A/N: I am smitten. Sorry.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything

Chapter 2: Firework teardrop

Kagami wanted to scream out loud at the complicated situation they were in. The mood in the specific corner of the family restaurant was heavy even when they were actually gathering to celebrate the Summer Festival together. They had at least another hour before they could go to the festival site and with the current uneasiness they were experiencing, he couldn't help but feel slightly nauseous. "Hey, hey, why don't we play some card games?" Kise suggested to the group to ease the tension.

"And where do you suggest we get these cards?" Midorima asked. Takao giggled at Midorima's nervous comeback and except for him, everyone else (Kagami, Kuroko (passive), Midorima, Kise, Aomine, Himuro and Murasakibara) were too scared to even say anything or to laugh.

"Shin-chan, you could lend us your cards", Takao pointed out. Midorima was infuriated at the suggestion. "Absolutely not", he said, pushing his spectacles upwards, "the cards are my lucky item for today".

"Aw, come on, Midorimacchi", Kise whined desperately while glancing over at Akashi who was just staring outside of the window. When Akashi's eyes met Kise's own, the model squeaked and scooted closer to Aomine who wore a regretful expression.

Kagami couldn't take it anymore and dragged Kuroko with him to the washroom. Once they were inside and after checking every bathroom stall for any soul that could overhear them, Kagami quietly said, "this is why I said it is not a good idea to ask him to come along to the group date!"

"Kagami-kun, I have to strongly disagree", Kuroko looked blankly at Kagami. "Akashi-kun is still my friend", the shorter boy added.

"But he's single and it becomes awkward", Kagami said. Kuroko had to agree that Kagami had a point. He might have been a little insensitive for including Akashi together with them but at the same time, he wanted everyone to be there to spectate the fireworks that were rumored to be better than last year's festival. That was why he couldn't leave Akashi out from his invitation list.

"Akashi might be single but he's not alone. He has us", Kuroko said. "You're worrying too much, Kagami-kun".

Kagami sighed. "If you say so", he resigned to his fate and returned with Kuroko to their seats. To his surprise, Akashi was no longer there by the time they returned. He quizzically looked at everyone who looked like they had just learned how to breathe.

"Oh, did he leave?" Kagami asked lightly.

"Well, just now, Akashicchi looked at his watch and then he just stood up and left without a word", Kise explained.

"Huh, maybe he doesn't feel comfortable to be the only one without a date", Takao speculated.

"Akashi is not that petty. He must have an appointment to attend to. Don't come out with an unreasonable theory about him, Takao", Midorima was the first one to defend Akashi. He had after all been the closest one to Akashi among the rest- he wouldn't allow anyone to try to justify Akashi's action, not even his boyfriend.

"Akashi sure is a busy man", Himuro smiled. The mood lightened and they had a cheerful dinner before the festival.

Akashi was far from being single despite what his friends had believed. After leaving the restaurant, he had gone to his usual meeting site where he had returned to on every Saturday. Furihata was already waiting for him in front of the café, draped in a dark green yukata and he was standing against the wall so that no one that he knew would spot him from far.

"Seijuurou-san", Furihata waved with a small smile. Akashi returned his smile as he approached Furihata.

"You look handsome", Akashi complimented and for a moment, Furihata looked like an overheated boiler with smoke puffing out from his ears. "Sei… Seijuurou-san! You are the one looking handsome today!"

"Thank you", Akashi accepted the compliment. Furihata fell into steps next to Akashi as they headed towards the festival site. It was still too early to go there and they had some time. Akashi observed the buildings around him, trying to find a suitable location while Furihata was playing with his thumbs nervously.

They were passing an abandoned temple when he grabbed Furihata's wrist to lead him to a hidden corner and hungrily attacked the lips that had been waiting for him. The kiss was to make up for the date they had missed the week before due to inter-high competition and to have Furihata so close to him, adrenaline pumped through him, putting him on fire.

