Chapter 1:
Sakura petals danced delicately with the wind, littering the brick road that led to the school building. It was the beginning of the spring season, in other words, a new year at school.
"Ne, ne, Dai-chan. Have you decided which club you're going to join?"
"Don't ask something so obvious after all we've done. Of course it's going to be the basketball club. I heard it's pretty strong so I look forward to it." The tall teen grinned, navy blue eyes sparkling with excitement. His companion smiled.
"Oh? Then I can be team manager or something. Want me to make you lunch and stuff?"
"No thanks. If you did, I wouldn't be able to play."
"Wait, what's that supposed to mean?!" The pink haired girl demanded. Aomine almost groaned. If he said it directly, Satsuki would definitely beat him up. He was saved from having to come up with an answer as he felt himself bump into a body.
"Sorry about that," he heard a male voice say.
"No it's my fault," Aomine said as he turned around. He was met with a male who looked older, maybe a second year. The boy's eyes gleamed.
"Say, you wouldn't be interested in joining the tennis club, would you?"
"Naa, sorry to disappoint you, but I'm going to be joining basketball."
"Another one?" The male groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Always basketball. Jeesh, Teiko has other sports too, you know?"
...
"Oh, you like books? How about the lit club?" A senior with glasses said enthusiastically, offering a tall first year with a flyer for his club.
"No, this is in fact a phone book," the green headed teen replied.
"A phone book is a fine book!" The senior said eagerly, before comprehending what he had said. "Wait, why are you carrying a phone book?"
"It's today's Oha-asa lucky item for Cancers."
"Uuh..."
...
A bunch of seniors crowded around the enormous teen, fascinated.
"Whoa! You're so tall!"
"Join the volleyball team!"
"Hm..? What to do... Or rather, that's a bother." The purple haired boy replied, brushing stray petals off his head.
...
"Hey, isn't he really handsome?" A girl asked her friend, a deep blush on her face.
"Yeah, he totally is!" Her friend replied, her face just as flushed as the other girls who had seen the blonde 1st year.
"We'd love you!" A bunch of girls chorused, offering him signup sheets to their respective clubs.
"Oh, no..." The blonde trailed off, thinking of the best way to turn them down.
...
A boy with bright red hair stepped out of the car.
"Is this spot really fine?" The older man holding the door asked.
"Yes. I won't need a chauffeur tomorrow."
"But your father..."
"It's not about him. Besides, if every morning was like this, I'll be mocked. Let school at least be somewhere I have freedom." The man's eyes softened before nodding.
"Then, have a good day, young master." The man got back into the car and drove off. Akashi watched the car disappear before turning to walk towards the entrance. He felt a small sense of glee. Any other child his age would enjoy the break and hate returning to school, but Akashi was the opposite. School meant less time he was in contact or being watched by his father. His happiness was cut short as he ran straight into another person. Perhaps it was because he was walking to fast, or the other male was startled, or the fact he was even smaller than himself. The boy tumbled forward and fell to the ground, the letter that had been clutched in his hand falling from his grip.
"Itai..." The boy muttered, picking himself off the ground.
"I apologize, are you all right?" Akashi asked with slight alarm, offering the boy his hand. The boy waved him off gently.
"Iie. I shouldn't have been standing outside the entrance." The boy replied, dusting himself off. Akashi quickly scooped up the letter that had fallen to the ground and offered it to the boy. His eye caught the a picture of a sloppily drawn basketball in the corner. The boy's glanced up to his when he noticed the outstretched hand. Akashi inhaled sharply in surprise. Feminine features framed by sky blue lock adorned equally captivating sky blue eyes. The long blue locks were tied in a low ponytail. It was strange, not many males tended to grow their hair out, but it wasn't unheard of. Had the boy been wearing a female uniform, Akashi might have actually thought him a girl.
"Arigato," The boy said softly, taking the letter and tucking it into his bag. Even his voice was feminine, Akashi noted. Perhaps, did the boy see him get off the car? Akashi narrowed his eyes in suspicion. This was a start of a new school year at different school. There was no way he was going to gain attention already. He was also well aware that this boy could have seen and was trying to gain his friendship for his family background.
"What were you doing outside the gates? If I remember correctly, the opening ceremony's going to start soon." He would know. He had purposefully came at this time so that fewer people could potentially spot the car.
