Thank you all for such lovely support you are showing for this story! I honestly didn't expect this much, wow, thank you so so much!
Thank you to xXxPhantomxXx, A bad escape, 7BlueHana, tiger56761, sorahime345, sayuuki5, royairakuzan, namu199, Aiilyn Aikawa-BL 14, Catalinangel, Glaucidium, JunJuncito, LaisaKnowles, LithuaniaRules, Lura Elsworth, MayFeather, Mizurinn, Otaku Mafia, Perpettua, Seitsuya1104, ShinseiShinwa, The Last Deathly Guardian, Wynter Eversun, cherihime, hii2305, iciclefangAJ, kazecielo, kuromilopez, lolichka, mickymerin, namu1991 for following this story! Thank you to rinashi15, Guest: moi, ShinseiShinwa, Guest: zleihsh, 7BlueHana, Guest: Loryko, sorahime345 and The Last Deathly Guardian for reviewing! I love you all very very much!
One guest asked me whether this story will contain other ships. I'm very interested to see exactly what ship you have in mind, but yes, this story will have MidoTaka as a side pairing, though I'm still not sure about other ships. If you want me to hint some other ships, just tell me and I'll see what I can do. Though don't forget that the main pairing will always remain AkaKuro ;)
Thank you again and enjoy!
~Chapter II~
~A Chilling Trip~
It has been almost a week since Akashi had arrived at the Panjī Sanitarium. As promised, Kuroko had given him his schedule later that day. After Akashi's proclamation, they hadn't interacted all that much besides the caretaker coming each time to escort the redhead to his treatment sessions and back. He is also in charge of Akashi's medicine, but besides those two points the pair didn't talk almost at all. That was mostly because the redhead didn't want it and Kuroko didn't push it. He respected his patient's wishes after all, even if it did pain him a little that the other so bluntly stated that he disliked Kuroko.
However, as mentioned before, the tealnet was very considerate. Since he couldn't change the way he spoke, he just stayed silent most of the time. Kuroko had also understood why Akashi had asked him about his rubber shoes. If he had plain ones, it would be way easier for the redhead to hear his footsteps and orientate better without the bearer having to speak. So, much to Akashi's surprise, whenever Kuroko had to escort him starting the second day, he'd ignore the dress code and change into regular shoes with a bit of hard sole, which would create a decent echo for the redhead to listen to. How considerate.
Each day during free hours when the patients with their caretakers could go out into the city, Kuroko would come to Akashi's room and ask if he would like to take a walk. Each time the redhead would decline with the same impassiveness as always, not even tilting his head at the caretaker's direction. Each time Kuroko would apologize for disturbing him and leave. Initially Akashi had assumed that the other would seize inviting him or not even start after his rather harsh proclamation, but he was soon proven otherwise. Not that that made the red-haired patient change his opinion.
There were no treatment sessions on Sundays. It was a whole day meant for city trips and visits from family members or friends. The bus that drives from the sanitarium to the city is quite frequent on this day, since its complete purpose was bringing the patients and caretakers back and forth. Usually on weekdays it only traveled once or twice a day, but Sunday was an exception. It was advisable that every patient who had the ability would get out for a fresh walk at least on this day. That is why a certain blue-haired caretaker was approached by one of the treatment specialists in the morning after breakfast, half an hour before ten o'clock. All of the patients were at their rooms and most of them were getting prepared for the day ahead, so it was perfect timing.
''Kuroko, I have to speak to you,'' the man spoke as he scanned the area before spotting his target and approaching the mentioned caretaker, who was calmly sipping his tea and going through some of his previous patients' files. Even if they weren't in his care anymore, he still felt somehow obliged to check on them once in a while.
''Oh, good morning, Midorima-kun,'' the tealnet lifted his eyes from the papers and set down his mug. He noticed that the other was carrying a postcard. Probably today's lucky item. ''I'm listening, what seems to be the matter?''
''I got a complaint and was asked to deliver it to you, nanodayo,'' the green-haired male continued as he fixed his spectacles. An obvious glint of annoyance was evident in those eyes behind them. ''Normally your colleague should tell you this, but since I studied at the same university and year as you, they figured I should stray from my schedule and transmit the message instead, since we're acquaintances.''
''That's very nice of you, Midorima-kun,'' Kuroko nodded and cast an almost invisible smile at him. He was a tough-nut to crack, but the tealnet had already learnt how to read between the lines.
''Anyway, I've been informed that one of your new patients hadn't gotten outside in his stay here and they're asking that at least today you take him out. He, like any other patient, needs to have fresh air once in a while, nanodayo.''
