DISCLAIMER!: I do not own Kuroko no Basuke and the cover image used for the fanfic. Both belong to their respective owners.
If you don't like yaoi (boy x boy) then please don't read this.
WARNING! This story contains MPreg!
Chapter 3 - Sea Blue and Blood Red
Red and blue met, gazing at one another in both amazement and fascination. Mismatched eyes were focused onto the red on Kuroko's body while the teal blue eyes were captivated by the being before them.
The redhead he had seen before, he really was a merman. Now that Kuroko could see him close enough, he noticed the details of the long tail covered with blood red fins. Apart from that, the merman also had fin like structures on his ears, just like those of a fish.
He couldn't help but notice some shells on the merman as well, resembling jewelry. Perhaps those were the jewels that men and women of the sea wear. They were not as shiny as the diamonds the land people have but they were still beautiful in their own way.
However, while Kuroko's eyes surveyed the sea creature, the other did the same. Those mismatched eyes finally moved, landing on the startled teal blue eyes.
Red and blue… Such different colors and yet they both see something in one another. For Kuroko it was the beauty of the other while for the merman it was something completely different. His eyes narrowed, surprising the bluenette who blinked in reaction.
They maintained eye contact but then when the merman moved his lips, Kuroko didn't know what to do. His eyes were sharp as if he was agitated and yet Kuroko didn't know why. Was he even angered in the first place? Kuroko had no way of knowing.
For humans, narrowed eyes usually signify displeasure, however, for the sea people, Kuroko didn't know if it meant the same. He could only look as the creature before him moved his lips again, his facial expression narrowed in what seemed to be annoyance now.
The merman's lips ceased their movement and instead his eyes began speaking for him again. Those mismatched eyes… they were beautiful. Kuroko had never seen anything quite like it. The color they held… they were bright and yet they also held a tint of a darker contrast. The bluenette didn't know how it was possible but that was the only way he could describe it.
Sharp pain from his leg woke the bluenette up from his trance, moving to hold the wound he had received when falling down the cliff. The wound wasn't large but it was still enough to have some blood pour down from it. With a bit of time, Kuroko was sure that it would stop on its own.
As Kuroko tended to his wound, the merman watched curiously. No, his eyes were focused on the wound, not willing to move and look at anything else but the red blood. His glued eyes remained on the red before he finally moved, his lips beginning to move.
Kuroko looked up at the man after he had taken care of his wound but when he did, he saw the merman moving his lips. His eyes were closed and yet his hands were moving… was he singing?
His lips would slowly open and then close in a quicker pace. He wasn't talking, that much Kuroko knew. However, when he tried to make out the lyrics of the song, Kuroko had difficulty recognizing the words.
No matter how hard he tried, Kuroko couldn't even make out one word the merman was saying. This had happened to him before when fishermen from different lands would come and dock on their small island. When Kuroko would try to read their lips one time while trying to buy their fish, he couldn't understand them at all.
He didn't know the reason at first but after much thought he came to a conclusion that made sense. They were speaking in a different language, a language Kuroko didn't know. If so, then the merman must be singing in a language unknown to the bluenette. That must be why he can't understand his words.
The merman's eyes slowly opened but when they did, they narrowed quickly. Kuroko didn't know why that was but as he watched, he noticed that the redhead's lips slowly ceased their movement as well. Once he had finished his song, the merman stared with narrowed eyes and a displeased expression.
Could he be mad because Kuroko didn't hear his song? That was the only possible answer the bluenette had and yet how would the merman know that he didn't listen? Kuroko didn't understand how the other would know.
Silence ensued between the two as their eyes held one another captive. Gold and red… they really were such beautifully matching colors… very much so that Kuroko found himself lost within the beautiful shade.
That's right! He had to preserve this beautiful colour! He had to paint! Kuroko quickly reached out beside him, expecting to take a brush but instead, he only found sand beside him. He had forgotten that all his equipment was in his house. After all, he had just come from Lord Hanamiya's mansion delivering his paintings.
What could he do now? Without his tools, there was no way he would be able to preserve the beautiful image in front of him. No… he had to! He had to somehow draw it but how?
Kuroko thought for a moment as the merman watched him curiously. He looked down at the sand before him but shook his head. If he drew on sand, it would be washed away. The image wouldn't be able to stay preserved.
There really was no way Kuroko would be able to draw, that is unless he goes to his house and brings his equipment. He looked at the merman once again. No, if he goes then the beautiful merman before him would leave. It was a miracle that they had met again after the incident.
