Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basuke

Rating: T, some adult themed language, reference to violence, yaoi relationships (main is AoKise, side KagaKuro). Rating might go up, I'm not sure yet.

A/N: In honor of AoKise day (May 7th), here's the start of a story. The title is based on a Japanese proverb along these lines that refers to the preference of tangible things over aesthetics. You might also know it from the manga "Boys Over Flowers," but I haven't actually read that and just like the implications of the title. I hope you like it :)

Dumplings Over Flowers

Chapter 1

Aomine Daiki didn't know quite when he'd fallen for Kise Ryota, but after spending almost a year keeping watch over the pilot who'd survived the plane bombing orchestrated by a powerful yakuza boss – he only knew he was well and truly fucked. Unfortunately, he didn't mean literally. But even without having had sex with Kise, Aomine was starting to question whether his role as private security for this key witness was going to be compromised from his growing fascination with the attractive blond.

It didn't help that Kise used to be a model and was very skilled at hiding himself behind a mask of bubbly cheerfulness. Aomine appreciated his attempt to stay positive, but it made it so much worse when Kise didn't quite manage to keep it together through the regular relocations, infrequent skirmishes when they'd been spotted, and stressful life of an on-the-run witness. He'd also been struggling to accept the limitations of his body as he recuperated from his injuries and the painful acceptance that he wouldn't be able to return to either of his prior careers. Kise hadn't really mentioned it, but Aomine knew the other was stressed about his future in nearly every capacity.

Despite the near-constant strain, Kise was currently reclined on his bed in the latest of the string of temporary housing they'd secured looking relaxed, or at least resigned. He'd gotten so used to the routine that he no longer even protested when Aomine would announce they had to leave. The first few times they'd been delayed when Kise would argue that he needed more time to prepare. Now he rarely bothered to even unpack more than his toothbrush and simply grabbed a change of clothing from his suitcase as needed. He didn't look disreputable by any means, he was still keeping himself neat and well-groomed, but it was nothing compared to the showy and high maintenance routine of the first few places.

Aomine had just completed his check of the property and he was relatively pleased with the arrangements. It was a small one-bedroom apartment, but it was scrupulously clean and even featured a decent-sized tub in addition to a shower stall. Aomine was grateful it also had a pull out couch since there was only one bed. He wouldn't be on the floor this time at least. His contact from logistics, Momoi Satsuki, was very resourceful in scrounging up decent housing for them – Aomine knew he got preferential treatment from his childhood friend, but he wasn't going to refuse her generosity. If nothing else, as he looked at the person he was guarding, Aomine rather thought Satsuki had a soft spot for Kise as well.

"Kise, do you want me to cook something or go grab a take-away?" Aomine stood in the doorway to the bedroom as he asked this. By this point he didn't even have to ask Kise what he'd want from the various local eateries if he wanted a take-away, Aomine had gotten to know Kise's preferences for a variety of cuisines over the past eleven months. Theirs was a familiarity born from high-stake circumstances, but they knew more about one another than most couples that had been together for years. It was simply that type of relationship – Aomine kept watch over Kise, true – but neither of them were the sort to stand on ceremony and they'd discovered their respective likes and dislikes in categories ranging from food to movies to sports. It had the elements of a hard-won friendship at times, but then Aomine would catch sight of Kise's eyes as they lit up from something funny, or the wry pout that found its way to his lips when he lost the latest round of card games. In those moments, among the hundreds of others they spent together, Aomine would wonder what it might have been like if they'd simply run into each other at a bar somewhere and didn't have the threat of assassination hanging over them. But they did, and so he couldn't pretend otherwise.

Kise propped himself up on his elbows to look over at Aomine. "We just got here, it's too much trouble to cook tonight. Take-away's fine."

Aomine nodded. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Kagami has the outside secured while I'm gone." After receiving an acknowledgment from his charge, Aomine loped off. He was headed for a nearby noodle shop and would return with their respective choices momentarily. His partner for Kise's protection was a redhead named Kagami Taiga. Aomine didn't always get along with him, but he trusted Kagami to watch out for their client.

Once he was alone, Kise noticeably deflated. It wasn't that he blamed Aominecchi, but he was so tired of all of this. He'd never been under the impression that going into hiding was going to be glamorous, but Kise had been in shock when the idea was suggested and he hadn't really understood what he was signing up for. Not that he had a choice, the yakuza had killed all the passengers on the plane in an attempt to assassinate a single target – Kise was the only survivor. He didn't know why he'd been spared, but somehow when the plane exploded on the tarmac, he'd had just enough protection from the cockpit door to be shielded from the blast before he was thrown from the rubble. Knowing that his was the only witness testimony was a heavy burden and he was committed to carrying it out.

Still, he hadn't been in one place for longer than three weeks in almost a year. He knew Aominecchi and Kagamicchi were only doing their jobs, but Kise was nearing his breaking point. He wouldn't make the mistake of trying to sneak out again though. He'd done that only once, about a month after they'd first begun this program. He'd been going stir crazy and taken advantage of a moment of distraction to slip away from the team watching him. Kagamicchi had found him and after a blistering lecture on the danger he'd risked and his responsibility to those that didn't have the chance to testify, Kise had been suitably chastened. It had been even worse though, when he'd seen the desperately relieved expression quickly fill Aominecchi's face before it was wiped clear.

