Disclaimer: Don't Own.
Word Count: 4654
Pairing: AkaKuro
Please bear with me through this chapter; it was necessary to lead into the real story. I did not, for everyone's sanity, go through every single event, as this was not necessary. This is un-beta'd. I do it myself.
That Which Is Unexpected
In hindsight, Kuroko should have probably known it was coming; that it was bound to happen. All the signs were there from the beginning. However no one ever expects these things to happen to them, things that one can only imagine happening to someone on a television drama or hear about through the news to some unknown person that's just not them. But Kuroko understands first hand that these things really do happen in real life, and can happen to anyone no matter how unexpected.
To be realistic, even if he'd known beforehand it could happen, there'd have been no way to prevent it. Because really, who would have believed him if he'd told someone before the incident actually occurred? He'd had no serious proof. Either way, his life changed that day.
X.x.x.x.X
"Tetsu, you're late!" Aomine called as the blue-haired teen walked into the fourth gym hours later than he usually did, still in his uniform which stated he had no intention of practicing that night. However, he hadn't expected the next words to leave the bluenettes mouth.
"I'm going to quit the basketball team" he'd said with his usual straight face, proceeding to explain that he'd probably never be able to play on the same court as the taller player, and that a talentless player like himself couldn't possibly hope to reach even second string with just hard work alone.
"There's no way a guy who stays behind later than the rest can be useless." He couldn't possibly let Kuroko just quit, not when Aomine gained respect from such a hardworking boy, made him want to work harder, "If you give up there'll be nothing left."
"Aomine."
It was so sudden the teen jerked, turning to find Akashi standing in the doorway of the gym, Murasakibara behind him. The conversation was normal. I hadn't seen you. It's too crowded in the other gym. It doesn't matter where you practice. Then suddenly, "Who's he?"
To have someone notice Kuroko was unexpected. He wasn't surprised that the basketball idiot Aomine had no trouble noticing him, but this was the captain of the team. Why would he care who Kuroko was?
"I always practice with him. His name is Tetsu."
Murasakibara's interest instantly dwindled; returning to his snacks upon finding out that the boy was just a third-stringer. Why did his captain care about a third-stringer? Upon his inquire to leave, Akashi refused, "No, I'm curious. He's interesting; I've never seen a player like this. He might be hiding a talent completely different from our own."
It was those very words that had set everything in motion. Kuroko began training with Akashi and creating his style; his style as a shadow. To grow darker when matched with a star, a light that outshone every other player. He was happy, so very happy. He was promoted to first string, even becoming a regular and playing on the same court as Aomine; he could feel his captains' red eyes on him the entire time, approving of Kuroko's actions and changes and improvements.
With second year, another star appeared on his radar. Kise Ryouta, a blond model and prodigy who could master any sport with just a look that had just transferred to their school. Kuroko had been trying his newest pass with Aomine when the tan teen missed, skimming his hand and rebounding out the large double doors of the first gym. No one had expected the sudden "Ouch!" just outside the door, Aomine quickly running to retrieve the ball and issuing a loud apology after realizing just who he'd been talking to.
Kuroko noted that the basketball idiot had forgotten to mention his name along with the apology, but it soon didn't matter when the blond who'd been hit appeared on the outside of the gym doors and watched. Watched as Aomine swerved between the first-stringers that they'd been pinned against for practice and easily dunked the ball. Honey eyes were practically sparkling as Akashi approached him several minutes later and he issued a loud, "I want to join please!"
X.x.x.x.X
Kuroko was glad when Akashi informed them that Kise would be replacing Haisaki. The teen was rough and didn't care for basketball. He only cared for winning, beating the opponents to the point of breaking their spirits and stealing what they held dear. It hadn't take long for Kise to challenge Haisaki for his position as regular, only to suffer a crushing defeat; Kise wasn't—hadn't—been ready yet and further proved how heartless he was by leaving with Kise's ex-girlfriend. But Kuroko's observations led him to see how Haisaki was struggling to keep up with the other regulars.
Akashi had made it a rule that each player was to score at least twenty points a game, otherwise they'd receive punishment. This changed depending on Akashi's mood at the end of the game; only doubled training if he was at his best, quadrupled at his worst. Haisaki was struggling to keep up with them—everyone besides Kuroko, at least—and he knew Akashi was beginning to see it too. How the teen acted as if he just didn't care; as if he were lazy and could easily score more than what they were required.
