Warnings: Emotional angst, smut, shower sex, blowjobs, handjobs, reunion sex, cum guzzling

Notes this chapter: So I took a few creative liberties with study abroad programs and how jank the phones are in Japan/America. Just roll with it. I really hope everyone enjoys this double update :)

We went with option 1! That's why this is a day late, sorry about that everyone! I'll see you again on the 26th~

Hope you enjoy!

- Kida-Asumi


As June melted in to July, Kuroko faced a problem that he hadn't expected.

Loneliness.

It wasn't that he was being ignored. He had gone out to eat with either Seirin or Aomine, Kise, or Momoi during the first two weeks of July. He had attended practice, and as of next week, he would be on summer break.

However, his boyfriend had disappeared.

It wasn't that Akashi was missing or ignoring him. His father had sprang a study abroad opportunity on him in the middle of June, and in the 48 hours before his flight had left, he had spent 36 of them with Kuroko. He had called Kuroko when he had landed in America, and when he had become settled down in his dorm room. He had tried to send him text messages, but they kept failing, as was revealed in a Skype session. During the session, Akashi had explained that he would be doing his best to communicate.

It had been nearly 18 days since their last email. Kuroko had done his best to only call him once a day, and only send two text messages and two emails a day. He didn't want to come off as clingy (though a part of him had to admit that Akashi would be pleased by it). He didn't want to come off as weak or codependent. He certainly didn't want anyone thinking that his boyfriend was the only thing that could keep him occupied.

As of next week, all of his close friends would be leaving for an extended period of time. Shutoku was going away to a training camp. Aomine and Momoi would be going on a business trip to Australia with their parents. Kise would be flying to NYC for a modeling gig, and afterwards, Momoi and Aomine would be joining him there for a 'school project.' Kagami and Himuro were spending the break in America, training under Alex and with one another. Akashi wouldn't be returning to Japan until the first week of August.

What in the world was he going to do?

Perhaps he was acting spoiled. He had been alone by himself before. He had just grown used to not being alone.

And so, with that in mind, he sent another email to Akashi.


Of all of the people to notice his state, Kuroko would not have expected it to be Himuro. He, Kagami, Himuro, Aomine, Momoi, Kise, Midorima, and Takao were eating a Maji Burger when he was confronted with his friend's concerns.

"What's wrong, Kuroko-san? You are very quiet today." Himuro spoke up from beside his boyfriend, unwrapping the next burger for him. A squelching sound was heard as Aomine and Kise detached themselves from one another, Kise a bright shade of pink, and they joined the rest of the table at staring at Kuroko with concern.

"Are you feeling okay, Tetsu?"

"Oi, Kuroko, if you're not feeling well, just tell us and we can take you home."

"Tetsu-kun! Is the heat getting to you?

"Kuroko, I have various medicines on me. Tell me your symptoms and I can tell you what you need to take."

Kuroko smiled a little at their enthusiasm, and he shook his head, pushing away his shake.

"I'm not ill, everyone. I just…haven't heard from Akashi in nearly 3 weeks." He explained. A mixture of shock and horror followed his announce, as he had expected. The only one unsurprised was Midorima. With a resigned frown on his face, he sat back up in his seat.

"Shin-chan?" Takao asked, and Kuroko's gaze focused on the green-haired male.

"…I was wondering about that. I also have not heard from him. Usually, he asks me for monthly reports. Momoi, have you heard from him?" Midorima asked. Momoi shook her head, looking down at the table.

"No, I haven't. He also has me send him reports as well. When we last spoke, it was before he left Japan."

Disturbed, Kuroko sat up. Where in the hell was he that he couldn't contact any of them? Was he in trouble? Was he hurt or sick? Was he-

"Sometimes, when we switch between Japan and America, we lose contact with one another." Kagami admitted.

"My phone service will fail to switch to international, or my internet connection will be shitty and I can't send emails." Himuro agreed, catching on to Kagami's train of thought.

"I wouldn't be concerned until he doesn't call you at the airport, Kuroko." Kagami said.

"So this isn't abnormal?" Kuroko asked, trying to feel hopeful. The two nodded.

"No, it's not. Do any of you know if this is Akashi's first trip abroad?" Himuro asked, passing Kagami his last burger.

"It's his first trip alone." Aomine of all people answered. Himuro nodded as if that explained everything, and he sent Kuroko a reassuring smile.

"Then you have nothing to worry about. Everything is different in America. Emails are sent differently, so are text messages and phone calls. He might be pressing a button wrong and not realizing it." Himuro assured him.

"He'll contact you first, Tetsu, so don't worry about that. You just need to contact all of us with the update." Aomine chuckled. Kuroko nodded, feeling a bit better now that he had some semblance of an explanation. Knowing his boyfriend, he would be figuring it out soon, and he would be contacted within the next week.

If not, he only had one more week before Akashi was back on Japanese shores.

He could wait.


Being alone wasn't something that Kuroko had become accustomed to. With everyone that had been with him for 3 years away and overseas, he hadn't really left his room for the last week. 4 days from now he was supposed to be reuniting with his boyfriend. 4 days from now, he was hopefully getting answers.

That was 96 hours away. Until then, he pulled his knees to his chest and flipped through his old text messages with Akashi. Some of them brought a smile to his face against his will. Others made his heart clench painfully with loneliness.

