Warning: AU-ish, fem!Kuroko, AkaKuro pair, probably OOC-ness, unbeta-ed, SLOW update, first fanfic.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.

The eyes are the window to your soul

~William Shakespeare~

Perhaps it was pure coincidence meeting those captivating heterochromatic eyes. Fiery crimson and stunning amber, an unorthodox case in medical field. They held confidence and superiority vividly. Accentuated by his bright red hair despite of average built that was covered with black tuxedo, a strong authority aura radiating off his body gave him a sense of dominant presence even if in such a cold, cruel, dead season.

In that brief moment, her soft blue eyes took in every detail of the redhead before his figure slowly faded away like the colorful flowers over white snow.

Disappointment gripped her greatly, as though her face remained composed and expressionless.

Words like 'share', 'profit', 'loss' 'money' and ambient songs filling the enormous ballroom didn't sound harmonious to her ears. She cast her eyes around the ballroom, darting from a face to another. Heavy jewelries, expensive tuxedos and dresses suffocated her blank eyes, just like how the celeste blue long flowing gown hugging her petit body crushed her lungs. She couldn't fathom how other girls could stay flashing fake smile and giggling in tight dresses with thoroughly obnoxious adult men.

For a moment, she thanked gods for giving her a weak presence. Picturing herself being drowned with questions and smells of strong perfume was the last thing she ever wished for.

Oh Kami-sama, she would rather stay at home and immerse herself with books than attending this monotone birthday party.

If it wasn't because her father had a high position in the company, she'd have torn the gown and disappeared into mysterious night.

The atmosphere was getting heavier as their conservation coursed towards political matters. She didn't like the topic. For god's sake, she had just entered the fateful age—18—almost twelve months ago. Her mind wasn't ready to be flooded with those matters. Running away from the grasp of political world, her long soft blue hair swayed gently as she turned on her heels, heading to an empty balcony.

The cold wind of winter kissed her pale cheeks, giving life to her tired body again. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment of being alone, away from the so-called adult world. Her mind retreated to happy memories when she was in high school. Meeting with new friends, her best friends; the idiotic pair of Kagami Taiga and Aomine Daiki, free from problems, spending time with her father and of course, visiting her mother's grave.

So wrapped with her thoughts, she didn't realize there were two groups of people surrounding her until it was too late. They seemed not to notice her presence at all. Their voices had engulfed hers, so calling out was useless. She tried to push her way through the groups, but to no avail. Sandwiched between two tall guys, she reached out her hand for help.

In the midst of sea humans, she saw those heterochromatic eyes again.

No way…

A strong grip on her hand pulled her out of her thoughts and the crowds. Finally, the cold air touched her skin again.

Her gaze migrated from the strong hand that held hers to those eyes. And it felt like eternity once their gazes were locked. No words exchanged between them. No greetings. Only pleasant silence lingering around them.

"Be careful next time," he broke the silence with a reminder.

His calm tone enticed her to nod her head, engraving his reminder into her memory. There was a brief pause before the redhead finally let her hand go and walked out of the picture. She watched him strut away, eyes following him. Then, her father's voice jolted her out.

"Finally I've found you, Kuroko Tetsumi," her father feigned angry, inwardly congratulating himself for successfully finding his invisible daughter.

"Daddy," no emotion was written on Kuroko's face. Her father just cracked a wry smile receiving such a nonchalantly answer from his daughter.

"Come," he rested a protective arm on her shoulder. "Let's go meet my friend."

"Sure," was her only reply.

With that, Kuroko let her father lead their way.

Nonetheless, what she failed to notice was the heterochromatic eyes hadn't torn its gaze away from her.

…

"Congratulations, Akashi-san," her father held out his right hand. "And thank you for inviting us to your son's birthday party."

"No. Thank you for willing to attend this small occasion," the redhead male—probably around 40—accepted the handshake. "C'mon, let's cut the formalities, Shigehiro. We've become friends for ages!" his voice echoed through the leisure room.

"That's not a green light for me to act so nonchalantly in front of my boss," a goofy smile plastered on her father's face.

"You've got your point right there. But, never forget, without you, I wouldn't be here today. Carve that inside your head," sternness slipped into his cheerful voice, emphasizing his points clearly.

Kuroko knew, behind that broad smile, Akashi-san gave an outward appearance of leadership and quiet confidence. His characters vocalized them loud and clear for him. It was understandable why her father willingly worked for him. Her father worshipped his leadership more than anything else in this world.

"Understood, boss," her father joked.

A knock sound on the door cut their conversation off. Akashi-san simply welcomed the guest in. A younger redhead male appeared in the doorway. For a moment, Kuroko blinked as a response to the unexpected event.

He… was from earlier.

His footsteps resounded loudly as the redhead walked over in confidence. Kuroko's eyes trailed to him, studying his features. In any angles, he still looked good. And Kuroko almost—almost —cringed at the thought.

"Seijurou-kun, happy birthday and may God bless your life," her father greeted warmly.

"Thank you, Kuroko-san. And so do you," the redhead replied, putting on a business smile.

Seeing the smile tug on his lips, her father chuckled lightly. "Akashi-san, he definitely resembles you."

"Can't help it. He's my boy after all," Akashi-san placed an arm around his son's shoulder, finding it amusing as well. "Since they are here, we shall move to the real business."

Akashi-san's words made they blink for a few times. And Kuroko's father pleasant reaction aroused their curiosity.

"What do you…" both Kuroko and Akashi broke their sentence when they found them saying simultaneously.

"They do look sweet together, no, Shigehiro?" an amusement smile pulled Akashi-san's cheeks up.

…no…

"What is the meaning of this, Daddy?" Kuroko glanced up at her father. Akashi looked at his father, demanding for an acceptable explanation.

In a soothing voice, her father told her; "Dear Tetsumi, meet your future husband, Akashi Seijurou."

Hearing the introduction explode out of her father's mouth, Kuroko turned to see Akashi's reaction almost immediately. It seemed Akashi hadn't expected for this announcement as well.

NO!

Apparently, it wasn't a coincidence, but a game of destiny.

Destiny is a twisted bastard after all.

Author's note: Ano... welcome my first fanfic (?) I profusely apologize for any errors that you found here and since this is my first attempt to write, so, please do tell me if it needs any improvement.

Thank you. m(-_-)m