So this update took longer than I expected. I blame school for everything. I just saw the new KnB episode and I couldn't contain my excitement because even though I read the manga, watching it in the anime is just as good.

So the usual, sorry for the grammar errors because this is un-betaed. I'm looking for beta, so if you are interested please send me a PM. Poll results will be displayed in later chapters.

Disclaimer: I owe nothing .

Chapter 3: Surprises

Date: July 23

If there was one thing Kuroko learned during his middle school years it was to never disobey Akashi. As the redhead often said, his orders were absolute and ignoring them would result in punishment. He didn't know what those punishments consisted in, but the sadistic glint in Akashi's eyes were proof that he didn't want to know. He knew better than to defy his ex-captain.

For that reason he was sitting in a park bench, twiddling with his thumbs nervously while he waited for the redhead. The weather was nice, not too hot for summer and the gentle breeze sweeping through the place refreshing him. Although his baby bump wasn't noticeable he made sure to wear a baggy t-shirt for precaution.

The text kept going through his mind, and it scared him to know that Akashi could know about his pregnancy. He was scared that if that was the case, he would tell the rest of the Generation of Miracles. His image would be tarnished, he would be ridiculed and he wouldn't be able to see them in the eye any longer. Then again, maybe when Akashi mentioned a secret he could be referring to something else. But he couldn't think of anything else. Nothing interesting happened in his lie apart from being part of the Teiko basketball team and the recent turn of events.

His stomach churned and he felt slightly nauseous, more from nervousness that the morning sickness. He breathed in, then out, trying to calm it down. The last thing he wanted was to throw up in public.

His nerves got worse when he saw the familiar redhead walking towards him.

"Nice to see you Tetsuya," he was greeted by Akashi, face serious as he just stood there in front of him.

Akashi was someone he respected. Despite being highly strict and others feared him, Kuroko knew that he actually cared about him and the team (even if Akashi denied it whenever he was asked). But right now, he felt intimidated for obvious reasons.

"Likewise Akashi-kun," he said back, hiding his discomfort the best he could.

"You don't see as happy to see me," the redhead pointed out. Nothing ever left his eye, and judging by the way the smaller male was twitching he knew that his presence wasn't wanted there. But that was nothing new for a person like him.

"I am," Kuroko replied. "I'm just not feeling well at the moment." It wasn't a total lie.

"I see," the redhead said. "What have you been up to during summer? You have seem to forgotten about the team."

"That's because I'm no longer a part of it. I handed my resignation letter, after all," Kuroko said, to Akashi's disapproval. "But I've been doing well. I usually help otou-san around the house during my free time."

"You could be polishing you misdirection abilities during your free time Tetsuya. Your father is a grown man, he should be able to take care of himself," he said, as if he didn't hear the first comment. "At this rate you'll fall behind the rest of us during the basketball matches. Last minute training won't suffice to be at our level again."

"I quit basketball for good. I don't need to train."

"Don't speak such nonsense," the redhead told him firmly. "You've trained too hard during this past years to let it go. It seems out of character of you to quit out of nowhere."

"Basketball was fun while it lasted, but I've got no time for it at the moment."

"There's no doubt about that," Akashi's voice suddenly sounded different. Kuroko knew that tone all too well. The redhead used it whenever he was about to unmask something.

He knew it was weird for his ex-captain to be asking all these kind of weird questions but know he understood why. He wants him to reveal the information on his own one way or another and- although he was sure that Akashi knew exactly what was going on- he was going to attempt and deny it anyway.

"You said you wanted to catch on," Kuroko began. "I think we're done with that," he continued, as if the conversation would end easily like that so he could leave. But he found himself unable to stand up as Akashi pushed him, as gently as he could, onto bench.

"This conversation is nowhere near over Tetsuya. Remember, I also said that you were keeping something from me. You know better than that," the redhead said. "I don't appreciate being kept in the dark."

"I don't know what you mean."

"Deny it as much as you want. You can't hide anything from me," mismatched eyes went lower on the tiny frame, onto the stomach hidden by the baggy, stripped shirt the teal colored teen decided to wear. "When you told me that Daiki was part of the reason you left I thought it was because of his arrogance. I never thought it would be because of something this… drastic."

