AN-

I don't know where I'm going with this. Many OC's (side characters), and Kuroko and Kise may seem a bit OOC. (*Most of my knowledge is really just from second-hand fandom disease)

"We love you Ryouta-sama!"
The crowd chanted the celebrity's name like a spell, and they held up a myriad of different signs. Some said 'Ryouta Kise is #1!' others said 'Be the father of my children Ryouta-sama!' but most just had his name with frilly hearts plastered around it.

The star in question (the S-class actor and model), Ryouta Kise, was wading through the surge of love-drunk fangirls, being protected by multiple bulky bodyguards. He gave small butterfly kisses and hugs to his adoring fans, making them blush or faint at the spot. Kise loved the attention, and was happy to reciprocate their love for him (as in, a senpai to their kouhai; nothing romantic).
He made it to the awaiting limo, and stepped inside. The door slammed shut behind him, and as they drove away, the crowds' cheers got quieter and quieter. It soon disappeared completely, and the drive went silent.
Kise appreciated the noiseless ride, because the pounding migraine wasn't getting any better from the screaming. His head felt like someone was trying to hammer their way through his skull, and frankly, he did not appreciate it. Kise didn't want to worry his fans though, so he kept up his trademark smile.

The star ruffled through his bag and pulled out a small jar of painkillers. He drank one dry, hoping it would help with the pain.

The limo had dropped him off at his apartment, then drove off again. He was welcomed home by no one, and was greeted with only a stark, cold room. Kise was rarely home due to his busy schedule, so the only things that cluttered the apartment were some pieces of furniture, and a table or two.
Kise opened the door to his bedroom, and flopped down on his king-sized bed. He didn't bother changing or eating; he just wanted sleep. The handsome man almost accomplished this, if it weren't for his cell-phone going off. He heaved a heavy sigh, but picked up the phone. It was his manager, a fast-talking man with a very shiny head. With much hesitation and second thoughts, he answered.

"Kise, why didn't you call me when you were out of the photo shoot?!"

"Sorry Kyouya-san; I just wanted some rest."

"There's no time for rest now! I just got a call from the director of this new drama, 'My Heart Speaks the Language of Love' and he wants you to star as the leading man! It's a hit manga and anime, so if you do this, you're sure to rake in the money!"

Kise wanted to laugh, but decided against it. "What is it about?"

"It's a shoujo, so it's going to be a very romantic story line. Just for you to get the feel of the drama, it's about a girl who has crippling social shyness, and then she meets a very handsome guy who befriends her. The guy then proceeds to try and teach her to be social, and both of them fall in love with each other over the course of the story. If you couldn't tell by now, you're playing that guy. The character is a real bishie, so it's right up your alley."

Great; another bishounen role. Kise had been stuck in this hole since the beginning, and was starting to get bored with constant acting of 'The Poor Handsome Boy, With Such a Tortured Past!' Why couldn't he land a spot in a horror film? Or maybe a psychological thriller? Hell, even a little kids show would be ok with him! Just no more romance!

He rubbed his forehead, his migraine starting to reappear. It started at the back, then moved slowly to his eyes. It went back and forth like waves, and Kise thought he would throw up soon. He fished another pain-killer out of his bag, and swallowed.
"So what do you say Kise, ready for another drama?"

No, I'm not.
"Sure," Kise rubbed his temples, then his eyes. "When do I get the script?"

"That's my boy! We have a meeting tomorrow with the other cast members and staff working on the drama, so you'll get the script then. It's at 8:00AM, so a car will pick you up 7:45AM sharp. Don't be late."
With that, the phone line dropped. Kise didn't want to have more on his plate; in fact, he'd been wanting to get some time off. This was a drama though, and they didn't open up spots for lead roles to just anybody.

'What's a little more?' he thought, and dropped back down onto the mattress.

He was greeted into the meeting warmly, and was even given some treat-baskets as thanks for him wanting to be in the show. He sent them off with the Kyouya though, and they got taken away.

Kise met the director, and he was given a deep run through of the story, along with his fellow thespians. The story sounded interesting enough, but it followed many shoujo tropes he had seen before. After that was over, they were given their scripts. The director told each of them in detail about their character, and Kise hated his character.

A dark, brooding, and beautiful male, who has to conceal his feelings because that's the 'strong' thing to do. Yet he pushes away any form of friends he can have, because in order to be 'strong' he has to be alone. His character takes a total 180 though, and opens up to this socially awkward female, whom he's never met before. Also, he has to keep his incredibly sad and lonely past a secret, FOR SOME GODFORSAKEN REASON. Oh, and did he mention that this character is an orphan who lives alone?

It'll be a piece of cake; he's done many characters like this before.

After everyone learned a bit about their characters, the director sent them off. She told them to read the scripts, and give them her input tomorrow. They would hold another meeting, at the same time. Kise was about to call up Kyouya to bring up the car, but he was stopped by the leading lady.