Kuroko sighed and looked down at his mug, which was still clenched between his palms. He slightly swirled it back and forth before speaking.
''I know that, but Akashi-san is a very... difficult patient for me to handle,'' he mumbled just loud enough for the other to hear.
''Wait, Akashi? Akashi Seijuurou?'' Midorima suddenly spoke surprised.
The tealnet lifted his eyes to the green-haired man and tilted his head a bit. ''Yes, do you know him?''
The other blinked and slowly nodded. ''I've been acquainted to him for quite some time now.''
''Oh, I see.''
Midorima was silent for a while, seemingly in thought, before he finally spoke. ''Tsk, you two certainly aren't the best match-up, nanodayo,'' he crossed his arms. A frown had appeared on his thin lips. ''I'll speak to you concerning this matter later, but now I have to go and prepare for a trip to the city.''
Kuroko cocked his head to the side. ''Did Takao-san ask for you to accompany him again?''
''Tsk, it's not like I have a choice, he refuses to go with anyone else, and if I don't, the superiors will have my head,'' Midorima snapped and swiftly turned around. The tealnet had a suspicion that he did that just to avoid accidentally showing the other an unintentional slip-up. ''So if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way. But either way, make sure you get Akashi to come out of his room. You should succeed though, since Aquarius was ranked first today, nanodayo.''
With that the green-haired doctor left the other in the half-empty staff room, muttering something under his breath. The tealnet gazed at the almost finished tea for a few seconds before quickly gulping down the now cold liquid and cleaning the mug. He too needed to get ready. Kise would most certainly want to go out into the city, but what to do about Akashi?..
Suddenly the caretaker's eyes widened by a tiny friction when an idea hit him.
Of course.
If Akashi disliked Kuroko because of the lack of emotions he was portraying, then he knew just the person, who could aid him.
With that thought in mind, the tealnet tidied his work-place, got into appropriate clothing for this certain weather, took a small bag to pack all his essentials and went out. If his plan worked, then maybe, just maybe, Kuroko would be able to place a tiny crack in those unbreakable walls.
''Pleeease, Kurokocchi, just this once!'' a certain blonde whined with his hands clasped like in a prayer. ''Now you don't have a lot of other patients, so why can't we go somewhere fun? It's even Sunday!''
Kuroko sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. Truth be told, Kise didn't need to ask this time, the caretaker was planning on doing something similar anyway. Of course, he had reasons for it.
''Kise-kun, turn down your volume a bit,'' the tealnet spoke in a rather tired manner. ''And you didn't even let me finish before starting. Sit down and listen.''
The blonde immediately complied and settled down on his bed, eagerly waiting for the other to continue.
''As you very well know, my new patient, Akashi-san, hasn't gotten out of the sanitarium in a week,'' Kuroko started, trying to hide his slight distress. ''I need your help in convincing him to join us today. If he does that, I promise we'll go somewhere fun.''
''You got it, Kurokocchi!'' Kise jumped up happily. However, his excited expression soon changed into a slightly confused one. ''But why do you need my help anyway? Of course I'll be more than happy to do so, but why do you even ask?''
The tealnet bit the inner part of his cheek and looked down. He didn't want to tell Kise that he and Akashi weren't exactly on good terms. That may cause the blonde to start questioning why (scratch that, he would definitely do that) and Kuroko didn't know how to explain nor did he want to.
''I think Akashi-san would agree more easily if you asked him, since it looks like he likes you. We don't... interact all that much anyway,'' Kuroko finally spoke after a few moments and looked up at his staring patient. ''So are you ready to go now or do you still need some time? The bus will leave in fifteen minutes.''
''Nope, I'm all set,'' Kise announced cheerfully and shot up. After grabbing his coat from one of the chairs, he approached the tealnet. ''Let's go to Akashicchi then!''
And with that the pair left the room. Other patients and caretakers were also already heading towards the back entrance, where buses and other vehicles are usually parked. Kuroko along with Kise took the elevator down and soon arrived in front of the blind patient's room.
Kuroko softly knocked on the door before opening it. He quickly found the redhead of their focus seemingly typing something on his laptop. He didn't bother to stop even when the tealnet spoke.
''Akashi-san, may we come in?''
If Kuroko had asked a different question, Akashi would have replied caustically, but since it looked like the caretaker wasn't alone, he simply nodded.
''Akashicchi, good morning!'' Kise chimed in, completely unaware of the tense atmosphere surrounding the two males, after they had walked in.