And then he flipped through the pictures and his throat tightened.

Who would have thought that just a month ago he was kissing his boyfriend breathless under a star filled sky?

Now…well now, he hadn't really been eating, had been avoiding his parents, and only really moved to let Nigou out and back in again.

He felt abandoned. All of his friends were away, having the time of their lives. Most of them were together. The man that he should be spending time with was, maybe, half a world away, not responding to him over anything.

Why wasn't Akashi responding? Was he really giving his all to try and communicate with Kuroko? Had he contacted any of the others?

He knew that some of these were irrational, but still, a part of him had to wonder.

He didn't like this feeling of loneliness. It was crippling and made him feel so fucking useless. Was his entire being centered on one person?

But…Akashi Seijuuro wasn't just any person. He was Akashi-kun. He was smart and sarcastic and so sassy that it had surprised laughter bubbling from his throat at any given moment in time. He was also sweet and caring and very protective of those he considered close to him. He pampered Kuroko and made him feel wanted and loved. He was a stern coach and teacher, and a fearless leader.

He was a just and fair man. He would be a great leader and businessman as his reputation grew.

He also loved Kuroko with all that he was, and that meant a hell of a lot to Kuroko because, well…

Maybe he, Kuroko Tetsuya, loved him back just as much.

Blushing, Kuroko rolled onto his stomach to bury his face in his pillow.

He had made this little revelation a few days ago. He wasn't sure how he felt about it, and if it had been real, so he had called Kagami.

"How do I know what love is, Kagami-kun?" He had asked. His blunt request had Kagami spluttering, and an amused Himuro patting him on the back as he choked. After he had caught his breath, Kuroko has listened to him excuse himself and he left Alex and Himuro to their lunch.

"Why in the hell are you asking me something like that?" Kagami had asked.

"You and Himuro-san have been in a relationship far longer than any of us. You have a deep history, and have probably loved him for years. How did you learn of this, Kagami-kun?" He had asked. Kagami had let out a long sigh.

"Honestly, Kuroko, I'm not sure when I started loving Tatsuya. All I know is that I went to bed one night, the both of us crashed on the pull-out coach in my parents' house, and when I woke up, the sun was shining just right and I thought to myself 'damn, Tatsuya is fucking gorgeous." Kagami sheepishly admitted. Kuroko had frowned, sitting back in his desk chair.

"That is called sexual attraction, Kagami-kun." He protested. Kagami snorted.

"I didn't just have a boner because of it, Kuroko. Tatsuya became my everything after that revelation. He was the reason I laughed and smiled. When he was upset, I grew upset. When he would surprise me by showing up on my doorstep, my heart would burst. And when we would sit and drink after a good game, that special smile he gave to me…back then, I had hoped it was just for me. Tatsuya has been everything for so long that I'm not sure when the flip was switched. All I know is that it was, and I can't imagine doing anything without him anymore." Kagami summarized.

Even though he had teased Kagami for being a sap, he had genuinely appreciated his honesty.

And it had made him think.

Just how much did Akashi mean to him? What would his life be like without Akashi in it?

He hadn't liked the answers to that second question.

With a sigh, he rolled over and curled up on his side. A small vibration behind him had his heart stopping briefly.

It was probably Kise or Momoi calling him. He rolled back over, reaching for his phone.

Incoming call: Himuro Tatsuya

With a frown, Kuroko his the 'accept' button and answered.

"Hello Himuro-san. Or is it Kagami-kun?" Kuroko asked, confused as to why Himuro would be contacting him. His speculations were quickly put to rest.

"Tetsuya." Kuroko sucked in a surprised gasp, his throat tightening. He closed his eyes as tears of relief sprang in them, and he shook his head, pressing the heel of his free hand to his eyes.

"A-Akashi-kun?" He asked in a shaking voice, trying not to get his hopes up.

"Yes, Tetsuya, it is I. I met up with Himuro-san and Taiga on accident, and they helped me get my phone situation worked out. Taiga is off getting my plan fixed now, and insisted that I call you immediately." Akashi explained, the frustration in his voice very apparent. Kuroko laid back against his pillows, grabbing one and curling around it. Nigou let out a distressed whimper and jumped on to the bed, curling up around his master as Kuroko began to shake with sobs. "Tetsuya. Take a deep breath. I'm here now, my darling. Can you hold on for a few minutes so that I can give us a private line?"

"Yes, Akashi-kun." Kuroko managed to agree. Akashi praised him for his efforts, and continued to tell him ask him simple yes and no questions for the next fifteen minutes. Occasionally, Himuro would chime in, or Kagami would need him for something.

"My emails have been tampered with? Who in the hell would do something like that?" Kuroko felt mollified over the outrage in Akashi's voiced; so he hadn't been receiving the emails. "Taiga, inform them that I have my own investigation team that will research this as well." Eventually, his phone situation got worked out and Akashi called him from his personal cell phone. Kuroko accepted the incoming call, and was relieved to hear Akashi saying his goodbyes to Himuro and Kagami.

"We are alone now, my Tetsuya. In fact, you have the rest of my afternoon and evening. I am so sorry that we have had no contact." Akashi apologized, and the raw upset and fury in his voice had Kuroko choking back a sob.