With each word, Kuroko could feel his heartbeat increasing. He didn't like this situation. He didn't know how to respond to Akashi's implications and he couldn't even leave at all.

"Let's talk another time Akashi-kun. I'm not feeling good, and I won't get better with all these questions," he tried avoiding the subject again.

"Listen, we can stop beating around the bush and get straight to the point, or you can keep trying to deny everything until you let the truth slip. You're foolish if you think you've got me fooled."

"I–," and as much as Kuroko tried avoiding the subject, he did know that Akashi knew. But how? "How did you find out?"

Feeling accomplished that their conversation was finally going somewhere, Akashi answered.

"My parents owns the company that is in charge of a couple of hospitals here in Japan. It wasn't hard to find your report. My parents should have a better password for their computers," he responded, unfazed by what he did. Hacking and obtaining private information is a crime, even if the computer belonged to his parents.

"What you did was unnecessary Akashi-kun. You didn't need to trouble yourself."

'Or mind into my personal business.' Kuroko left unsaid.

"I wasn't going to accept your leave without a proper excuse. Now I have it."

"Why couldn't you just accept it?" the sky bluenet bitterly said. He wasn't happy that the redhead was invading his comfort zone, destroying his plans on keeping everything a secret.

He felt his breathing getting a tad heavier because of the nervousness that didn't leave him, along with something else. It could be anger, or even sadness. He was never good at portraying his emotions because he never understood them. All he knew was that there was a horrible plain inside his chest, and he could feel his eyes watering up.

He didn't understand why he was getting so emotional all of the sudden. Yes, he didn't understand his emotions, but he knew how to kept them at bay (be it a positive emotion or a negative one.) He recalled reading an article on the internet of side effects of the pregnancy, and mood swings was amongst one of them. He cursed his hormone. He must look like a complete fool trying his best not to cry.

Ever so observant, the redhead noticed his friend's condition. The last thing he wanted was to make the bluenet cry. He only came for answers, and with the hopes to maintain a connection with the shadow. So he awkwardly sat beside Kuroko, not knowing what to do to comfort him. He decided to just stay still and fix things up with words.

"Because when I care for someone, I won't let them get away from me that easily," Akashi confessed, catching Kuroko off-guard with the suddenness of the statement. Hearing Akashi speak like that was a first. He must look pitiful to make his leader, or ex-leader, act like that. "You are, in my eyes, still a part of the Generation of Miracles. And it's my duty as a captain to look out for my teammates no matter how irresponsible they behave."

"You should be feeling disgusted," Kuroko voiced out his thoughts.

"Oh?" Akashi hummed. "I don't see a reason to be."

"I really don't understand you Akashi-kun," Kuroko muttered. "I'm carrying a baby inside of me and you act like it's the most normal thing on the world."

There, he finally voiced out the confirmation of his pregnancy. Not that he needed to.

"Carriers aren't that uncommon Tetsuya. I've seen my fair share around."

"Not as young as me I suppose."

"No, but they are still in the same situation. Although now that you mention that, you should have been more careful," if Kuroko wasn't pregnant he would surely receive on of Akashi's infamous punishments by the way the redhead voiced the statement. "Moreover, I don't mind you being pregnant. I'm a bit disappointed that you won't be able to play basketball but it can't be helped."

Negative feelings began slipping away, although not completely gone. Kuroko wasn't happy yet, but he was glad that one of his previous friends accepted his situation. His shame wouldn't leave simply with those words, but he had one less person to worry about keeping his situation a secret from.

"Please don't tell anyone," he begged, because he wasn't ready to face more people yet.

Akashi nodded. He was good at predicting things, and while he knew some wouldn't react badly, there will be those who will freak out. Aomine would freak out if he found out, and even if he cared about the ace of his team along with all the other members of the Generation of Miracles, he deserved to be kept in the dark for his rash behavior. The emotional roller-coaster Kuroko is going through could have been avoided if the ganguro actually had a brain.

"It's your decision to tell who you want."

Kuroko grimaced. "You didn't think that way when you demanded me to tell you everything."

"That's because I'm the captain. I always need to know what goes around my subordinate's lives."