Furihata's legs were wobbly throughout the kiss. He never thought that Akashi was very passionate when he was starved from such connection. Each time, he learnt a new thing about Akashi. The Rakuzan captain couldn't stop caressing Furihata's cheek and neck and he wouldn't let him go until Furihata tapped him on the shoulder to let him know he needed air. Furihata panted heavily, his face turning redder when he saw Akashi's lustful eyes.

"Seijuurou-san…" Furihata didn't dare to continue his sentence. If Akashi had asked him now, he would definitely give him the sign to continue and they were outdoor. Furihata preferred if his fantasy were carried out in some place less risky than this.

"Kouki, we should continue this later", Akashi said. He knew his words were directed to himself more than Furihata because if he didn't put on a lid over his desire, right then and there, he would make Furihata cried in pleasure.

Once they had calmed down, the two teenagers headed to the site. Furihata was telling Akashi stories about the basketball games during the semi-final and how difficult it was to play against Kaijou and Touou. They hadn't met in the final because Yousen had claimed victory against Seirin since Kuroko wasn't fit enough to play due to Kagami's own mistake (which had apparently angered the coach to the point she made them played cops and robbers for five hours after the match).

"It was crazy. My body was aching here and there by the time I got home", Furihata expressed his discomfort at the memory.

"Maybe I could give you a good massage", said Akashi, grinning at the thought.

"Uh", Furihata wavered, "I think I will pass", he couldn't tell what Akashi had on his mind but from his grin, Furihata was sure that the massage wouldn't be too good for his body.

The festival had started and a lot of people were already visiting stalls after stalls. Akashi had reprimanded himself from eating and thus was feeling rather famished. Furihata grinned when a loud grumble resounded from the red haired captain and he dragged Akashi to a Takoyaki stall. The queue was still short when they reached there and they had their Takoyaki ready in a mere five minutes.

"Here you go. You can have the one with cheese. It's really good", Furihata handed him Akashi's Takoyaki box.

"Thank you, Kouki", Akashi took it from him and ate the Takoyaki. Furihata was right, the Takoyaki was really good. The other boy ate his own box, pondering over the last few dates they had had. Akashi might have not realize it himself but the Rakuzan captain was absolutely in love with cheese. Any food orders he had made, there would be cheese in it. If Izuki-senpai were there, he could mentally hear the pun "You like it cheesy like you like your cheese" and there would bloodbath. His mouth curled upwards in amusement at his own mental image of Akashi stabbing Izuki with the Takoyaki stick.

"Aren't you eating yours, Kouki?" asked Akashi.

"Ah? Oh, yeah I am going to eat it now", he poked the stick and popped a Takoyaki into his mouth. Silly him for having his mind with nonsensical thought but he knew he couldn't help but to let it wander.

Kagami towered in the sea of people. This fact was also true for Aomine, Murasakibara and Midorima since they were considered to be very tall too. Himuro and Kise with exceptional height themselves were also getting a good view from above but this fact didn't actually bothered the other two shorter boys since it wasn't like they were completely blocked by the crowds at all. In fact, in their society, Kuroko's height was considered as normal and not like the local girls could be any taller than he was. Well, maybe some of them but that was probably because of the heels.

"Ah, Aka-chin", Murasakibara pointed to the mop of red hair sitting alone on the park's seat.

"See, I told you he left because of his lonely love life", Takao nudged Midorima. Midorima grunted but maybe, Takao was right and that made Midorima felt guilty too. The group thought that maybe they should at least apologize for inviting Akashi alone when Kagami saw another familiar mop of brunette hair walking towards Akashi with two plastic cups in his hands.

"Eh, isn't that Furihata-kun?" Kuroko said with a puzzled tone.

"What is he doing with the devil by himself?" Kagami had a worried face on. However, he sputtered when Furihata leisurely sat next to Akashi while drinking his own shake. Curious, the generation of miracles and their boyfriends tried to get as close as possible without being noticed by Akashi.

"Do you like the mango shake, Seijuurou-san?" asked Furihata, content with the relaxed posture Akashi was in. Akashi didn't reply but Furihata knew that Akashi liked it from his body language.