"I-it is?" The boy asked nervously. "Oh, no. There were so many people crowding about, and then I got caught up reading... Never mind. I'm sorry I was in your way. Now you're going to be as late as me..."
"No, no. I was the one who ran into you," Akashi said with a smile. It didn't seem as if the boy knew.
"Then we should get going," The boy said as he quickly walk down the path, Akashi following him at a more sedate pace. As Akashi had said, it was nearly time for the opening ceremony, and the path was cleared of people and the tables that had been set up. Akashi cocked his head as the boy took a left turn.
"Oi!" He called. The boy turned, confusion evident in his eyes. "The opening ceremony's in the gym." The boy waited as Akashi caught up, but turned towards the right. "Opposite direction."
Akashi's mouth quirked in amusement as the boy flushed slightly. The boy quickly scurried over, rubbing his head in embarrassment.
"I'm sorry," the boy said in his soft voice. "I'm clumsy and not good with directions... Thank you for stopping me. I might have really been late."
"Think nothing of it. It's the least I could do for knocking you down."
"Please don't say it like that. It sounds like we had a fight, and I lost." Akashi actually chuckled, suspicions completely gone. Perhaps it had been fate he had run into this boy. He had no doubt things would hardly be boring with this person around.
"Sorry for the late introduction, my name is Akashi Seijuurou." Akashi said as he outstretched his hand not dropping his pace. He held his breath, wondering if the boy would recognize his last name.
"Nice to meet you, Akashi-kun. I am Kuroko Tetsuya," the boy said, lightly shaking his hand. Akashi smiled at the boy, though he was surprised a boy's hand could be so small.
"Tetsuya. I hope we get along." Akashi said. The boy nearly tripped.
"T-tetsuya?" The boy asked, surprised.
"Is there a problem?"
"Iie. It's just... Nothing. Ah, Akashi-kun, please hurry."
"Relax, we have just enough time to make it to the gym in time."
The entrance ceremony was dull. One thing that had sent ominous chills up Kuroko's spine was when the man on the podium was the school motto: "Ever-victorious." Win at everything. Winning was everything.
"I'm in Class 1-A..." Kuroko said as he paused in the hallways. He looked left and right. The nearest door had a sign that said "3-B".
"..." Kuroko realized that the people around him were all taller than him. Much taller than him, although people his age were all taller than him as well. "I'm lost..." Kuroko said with a sigh. "Why is this place so big?"
...
"Kuroko Tetsuya?" The teacher called, glancing around. Akashi perked up. So that boy was in his class? He didn't look that bright, but if he was in this class...
"Kuroko Tetsuya?" The teacher asked again, disapproval beginning to show on her face. "Tsk. Absent on the first day-"
"Ano, I am Kuroko Tetsuya." The teacher paused as a boy had all but materialized in front of her. "E...Eh?!" She shrieked, just as surprised as the rest of the class. "Since when were you-"
"Um, I was here since the first time you called my name. But I actually got lost and ended up coming late. I only just arrived as you were calling Koto Shiiro-san's name. I apologize for coming late and startling you." Kuroko said, bowing down in front of the flustered teacher. The woman cleared her throat. Well, the boy had nice manners, and his face wasn't bad either.
"Fine. I'll overlook it just this once."
"Hai, arigato, sensei. I will try. I am not good with directions."
"That's Okawa-sensei to you."
"Hai, Okawa-sensei."
"Now find an empty seat and do not cause any more trouble." Okawa-sensei instructed as she continued role call, walking down the aisle.
The whispers started as the blue-haired boy looked around for an empty seat, just quiet enough to escape their teacher's notice.
"He got lost? What in idiot. Should he really be in this class?"
"What's with his hair? It's blue and long. He looks like a wimp."
"Sucking up to the teacher on the first day?"
"Forget that! Did you see how he appeared out of nowhere? What a creepy guy. That's someone you wouldn't want to meet when you're walking along on the streets..."
Akashi frowned. This class was the highest of their grade, and this was an elite school so he had thought they would be more mature. Obviously not.