''Good morning, Ryouta,'' the redhead answered politely and finally closed his laptop. ''To what do I owe the pleasure?''
''Kurokocchi here suggested that we should all go out into the city today! I think that's a great idea,'' the blonde explained, being his usual cheery self.
''Is that so,'' Akashi hummed as he placed his computer in the cabinet. ''I apologize, but I'll have to decline.''
''Eeeh, but why~? It'll be so fun! Kurokocchi even promised that we'll be able to go somewhere fun if you came as well! He never lets that when we're alone,'' Kise pouted, trying his best to convince the other.
''Did he now...'' the redhead mumbled under his breath and the pair weren't sure if they caught that. ''I'll be having a visitor later today and I don't want to cause inconvenience to anyone.''
''That's no problem! I'll also have a few visitors, but only in the second part of the day, so I can go out and get back before they do, same with you.''
Akashi folded his arms and leaned back on his bed, softly humming. Well, this was certainly the furthest he had come concerning agreeing. It seems all he needed was just was just a little push.
''Please, Akashi-san, come with us,'' Kuroko suddenly found himself saying, even if he was trying to avoid talking as much as possible. ''Some fresh air will do you good. We'll come back whenever you'll want to.''
The redhead perked up almost unnoticeably at that. Was that... a hint of plea in his voice? It was so masked that Akashi had a hard time understanding, which only made him frown internally even more. No matter how hard he tried, Akashi just couldn't make out the other's thoughts and intentions. So when a tiny hint of emotion broke through his caretaker's invincible walls, the redhead couldn't help but feel curious. Anyone else except for Akashi wouldn't have caught it. Was Kuroko that desperate? Akashi wouldn't know.
''Very well,'' the red-haired man finally spoke after what felt like an eternity to the tealnet. ''I'll accompany you if you so wish for it.''
Kuroko silently released a sigh of relief, which he didn't realize he was holding in. He didn't know what exactly made the other change his mind, but the caretaker was glad for that.
''Perfect!'' Kise grinned joyfully. ''We have to hurry then, since the bus will be leaving soon.''
''Let me just get my coat then,'' Akashi answered before getting up. He easily made his way to the wardrobe and took out the first piece of cloth he got his hands on. Did he actually memorize where each of his clothes are?.. After that, he took his white cane, which was leaning against the wall near him, and approached the two waiting men. ''Shall we then?''
Not long after that, the trio were already seated on the almost-full bus and were slowly traveling to it's next destination. Since Kuroko promised, Kise was already making possible plans for the few hours they had. Because it was one of those rare times the blonde will get to go somewhere new, he was incredibly excited. Every time he would ask Kuroko what were his thoughts, the tealnet would give a short and a rather dry reply. However, he noticed that for some reason even the shortest of words would keep irritating his other patient. If fact, the lesser Kuroko spoke, the grumpier the other would seem grow. The caretaker honestly didn't understand why. Did he really couldn't stand Kuroko this much or..? Whatever the reason was, the tealnet found himself replying less and less every time in the hopes of lifting the other's mood even just a bit. Not that it worked all that well.
Soon the bus reached it's destination, the center of the city. All of it's occupants got off here, along with the three men of the main focus. They walked a bit further from the rest and stopped, since from now they had to decide which path they'll take.
''Okay, how about this,'' Kise finally approached the topic. He thought for a moment before continuing. ''Since it's rather chilly outside, maybe we could get somewhere warm? I know this incredible okonomiyaki shop, but it's a bit further away...''
''Mmm, okonomiyaki? Truth be told, I've never been to one before,'' Akashi said out loud with a wondering expression.
''Then we must go there!'' the blonde chirped excitedly. ''What do you say, Kurokocchi?''
''Alright,'' the tealnet simply shrugged. He wanted to add something else, but kept his tongue behind his teeth. It wasn't that important anyway.
''Let's go then!'' Kise grinned. ''I'll lead the way.''
And so they began heading towards their next destination. Even if the pavement was wide enough, Kuroko walked behind his two patients and only observed their surroundings while absentmindedly listening to the conversation going on in front of him. He had tuned out most of it until a certain question caught his interest.
''Say, Akashicchi, you mentioned that you'll have a visitor today, can I ask who it is? Maybe a girlfriend~?'' Kise inquired with a hint of cheekiness in his voice as they were getting nearer their destination. Kuroko couldn't imagine asking something this personal of Akashi himself, so he curiously waited for the other's answer.
The redhead lightly chuckled and shook his head. ''I'm afraid not. Just an old friend.''
