Title: Music Is What Drives the Soul Chapter 7 (Kuroko's Timeout Chapter 17)
Pairing: Kasamatsu and Kuroko
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
A/N: *Bows with my forehead on the floor* I am so very sorry for not updating this! I am so sorry! So very sorry! I didn't realize that it's been three months since the last update! I feel so bad...I always have homework (which I usually end up procrastinating on due to manga and anime) so I end up not writing anything! Good news is I'm almost done with all of the one shots that were for Kuroko's Timeout! I think there's only five more that I need to do! So please be patient with me.
-x-x-
Recap of the last chapter in case anyone forgot:
"I'm...so...sorry..."
Slowly, the pounding began to fade away and Kuroko couldn't feel him anymore. The sound of his breathing disappeared and he heard his footsteps become softer. He commanded his body to rise from the ground. "Kasamatsu-senpai...?" Kuroko whispered as he peered into the peephole that viewed the street. The first thing he saw was the back of Aomine as he punched Kasamatsu continuously, a black eye already forming on his face.
Kuroko couldn't think as his brain was shut down. It took him a second to wretch the door open, but it was already too late. Aomine threw one more punch and Kasamatsu lost his footing.
All he could hear was the sound of a horn blaring in his ears as the light of the car shone on Kasamatsu's bloody figure.
"KASAMATSU-SENPAI!"
-x-x-
Kuroko stood beside Moriyama, Kasamatsu-senpai's best friend. They waited in the back of a crowd all in black attire with their heads bowed. Kuroko kept his expression apathetic even though he knew that he should be sad just like everyone else. He watched with clam blue eyes as people walked up to the lone casket one by one. Each person placed a flower on the lifeless body, the last goodbye before the casket would be buried six feet deep.
Finally, it was their turn to say farewell. Moriyama went first, not even a single tear fell from his eyes. Kuroko went next. He faced the person with all the determination he had and forced a small smile. "See you in the afterlife." He placed the flower on their chest and walked away, letting the next person in line to say goodbye.
The two once again stood the farthest away from the deceased and waited patiently for the funeral to come to an end.
"I can't believe he's gone..." Moriyama looked up at the gray sky that seemed ready to weep for their lost.
"..." Kuroko remained silent as he watched the casket lower into the earth.
"I can't believe that sensei died in his sleep," Moriyama shook his head and stuffed his hands into his pockets. "The man really cared for his students. Yukio really liked the man."
"I didn't really know him as well as you two did..." Kuroko grimaced. Now that he was gone, he felt that he wished he knew him better. He would never say it out loud though. It wouldn't make him happy to hear it.
"Kasamatsu would have really liked to tell him goodbye. If only he could be here with us."
It had already been three months since Kasamatsu was pushed into the busy street by Aomine and Kuroko wished that he could tell him everything. How miserable Aomine and Kise were after all that happened. They would always send him flowers to apologize about how badly the two were hurt because of them. They would never come in person though because they knew it was a waste of time. They knew that Kuroko couldn't forgive them yet or if he could ever forgive them for all the pain he felt. The only good thing that came out of it was that Kuroko finally realized how he felt about Kasamatsu. However, he realized his feelings a little too late.
-x-x-
Kuroko walked into the already too familiar hospital room and placed his flowers into the vase. They were blue roses, ones that he created himself. "Hello Kasamatsu-senpai," Kuroko smiled at the sleeping figure lying on the bed. He looked so peaceful even though there were too many tubes sticking out of his body.
Kasamatsu was always afraid of needles. If he knew that he had so many sticking to him, he would probably throw a fit.
Kuroko chuckles hollowly at that thought. The only way he could throw a fit though, would be if he woke up. The doctors told them that he was currently in a coma. Based on how bad his injuries could have been since he was punched continuously and then fell in the street...he could have died that night. Somehow through the fall, Kasamatsu was able to dodge the car enough for it to leave only a few broken bones.
