This originally wasn't going to be here, but I like complete endings and I like having resolutions. So... this idea wouldn't stop bugging me. I hope you enjoy!

BP

The next day, at practice, Shintarou was amazed to see that Akashi, the one he knew, was back, red eyes smiling at them all, and so was Aomine, who was slinking around in the background, spinning a basketball on his finger.

"Good afternoon, everyone." He barely restrained a flinch as Kuroko appeared out of nowhere.

"Kuroko." He greeted shortly, fingering his lucky item of the day: a toy cupcake.

"Good afternoon, Kuroko." Akashi replied, smiling affectionately. Kuroko turned to Aomine and Shintarou was a little discomforted by the threatening glint in his eyes.

"It's good to see that you came to practice, Aomine-kun." Aomine jumped like he'd seen a ghost, and smiled nervously at Kuroko.

"H-hi, Tetsu." Akashi's smile sharpened with amusement.

"It's a good thing I sent Kuroko after you, wasn't it, Aomine? Otherwise Kuroko might get upset." The redhead called out. Aomine flinched, his hand making an aborted movement to his cheek and it was only then that Shintarou noticed the quite dark bruise on it. Eyes wide with surprise, he turned to Akashi.

"Did Kuroko –?" Akashi's smile widened.

"Yes. Do you remember what happened in the locker room when Aomine ignored Kuroko during that game?" Shintarou nodded. "Well, our phantom player fulfilled his promise – and told Aomine that he'd have no problem introducing him to the strength that he put in the Ignite Pass." Shintarou choked on his own saliva.

"Kuroko isn't usually that violent." Akashi looked at him with pitying amusement.

"Every man has his limits – and Aomine reached that." He rubbed his own cheek lightly. "Aomine wasn't the only one who did that yesterday." Akashi added in a mutter. Shintarou blinked, and when he focussed really hard he just about saw the green-yellow bruise that Akashi had covered with make-up.

"You too?!" Shintarou couldn't help his incredulousness. Kuroko had always had a lot of respect for Akashi, so the thought that the tealette would actually hit his captain came as a complete surprise. Akashi nodded, sheepishness entering his expression.

"It was – well, after the game, I'm sure that you noticed the change in my attitude." Shintarou nodded. "Kuroko came back from persuading Aomine, and he made a wrong assumption and… angered Kuroko. Kuroko punched him – me – in the face and proceeded to lecture him about what was going on and how the way that he'd decided to keep the team together was wrong." Akashi laughed lightly. "I think he respects Kuroko, just for doing what he did. Well, I came back, and apologised." He looked at Kuroko, who was talking to a pale Aomine with a small smile and a threatening air. Shintarou followed his gaze before looking back to Akashi. "I think the three of us will be very good friends." The redhead admitted softly.

"Three?" Shintarou asked, before it hit him. "Kuroko wants to be friends with your other self as well?" Akashi shrugged with a telling smile, calling the Miracles (minus Murasakibara, though Shintarou had a feeling that Kuroko would soon fix that) over for a quick game against the other first-string members. Kise bounded over excitedly, apparently enjoying the lighter air in the gym compared to the day before, Momoi following, clipboard in hand. Shintarou watched as Kuroko smiled, his expression soft, and gestured to Aomine. The bluenette grinned, slapping Kuroko's back, making him stumble.

"Let's kick their asses, Tetsu!" Bangs falling over his eyes, Kuroko paused before jabbing Aomine in the ribs, smiling when he yowled. "Ow! Tetsu!"

Kuroko began to walk over to them, calling over his shoulder, "Aomine-kun deserved it." Shaking his head, Aomine grinned and caught up to his shadow, slinging an arm over his shoulder.

And it's finally over (not that it took long to write anyway)! I won't be writing anymore for this story, though in my head the ending of the Teiko arc (in this particular universe) plays out differently - with the Miracles going to different schools to simply experience something new rather that to compete between themselves who was the best. They contact each other regularly and play street basketball together. Like sometimes they even do it when they should be at their schools practicing so the other schools end up become pretty good friends because they had to keep calling each other to see where their respective Miracle went. Kuroko still helps Kagami beat Aomine - and Aomine is super-happy about it and keeps on challenging Kagami to games - and sometimes Kise joins in just to make it harder for either one of them. My version of this is far less angsty, I realise and enjoy.

Until next time,

BP