"Tetsuya, here," Akashi gestured as he removed his bag from the seat next to him. He had arrived early to make sure he had gotten a front seat and had proceeded to place his bag to prevent anyone from sitting next to him. His sharp gaze had scared off anyone who nervously approached, mostly girls. Blue eyes widened gratefully as he quickly sat in the seat.
"Arigato, Akashi-kun."
"No problem. I was wondering if you were going to get lost on your way to your first class. Seems I was right, although I didn't know we would be in the same class." Akashi said with an amused smile, causing the boy to stare indignantly at him.
"I didn't get lost on purpose, Akashi-kun. I was trying really hard to find this classroom. There were so many people in the hallways, and the next thing I knew, I was in a hallway full of third years."
"...The third years are on the third floor. First years are on the first floor."
"I know that now!" The boy said, embarrassed, cheeks flushing at the red-heads teasing. Akashi merely smirked.
"They know each other?"
"He's getting friendly with that creep..."
"Akashi-sama wouldn't even let us sit next to him, are they friends?" A girl this time. Kuroko's eyes fell. He looked back up with a weak smile.
"I'm sorry Akashi-kun. Nearly making you late and now ruining your reputation. I'll change seats right after this period."
"There's no need. I very much enjoy your company."
"If you're saying that because you still feel sorry for bumping into you..."
"Do you think I'm a lowly weak person who constantly does things for others to make up for his mistake?" Akashi demanded quietly. That shut the small boy up quickly.
"No, I didn't mean- I'm sorry, I'll stop talking." Kuroko said as he turned away from Akashi. Akashi's eyes danced with laughter. Yes, school would definitely be interesting.
"Tetsuya-" Akashi turned towards his seat partner as the lunch bell rang. The seat was empty.
"Hai, Akashi-kun?" Akashi nearly jumped. The boy was right next to his desk, having just stood up. Akashi calmed his racing heart, though his expression remained neutral.
"It's time for lunch, have you brought your own?"
"Um, no-"
"Then I'll escort you to the cafeteria. It's my treat today. This way I'll be able to fully repay you for knocking you down."
"You've done plenty for me, Akashi-kun. You've already helped me get to the opening ceremony, offered me you seat even if you didn't want anybody sitting there..."
"Nonsense. Any person with manners would have done the same. I helped you for my own reasons. By buying you lunch, I will be able to settle my debt." Kuroko opened his mouth to protest.
"Do you even know where or how to get to the cafeteria?"
"I'll find it eventually," the boy said stubbornly.
"When lunch period is over?" Akashi asked with a raised brow. "I wouldn't be surprised if you somehow ended up on the track field considering you couldn't even find this class. It's the closest classroom to the gym so you must have passed by it."
Kuroko opened his mouth again, then closed it. He stared at his shoes and mumbled.
"That was a low blow, Akashi-kun."
"Excellent. The cafeteria it is."
...
"Akashi-kun. Are you trying to kill me?"
"Is the food not to you liking? You need to eat vegetables as well to be healthy."
"But... there's too much. I won't be able to finish all of this."
"Tetsuya, this is a normal portion for the average junior high male."
"But-"
"Are you saying you're going to let the food I bought go to waste?"
"...No, Akashi-kun." Akashi nodded in satisfaction as he began eating his own share. One bite, and Akashi decided. The food wasn't bad (it was an elite school after all), but he very much preferred the food from home. The two were seated in a corner near the windows, alone at a table that could have fitter six or seven. Akashi stared at the boy in front of him as he took small bites of the food in front of him. He was different, that he was sure of. Not only that, not once, not twice, but three times he missed the boy. This was the first time he had seen someone with such lack of... presence. If felt like he was going to slip away if he did not keep one eye on him. Akashi was jerked out of his thoughts as the boy set down his chopsticks.
"I'm done." Akashi glanced at the boy's tray. It barely looked as if had been touched.
"Eat more."
"Akashi-kun, I'll die."
"From starvation, yes."
"I have a small appetite. This is the usual amount I eat."
"...I'm not sure if a normal person can even survive off of that. I suppose it explains why you're so thin and frail."
"..."
"Come on, eat. Are you really wasting food that I bought?" Akashi asked, emphasizing his own contribution to the lunch before the boy.
"I don't mean to waste it, but I really can't finish this..." Akashi gave him a smile that caused Kuroko to freeze. "...I will try my best."