The doctors even said that it would be a miracle if he wakes up at all. There could even be brain damage that could cause a faulty memory or something. They weren't sure yet because it was too early to tell.
The day passed quietly with the sound of Kuroko's typing. He finally published his own novel and it was off to a good start. He decided to commute to school at night so that he could spend his days beside Kasamatsu's side. Even though it was possible that he would never have the chance to apologize for everything, he would be by him no matter what happens...even if that means staying by his side until death.
-x-x-
A few days passed the same way and finally Kasamatsu woke up. It was truly a miracle. He had no brain damage at all and was almost completely healed as well.
Sweat dripped down a light blue eyebrow and a pale hand swiped it away. The male continued to write, only stopping to jot down more ideas. He didn't want to visit Kasamatsu until he was completely finished with it. Kasamatsu was finally awake and now he could convey all his feelings to him. The only way for Kuroko to express himself was through writing.
-x-x-
"Um...excuse me," Kuroko stood up straight against the counter of the receptionist. "May I please see Kasamatsu Yukio in room 731?"
The nurse smiled professionally at him. "Of course you can! You've been visiting him ever since he was admitted here. You could even walk straight to his room if you wanted to." Everyone in the hospital always noticed Kuroko. Which was different for him since he normally passed people going unnoticed. He walked slowly towards the room on the 7th floor of the building. Kasamatsu woke up after Kuroko left the day before so it would be the first time Kuroko would get to see him with his eyes open.
When he got to the room, it was closed. He didn't find it odd since they always had the door closed even when someone was inside to watch him. Kuroko then tried to turn the knob, but it was locked. Now he was stumped. It was never locked during visitation hours. "Um, hello?" Kuroko knocked on the door and heard Moriyama's voice behind it.
"Kuroko?"
"Moriyama-senpai?" Kuroko waited as he heard the sound of a chair move back and footsteps come towards him.
"Sorry Kuroko. Kasamatsu doesn't feel well right now..." Moriyama opened the door enough to poke his head out. It was almost as if he was trying to block his view of the patient.
"Ah..." From the smile on Moriyama, Kuroko could tell that he was lying. It wasn't that he didn't feel well. If he didn't feel well, then even Moriyama would be forced to leave since Kasamatsu has a lot of pride. "Goodbye," Kuroko bowed enough to see past his arms and noticed Kasamatsu watching them from the hospital bed. The moment their eyes met, Kasamatsu flinched and quickly turned away.
"Ah..." Moriyama noticed that Kuroko saw Kasamatsu and blocked his way once again. "Sorry Kuroko. Maybe he'll feel better tomorrow."
Before Kuroko could say something, Moriyama closed the door in front of his face. This continued for a week. No matter how many times Kuroko came by the hospital, Moriyama wouldn't allow him in. He would always have a different excuse. For once, Kuroko waited until late in the night. Moriyama would always leave right before visiting hours finished. It was apparently the only time when Kasamatsu was alone. He tried going early in the morning once, but his family ended up being the ones to turn him away.
Finally, Moriyama was out of sight and he knew for sure that no one else was inside the room beside Kasamatsu.
Kuroko knocked on the door and heard Kasamatsu behind it.
"Did you forget something idiot?"
Kuroko opened the door and heard the expected soft gasp.
"Uh, Kasamatsu-senpai. I finally-," Kuroko lifted the paper to show him his job well done.
"...I'm sorry, but I don't want to see you right now..." Kasamatsu stared at him with cold eyes. The coldest he ever saw.
"But-," Kuroko finally got the chance to talk to him face to face. His expression faltered slightly, but he wasn't going to leave after all his efforts. He was sure that Kasamatsu would tell the hospital to not let him past the entrance from now on if he still doesn't want to see him.
"I said get out!" Kasamatsu shouted loud enough for the machine monitoring his heart rate to beep uncontrollably, alerting his doctor.