He knew that it wasn't Akashi's fault. He accepted this, and he felt terrible for not giving a fuck. He was still hurt.

"Akashi-kun." He breathed, attempting to get a hold of himself.

"I can hear how upset you are. I will stay on the line until you are ready to talk. Can I do anything to help?" Akashi asked. Kuroko sucked in a gasp, shaking his head.

"Not anything reasonable." Kuroko mumbled before wincing. Akashi wouldn't appreciate that comment.

"Tetsuya. My love, speak your mind. Don't ever feel afraid to speak your mind, even if it make me furious or upset. I would rather it be out in the open than something that continues to come up time and time again because it was never settled to begin with." Akashi said. The patience in his voice caused Kuroko to cautiously open his eyes, gripping his pillow tight.

"I want you to come back to me. Will you?" He asked, heart racing at how blunt it came out. Akashi must have been caught by surprise because it took him a moment to respond.

"Of course I will, Tetsuya. I have missed you greatly in my time away. To have been cut off from you, from everyone, has been hell."

"Has it really, Akashi-kun? You have been gone for nearly a month now, and I haven't heard back from you since you got off the plane. I've been sick with worry, and now I'm alone and sick with worry. I've missed you and yearned for you and tried my best not to be pushy or clingy. I haven't had any idea what to think, and it took Kagami-kun and Himuro-san finding you before I even heard your voice again." Kuroko snapped, even as he felt terrible about it and curled in closer to his pillow.

No. Don't say these things. I don't mean them.

"Tetsuya, I-" Akashi's bewildered voice tried to cut in.

"Don't, Akashi-kun. I'm so pissed off right now that I can't even see straight. You have always been my greatest support. My lifeline. You have been my everything for so long now that suddenly losing contact with you has resulted in me being a mess. I can't think or sleep. I've been curled up in my room for at least the last week. You have me in pieces and I'm not even here." Kuroko sobbed.

Stop these words. They are not coming out the way I mean them. Please stop, they will hurt Akashi-kun.

"Oh Tetsuya-"

"Don't, Akashi-kun. Please, just don't. I love you, and-" He froze, eyes widening with surprise.

He hadn't expected that outburst.

"Do you mean that, Tetsuya?" At Akashi's quiet question, Kuroko fell silent as well.

Did he mean that? Did he really love Akashi-kun?

…did he really need an answer to that? Why else would he have fallen to pieces at the lost contact? Akashi had awakened so many new emotions in him that he was beginning to lose count. So many new memories had been made with the two of them over the last five months that he had ever had with his 'family' or any of his other friends. Akashi made his heart race at the sound of his laughter, or skip beats when his dichromatic eyes met his own. A simple smile could help him relax or turn him on. He treated him with respect and warmth and loved him so much that Kuroko felt so special and wanted. He was a leader that demanded respect from those around him. He was a fair but stern leader at that, treating his subordinates fairly but punishing them if need be. He spoiled those closest to them, and was fiercely protective of them to boot. He was a very selfless person when it boiled down to it.

What wasn't there to love?

"Yeah, I do. I love you, Akashi-kun." He murmured, a smile breaking out over his tear-stained face. On the line, Akashi was moving.

"I love you too, my Tetsuya. I need to let you go now. Don't make plans for late tonight." Akashi said. Kuroko frowned.

"Akashi-kun, what are you talking about?" He asked, confused.

"Place your blind trust in me one more time, my love. I love you and need to go now, but you will…hear from me around midnight at the latest." Akashi murmured. Kuroko nodded, a deep frown on his face.

"Okay then. I will be waiting, Akashi-kun." He said. Akashi said his goodbyes and then hung up.

Kuroko was confused, but decided to take a nap. Maybe sleep would put him in a better mood.


Kuroko got a text message from Akashi's driver requesting his presence at 11:30. Frowning, Kuroko had pulled on a pair of jeans, grabbed his cell phone, and got in to the backseat of the car.

When they pulled off the exit for Tokyo International, Kuroko did his best not to get his hopes up. Going to the airport could have been for many reasons.

But when the driver gave him a copy of a plane ticket, Kuroko heart began to race and he ran through the airport, quickly finding his way to the gate. He all but bounced impatiently as he waited for the plane to release its passengers, keeping his eyes out for his boyfriend's red hair.

And, suddenly, he was there.

Kuroko wouldn't be able to remember who moved first. All he knew was that the moment that Akashi's eyes met his, his had filled with relieved tears and the next thing he knew, he was in his arms.

"Aka-" Kuroko's sob was cut off by Akashi's mouth on his, taking his breath away. Kuroko's eyes slid shut as Akashi cupped his face and parted his lips, delving inside. He grasped onto Akashi's shoulders, toes curling as Akashi's tongue wrapped around his own just so, and he moaned softly when they parted. Akashi wiped away his tears, offering him a wide smile.

"Tetsuya." He said his name with such elation that Kuroko's eyes filled with tears again and he threw himself at Akashi, wrapping his arms around his waist.

"Don't leave again. Say that you are here for good." Kuroko murmured against Akashi's neck. Akashi's arms cradled him gently as he pressed kisses to the top of his head.

