walked towards the hoop and attempted to shoot.

Aomine cringed slightly as the ball left the smaller boy's hands. It was going to miss, no doubt about it. "So…wait… you're in the basketball club?" the taller of the two wondered out loud. He prided himself with the ability to know practically everyone on the team.

"Yeah" he sighed slightly as he went to retrieve the ball. "You probably don't remember me… I'm a third string… you're a first string" Aomine watched intently as the expression on his companion, the so called ghost remained unchanged and yet he detected a hint of deplore in the other teen's voice.

Feeling overly sympathetic, he tried his best to come up with something to comfort the boy. "Well… you'll get better!" he smiled. "If you stay after to practice alone every day then you must really love basketball. And if you love basketball then, well, there's no way you can succeed!" the paler teen looked at Aomine with slightly wide eyes as if he was in shock. "Anyways, what's your name? I want to practice with you" he smiled again.

"Kuroko Tetsuya" the teen said simply before returning his attention to the ball and the basket.

"Well then Kuroko-kun, how about we have a one-on-one?" Aomine smiled warmly, taking steps towards the smaller boy.

"Okay Aomine-kun" Kuroko said quietly before meeting the other at the middle divide of the court.

The two played for what seemed to be hours. The whole time, Kuroko failed to make even a single basket. And yet, Aomine felt no sense of urgency or frustration with the smaller boy. He actually quiet enjoyed the game. The darker skinned teen was captivated by the sense of determination Kuroko displayed. He loved the way the blue haired teen refused to give in or even get frustrated at the tremendous difference in strength. In actuality, Aomine really just admire the sense of perseverance and sheer love of basketball the blue haired teen had. It was mesmerizing to watch. It was captivating to stare into once blank cerulean orbs that would burn with fire in midst of any basketball game. Before Aomine had realized it, it was well past six when the duo decided to end their little game.

"Thank you" Kuroko said through pants. "It must've been hard to play someone-"

Aomine had anticipated the words that would've departed the bluenette's lips, so he cut him off. "My pleasure" he smiled warmly before walking towards the exit. "I hope we can play again tomorrow"

Even after the departure of Aomine, his presence still lingered in the gym. His sheer domineering stature and skill contributed to the never dissipating presence. Kuroko smiled to himself as he clutched the orange ball in his hands. They were polar opposites from their appearance to their presence in society. Aomine was notable and tall while he was rather small and a 'ghost'. He had no presence at all. And yet… and yet Aomine still played him… and even wanted to play with him again… Sighing rather contently, the bluenette grabbed his discarded bag on the bleachers and headed out. On the way out of the gym, he heard another mass of screams from his fellow classmates, all of which consisted of "ghost".

Aomine chuckled to himself as he saw the group of girls running from the gym, all screaming the same word, "ghost". "Kuroko-kun" he said out loud as the memories of the gym replayed in his head. The smile upon the teen's lips grew even wider as he realized the sheer eccentricity and peculiarity of his partner. However, that same smile disappeared as the bitter words that left Kuroko's lips replayed in his mind. He was going to say, no he was going to apologize for being weak. There was no doubt on the teen's mind. The rather tan teen sighed to himself. "I'll just have to change that…"

The duo played together the next day, and the day after that and for months they shared precious games together, with the occasional laughter. They had bonded because of their love for the sport. The two had become so close that nicknames were exchanged. Aomine now preferred to call the bluenette, Tetsu, a name that he thought fitted the small and frail boy well. While Kuroko had given him a rather, offensive nickname, which in any other situation would've resulted in a punch to the offender's face. However, this was Tetsu, a boy who seemingly defies all logic and messed with Aomine's mind to an unbelievable degree. Tetsu had called him Ahomine (*) after a comment he had made during one of their now quotidian games. Despite all this bonding and flourishing of friendship, Aomine's goal to convince Kuroko that the passion for basketball is enough to make a good play failed.

This was proven when Tetsu failed to show up to their daily plays on time. The usually punctuated teen was late by nearly thirty minutes.

"Hey! Tetsu! Where have you been? I was worried" Aomine called out loud as he caught sight of a mop of blue hair coming towards him. It was then that Aomine realized something was wrong. Tetsu looked sad. The usually stoic boy was relatively good at hiding his emotions, but since they shared a large portion of their time together, it was as obvious as day to Aomine that something was terribly wrong. "What's wrong" he asked gently, walking towards the smaller teen.

"I'm thinking about quitting basketball" Kuroko said firmly, those words were like daggers to Aomine's heart. The dark skinned teen felt shock and above all sadness that this Tetsu and Aomine time may be gone.

"What?- wh- why?" the taller of the two stuttered.

"I've been practicing with you for six months now… and yet…" his cerulean orbs turned downcast as the bluenette stared at the ground. "I haven't improved… maybe I'm not cut out for this" The bluenette's head snapped backup and he stared at Aomine.

