You see clearly in their heads.
They make you wish,
That you were dead.
But you will come to show them all.
The scared gamed of Basketball.


The Flys— The Gods Of Basketball





“Come on Tk!” Matt shouted from the bleachers. His younger brother’s team had the ball, and we setting up some sort of play. The two guards were zig zagging to the basket, as the point guard dribbled straight.

“What are they doing?” Nikki asked, as she clutched onto Matt’s arm.

“From the looks of it, playing a game of basketball.” Matt smirked.

“No really.” she said lightly hitting his arm, as a smile broke out on her face.

“Well, they’re setting up a press. Well I think that’s what Tk called it. I kinda blocked out everything he says about this sport. Too confusing.” he sighed, brushing a piece of his golden blond hair away from his cerulean blue eyes.

“Well Matt, if you can remember all those ingredients in your hair gel, but you can’t remember a few simple sports rules, you know there’s a problem.” Tai joked, as Kate laughed.

“They aren’t setting up a press. That’s only after you score.” she explained to Nikki.

“That’s my girl.” Tai said kissing her cheek. “She knows nothing.” he joked, rolling his eyes as he pulled her closer to him.

“Well that’s more than her boyfriend.” Matt said as Kate kicked him softly.

“What just happened?” Nikki asked as the ref placed one of his hands in the air.

“Foul.” Tai said solemnly. “Man he’s been doing a bad job tonight.”

“I know.” Matt agreed. “But he was called on such short notice.”

“What do you mean?” Kate asked as she snuggled closer to Tai.

“Well, you see this school? The game was canceled because of the snow storm. Well, that’s what we thought anyway. Tk’s school was called off, and everyone went home. We had to call all the basketball players back, to get to the game.”

“But why didn’t they just explain the situation to them?” Nikki asked, looking into Matt’s eyes.

“Because.” Tai said disgustedly. “St. Georges has been competing with Odibah for ages. Since they had school today, they said either show up, or forfeit. But if they forfeited, they would have to flip a coin for the playoffs. And if they lose, they have to play Lindsay Place first.”

“Ouch.” Kate said shivering. “Lindsay Place. What was their lowest scoring game? 109 to 2? And I think they gave the two points away as a pity basket...”

“That’s about right.” Matt said. “But we’re doing pretty good so far. We’re ahead by 6.”

“Er. Make that 4.” Tai corrected him.

“Come on Tk! Show them what Odibah can do!” Nikki shouted at te top of her lungs, standing up, and attracting a lot of attention.

Matt gently pulled his girlfriend back down to her seat. “Good team spirit Nik.” he said smiling, as he kissed her.

Tk looked over at his personal cheering section. He smiled, and shook his head sadly as he watched his brother make out with his pretty girlfriend.

“Couldn’t wait could ya?” he joked silently, as Trevor, the second guard passed him the ball hard.

Tk took a step back, before smashing the ball on the floor, and taking it to the basket. The ball just sailed in, causing the crown to cheer wildly.

Instead of soaking up all the glory, he darted back to his key, taking his position very seriously.

“See. That’s a press.” Kate said pointing, as the players arranged themselves at different section of the court. One up front. Two a little behind him. One in the center, and one in the key.

“I get it.” Nikki said proudly, as Matt hugged her tight.

“You look so cute when you get that twinkle in your eye.” Matt said kissing the tip of her nose.

“Get a room.” Tai said as he passed a hand through the mop of chocolate brown hair on his head.

“Don’t give then ideas.” Kate warned as Matt and Nikki turned bright red.

“Yeah, and shouldn’t we be cheering Tk on?” Tai added. “At least I have to common decency to not make out, when I’m supposed to be cheering.”

“Yeah, you’ll do it as soon as that buzzer goes off.” Matt retorted, blowing a piece of hair out of his eyes.

“And you won’t hear me denying that.” Tai smiled as Kate rolled her eyes. “I’m still wondering how I fell for you.” she said smiling.

“Because I’m a sweet, caring, sensitive guy, that loves you, and is really hot.”

“Don’t forget modest.” Nikki joked as Tai gave her a dirty look.

“Just watch the game.” he said fiercely, as he placed his arm around Kate’s shoulders.

‘Why isn’t she here?’ Tk wondered, as he scanned the crowd of people, looking for her beautiful face. ‘She said she’d be here.’

