Another powerful demon.
The Imayoshi clan, a notorious family of demons known for being hasty, and simply being the worst. The head of the clan, a known stubborn and snide old man who gave heaven and earth more than enough trouble and conflict, to finally retire? Of course all of heaven and hell would know about it.
Kuroko didn't bother asking how Akashi knew. The fact that it's Akashi is enough reason. But Akashi could tell the slight discomfort in the topic, so he decided to talk more about other demons another time. For now, he just wanted to enjoy his time with Tetsuya.
"So then, will Takao come pick you up again?" Akashi asked, teasingly.
"I'm hoping he won't."
That means he might.
"You know, Tetsuya, I've noticed you like watching the humans. "
"I do. I like watching how they interact, and their attitudes towards each other. Even if I disguise myself as a human, they hardly notice me because of my weak presence." He smiled again. "It's fun messing with them."
He has demon traits after all.
"I guess humans can be amusing." Akashi agreed, remembering an assignment he once had about a young, weird boy who was both very lucky, and optimistic. The boy was very polite, and he didn't find it hard to approach his even weirder peers.
"They are. Their emotions, personalities, relationships… all so fascinating." Kuroko said, his eyes filled with wonder as he watched one of the basketball players dunk the ball. His team cheering and complementing him for it.
Akashi realized that Kuroko is one of those demons that prefer thinking, over fighting. A passive demon, maybe. But Akashi felt that there was still more to Kuroko than meets the eye.
"Fascinating indeed…" Akashi said, not exactly talking about humans this time.
Kuroko turned his gaze away from the humans, looking at Akashi again. "Does Akashi-kun like human watching, or are you a field angel?"
"I'm a field angel, and a strategizer." He explained. "I plan the best moves to use against my opponents, and always think ahead. Because of that, I always win, and I am always right."
"You've never lost at anything?" The bluenette asked, tilting his head to the side.
"Not a single thing." The red-haired angel replied with a confident smile, feeling the threat of the blush returning.
"That's amazing Akashi-kun." Though he complemented in the same impassive way, if Akashi didn't know any better, he would've thought Kuroko was being sarcastic. But he did feel a genuine complement come from the demon.
Heh, him. Akashi Seijuro, one of the most powerful angels, just got complemented by a noble demon, and Akashi actually felt pleased to be complemented by the noble demon. Wow, he never thought this would've happened. This exceeded his expectations. This newfound… 'Friendship' with the demon, exceeded his expectations. Kuroko Tetsuya, exceeded his expectations.
"Thank you for the compliment, Tetsuya."
"You're welcome, Akashi-kun."
And then, the air became comfortable. They could feel themselves at ease, with each other. They began to talk more, seeming to not have run out of things to talk about. Akashi told Kuroko all about his colorful group of friends. Kuroko did the same, telling him about his best friends. When they both heard each other's stories, they wondered how they ended up with such eccentric people.
However, Kuroko's eyes saw something behind Akashi. And of course, Akashi was quick to notice this, and turned around to see what Kuroko was looking at.
A few feet away from them, and getting closer with each step he took, a teen with long black hair reaching his eyes and glasses could be seen. He wore a black suit with red linings, red tie, a white dress shirt, and black loafers. His eyes were closed, and a smirk was plastered onto his face. He gave no demonic or angelic aura—obviously because he was in his human form just like Kuroko and Akashi—but his demeanor was somewhat menacing.
"Imayoshi-kun." Kuroko greeted or more of said, surprised.
"Yo, Tetsuya." Imayoshi Shoichi, greeted back.
Of course. Just when he was really enjoying his time, a powerful demon just has to come and disrupt them. Oh, if only Tetsuya wasn't here, he would've already fought the newcomer.
"What are you doing here?" Kuroko asked, stepping forward, sort of making Akashi stand back, as if shielding him from the menacing demon. "The party doesn't start for at least another hour or so."
Imayoshi just shrugged. "It was getting cramped in there. All the party arrangements, all the measuring, all the lectures… So I decided to get some fresh air and enjoy my last ounce of freedom before I inherit the title." He paused, and though he didn't open his eyes, Akashi could feel the blacknette's attention on him. "And what are you doing here, Tetsuya?"
Akashi felt that it's his time to talk. He somehow felt déjà vu though. A black-haired demon suddenly appearing, their attention on Kuroko first, and then it would fall to Akashi, as if questioning his very existence.
"Tetsuya was hanging out with me." Akashi said, without shame, steeping in front of the new demon.
He saw the demon's mouth twitch. "And who are you?"
"A pleasure to meet you." Akashi once again gave his signature business smile. "I am Akashi Seijuro."
Not moving, the suited demon seemed to be thinking. "Oh… so you're the infamous powerful angel that kills every demon he sees, right?"
"Yes. And I want to congratulate you on your inheritance, Imayoshi Shoichi." Akashi said slyly, making Kuroko look back and forth between them worriedly.
"Wow, practically everyone knows about it now, don't they?" Imayoshi asked rhetorically.
Kuroko saw this as his chance to break the tension. He stepped between the two and faced Imayoshi first. "Imayoshi-kun, we should get going. Everyone will get worried if the guest of honor is missing his own party."
At this, Imayoshi chuckled. "Not as much as they'll get worried if you don't show up."
Ignoring that, Kuroko faced Akashi. "I'm sorry to suddenly leave Akashi-kun, but I have to go. I had a really good time."
Akashi gave Kuroko an understanding smile. "It's alright Tetsuya, I understand. I had a really good time too. See you next time."
Kuroko bowed before standing besides Imayoshi. Suddenly, long black ruler-shaped shadows emerged from the ground, enveloping the two, until there was nothing left of the two demons, and Akashi was left standing by himself.
Finally gone, Akashi let the emotions he was holding back go.
"I know you're there."
Different reactions, but they all knew they couldn't escape.
One by one, four colorful teens revealed themselves from their hiding spots. Kise had a panicked look on his face, Aomine was avoiding eye contact, Midorima was looking down, and Murasakibara continued to eat.
Not being able to take it anymore, Kise spoke first. "Akashicchi—"
"How much did you hear and see?" Akashi's voice grew cold.
They couldn't lie. They already knew Akashi knew they were there from the start.