Love Over Fear

Epilogue

I sat in my tree, mindlessly flicking my tail back and forth. I closed my eyes and sighed, not even paying attention to the small deer that was passing through the clearing. I was too busy thinking of Kuroko.

Kuroko.

He was always consuming my thoughts, ever since he left me five years ago. And I didn't even know why I thought of him so much. It's not like he liked me back. He left me! He left me to be with Akashi! Why... why would I keep thinking about him like this? A rustle in the bushes alerted me to the deer's departure as a new sound filled the clearing.

A sudden snap caught my attention and my ears flew back instantly as I nimbly hopped down from my branch to the ground in a crouch. I snarled, showing my fangs, but immediately closed my mouth as soon as I saw who it was.

"What do you want, Kise?"

Strangely enough, the now seventeen-year-old boy kept coming over into my territory. Not even really doing anything but talking my ear off.

"Kagamicci~! You don't have to be so rude!" he whined.

"I swear, if you talk to me anymore about Aomi-"

"Daiki Pledged to me last night!"

I groaned, but I was now mildly interested. "Really? Are you sure he Pledged to you?" I teased.

"Kagamicci!"

"RYOUTA!"

Oh, great. This was also a regular occurrence in my new schedule. Kise would come over in my territory and Aomine would always be soon to follow. "Ryouta, why do you always come over here?" he said, walking up to Kise.

"What's wrong with over here, Ahomine?" I grumbled.

"Why, you little-"

"Daiki!" Kise tried in vain to pull Aomine back, obviously not wanting to see us fight. I sighed, my breath leaving me, as well as a little bit of my patience.

"Whatever, can ya guys just leave? I have a headache now." Kise, as well as Aomine, looked at me, sort of annoyed before they glanced away. Their faces had a guilty and concerned look as they studied at each other for what the following words should be.

"Kagamicci, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"We didn't mean to bother you. We'll leave now," Aomine finishes, setting a hand on Kise's shoulder and pulling him in the direction of their den. I gave only give a meek nod, my eyes burning. Moments later, they left.

Hot tears gathered, pouring out of my eyes as I turned back towards my tree. My few and treasured memories with Kuroko suddenly flooded my mind, overwhelming me.

Kuroko. Why? Why?

How had I even gotten this attached to him? We only spent a week with each other, not nearly enough time to feel this way. But what was I supposed to do? It's not like I can go back to Akashi's territory, not after being warned to stay away from all of the lion's land.

...

"Tetsuya belongs here, Taiga. And you will not interfere with his decision of where he wants to stay. No matter what you feel about it. Do you understand?" said Akashi, an undertone borderline threatening.

He then smirked as though he was amused. It made me infuriated, but I could nothing to him. I was powerless.

His smirk disappeared and his words continued to hit me in the chest.

"He has chosen. Now leave."