The actress chosen for the lead role was Yuki Fujimoto, an up-and-coming actress in romance dramas these days. She had already developed a steady fan base, and has only gotten good publicity so far. Yuki looked prefect for the role, due to her skinny and fragile looking figure.

"Ryouta-san, I'm so happy to be working with you," she held out her hand, and Kise shook it gently. "I've actually always been a big fan of yours."
"Wow, really? I never knew I had fans that were such beauties~" He beamed a blinding toothy grin, and you could see a deep blush on Yuki's pale face.

"U-uh, I was thinking if you weren't busy, that maybe we could go out and over lunch we could talk about the script." She clutched her sides awkwardly and stared down at her toes.
"Sorry Yuki-chan," Yuki looked a bit startled at the sudden friendly honorific following her name, but Kise continued. "I have something I have to do right now, but I'll be sure to invite Yuki-chan to dinner sometime soon!" Kise waved goodbye, giving one last grin. Yuki waved back meekly, still a bit star-struck that her idol had been so friendly towards her. He was exactly how she imagined him, and more.

Kise felt a little guilty about lying to Yuki, but his migraine didn't seem to want him to be out and about. He asked Kyouya to clear the schedule for the rest of the day, and luckily for him, he only had a couple photo-shoots that could be easily rescheduled. He knew it wasn't healthy, but he chugged another two painkillers.

He was soon back at his sad apartment, and collapsed onto the couch. Blondy-McBlondePerson took out the script, and read the first few pages before totally dosing off.

By the time he managed to wake up, it was already night outside. His migraine was gone, but his pain was replaced by his growling stomach. Kise's fridge was practically empty, but he didn't want to order delivery and be stuck in his empty home. The star quickly made a resolve to go out incognito and see what restaurants looked appetizing.

Kise quickly regretted his resolve after leaving.

He was only getting hungrier and hungrier by the minute, and he got blown totally off course by a raging pack of cyclists who were coming straight at him. In the flurry, he got put onto different streets unfamiliar to him, and he ended up in a totally different world.

Instead of the bright metropolis he was used to, he was in shady part of the city (was this even his city still?). Graffiti, gum, and questionable stains adorned the streets and sidewalks. The lampposts emitted a dim yellow light, with flies and moths hovering everywhere. Sirens were the background music to the oh-so-beautiful scenery, and the smell? Kise would be merciful in saying it smelled like dump. Kise saw no people around, but he could feel that he was being watched.

He felt around in his pockets for a phone or some cash. Kise's stomach dropped, and started to churn. You could hear his stomach say, "Ry . . . outa . . . . You . . . . IDIOT . . ." Kise Ryouta; the man who wanted to go out and eat, but didn't bring any money (or even a phone for that matter) with him.

Kise didn't know what else to do then just start walking. What else could he have done? He tried retracing his steps, but that only helped in him getting even more lost than before.

Hungry. Tired. Penniless.

Great.

To be honest, Kise felt like a little kid. How could he be so irresponsible? He's an adult for god's sake! The star sat down on some random steps, and placed his face in his hands. His headache started up, and it was much worse than its predecessors.

"Damn . . ." Kise didn't have his painkillers with him. It just got worse and worse. He wanted to die. Dying would be less painful than what he was feeling right now. God it hurts! It hurts! It hur-

"Hey."

Blondasaurus Rex looked up, and saw a short boy with some grocery bags in his hands. He couldn't tell much about his appearance under the dim light.
For some reason, his migraine lessened.
"O-oh I'm sorr-"

"Come inside. It's safer." The boy had said in a calm monotone voice. Kise got out of his way as he unlocked the door him. The short boy held open the door for him, and Kise nodded his head in thanks. After locking the door, the star was greeted by a much cleanlier sight.

The small home was clean and organized, with nothing seeming out of place. The awful odor outside was replaced with the sweet smells of flowers and freshly done laundry, and . . . vanilla milk-shakes . . ? Kise was just thankful he didn't feel those invisible stares anymore. The boy sat him down on the couch.

He could now finally see the boy who saved (?) him. Kise's golden eyes followed short, messy icy blue hair, as the boy set the bags in the kitchen. His back was against him.

The migraine now was just a little pang behind his eyes.
The boy turned around, and piercing cold eyes latched onto his warm sunny eyes.

The pang disappeared.

"You were being followed," the boy started, filling a kettle, and setting it on the stove. "Some criminals were recently released from prison around here. I think the one that was watching you was a rapist. Or maybe the mugger." Kise could only smile awkwardly, despite being scared at what could have been his future.
"T-thank you for saving me then!" He grinned, but the boy's expression remained unchanged. "I'm not from around here you see. . ."

"That was easy enough to tell." The kettle whistled, and ice-hair poured the hot water into two empty cups with teabags awaiting their bath. "My name is Kuroko Testuya." Kuroko brought the cups over, and handed one to Kise. He sat down beside him.
"Nice to meet you Kuroko~" Kise mused. He started to take off his coverings and revealed his face. The star was expecting a huge overreaction along the lines of, "Oh my god! Kise Ryouta, it's you!"
Kuroko just stared blankly at him, and took a few sips of his steaming tea.