He was glad Haisaki was being replaced—the grey haired teen hated his guts; had asked multiple times why a guy who couldn't score was a regular in which Akashi would just answer that he was special—but it wasn't unexpected. Kise's eyes had glowed once again when Akashi had read off the list of starters for the next game; had announced that they would keep to this change unless otherwise stated. The blond was pleased to finally play with them all on court, rather than being on the bench and having to watch as only Akashi and Kuroko switched places from court to bench. He was also daunted; would he be able to score those twenty points that was required?
However, he blew this worry away. Kise easily went seven over the required amount during his first game, even if it dulled in comparison to Aomine's forty-eight. In the end they'd easily outscored the opposing team with 105 to 72. Kuroko could easily see that Kise was still growing, and he'd definitely outshine Haisaki very soon. It was later that evening when Kuroko walked past the first gym on his way to the school gate when he heard Akashi easily threaten Haisaki: quit the basketball team or else. Kuroko felt a chill travel down his spine, Akashi's voice was the same as usual, but it was so, so much colder at the same time. He leant against the wall for just a moment, fully intending to leave once he no longer felt as if he was the one directly on the end of that voice, receiving the threat. Kuroko jumped when the door opposite of the one he was next to slammed upon as a very, very irate Haisaki alighted from the gym. The glare he received from the teen was dark, threatening and promised pain, but the calm, "Tetsuya," that sounded through the already open door made him swallow and Haisaki return the already rising fist to his side.
How Akashi always knew who was around was disturbing, but he respected the teen. Haisaki growled, withdrawing from the shorter boy and hissed a venomous, "Next time you won't be so lucky," before turning and walking away. Kuroko didn't particularly feel bothered by the threat; instead he quickly turned and made his way through the open door where the red headed captain awaited. Akashi was smiling—the one he usually showed to Kuroko when he was pleased or about to initiate a lecture—and eyed the boy to make sure that Haisaki hadn't touched him. Pleased, his eyes settled into looking into Kuroko's own.
"Did you hear what I told Shougo?" Kuroko held back the urge to shiver with his full body, instead, opting to truthfully answer the teen. He always knew when one was lying; lying was not an option.
"Yes, Akashi-kun, I did."
Akashi gave a curt nod, pleased the boy had told the truth, "Then you will keep what you heard between you and I. If anyone asks, Shougo quit because he found it to be too boring to bother with any longer." Kuroko knew that this only excluded the non-regulars; there was no way Akashi would keep this from them. "This is better in the long run; after all, I've graciously saved Shougo from humiliation when Ryouta begins to outperform him. He should be thanking me."
Kuroko remained silent through-out the exchange, waiting for Akashi to finish. He couldn't help when he raised his hand, covering his mouth and stifling a yawn. It was rude of him to yawn in front of his captain, but Akashi chuckled, "Go on home, Tetsuya. It's getting late after all and I know you and Daiki have been here practicing after hours again."
Kuroko bowed, murmured a quiet, "Goodnight, Akashi-kun," and left the gym, red eyes watching him the entire way.
X.x.x.x.X
Haisaki transferred out of Teikou at the end of their second year to some no-name middle school in the next prefecture over. Kuroko couldn't help the suspicion that this probably had something to do with Akashi, but at the same time he had no proof for it. He practically felt the captains' eyes watching his every move; watching for Haisaki and just some reason to make him regret simply being alive. It was at the end of second year when Aomine's inborn skills began to truly blossom.
Third year brought about several changes to the team now dubbed as the Generation of Miracles. Aomine was the first to rapidly improve. The power forward became a force to be reckoned with, becoming unstoppable. Kuroko felt Aomine drifting away from him, from their friendship that he cherished so very much. Aomine began to skip practice, stopped trying in games because no one was good enough to face him. No matter what Kuroko said, the tan teen shrugged him off and ignored him. Akashi was aware, he knew, but the captain seemed to not care what Aomine did. Just as long as they were winning; as long as he filled his quota per game, Akashi didn't care.
One by one, each member improved, leaving Kuroko to fade, the light becoming so bright his shadow was diminishing rather than darkening. The day Akashi arrived to practice with an eye patch over his left eye seemed to be the final key to the powerhouse team that was Teikou. When the red haired teen had finally taken it off a week later—and so, so many rumors that something had happened to his eye and that he'd no longer be able to play—it was an eerie golden-yellow rather than the piercing red both had been before; Akashi's power of observation and that eerie skill where he just seemed to be able to read the future seemed to have improved further.