"I think that Chihuahua is running errand for Akashi", Aomine snickered as he whispered lowly while peeking from the bush they had decided to hide behind.

"If Akashi hurt my fellow teammate, I will not forgive him", Kagami gritted his teeth.

"Be quiet you fools or Akashi would hear us", Midorima said while he eagerly watched the interaction between the said lion and the Chihuahua. What threw him off was how Akashi was letting down his guard as if he didn't care about the world. That, to him, was something completely new.

"I heard there would be a shogi competition at six-thirty. They are giving away Disneyland tickets and a one night stay in the suite for the grand prize", Furihata said eagerly.

"Do you want to go to Disneyland, Kouki?"

"Um, maybe someday? Not that I can afford the entrance fee with my allowance and I don't want to trouble you… but", Furihata paused and looked away, "it would be nice if I could go". Akashi rose onto his feet out of the blue and found himself queuing at the registration booth. Meanwhile, the rest of the generation of miracles and their boyfriends had gone to purchase masks to disguise themselves. Aomine had chosen an Ultraman mask while Kise got himself a fox mask, Kagami a chicken mask, Kuroko a dog mask, Midorima a ghost mask, Takao a hawk mask, Murasakibara a slender man mask and Himuro a rabbit mask.

"Why do you have to buy a dog mask when you know I hate dogs?" Kagami whispered at Kuroko.

"The mask will keep Kagami-kun in line from his own self-righteousness", Kuroko answered.

When the competition began, Furihata was watching Akashi's match intently. Akashi, when he was deep in thought, looked very handsome. His thinking posture was very elegant and his focused eyes made Furihata lost into the game too. What excited Furihata more was the smirk Akashi had when he had trapped his victim, mercilessly destroying his opponents' games. Akashi made it to the final stage and since he was too good that he could even be called the Shogi god, he eliminated his opponent in the shortest time with style.

"The grand prize goes to the young prodigy. Here you go, the Disneyland tickets and competition certificate", the announcer said, handing the prize over to Akashi. The red haired received it and casually walked back to Furihata. He didn't missed the sight of a few masked people who had been standing among the crowd when he was competing but he ignored them. Right now, he just wanted to focus on his date rather than telling someone else to leave them be.

"Keep it. We will decide the date together later", Akashi said.

"Uh, um, thanks, Seijuurou-san". Furihata had grown quiet suddenly and Akashi looked to his side, only to find the most adorable sight he had never seen before. Furihata was so smitten that he couldn't even look at Akashi without revealing his flushed face. Akashi was even more surprised when the said boy gave him a peck on his cheek.

"You were too cool. I feel slightly bothered", Furihata mumbled.

"Want to go somewhere else more secluded?" Akashi asked, grabbing Furihata's hands firmly.

"Um, ah, okay".

"Then…" Akashi scanned the park and spotted a closed observation tower. He could at least get them inside with his authority and at the same time ditched the followers.

"Come here with me".

Kagami's mouth foamed when he saw the… the horrendous (sweetest) scene. Furihata… had just pecked Akashi the devil. On the cheek. And it was unexpected considering how fearful Furihata was of Akashi a year ago. How long had this been going on? Wait… He had heard about Furihata's new girlfriend and sometimes the coach would tease him about her. Could it be that the girl was actually a male devil?

He wasn't alone receiving the blow. In fact, the others were also speechless (Midorima's glasses did the classic crack) since they had watched the last year's game too. How on earth did the two hook up? This relationship… could it be that it was coerced?

"Oi, Bakagami, the lion is getting away fast with the chihuahua!" Aomine said the code names to Kagami. Kagami snapped out from his trauma and pursued after Akashi to save Furihata but with his height, it was difficult for him to get through the crowd when he was moving against the flow. Meanwhile, Kuroko, Takao and Kise (surprisingly) had managed to get through the crowd and went to where Akashi and Furihata were heading.

