Summary: How do you say goodbye to someone you have yet to see? How do you let go of a person whose hands you are yet to hold?...And is there a point in falling in love with one whose voice is the only thing you hold on to? AkaKuro AU wherein Kuroko isn't part of the Basketball club.
I don't own KNB. Unbeta'ed as always. Mistakes are mine.
This is a bit different than my usual AkaKuro fics so we'll see how it goes. A little OOC so don't be surprised. I apologize if the way this is written is a bit hard to understand.
Warnings for random shits because seriously I just dumped whatever is on my mind while writing this.
~Familiar Strangers~
No two people in the world had gotten to know each other without starting off as strangers. The familiarity, the closeness and all the special connections will never be found without as much as two unfamiliar people going beyond the boundaries of awkwardness and starting out with a simple 'hi'.
How you'll meet someone will always bound as a surprise. Maybe it'll be as cliché as bumping on them from a street or they can be a new officemate or the new transfer student or that one person who decided to occupy the sit next to yours on a bus.
Maybe it was predestined. Maybe it was fate or maybe it was just a moment of chance. Perhaps it's a matter of luck. Who knows?
But one thing's for sure, whoever that someone is, that person will change your life in ways both can never have imagined.
Just like how two unlikely people, whose personality deeply contradicts have changed each other's life.
...iOiOiOiOiOi...
Kuroko Tetsuya had never been one to openly express his own emotions. He is what people would consider as the nonchalant type of person whose ideals and reaction to everything won't usually be solved due to his lack of emotion, not that anyone can see even the slightest change on his facial expression if ever he does so anyway.
However his lack of it doesn't necessarily mean he's not feeling alone and lonely inside. Sure he have friends, his family, schoolmates, the members of the Library committee and yet sometimes he can't help but question why? Why is he in this world? What purpose does he have if almost everyone can't even notice that he actually do exist and if they do they'll look at him with fixed fascination as if he's some kind of an alien specie which in all reality he is not.
He doesn't like being fancied. He wanted to be accepted. To Belong.
"Is there even a reason for my existence? Sometimes I wonder would the world be a better place if I actually stayed out of its way."
When Kuroko Tetsuya left that one piece of note underneath one of their schools track and field benches, he never would have imagined that someone would actually take notice. He after all had chosen a spot away from everyone's prying eyes. Well, almost everyone as someone actually managed to take notice and as to why that person actually wasted seconds of his time to look upon his note, Kuroko will never know and admittedly it felt strange but good.
However, what he never truly anticipated much was being given a reply. So all he can do at that moment was to stare at the piece of red post-it paper that replaced his light blue ones and the neatly written words scribbled on it.
There is always a reason for everything even your existence. You are in this world for a reason. Trust me, as I am never wrong.
A reason for his existence? The person sounded so sure as if he practically knew everything. What does he know anyway?
Nonetheless, and with a side of excitement rushing over him, Kuroko Tetsuya wrote a reply.
Dear Stranger-san,
I don't know how you ended up with my note, you must have had a keen eyesight. I exist for a reason? So how sure are you stranger-san? After all you barely knew me at all.
He folded the small piece of paper, tucked it where the previous note was and left. He still have library club duties to attend to after all.
...iOiOiOiOiOi...
Akashi Seijuro stopped on his tracks as something blue caught his attention. A small smirk appeared on his lips. "Atsushi, go on without me. I'll be doing something before heading home"
"If Akachin says so" And with that, the other left without much of a question.
The red-head reached for the small note and quickly unfolded. An eyebrow raised as the words were read, is the person actually questioning him? Of course he is sure, he is after all absolute. The stranger should learn that he is in no doubt is always right about everything. Oddly enough, for some reason he actually didn't mind being questioned by someone whom he never even met yet.
The stranger caught his interest so might as well be entertained while it last.
The red-head took a pen out and wrote something on another post it note, folded and tucked before going on his way.
...iOiOiOiOiOi...
Kuroko Tetsuya unfolded the small piece of paper. Happy that the stranger once again took time to write him a reply, no matter how strange their way of exchanging is.
It's still funny how strangely comfortable and safe he feels around someone whose only connection with him were sticky notes with short one line sentences on it.
Exchanging notes on a school bench is a waste of time. What's your email address? Phone number?
