Josh's Amazingly Festive Simping Adventure: A Christmas Story

Part 5: Trial and Error

AN: I don't know diddly squat about basketball so please excuse any lapses of intelligence as you read this scene. Truly, all I know is from what I've seen on mario sports mix, the one basketball game I went to at school to support my friend and clips from Aomine's anime that I watched to get a feel for his character. Btw his english dub voice is hot af. Anyways enjoy <3

"HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO SCORE AGAINST ZUES HIMSELF?!" I yelled back at Thoma.

We had only been playing for five minutes but so far, Aomine had scored 8 times and we still had nothing. Aomine was a cocky but incredible opponent, a little intimidating even. He was easily 6'4 a toward over me and even Thoma a bit. That combined with his skill made it incredibly challenging to even get a hold of the ball.

"Focus! We haven't lost yet!" Thoma shouted back as the sound of the buzzard erupted, noting how Aomine scored yet another point.

The three of us circled back to the center of the court where another ball was about to drop. Thoma nodded towards me as the ball fell. We all jumped up but instead of Thoma, despite being the beanstalk out of the two of us, avoided the ball and slammed himself into Aomine instead. I thought that would be called out for foul play but no buzzard went off. Guess we're in the clear? Anyway I actually caught the ball!

I began to dribble and run as fast as I could before the sound of sneakers squeaking next to me alerted my senses. It was almost to fast for me to see but Aomine had somehow gotten past Thoma and snatched the ball from my hand and began zooming towards the other end of the court. Thoma, like some kind of american football player, attempted to knock him over again. I watched in astonishment as Aomine spun around him last minute and continued running. Thoma quickly recovered though and was soon neck and neck. I ran to catch up with them as Aomine tossed the ball up and somehow jumped and spun at the same time, catching the ball and causing Thoma to trip and barrel roll over. Then he scored. Again.

I read the score being displayed next to the court. "10 to nothing."

10 minutes went by before we knew it and panic started to set in a little. What would happen if we couldn't complete the trial? Would the other trials be this hard? Aomine only needed 3 more points to win. Maybe we should just use that elf summon?

I was drenched in sweat as we regrouped to the center of the court.

"I'd like to call a timeout!" Thoma said to no one in particular.

In response, the buzzard was replaced with a horn noise.

Aomine smirked as he looked at us, "It won't do you much good."

Thoma put his hand on my back as we stepped to the side of the court.

"How are we supposed to win this?" I asked, desperate for a plan that we could use.

"I'm not sure to be honest. Aomine is not only fast but he's agile and he has the height advantage. But clearly we need to change our tune because doing the same thing over and over isn't working."

I looked over at Aomine who had his arms crossed.

Thoma's face lit up.

"I have an idea but it might not work."

I nodded, "Lets try it."

Thoma smiled and approached Aomine. Oh gosh. What was he planning?

"Mr... Aomine..?" he said.

"mmhmm?" Aomine smirked, well aware of his chances of winning.

"Can I ask how you ended up here?"

Aomine thought about it for a moment before looking down at Thoma skeptically.

"I woke up in the locker room with only my memories of me on the court. Why does it matter?"

Thoma nodded thoughtfully, "Because that happened to us too. Will winning this game send you back home?"

It was hard to notice, maybe I imagined it, but Aomine's eyes widened a little before going back to that skeptical gaze.

"I don't know... The santa guy just said to play you guys. Said I'd get my memories back afterwards."

Thoma's eyes lit up. "But he didn't say you had to win did he?"

"No...? But I always win."

"mhm..." Thoma nodded.

"Well" he said, "We were told that if we completed our trials, we'd get sent home. I think that means the same for you."

I walked up to them and spoke.

"Please give us this game. We know that there would be no beating you otherwise. This is our only chance."

Aomine thought it over for a moment.

"How do I know you're not screwing with me?" he asked.

I thought about if for a moment as Thoma glanced at me, content to be on the same page.

"Well really, I have nothing else to offer you. I'm begging you though, please trust us on this."

Aomine considered his options for a moment before sighing.

"Whatever," he said, "as long as you two realize that the win was mine anyways."

Thoma and I looked at eachother before nodding profusely at Aomine.

"THANK YOU!!!" we both bowed.

The buzzard went off to continue the game. Aomine stepped back as we grabbed the ball and ran to our side of the court. I smiled at Thoma and threw the ball upward. Thoma jumped and dunked the ball with ease. A final buzzard went off as Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas is You" started blaring.

Sophia's projection appeared one again. "Congratulations!!! You have sucessfully completed trial one. Now Aomine may either choose to join your party or wait for the two of yall to finish your quests on your own! Feel free to sleep on that decision."

Just like that the projection was gone and Daddy Claus walked into the room.

"I saw the whole thing on the cameras while filing some papers.. you wouldn't believe the size of the *naughty* list this year. Anyway follow me. Time to feast!"

I looked at Thoma was a warm smile on my face. Then I glanced at Aomine who almost looked like he couldn't care less.