“What’s up man?” Trevor asked, as he squeezed a water bottle into his mouth. “You looked bummed.”

“I am.” he said sighing, as he replaced the headband on his head, getting rid of the strands of tangled blond hair.

“Lys not here?”

“Yeah.” he said looking at his friend. “She said she’d come to see this game, but she’s not here!”

“It’s only second quarter. Give her a little more time man. It’s snowing outside. The roads are bad.”

“Yeah, I just can’t help feeling disappointed.”

“You really care about Lys hun?” he said, gulping down more of the clear liquid.

“I think I love her.” Tk said facing the crowd again. “She makes me feel something, I’ve never felt before. She’s special Trev.”

“And you won’t hear me complaining.” he smiled. “Good luck with her man.”

“Thanks.” Tk said laughing slightly. Just then, a girl with long brown hair walked in, and shook of her jacket. Snow fell, and melted before it hit the ground, causing small puddles to follow her.

“That her?” Trevor said squinting.

“No.” Tk said numbly, as he gazed at the gorgeous girl who just swayed into the room.

She looked over at the bench, and caught Tk’s gaze. She smiled at him, as she blushed furiously. Her light amber eyes sparkled under the flourescent lights in the gym.

“Who is she?” Tk asked, as he began to regain use of his mouth. His eyes never leaving her. She had to be the most beautiful girl he had ever seen in his life, but there was something else that he was just drawn to.

There was a sense of warmth about her. Everything about her just radiated. She smiled once more at him, and walked up to the top of the stands. She removed her winter jacket, revealing a light yellow sweater.

“Woah. She’s cute.” Trevor said, as he watched the girl sit down.

“Who is she?” Tk asked in amazement. In the few seconds he had seen her, he had already been completely bewitched by her.

“Kari. I think. Tai’s sister.” Trevor said racking his brain. “And if I remember correctly, she’s...”

But his sentence was cut off, as a tall boy with unruly brown hair dashed over to where she was sitting, and kissed her cheek. The girl giggled as she kissed him back, making the boy smile widely.

“Dating Daisuke Motomiya.” Trevor finished.

Tk’s whole body burned red with anger. His face went red, as his fists were balled to his side. “That guy? She’s dating that guy?”

“Yep. And if rumor has it, they’re pretty tight.” Trevor whispered, as the coach called a time out.

He began yelling at them loudly, as small pelts of spit flew from his mouth, hitting the play-board. His face was a deep shade of crimson, and the vain in his head was throbbing wildly.

“Shit he’s pissed now.” Tk cursed, as he focused his eyes on the magnetic board. His eyes kept straying over to Kari though.

Daisuke was talking expressively, and he was waving his hands around like a fool. But Kari was laughing. Her laughter rang through the gym, as the buzzer signaled the time out was over.

“What’s up with Tk?” asked Kate. “He’s not paying attention at all!”

“I know!” Nikki muttered breathlessly, as she managed to pull away from Matt’s warm embrace.

Tai fake gaged, as he squirmed uncomfortably in his seat. “The dude keeps looking into the bleacher man. Somebody ought to tell him we don’t know the plays.”

“Speak for yourself.” Kate sighed. “But this game better pick up soon. I’m freezing and I want to see some basketball!”

“I’ll warm you up.” Tai volunteered enthusiastically.

“Run Kate.” Matt smirked.

“Don’t make me hurt you.” Tai threatened, as he pointed his finger menacingly at him.

“As if he could.” Nikki joked.

“Shut up!” Kate laughed. “And I so see you kicking ass in the 100 meter here.”

“Please. When your boy looks this good, the only running you do is...” Nikki began to say, but Matt quickly covered her mouth, blushing slightly.

“So the secret is out.” Tai grinned proudly. “Busted Matt.”

“This coming from the saint.” Matt groaned.

“Damn right.” Tai said, nodding his head in agreement. “I am but a God of soccer.”

“I pity the people who follow you...” Matt laughed.

“No, I’m still fine.” Kate said.

“You two are way too sad.” Nikki exhaled

“Like you’re one to talk.” Tai said pushing her shoulder slightly. “At least we can control ourselves.”

“And that’s why you’re no fun.” Matt smiled, as he leaned over, and kissed her happily.

“At least Tk has us.” Kate whispered, as she hugged Tai.

“Yeah. And when he realizes Matt has problems, he’ll... hey!” he exclaimed, as Matt hit him.

