Full Summary

It is now after the Winter Cup, and Seirin successfully came out on top. Kuroko has succeeded in bringing his old teammates, the Generation of Miracles, back to their old selves. While carefully mending old ties, feelings come into fruition, but why is it that everyone can overcome the past yet the past just won't let go of Kuroko? While trying to overcome the demons from his past, he begins to realize that the more he tries, the deeper he falls... And the GoM realize just how deep and dark their shadow goes. Angst, Friendship, Hurt/Comfort, Dark, Drama, Romance
Now after saving them... It's their turn to save him.
Kuroko-centric. GoMxKuroko (yaoi later)

.:{Tetsuya POV}:.

[[ 01: The Mask To Hide ]]

"You're worthless!"

No, stop it...

"Nothing but a hindrance — useless to this team!"

My hands pressed tightly against my ears as I tried to block out the words... They just kept scrambling around in my head, and I couldn't—

"So weak and pathetic. Someone who can't do anything by himself, what an annoyance."

I pulled at my hair, feeling the silkiness, but hating it at the moment. I was suddenly back in the time when I hated basketball... when I hated myself... When I felt the hope drain right out of me.

I should just disappear.

"Kuroko!"

The sudden shout of a familiar voice startled me and I looked around as I heard Kagami's voice. My eyes zeroed in on my open phone laying beside me on my bed. On the screen it read that Kagami was leaving me a voice-mail. Why hadn't I heard it ring?

"It's me, I was just seeing if you wanted to meet up at Maji in an hour... Bye."

I couldn't help the small smile that warped my face at hearing my partner's message. Of course, I thought as I grabbed my phone. That's just like Kagami-kun.

Just before I turned my phone off my text messages appeared — the very messages that had set me off. I sighed and closed it, trying to think past it so it wouldn't grip me so...

"Oh hey, you're here!" Kagami-kun was shocked when I turned up in front of him. I was pleased that I could still surprise him from time-to-time.

I nodded, "I received your message, and I would like a vanilla shake." I spoke as we walked into our usual hang-out place.

"I'm surprised you're not made of vanilla by now."

I pretended to think, "Maybe I am."

I watched Kagami-kun blanch and then he ordered (since, like always, the cashier failed to notice me) and we sat down at our usual seat. It was always easier being with Kagami and Seirin then it was... them. I enjoyed all of my friends, and would like to be with them, it's just...

The past literally haunts me. It won't let me go. No matter that I'm happy now, it still won't leave me be. It just seemed worse whenever any one of them was around me... The Generation of Miracles.

"Kurokocchi!"

And it didn't help that now that we were all on good terms again, they like to pop up to see me every now and then.

I felt Kise lunge and grab me into one of his too-tight hugs. "Kise-kun..." I could barely get out, and I felt his face rub against my hair. It seems he'll never change... I could only think fondly of the blond.

"I missed you~!" Kise-kun sang in my ear, causing me to wince. He was really annoying, but at least he was happy.

"Oi! Get off of him!" Kagami-kun yelled while at the same time I hit Kise-kun in the side.

The blond model whined and fell to the floor dramatically while clutching his side and I rolled my eyes at his theatrics. I didn't hit him too hard.

"Ow! So mean, Kurokocchi~"

"What brings you here, Kise-kun?" I asked him as I settled back down with my vanilla shake.

Kise's golden eyes lit up and he instantly sat in the booth with me — a little too close than I liked, but it was Kise after all. "To see you of course!" he chirped happily, and Kagami groaned, and I instantly knew what he was thinking: that he really hated having to put up with these guys all the time. "But it was actually because of the trip, too."

Kagami-kun and I blinked, both of us having no clue what he was talking about. Trip?

Kise-kun's eyes widened a little bit. "You guys don't know?" When we shook our heads, he sighed, but continued smiling as he continued. "You'll probably hear it from your coach soon, but the top teams from the Winter Cup will be attending a basketball camp for a few weeks of intensive training."

Kagami's mouth flailed open in shock, but I'm pretty sure that after the shock he'll be excited because this meant active challenges for him. Me, on the other hand...

I placed the milkshake on the table. "Please excuse me, I need to use the restroom." I gestured for Kise-kun to let me out, and he did while still grinning.

"Hurry back! I wanted to talk to you more about the trip! Isn't this so exciting?! All of the Generation of Miracles together again!" Kise wouldn't stop gushing, and I hastily made my way to the men's restroom in the back.

I was elated to find it empty, and I braced myself against the granite counter that held the sinks. I looked up at my reflection in the large mirror.

My heart was pounding, and the sound echoed in my ears to an almost painful degree. My eyes seemed really hollow, but wider than usual as I stared. The face that displayed my inner torture. A face that I would have to mask in the weeks to come.

Why? Why did there have to be a trip that involved all of them? It would have been easier if it had just been Seirin... I turned the faucet and splashed cool water on my face. My facial features strained as I fought the voices from surfacing. Not here. I can only let my weakness show when alone...

Just then, the door opened, and before I could react, an older man came in and went straight to one of the stalls — completely over-looking my struggling form, and I was extremely grateful for my low presence. Sometimes it pays to be a phantom...

A useless phantom.

My ears stung as that one slipped through. No. Don't let it show. No matter what happens in the future, do not show them this weakness.

Because they'll exploit it.

The darker thoughts reminded me, and I winced as that one was stronger. I stared at my strained face in the mirror again. Water droplets clung to my light blue bangs, while the rest slid down my paler-than-usual face. My mouth seemed to be set in a silent plea for help, and my light blue eyes (that seemed darker in this light, or could it be from something else?) were wider, screaming fright beyond the glassy look the blank and hollow eyes took.

I couldn't let it show. Couldn't let anyone see me like this... No, not them. Not when they're all finally back in my life, and everything is so happy...

I breathed in shakily as I mustered enough strength to quell the fear of the voices. I had to hide it—

Hide it behind the mask I so carefully crafted, but this time one stronger than before. So no one, not even them, can break through. Everything is normal, everything is fine...

And finally my face matched in the mirror to my efforts. The perfect mask, a poker face... One I could wear outside, and to face them all...

Just don't break down and show all of your flaws. Because then you'll be all alone. Just like before...

[Disclaimer] We do not own Kuroko no Basuke!

Destiny: Well...

Shattered: *gets knocked out by feels*

Destiny: So this will have spoilers later on for those who have not read the Teiko Arc. I wanted angst, and this type of story just sprung up... Will really be grateful for comments on this! *looks pleadingly*

Shattered: *is revived* Yeah, if you all want the next chapter we'll give it to you early! *gets hit with feels again*

Destiny: Until then~ ^.^