In which Nijimura tries telling a story to a bunch of kids. Kids who are only a year younger but that was beside the point. The point was he was trying; it's kind of hard to narrate a children's story when one keeps getting interrupted. But Nijimura supposes he doesn't mind getting interrupted — if it meant holding his team together for a little bit longer, he'd gladly retell it a thousand more times.

Note: Set in the same universe as Flirt like a Rainbow and When all is Fair Game, although this can be read on its own. This is the last installment of the oneshots in this universe. Please check the description below after reading this story for some announcements about the multi-chapter fic I'll be writing that is based on this universe.
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Nijimura has this talent in sensing the atmosphere of a room he enters into. And although not as adept as Akashi's talent in sensing people's talent, Nijimura could easily tell someone's current mood.

In this case, the mood inside the court is nothing but hostile.

Nijimura had a feeling way back that this was inevitable. His first years (he secretly refers to them as his because he can't help but act like a big brother when he's the captain and the only senpai in the line-up) are growing up and their strong personalities couldn't help but clash against each other. Haizaki and Kise were arguing loudly, chiding each other that themselves are better and more reliable than the other. Murasakibara and Kuroko were at each other's throats, one step behind before they'd resort to physical violence; Midorima and Aomine were ready to pull the pair away from each other if Murasakibara ever so much lift his fist against Kuroko. Momoi watches helplessly. And Akashi… Akashi watches as well, fist clenched tight as he holds himself back from the fray.

Nijimura had half a mind to call the practice off, seeing clearly that nothing good is going to happen at this rate.

"A little help..."

The voice was soft and the words were not shouted. And yet, it was enough for the first years to stop bickering and glance by the entrance. Nijimura was already by the door. He offered his hands and took the heavy load from you. It was a basket, no doubt filled with food for the team.

You smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Shuu-kun."

"I told you to wait up at your classroom," Nijimura frowned. "I was supposed to carry that for you from there to here."

You shrugged. "It's not so bad. Plus I want to see the practice." You made a little grin and added in a whisper, "I heard it was a perfect attendance today and I didn't want to miss that."

Nijimura sighed. "There's not much to see. They're all ready to kill." He glared at Haizaki and Kise's direction, where the pair were elbowing each other to continue their stupid fight. "These two are going to be the death of me, I swear. Or the reason I went to jail because of murder."

"Shuu-kun…" you frowned at him until he raised his free hand up as if to tell you he didn't really mean it. Your eyes softened. "Let's do damage control then."

"(L.name)-senpai~!"

"(L.name)-chin..."

Like a pair, Kise and Murasakibara were out of their fight and standing rather excitedly in front of you. Murasakibara turned to Nijimura and smiled in the most docile way. "Captain~ let me carry the basket, please?"

Nijimura wanted to laugh at the sudden 180 degree change of attitude. He bit back the amused smile and opted to scoff. "Knock yourself out, kiddo. Just don't forget to share."

"Thank you for the food~!" Murasakibara said in a sing song voice before skipping away. Nijimura couldn't help but laugh this time.

"Oi, Murasakibara, captain said you share the food!"

"Nu-uh, Mine-chin~"

Ah, there goes today's snacks. Not a minute later and Haizaki was running after Aomine and Murasakibara, with the obvious intention of getting his share of the food as well.

"(L.name)-senpai, I learned a new move today so you're going to watch me, ok?" Kise's excited voice brought back Nijimura's attention away from Aomine's group.

"That's great, Kise-kun. I'm looking forward for today's practice then."

"You and me both," Nijimura added. "Maybe with you here, practice would actually start. Right, Kise?"

"A-ah, yeah.." Kise laughed nervously, feeling guilty all of a sudden from his childish behavior against Haizaki moments ago. "Sorry, captain."

Nijimura merely nodded to acknowledge the apology. He waited for Kise to run back to the group before clearing his throat loudly. "Everyone, fall in!" he used his captain voice, and just like a charm, everyone run to his side obediently. Even Haizaki, with a sour expression on his face that he couldn't reach Murasakibara holding the basket up away from anyone. Nijimura glared and it was all it took for everyone to stand up a litter straighter. Haizaki stopped reaching. Murasakibara swallowed the snack on his mouth quickly.

"Captain!" they all chorused. It was as if the ruckus moments ago didn't happen.

Nijimura nodded with authority before beckoning to Momoi to come forward. She quickly jogged to their side and flipped her clipboard. "Y-yes.. uhm, the training menu for today," she started, her voice a bit nervous from standing beside Nijimura looking so.. well, scary. She stiffened when a hand squeezed her arm. Gentle. She peeked and saw you smiling encouragingly at her. She relaxed and smile back. "First, for Akashi-kun..."