Kuroko Tetsuya blinked. That's it? The stranger didn't even answer any of his question. He still wrote his email anyway and added his mobile number.
Who would have thought that their exchanging of notes would the start of a beautiful friendship... something that will soon escalate into something much deeper.
...iOiOiOiOiOi...
Kuroko Tetsuya blinked as his phone vibrated from his pocket and stared a good few seconds at the unregistered number before clicking and waiting for the message to load. He had given his number to only one person that day so figuring out who it was is unneeded.
[Are you busy?]
[Ah, if it isn't Stranger-san and no I'm not.]
[I see, perfect timing then. Guy? Girl?]
[Guy.]
[Same.]
[Nice to finally not-in-person meet you, Stranger-san.]
[Stop calling me that, I find it irritating and nice to meet you too.]
[What if I don't want to? Stranger-san will be Stranger-san.]
[Are you opposing me?]
[Maybe I am. Stranger-san still haven't answered my questions.]
[About you and your existence? You are here for a reason and I can suggest countless of those but it's best you figure it out yourself. Does that answer your question?]
[No, not really but thank you Stranger-san.]
[What's your name? Tell me so we can address each other properly.]
[I choose to remain anonymous, Stranger-san.]
[Fine. How shall I address you then?]
[Ah, you can call me the phantom man.]
[What are you? A superhero wannabe?]
[No. I actually want to be a Gundam pilot, a Super Saiyan and a Pokemon master all rolled into one.]
[Keep dreaming, it's free.]
[As if you never dreamed to be either one of those. Maybe you wanted to be the Avatar.]
[As if. I wanted to be an Emperor so that people will bow down against me.]
[Keep dreaming, it's free.]
[Stop repeating my words. That's an order.]
[If you say so, Emperor-sama.]
[I think you're only addressing me that way to be taunting.]
[Never said I'm not.]
[Hah. You're a weird guy.]
[I was never normal to begin with.]
[How so?]
[Let's just say that I'm like a shadow. Invisible unless someone will shed some light.]
[You're quite fascinating.]
[How can you say that?]
[The way you call yourself. A shadow? Tell me, I'm curious.]
[Let's just say that I am born with a certain condition only a few in maybe thousands of people have...]
[What condition? Are you sick with an incurable illness?]
[Not really. It's just that, no matter how utterly weird it is, I have a much too low presence that people tend to miss and forget about me most of the time. It's not easy being practically ignored, you know.]
[You mean your presence is much too low, you're practically invisible?]
[Pretty much sums everything up.]
[I see. Now I stand by my words, you are indeed fascinating. Tell me, have you used your ability in something productive? Let say, robbing a bank?]
[I sometimes jaywalk, is that good enough for you?]
[Everyone jaywalks.]
[Not the way I do.]
[Point taken. Now I really want to meet you personally, You've caught my interest.]
[With all due respect, Emperor-san but I prefer to remain anonymous for now.]
[Hm. Have it your way then.]
[Ah, my Mom's knocking. Excuse me for awhile.]
"Mother" The teal-head opened the door and slightly tilted his head, eyes staring at her. "Is there a problem?"
"Nothing. I just want to know if you need something"
"I'll be fine, mother. You should go get some rest"
"Yeah, I'll be doing just that but are you sure you don't need anything? How about a glass of milk?"
"I know that you just want to make up for some lost times but I don't want you to jeopardize your own health"
"If only things aren't as hectic as usual. However if things are running back smoothly, how about we do our usual bonding time?"
"I'd love that"
"Sleep when you're done, okay? Don't stay up too long" The middle aged woman leaned down to kiss her son's forehead and give him a quick hug.
"Yes, Mother. Goodnight" The teal-head waited for the door to close before fetching his phone to check for any new messages.
[I apologize but I needed to work on a few things. I really enjoyed our conversations so let's do it again next time. Goodnight, Kuro-san.]
Kuro-san? The boy shrugged at his newly found nickname before he quickly added Emperor-san's digits on his contact lists and then typing a message back to say goodnight.
If his mom haven't checked if he needed anything, Kuroko wouldn't have realized that it's already pass 10 PM. Did he really enjoy his conversation with his newly appointed textmate that he lost track of time? Normally he wouldn't be this open to someone, much less to a person whose only connection with him had started on a small sticky note about him ranting about him feeling rather insignificant.