Kuroko's small smile completely disappeared as he stepped away from the older male. He couldn't help but to flinch at his voice. "He's never shouted at me like that..."
Kasamatsu turned towards the window and Kuroko couldn't see his expression clearly. However, he saw his own reflection. He looked as though he was about to cry.
"Don't come here anymore," Kasamatsu whispered, but it sounded more like an order.
"Ah...I see..." Kuroko gripped the paper in his hand, crumpling it. "I'm...sorry for...bothering you," he swiftly threw it into the trash bin in the corner and walked away. "...Farewell," he whispered before closing the door behind him.
Kuroko didn't stay long enough to hear Kasamatsu's muffled sobs.
-x-x-
"Oi, Kasamatsu," Moriyama knocked on the door to the hospital room. Surprisingly it was unlocked. He opened it with ease and was even more surprised by Kasamatsu whom sat on the bed facing the window. "How come it's unlocked? I thought you don't want to see Kuroko anymore?"
"I don't," he softly replied.
"Then why is it unlocked...?"
"There's no point in it anymore. He won't be coming by from now on," Kasamatsu still wouldn't look at him. "He hates me anyway," he whispered quietly.
"Huh? Did you say anything?" Moriyama shook his head. Kasamatsu loved to talk to himself these days. "Ah!" He shouted. He noticed the crumpled up paper. "When did this get here...?"
Kasamatsu ignored him.
"Woah! It's a music sheet," he excitingly said as he turned the pages. "Created by Kuroko Tetsuya and Kasamatsu Yukio."
"What?" Kasamatsu tried to stand up, but couldn't.
"Ah ah ah. You know you're not supposed to get up yet until you go through rehabilitation. Here." He handed him the papers.
Kasamatsu flipped through the pages, scanning its content. "He...finished it. He finished it all by himself."
"What is it?"
"It's the song we were writing together..." Kasamatsu bit his lip. "Hey, can you bring me to the piano on the top floor?" The hospital was famous for the faculties it had. There was a gym for rehabilitation, an art room, and even a music room; whatever patients could possibly need to lift up their spirits.
As Kasamatsu was wheeled onto the last floor of the building, all he could do was reread the song that Kuroko poured his feeling onto. He wasn't exactly sure what the meaning of the lyrics was since the melody could definitely change it. He needed to play it right in order to understand.
"We're not supposed to be doing this..." Moriyama whispered.
"They made this room for patients and I'm a patient. Now help me get on."
Kasamatsu needed help sitting on the piano and when he was finally positioned correctly, he pressed the keys, getting used to the sound he missed dearly. When he was sure of all the sounds the keys made, he began to play. When he finished, he heard Moriyama's ugly sobbing.
"What's the song called?"
"Music Is What Drives the Soul," Kasamatsu whispered before wiping away his own tears. He knew Kuroko's true feelings now. It was a love song that was made by the two of them, for the two of them. "I'm sorry Kuroko," he now realized his mistake from the day before. However, he could be too late.
-x-x-
Kuroko sighed as he sat in the dressing room for Kaijou. He was requested to sing one last song before he would move. Now that he was single and Kasamatsu didn't want to see him anymore, his apartment would just be a hurtful reminder of what happened and what could have been. Finally he understood why Kasamatsu stopped going to his apartment after finding out Kise had cheated on him.
His mind wondered then and the memory played back in his mind like a broken record. "Why couldn't Aomine have punched me instead? Then I would be the one that got hurt and not Kasamatsu-senpai." He sighed loudly. "Then maybe I could have died so they wouldn't have had to see me anymore."
"Phantom, five minutes," a stage hand knocked on the door to the dressing room.