''I see, I see,'' Kise nodded. A grin yet again appeared on his lips when another question rose in his head. ''Do you have a girlfriend at all?''
Akashi hummed a bit before answering rather distantly. ''I believe I have yet to find a person close to my heart in that way.''
''Wait, what sexuality are you anyway?''
Kuroko honestly couldn't believe the bluntness of this blonde.
However, a chuckle yet again escaped the redhead's lips. He seemed rather amused by Kise's question, which Kuroko found a bit surprising. Akashi didn't strike for someone who would openly discuss themselves, quite the opposite actually, but here he was, talking about something so personal. Yet again... His answers weren't very revealing, only giving the basic information. Still, Kuroko couldn't help but continue listening.
''I suppose I am someone you would call pansexual, since I don't exactly have the ability to judge people by their appearance. That includes gender for me as well,'' Akashi explained with a small yet amusing smile on his lips.
''I guess that makes sense,'' Kise laughed lightly at that. ''Fall in love based solely on character, right?''
''Probably something like that,'' the redhead hummed in response.
''What about you Kurokocchi?'' the cheery blond suddenly asked while looked over his shoulder at the third person of their little party.
''Oh, um...'' Kuroko was slightly taken aback by Kise's question, so he didn't answer immediately. ''I don't know honestly. I never thought about it.''
''Sounds just like you,'' Kise laughed while shaking his head. However, even if some might not think that, the blonde wasn't so dense. He could clearly feel the tension between the other two and wanted to do something about it.
Kise then took in their surroundings and his expressions changed into an excited one yet again. An idea had occurred to him as well. ''We're nearly there! Ah, I just had a thought. How about I'll run on ahead and reserve seats for us, so that we wouldn't have to wait? It's right around that corner, so you won't get lost.''
Without giving Kuroko a chance to disagree, the blonde sprinted off to his mentioned direction and left the tense pair on their own. Maybe something will work out, maybe not. Only time will tell.
The two men stood frozen in one place for a few moments after Kise had quickly left them. Kuroko could feel how a certain amount of anxiousness grew inside him, though he chose not to show it. He could clearly see that Akashi wasn't feeling too pleased as well.
''I suppose I'll lead the rest of the way,'' finally the tealnet spoke a bit uncomfortably and walked from behind the other to his side. ''Kise-kun is right, it's not too far.''
Akashi didn't answer anything to that, though Kuroko noticed how his grip on the cane slightly tightened before relaxing again. His expression didn't portray any kind of visible emotions either.
''Let's go then,'' Kuroko broke the silence once again and slowly began walking forward with the redhead besides him.
This wasn't like the halls of the sanitarium, where the echo of Kuroko's footsteps were enough to guide Akashi, since here there were a lot of other people walking and chatting around them, not to mention all the cars. They weren't in a closed space either. Since Akashi seemed incredibly against the idea of having being escorted using physical contact, Kuroko figured he really didn't have a choice besides speaking.
''You said you've never been to an okonomiyaki shop before, right? If I may ask, what is your favorite dish then?'' The tealnet honestly didn't know what to ask. He couldn't communicate that easily as Kise could.
Akashi continued being silent for a few seconds and the caretaker was beginning to think he wouldn't get an answer, but then he finally responded.
''I exceptionally enjoy tofu soup,'' Akashi's tone didn't reveal any vivid emotion behind it besides simple impassiveness. As expected.
''Oh, I see,'' Kuroko mumbled, not really knowing how to respond to that. It wasn't as if he was a big fan of that dish himself, so he couldn't comment a lot on it. ''I personally like vanilla milkshakes the most.''
''That is not a dish and it is most certainly unhealthy.''
''I enjoy it very much nonetheless,'' the caretaker shrugged.
Akashi couldn't help but narrow his eyes slightly at that. If you like it that much, how come I can't hear it? It only made the redhead visibly frown, even if it was too light for any regular person to notice. It, however, didn't slip past Kuroko's observing eye. It's not like the tealnet could help it. He had acted this way for many years already and old habits die hard, especially something of this caliber.
Finally they were near enough their destination for Kuroko to see the shop's sign. However, before that, a large crossroad awaited in front of them.
''Akashi-san, we must cross the street here,'' he informed the other when both of them stopped. ''Though it's quite large, so I suggest you allow me to assist you.''
''I don't need that, I'm perfectly capable of walking on my own,'' Akashi replied rather dryly.