But somehow, being on a conversation with the other, despite how utterly ridiculous it sounds...
... just felt so right.
...iOiOiOiOiOi...
"Ryota, calling me late at night and being a disturbance better work on my favor or else.."
"Akashichii! Help me! How do I solve sample problem number three on our Science workbook!?"
"Is that the only reason why you're calling?"
"Yes? Akashichii please help!"
"Go die, Ryota"
"So mean!"
"What was that? Kindly repeat, Ryota"
"N-nothing! I said I'll ask Midorimachii instead! Goodnight!" Ryota Kise hanged up. Akashi contemplated before deciding to send the blond boy the correct formula and warned him to not disturb anyone else. He received a 'Thank You' gif set from the blond which he immediately erased.
Checking on his messages, he found one from Kuro.
[I had fun too. I'll look forward to our future conversations. Goodnight Emperor-san.]
Unconsciously, a small smile graced upon the red-head's lips. It's been a long time since he had smiled as genuinely and if only he could see himself in front of a mirror right now, he wouldn't believe it himself.
...iOiOiOiOiOi...
It's been almost two weeks and yet, not even within a single moment had they ever got tired of each other. In all contrary, they're unconsciously sinking further deeper into wanting to know each other more without them even realizing.
They had practically ended up being at ease with each other that starting conversations no matter how simple or intricate is no big deal.
[Hey, Emperor-san...]
[ Can't sleep? I can't believe you're actually making me your personal Sand Man, Again.]
[Emperor-san is the best Sand Man there is.]
[I better be. So what do you want to talk about? Politics? History? School stuff? The life cycle of a dung beetle? I assure you, before you know it you're already fast asleep.]
[None of those stuff. I want Emperor-san to tell me more about himself.]
[In the condition that you do the same.]
[Fine. What do you want to know?]
[Any you're comfortable of telling.]
[Let's see. I have an incredibly low presence but you already know that. I'm an only child. I love reading novels and I sometimes go to several fanfiction sites 'cause trust me there're lots of great stories out there and I really like Vanilla Milkshakes and oh I have a pet dog named nigou]
[Well, I play basketball and I like playing Shogi too. I'm also an only child making my father expect a lot from me and I like Tofu Soup. Favorite Color?]
[Baby Blue. You?]
[Red.]
[How old are you? I'm fifteen.]
[Sixteen. So you're a year younger.]
[It'll be weird to call you sempai, so I refuse.]
[Agreed. You calling me sempai is actually uncomfortable]
With each other, they felt more welcome. More at peace and not fearing being misjudged.
[I like Vanilla scented candles. I like everything that smells Vanilla]
[I have a collection of over a hundred Shogi boards]
They can ask each other questions.
[I forgot to ask. Why Kuro?]
[You said you're a shadow. I think it's fitting]
[Then you could have just used Phantom Man]
[Nah, doesn't sit well with me]
[Hmph! I really like it you know]
[I will buy you a superhero cape as compensation. I'll even include a mask if you want]
[And how are you suppose to hand it down to me? On the other hand, I don't have a use for some cape]
[Easy. I'll keep it safe until we finally meet and who knows it'll come in handy one day]
Funny how someone you met on some strange circumstance can actually be your greatest confidante. They had learned to be open to each other and even exchange facts in their lives and yet at the same time, identities still remaining a mystery.
It was weird but a good kind of weird.
[Math hates me!]
[No it does not. Math is not even a person]
[You're right. It's just the symbolism of evil on earth. Apocalypse has began since math was invented]
[Math isn't that bad]
[Well then, excuse me as I wallow in self pity]
[I don't think you're someone to just give up, Kuro]
[This is a different matter. Mathematics had always been my weak spot. Actually I only like to involve math when counting money for Vanilla Milkshakes]
[What're you fussing about anyway?]
[I can't find the solution for problem number 17, page 28 from the workbook]
[Ah, I've already solved that one. It's a piece of cake]
[Yay, good for you but you don't have to mockingly shove it down my face you know]
[No need to get all fired up, I can teach you the solution if you want me too]
[And how are you supposed to do that?]