"I'm yours for the next week, my love. Whatever you want to do, or wherever you want to go is fine by me. I'm so sorry about everything that happened. Let's get out of the airport and I'll explain." Akashi said. Kuroko nodded, pulling back to press their lips together once more.

"I love you, Akashi-kun." He murmured sincerely, a small grin on his face as his eyes sparkled with happiness as he was finally able to say those words out loud and to his boyfriend's face. Akashi kissed him back, a low growl in his throat.

"I love you too, Tetsuya. Now we must go and claim my luggage. Think about what you want to do as we do that, okay?" Akashi asked. Kuroko nodded, stepping back and twining their fingers together.

Quite frankly, he didn't care. They were together again, and that was all that mattered.


Who knew that sharing a shower with someone after having been intimate could be so…appealing? Kuroko certainly hadn't thought about it that way. They had returned to his home, with Akashi insisting on a shower. With a racing heart, Kuroko had stepped in after him and pulled him in to a searing kiss.

Akashi's control had snapped after that.

As Akashi took his breath away, their hips were grinding together, cocks rubbing together, the water serving as their lube. His back was pressed against the cool wall of the shower, and the temperature difference between that and the hot water was an intoxicating form of simulation.

"Akashi-kun." Kuroko moaned as Akashi moved down to his neck, his teeth scraping and nipping at Kuroko's slick skin. Akashi changed the angle of his thrusts, which had Kuroko's eyes rolling as, and bit down at the base of his throat. Kuroko let out a loud gasp at the sharp pain, despite the feeling of Akashi's sharp teeth sinking in to his flesh turning him on.

"Mine." Akashi's quiet declaration managed to ring throughout the bathroom, regardless of the pounding hot water at their backs. Kuroko tilted his head back, offering more of himself to the red-head. Akashi's mouth continued its exploration, a pleased hum escaping him because of Kuroko's submission.

"Yes, Seijuuro-kun. Yours." Kuroko agreed, enjoying the shiver that ran down Akashi's back at the sound of his given name.

"Tetsuya, you're so beautiful." Akashi's words had his toes curling just as much as the squeeze of his hand on Kuroko's cock.

"Sei-" Kuroko's moan was interrupted as Akashi's mouth found his again. He pulled Kuroko's lower lip in to his mouth, nipping at the tender flesh. He suckled away the pain before sliding his tongue in to Kuroko's mouth. Kuroko's reached for his, the two playfully battling for dominance before Kuroko's willingly submitted. As they tastes mingled, the shadow felt himself giving way to lust.

Akashi's hand, impossibly smooth and slick, was grasping and tugging at his cock in the most intimate of ways. His mouth was doing its damnedest to keep him thoroughly distracted; it did such a good job that Kuroko didn't notice that the shower had shut off until Akashi was sitting him on the edge of his tub. He blinked open his eyes, the world distorted brightly after being beneath Akashi for so long. As he took in his boyfriend, Kuroko's breath hitched.

Akashi wet was so much better than Akashi dry, he decided. The rivets of water that streamed down his neck from his hairline drew his attention to the curves there, and the droplets that splattered his chest began to trickle down the plains of his chest, curling around the muscles. The streams were racing to his feet, sliding around his erect cock before dripping to the floor of the tub.

It was a nice view, he had to admit.

He reached out to touch at Akashi's chest, quivering with want as the muscles jumped beneath his fingertips.

"Let me, Seijuuro-kun." Kuroko insisted; on what, he wasn't even sure himself. Akashi nodded, releasing his grip on him and simply standing there, eyes boring down on Kuroko. Ignoring that, Kuroko moved forward, grasping Akashi's hips. He pressed a kiss just above his belly button, nuzzling in to the smooth skin before parting his lips and lapping at it. He moved down to his pelvic bones before he nipped at one of them, pleased when Akashi's hips snapped forward at the action. He sucked on the sweet skin, hoping that it was bruising beneath his lips even as one of his hands rose to grasp Akashi. His cock twitched in his grasp, and Akashi's fingers grasped his hair.

"Tetsuya." Akashi breathed out. Kuroko looked up from under his lashes to meet Akashi's eyes, and it was his own face that flushed as he took in Akashi's flustered and horny expression.

"Seijuuro-kun." He let out a moan, his own cock throbbing. Akashi reached down at wrapped his hand around Kuroko's.

"Tighten your hand like this." Akashi instructed. Kuroko did as he was told, moving his hand in time with Akashi's. When a satisfied growl left Akashi's throat, Kuroko realized he was doing something right and continued his oral exploration of Akashi's lower body. Akashi's grip on his hair was tight, but it allowed him to move freely, and so he kept up his licks and nips as his mouth continued to travel south. His tongue found every sensitive dip and hard line of Akashi's hips. Occasionally, Kuroko would pull back his lips and nip at a patch of flesh, tugging it into his mouth so that he could suck his mark in to his boyfriend. When his hand brushed his own cheek, he paused and looked up to meet Akashi's gaze once more. Seeing him with his eyes closed in pleasure, cheeks pink with arousal, gave Kuroko all of the courage he needed to move on to what he had planned. Removing his mouth from Akashi's body, he licked his lips and stilled his hand. Akashi's eyes snapped open, locking on to Kuroko's. Kuroko shivered under the intense and hungry gaze, his own member giving a throb of arousal.