"I hope you try your best too."
Kuroko managed to finish half of the food, which was a feat in and of itself.
"I am proud of you," Akashi said, patting the male on the back as they turned their trays in to the lunch lady.
"I think I'm going to puke. You're so cruel, Akashi-kun."
"Nonsense, you're going to need something besides bones if you want to join the basketball club." Kuroko's head jerked toward him in surprise.
"How did you...?"
"You dropped that letter when we first met. I saw a glimpse of a basketball in the corner. It seemed I assumed correctly."
"Do you think I'll get in?" Kuroko asked shyly.
"Everybody gets in regardless, but only first-stringers get to play real matches. I haven't seen you play so..." Akashi said, not wanting to hurt the boy's feelings.
"I see..." Kuroko said, disappointed. "It seems I will have to work hard."
"Why the basketball club? No offense but you don't really seem the type for it."
"Type doesn't matter. All that matters is if you love basketball, doesn't it?" Kuroko said passionately, surprising Akashi at the change in the meek boy's attitude. "Besides, I promised a friend I would meet him again one day. In order to fulfill that promise, I..."
Akashi stared at the Kuroko's determined face. So many sides to a person...
"Then let's make first-string together."
"...Eh?"
"I also plan on joining the basketball club."
"First up is a placement test," a man in a brown suit with rectangular glasses said. "Only the first string gets to play in official games as part of the regular roster.
Whispers immediately spread through the large crowd of teens.
"I hear no one makes first string on these tests."
"Seriously? So second string at best? Then for this test our goal should be second string..."
Kuroko looked down. He had to make first string. Shigehiro...
"Yo, Tetsuya." Kuroko jumped as he whipped his head to meet Akashi's calm ruby gaze.
"Akashi-kun. Please don't scare me like that."
"Tetsuya, that's something I don't want to hear from you. Come on, let's go warm up together."
Kuroko happily followed the redhead as the huge group dispersed to warm up. Kuroko knew Akashi was dangerous, the boy was too observant, but Kuroko felt happy nonetheless.
"Tetsuya, what's with the bandages?" Akashi asked, gesturing to the white bandages that covered everything from Kuroko's wrist and all the way up his arm. On closer inspection, the bandages covered any part of the boy's visible legs.
"Um, it's for physical activity. I am clumsy so... It is better to protect myself before I get myself injured."
"How would you get seriously injured in an inside court? The floor is wood so it won't be as painful as asphalt."
"You'd be surprised." A new voice said, an elbow landing on the teal boy's head.
"Shu-shuzo-kun?" Kuroko said as he tried to turn up and look at the older boy.
"It's senpai," the older male chided.
"Nijimura-senpai," Akashi said respectfully. Then he added, "You know Tetsuya?"
"Oh sure I do. We meet up all the time at the hospital. Enough to get acquainted. You wouldn't believe some of the reasons this klutz has. My favorite by far was the one-"
"Shuzo-k- senpai!" Kuroko said frantically as he swatted at the male. "Don't tell Akashi-kun ridiculous things!"
"But, but the one with the centipede," the 2nd year started, shoulders already shaking with laughter.
"No!" Kuroko yelled. "Doesn't Shuzo-senpai have better things to do than bully his juniors?!" Kuroko demanded.
"Ahaha, come on Tet-chan. When I saw your little blue head, I couldn't resist coming over." At the said blue heads glare, Nijimura sighed before ruffling the blue boy's head.
"Hai, hai. I'm leaving right now." The older boy disappeared with a wave. Strangely enough, the others didn't seemed to have noticed their interaction, though, Akashi thought, few people seemed to notice Tetsuya in the first place. They began stretching in silence before the temptation became too great for Akashi.
"So... the centipede..."
"I'll never talk to Akashi-kun again if he persists on finding out." Kuroko said. Akashi chuckled as the other boy pouted.
"Very well."
As expected of Kuroko's small build, his stamina was, well, below average.
"Kuroko, you need to move," Akashi said, already running his 15th lap around the gym. Kuroko waved the red-head as he panted.
"Do not let me hold you back, Akashi-kun. You have to do your best at tryouts. Akashi pursed his lips before nodding. He continued on his way as Kuroko stopped at the side trying to catch his breath. He glimpsed another male outside, standing anad staring at the gym. He had golden blonde hair, Kuroko realized through his exhausted haze. That was unusual for a Japanese person. Then again, he had blue hair, and Akashi-kun had...
