Here's an overview of my AkaKuro Week 2017 contributions:
Chapter 1: High school AkaKuro day (4/11).
Akashi invites Kuroko over to his house.
Chapter 2: (4/12)
Akashi hires Kuroko to be his matchmaker.
Day 3: (4/13) is NOT included because it is Chapter 5 of my story "State of Things" (yes, I am realizing there are flaws in my organization).
Chapter 3 (Day 4; 4/14) Akashi is a demon that has been punished by having to acquire the highest quota of painful contracts. Kuroko is an Intercession demon that takes them away for processing. This is one of their meetings.
Chapter 4: Teiko AkaKuro Day (4/15). Kuroko transfers to Teiko, Akashi is deputized to give him a tour of the school.
Day 5: (4/16) is NOT included in this collection due to NSFW content. If you would like to read it, you can find it on AO3 (same username / series) or my tumblr (same username), but check the note at the beginning as it may be triggering for some readers.
Chapter 5: (4/17; free day) Akashi and GoM are all prisoners of the empire – because they are considered elite because of their status and skills, they are called upon to test new arrivals. One day, two new inmates from a strange planet called Seirin arrive, and things are not quite what anyone expects.
Day 1, Highschool AkaKuro Day
"Akashi-kun…what have you done?" Kuroko's normally blank voice held a trace of awe – mixed under the more obvious reproach – as he spoke. He was standing just outside a parlor at Akashi's house but even without being fully in the room he could easily see evidence that Akashi had been busy plotting. This was a room he'd been in before and even though it had been some time since he'd last seen it, Kuroko noted the changes with little difficulty. To one side set a table and chairs; the table laden with snacks in serving vessels more appropriate to a banquet than a simple visit. A television across from a cozy couch had been there before, but Kuroko observed a set of DVD cases that featured some of his favorite movies and shows; something he suspected either Kagami-kun or Momoi-san would have clued Akashi-kun into. There were neatly folded blankets with squishy pillows tucked into the corners of the couch – definitely something at odds with the relatively formal lines of the space. None of these touches in and of themselves were so extraordinary, but it showed a clear effort at attentiveness that Kuroko was surprised to see.
Akashi's self-satisfied expression demonstrated more clearly than words that he was proud of this small bit of mischief, and his answer, when it came held not a single iota of remorse. "I don't know what you mean by that, I have simply tried to ensure your visit is an enjoyable one." He waved his guest further into the room.
Kuroko could not immediately compel himself to move forward and so Akashi placed one hand on his shoulder and guided him past the threshold. As Kuroko drew even with him, Akashi murmured a quiet, "Welcome back, Kuroko. It has been a long time, and we have much to catch up on."
At his words, Kuroko's head turned slightly to the side so he could look up at Akashi. It was true he had not been to Akashi-kun's home since Teiko, and even then it had been an infrequent occurrence. Kuroko had been a little surprised to receive the invitation but he'd accepted readily enough. When he'd arrived, one of the staff had shown him to this room and retreated with a subtle offer of assistance if Kuroko should need anything. Now, despite Akashi's words being perfectly proper, he felt he was missing something. Nodding slightly, Kuroko entered the room and took a seat across from Akashi.
They settled into comfortable chairs around an antique table that already held refreshments – including what was obviously a homemade vanilla milkshake for Kuroko. It sat in an elegant glass chalice that was no doubt meant to hold the finest of wines, but the matter of fact way Akashi encouraged him to sample it indicated he saw nothing abnormal about this presentation.
Rather than the pure bright whiteness made possible by the artificial ingredients Maji Burger would use, this one was a rich shade of cream – the tint was the result of what was most likely top-grade vanilla extract. It went without saying that it was delicious and Kuroko had a momentary worry he might never be able to settle for the mass-produced variety again. But with a philosophic mental shrug, he figured it might just be worth it.