"Tetsu-" Not giving Akashi a chance to protest, Kuroko pressed his lips against the base of Akashi's cock. "Tetsuya." Akashi's throaty moan sent another surge of arousal through his own body, but Kuroko kept on with his task at hand, ignoring his leaking member. He lapped at the underside of Akashi's cock, the taste of his sweat and pre-come; a new but not unpleasant taste. He made his way up to the tip, where he wrapped his lips around the head and lapped curiously at the tip. The beads of pre-come there trickled down his tongue eagerly, and Kuroko greedily swallowed every last drop. Akashi's hand jerked his head away from the tip a few seconds later. Kuroko watched Akashi visibly shudder and the dick in his hand twitched.

"Tetsuya. The things you do to me." Akashi managed to pant out, and when he opened his eyes, they were bright with lust and want. Kuroko moaned at the gaze, squeezing Akashi's cock and resuming his pace from beforehand.

"I'm not sorry, Akashi-kun." Kuroko simply replied before leaning up to suck on Akashi's nipple. He tugged it with his teeth, drawing a sharp gasp from his boyfriend. His other hand began to press and trace Akashi's twitching abdomen. His hand kept up his pace on Akashi's cock, with his thumb occasionally massaging the tip. The pre-come that came from it was traced down his cock, and Kuroko used it to help lube up the shaft. Kuroko shifted his mouth from Akashi's nipple to the other. Along the way, he pressed the flat of his tongue against the underside of Akashi's pecs, firmly rubbing at them before moving up towards the other, neglected nipple, which seemed to melt in to the heat of his mouth.

Between his hand and his mouth, Akashi quickly reached his edge and he yanked Kuroko up to smash their lips together, their teeth-clanking painfully. Kuroko gasped at the sudden action, and Akashi wasted no time in sliding his tongue in to Kuroko's mouth, taking complete and utter control of it.

As Akashi came in his hand, Kuroko kept his grip and pace steady and sure, making sure to milk his boyfriend for all that he was worth, shivering with dirty delight as Akashi's come covered his chest and lap. That would leave an undeniable claim on the most primal of levels, and Kuroko couldn't wait to lick his hand clean. His cock twitched at the sensation, and he moaned in to his kiss.

Akashi kiss slowed down to something tender and grateful. It had Kuroko's toes curling, and when they parted, Akashi smiled at Kuroko, the expression so sated that Kuroko reached up and grabbed Akashi's hand, pressing it against his neglected, straining and leaking cock.

"Please, Seijuuro-kun." Kuroko begged, blushing a bit in embarrassment at his pleading. Akashi pressed another kiss to his lips before scooping him up and stepping out of the tub. He sat him on Kuroko's bathroom sink, and simply stared down at him. It had Kuroko's body flushing, and he shifted under that gaze.

"Anything for you, my Tetsuya. Grip on to the counter or my shoulders." He commanded before leaning down to lap at the come on Kuroko's chest. The shadow nodded, gripping on to Akashi's shoulders. He moaned at the sight of Akashi cleaning up his own mess, and his fingers dug so deeply in to Akashi's shoulders that he was sure that he would have bruises. He didn't pause on the trail down Kuroko's chest. He cleaned up the mess he had made quickly and efficiently, swallowing the come without a second thought.

Kuroko found it hot as hell, and couldn't wait to kiss him again.

And then Akashi reached his lap.

He started by cleaning up the remaining mess. Kuroko's eyes were glued to the movements of his warm tongue lapping up the pearly white pool in the dip of Kuroko's thighs. A moan left the blue-haired male whenever Akashi's tongue would brush his cock, and from the smirk on Akashi's face, he was mostly certain that it was no accident. Once he was clean, Akashi leaned up and pressed a brief, open mouthed kiss to Kuroko's mouth before returning to his thighs. Akashi began to nip his way up the inside of Kuroko's thighs, leaving red marks blossoming in his wake.

"My Tetsuya tastes even better when you are covered in me." Akashi commented as he reached Kuroko's dick. The blue-haired male blushed, tightening his grip on his shoulders as Akashi looked at his cock. He pressed a tender kiss to the tip before taking his kisses along the side. Kuroko's eyes fluttered shut at the feeling of his soft lips on the most sensitive part of his body, and he did his best to concentrate on that feeling. When he reached the base, he opened his mouth and began to lap at the throbbing flesh. He wrapped his lips around the side of it, and with the swipes of his tongue, Kuroko began to feel his control slipping.

"Seijuuro-kun!" He moaned, tossing his head back as the arousal pooled low in his gut began to churn, reminding itself that it was so close to the edge. Akashi reached the tip of Kuroko's cock again, but instead of going down the other side, he wrapped his lips around the head and hollowed his cheeks as he sucked, his tongue encouraging the beads of pre-come that resulted. Kuroko let out a gurgled moan, his vision dancing with white spots.

