.
Akashi Seiijuro was vexed. He is the battlemaster, the tactician and the ruler, always winning. Always getting what he wanted.
Yet there stood something he once had, now out of reach. It was Kuroko Tetsuya, the phantom sixth man.
Yes, Akashi had replaced Tetsuya with a better new model. Nevertheless, better is subjective.
When Tetsuya left, Akashi simply doesn't have any desire to have him again in his team—the thought has occurred at early times that he will someday find a better replacement.
He did find the replacement when he enrolled to Rakuzan. He was better than Tetsuya in all aspects—correction, most aspects? Akashi had compared the new model with Tetsuya. Tetsuya cannot win against this new sixth man.
Then when he met Tetsuya again, somewhere deep in his heart, Akashi suddenly felt that he want Tetsuya to stand by his side again. He looked all over his mind to find the reason, but he found nothing tactical enough to solidify his desire of having Kuroko in his team.
The new model has a bad habit of snapping back (maybe that's because he's a senpai?). He is vain. He is not creative. He thinks too highly of himself. Such traits do not please the redhead captain.
Tetsuya had always been so polite. Considerate. Selfless. Patient. And above all, observant.
But he put those unpleasant matters (excluding the snapping) aside, since the new phantom sixth man has higher stats. What he needs is a better invisible passer. And he gets it.
When did he stoop so low to 'need' and 'better'?
Akashi Seiijuro never needs. There is only wants, and he always get what he wants. More importantly, what he wants is always the best. Not the better.
If Midorima were to read his mind, he would blab something about 'taking the conclusion based from Akashi's logic of 'wanting', Tetsuya is better than Mayuzumi', 'presuming that the two are the only players with the style, take it Tetsuya is the best…'
He wants Kuroko Tetsuya.
.
The old model is now standing in front of him. His gaze is unwavering and resolute. Just as he always been. The Tetsu back then, when he told Akashi that he won't run away anymore.
Akashi Seiijuro kept his face expressionless. He knew Tetsuya can never be his again. He can never grasp Tetsuya's hand again. He can never have Tetsuya fighting beside him again. Not after the things he did in the past.
For the first time he cannot get what he wants.
But perhaps he could want for something else.
He charged forward, dribbled the ball with his right hand. Then he let go of the ball.
He stopped before Tetsuya, then held Tetsuya's small chin with his hand, lifted the smaller bluenette's face.
And kissed his lips.