He wanted to say something… he even opened his mouth and yet he couldn't move. He stared at the pleading blue orbs. Aomine understood how hard this was for Tetsu… he loved basketball so much. Come on… Ahominee! Say something! The teen scream at his inner self.

Almost as if it was rehearsed, Akashi and the rest of the first stringers busted through the doors. "OI! AOMINE where were you?" Akashi asked impatiently, shooting daggers into the teen's face. "Who's this?"

"This is Tets- I mean Kuroko, I've been practicing with him for the past six months."

"Wait- what?" Akashi said. "Hm… interesting"

It was then that their lives truly started. It was then that their lives began. It was then that this fairytale began. After the coincidental meeting with the captain of the Teiko basketball team, Kuroko was transformed into a well respected player, known as the sixth phantom player. Following the five players known as the Generation of Miracles, Kuroko was made famous. His lack of presence served to be his ultimate weapon as his lightning fast passed and his unique playing style was adopted into the Teiko basketball team. From that day on, Kuroko Tetsuya was made a first stringer, a starter and an important component to the team. Even if he was only a shadow.

"Thank you Aomine-kun" Kuroko whispered quietly as he accompanied Aomine to a local fast food restaurant to celebrate their first win together and Kuroko's debuting game.

"Che. You don't need to thank me idiot, your abilities and passion got you where you are now, not me"

"…" The bluenette remained silent for a moment, as if he were pondering for the right words. "But I would've quit earlier if it was for you" something in Tetsu's voice stopped Aomine dead in his tracks. Slowly the darker skinned teen turned around and walked towards the paler. Nonchalantly, he ruffled the ice blue hair of his companion.

"Don't be stupid" he whispered as the same arm draped itself over the shoulders of the much smaller boy.

"Aomine-kun…" Kuroko whispered uncertainly at the sudden invasion of his private space. On the court and during games, physical contact with Aomine was common, but outside of a game… all of this seemed odd, weird… or even…

"Tetsu… let's get some food" Aomine looked at his frail companion and smiled, before using his arm to gently tug the bluenette in the direction of the brightly lit restaurant.

Aomine watched contently as Kuroko sipped his favorite vanilla shake.

Kuroko watched quietly as Aomine stuffed his face with cheeseburgers and soda.

"Ahomine" Kuroko whispered quietly.

"EH? Tetsu? Why did you say that all of the sudden?" Aomine made a few crazy gestures with his arms.

"You won't accept my gratitude…"

Aomine almost face palmed himself at the comment. "BAKA" he let out. "If you want me to accept your thanks then I will… all I'm saying is that you would've gotten here regardless of me."

"Ahomine" Kuroko whispered quietly before placing his shake down.

Grinning slightly, the darker skinned teen made a quick grab for the temporarily discarded drink. His grin stretched even wider as a small pout began to form on Tetsu's lips.

"H-hey!" Kuroko stuttered out, after he had realized what was going on it was already too late. Aomine had already pressed his lips against his straw… to his vanilla shake.

"Yu-ck" Aomine stated sticking out a tongue for emphasis. "I didn't think Tetsu would be the type to like sweet stuff" the teen proceed to stuff his face with food once again. Stopping as soon as he noted a small flush of color rising on Tetsu's cheeks… is he blushing? Or just embarrassed? Either way… Tetsu's too adorable for his own good.

"AHOMINE!" Kuroko said in a relatively loud voice… still it was barely loud enough to be heard in midst of the crowds and crunching of wrapping paper. "If you don't like it why did you take it? Now I can drink it anymore" Kuroko pouted once again.

"Tetsuu~ why can't you drink it?" he teased.

"BECAUSE-" Kuroko stopped cold realizing that one, a blush was creeping up on his face and two, he was way overreacting. It was just a shared beverage. He and Aomine have shared water bottles before…so why? Why was he embarrassed now? "It's my favorite drink!" he protested half-heartedly.

"Awww, Tetsu… did I really ruin your drink?" Aomine looked at the younger boy with the most innocent look he could fester up.

"…" Kuroko looked down at the table with a new found interest as tried his best to strict his emotions. "No…" he finally whispered, reluctantly taking a sip from the now used by Aomine straw. "It tastes the same"

"Good" Aomine smiled wildly. Indirect kissss. Wait what? The rather tan boy shook slightly to get rid of the thought.

"Aomine-kun… are you alright?"

"Yeah.. I'm fine Tetsu" Aomine swallowed his last bit of cheeseburger before offering one to Tetsu which he took in with gratitude. "You should eat more" he commented nonchalantly. "You're too tiny for your own good."

"…." Kuroko chose to ignore the comment and continued progress on his cheeseburger.

"Ne… Tetsu… what you said before the game… did you really mean it?" Aomine asked, looking at the bluenette intently.

"Of course Aomine-kun. I meant every word of it" he nodded slightly before putting down the half bitten burger.