Now that he thought about it, Kuroko had completely forgotten. The crimson red sea of that day… it was the blood of those innocent teens. His eyes looked away from the merman in realization that he was the one who… killed them.
The merman noticed as the human looked away, his eyes narrowing further. Such a strange human to be able to escape his lullaby without being captured by it's tunes. How did he achieve such a thing? Never in his long lifespan did he meet a human who would escape him.
His eyes moved again onto the crimson red blood that was on the pale skin. That was the only blood he was denied. The one meal he wouldn't have… but how?
When Kuroko moved to rest his eyes on the merman again, the creature took the opportunity to move his lips. This time he didn't sing and Kuroko knew because his lips were moving in a much faster pace. However, even though the merman didn't sing, Kuroko still couldn't understand him.
The redhead ceased his movements, realizing that his third attempt had failed. He had hoped that a different, much higher tone would lure the human in but without luck. The human had miraculously escaped his grasp once again.
Interesting… A wide smirk appeared on the merman's face as he looked up at the bluenette. Perhaps he had finally found a form of entertainment he was searching for. This human, even though he seems weak and has no muscle on him whatsoever, is special.
It was decided. The merman wouldn't give up until he found the reason this human was able to resist him. Then when he finally discovers his secret, he will drink the blood he was denied.
Kuroko's eyes returned onto the creature, looking at him with a tint of fear once his memory had surfaced. Even though the creature was beautiful, he was still dangerous. An eluding yet beautiful color that draws it's pray in. Perhaps that is the secret of the sea people…
But then again, this merman did nothing to try and harm him. Did he not want to kill him? Kuroko didn't know the reason but if the creature did nothing, then perhaps it's not as deadly as he had thought. Although he did see those mismatched eyes focusing on his wound…
The bluenette shook his head to dismiss his thoughts. The creature he had hoped to see was here before his very eyes. Against all odds, they've met again.
Kuroko slowly moved his hand to wave at the sea creature before him. What he received was only a stare with a wide smirk that was on the merman's face. Strange, why would he smile?
After receiving no other response, Kuroko ceased his actions. Waving was a human sign so it could very well be that the merman doesn't understand what he is trying to say. That must be the case.
Then if he doesn't understand, that only leaves Kuroko with one option and that is to talk. Even if he couldn't speak out full sentences, he could still say some words.
He opened his lips, "H-He… Hel-… Hello." He greeted, awaiting the merman's response. However, it was the same as last time. The beautiful redhead simply stared, as if amused by Kuroko's attempts at communicating with him.
It wouldn't work. Neither signs nor words would work… but Kuroko knew of one universal language that everyone understood. A language so powerful that any culture would be able to interpret it. That was their answer.
He quickly stood up, the merman watching him as he did. He moved his hands in a stop motion, hoping the merman would understand it's meaning, even though it was very unlikely. He hoped that the merman would stay and wait for him, just long enough until he takes what he needs from his house.
He took off, the redhead watching him in amusement as he did. He wasn't moving which was a good sign. Hopefully the merman stays there, just for a bit until Kuroko comes back.
The bluenette quickly ran uphill, slamming his door open before running inside to take his equipment. Brushes, colors and a clean canvas. That was all he took before he ran back outside, going back to the merman in hopes he was still there.
His hopes came crushing down on him however when he noticed that the beautiful creature was gone. He ceased his run, looking around to see if the merman had just moved but that wasn't the case.
Kuroko had looked left and then right but there was no sign of him. He was gone. Kuroko should have known this would happen. After all, what would one expect after running away? Maybe the merman thought he ran in fear?
Whatever the case, he was not here. Kuroko took a deep breath, inhaling the salty yet fresh air that blew at him from the sea. The veil of moist air cooled him down, as he made up his mind. He would see the merman again, he was certain he would.
After the creature's disappearance, Kuroko headed back home. He placed his equipment down tiredly as the rays of the setting sun shone into his small house.
Today was a long day, especially after meeting with Imayoshi again. With the merchant now in town, Kuroko would have to make extra effort to evade him at all costs. The man made him feel uneasy, especially since he had this strange aura around him.
Kuroko quickly shook his head, wanting to get rid of his thoughts. Instead, he tried to remember the magical creature he had met once again. Now that he saw him at a closer distance, the merman was much more beautiful than he had thought.
Shell necklace around his neck, beautiful long crimson hair that was tied with some sort of a pin, fins and a beautiful long crimson tail. Those scales shone as the sun reflected against them, making them sparkle. He was captivating. Kuroko had never seen anything as beautiful as the merman.
