Shadows of the Heart (Kuroko no Basket fanfiction) DISCONTINUED!

Goodbyes Are Never Easy

First off, I must say, I absolutely love DestinyGirlz for making the cover for this story. I mean, seriously, I am not worthy of such a creation. At all. I am still gaping at this amazingness.

I hope you enjoy this. It's just the prologue, so it's short. I'm still planning this as I go, but so far it's a fun plot (to me). Okay, enough of my blabbering. Without further ado, enjoy.

*~*~*~

"Are you sure you want to stay with Grandmother and Grandfather, Nii-san?" Misaki had asked this question a myriad of times, yet she couldn't help asking it again. First their parents had separated, and now her older brother was opting to stay with their grandparents.

Misaki and her brother were standing on the steps to their grandparents' house. It was a bit larger than the one they used to live in. It was also on the outskirts of town, giving it a somewhat lonely yet peaceful atmosphere. What Misaki had always loved about it was the large yard in the back where she could lay under a tree and nap. None of this explained why her brother chose to stay, though.

A large hand fell on her head, ruffling the hair that wasn't in her ponytail, pulling her from her thoughts. Misaki pouted, but she didn't move away. "I'm in my third year of middle school, Misaki, and I don't want to abandon my team."

His reply finally drew enough annoyance for Misaki to duck from under his hand. She knew that wasn't the full reason, but he wouldn't tell her all of it. "Teppei-"

Teppei simply grinned like an idiot. "You'll be sure to visit me, won't you?"

Misaki was about to continue her interrogation but paused. There was something in Teppei's eyes that made the thought of continuing hurt, something that cancelled out the stupid grin on his face that should be so convincing to others. The two siblings were close, so Misaki could normally read Teppei when nobody else could. In that moment, she saw a deep pain and desperation in his gaze. Why, Nii-san? she thought. If it does this to you, why won't you just come with me?

With a defeated sigh, Misaki nodded. "Of course I will. And every chance I get I'll be sure to watch your games."

The grin shifted into a gentle smile. Teppei pulled her into a tight hug that she returned. "Thank you, Misaki. I'm going to really miss you."

Misaki closed her eyes, fighting back her tears. After what she had seen in Teppei's eyes, she couldn't make this any harder. "And I will miss you, Nii-san."

With their goodbyes said, Misaki released her older brother to go to the car in which her mother waited. She had been too afraid of crying to stay out while Misaki said goodbye. It was because Misaki's back was turned that neither child saw the other as they finally started to cry. And to think, Misaki still had one last goodbye she had to go through before they went on to their new home.

*~*~*~

She heard the echo of the ball off the court and the shouting voices before she even reached the gym. It filled the halls, growing louder and louder the closer she grew. Regardless, once she reached the doors, she paused. The familiar sound reached out comfortingly, though. It helped her steel her heart slightly for what she was about to do. Taking a deep breath, Misaki made her way into the gymnasium.

It appeared the team was doing a practice match because half of the guys on the court had a yellow jersey on over their normal shirt. As Misaki watched, it was clear which team had the advantage. As her gaze swept over those wearing the jerseys, it was obvious why.

Just as her eyes began to rest on their target, a voice spoke up.

"Hello, Kiyoshi-san."

Misaki jumped as she realized someone had walked up to her. Recognizing the voice, she turned with a friendly smile. A blue haired boy her age stood beside her, gazing at her with calm, unwavering eyes. She'd been so focused on finding her friend she hadn't noticed him. "Hey, Kuroko-san," she greeted.