He rolled his head slightly to look at the clock. He had a few minutes before Aominecchi would return, he'd better go ahead and shower. Kise gathered up a change of clothes and some toiletries before heading into the bathroom. He looked somewhat wistfully at the tub, but he didn't have time to soak if he was going to be finished in time. With the cramped quarters they were in this time, there would be an even greater dearth of privacy than was usual. After efficiently removing his clothes and starting the water, Kise eased into the shower, relaxing slightly at the warm water hit his skin. He didn't look at his body any more than strictly necessary. He had some scarring from the burns he'd received during the accident and from where he'd fallen and various pieces of rubble had battered and pierced him. It wasn't grotesque or anything, on the whole he'd come through relatively unscathed, but in some ways that made it worse because he was just on the cusp of his former self.

Kise knew he was lucky, but it still hurt knowing he wouldn't be able to model again because of his appearance and he couldn't pilot anymore, either. Not only was he a target now, but because of some of the damage to his lungs from the smoke inhalation and possible loss of dexterity from his injuries, Kise wasn't likely to be cleared to fly again. None of the doctors had mentioned anything about emotional factors, but Kise wasn't entirely certain he would be stable enough to fly for a while anyway, even if his body was deemed sound enough to handle the strain. He didn't know what he was going to do after this trial, if he lived that long. Personally, while he was determined to testify, Kise was also unsure he would ever be safe from retaliation.

He washed his hair and made quick work of cleaning himself with soap and a body scrub, grimacing only slightly at the remaining ridges of scar tissue he encountered along the way. The weeks in the heavily-guarded government facility that was not on any public register had been painful, but he was grateful they'd been able to minimize the damage as much as they had. Midorimacchi, as he'd termed the stern doctor that had overseen his care, hadn't been overtly friendly but he'd been undeniably skilled. Kise smiled when he recalled the doctor frowning at him and insisting the patient treat him with respect and call him by his proper name – Midorima. Kise had tried to explain that the "-cchi" suffix was a sign of his respect, but the doctor hadn't been particularly impressed. Once he'd healed enough to begin the witness-protection program, Kise had even further cause to be grateful since they'd had to make more than one quick escape that would have been difficult if he hadn't had the level of care they'd managed to provide.

Kise closed his eyes as the water ran down in steady rivulets. The shower was one of the few places he had left to himself, but his alone time was still limited. He couldn't risk either Aominecchi or Kagamicchi deciding they needed to burst in to ensure he hadn't been inexplicably kidnapped from the bathroom. He gave a moment's consideration to masturbating while he had the chance but he honestly wasn't in the mood. Kise chuckled hoarsely, the irony wasn't lost on him that he'd probably be more than ready once his handsome security detail returned, but it certainly wasn't appropriate to lust after someone trying to keep you alive. So Kise merely finished his ablutions and turned the water off with a tired sigh. He opened the shower door, letting some of the steam billow out into the room as he grabbed a towel and began drying himself off with brisk motions. He changed clothes and then wrapped his hair in a fresh towel, already prepared to ignore whatever snarky comment either Aominecchi or Kagamicchi might make – he refused to damage his hair with the harsh heat of a hair dryer any more than absolutely necessary and this was an ongoing point of amusement for the two guards.

He heard Aominecchi call out from the living room that dinner was there, he'd returned while Kise was getting ready. His deep vocal register was unmistakable if for no other reason than it never failed to wash over Kise in a wave that promised both protection and seduction – no matter what the words themselves might actually be. Kise left the bedroom, towel still around his head and saw the amused glances that Kagamicchi and Aominecchi exchanged but neither of them said anything.

Instead the three of them settled around the small table and began tackling their meals. They didn't say much; they were all readjusting after their frantic relocation. Kagamicchi had been patrolling when he'd noticed a suspicious person lurking near their previous hideout and after determining the threat was real by capturing the person and sending them into custody as per protocol, they'd immediately requested a move. In the span of ten minutes they'd exited the compromised location and been hustled into a van bound for the next place on the list. The ride had been tense and silent as nobody mentioned what they'd all been thinking – there was a mole somewhere – there was no other explanation for how they had been located so quickly.

It wasn't a problem they could address right then; they didn't even know who to suspect. As the trio ate their noodles, they were startled to hear the plain but somehow authoritative ringtone issue from Aomine's phone. He answered almost automatically and his eyes widened to hear the cool tones belonging to his boss, Akashi Seijuro. Akashi had some interesting information that would change things for the three of them, and Aomine picked up on the slight amusement as he stressed that number before dropping his surprise. Aomine could barely react as Akashi disconnected the call with the brief assurance more would be explained later.

Aomine lowered the phone and stared at it in disbelief. He didn't know how Kise would take this, honestly. He shot a glance over at the blond, noting his steeled expression – Kise was much more used to receiving bad news by this point.

"That was Akashi. He says they've found another witness, sort of anyway. Do you know the name Kuroko Tetsuya?"