As per Nijimura's instruction, he told everyone to do their menu's separately and forego the team practice today. He ignored Kise's face falling like a kicked puppy, clearly betrayed that he wouldn't get to show his new cool moves. Considering what happened earlier, Nijimura doubted progress will be made if the first years are grouped again.

Nijimura, however, didn't object when Akashi suggested to double the menu to compensate for the lack of group practice. He made a point to ignore the collective groan from the group. He did note though to keep an eye on Kuroko. The boy stopped puking after some time, except when their menu's increased by a spike; Kuroko always had a hard time adjusting.

Practice started and for the longest time, the sound of shoes squeaking against the court, the incessant dribbling of the ball, and the ragged breathes of the players were the only noise inside the gym. Momoi watched everyone attentively, walking around and making notes from everyone's progress. You followed her around, observing her how she does her job as manager.

"(L.name)-senpai," Momoi whispered, her eyes not leaving Aomine and Haizaki having a silent competition who could run faster (it can't be helped). The only indication that her attention wasn't fully on the two players was her pause in writing. "I'm worried for everyone."

"Aren't we always?" you asked back softly, although your eyes never left the court as well. You couldn't help but smile in amusement when Aomine's eyes glanced at your direction for the briefest instant and suddenly, his speed picked up immensely and outpaced the Haizaki easily, the latter gawking at disbelief at the sudden burst of energy from the former.

"But I'm more worried lately," Momoi's voice got quieter. You noticed the change in her voice and when you turned to look at her, you saw her looking down on the floor, her arms hugging her clipboard tightly. "They're fighting a lot more, you know? Tetsu-kun always eases the team but lately, even he gets into picking fights with Mukkun."

You were silent for a moment, at a loss on how Momoi is clearly distressed at this. "I'm sorry Momoi-chan, but I don't have any answer as well. I'm worried too." You put your hand on her shoulder and offered a sad smile. "But that only means we have to do our best in this situation and enjoy what we have right now. In times like this, we have to be stronger for everyone. Especially for our boys, right?"

Our boys. You liked the sound of that. Momoi seems to like it as well because she finally smiled, albeit weakly. "Right. Let's do our best in supporting the team, (L.name)-senpai."

You nodded and looked thoughtful. Other than words, what more can you do? Even if it only amounted to a small thing, a few more moments of being together, you're more than willing to do it for the team.

You watched as Midorima and Kise coincidentally took a break at the same time. They were on the other side of the gym and seem to be talking. Midorima looked disapproving as ever but at least he wasn't agitating Kise. Kise did some motions in his arms, mimicking a shooting form, and Midorima instantly forgone his grumpy face and looked very much attentive. He brought his hand up and adjusted Kise's forearm. Kise's eyes widened and he beamed. Midorima huffed and went back to his grouchy mode. Still, Kise continued to sport a grin on his face as they both went back to the court to continue their menu.

At the very least, they weren't so hostile at each other outside of court.

That's it!

You almost stumbled on your steps. "Momoi-chan," you gasped softly, still bewildered at your newfound discovery. "I have an idea that could help."

Momoi paused her note taking and was in full attention as soon as the words left your lips. "I'm all ears, senpai."

"It's like this. Whenever they're inside the court, their personalities get really impossible to handle. But what about outside? They're at least manageable, right? I was thinking, if we could get them to at least agree outside the court, maybe the tension would decrease in some way."

"Ah, senpai, I thought of that," Momoi replied, a little crestfallen. "But I'm not sure if it'd work on Dai— I mean, Aomine-kun. Even outside of court, all he talks about is basketball. And if Ki-chan and Midorin ever hears Aomine-kun talk about basketball, the two would start arguing about dunks and three-pointers and… you get the idea."

Momoi's reply was disheartening but you didn't want to give up that easily. "Then let's make sure Aomine-kun won't talk about basketball."

"And how are we going to do that, (L.name)-senpai?"

You thought about possible ideas, your eyes getting unfocused. At some point, it caught Nijimura directing Aomine, Kise, Kuroko, and Akashi away, with Kuroko dragging Aomine. Haizaki paled as Nijimura slung his arm around his shoulder, a scary smirk gracing on the captain's face.

You smiled. "Leave it to me, Momoi-chan."

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Nijimura opened and closed his mouth, debating whether or not he should ask. He looked at you rather suspiciously as you continue to smile at him, your hands pressed on his chest. He would have liked that, the pressing (and not because he is a pervert, thank you very much), if there wasn't something else between your hands and his chest. Besides his shirt of course; Definitely not a pervert.

It was a book, thin in pages and with a glossy cover. It probably only had twenty leaves at the most. Nijimura furrowed his eyebrows. "Uh, what am I supposed to do again, (F.name)?"