Kuroko no longer felt as part of the team. He hated basketball, so much so he wanted to cry. After all, hating something you loved dearly was painful. When the team viciously crushed their opponents at the Championships—their third consecutive win since Akashi had taken over as captain in their first year—Kuroko disappeared. He left before they'd quite finished, having been subbed out during the third quarter, knowing that the five had no need for Kuroko. They'd win without him there easily.
Kuroko had gripped the slip of paper in his hands for several minutes while standing in front of the desk Akashi occupied for so many hours doing paperwork and playing shogi before placing it down. The pure white paper with those dark, dark letters spelling his resignation from the team stood out on the dark grey metal.
He walked out of the room quietly; slipping past people unnoticed and made his way home. They were unable to contact him for the remaining two school-weeks.
X.x.x.x.X
Seirin. A newly established private high school, formed during his third year of middle school. Kuroko had not expected much; it was close to home and he just hoped there was a basketball club. So when he found the club table on the map, he quickly made his way there, wrote his name and information on the club form, and slipped away without a trace just as a very tall, red haired teen made his way towards the table himself.
Kuroko could hear the question, "Is this the basketball club," clearly several feet away and he allowed a small smile to make its way to his lips. Perfect, just perfect; he could tell the larger teen was better than average from just a look. He had to see for himself just how much the red head was capable of. Kuroko got his chance later in the day after scaring the wits out of everyone in the gym—it never failed—he came across the redhead he'd learned was called Kagami Taiga at a basketball court. The bluenette had once again managed to surprise the tall teen, had challenged him to a game, and Kagami easily showed his capabilities.
He was large and had power behind his movement, and was quick. Kuroko could work with him, could use him for his goal. I'm a shadow, he told him, and watched as Kagami walked away extremely irritated over Kuroko's weakness.
When they were first pitted in a practice game, first years versus second years, Kagami was the one who did all the scoring. He was obviously still irritated from the night before. After overpowering the second years, they made a comeback, triple-teaming Kagami to stop him from even moving. Kuroko asked for the ball, used his ability of being a shadow, easily making what seemed to be impossible passes and the first years won.
Revealing himself, his talent, had been the first step in his plan.
X.x.x.x.X
They lost the Inter-High. It wasn't surprising; Kagami was still developing and still didn't have hope of touching his old light's feet. Aomine had been so very pissed with him, he could see, and had proved it with just how hard he had thrashed their team. It was depressing, but not unexpected, he knew they wouldn't defeat Aomine, but they had to try.
They'd made it far enough and qualified for the Winter Cup, though. He knew he had to develop a new style, one that he could use against Aomine, and to beat Touou. It had taken the entirety of fall. Kuroko slowly began to develop his new techniques; Kagami brought his inerrant jumping power to the next level and practiced with his left hand, even going so far as to return to America to resume learning from his childhood instructor. By the time the Winter Cup rolled around, the entire team had improved by leaps and bounds.
Not long after arriving, Kuroko's phone had gone off. His expression changed from its usual blankness to surprised. He had to go; it was Akashi who contacted him; the one person who had never sent a message since he had resigned. Seirin's coach, Riko, sent along Furihata with him—he knew Akashi wouldn't like that, but it was better to do as she said. The rest of the members were already there: Aomine, Kise, Midorima, Murasakibara, and of course, Akashi.
What Tetsu, you have a chaperone with you? Mine-chin has Sa-chin as a chaperone too. Leave Satsuki out of this! Wait, Midorimachi why do you have scissors with you? It's my lucky item of course, stupid. Either way, that's dangerous can you stop carrying them that way while walking? I'm sorry for the wait.
After some bickering, Akashi repeated himself, sorry for making them wait. That it was great to see them. That someone who shouldn't be was here and needed to leave. That had just happened to be when Kagami made his entrance, surprising both Furihata and himself. So you're Akashi, glad to meet you, he'd said. Akashi remained silent for a moment before asking for the scissors Midorima had. My hair's bothering me, I was thinking of cutting it.
No one had expected him to walk closer to Kagami, a glint only the rest of the Generation of Miracles recognized in his eyes. You're Kagami-kun, right? Kagami quickly moved as scissors came towards his face, scratching along his cheek as the group reacted in shock. Kagami-kun! Akashi simply grinned, amused that the taller redhead had managed to dodge. Since I always win, I'm always right.
"We're done, I'll be going," the shorter redhead had said, "I wanted to check one thing, but it seems it's not necessary. It seems no one has forgotten our oath back then. The next time we meet will be in battle."
X.x.x.x.X
They defeated Touou. It stunned the spectators, Touou's team—Aomine—to their cores. However, both he and Kagami hadn't given his previous light time to be depressed. Let's play again. You have yet to match my fist from that day. I'm gonna win next round. Okay.