Akashi began to take him in to his mouth, inch by inch, and Kuroko had to force himself from thrusting in to that glorious, sweltering heat. He took him in as far as he could before he shifted, pressing Kuroko's thighs against the counter, and then gently moved back up – with his teeth grazing the underside of Kuroko's cock. Kuroko's moan was loud and echoed around the bathroom, making him glad that his parents were not home that night. When Akashi reached the tip, he slid his tongue in to the slit, taking the pre-come offered there before thrusting his mouth back down on to Kuroko's cock. He did this a few more times, and with each rendition, Kuroko felt himself approaching his climax.

"Seijuuro-kun." Kuroko warned when he felt his climax begin to build. Instead of pulling back, Akashi instead took Kuroko in until his nose was buried in Kuroko's blue curls – and he sucked. With a strangled and surprised moan, Kuroko let go, spilling his come down the back of Akashi's throat. His boyfriend greedily took in every drop, staying there as he swallowed Kuroko's load. He only pulled off when Kuroko weakly tugged at his shoulders. He released his cock with a soft 'pop' and smirked up at Kuroko's sated expression. He leaned up, pressing their lips together.

Their mouths met again as Kuroko tried to pour his love and gratitude in the kiss. The taste of himself and Akashi was something that Kuroko could definitely get on bored with, and he lazily scoured every inch of his mouth to find every bit of it. They eventually parted, with Kuroko cuddling in close to Akashi. His boyfriend scooped him up, pressing a tender kiss to his forehead. Kuroko's arms settled in his own lap, and he rested his head on Akashi's shoulder, simply staring at his boyfriend. Akashi pressed another kiss to his lips before setting Kuroko on his feet. Kuroko took a few tentative steps, pleased that his wobbly legs were stable.

"We're mostly dry, my love. I'm going to tidy up in here. Why don't you get out pajamas ready?" Akashi suggested. Kuroko nodded, smiling up at Akashi.

"Okay, Akashi-kun."


The darkness that surrounded them was filled by quiet conversation. As Kuroko rested on top of Akashi, he couldn't help but marvel and reflect on how far they had come. They were only separated by the boxers they wore. Both were sated and content. The hurting that had been happening over the last month wasn't gone, but it was beginning to heal. As he leaned down to press a tender kiss to Akashi's sweet mouth, his boyfriend's arms tightened around his waist.

After their shower, the two had unpacked Akashi's things and arranged them for their stay during this next week. His phone, tablet, and computers were charging, and his laundry was in the dryer, and he had used Kuroko's phone and computer to take care of some last minute things. In the morning, his driver would be bringing him more clothing and his maid would be coming to take an assessment of the supplies that Akashi needed versus what Kuroko had. She would then go and do the shopping and bring it all back.

Kuroko had also received a phone call from his parents explaining to him that an urgent meeting had come up and they would be gone for the next month. His grandmother was with them, so it would just be the two.

Kuroko was more than a little excited about that. For now, he was curled up on Akashi's chest, quietly conversing with his boyfriend about their recent communication challenges.

"So your emails were being filtered?" Kuroko asked, watching his fingers trace over Akashi's chest. Akashi nodded, looking up at the ceiling.

"Yes. That is the only logical explanation I can come up with. You clearly emailed the address that I gave you. So did Shintaro. Taiga and Tatsuya looked over my settings, and couldn't find any reason for why I wasn't receiving any emails from Japan. I have my speculations on who did it. I will make this right, my love." Akashi promised. Kuroko nodded, finger tracing over a small scar on Akashi's shoulder.

"I know you will, Akashi-kun. I have faith that you will punish those that have wronged us." He promised, looking up and offering Akashi a small smile. Akashi returned it, and his thumbs began to rub in to Kuroko's back.

"As for my phone calls…the phone company said that international calls had been turned off and blocked." Akashi grumbled. Kuroko chuckled at the rare pout on his face, and he leaned down to playfully tug on his lower lip, sucking on it gently before releasing it.

"I'm sorry I blew up at you, Akashi-kun. You weren't to blame, or at fault. I acknowledged that, but it didn't stop my rant. I'm sorry." Kuroko said, closing his eyes as his throat tightened with his upset over his attitude. "I was so afraid that you were hurt or sick." He admitted.

"You weren't worried that I was leaving you?" Akashi asked. Kuroko glanced up at him, unsurprised by his poker face. Kuroko shook his head, locking his eyes with Akashi's.

"No. I know that you love me, Akashi-kun. I know that you wouldn't be away from me if you can avoid it. It would take a hell of a lot more than you being incapacitated before you stopped trying to get us back together. After all, Akashi-kun," Kuroko laced their fingers together, squeezing gently, "we are stronger together than we are apart." He explained, a small smile on his face. Akashi smiled, a pleased hum, almost a purr, if Kuroko had to describe it, left him. He rubbed over the small of Kuroko's back, his golden eye flashing with calculations, as he pondered that phrase.

Kuroko let him, simply watching him think. The shadow honestly agreed with that statement. They had been together for over five months now. In that time, Kuroko was doing better on and off the court. He was happier than he had been in years, and felt that his past and his present had united and became his future. Akashi was a huge part of that. He was so supportive and perceptive to his needs, and Kuroko only hoped that he would be able to give back as much as he was receiving.

"I couldn't have said that better myself, Tetsuya. It pleases me that you think that as well. We certainly present a united front." Kuroko watched as a wide, prideful smirk spread across Akashi's face. He nodded, squeezing Akashi's hand.