''Yes, I'm aware of that, but it would be incredibly irresponsible for a caretaker to allow a blind patient in their care to cross such a large street on their own. We could easily get separated,'' Kuroko tried to explain as gently as he could. ''I understand that you dislike physical contact, but please, Akashi-san, don't be so stubborn just this once. It's for your own safety.''
There it was again, Akashi noted. That almost inaudible tint of plea in Kuroko's voice. It almost seemed like the other actually cared and was worried, though it would be a long-shot to assume that just from a tiny hint of such emotion, at least in Akashi's opinion. Still, the redhead couldn't help but dwell on his words. When did he ever mention that he disliked physical contact? It was true, yes, but Akashi didn't recall informing anyone of that. Did Kuroko pick that up just from observing him? Quite impressive.
''Very well,'' Akashi finally decided to agree with a click of his tongue. He swapped the cane into his left hand and bent the other arm, so that Kuroko could take ahold of it. The tealnet hesitatingly intertwined their arms together and, when the traffic light signaled green, began leading the other through the busy street.
It was a good thing they interlocked, since the giant crowd could have easily separated them if they didn't. Kuroko skillfully navigated them both through everyone, since he was quite used to being unnoticed, so by now he had developed a certain amount of skill involving evading others and today it was put to good use. Soon they had successfully crossed the street and were meters away from their destination.
''You can let go of me now,'' Akashi spoke immediately when he felt they had reached the pavement.
''Right,'' Kuroko mumbled and retracted his arm from the other. The redhead yet again swapped his cane to the other hand. The caretaker had earlier this week assumed that Akashi was ambidextrous, though it seemed that he still preferred the right hand. Kuroko took note of that. ''We're nearly there.''
And true to the tealnet's words, the pair soon enough reached their destination – the okonomiyaki shop. It looked quite crowded, though since Kise was nowhere to be seen, Kuroko assumed that he must be inside. With that thought, the quiet duo entered the shop. A delicious smell hit them and Kuroko couldn't help but think that maybe this wasn't such a bad idea.
''Kurokocchi, Akashicchi!'' A loud yet cheerful voice soon reached their ears. Kuroko looked at where it was coming from, and it was indeed Kise, who was seated at one of the medium-sized tables. The two of them made their way to it.
''It's a good thing I came here earlier, since there was a small line,'' the blonde started when they were all seated around the table. ''So what do you want to order?''
''Hmm... What is the standard menu?'' Akashi wondered as he adjusted his cane against the chair.
''I guess it's either the pork topping or the seafood one,'' Kise informed him as he quickly went over the menu.
''I suppose I'll go with the pork one then.''
''Got it. And what about you, Kurokocchi?'' Kise inquired the quiet tealnet.
''I'm fine with either one. Maybe seafood?''
''Alright, we can get each one and then we could share,'' The blonde grinned happily. He disliked eating alone, so when he had company he couldn't help but feel joyful. ''I'll go get the orders ready.''
''No, Kise-kun, you stay put,'' Kuroko spoke a bit more firmly than before. ''I'm the caretaker of you two, so I should be the one doing these things. By the way, you know you still can't run, Kise-kun, as you did earlier. Your treatment hasn't ended yet. Don't do that again or you will face the consequences.''
Kise immediately paled slightly at that. He knew it was best not to test Kuroko's words, so all he could do was clasp his hands like in a prayer and apologize with closed eyes.
''I'm sorry, Kurokocchi, I promise I won't do that again!'' he exclaimed a bit louder than he had to, which earned a few glared from the customers around them.
''It's fine, just keep down your volume,'' Kuroko sighed before getting up.
Soon enough their orders arrived. Kise also took the pork topping, so now they had two of those and one seafood. A thought crossed the blonde's mind and he voiced it out.
''Kurokocchi, do you know how to cook this?''
''I'm not particularly skilled if that's what you're asking.''
''Then I could cook for both of you!'' Kise announced with cheerfulness radiating from his voice. ''If I really try, I can make all sorts of forms.''
''I'll probably just stick with the regular one,'' Kuroko answered with a small smile.
''Well I'm rather interested to try out a different shape,'' Akashi commented while playing with his chopsticks with his right hand.
Kise cast a slightly confused look at him, but quickly shook it away. ''As you wish! Oh, I can try making a start-shaped one!''
''That would be great,'' The redhead cracked a slight yet polite smile. Kuroko couldn't help but stare at Akashi and think how such expression fit him. He should smile more.
Not long after Kise had prepared all of their dishes. His and Kuroko's, the round ones, turned out quite well, while the same couldn't be said about the third one. Making such a complex shape wasn't that easy after all.