Kuroko was proud of his team as they overcame and won several times—they defeated Yosen which had two phenomenal players; Murasakibara and Himuro. It was hard of course; all these teams were national level after all. They'd had to win to get their rematch against Kise. Kise just had to win their next match against Fukuda Sougou.
Fukuda brought out an unexpected challenger and acquaintance in the form of Haisaki. The grey haired teen who cared nothing for basketball only wanted to defeat one of the Generation of Miracles and steal their title. It was during this match that Kise managed to copy not only Aomine, but each member of his middle school team.
The following day, Kuroko received a call from Kagami, asking him to go shopping with him. His shoes were totaled, and he needed to find a new pair. After unsuccessful searching, he called Momoi, who brought along Aomine and a pair of his shoes she'd taken. You both wear the same size don't you? Aomine agreed to give Kagami the shoes if he beat him on a three-basket one on one.
Kuroko watched, listening to Momoi as she informed him of how Aomine had punched Haisaki after the teen had lost to Kise. Had left him there, knocked out, and walked away; but she'd felt that he probably wouldn't try anything again.
The match between the two did not last long, Kagami's cries of 'Again, Again, I want those shoes' reaching his ears. Aomine had simply thrown the box at the redhead, stating he didn't need them, before walking off; they quickly made their way to the stadium, prepared for their match against Kaijou.
X.x.x.x.X
As they prepared, Shuutoku faced off against Rakuzan; Midorima versus Akashi. Midorima had managed to surprise Akashi by relying on his teammate. The green haired teen had gotten into position and jumped without the ball in hands; he hadn't expected Takao to throw it and for Midorima to shoot like that. Akashi quickly destroyed the basis of the technique. It could only come from the left due to Midorima being left handed. During this game, Akashi had shot into Rakuzan's own hoop and had proceeded to lecture his team. If we lose it'll be my fault. I'll quit the club immediately and as atonement, I will gouge my eyes out. They of course, won.
The match between Seirin and Kaijou was amazing. Heated words of rivalry between Kuroko, Kagami, and Kise started the match. Kise's perfect copy was formidable, Seirin had difficulties keeping up regardless of their original plan, but they made sure to give it their all. Kagami, during the third quarter and for the third time, entered the "Zone." Kagami managed to turn the tide, keeping both teams on par as well as catching up to Kaijou's score.
Kise had grit his teeth, pleased yet at the same time frustrated. He'd keep going until the very end! He'd started to copy the other Generation of Miracles like in his game against Haisaki. It was during using one of Aomine's skills when he landed wrong, stumbling and hitting the parquet floor loud enough to issue a loud 'thump!' The referee blew the whistle and the Kaijou team captain Kasamatsu ran over to check on the blond. Both Kuroko and Kagami had a gut feeling something was wrong.
Kise had tried to stand, crying out and dropping back to the ground. He couldn't play anymore. Seirin took the game only because their ace player could no longer play. After thanking for the match, Kagami had walked over to Kaijou's bench and stopped in front of the blond. I don't accept this win. Get better, and let's play again. Kise had shown his dazzling smile and nodded, "Yes!"
X.x.x.x.X
Seirin versus Rakuzan; Kuroko couldn't help but wonder if this match had been suicide before they'd even begun. Akashi's eerie precognitive abilities easily trumped them. They knew that they were only standing here right now because Kise had over exerted himself and had not let his legs fully heal from his match against Aomine during the Inter-High. They knew this, but that didn't mean they didn't try their best. But the skill itself from Rakuzan was on another level. Seirin suffered their first crushing loss during the Winter Cup; the championship game itself.
The red headed captain had casually strolled up to Kuroko, who stood next to Kagami after their defeat; had eyed the both of them for a moment before his lips quirked into a small smile that easily sent shivers down both of their spines. "Join me, Tetsuya," he glanced at Kagami for just a moment, as if mocking him, before his eyes settled firmly on looking into Kuroko's.
Kuroko shook his head, "I'm sorry, Akashi-kun, but I must decline."
The smile on Akashi's face fell flat, showing his obvious disapproval for the response, "You are questioning me even after I've defeated you Tetsuya? Is it not clear that I am absolute?"
An almost sad smile made its' appearance on Kuroko's face, "No, Akashi-kun, but this is something I must do. I, along with Kagami-kun, will defeat you."