[Give me a few minutes]
[Okay]
Kuroko waited and almost dropped his phone when it started ringing nonstop.
Emperor-san is calling!
Should he answer? What would Emperor-san's voice sound like? What would his voice sound like on the other line? What would he say first? Hi? Hello? Nice weather we're having today? Look the sky is so starry tonight? What did you eat for dinner?
This is actually harder than he thought.
The phone then stopped ringing. Kuroko Tetsuya can't help but feel rather disappointed. He should have answered right away!
His phone started ringing again and this time, without much of a fuss, he answered.
"Uhm..." Seriously that was his first word? It's not even a word to begin with!
"Finally, I thought you're not going to answer" slight disappointment was hinted from the voice on the other line.
"Sorry, I actually have to decide on how I should address you"
There was an amused chuckling "And you decided with an Uhm?"
"It's hard you know! This is the first time that I'll actually talk to you and besides you should have given me a head start. I was unprepared!" If only the other can see his pouting face, he would have laughed instead of chuckling.
"Sorry, my bad. So you're having difficulties with a math problem, right?"
"Yeah"
"Grab a pen, a piece of paper and a calculator. I'm going to be your personal tutor for the night"
"Will it even work out? I mean we can't see each other"
"Trust me, I know what I'm doing. It'll be like an online tutorial minus the video part, all you have to do is follow what I say and you'll be fine"
"Okay, let's do it!"
The problem had been solved in the span of eight minutes and Kuroko can't help but stare at his phone with awe. Emperor-san is sure one heck of a tutor and to think that he's teaching him through a phone call! He can do better than his math professor!
"Thanks Emperor-san"
"My pleasure. Do you need help with anything else?"
"I'm already done with the others but thank you, again"
"So then, are you sleepy yet?"
"Not really. You?"
"No and I'm also done with my school work. So, do you want to talk about some random shits before one of us get knocked down?"
Kuroko chuckled. "Sure, I'd love that"
...iOiOiOiOi...
Kuro is indeed an enigma, a strange being, a unique individual... and the only person that one Akashi Seijuro had allowed to invade his life in more ways he had done with others. He allowed the other to know his secrets, he told the other what he does and doesn't like. He opened himself up like a book to an eager reader.
He hadn't seen him yet and his identity is yet to be known but for some unknown reason, Akashi Seijuro had been drawn to the very person. Attracted in a way he had never felt for someone else.
Admittedly, he had fallen for the stranger that owns that blue post-it note.
To others it may sound utterly ridiculous but what do they know? They were never the one to hear his monotonous and yet strangely comforting voice, They never heard him laugh or sound really nervous. They never made him feel worried after having known he had gotten sick.
They never can tell how the other made him feel welcome and warm.
They never had that special connection with the other.
They will never know.
Funny though that it had to take another person for him to finally come into terms with his feelings.
"You like him, no wait scratch my previous words, you love the person"
"Don't be ridiculous Shintaro, he's just a friend"
"We're friends too but you don't act like a love-stricken, loyal puppy with me"
"Don't compare yourself with him. Kuro is different"
"Exactly my point. You've found something on him that triggered your usually apathetic demeanor into something of a blushing teenage fangirl"
"I am not apathetic Shintaro and I do not act like a fangirl of all things. Besides as I've told you, I don't have feelings for some mysterious person I haven't even met"
"Don't you really? Keep trying to refuse your so called emotions Akashi but in the end you can never run away from it" Midorima paused for a moment before adding. "And does it really matter if you've seen him or not? You don't fall for someone through your eyes Akashi"
"I can believe you're talking that way, Shintaro. It's giving me goosebumps"
"I'm just getting tired of your little acts of denial. Your unusual behavior is creeping the hell out of the whole team" The megane pointed out "Just yesterday, you had been unlikely smiling like an idiot after you had a phone conversation with your mysterious favorite person and last week you actually borrowed Kise's phone of all people to engage yourself with more conversations with the other after your battery died out. Not to forget mentioning, you ignored our Science professor today because you were too busy snickering at an emoji he sent you"
Akashi Seijuro paused as realization finally hit him hard on the face. Maybe he had actually already fallen for the mysterious guy but just refused to come in terms with his feelings had Shintaro not boldly made him realize everything.