"Thanks," Kuroko replied easily and stood up. The only reason why he created the Phantom Singer in the first place was to have a way to relax. He had major writer's block and he was lonely. Aomine was always busy and would sometimes not even come home. Now he realized it's because he was spending all his time with his best friend. He knew he should be angry at them, but he couldn't. The two looked right together and the moment he realized his true feelings for Kasamatsu, he just didn't care about their affair. Truthfully, Kuroko loved Aomine, but it was always in a brotherly way. The only reason why Aomine even asked him out was because he didn't want to admit his feelings for the blonde he fell hard for. Kuroko always had a feeling that the two were into each other. He just never thought he would be in the middle of it. The pain of being rejected from the person he always loved however was new to him. As he thought about his past, he always had the most fun being with Kasamatsu. The two connected on an emotional level.
"I guess it's time for the Phantom Singer to die."
-x-x-
Kuroko gets on the stage with his usual outfit which conceals his face. The crowd waited silently in anticipation. Ever since Kasamatsu's accident, no one heard from them. They honestly didn't know what to expect from him.
He decided to sing "All To Myself," as song that's meant for how he feels for Kasamatsu. As Kuroko sung, the audience screamed. There was something different about the Phantom and they liked it.
Kuroko felt many emotions as he sang his heart out with the band behind him. The club was the place where he would go to for comfort. It was the place where he would always see his senpai performs the songs they wrote. It killed him inside to say goodbye, but it hurts even more to stay. He would move after the song is over and never return.
Just as Kuroko felt a tear fall from his eyes, he looked up and he couldn't believe what he saw. Standing against the rails just like that time long ago, was Kasamatsu. Their eyes met and Kuroko forgot the next line.
Kasamatsu was frozen as he finally saw the Phantom's face. It was the first time and now he finally knew the identity to the Phantom Singer. It was none other than the love of his life.
Kuroko couldn't move. It was as if the sight of Kasamatsu paralyzed him. The moment he noticed Kasamatsu rushing down the stairs, he dropped the microphone and made a run for it. He headed towards the stairs, but was stopped by Aomine.
"Aomine-kun?"
"I'm sorry Tetsu..." It was the first time the two spoken in person since the accident. "But I can't let you run away from him."
Kuroko grimaced and then ran towards another exit. Standing in his way was none other than Kise.
"Sorry Kurokocchi...but this is the only way we can make up for what we did," Kise smiled as he apologized.
With the Phantom running around the stage, the audience figured that he was leaving, but didn't know what to feel about it.
The last escape route was to jump off the stage, but the audience parted and Kasamatsu stood there with his arms crossed. Kuroko growled but it came out as a whimper. He then tries to run to the side of the stage to go into the back, but Kasamatsu was faster than him and got there first.
Kuroko instinctively stepped back as Kasamatsu climbed the stairs to get on stage. Now the audience whispered to themselves.
"W-What do you want?" Kuroko didn't realize it, but Aomine placed a hidden microphone on his shirt so that everyone could hear them.
Kasamatsu also had a microphone on him and takes out the unrumpled piece of paper and smooth's it out some more.
"That..." Kuroko clutched his shirt. "I thought I threw it away."
"You did," Kasamatsu nodded, stepping closer.
Kuroko didn't have anything to defend himself with so he was unprepared for the arms that wrapped around him. "L-Let go of me,"
"I won't," the taller male was more stubborn than he looked.
"Y-You're the one that told me to leave!" Kuroko was ready to cry.
"I did and I'm sorry."
"...Why?" Kuroko whispered so softly that the audience had to strain their ears to hear him.
"I was afraid."
"Of what...?" He was definitely not expecting that answer at all.
"I..." Kasamatsu's brain scrambled for the right words. He wasn't really good at expressing his thoughts either. "I was afraid that you would tell me you only saw me as a friend."
"…Eh?"
"You ran away from me after you realized that I loved you and then there was the possibility of you feeling guilty for me," Kasamatsu rambled on, forgetting to pause to breathe. He was surprised that he was telling him his true feelings. Only Kuroko could get so much out of him without even trying. He seriously forgot about the fact that the two of them was on the stage of the most famous club in Japan. He would definitely need a beer afterwards.