"I see."

Suddenly, Kuroko's stomach growled. His little one needed food once more.

"I should get going Akashi-kun," Kuroko informed, standing up and bowing to Akashi. "Thank you for being understanding."

Kuroko began walking away, and Akashi was on his trail fast enough. He grabbed the bluenet by the arm and spun him around.

"I want to be updated weekly on your condition Tetsuya," Akashi told him. "Don't hesitate to contact me if you need help."

"I'll keep it in mind," bowing once more. "Akashi-kun is being unusually kind today."

"Aren't I always?" Whether it was meant to be serious or sarcastic, Kuroko didn't know. But he gave his friend a small smile because he was glad to have another person besides his father by his side.

"See you later Akashi-kun."

"You as well Tetsuya."

They went off opposite directions. Things went better than Kuroko had expected. He wasn't ridiculed one bit. He was being looked after, and he was glad. It was nice to know that people cared about him despite his mistakes.

He felt relaxed as he walked, stopping for a second to call Kenta to tell him to order some sushi he was craving badly at the moment. The day started off bad, but thinks were looking a bit brighter. The baby's father himself didn't know about the news, but one of his closest friends knew and that was enough for now. The others didn't have to know.

His thoughts were interrupted by another growl.

"You are really impatient, aren't you?" He began speaking to his baby. "Let's get home fast then. I'll feed you soon."

To those walking around him, he must look like a crazy boy talking to himself. But he couldn't help it. He wanted to talk to his little one even if the little one didn't understand him.

Even if his baby was a mistake, he couldn't wait to finally meet him.

Summer passed by fast, and as the days passed his belly grew bigger. The nineteen week old bump wasn't easy to hide any longer. His baby was going to be tall, that much he could tell. With his petite figure, his belly was supposed to look smaller, but his baby surely will get his or her father's height. The pregnancy so far was going smoothly, but it will get more difficult now because he will no longer be able to hide his belly. Good thing he's a master of the poker face (when his mood swings don't hit him full force).

There were times that Kuroko was at ease with the world, and then he felt the slight movement of the creature inside of him and it got him exited. The baby hasn't kicked yet, but he moved quite a lot inside its resting place. Kuroko loved how it felt. Whenever he felt that uncomfortable sensation, he knew that his baby was alive and getting closer to being born. He still had a long way to go though.

It was August 6 now, and he was lying on a hospital bed as the doctor poured the clear gel over his stomach. His dad stood by his side, staring at the monitor even if it was dark at the moment. He wanted to see his grandson or granddaughter.

"Are you exited?" asked the doctor, her soothing aura being of big help at the moment.

"Very." Kuroko told her, trying not to shiver at the coldness of the gel.

"Let's see what's inside then," taking the probe into her hands, the doctor guided it to the pale bump, running it back and forth. That's when he saw his baby more clearly.

The form was easier to distinguish. It actually looked like a baby now. A really small one. He could actually hear his or her heartbeat. The baby looked so precious in the TV screen, he could only envisioned how he or she will look once they are born. What skin color will be inherited? Or eye color? Or hair color? And the personality? Will his child be calm or energetic? So many questions with answers that only time could tell.

"You're baby over there seems to be developing rather well," the doctor commented, still moving the probe. "Although it's being a tad difficult."

"Difficult?" Kuroko asked, taking the comment as something negative. "What do you mean?"

"Calm down Kuroko-kun. There's nothing wrong. The little rascal doesn't want to show us its gender, is all."

"Oh," he said in understanding.

"Why is that?" Kenta asked the doctor.

"You see the position the fetus is in?" The doctor pointed at the screen, where it showed the baby crossing his or her legs a bit. "Unless it moves, I won't be able to tell you if it's a boy or a girl."

"So we won't know the gender today?" Kuroko asked.

"Mhm. The child is sleeping at the moment and it will take a while until it wakes up," she explained, placing down the probe and handing Kuroko some napkins to wipe off the gel. "You can know for sure on your next appointment."

"We understand?" Kenta said as he helped Kuroko out of the hospital bed. The boy looked crestfallen when he found out he wouldn't know his child's gender but it will pass soon enough. "Anything Tetsuya should watch out for?"