“Focus!” Kate fumed, as she directed their heads to the court. “Cheer!”

“Woohoo.” both muttered sarcastically.

“What does she see in him anyway?” Tk snapped, as he forcefully threw the ball at Trevor. Both of them had begun running down the small court, and were ready to set up the play de jour.

“Cut him off!” a player from St. Georges yelled, as Trevor easily went in for a lay up.

“Oh my God that player is going to get rammed!” Nikki shouted, covering her eyes. Whistles simultaneously blew.

The green player was left sprawled out on the floor, but he got up smiling, proud of his work.

“Why is he smiling? The kid scored! Somebody tell me!” Nikki begged.

“Foul.” Matt hissed. “And a damn hard on to get too.”

“But why haven’t they given Odibah their point? Ow, I’m getting a headache.” she moaned.

“You see. That’s why soccer is better than basketball! A nice slide tackle would fix that!” Tai pointed out disgustedly.

“Tai, you’d give away the ball to slide tackle somebody!” Kate laughed.

“True. So true.” he said thoughtfully.

“But come on! Look at her man! She’s beautiful! And, and there’s something about her, that’s driving me crazy! I wish I could talk to her!” Tk sighed, as he panted hard, gathering as much air as he could, before he had to sprint down the floor again.

“I feel for ya man.” Trevor muttered, as he gasped. “But don’t look now. Lys is here.”

“What?” Tk shouted, as his attention was focused to the pretty girl that just walked into the gym. Her chestnut hair was covered with a now fading white snow, and her cheeks were a flushed red color.

‘God she’s beautiful.’ Tk thought, as she smiled at him, and took a seat close to the floor.

“You’re in for it now Tk. And I certainly don’t envy you!”

“Don’t envy me. Take pity on my soul.” Tk moaned, as the clock buzzed ending the 3^rd quarter. They were only up 3 points, so they had to work really hard too win this one.

“Yeah, but you were telling me before how you were head over heels for Lys.

What’s up with the sudden change of heart?”

“To tell you the truth, I have no clue. But I do know that Kari is special.”

“Wouldn’t know man. Still single and damn proud of it!” he smiled triumphantly.

“But how am I supposed to focus on the game, when she’s in the crowds?” Tk exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air in frustration.

“Tk, get a hold of yourself! Dude, I’ve never seen you like this before! What the hell’s up?”

“I don’t know!” he shouted. “I’m in love with Lys, but then this girl just waltzes into the gym, and I can barely remember how to spell my name! I can’t explain it, but I know that I want to be next to her!”

“There has to be some type of explanation for this. Maybe you’re just nervous about telling Lys you love her. Maybe you’re nervous about the game, and you’re trying to direct your attention to something else!”

“But it doesn’t make sense!” he debated. “It’s as if this force is pulling me toward her!”

Just then, a loud crashing noise was heard, as the two steel doors of the gym were thrown open, and a man raced in. He had beads of sweat dangling from his brow, and he held a piece of white paper tightly in his grasp.

“Attention!” he shouted at the top of his lungs. “The snow storm has gotten much worse than expected, and the radio stations and road patrol are telling us that we can’t leave the school. The roads are sheers of ice, and it would be irresponsible of us to let any of you go.”

“What does this mean exactly?” a man in the stands screamed.

“The game is cancelled, and will be replayed at a later time. I suggest that all of you change back into your normal clothing, because you aren’t going anywhere for a while.” he replied, wiping his forehead.

“Great, so we have to stay here until the snow goes away. Great!” Nikki sighed, as she pulled her jacket closer around her body. “Just our luck!”

“It could be worse!” Kate said. “Hell, we could be trapped in or something!”

As soon as she finished her sentence, another man walked in and whispered something to the man that was standing in the middle of the court.

“Another announcement has just been brought to our attention!” the snow has seemed to build up, in such a way, that we cannot open any of the doors or windows in the school. We are very sorry, but it looks like we’re going to be here for even longer. Or at least until the road patrol come, but considering the roads, you might want to cancel any plans you might have had for this evening.”

“Great way to jinx it there Kate.” Nikki sighed.

“Eh. Whatever.” she shrugged. “But we better tell out parents that we won’t be home for supper tonight.”

“Cell. Here.” Matt said whipping out his phone, and handing it to Tai. He punched in the few digits, and quickly rambled off a sentence, explaining what happened.