...
"I'm announcing the test resuts," the same man from earlier announced.
"First, third string. Line-up in front of the third-string coach when your name is called. Number two, Saito Nobuo."
"Hai," a boy next to Kuroko said as he moved forwards.
"Number Four, Nakazawa Kazuhito."
"Hai."
"Number ten, Fujita Hiromichi."
"Hai."
"Number twelve, Takagiku Yuji." Kuroko closed his eyes. Praying he would at least make second string. Names continued to be called, and the numbers got closer and closer to Kuroko's.
"Number twenty-eight, Shimada Shunsuke."
"Hai."
"Number thirty, Tanaka Jun."
"Number thirty-one Kuroko Tetsuya... I need a word with you." People's eyes immediately looked for this trouble-maker while Kuroko ducked his head.
"What'd you do now?" Akashi teased quietly.
"Well-"
"Next, for second string." A bunch of other boys whose name hadn't been called silently cheered. Kuroko gave Akashi a small smile.
"I shall tell you later, Akashi-kun." Akashi nodded in reply as the coach began calling out names.
"Number fourteen, Kuroki Dai. Number thirty-five, Yagi Masao."
"Next, I am announcing the first string." Kuroko's head jerked up. There were people their year that had made first string? Wait, Akashi's name hadn't been called. There were similar reactions from the other boys.
"Did he just say first string?"
"He's kidding right?"
"Number eight, Aomine Daiki. Number eleven, Midorima Shintaro. Number twenty-three Murasakibara Atsushi. Number twenty-nine, Akashi Seijuurou... That is all. Everybody follow your respective coaches."
Akashi turned towards his companion, but the boy had disappeared.
"Do you know why you were called here?" The first string vice coach Sanada asked.
"Um, because I was horrible at basketball?" Kuroko asked weakly.
"Normally, even if you were bad, we would have placed you in third string. If you were a boy that is."
"..."
"What were you thinking? This is a club for boys!"
"But, it was just called the basketball club, and I checked the rules and there are no rules that forbid a girl from playing..."
"That's still impossible. Even if you were allowed to join, your physical ability is way below average, therefore there is no reason to let you join. If you still want to join, it would be better if you applied for manager."
"But..." Kuroko clutched his arm. "I don't want to be manager. I want to play basketball. I... I really love basketball."
"Then play in your free time. A girl doesn't belong-"
"Now, now, Naoto. If what she says is true, it is not illegal for her to join. And besides, there are no rules against a girl joining the club. I can tell she genuinely likes the sport, so let her play." Kuroko's head turned toward an elderly man in the office.
"But Shirogane-sensei!" The man protested immediately.
"You shouldn't discriminate," the Shirogane scolded. "She may become an important keystone in the future." The older man made his way over, his kind gaze sweeping the girl. He gave her a smile.
"Kuroko Tetsuya, since I have allowed you to join, prove that you deserve to be in this club."
"Hai," Kuroko replied firmly, set on meeting the old man's expectations.
"That passion and stubborness... I know they will serve you well."
"Hai, arigato, Shirogane-sensei," Kuroko said as she bowed ninety degrees.
"Then run along to the third string gym then. I'll explain your circumstances to your coach later," Sanada said reluctantly.
"Yes sir," Kuroko made her way out of the office. Her hands trembled. She wasn't first string, but she could make her way up. No, she would make her way up. She supposed she was lucky the head coach even let her join. She would definitely show them.
"Shirogane-sensei? Why did you let her join?"
"Hm? Well, as she said, there is nothing stopping her from joining except you," here the younger man flushed. "And besides, did you see the look in her eyes. She genuinely loves basketball. I would daresay it's the most important thing in her life.
Third string practice was still hard. Kuroko glumly though as she walk out of the gym. A head of red caught her attention.
"Akashi-kun?" The boy, who had been waiting outside the third string gym while scanning the people who left, jumped.
"Oh, Tetsuya. Good, it seems you were here after all." Akashi said with a relieved sigh.
"Akashi-kun... why are you?"