"Idiot."
Kasamatsu opened his mouth to retort, but it closed as Kuroko cried silently in his arms. "We both are."
The two stayed like that until the audience erupted with applause and tears. Some because it was touching and other because they now knew who Kasamatsu truly loved.
The two looked at each other grinned. Kuroko took off his hoodie and the audience was shocked once again. To think that Kuroko Tetsuya, the up and coming author would be the Phantom of their hearts.
They were once again applauded and were happy. The sang their hearts out for the rest of the night all the way until dawn.
-x-x-
A year later in LA, California in the United States of America...
A short male with blue hair sat on a couch with one leg on the other. He sipped a vanilla shake with a big red M on it. In his other hand was a newspaper in English. On the front of it was a huge image with the words: "The Most Successful Concert of the Year" in bold. The image was a blown up picture of the performance from the night. Two figures stood on the stage, their eyes never looking away as they sung their number one song, a duet that the two worked on together. The man allowed a small smile grace his lips as he continued to read the article that also featured an exclusive interview.
"Hello sexy."
The man tilted his head to stare into his lover's eyes with a joyful expression, "Good morning," he replied with a smile.
"What are you reading?"
"Oh nothing really..." he tried to hide the newspaper before the older male could snatch it up. Too bad for him, the other had better reflexes.
"Hm..." He walked around the couch and sat beside the shorter male. He propped his legs onto the coffee table in front of them. He turned the page where the interview was and blushed. "They just had to use that picture. Huh, Tetsuya?"
Kuroko looked at the image which was of the two kissing after successfully singing the last song of the night. "I like this picture of Yukio."
Kasamatsu grumbled and folded the newspaper, placing it on the table. He then pulled Kuroko onto his lap and played with his blue hair. "You only like it because it makes you look taller than me."
Kuroko smiled to himself as he played with Kasamatsu's left hand. He lifted it and kissed the silver band around his ring finger. "The lady that interviewed us had a crush on you."
"Really?" Kasamatsu tilted his head to the side, trying to recall what the woman even looked like. "Not that I noticed."
Kuroko shifted his body so that he could face him. "I kind of feel bad for her, but it's obvious that we're married."
Kasamatsu smirked as Kuroko straddled his lap. "So that's why you were a little more clingy than usual." He loved that he knew everything about Kuroko now. He also prided himself in knowing that Kuroko never got so jealous over Aomine's interaction with the opposite sex.
"You're mine..." Kuroko leaned forward to steal a kiss. "I won't hand you over to anyone."
"That's my line," Kasamatsu's smirk turned into a full blown smile as he hungrily kissed his husband.
The two continued until they were out of breath. "Want to go another round?" Kasamatsu grinned as he began to unbutton Kuroko's top.
"We need to start getting ready for the meeting," Kuroko manage to get out before his breath was taken away as Kasamatsu left a trail of butterfly kisses leading from the base of his ear to his collar bone. "D-Don't leave a mark! We need to do a photo shoot later."
"Uh huh," Kasamatsu was no longer listening as he unzipped Kuroko's jeans. "I should have made you stay in bed. Taking off you pants is such a hassle."
Kuroko rolled his eyes. "As if that would matter to you."
"It doesn't," Kasamatsu grinned. "Maybe we can squeeze in two rounds before room service comes to wake us up."
Kuroko decided to let it go. Once Kasamatsu sets his mind on something, he never gives up. Later on as the two was making love, Kuroko made sure to leave marks on him as well. Too bad for Kasamatsu, they ended up doing the photo shoot at the beach. He was never so embarrassed in his life.
-x-x-
The End.
A/N: Thank you guys so much for reading this story. I'm sorry for ending it on such a short notice, but I feel as though it was time for it to come to an end. This was my first multiple chapter fic that came from a request. It took six months to finally finish it and I don't regret making it longer than I initially made it to be. I hope you liked it and please continue to stay by my side.