"I, Tetsuya Kuroko will be your shadow and I will make you the number one player in all of Japan. Wherever you are your shadow will follow. Whether it be on the court or not. We're partners in this game."

"And I'm your light ne?"

"Yes if that's what you wish"

"Hehe… number one in Japan ne? Sounds like a deal to me Tetsu!"

"Promise?" Aomine raise an eyebrow his own question. It seemed too good of a deal to be true. It seemed like a dream, to be partners with Tetsu to be playing alongside with the boy that loved basketball as much as he did. Aomine questioned his own lack of confidence in Tetsu's words. He questioned why he was being so uptight about it; he wondered why he cared so much about whether Tetsu would be his partner and his shadow. He pondered and pondered and yet received no real answer from his inner self.

"If that is what Aomine-kun wishes then I will promise and I will take a vow if that would make you believe me" Kuroko said firmly.

A new found warmness filled the heart of Aomine. He felt happy for the first time not in a game. He felt complete, although Tetsu would only be his shadow, he was glad that this promise, no, this vow could be made and neither of them would go back upon it. He was optimistic, painfully optimistic about a bright future with Tetsu, a future where they would be together for years on end. "Please" Aomine whispered.

Kuroko nodded, taken back by both the insecurities Aomine was showing but also by the politeness of his light. "I promise Daiki"

Aomine's eyes widened at the call of his companion, never in his life would he expect that Tetsu would willingly say his first name out loud. "Thank you" he smiled, finally satisfied with the answer and outcome. "Come, Tetsu, let's go" grabbing his tray full of empty food he placed it into the trash and the tray back while Kuroko simply threw out his cup. Draping his arm around the smaller boy once again, Aomine marveled at the situation; it was as if he was dreaming.

Suddenly, an idea popped up into his mind and it spread like a virus. (**) The darker teen stopped abruptly in the middle of the rather empty street. It was late.

"Aomine-kun?" Kuroko asked curiously as he was unable to get a good look at the expression on his light's face.

"Tetsu… tell me something… when you said 'whether on the court or not' what did you mean by that?" Aomine looked at the bluenette with a pair of pleading eyes.

"Aomine…-kun…" He whispered. "I meant…" Kuroko looked down at the concrete, before a rather large hand wrapped his self around the chin of the bluenette. It was then that Kuroko was forced to stare at the face of Aomine… his light… his partner.

"Answer" Aomine's voice was both demanding and gentle, silently pleading for answer that he hoped it to be.

"…" Kuroko, nonetheless, remained absolutely silent. Never has he been garrulous, always taciturn… he was never the center of attention and yet now, he was forced to stare into a pair of pleading amber orbs asking him an all important question. "I'm not sure… I just meant that if you wanted…" he drifted into silence, wondering if he had gone too far. He wondered if his out of control heart would give up at any point now. He wondered why he said those words in the first place. He wondered if those feelings that he tried so hard to cover up were now surfacing or rather have already surfaced.

Aomine was also kind to him. Aomine always encouraged him. Aomine always supported his. Aomine was everything… if weren't for him… Kuroko's courage and determination would have dissipated ages ago. And yet he was here… with the person that had helped him through so much asking a sincere question… and he was unable to provide an answer. He was pathetic. Fighting against the grip on his chin, Kuroko looked away from those pleading orbs. He wanted to escape.

"Tetsu… don't hate me for this… remember your promise" Aomine whispered quietly before tightening his grip of his companion's chin rather harshly and closed the distance before their lips. Pulling back slightly after the abrupt contact, the darker teen hesitated. He didn't want to destroy their close bond and yet he couldn't resist those lips that seemed to tempt him to the last degree. Aomine pressed his lips against his shadow's. Enjoy and savoring the light pressure against his own, and the cold and incredibly soft lips of his Tetsu. It was nothing more than a few seconds of lips pressed against lips before Aomine pulled away and let go of Kuroko's chin. To his surprise, the bluenette didn't step away or push him away or even call him aho…

Kuroko remained silent and stoic, already finished in masking his surprise and utter joy. He chose to remain silent and instead stared into the amber orbs that were no longer filled with sadness and pleads. "I won't… I'll see you tomorrow…" he whispered simply before leaving a stunned Aomine behind.

Tetsu didn't deny him… Tetsu wanted to see him again… remember that this tomorrow was a Sunday. Tetsu wanted to… A wild smile formed on Aomine's lips as sheer happiness and content filled his heart.

Maybe… just maybe they were going along on the right path.

Author's Note

OOOO SEE WHAT I DID THERE?
* Aho means stupid and Kagami's nickname at times is Bakagami so in one of the like fan mail questions someone asked if Aomine can be called Ahomine... I thought it was clever LOL
** SEE WHAT I DID THERE that Inception reference

incase you'all dont know... the protagonist says once an idea is planted it spreads like a virus... (NOT QUOTING... havent watched it that many times LOL)

but yeah... ermm watch out for those references... i will always put a star next to them so you'all can know me better