X.x.x.x.X
Second year for Kagami and Kuroko had proved to be interesting; their winning streak in the Winter Cup had brought a reputation and with it many first years wanting to join the basketball club. It had been interesting, the first time Kuroko had simply scared them all by just standing there and saying something to Kagami who knew, of course, he'd been there the entire time. Some of the first years were talented, coming from top-notch middle school teams. Of course not all of them were great, but that wasn't entirely unexpected either. They would get better though, just from the environment they were in and practice practice practice.
Practice was a common word in the basketball clubs dictionary. They had to get better. Just like they knew every other team they'd fought in the Inter-High and Winter Cup was. How every member of the Generation of Miracles was—is.
And they'd been right, each team improved by leaps and bounds; Seirin could proudly say they'd also improved. They were able to match and overcome the teams at the Inter-High that year, even defeating Touou. Defeating Aomine, something which had been an incredible challenge, but they'd done it. Seirin won the championship match at Inter-High, and yet again won their place to compete in the Winter Cup; to battle Akashi once again.
The Winter Cup was thrice as explosive that year than the year before with everyone having improved exponentially. Seirin was miraculously able to stay on top, managed to overcome Akashi and took the tournament by storm. The expression the smaller redhead had made was shocked. Heterochromatic eyes were wide in disbelief, before his facial expression shifted to that of rage. "I'll get you Tetsuya, next year. I promise you that," he'd said before walking out of the stadium.
Third year brought the graduation of their coach and the rest of the regulars while Kuroko and Kagami became third years themselves. Riko took an official job as a basketball coach at the school, enjoying watching as the team grew stronger and stronger. Cultivating talent was the best as she was want to say. Many things changed, of course. Fukuda was given the position as captain—he'd become reliable, Hyuuga had said—before leaving practice for the final time.
With Riko's guidance the year before, they had begun to build a team of players not centered on the third years. And of course this year they would have to do the same.
X.x.x.x.X
Around the time the Inter-High rolled around, Kuroko felt as if he was being watched. It came at odd hours of the day. Sometimes during morning practice, sometimes during school hours, but more often than not he felt as if eyes were boring into him after evening practice and on the way home. Kuroko simply shrugged the feeling off as paranoia. Who would want to watch over Kuroko?
That year, Seirin came just short of winning yet again against Touou. Kuroko knew he'd been slightly off, and it was possibly being out of his game that had cost them victory. Touou had defeated them by a single point difference. But there was no point stating this, it was Kuroko's own fault for getting so out of it lately; the feeling of being watched had seemed to increase.
The feeling of being watched seemed to be at its' worst at the Winter Cup. He could practically feel breath creeping down the back of his neck, it was so intense. Kuroko had confided in Kagami about it then, but Kagami had simply told Kuroko that he was probably feeling the nerves. After all, they were the current reigning champions of the winter tournament.
That year, Haisaki had yet again made an appearance. The teen looked just as rough as before, his face a perpetual scowl, and he glared at Kuroko when he walked by him. Kuroko could vaguely remember the threat from middle school—you won't be so lucky next time. It'd been Kuroko and Kagami—Seirin—to defeat Haisaki's team this year.
The matches went by in a flash. That year it'd been Kaijou—Kise—to take the championship crown. Seirin had fought until the end, but they had lost. Kaijou had trumped them, and went on to face off against Rakuzan. Kuroko had seen Akashi in the front row of the stands, had seen the frown as Seirin lost, as Kagami came up behind him and patted his shoulder. He hadn't gotten to prove Kuroko wrong; hadn't gotten to take his revenge for feeding him his first taste of defeat. Akashi hated that.
X.x.x.x.X
Kuroko stifled a yawn on the way home. It was going on ten, having gone to Maji Burger with Kagami before hanging out at his apartment after the tournament, playing games the rest the evening and reminiscing over their three glorious years of High School. Before he'd known it, it was nine thirty and he claimed that he should head home.
Kagami had offered to let him stay the night, you said you felt you were being watched right, but Kuroko declined. I'll talk to you tomorrow, Kagami-kun. I've not felt it since the first day of the tournament. I'm sure it was just nerves as you said, he'd said before retrieving his bag, slipping his shoes on, and making an exit. About half way to his own home, Kuroko noticed that his shoe lace was untied. He squatted down, fingers wrapping around the lose strings when he felt striking pain to the back of his head.
He fell into waiting arms, vision growing dark and only able to make out two features; a familiar smirk with heated, cruel eyes.
A/N: I hope I didn't butcher Akashi too much. I'm a little nervous writing him; well, I'm nervous in general posting this actually.