He then handed it to Nikki, who the handed it to Kate. When Matt got it back, he tucked it safely in his pocket, and spied the room for Tk.

“Aren’t you gonna phone home?” Nikki asked.

“Dad’s out of town. So’s my mom, so, I’m minding Tk tonight.” he explained. “But maybe you can come over later... I can give TK some money for a movie...”

“Responsibility... what’s that?” Tai sang in Matt’s ear.

“Hey there cutie!” Lys smiled, as she wrapped her arms around Tk’s shoulders, and kissed him.

“Hey! I didn’t think you’d make it!” he muttered uncomfortably.

“I wouldn’t miss this game for the world. You were amazing out there! As usual!” she said softly.

“God I’m lucky to have you!” he said honestly, as he hugged her tightly.

“Oh! I want you to meet someone! She’s a friend of mine!”

“Who is it?” he inquired, as he shifted position.

“You’ll have to meet her. And if I do say so myself, her boyfriend is a total hottie!”

“Should I be jealous?” he joked.

“Depends.” she said airily, as she smirked, and ran into the gym.

“Lys!” he shouted after her, as he ran inside after her. When he got in, he was faced with Kari and Daisuke.

“Oh!” he exclaimed shocked.

“Tk, this is Kari. And this is Daisuke. He plays soccer!” she said draping her arms around his shoulders.

“Nice to meet you.” he chocked, as he haphazardly shook their hands.

“Nice to meet you to Tk.” Kari smiled. Her voice was like music to him.

“Here there! You were tearing up the court! Sweet! You’re an awesome player man!” Daisuke complimented. (Shudders... happy Gina?)

“Thanks.” he smiled bitterly. He felt this resentment toward him, even though he was being nothing more than friendly.

“Anyway. Kari, I’m going to get a payphone, and call my sister. See you in a few minutes okay?”

She laughed, as she pushed him out. “Be quick!”

“I will.” he promised as he disappeared.

“Oh, that reminds me. I have to phone home too! I’m gonna go with Dai. Tk, keep Kari company okay?”

“Sure.” he said uneasily, as she raced off after him, yelling out his name.

“So...” she said after a while, to break the silence between them. “Oh, you’re a really good basketball player.”

“Thank you.” he blushed, as he looked down at his shoes.

“Listen, did I do something to upset you? I mean, I know that we just met, but as soon as I walked in, you got kinda weird. And you’re all buggy around me right now, and I’m not sure if it was something I did or...”

“No!” he interrupted suddenly. “You didn’t do anything.”

“Then what is it?” she asked.

“God, I don’t want to freak you out or anything, like you said, we just met and all...”

“You felt it to didn’t you?” she asked suddenly. “You felt that spark to!”

“Exactly. As soon as you walked in, I got this weird feeling, and it so hard to explain, but I felt drawn to you. Almost like...”

“A magnet.” she finished.

“Yeah.”he replied in awe. “That’s exactly it.”

“And do you...”

“Have that oddest feeling of guilt, even though you haven’t done a single thing.” he finished rapidly.

“Yeah...” she replied. They began walking down one of the dimly lit corridors of the school, and kept silent the whole way.

They stared down at the black marble floor, not uttering a single word. That was, until they were faced with a wall.

“Kari.” Tk whispered lowly.

“Yeah.” she answered.

“I know that you’re seeing Dai. And you know that I’m seeing Lys. But I’m going to kiss you right now. And nothing is going to stop me.”

“And you won’t get a fight over here.” she murmured, as she wrapped her arms around him, and kissed him deeply.

Tk snaked his arm around her waist, and pulled her slender body close to his. She passed her fingers lightly through his hair, taking in the initial softness of it. How the silky feel of it brushed across her palms.

“Do you believe in love at first sight?” she muttered, as she broke away from him momentarily.

“Not until now.” he replied seriously, as he kissed her again.

“Cause I think I’ve fallen for you...” she mumbled.

“I know I’ve fallen for you.” he said, looking into her shimmering amber eyes. “I know.”

“But this isn’t right.” she fought. “I have Daisuke! You have Lys! She’s my friend!” she said, as she kissed his lips again.

“And I know that... but I still can’t help myself. My God I care for her, but you...”

“And you...” she sighed, as she melted into his warm and loving embrace.

“Where did Tk fly off to?” matt asked.

“No clue.” his three friends replied in unison.