Kise's eyes flew open in surprise. "Kurokocchi? Yes, of course. He was a regular passenger on my route, I'd see him at least twice a month if not more. As with any of the frequent business travelers, I'd gotten to know him a little. Why do you mention him now?"

Aomine shrugged. "Apparently he was supposed to be on your plane the day the bomb went off. Akashi thinks he might have been the target of the attack in the first place. But he was apparently delayed and missed the flight. You didn't notice he wasn't aboard?"

Kise shook his head and gave a strained laugh. "You'd have to meet him to understand, he's really hard to notice at first. Although I don't remember his name on the passenger list anyway. But he's alive? That's incredible! You think Kurokocchi was the target? I can't believe that! He's amazing, but who would want him dead? And badly enough to take out an entire plane in the attempt to kill him? That doesn't sound like Kurokocchi at all."

Having listened to this exchange, Kagami interrupted with a question of his own. "Why did Akashi call to tell you this, Aomine?"

There was a momentary pause before Aomine responded. "He's coming into protective custody, too. He'll be joining us here tomorrow. Apparently the yakuza didn't realize they hadn't gotten him – he must seriously be good at hiding for it to have taken so long to figure out they didn't manage to kill him. But apparently there was an attempt on his life yesterday and since the cases are related, Akashi is combining resources to put him with us."

"Kurokocchi told me once he goes by a different name for his work, but it was just in passing so I don't know what it is or really what he does. It's likely Kurokocchi didn't think he was the target so he's just been going about his life as normal – perhaps they caught sight of him that way and realized their mistake?" Kise's commentary was hesitant, he didn't know what to make of this new situation in the least.

Aomine shrugged. "I guess we'll be able to ask him tomorrow. I hope Satsuki sends some cots or something though. Kagami and I will be trading off with the couch, but there's just the one bed for you and Kuroko as it currently stands."

"He's a small guy, we'll figure it out even if she doesn't." Kise's sighed response reflected his awareness that this was one of the nicer places they'd stayed in over the past eleven months. With everything else that had gone on, it didn't suddenly seem like as big of a deal to share.

The shock of finding out someone would be joining them had discouraged even their minimal efforts at conversation and they finished their meals in silence. Once he was done and threw his container in the tash, Kise thanked them and then went to his room to shake out his hair and quickly dry it – needing only a moment thanks to the towel's design. He didn't return to the living room, instead simply brushed his teeth and prepared for sleep. He slipped into bed and was soon slumbering, too accustomed now to snatching it while he could on the chance he'd be shaken awake to move on to the next location.

Once their charge was gone, Kagami sent a speaking look to his colleague and sometimes friend. "You're not keeping a lid on it very well anymore, Aomine. You looked like you wanted to eat him rather than dinner when he came out of the bedroom."

"Shut up. I know I can't do anything, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the view." His words were probably meant to be angry, but they came out somewhat softer than that emotion would imply.

Kagami shrugged. "True enough. But maybe having this Kuroko person join us will be a good thing. A distraction, maybe."

"It doesn't matter one way or another. I'm not letting anyone else besides you guard Kise. So if part of that deal now includes this other person, that's fine, although I don't know what Akashi is thinking. It's not part of our protocol to put two witnesses together like this."

"Who knows? That smug bastard has a plan in mind, he always does. We just have to do the best we can not to get caught up in his machinations." Kagami's comment was bitterly admiring. Their boss, Akashi Seijuro, was the youngest director in the history of their organization and he hadn't earned that spot by chance – he was lethally intelligent and ruthlessly pursued his targets with a nearly obsessive focus. If he wanted Kuroko Tetsuya to join their group, then they had no choice and would simply have to wait to meet this witness before getting further information.

"You're right. But Kise seemed genuinely taken aback by the idea Kuroko would be the target, do you think Akashi might have the wrong guy?" Aomine's question was curious and reflected his confusion over the whole thing.

"Don't take this the wrong way lover boy, but I trust Akashi's assessment more than Kise's in this. Akashi would have access to a lot more information than someone that just saw him a few times a month, even if they'd gotten on good enough terms to chat. It just means Kuroko will bear close watching, there's nothing else we can do." Kagami's amused reply brought a smile to Aomine's face, too.

"Fair enough, we'll wait and see. Want to play cards?" They'd passed many nights this way, with Kise asleep in one room, and the two of them keeping watch nearby. It could grow tedious even for bodyguards of their skill – so they had a vast repertoire of card games under their belt.

"Sure, best of three games. Loser gets the first watch shift." Kagami's suggestion was a familiar one and Aomine merely shrugged his acceptance and began dealing the cards.

Two consecutive victories later, Kagami conceded in disgust as Aomine laughed at him. Aomine claimed the couch and was soon asleep. Kagami stayed awake, thinking about this mysterious newcomer that would be upsetting their fragile dynamics. He could only hope it would be for the best, but with their run of luck, he wasn't holding out much hope. The night passed slowly, with thoughts of Aomine's attraction to Kise and the inevitable fuckup it was going to cause trading time with speculation over Akashi's plans and the truth about Kuroko. It would prove to be an interesting day tomorrow; of that he was sure.