"It's normal for friends to wait for each other, isn't it?" Akashi asked, raising an elegant brow.
"F... Friends?" Kuroko asked with wide eyes.
"Was I the only one who thought we were? How cruel of you, Tetsuya."
"That's not what I meant, Akashi-kun!"
"Then hand over your phone."
"I meant- Wait, what?"
"Phone," Akashi demanded, hand still outstretched. "You have one, don't you?"
"It's not a good one," Kuroko said as he handed over a gray flip phone.
"That is fine." Akashi said as he pulled out his own phone. He punched in his number on Kuroko's phone and soon, his own phone rang.
"Is this really okay, Akashi-kun? We've only known each other for one day."
"No matter. I feel being with you will be very entertaining. Also... it somehow feels..." Akashi paused, struggling to find words. "I feel comfortable around you. Being with you today, it felt like I was talking to an old friend again, if you get what I mean," Akashi finished awkwardly as he handed Kuroko back his phone after he saved his number. "Now I can find you even if you pull that disappearing act on me."
"It's not a disappearing act... People just tend to forget about me easily."
"But still, I have never met anyone who has such a low presence. It's simply fascinating."
"Fascinating... I cannot tell whether you are mocking me or not, Akashi-kun."
"No mocking," Akashi said as they walked down the empty path. Most of the students had already headed home and the sun was already setting. "I just find it pretty amazing."
"The one who is amazing is you, Akashi-kun. You managed to get on the first-string in your first year."
"And you're not jealous?" Akashi said as he watched the boy's facial expression. The boy's eyes glazed in contemplation.
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't the tiniest bit jealous. However, I also knew I was lacking physically, so I didn't even imagine getting to first string the first time through. I have every intention of improving though. I made a promise to a friend."
"Is it the same friend who wrote that letter?"
"Hai. Right now, he's far away so... In order to see him again, I have to make it to first string so I can meet him at nationals. Akashi-kun, why are you laughing?" Kuroko asked, offended as the boy in question was chuckling.
"No, it's nothing. I just thought it's refreshing to meet guys like you."
"Like me..." Kuroko repeated, not getting what Akashi was going on about.
"That aside, why did Sanada-sensei want you?"
"Well, the obvious reason of course. A girl can't join a basketball team- Akashi-kun?" Kuroko said as she stopped and faced the boy who was frozen a couple feet behind, staring at her with wide eyes.
"You... you're a girl?!" Akashi said, voice cracking. Kuroko cocked his- her head, Akashi corrected himself, in confusion.
"Of course I'm a girl."
"You're wearing the male uniform..."
"My name isn't very girly, and there was a mistake on the transcription. I ended up getting the male uniforms for the next three years. Since it's a hassle to take measurements again, I told the office and head I would simply wear the male uniform instead. Besides, the male uniform is more comfortable in the long run."
"But... you used 'boku'." (Boku is the term used for 'I' in Japan by males)
"I grew up with a lot of male influence and little female influence and it kind of became a habit."
"Wait, but if you go into the restrooms..." Akashi said, holding his head, trying to comprehend that his 'male' friend he had met was a 'female' friend.
"Nobody notices me anyway so there is no problem."
"..."
"If you need proof-"
"No!" Akashi said, flustered. He had never been thrown off like this for. He recounted the events for the day. He had knocked down a girl. He had asked a girl to sit next to him. He had bought a girl lunch. He had exchanged phone numbers with a girl. Considering how Akashi was raised, to be that forward with a girl after just meeting her... His father could never know about this.
"Is there something wrong, Akashi-kun?"
"Um- no. Well- Tetsuya, I'm sorry, Kuroko-san-" Akashi stopped as Kuroko's face became downcast.
"I'm sorry for having unintentionally fooled you. I just thought... I understand if you don't want to be friends, but I really don't want things to change. I like when Akashi-kun acted like himself better..."
"No, the mistake is mine, Tetsuya," Akashi smoothly recovered. "I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. I would also like to keep things the same."
Kuroko brightened, a smile crossing her face.
"That's great!" She said, beaming. She skipped ahead, spinning around to face him. "I'm glad the misunderstanding was cleared up. Then, once again, Akashi-kun. I am Kuroko Tetsuya. I am a girl."
"Hello, Tetsuya, I am Akashi Seijuurou." Akashi said with a smile.