“I could have sworn I saw him a minute ago. Oh! He left with Kari!”

“We’ll go get him.” Nikki said enthusiastically.

“We.” Matt said baffled.

“Come on Kate.” she sighed happily.

“Do I have to?” Kate complained.

“Yes. Now come on!” Nikki replied harshly.

“Fine. Be back in a minute Tai.” she sighed, as she hopped up, and walked off with Nikki.

The two girls look around, but to no avail. It seemed as if they had disappeared! But as they rounded a corner, they were in for a huge shock.

“Tk!” Nikki shouted shocked.

“Kari!” Kate shouted at the exact time.

The kissing duo instantly pulled away from each other. Their faces red with embarrassment and shock.

“Nikki...” Tk started.

“Kate...” Kari spoke as well.

“Oh my God...” both girls said simultaneously.

“It’s not what it looks like!” they both said.

“Right. So Kari, you just happened to fall...” Kate started.

“And Tk, your lips caught her?” Nikki fumed. “God Tk, how could you do this to Lys?”

“Do what to me?” she asked, as she rounded the corner. Daisuke was next to her, and his handsome face looked worried. He bore the exact same expression as Lys.

“Let’s leave them to discuss this Nikki. It doesn’t concern us.” Kate said, as the girls both walked away solemnly.

“What gonna happen now?” Nikki asked, as they entered into the gym. The smiling faces of their loving boyfriends welcoming them back.

“Well, all I know is that two people are going to end up miserable.” Kate sighed, as she took her seat near Tai.

“So, what was Nikki talking about Tk?” Lys asked, as panic began to dominate her voice.

He looked over at Kari slightly, before rubbing the back of his neck, and looking back at his girlfriend.

“Lys, can I talk to you alone please?” he asked.

“You know you can.” she smiled, a tad calmer than before.

“Dai, Lys could you leave me and Tk alone for a minute? I swear that’s all I’ll need.” Kari gulped, as she looked over at her friend.

“Sure. Come on Lys.” Dai said, as he took her arm lightly, and lead her away from Tk and Kari.

Once both were a reasonable distance away, Kari turned, and looked at Tk. Her eyes filled to the brim with sorrow. “We have to tell them. We have to make a decision.”

“I know. I know.” Tk sighed. “I’ll go tell Lys.” he muttered, as he walked off, and took his girlfriend by the hand.

He wandered aimlessly around the school, just looking for an area that they could talk. Once he was in a deserted area, he turned around, and looked her straight in the eye.

Yet as he stared deeply into her sky blue eyes, he smiled. He casually brushed away a piece of her curly, chestnut hair, and tucked it safely behind her ear.

“Listen Tk.” she said quickly. “Before you say anything, I just wanted to tell you something.”

“Sh.” he silenced, as he placed his finger on her lips. He studied her face several seconds before saying anything else.

Within a second, all the memories they shared, that made him fall madly in love with her, flooded back in his mind, strengthening his heart. And he spoke.

“I’ve made my decision. And it’s you Lys. I love you.” he whispered, as he gathered her head, and kissed her. And he had never been more sure of anything in his whole life. He was in love with her.

“I love you too Tk.” she muttered through their parted lips.

“I wonder how it all turned out.” Nikki whispered to Kate, as Tai and Matt had an animated debate over how was hotter.

“I guess we’ll have to wait and see.” Kate replied. Her eyes then caught sight of Lys and Tk, walking in together. Hand in hand. Smiling widely.

“Well I guess we know how one turned out.” Nikki said, as she looked over to where Kate was.

“Now how did couple number two do...” Kate sighed, as Kari and Dai walked in.

Tk gazed over at Kari. She gave him a clumsy smile, and shook her head slowly.

“I couldn’t do it.” she mouthed sadly.

“I understand.” he mouthed back. They both took a while to look at each other, remembering the odd sense of peace they felt when they were together.

And then they walked away from each other. As if they had never met, and as if they hadn’t shared a thing.

“Well. This story had a happy ending.” Kate noticed, as she leaned back in Tai’s arms.

“What are you talking about?” he asked cluelessly.

“Yep.” Nikki agreed, as she kissed Matt’s cheek lightly. “And to think. This all started out as a simple game of basketball!”

“What are you two talking about?” Matt asked baffled.

“Actually.” Nikki said. “We could say that the Gods of basketball had their moment to shine tonight.”

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