"Do you really think I've fallen for him?"
"Madly"
Akashi Seijuro stared at his friend before letting out a half smile. "This is really troublesome, isn't it?"
...iOiOiOiOiOi...
"Mother... Are you busy? can we talk?" Kuroko Tetsuya stared at his mom and for the first time in his life, actually looking conflicted. The middle aged woman looked at her son, the newspaper she had been holding awhile ago had been folded back and placed on the coffee table.
"Take a sit, What's bothering you?" The older teal-head motioned for her son to sit beside him.
"You see, Mother I think I..." The boy trailed off, unsure if he should go on or not.
"You do remember that you can always tell me anything, right?"
"Hai"
"Then what's bothering my little boy?"
"That... You see... Mother, I think I like someone...in a romantic way"
"Really! That's great news! My baby's growing up! Wait till I tell your father about this!"
"Ah, mother please calm down"
"Sorry, you're mom got carried away. Carry on and tell me about this person. Have I met him before?"
"You know that it's a guy?" Kuroko's eyes slightly widened with shock "How did you..."
"Call it Mother's instinct"
"So you're not mad?"
"Why would I be mad? For what reason?"
"That I like a guy and not a girl like I'm suppose to?"
The older Kuroko gazed lovingly at her son before squeezing his hands comfortingly. "Look, Tetsuya, your father and I, we don't really mind with whom you'll fall for as long as you're happy then who are we to be opposing and judgmental? Besides gender shouldn't be a basis to falling in love, you fall in love with your heart and your soul and in the end, your feelings and not those who surround you, that's what really matters"
"Thank you, mother" The younger Kuroko didn't even think twice and hugged his mother just tightly enough to not suffocate.
"So why don't you tell me more about him? I have lots of time to spend with you now and we can make this as our little mother-son bonding activity" Kuroko Tetsuya smiled at his mom and with a tone of excitement rushing within his very veins, he started talking about the very person he had fallen for.
...iOiOiOiOiOi...
Weeks passed and days have gone by and yet none of them had know of each other's hidden feelings. They acted as normally as they could within their not really ordinary circumstances.
They enjoyed, albeit the lack of physical contact, each other's company despite not having faced each other even once. They were each other's best company... but as much as they didn't want too, most good things will and will come to an end.
And Akashi Seijuuro never imagined that one of his most dreaded days would eventually come, so soon. Much too soon.
Friday. Practice just ended with the team lead by the captain himself against Aomine Daiki had won -as predicted- during their practice match. He took his phone out to check through his messages and emails.
27 messages and 13 missed calls, all of them from the exact same individual and he knew that said person won't go as far as send multiple messages and try calling couple of times unless it's necessary.
He then noticed a voice recording sent by the very person, and for some reason, dread and nervousness rushed on his entire being.
"Hi...uhm I tried calling you but you won't answer and I guess you're probably busy so I've decided to just leave you a voice mail. So how do I start? I don't even know where I've gotten the courage to say all of this things to you but I guess this would be the only chance I'll ever had...I want to thank you for giving a little more color to my days in Teiko and you're right it really is not that bad. During those times when our opinions differed and I might have had annoyed you, I'm sorry. I have to admit though, I really enjoyed our small debates...You're a great tutor and I still wonder how you've managed to teach me despite not being able to see each other personally. I guess I really am a great listener...
There was silence and only the sound of breathing was heard. Akashi continued listening. He wanted to. There is more and he knew.
However that small yet threatening pit he feels on his stomach won't seem to go. No matter how much he tried to ignore.
"...I like it how you've always managed to make me smile or to keep me calm despite not being with me physically. We've never seen each other personally yet you were my greatest company. I guess it's okay for me to say, you're one of my most precious person...sounds a little ridiculous to assume that kind of claim, right? Since I am yet to see you..."
A storm is coming. A storm he is not ready for.
"But I guess meeting you now is not the kind of luxury fate would want me to have. Maybe someday, finally seeing each other would be granted to us both...
Akashi almost dropped his phone. The storm had struck.
"...I'm leaving, Emperor-san. My father had to take over one of my grandfather's companies in London and so we need to move there"
The very person and probably the only person Akashi Seijuro would ever gave so much importance too - much more he does himself- is clearly about to leave.