"But I have to admit," Kuroko said triumphantly. "Seeing Akashi-kun so flustered when he found out I was a girl..." Akashi felt himself blush at his friend's teasing. "It was all worth it. It's really nice not being the one teased for once." Before Akashi could warn her, Kuroko spun around starting to wave goodbye... and promptly ran straight into the brick post that marked the entrance to the school.
"...Pfft," Akashi covered his mouth as his amusement turned to full blown laughter. "Ahaha, Tetsuya, are you alright?" Akashi managed to ask as he steadied the stumbling girl. "Who even does that?"
"Akashi-kun!" Kuroko protested, rubbing her forehead. "You're so mean. Your friend just ran into a wall. Please show more empathy."
"No, but..." Akashi said, still laughing. "You were making fun of me but you totally ruined it by running into..." Akashi trailed off as he continued laughing much to Kuroko's irritation.
"It's not funny at all! Ugh, I can tell already. Akashi-kun, you're going to be worse than Shuzo-senpai."
"Oh, yes, Nijimaru-senpai. He's our vice-captain on the first string though only being a second year. I'll definitely have to get some stories out of him..." Akashi said as they stopped in front of the gates.
"You wouldn't! I really won't talk to you if you do!" Kuroko yelled as she stomped off towards the left.
"See you tomorrow, Tetsuya," Akashi called as he saw the girl vaguely wave at him. Akashi hummed as he turned towards the right where a car awaited him. He slid into the car and the chauffeur closed the door.
"You seemed to have had a nice day, Young Master," the older man said as he began driving.
"Well, I made a very interesting person so..." Akashi said with a mysterious grin. The older man raised a brow at this but did not question further. This 'person' must have been very special to put the young boy in such a good mood. Perhaps he would refrain from telling the boy that his father requested his presence until after they had arrived at the manor.
...
Kuroko stopped in front of the gate at her house nervously. It was moderate house of two stories for a middle class family. She nervously opened the gate, wincing at how it squeaked. It was late, and the sky was already dark. She quickly walked in and shut the gate. She discarded her blazer and white pants for an old sweater and jeans. It was better to be safe than sorry. She carefully tucked the items into her bag before making her way up the porch. It was night, so maybe...
She opened the door, but it was silent. She let out a sigh of relief closing the door. She turned and froze, ice settling in her gut. Her father was very much awake and at home. And he was waiting, a belt in his hand.
"C-chichue..." Kuroko stuttered.
"How dare you come in so late? Were you whoring around like your mother," the man said coldly, causing Kuroko to flinch. It must have been a bad day at the office, otherwise he would ignore her existence entirely.
"N-no. I joined a club..."
"What, basketball again? A pathetic girl like you? I surprised they accepted you," the man said, eyes narrowing. "Or did you have to fuck your teachers to convince them to accept you?" Kuroko was visibly shaking at this point.
"N-no I," she let out a short shriek as the man she called Father grabbed her hair and dragged her into the living room.
"Ungrateful little brat, I'll remind you how a girl should act in this house."
...
Kuroko shuddered, wiping off the remaining traces of blood from her arms and legs. The man had started using the end with buckle a few years back and it showed. Kuroko quickly turned from the sink toward the toilet and vomited the contents of her stomach. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she mourned that she was wasting the lunch Akashi-kun had bought her. The more prominent part of her chided her for forcing herself to eat that much. It never turned out well. When she finished hacking out the contents of her stomach, she flushed the toilet and watched the disgusting mixture disappear down the drain, panting from exertion.
She straightened, wincing slightly from the area right below her rib cage where her father had kicked her. It was definitely going to bruise. She glanced at the shredded bandages around her arms and legs.
She was going to have to replace those too.
A/N: My first story for Kuroko no Basket! I had the sudden urge to rewatch the series, and the nostalgia... And I came up with this little idea and though it would fit Kuroko's odd quirks and behaviors. Although I'm not against the whole boy and boy things, I changed Kuroko to be female since that felt better for me.
By the way, there's bound to be a few errors since I really wanted to get this out so don't worry, I'll fix them later. I know it's not an original concept, but I solemnly swear that I am not plagiarizing.
Read and Review! :D Especially Review.
-randomlittlephantom-
