After their initial meeting, Akashi decided to take Kuroko out on a proper date to get to know the small, blue-haired man better. He gave Kuroko the choice of location, and Kuroko chose the local aquarium. Kuroko told Akashi that he liked seeing the fishes swimming around in a whole other world underwater.
Akashi and Kuroko walked around the aquarium, observing the sealife. Akashi noticed a few alpha heads turn around to look at Kuroko. Even when they clearly had company, they didn't hesitate to stare hungrily at Kuroko. Feeling irritated, Akashi placed his arm around Kuroko's waist and glared at them. His glare screamed, "Mine!" even though that wasn't quite true yet. Akashi wondered if this was what Kuroko had to deal with every day as an omega. And if Kuroko felt uncomfortable with Akashi's arm around his waist, he didn't show it. Instead, he leaned in closer to Akashi. It looked like Kuroko felt safe having Akashi around.
"So… Momoi told me that you are friends with Aomine? Aomine and I played on the same basketball team in middle school."
"Yeah, I still am in contact with him – sometimes we just meet up to hang out," answered Kuroko. He was gazing at a manta ray. "We played basketball together in elementary school. We were on the school team, but I was in the third string, so I never played in a real game. On the contrary, Aomine-kun had these crazy basketball skills, so the coach always put him in games. Nevertheless, we kinda clicked and we would play together after club activities concluded for the day."
"Hm, maybe we should play together one day," said Akashi thoughtfully. "I think I am rather rusty, though. I haven't played since I graduated from high school."
Kuroko laughed. "I'm most definitely an even worse player," he said. "I never made it to the first string, and I quit playing after my parents died."
"I'm sorry about that, by the way."
"Oh, that's okay – it was a long time ago anyway," Kuroko replied quietly. "I don't remember much from my childhood, but I do remember that they were loving people."
Akashi smiled. By then, they had reached the penguin exhibit. Kuroko was gazing at the birds with fascination.
"I find it interesting that on land, they are so awkward, but in water, they are so agile," mused Kuroko. He tapped on the glass at a curious penguin that seemed to be interested in him. Then, he turned to look at Akashi. "Well, how about your parents? What are they like?"
"Uh… I think I should tell you my family background for you to get the gist of what my parents are like," replied Akashi. He inhaled deeply, and then began explaining. "I am an only child. My parents were an alpha/beta pair who were high school sweethearts. They got married right after they graduated from university. I came along shortly after," he said wistfully. Akashi glanced at Kuroko. "I'm sure you know of the Akashi Corporation?"
Kuroko nodded.
"Well, my father is the CEO," Akashi told Kuroko. "From the moment I was born, I was expected to inherit the company from my father. So I was put through a lot of classes from a very young age. I can speak six languages, I can play seven different instruments, and I have been trained in the art of ruling a nation."
"Wow." Kuroko looked impressed.
"So as you can see, I didn't grow up like a typical child would. My father was very strict on me. There was no time for games or playing or running around just to have fun. But somehow I found solace in one sport: basketball," said Akashi. "My mother, a soft-spoken and caring woman, was aware of how all these lessons were taking a toll on me and she encouraged the basketball. She often played with me, even though she couldn't play very well – I guess she just wanted to spend time with me. She even talked my father into allowing me to play basketball when I wasn't undergoing any training."
Kuroko remained quiet. He seemed interested in the story and was simply gazing at Akashi, waiting for him to continue.
"My mother contracted cancer, and it was in the third stage when it was detected, so she wasn't expected to live for long. She died when I was eight years old. After that, my father made himself busier – he didn't come home for days on end, and when he did, we didn't talk much," Akashi said. "Then, when I presented as a Sentinel at nineteen, all hopes of me inheriting the company went down the drain, and my father was disappointed. Well, I think he was more disappointed in himself than in me… but yeah. Our contact with each other is even less now that I've become independent. He doesn't even know where I live."
Kuroko placed his hand on Akashi's shoulder and rubbed it soothingly. "You can't help who or what you are," he said.
Akashi chuckled. "I know. I'm not frustrated about that," he replied. "I just thought that you ought to know about my dysfunctional family."
Kuroko smiled. "To me, you don't seem like your father," he said. "But I have only known you for a few hours, so I can't say for sure yet," he added jokingly. There was a short pause before Kuroko spoke again. "So… seven instruments, huh? Which of them can you play?"
"Er… the piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, drums and bass," replied Akashi. "The last three I learnt because I wanted to be in a rock band," said Akashi sheepishly.
Kuroko laughed. "Did that happen?"
"No, it never took off."
Kuroko smiled at Akashi. His eyes were filled with mirth. "You're fun to talk to. I like talking to you, Akashi-kun."
"Thank you," said Akashi. "I like talking to you too."