"U-um," The man sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm Kise Ryouta. You . . . uh, you've never heard my name before . . . ?"

"I'm sorry, it's not ringing any bells at the moment."
"Do you watch a lot of TV?"

"I don't own a television."

Kise looked around the room; the fact proved true.

"What about internet?"

"I rarely use it."

The man rubbed his head and chuckled. Kuroko would be sure in for a surprise.

"Well Kurokocchi~" Kise put on a bright smile, already adding on a shallow honorific. "I'm an actor and model, and I'm pretty popular if I do say so myself!"
"Oh, you must be a very busy person then."

In the complete silence of the room, it got even quieter. Kise almost dropped his tea which he still had not taken a sip of. His mouth was slightly agape, and his eyes were like a fish's. Kuroko didn't seem to notice the sudden change of atmosphere, and Ryouta quickly regained his composure.

"I do actually . . ." his voice was quiet and weak. Kise stared down at his rose colored tea.

GrrrRRRRoooWWWW

Fuck. Kise still hadn't eaten.
"You must be hungry," Kuroko got up from the couch, taking their teas with him. He dumped them in the sink, and started unpacking the grocery bags he had brought in. "I'll make dinner for us."

Kuroko was a very good cook; in the span of 45 minutes, he had made a beautiful Japanese meal. Tempura, grilled tuna, miso soup, and white rice filled his stomach. It had been a long time since Kise had had a home cooked meal, and he was glad it was something delicious.
Over dinner, Kise told him all about his life and the drama he was currently working on. The man couldn't help but divulge everything to the other person; he just felt so relaxed and comfortable with him. Kuroko listened attentively, and asked questions from time to time. Kise loved this about his new friend, except the fact that his expression never seemed to leave a neutral state.

(Although . . . from time to time, Kuroko would make the cutest body gestures. He rubbed his eyes like a little kid, and bundled himself like a cat. Kise would be lying in saying he wasn't the least bit turned on. )
The blonde talked so much that Kuroko didn't get to tell much about himself. He learned that the boy lived with his mother who was usually out, and he owned a dog named Nigou. The god was currently being cared for by his friend who lived nearby.

"Thanks so much Kurokocchi!" Kuroko had pulled out a map (god, was this kid living in the 50's?) and showed him the way back to his apartment complex.
"That is a very expensive place to live in," Kuroko commented. "I guess you would be able to afford it though." Kise stepped outside of his cleanly home, and down the steps. The surroundings attacked him once again, and he wished he could just spend the night with the blue-haired boy. "Here's my number if you ever need my help again." He handed him a small slip of paper.

The blonde was a bit surprised that Kuroko even owned a phone due to his lack of other electronic items. Kise glanced at the arrangement of numbers, a small smile on his face.
"You should smile like that more often."

Kise looked up, smile dropping, eyes wide.
"You need to catch up on your sleep. You wouldn't want premature aging on that pretty face of yours, would you?" Kuroko's strawberry lips tilted upwards into a smile. "It was a pleasure meeting you Kise-kun. Please come again any time." With that, the door closed gently, and Kise was left in the dark world.

Kise wanted to get sleep, but his constant thoughts of his new friend filled his head.

How could he tell so easily?

Is it really so obvious?

Why is he so adorable?!

In the end, Kise stayed up the whole night studying the script.

Kuroko wanted to get sleep, but hid constant thoughts of his new friend filled his head.

God, he was beautiful.

And he was so nice.

If only he smiled more.
The door suddenly slammed open and shut; his mother was home. Kuroko forced himself out of bed to go greet the woman.
"Hello Moth-"

A glass bottle was thrown at him, barely grazing his cheek.
The angry drunken mess that was Kuroko's mother hurled herself at him, taking out pent up frustration out on him. Kicks, punches, and spit was blindly thrown at the boy. The woman was strong, and left deep cuts and bruises on his body. She yelled at him, chanting 'worthless boy' and worse.
Kuroko was curled up against the wall, curled in the fetal position. He accepted all of her blows, instead of telling his mother to stop hurting him.

He didn't want to fight back; this was his mother after all, he loved her, and she wasn't always like this. When he was young, she was a kind and gentle woman. After Father left, she started going on gambling and drinking sprees. She lost all of their money, and they ended up in this shit-hole of a neighborhood. When she wasn't drunk, she wasn't home. Kuroko tries to not assume to worst.

The woman now blames Kuroko for all of her problems, not being able to take responsibility.

Kuroko was ok with waiting. If this is what his mother wanted, then he would ride it out. He knows how much stress she must be going through, and if he was a vent for her, it was ok with him. Others have it much worse than him, so not once did he think of pitying himself.

Her blows suddenly stopped, and the woman stepped away. After one last kick, she collapsed on the couch and went to sleep (more like unconsciousness actually).

The frosty-haired boy picked himself up, wiping away blood on his face. He made it to the bathroom and treated his wounds with the various medical items he had collected over the years.

Another day, another bandage.