"I love you, Akashi-kun. No matter what happens over the next year, I know that you will be there at my side. I want you to know that I will be more than happy to do the same." Kuroko promised. Akashi nodded. He leaned up and captured Kuroko's lips in a quick, searing kiss that had the shadow's toes curling. When they parted, Akashi smirked and flipped them over, extracting a surprised gasp from his boyfriend. The point guard kissed Kuroko again as he settled on top of him, parting as soon as he was comfortable.

Kuroko snuggled into his mattress and pillow before wrapping his arms around Akashi's lower back, squeezing him tightly so that there was no space between their bodies. Akashi pressed their foreheads together, and as he began to search Kuroko's eyes, the blue haired male did his best not to look away. Finally, Akashi moved to settle in the crook of Kuroko's neck, a content sigh leaving him.

"I think that Rakuzan shall have a retreat in Tokyo this week. Tomorrow morning, after I have cooked you family breakfast, I shall call them and the other captains for practice matches." Akashi explained. Kuroko grinned, leaning in to Akashi's touch as he nuzzled just beneath his ear.

"Akashi-kun, I think that is a wonderful idea. Are you paying for everything?" He asked. Akashi gave a hum of confirmation as he pressed soft kisses to the side of Kuroko's neck. "Akashi-kun…is everything alright?" He asked. His boyfriend wasn't usually this affectionate. When he was, it was pre- or post-coital. The red-head nodded, releasing a small yawn in to his shoulder.

"Yes, Tetsuya. If you are wondering about my abnormal endearment attitude, it's nothing to worry about. I have simply missed you, my love. That and I…"

"You what?" Kuroko asked, pulling away slight so that he could look at him. Akashi's eyes were full of mirth and he grinned – a rare sight even on the best of days. Grinning wasn't something that his cocky and self-assured boyfriend did.

"I need to make sure that every part of my Tetsuya is worshipped by me before I leave your side again. We have been apart for far too long. It is why I am leaving you a set of my gym clothes. I enjoy my scent on you, Tetsuya." Akashi murmured before sucking on a patch of Kuroko's skin. At that low, dark, and primal sound, (Put in a sound that didn't happen) Kuroko flushed, ignoring the inklings of arousal that shot through his body. He frowned, lightly smacking at Akashi's bare skin. His boyfriend chuckled again, and he glared at him.

"Akashi-kun. I don't think that I can go again tonight. Stop being so provocative." He chided. When Akashi's teeth bit in to his neck, an unwilling moan escaped him, and Kuroko jerked away from his boyfriend's hot, inviting mouth. "Akashi-kun." He grunted out. "I will roll away." At Kuroko's threat, Akashi backed off. He sighed dramatically, moving off of Kuroko. The move was so uncharacteristic of his calm and composed boyfriend that Kuroko burst in to laughter. Akashi's soon joined in, their laughter drawing a confused Nigou into the room. Soon it died down, settling in to something comforting and familiar as the two lay side-by-side, attempting to catch their breaths.

"I love you so much, Seijuuro-kun." Kuroko breathed out, a dazzling smile on his face. Akashi pressed a tender kiss to his lips, a smile on his own.

"I love you more, Tetsuya." He promised. Kuroko snorted, grasping on to Akashi as he rolled closer.

"I'll let you think that for now, Akashi-kun." He grumbled. Akashi rolled over and wrapped an arm around his waist, tugging Kuroko in close. Kuroko slipped his leg between Akashi's, pleased by the warmth. As they snuggled in close for the night, both boys became lost in their thoughts, and quickly drifted off to their dreams.


When Kuroko was asked 20 years later what his hardest basketball practice had been, he would say that it was this one.

A practice match between Rakuzan and Seirin, coached by Riko and Akashi, both of whom were watching him like hawks. If he began to slack, one or both of them would snap at him to keep pushing. By the end of it, he was a panting mess, and felt dangerously over heated.

But god did it feel great. He had improved greatly, and from the proud grin on Riko's face and the smug smirk on Akashi's, they agreed. He had definitely shown for once, without either of his lights with him.

That and he had managed to snag the ball away from Akashi. That had been pretty exhilarating too. His boyfriend had been surprised, and Kuroko had loved it. From the gleeful shouts of his teammates and the snickers of Rakuzan, so had the rest of the court.

"Let's shower!" Koganei exclaimed from somewhere behind him. As he herded the first years in to the locker room, Kuroko wiped the sweat from his forehead and approached his boyfriend on wobbly legs. Reo joined Koganei's calls and set about gathering Rakuzan. A call from Akashi had them following Reo in an insistent. Akashi was standing next to Riko, Hyuuga, and Shouta. Shouta beamed and waved when he appeared, and the other three spared him glances. Kuroko took his water bottle from Shouta and listened as the three discussed what was good and what was bad. They finished quickly and Akashi and Hyuuga led the way to the locker room.

"Tetsu-chan!" Reo cried out happily as soon as Kuroko and Akashi entered the room before pulling Kuroko in to his arms. Seirin fell silent and Kuroko stiffened in Reo's grasp. "You did such a great job today! You even managed to get one over Sei-chan! I'm so proud of you!" Reo cooed into the top of Kuroko's head. Kuroko gently pushed at Reo, hoping to escape. He searched for his boyfriend, silently pleading that Akashi free him from the 'Momma bear' of Rakuzan High School.