You continued to smile. Nijimura scowled internally. His suspicions are correct: Akashi has definitely corrupted you with his scheming ways! You hummed pleasantly, ignoring his suspicious tone of voice. "I want you to read this to the team, Shuu-kun."

"… but why?"

"Because I heard from the other clubs that it improves temperament," you answered briskly. He didn't look convinced. You pushed the book a little bit harder, "Shuu-kun, the team needs this, trust me. It will help lessen the fighting."

Nijimura reluctantly took the book from your hands and peered at it. It was in English. He made a face. "I can't read this," he commented, his cheeks tinging the slightest red at the embarrassing confession. That was not true; he can read English. He just has a weird accent. No way he's going to embarrass himself before the first years. He didn't quite trust Haizaki, Murasakibara, Aomine and Kise's reactions.

"Yes you can," you insisted, pouting your lips unconsciously — a habit you picked up ever since you started dating Nijimura. "And you don't have to read it aloud in English. You just need to read the story to them." When he didn't reply, you added in a soft whisper, "please Shuu-kun..? For me?"

Nijimura blushed and glared halfheartedly at your forming victorious grin. "You're so unfair, (F.name)."

"Thank you, Shuu-kun," you laughed, kissing his lips lightly. "I love you too."

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"We're gathered here today—"

"Wait, did someone died?"

"Someone definitely will if you continue to interrupt me."

Kise paled considerably and hid behind Aomine, who looked clearly uncomfortable at being the target of Nijimura's glare instead. He elbowed Kise and shoved him back in front. Kise yelped but made no more sound, too afraid of actually incurring the wrath of their captain.

Kise spared a glance at a rather beat up Haizaki over Kuroko's shoulders. He shuddered. Yup, definitely not defying the captain today.

When Nijimura was sure he's not going to get more interruptions, he continued. "As I was saying, we're gathered here today because," he paused, suddenly realizing the next words are going to be cheesy. He thought how he's going to word it better but came up with nothing. He scowled. "Whatever. You're all here because we're going to bond together."

There was a moment of silence before Midorima raised his hand. "Excuse me, captain, but I don't see the point of bonding. Or teamwork, for that matter."

Before Kuroko could open his mouth to politely interject, Nijimura beat him to it. "This is not about teamwork. Kuroko, close your mouth." Kuroko promptly sank back. "This is about you guys getting into stupid fights against each other and hindering our practice." Nijimura looked at each of them, daring to defy him.

Akashi raised his hand this time. Of course, Nijimura thought dryly. "What's the activity then?" Nijimura blinked, clearly surprised that Akashi complied. "I asked about this to (L.name)-senpai but she was insistent at me to wait for your instructions."

That, Nijimura wasn't surprised. He did tried to ignore how you're picking up not only Akashi's skill of persuasion, but also Kuroko's talent of evading; he took note that he had to find you some other company besides the basketball team. Clearly, the first years are bad influences on you.

As to answer Akashi's question, Nijimura brought out a book from his bag. "I'm going to read this and you're all going to listen."

Murasakibara made a displeased sound but other than that, kept silent. Aomine, unfortunately, didn't. "That's boring, captain. I came here to play basketball, not listen to a story."

"You're going to listen, Ahomine, or so help me you'll be in a worse state than Haizaki."

"Shutting up, captain."

Everyone went stiff. Nijimura sighed and counted to ten. He replayed your instructions. 'Be nice, Shuu-kun. Let them relax for a change.' He opened the book reluctantly. The things he does for you, really. "Come over. It has pictures. Yes, Haizaki, you too. I promise I won't punch you again today."

They all looked clearly hesitant, but one by one, they all shuffled in their seats and moved behind Nijimura who was sitting on the bench. Kuroko and Akashi sat beside Nijimura. Kise stood behind Kuroko, his whole frame leaning and his head rested on the latter's head. Aomine stood behind Kise, not quite sure if he could peer over Nijimura's shoulder. Midorima stood mirroring Kise, standing behind Akashi, although he was standing stiffly as ever. Murasakiba loomed behind all of them, not so subtly squishing himself between Midorima and Aomine. And Haizaki… well, Nijimura pulled him in front, not trusting this first year to look for an escape if given a chance; Haizaki sat in front of Nijimura, holding the book as per Nijimura's very threatening request.

"Right, now everyone's here, let's get this over with. If we get this successfully, (F.name) promised to bring lunch next practice." Everyone went suddenly quiet and attentive after Nijimura's words left him. He couldn't help but smirk as he flipped to the first page. If what he uses over the first years is effective fear, yours is definitely effective bribery.

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