By the time they made it at the observation tower gate, they were blocked by the park rangers who received the order from Akashi-sama. Kagami and the rest went around the walls and luckily, there was a gap big enough for them to go through quietly. Murasakibara and Himuro were stationed outside to warn them about incoming park rangers and they climbed up the observation tower, carefully watching their steps in the dark.

"Ngggghhh", Kuroko heard someone moaning. He gave signals for the others to follow him, crawling carefully to the store room door. Kagami was the first one to peek and what he saw made his jaw dropped. Before he could make a sound, Aomine clasped Kagami's mouth to quiet him down.

"Kouki, look at me," they heard Akashi demanded.

"Seijuurou-san, please…" they heard Furihata begged.

"Then, hold my gaze. Don't shut your eyes", Akashi replied firmly.

"I- I am not wor… hgn… thy of you… Ha!" Furihata gasped.

Kagami felt a soft tug on his yukata's sleeve. He looked down at Kuroko who gave them a signal to leave Akashi and Furihata alone.

"Why are we leaving Furihata alone with THE Akashi?" Kagami demanded.

"Kagami-kun, we were being very rude just now", Kuroko said.

"Hah?" Both Aomine and Kagami questioned in synchronization.

"He's right. I feel like we had eavesdropped something very important", Takao agreed with Kuroko.

"I feel that way too, Aominecchi", Kise said, nodding slightly.

"Oh, what happened?" Himuro asked, looking interested in the conversation.

"The lion was ravishing the chihuahua", Aomine explained simply. Himuro made a knowing look.

"Well, at least we know that Akashi is not alone. We should be happy for him", Himuro said.

"I think a celebration is needed", Takao suggested.

"Just so you guys know, I absolutely do not agree with Furihata's life partner choice", Kagami frowned. He yowled when Kuroko stabbed his sonar plexus.

"I opposed this arrangement. Their stars are not compatible. You have my sentiment, brother", Midorima said. Takao laughed – Shin-chan just felt a tad lonely because his best friend had found himself another person to hang out with, he said.

"Kagami-kun, you will be kicked by a horse".

"Bring it on!" Kagami shouted dramatically. Then, he yowled again when he received a kick in the shin.

"Kouki", Akashi played with Furihata's hair. "Hm?" Furihata looked at him questioningly. Akashi pulled the other boy closer, his chest pressing against Furihata's back. They were looking at the park separated from the crowd and the street light from the observation tower. Furihata listened closely to the calm beating that was Akashi's heart. He relaxed too, holding their hands together closely to his own chest.

"I feel bad for the park rangers", Furihata said.

"It's their duty to keep watch on the observation tower. My father just happened to own the park, that's all".

Furihata chuckled. Akashi would exercise his power necessarily. Then he asked himself – how did he truly feel about Akashi? A few weeks ago, he was ready to let go of Akashi anytime but now, would it be that easy? He… enjoyed Akashi's company a lot. Even coach could tell how different he looked from before he was in a relationship with Akashi. Well, not that coach would know he was indeed in a relationship with Akashi.

A part of him realized that he could not cling too much or he would lose everything. That was why, he could definitely say that he was in a constant denial. If he didn't admit, then he could still survive. Kouki grabbed the ticket Akashi had won during the competition.

"Hm… when is the deadline for this thing?" he struggled to read in the dark. "Oh, we have until next month. When do you want to go to Disneyland?"

"I am free next Saturday".

"Huh, I wish you live nearby", Furihata unconsciously said. When he caught himself saying it, he frowned. No, this relationship should not last like that. Why did he have to run his mouth like that? Akashi rested his chin on Furihata's shoulder, looking far at the night sky.

"Someday, it would be Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday then Saturday".

Furihata choked a sob.

"I will see you every day". It was at that moment when the firework shot up to paint the sky. Furihata wasn't even watching, all he did was let the tears drop down to the floor. Why was Akashi saying things like that easily? Because those words made his heart clenched. He could only feel pain and he was helpless against it.

'Akashi Seijuurou, what can you gain from being with this loser?' echoed in Furihata's mind.