Although he was disappointed that he wasn't able to communicate with the creature. Just as he went to get his tools, the merman was already gone. Perhaps he really didn't understand what Kuroko meant when he moved his hands in a way to signify stay.
There is definitely a barrier of language but Kuroko won't let that stop him from getting his thoughts across to the captivating merman.
His crimson red… what was it looking for? Why was he smirking? What did he try to tell Kuroko? Why did he sing? What language did he speak? There were so many questions Kuroko had and yet the only one who has answers was the merman.
The creature of the sea… it was so mysterious. Just like a new color that had taken bloom. It will need time and space to establish itself among the other colors. Just like Kuroko's understanding of the said creatures. Do they seek blood? Or are they searching for something else completely? That Kuroko didn't know.
What he did know was that he was tired and so the bluenette went to brush his teeth before changing into his pajamas. He will see what tomorrow will bring and he can only hope that he will see the merman again.
Even though he may be dangerous and was the killer of the innocent teens, Kuroko still wanted to know more about him. His mismatched eyes… they drew the bluenette in.
Kuroko sighed, getting into his bed before switching off his lights. The thoughts of the merman were overwhelming which made Kuroko wonder if he'll get any sleep tonight. All he wanted to do was paint a portrait of the said creature; drawing in the details he missed before.
The thoughts lingered in his mind but eventually he was overcome by sleep, losing the battle of wits. The moon's light shone brightly inside the small house, casing its light over the island and the sea below.
The waves were gently breaking on the sand, their calming sound helping relax the sleeping bluenette. The night was warm and calm yet there was a single disturbance in the pattern of the waves.
A tip of a crimson tail had surfaced for a moment before disappearing back into the water once again. As if it wasn't there in the first place.
The night was calm and it remained calm until the morning when Kuroko woke up. He stretched, looking outside the window to see a sunny day. The sun shone brightly as the gentle winds blew softly, a normal day for their small island.
Today he'd have to complete his two paintings but apart from that, he had no other responsibilities. Maybe he could search for the merman… He would try after he'd finished his paintings.
He stood up, going to the bathroom before getting his things ready. He gathered his equipment and once he was done, he headed out the door. The gentle winds blew past him, refreshing him as soon as he came out. Today would be a good day, he felt it.
The first thing he'll need to do is pain and then after that he would be free to search for the merman. That was the plan, and so Kuroko climbed up his hill, deciding to go back to where he had seen the merman yesterday.
With his wounds healed and bandaged, along with his equipment, he was ready for the creature to appear once again. He laid down his canvas, setting everything up before sitting down on the soft sand.
The waves were calm and the birds flew along with the winds. Kuroko took his brush, preparing his colors. As usual he would use the color that he paints with the most and that is blue. Then he would also use red. Usually he didn't use such a strong color but instead would paint with pink or orange which are much lighter colors. However, after his meeting with the mysterious redhead, the color red gained a new meaning for him.
Without a moment to spare, Kuroko began to work. He couldn't go along with his thoughts and paint the merman but instead had to settle on painting the scenery before him. If he brought a painting of the merman to Hanamiya, the man would begin to question him. He could very well decline his painting and tell him to paint something else. Mermen were a controversial topic after all.
As Kuroko began to paint, he couldn't help but feel as if someone was watching him. He couldn't shake off the strange feeling and yet when he would look around, there was no one to be seen. Maybe he was imagining things?
The feeling didn't leave him but since nobody was here, Kuroko tried to shake it off and finish his painting. After four hours of painting he was finally done, giving him the freedom to leave and shake off this strange feeling.
He packed his things but before he would leave he looked back at the sea one more time. Nothing… He turned to leave, planning to return after delivering his paintings to Hanamiya.
He made his way to the town through the woods once again, arriving at Hanamiya's mansion without any trouble. Luckily Hanamiya wasn't busy and didn't have any guests so Kuroko made his way straight to his office.
He knocked, "Come in." And after receiving permission, entered his boss's office, "What is it now? A new customer?" Hanamiya turned around in his chair but didn't see anyone at the door. He raised a brow, looking around before spotting the bluenette out of the corner of his eye, "Waa! Y-You! How many times did I tell you not to do that!?"
Kuroko bowed in apology, although he had to admit that scaring Lord Hanamiya like this was somewhat satisfactory. He hid his smile while the other grumbled, "Whatever, sit down. Let me see your scribbles."