''It's looks rather crooked,'' Kuroko commented as he eyed the dish presented in front of his red-haired patient.
''Well I tried really hard,'' Kise pouted in response. ''It resembles a star at least.''
''Don't worry, to me it looks perfect,'' Akashi cracked an amused smile as he took hold of his chopsticks.
The blonde's expression immediately lightened up. ''Thank you Aka-'' However, realization then hit him and he resumed to being gloomy once more. ''Was that really necessary Akashicchi?''
''I apologize,'' the redhead chuckled lightly. ''I don't take back my words though. For me the effort is what counts after all.''
That managed to lift up Kise's spirits once more. ''Thank you!''
Kuroko started at the redhead in wonder. His words really did make sense after all. One could present a painting made by Leonardo da Vinci himself and a drawing made by a child to his mother alongside it and Kuroko wouldn't be surprised if Akashi would both honestly treat as of equal beauty.
After about an hour or so, when it was already past noon, the trio decided to leave the shop. Akashi informed them that his visitor should be arriving soon, so they made the bus stop their next destination. It was about half an hour away from here, just in time for the bus to leave. However, when they paid for the food and exited the shop, a rather pleasant surprise met them.
''Oooh, it's snowing!'' Kise announced cheerfully when they were finally outside. And indeed, light snow was falling from the now white sky and had already covered the area with a thin layer of it. Kuroko assumed it must have been below zero already, since the snow didn't look too mushy. To back up that assumption, light frost had already began decorating the windows of various shops. The air felt chillier than before as well. Good thing he brought gloves with him in that small bag.
''It really is,'' Akashi mumbled as he lifted his hand up and felt cold snowflakes land on it. ''It's already December 7th, so no wonder.''
''We don't get much snow around here, so it's kinda exciting, isn't it?'' Kise continued as they resumed their walk. He also took out his gloves and put them on.
''I suppose it is,'' the redhead chuckled lightly. He never quite understood what was so endearing about snow. It was cold and wet, where was the charm in that? Though he didn't voice these thoughts out, since it was only him who didn't understand.
They slowly continued their peaceful walk, Kise chatting all the way and Akashi responding from time to time. Kuroko once again satisfied himself with only listening and observing the people around them, heading to their destinations in a rush in order to hide from the now heavily falling snow. It seemed somehow relaxing to the tealnet. However, his eyes soon caught something that made his lips turn down into a slight frown.
Akashi didn't appear to be wearing any gloves. His coat also seemed too thin for this kind of weather. He probably didn't think they'd run into snow or a temperature below zero. For that reason Kuroko noticed how both of his hands, one of them tightly gripping the cane, were slightly trembling and were beginning to become a bit redder than normally. Akashi's lips were already a bit paler, which indicated that he indeed felt cold. Jeez. Kuroko had to do something about it.
With that thought the tealnet took off his own gloves and approached his red-haired patient from the other side, the left one, and slightly pulled on his coat.
''Akashi-san, please takes these,'' Kuroko spoke as he placed the leather gloves against Akashi's unoccupied hand. The redhead seemed a bit surprised when he felt the foreign material and took ahold of it, realizing it was gloves. ''They're slightly too big for me, so they should fit you.''
''Why are you giving me your gloves?'' Akashi asked slowly and a bit suspiciously. He couldn't really understand the other's actions all that much after all. Kise continued blabbering seemingly unaware that Akashi had stopped listening to him.
''Because you're cold and as your caretaker I must change that however I can,'' the tealnet explained.
Akashi clicked his tongue in response and grew silent for a couple of moments. He couldn't detect any audible emotions or hidden thoughts, which only irritated him further. Because of that he couldn't understand whether Kuroko acted this way out of kindness or the obligation to perform his duties.
''And what about you then?'' Akashi finally decided to ask rather impassively. It wasn't as if he honestly cared, but he hated being in someone's debt even more.
''I have pockets in my coat, I'll be fine,'' Kuroko lied smoothly. In reality he didn't. But his patients' wellbeing is a priority above all to him, so the tealnet didn't mind growing a little cold.
Akashi didn't answer anything to that. After a few moments he finally decided to accept the other's offer and slowly put on the leather gloves. They still carried the warmth from Kuroko's hands, so the redhead immediately felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him. Now the handle of his cane didn't feel as cold as well.
However, Akashi couldn't shake off the feeling that Kuroko wasn't being truthful with him. He hated not knowing the other's thoughts and intentions. He was also simply suspicious from nature. That's why when the tealnet yet again resumed walking behind them, Akashi leaned to Kise and quietly whispered, ending his chatter.