"Maintain your usual routine and diet. I already gave him strict instructions the last time he was here. Other than that, there's nothing else I have to say."

"Alright. Thanks doctor."

"Thank you," Kuroko said after his father.

Kuroko waited for his father as the man went over to the receptionist. He paid the bill and made another appointment as soon as possible. The two soon exited the hospital, enjoying the fresh air after being inside the building all morning.

Kuroko was often a patient person, but that trait disappeared at the moment. He wanted to time travel and see his child's gender, instead of waiting up for him or her to move. So far the little one was showing him Aomine's traits, something that concerned him but pleased him as well. He would raise his child well and make sure it doesn't end up as messed up as the both of them.

"I have to leave for my shift now. Walk home carefully," Kenta told him in a hurry. The youngest one didn't notice his dad has been in a phone call, and it seemed urgent. "I will probably be home late. There was a car accident and I have to check up on the scene."

"Be careful," Kuroko warned him.

"I know." Kenta said, leaving in a hurry. Good thing the police station was near because his father didn't bring his car, finding walking better than driving because of the exercise. He will most likely borrow a patrol car anyway.

He kept to his word and texted Akashi everything. The redhead wasn't lying when he said he would be keeping in touch frequently. But Kuroko didn't mind. So he texted:

To: Akashi-kun

The baby is fine. I won't know the gender until later though.

He shoved the phone back into his pocket, dwelling on what to do for the rest of the day.

His feet and back were killing him, so staying outside was a big no. The best option was to go home and watch movies all day. He had to rest plenty. School would be starting in two days and he would have to adapt to that new environment. He already had his uniform in all kinds of sizes, the books, the backpack, everything. He hopes his misdirection still works there so the other students won't notice him.

Seirin had an anti-bullying policy, but the looks always affected him. Akashi offered him a spot at Rakuzan, where the redhead would attend, but Kuroko declined, stating that it was too pricey and far from his home. Since Seirin was new he hasn't hear many things about the school. His only wish was for him and his baby to be safe there.

A yawn escaped his lips as he got home. He removed his shows, placing them neatly out of the way as he felt his feet touch the cold marble. He was very tired. But he didn't want to sleep just yet. He sat cross-legged on the floor, finding it somewhat more comfortable than the couch at the moment and checked his phone. Akashi had replied to his last test.

From: Akashi-kun

You'll find out the gender soon enough. The important thing is its safety. I'll talk to you later Tetsuya. I have to attend to some things at my house.

He typed in a reply fast.

To: Akashi-kun

Alright.

He tossed the phone to the sofa and turned on the TV, allowing himself to be distracted from the loneliness. His dad was busy, Akashi was busy, and he had no one else. He missed hanging out with the Generation of Miracles. He wished one of them could call him to ask him to hang out like before, but he was the one who pushed them away. Now he was confined in this sedentary life until his baby is born. Even for a quiet person as Kuroko, being this lonely was a total pain.

He changed his position after he felt his legs going numb, spreading them a bit until he deemed it comfortable. He was about to give into his tiredness when he felt it.

A kick.

His baby's first kick.

Not any movement, but a kick.

On instinct, he felt his hand moving on its own accord to his stomach, to which the baby responded with another kick. He was overwhelmed with contentment. It was as if the small one was comforting him, reminding him that he wasn't alone.

He couldn't wait to tell his father, and his ex-captain. He thought he would have to wait until later stages of his pregnancy to experience this. But this creature inside of him knew how to surprise him.

"You really know how to make me smile," Kuroko commented, feeling another kick, weaker this time, in response.

He felt his bond with his child getting stronger. Be it a boy or a girl, they will be loved immensely by him.

"I can't wait to meet you."

Why was this so hard to write? I apologize for the OOCness, but as I stated the characters personalities won't be 100% the same because of the situations they are going through. So you can consider this chapter as still a part of the intro. The next chapter will be the first day of school, and that's where the actual plot begins. There won't be large time skips during the pregnancy anymore. Please vote on the poll And I appreciate the reviews you can send me. If anyone wants to be my beta please contact me. I really need one. See you later readers