Despite Akashi's comment, they did not rush to speak. It was neither of their styles to needlessly fill a comfortable silence. So for the moment they simply sat companionably, Akashi with his tea and Kuroko with his milkshake, and a small plate of snacks for each. It struck Kuroko as funny that the wasabi peas were in a porcelain bowl with a silver ladle ready to scoop a serving as desired. And he was certain that he at least had never had things like anpan, crackers, or fruit on such expensive plates. If it had been anyone except Akashi, Kuroko may have thought the effort was specially on his behalf, but surely this was simply how Akashi's family usually entertained guests?
Kuroko had not been terribly hungry so he had taken only a small serving and was finished in short order, content to sip his milkshake as he waited for Akashi to speak. His mind helpfully provided the point that he could not really remember the last time it had only been the two of them. Kuroko had not necessarily been expecting Akashi to have invited the others, yet he was curious as to what had prompted this occasion.
For his part, Akashi's expression gave nothing away. It was impossible to determine if this was what he had imagined taking place, but his unhurried pace and relaxed posture somehow prevented the moment from being awkward. It was only as he finished his tea and set the cup down on what could honestly be described as a dainty saucer that he gave a faint smile and spoke.
"I am curious as to your thoughts about today. Will you be bored with just my company?" It was an acknowledgement this was not precisely normal encounter for them but the question held more in the way of true inquisitiveness than anything else.
Kuroko was surprised but he gave the question genuine thought despite his answer springing to mind nearly immediately. "I have never found your company boring, Akashi-kun. I would think you might have that concern about me, but I am not disappointed to be here if that is what you mean."
Akashi folded his hands over his knee as he formed his own reply. "I am glad to hear it. I was not sure you would accept if I had made it clear it was only the two of us. I hope you will forgive the small deception; I did not quite want to lose the opportunity to speak with you. And our friends have the tendency to turn rowdy when we are all gathered together."
Kuroko's lips lifted in a small smile. "Strong personalities can lead to interesting consequences. I do not mind and it is nice to see you again. I…well, we all…noticed there were some changes when your eyes…" Kuroko trailed off, flustered about finishing that train of thought.
Akashi nodded. "I understand." He might have elaborated, but there was no need. Two words had rarely held such a wealth of history as those managed to convey, yet there was no hostility there, only a recognition. They were both aware of what had happened, and what had finally managed to return things to normal.
Kuroko's eyes lightened with something like humor. "You were not so understanding during the final match, Akashi-kun."
"Perhaps not, but it is an encounter I am sure we will have an opportunity to revisit." Akashi's gaze sharpened. "If, that is, you manage to think of something to counter Aomine-kun now that your misdirection will not be particularly effective on Too next time you compete." Akashi had been astonished that Kuroko would sacrifice the skill in the match, but in time he'd come to understand why Kuroko had done it. He was not even certain he could scold Kuroko overmuch for it anymore, despite his incredulity when he'd learned of what Kuroko and Seirin had done to win their first match of the Winter Cup.
"Do not worry, we will meet on the court again. I am sure of it." The calm certainty in Kuroko's voice might have been arrogance in anyone else, but in Kuroko, – it was hope and anticipation combined into something far more deadly. It was the comment of someone nearly addicted to the joy they found in the game.
"I shall look forward to it, don't disappoint me, Kuroko." While it was a phrase that even just a short while ago would have been cold and filled with the ennui of his other personality, none of that was present today.
"Yes, Akashi-kun." His agreement was not unusual, all of them deferred to Akashi, but there was a playfulness here that was new and Akashi heard it easily.
They might have watched a movie next, the preparations were clearly in place, if Akashi hadn't said what he did next, "Kuroko, are you dating anyone?"
Surprised, Kuroko's eyes widened as he stared at Akashi. "No, I am not." Then suddenly he had an idea. "Is that really why it is just us? You hoped I might have advice for you, Akashi-kun?" It was said somewhat anxiously; Kuroko was pleased to be so trusted but he did not have the experience to help in this case.
Akashi shook his head. "Not exactly, Kuroko. I am interested in someone, but it serves my purpose better that you are not already attached."