''Tell me, does... Kuroko have pockets in his coat?'' he asked a bit hesitatingly.
Kise seemed a bit surprised, but nonetheless glanced over his shoulder at their caretaker, who looked rather absentminded and wasn't paying any attention to the conversation going on in front of him. The blonde noticed that his hands were hanging by his side and were slowly being affected by the cold.
''No, it doesn't look like he does,'' Kise whispered back. ''Why?''
''Nothing,'' Akashi muttered rather displeased. If Kuroko didn't have any other means of warming his hands, why then he gave away his gloves to Akashi? The redhead despised his incapability to understand such actions, though he couldn't deny that he was curious about the smaller male. Nevertheless...
''Kuroko, come here,'' Akashi spoke rather coldly, which immediately caught the said caretaker's attention, though Kise continued rambling something about his modeling agency.
''Yes, Akashi-san?'' the tealnet asked a bit reluctantly as he was once again by the other's side.
A frown crept onto the red-haired patient's lips before he continued. ''You are fully aware that I have an incredibly hard time understanding you and yet you chose to lie to me nonetheless.'' Akashi clicked his tongue in obvious annoyance. ''It's like you wish for me to dislike you even further.''
Kuroko was a bit taken aback by such words. He had to first understand what exactly made the redhead so upset before he could even begin forming an answer. When he did though, the tealnet unconsciously bit his lower lip, feeling slightly anxious. He averted his gaze from Akashi and looked down.
''I apologize, but I don't think you would have accepted my offer if I had told you the truth, Akashi-san,'' Kuroko spoke honestly this time.
''You're correct, I wouldn't have,'' Akashi announced obviously displeased. If he had known he would be putting the other into an uncomfortable situation by accepting his offer, the redhead would have declined. Like mentioned before, he hated being in someone's debt. However, it didn't seem like Kuroko would be willing to take back his gloves now. If Akashi learnt anything about his new caretaker, was that he was stubborn beyond belief.
''I suppose it can't be helped,'' the red-haired man muttered before slipping off the leather glove off of his unoccupied hand with his teeth and extending it to the tealnet. ''Put this on your left hand.''
''Akashi-san, I-''
''Just listen to me,'' he snapped and Kuroko winced a bit at his tone. Understanding that it would be best to just do as he was instructed, the caretaker slowly took the glove and slipped it on his left hand. However, what happened next took the tealnet completely by surprise.
Akashi took ahold of Kuroko's right hand with his own bare one and intertwined them together. The smaller male was, to say the least, startled by such an action coming from his usually cold and distant patient. He knew how much the other disliked physical contact, so why did he...
''A-Akashi-san, you really don't have to-'' Kuroko began stuttering slightly, but he was quickly interrupted.
''I know I don't, but I don't have a choice,'' Akashi snapped yet again, though he tried to tone down his emotions. ''I despise being in someone's debt even more, so this is the only solution.''
Kuroko stared at his confusing patient for awhile before a small smile reached his pale lips. He lightly squeezed their locked hands before speaking.
''That's very considerate of you Akashi-san, thank you.'' Kuroko spoke gently, trying to sooth the other.
The said patient was slightly taken aback. He could hear the slight smile in Kuroko's voice and the gentleness that went along with it. This was honestly the first time these kind of almost inaudible emotions were directed to him by his caretaker. If only he could hear them more clearly...
''I honestly cannot understand you,'' Akashi muttered under his breath.
But maybe that's what makes this so interesting.
It was about two o'clock when the trio finally came back to the sanitarium. The two patients immediately went to their rooms, since their visitors could be coming at any moment now and both of them didn't want to make them wait. So after escorting both of his patients back to their respective room, Kuroko made the staff room his next destination. He could very well do for a cup of hot tea at the moment. The weather outside was very chilling indeed, though the warm sensation from Akashi's hand still lingered on Kuroko's own. It was a nice feeling, the tealnet had to admit.
However, before he could reach his destination, Kuroko spotted a certain green-haired man pacing through the hallway, to which he was rather eager to speak.
''Midorima-kun, hello,'' the caretaker approached the other from behind and spoke.
The said man slightly jumped and immediately turned around. His eyes frantically searched for a moment before they landed on the small tealnet in front of him.
''Oh, Kuroko,'' Midorima greeted back slightly irritated. No one enjoyed being sneaked up on after all. ''How was the trip to the city?''
