Two weeks of gloomy weather had passed and Akashi was forcing himself to realise that he was actually going to fostering a child. Today. It was hot and sticky, but the skies still looked perfectly clear, so despite the humidity it seemed like it wouldn't be cooled by some rain. He wore a light, collarless shirt and shorts with trainers – an attire he really wasn't used too anymore. But it was simply too hot.

Having not known what to bring, the redhead had sought advice from the apparent expert who'd told him that because it was Akashi, bringing money would be enough. That way, he could ask what the boy – Haruto – would like from a local shop. The phantom had better be of more help throughout the day…

After putting his wallet in his back pocket and grabbing the set of keys, he called out for Hana who was getting ready for a day out with her friends. She swayed around the corner to greet him and flashed a rehearsed smile, "Take care, Akashi-kun." Her voice was flowery like her name and they exchanged a dry kiss.

"Hm, that should be my line. If you are coming home early let me know. Otherwise call to be picked up tonight." His heterochromic eyes landed on hers and she couldn't maintain contact for more than a few seconds. Typical of her. She didn't understand his personality disorder (like many others who knew of his secret) which often led to him being shunned.

Still, Akashi managed to get a reply from her at least, despite the uncomfortable tension between them, "I will. Then you can tell me how you manage today. No doubt you will be perfect."

'Perfect'. Everyone still made sure the standard set for him was impossibly high.

An exchange of goodbyes was given before he headed out; it took him just over an hour to meet the others at an outdoors public park, there fields that were neatly maintained and footpaths carved out by gravel, small shops dotted about with the occasional crepe or ice cream stand – even cycling tracks and sports areas had been made available. A basketball court was one of such areas of course.

The only downside was that there was only one car park, but thankfully it wasn't too busy or too far from the others. For all Akashi was uncertain about children and how his life was at present, he couldn't say he felt nervous, more like indifferent. And partially drained because he knew what would be in store for the day – spending it with his old team mates was always tiring – but at least he'd been warned by their presence from Midorima. Still, he couldn't say he wasn't somewhat excited. It had been many months since he'd seen some of his old friends.

As he walked over to the fenced basketball area he was given a sharp wave by Kise who bellowed over to him, "Akashichii! You're late!" The redhead sighed and lowered his head in embarrassment; did he really still use such silly names? Obviously so... Besides, didn't they know Akashi's time-keeping was a little off? Drawing closer to them, he could make out who had turned up: Kise, wearing a t-shirt and shorts; Aomine and Momoi, wrapped up in each other's bodies even on a hot day like this; Midorima who wore pants like Kuroko who was in charge of the basketball that was propped under one arm, the latter stood with the 9-year-old boy Haruto.

Kagami and Himuro had been on vacation in America to see Alex, but the redhead didn't mind their absence. In fact, he'd have preferred a quieter day in all honesty.

The group uttered between themselves, the tanner of the bunch swiftly elbowing Kise to shut him up. Still, a smile graced Akashi's lips as he unbolted the heavy gate and let himself in, "Good morning everyone," He announced in his smooth voice as Momoi scolded both Aomine and Kise, "I am sorry for the delay but as you can see, I am here now." However, the redhead noticed a missing giant, "Where is Atsushi?"

As per the norm, Kise's voice rang out first, "Ah! He got lost but don't worry~" His fluctuations were too familiar and he realised why he avoided the loud individual, "We sent directions." His mascara-clad eyes narrowed just a little in a smug smile. Akashi had not become any less receptive but decided against interrogating the blonde, not while in the presence of a child.

"I see." Was all he gave in response while his attention turned to Haruto, who was surprisingly at ease around the large group. With a warmer smile, he gave the boy a wave (another seemingly obvious tip from Kuroko) and headed over, "It's nice to meet you, Haruto. I am Akashi Seijuro."

He felt scrutinised by his peers but would never let it fault him. Either way, the young brunette smiled back politely and seemed like an energetic boy, "Thank you Akashi-san! It's nice to meet you too!" Kuroko, who had one hand on the kid's shoulder, smiled wholeheartedly down at Haruto before crouching to be eye level.

"Do you want to play now that Akashi-kun is here?" The phantom heled out the ball in two hands which was quickly taken by the boy, who ran straight toward the nets.

As always, Akashi could not help himself from becoming a tutor, "Ah! Travelling." His hands rolled into light fists as he made small circles, the boy clearly caught off guard but tried to dribble anyway. When his attention returned to his friends the dumbfounded looks were taunting.

"Akashi…" Midorima closed his eyes in disbelief and pushed his glasses up his nose, a bag over his shoulder being set down on the tarmac floor, "He is supposed to have fun. Not be schooled." The redhead blinked silently while Aomine and Kise guffawed. As quickly as he'd corrected Haruto, he shot them a glare not to be reckoned with. From there, he saw a familiar figure of a giant and relaxed his features.

"Ah, here's Atsushi." It was a swift change in topics and only after a second did he notice another beside the looming figure. Was that… Nijimura? The small male was actually surprised. His head turned to Midorima, but he looked equally surprised. Kuroko on the other hand was smiling gently.

"Akashi-kun shouldn't come across as the meanest, so I invited Nijimura-senpai." The redhead's heart skipped a beat. The phantom never failed to astound him.

"Tetsuya, you think of everything."


Author's Note:

I'd like to say thank you to everyone still reading this! This chapter draft was going to turn out far too long, so I'm sectioning it off here as the next chapter will flow nicely... I hope everyone is enjoying the series. I'm determined to finish this one and follow my plan :)