The statement made Kuroko's stomach tighten. He had been fascinated by Akashi since their first meeting but it had only been recently that he'd realized that connection for what it was. However, Kuroko had pushed it down as an impossibility long ago. He wasn't sure what to make of Akashi's words so Kuroko offered, as neutrally as he could, "I don't know what you mean, Akashi-kun. But I hope for your happiness so if I can help please let me know."
The brief smile that formed on Akashi's face acknowledged Kuroko's willingness to help. "I'll let you in on a secret. It is someone you are familiar with; can you guess?"
Kuroko's mind drew a blank. He honestly didn't know who would catch Akashi's interest but given the clue he was left with only real choice. "Momoi-san?"
Akashi laughed – it was a soft, nearly musical sound but recognizable all the same. "No, Momoi-san is a formidable individual but she is not quite to my taste." He moved his hands to cross them lightly over his torso. "Would you believe me, Kuroko, if I said it was you?" Akashi said it neutrally, so Kuroko was not sure if he were being serious or not.
Kuroko stilled. He felt an odd combination of panic and hope and he did not know if he wanted it to be true. "You have developed a taste for jokes, Akashi-kun?"
"Even when my eyes were different colors I was not known for levity, Kuroko. I would not suddenly develop the talent. I asked you here today to see if there might be a possibility of there being…an us, I suppose." Anyone else in the world would have looked away in case of rejection. But Akashi was not anyone else. The calm expectation in his eyes suggested he was prepared for Kuroko to spurn his suggestion, but even so, Akashi never backed down from a challenge.
Kuroko, for his part, was stupefied. His brain was not convinced Akashi's words had been uttered even as his nerves stretched tight with the apprehension they were quite real. His lips parted as if to speak but no words issued forth.
Akashi did glance around then, briefly, before returning his focus to Kuroko. "Perhaps it is too sudden to ask. In the strictest sense, it has been a while since we last spent much time together. Might we start there?"
"I believe we are already starting there, Akashi-kun." The wryness of his reply was possibly unintentional, but Kuroko wasn't wrong. Still, he managed a follow-up. "I would like to spend more time with you. But I am surprised you have the time, isn't this unusual for you to be in Tokyo? I thought perhaps you had more commitments here to warrant your time given the distance from your school."
Akashi shrugged. "It's not an insurmountable obstacle – either the distance or time. I think with a little effort, this could be a new normal for us, if you were interested, that is." His voice was even, nearly objective, waiting for Kuroko's decision as if it didn't matter to him personally. Unless you saw the slight tightening of his fingers as they rested, clasped together.
Kuroko saw. Of course he did. He stood and walked the short distance to Akashi's chair and lightly traced Akashi's grip with one finger. It was a question as much as anything, but Kuroko didn't vocalize it. Instead he said something else. "I have already said I would like to spend more time with you, Akashi-kun."
That was enough. Akashi carefully relaxed his grip and a warmth lit his eyes. "I'm glad." As before, Akashi infused the brief comment with a wealth of implications – and Kuroko did not fail to catch them.
Kuroko angled his head a little in thought. "Next time…we can just go to Maji Burger though, Akashi-kun. You did too much today, it's just me." He waved toward the pile of prepared snacks and entertainment in a general indication of Akashi's zeal.
Akashi hummed for a moment. "Exactly, it was you. As for Maji Burger, we'll see." It was noncommittal at best. Akashi had never truly understood why the chain was so popular.
It was just the right thing to say – it broke the slight intensity and the afternoon was restored to one of fondness and reestablishing their connection. Anyone observing would have assumed they were merely relaxing with one another, and that was not wrong, exactly. But when it was time for Kuroko to leave, it was clear there was something different; it was there in the slight blush that Kuroko wore and the possessiveness that flared in Akashi's eyes. It was left there, too new and tentative for anything else just yet. The next time, though, Akashi had already promised himself a different way to welcome Kuroko back to his home. One a little more wicked and decadent than today, but an approach that was familiar to any infatuated teenager all the same. Next time was something to look forward to, indeed.