''It went well, thank you,'' Kuroko answered with a nod. ''And yours?''
''Takao kept nagging me about going to different places, even if he knew we didn't have that much time, nanodayo,'' the green-haired doctor grunted displeased. However, Kuroko could see that he didn't actually mean that. ''And honestly, I'm not even a caretaker to begin with, why does he keep irritating me with his demands?''
''Maybe he likes you,'' the tealnet shrugged as he bluntly said that.
''That's preposterous,'' Midorima snapped, though he visibly seemed slightly flustered by the other's claim. He cleared his throat and fixed his spectacles more out of habit before speaking. ''Anyway, how did everything go with Akashi?''
Kuroko sighed at that and closed his eyes momentarily. ''I can't say we're exactly on good terms.''
''That's not surprising, nanodayo,'' Midorima nodded and they slowly continued walking through the hallway. ''Given his character and requirements that it.''
''But what can I do to change that?'' Kuroko inquired with a tiny hint of desperation. ''You know that it's nearly impossible for me to change my speaking manner.''
''I know,'' the green-haired male sighed lightly at that. He thought for a few moments before speaking. ''Tell me, how have you been acting around Akashi?''
Kuroko was silent for a few seconds. ''I've been trying to speak as little as possible while fulfilling my caretaker's duties at the same time.''
''I see...'' Midorima hummed. ''As you are aware, Akashi prioritizes hearing over mostly everything else, nanodayo. Using that he understands others' thoughts and emotions and he can bend them accordingly to suit his wishes. So naturally when he met someone like you, whose voice is devoid of emotions most of the time, he couldn't help but dislike you, since he couldn't understand and control you at all. However, I don't think that lessening your speaking altogether is a good option, nanodayo,'' the doctor mused. Kuroko cast a curious yet confused glance at him, encouraging him to continue. ''Imagine this as a complex puzzle. Naturally it's going to frustrate you in the beginning, though you would also feel the need to solve it, wouldn't you? However, if you were being cut off the time for doing so, it would leave you even more frustrated. I imagine it should be something like this for Akashi, nanodayo.''
''Oh, that makes sense...'' Kuroko mumbled deep in thought. So talking irritates Akashi because he can't see through Kuroko, but not talking causes the same effect, because he can't even try to understand the other? Jeez, he sure is a complicated one.
''However,'' Midorima suddenly brought the tealnet out of his thoughts while adjusting his spectacles. ''I believe that this could also be a chance to change Akashi.''
''Change? How?'' Kuroko inquired curiously.
''For example, if you keep showing him how you feel through actions, and not words, he would start understanding you more and maybe even shift his own actions accordingly, since he does that when it comes to speech, nanodayo.''
Kuroko pondered on Midorima's words. It was an interesting theory after all. So his best bet at the moment was to simply show his feelings through actions? It was worth a shot, maybe it would work.
''Actually,'' the tealnet suddenly spoke. ''I think something like that happened today. It started snowing on our way back and I gave Akashi my gloves to keep him warm. However, when he found out that I was then the one being cold, he came up with a solution to keep us both warm. It was very considerate from his part, even if he didn't want to admit it,'' A small smile formed on Kuroko's lips at the end. He didn't want to explain what Akashi did exactly, so he kept it to himself.
''I suppose that's a start, nanodayo,'' Midorima nodded. They were quite close to the staff room by now. ''If you keep progressing as you are, things should probably work out with Akashi.''
''Akashi?'' Suddenly a voice came from behind. It was rather smooth and masculine, though it had a tint of irritation evident in it. ''Do you, perhaps, mean my Akashi?''
Thank you for reading! I would love if you would take a few minutes of your precious time to drop down a review, they keep me motivated all day long ^^
Now, I just want to ask of you not to jump to any rash conclusions, though I would love to hear your thoughts nonetheless. But I feel obliged to clear out a certain point, since I know some of you might interpret it the wrong way. The scene with their hands is in no way romantic or based on any feelings of this sort, please do not think that. I hope I explained it well enough, but I still feel like I needed to clear it out. Akashi still dislikes Kuroko and that will remain like this for awhile. Kuroko for now only wants for Akashi to accept him, since he is a caring and kind person by nature and he can't stand having a patient who dislikes him for no apparent reason. He may not act this way in canon, I can't know that, but in this story that's how he is. I don't particularly like fanfics where the ship escalates to romantic levels too quickly, jumping a few stages. Akashi and Kuroko need to become at the very least friends for now, which is a hard task on its own. I hope I made myself clear! Thank you for reading and have a lovely day!