And for the first time in his entire life, Akashi Seijuro is unable to do anything. All his influences, his absolute domination about everything and his supposed to be uncanny charm to make things work accordingly to his own will; all of those things doesn't seem to work on his side. Not during the very time he wanted it to.
"...I don't know if you'll continue listening to me but just in case you still are then I would like to give you a parting gift. I know I had been the one who insisted that our names will remain anonymous to each other but I guess I really won't mind it at all, not anymore and so Emperor-san let me introduce myself..." There was a pause "My name is Kuroko Tetsuya, a first year from class B and I don't exactly know how I ended feeling this way and I'm not even entirely sure if I should but..."
Akashi held his phone closer to his ear.
"I think I've fallen for Emperor-san"
...iOiOiOiOiOi...
Kuroko Tetsuya held unto his luggage tightly as he navigated his way towards the waiting area and meeting his parents at the exact spot. His parents looked at each other and sighed before nudging at each other to say something. In the end, the boy's father walked towards his only child, "Tetsuya, are you sure about this? If you want to stay behind, you're mom and I, we'll understand"
"Your father's right, don't force yourself if you are having second thoughts"
"I'll be fine, Mother. Please don't worry about me. I've already decided" Kuroko Tetsuya avoided his parents gaze to not show the conflicted emotions dancing in his eyes. Yes, he had decided but the question lies within the part of knowing if he's even ready or not.
Is he really ready to leave? What about him and the feelings he has for him? Sure, with much needed courage and thought, he sort of already confessed what he felt for the very person who made him feel significant and important but is it ever enough?
What about the other? What does he feel? Could there have been a chance that the other felt the same way? Then again, what if he doesn't want a relationship that passes the borderline of them being just friends?
Frankly, Kuroko Tetsuya isn't at all ready to hear the other's rejection.
So maybe, this is for the best. He had told the other how he felt and even if he might never know what Emperor-san thinks, at least a part of him can breathe at ease.
Or was it really the case? Maybe if he only stopped ignoring the part of him, shouting and begging for him to change what he already have decided, then things would have had a different case. If only.
"Flight 707 boarding to London will be leaving in Twenty minutes, All passengers please be on board. I repeat, flight 707..."
"Are you ready, Tetsuya?"
"Yes, Mother" The unspoken 'not really' was unheard of.
...iOiOiOiOiOi...
He ran.
For the first time in his life, he's chasing for something, no rather someone he really wanted to have. Most of his life, everything had been laid out in front of him if not something he can easily take without as much as breaking a sweat. Kuroko Tetsuya's entry had been an oddity albeit not unwelcome, he had been a challenge at first, a form of puzzle that caught his attention. A certain someone that added more meaning to his life.
He can still recall the last few sentences from his Tetsuya. Yes, from the very moment he found out that his unspoken feelings had already been in some way reciprocated, the red-head had already decided that the other belongs to no one else but him and him alone.
And for the first time, he doesn't mind exclusively being someone's property either.
"I think I've fallen for Emperor-san" There was a nervous chuckling before the other spoke again. "I don't even knew when it had started but it just happened. You have always been there for me, so much more than anyone else. You made me feel important and significant and needed and maybe that's why... That's why I've slowly and madly but surely have fallen in love with you"
"Funny isn't it? I just want you to know. I want you to know how I feel and that I'm not expecting you to feel the same way but... "
No he's wrong! His Tetsuya is wrong and he'll make everything right! He'll tell the other how he feels and the world be damned if he can't make him his. The other will know that their feelings were mutual and they can start from there. They can be together. They can be happy together.
Right?
"The flight to London, when's the departure time?" The red-head didn't even spare a few seconds to catch his breath.
"I'm sorry sir but the flight took off five minutes ago. Have you missed your flight? I'm sure we can do some-"
Akashi Seijuro had frozen on his spot, unable to move and simply not knowing what to do. The attendant's voice barely registering as questions and confusions started evading his mind but one word stood above all,
Why?
*slowly backs away from the screen*
... So ultimately, they had fallen for each other despite not being able to see eye to eye and yet in the end they didn't meet in person. How much more sadder can it get? Kuroko didn't even manage to know Emperor-san's identity!
Excuse me for all the cheesy parts of the story.
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