Chapter 14: Heartfelt Reunion

"Where is she!"

The shout and accompanying bang caused several people passing within the vicinity of the Council Chairman's office to flinch.

"Now, now, Hanamiya, there's no need for such hysterics," the only person brave enough to face the Chairman's rage said, a sly, snake-like smile gracing his lips.

"Don't condescend me, Imayoshi," Hanamiya snarled.

"I wouldn't dare."

Hanamiya shot his companion a scornful look, scepticism clear.

"Find her."

"Yes, Chairman." Inclining his head in a shallow bow, Imayoshi left the office.

As soon as people caught sight of him they hurried to clear the way, studiously avoiding eye contact whenever he glanced in their direction.

Imoyashi smirked to himself, scaring the underlings was always an amusing pass-time. It faded though as he considered what he'd learned. The Shadow could have escaped at any time, she was by far the most competent they'd ever had. That she'd chosen not to until now spoke of something changing. He would have to talk to Riko Aida, she was last to speak to the Shadow and, being so nosy, would have the best idea of what was going on.

Decision made, Imayoshi swept down the hallway to Aida's office. He looked forward to the conversation, not only because she and her assistants were some of the only people in the building with the guts to challenge him, but also because they were always up to something borderline treasonous. It was a miracle they hadn't been separated at the very least.

Kuroko looked up at the building she had come to call home in only a few short weeks with a mix of dread and relief. She'd been assured by Kise that none of her bond-mates blamed her for hiding her job but they could still be angry at her.

So lost in thought, she startled at the hand that came around her back.

"Are you all right, Tetsuya?" Akashi's eyes were soft with concern and Kuroko felt herself relax into the supporting hand at her waist.

"I'm fine, Akashi-kun," she said quietly, gathering her courage, and opening the door. Looking at Kise, who gave her an encouraging smile, she stepped through hand into the warmth of the entranceway.

Kuroko took her time removing her shoes and putting on slippers, wanting to delay the confrontation as long as possible. Kise and Akashi had no such reservations, already through to the kitchen by the time she was done.

Bracing herself, Kuroko took a deep breath before pushing the door open. Immediately, all activity stopped. Kuroko cringed, shying back and making to close the door and escape to her room. Tears pricked the back of her eyes and the words of apology she'd rehearsed in her head all the way home died in her throat. Before she could make her retreat, Midorima stepped forward.

"Welcome home, Kuroko," he said, giving her a supremely awkward pat on the shoulder. Kuroko swallowed hard, hoping to unstick her throat, before managing to force out a reply. "I'm back."

Like her words were a signal, chatter started back up again while Aomine came forward from where he was lounging at the island counter to hug Kuroko. She endured it, blushing faintly, then escaped to Murasakibara's side where he was cooking dinner.

"Thank you," she said quietly, mindful of everyone's eyes fixed on her even as they talked amongst themselves.

"You're welcome, Kuro-chin."

To his credit, Murasakibara did not ask for clarification before turning back to the stove.

There was peaceful quiet for a few minutes until Murasakibara turned the cooking appliances off and retrieved dishes from the cupboard closest to him. At this signal, Kise reached into a drawer and withdrew chopsticks and cutlery while Aomine, Midorima, and Akashi lined up to take dishes as they were filled.

Kuroko moved to help, but at a quelling look from Akashi subsided and just followed after them into the dining room.

She withheld a smile as she sat down to eat, marvelling at how her bond-mates could know just what she needed to feel welcome and at home, glad they had not made a big fuss at her after their initial greeting but still making her feel welcomed, feel at home. Kuroko sent a mental wave of gratitude and affection to everyone and received blinding smiles from them all in return.

Kagami looked up at the high-rise apartment block, he then eyed the note in his hands as though expecting the address on it to be suddenly different from the building in front of him. He looked back up. No change. Kagami slumped in resignation before straightening his shoulders and marching up the door like a man expecting a death sentence.

Ringing the bell, Kagami stepped back and waited for someone to answer, trying not to think too hard about how surreal it was to be standing outside the Generation of Miracles' home while not aiming to arrest them. He was pulled from these musings when the door opened and the blond (Kagami was reasonably sure his name was Kise) gave him a very genuine-looking, but probably fake, smile.

"Can I help you?"

Kagami wordlessly reached into his pocket and withdrew the letter Riko had given him to explain his presence, trying not to show how creeped out he was at the abrupt shift from happy-go-lucky smile to sharp assessing gaze as he read the letter. When he'd finished, he folded the paper and beckoned Kagami inside, leaving him in the living room briefly before coming back with the rest of the Generation of Miracles.

The red-headed apparent leader held up the letter he'd given the blond and said only one word.

"Explain."

"Riko and several mid-ranking members of the Council are unhappy with the current leaders' policies and want to make changes," Kagami summarised, warily looking around the room. His eyes landed on the Shadow and she gave him a small, encouraging nod.

"To make those changes happen," continued Kagami, holding eye contact, "the bastards in charge need to be overthrown but they don't have the open support necessary to make that happen."

"I did pick up on quite a bit of discontent, if no hostility, in the meeting room when they were deciding my fate." Kuroko noted, causing all eyes in the room to turn to her. She blushed slightly but continued.

"I think it's more likely that, rather than not having enough support, the Council members have not done anything severe enough for most to be willing to act."

Kuroko's bond-mates stared at her, disbelieving.

"She's right," said Kagami. When the stares turned on him he hurried to elaborate.

"For all the Main Council members, and most of the general Council, the Shadow is the only Inferior they ever see or hear about. Most of them think that everyone is born Superior but become Inferior by committing crimes. Because of that, almost all Council aids and assistants know about Inferiors is they're criminals or bad influences on society."

"They need to be brought down."

Everyone nodded in agreement with Kise's statement.

"Agreed," said Akashi. "The only question remaining is how to do so."

AN: First, my apologies for the lateness of this chapter. I've had it finished for several weeks now but wanted to start the next chapter before posting this one. My interest has waned in this fandom so I doubt I'll be posting any more stories in it anytime soon after this fic is finished.

My second note, this fic will be finished. I currently have assignments due in the middle of January so that is taking up my time and concentration at the moment. Updates should hopefully pick up in February. There are only a few more chapters to go until the story is finished! It will be a wonderful but sad thing.

Lastly, a big thank you to everyone who has read, favourited, followed and reviewed my fic, both those who have been there from the beginning and those who joined partway through, it is your encouragement and enthusiasm for my work that has gotten me this far and your pestering that has dragged me to my computer to update it. So thank you, hope you enjoyed the chapter, and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!