"Oi, Reo-nee, I did my best too!" Hayama insisted, much to Kuroko's relief. Reo let go of Kuroko to turn and hit Hayama, giving Kuroko his chance to escape. He did, and he quickly scrambled over to Akashi, reaching for his boyfriend. Akashi winked at him, amused by the entire thing, apparently. Kuroko frowned, pinching his side in a silent rebuke before opening his locker to gather their things. Akashi quickly grabbed his own from the mixture and headed over to claim a showerhead for the two of them to share. Kuroko focused on gathering his own as Seirin began to react to Rakuzan's antics.

"Kuroko, you've gotten awfully close with Rakuzan!" Izuki called out from his locker. Kuroko shrugged, removing his shirt.

"I have been spending a lot of time with them. I suppose it was only a matter of time." He explained to the eagle-eyed player. Mitobe frowned, murmuring something softly to Koganei. The cat-like male's eyes widened and he frowned as well.

"We will take Kuroko permanently if you want, Seirin." Nebuya commented, much to Kuroko's surprise. When a few of the other players agreed, Kuroko hid a grin and gathered his things for the shower.

"Enough chatter. With two teams in here, it will take twice as long for our stench to dissipate, so shower quickly." Hyuuga ordered.

To most people, a silly thing such as other teams enjoying your presence would be no big deal. But to the phantom sixth man, who was occasionally forgotten in his own school, and his own house, to be wanted by people that lived in an entirely different prefecture, meant a lot. He could feel Rakuzan's eyes on him as he went to join their captain. What used to be uncomfortable and unwanted attention had now evolved in to something that he expected and took twisted pleasure in. (I'm pleased for him.)

As he stepped under the warm spray next to Akashi, as he turned to accept the soap that Akashi had brought for this purpose, he chuckled. When Akashi raised a questioning brow, Kuroko simply shook his head.

"It's nothing, Akashi-kun." He promised, smiling sincerely at his boyfriend. Akashi studied him for a moment before he must have agreed, because he shrugged and returned to his own shower. The gazes of Rakuzan followed the two out of their shower and did not leave them until Akashi gathered Rakuzan together to address them, and Kuroko went to join Seirin for his own debrief.

"Kuroko is coming with us, right?" Hayama was asking Akashi after the briefing was over, and Kuroko joined Rakuzan's first string. Akashi smirked and rested his hand on Kuroko's lower back, drawing him in closer.

"Of course he is, Hayama. Our Emperor cannot be seen without his male consort. Or do you prefer Empress, Tetsu-chan?" Reo asked.

"I'll get back to you, Reo-kun." Kuroko replied, not sure if he should be flattered or insulted.

"I must agree with them, despite our apparent titles. Our public appearances together will certainly make us the talk of the town, and we are rarely out without one another." Akashi commented.

"That is a fair point, Akashi-kun." Kuroko agreed.

"Let's get some grub. All of this practicing has made me feel starved!" Nebuya began to bitch as their exited Seirin. Nigou was happily prancing in front of them, tail wagging proudly. The new tag that Akashi had had custom made dangled from his collar, now listing him as being under Akashi's pet insurance.

As he walked around downtown Tokyo with Rakuzan, Kuroko listened to the banter around him and was struck by the familiar feeling of a routine. The first string bantered and bickered as they always had, despite their setting. Reo still insulted Hayama, cooed over him and Akashi, and criticized Nebuya. Hayama whined loudly about the lights and the heat, and insisted on going to all of the arcades. Nebuya picked their restaurant, managing to eat their way in for free. And his boyfriend controlled the conversations, directing them and ending the pointless ones.

The best part was that they included Kuroko just as much as Seirin did. His opinion mattered to them, and they actively sought it out. Kuroko was beginning to pick up on their eating habits, and had ordered their shared appetizer without a second thought, much to Rakuzan's amusement.

He was touched when Nigou was fed the table scraps by all of them, with Hayama seeming to be his favorite. He had blushed when Akashi fed him a bit of his steak, and Reo snapped a photo of it. He had shared their disgust at Nebuya's eating habits, and picked up on the way that Reo watched Nebuya carefully.

When the management asked him how his meal was after asking Akashi, Kuroko was oddly touched. Reo had then laughed about afterwards, explaining that the world was beginning to accept Kuroko as one of the Akashi's.

Akashi had really appreciated that comment, if the smirk on his face was anything to go by.

Later that night as he snuggled against his sleeping boyfriend, he realized just how much Rakuzan was starting to mean to him. They respected him, wanted him, and treated him like one of their own. That mattered a whole hell of a lot to him. As he pressed a gentle kiss to the underside of Akashi's jaw, he smiled up at his boyfriend. His future kept looking better and better.


A/N: Our babies first fight(ish) T-T. I hope you enjoyed the suffering?

Next chapter: This will be released on the 26th! We are now moving away from the cute, cuddly, first relationship act of the story. Next will be the act that is focused on Kuroko! See you in two weeks everyone(unless you come to Anime Crossroads in Indianapolis. Find me at the Sports Anime, Yaoi Jeopardy, or Meet My Boyfriend panels!

- Kida-Asumi