Kuroko handed the man his two paintings, watching as Hanamiya looked at them. It was strange because this time, the man took his time observing the drawings. Usually he would say that its good and pay up but this time, he took his time.
It made Kuroko nervous as he waited in the silence. Then the other finally spoke, humming in thought, "As long as they sell I'll take them." But even though he said that, Kuroko noticed a strange expression, as if he was hesitating. Kuroko took out his paper and wrote, "Is something the matter Lord Hanamiya?"
The man grumbled, placing the drawings beside his table, "Nothing is wrong. Are you questioning me?" He didn't seem pleased but handed Kuroko his pay anyway, "Scram."
There it is, Lord Hanamiya's way of saying 'goodbye'. Perhaps Kuroko was just imagining things, or maybe Hanamiya had a bad day? Kuroko didn't know but took his earnings for the day before heading out.
There was still the danger of meeting Imayoshi, which Kuroko didn't forget about, so he sneaked through the mansion before quickly making his way out of there. He ran up to the trees, looking down to see the large ship still docked.
He sighed in frustration that the man didn't leave yet. What business would he have on this island that required him to stay longer than a day? But as long as Kuroko avoided the said man, he thought he'd be safe.
Kuroko took off, slowly making his way back to his house. Now with his equipment in hand, he was ready for the merman to appear. He would commence his search for the fascinating creature and this time they would be able to communicate.
The gaze he felt earlier… it could have been the merman as well. Kuroko couldn't hear but instead, he had his sharp senses of intuition. This strange feeling you have when someone is watching you. It was almost like a killing intent of someone that was glaring at you… That was the best way he could describe it.
He shook his head, not wanting the thoughts of the crimson red blood to keep him away from the merman. The color red, even thought it was dangerous, it also held a beauty of its own. One that Kuroko has yet to explore.
He made his way to the beach where he had met the redhead, sitting down on the soft sand. It was pure luck that Kuroko's house was on a deserted part of the island. He did have neighbors but those consisted of only two houses that were further north. His cottage as it is was a lone house on the beach.
Kuroko enjoys the quietness of it all so he didn't complain at all. On the contrary, he enjoys the solidarity. It enables him to meet with the merman as well without anyone seeing them. A perfect place for them not to be seen.
Hanamiya does come to his house once in a while but that was only when Kuroko wouldn't deliver the paintings and since he gives his pieces of art on time every day, he can't remember the last time Hanamiya visited.
If he had a chance of meeting the merman, it would be here, and so Kuroko sat on the sand, waiting for a miracle to happen. It was unlikely for them to meet again but even so Kuroko felt that they would meet. It was a feeling he had…
And hour passed and then a second but it didn't break the bluenette's hopes. His eyes slowly began to close, feeling tired after a long day. However, when he saw a disturbance in the waves, Kuroko perked up.
His eyes focused on the blue before him, spotting a crimson red tail that stood out. He quickly stood up, looking at the tail so that he didn't lose track of it.
Then he saw it, the merman had surfaced, leaning against a rock while looking at the bluenette before him. His gaze was focused and his eyes glued onto his prey as soon as he saw the bluenette.
Kuroko watched in awe, mesmerized by the beautiful redhead that had emerged from the blue. Those mismatched eyes… they were trying to say something… Ah! That's it!
Kuroko quickly reached out for his canvas as the merman watched with interest. The bluenette took out his brushes and color, looking at the merman who only stared in amusement.
Kuroko's hands began to draw, drawing an image that the redhead would understand. Yes, the universal language everyone understands… it's that of images.
When Kuroko quickly dribbled his drawing, he turned the image for the merman to see. It wasn't a masterpiece but it was enough for the merman to understand what Kuroko wanted to say.
Kuroko looked at the redhead, noticing his now confused expression. The drawing Kuroko had shown… it depicted two hands that were holding one another: a universal sign of friendship.
Author's notes
UPDATE! WHOOOHOOO! :D I really, really, really hope you guys enjoyed this chapter :) Next week is exam week for me so... wish me luck ;3; I'm so sorry for not updating as much as I should but... life and MAINLY SCHOOL doesn't let me ;3; It's like I sit in front of a computer and then *SLAP* schools tell me no~ no~ ;3; waaa! ;3;
On another note, Akashi's birthday is coming up! I hope to update at least one of my stories but because of exams... my aim may not be reached ;3; Happy Birthday Akashi if I don't update ;3; Ah! And can't wait for the LAST GAME MOVIE! KYAAAA! *dies* XD
Please review guys *prays* and I'll see u in my next update :D