A/N: I'm so sorry about being MIA for so long! I was planning on re-posting this chapter with the next one, but it's been taking a lot longer than I expected, whoops.


Kuroko wakes up alone in the empty hotel room the next morning. The setting is so cliché he almost laughs. Instead he sits up and ignores how much this feels like a dumb TV drama. The fact that he was wearing Kise's t-shirt did not help in the slightest. The sleeve slips from his shoulder as he crawls out of the bed.

There's a note left on his bedside table, courtesy of Kise. His handwriting is usually neat and precise, but here it's messier and more hurried than Kuroko's used to seeing. Still, he'd taken the time to draw little faces in the margins. It simply said that he'd be waiting in the breakfast lounge downstairs with the others. He also told the shadow to take his time; the train for Tokyo wasn't leaving for another few hours. Kuroko checks the digital clock. Yeah, none of them would be making it back in time for school today.

He gets ready, still groggy. He hadn't gotten much rest with everything that had happened last night. He'd been hyper-aware of the presence sleeping beside him, so close and yet so far. He had barely been able to keep his eyes closed—especially with how restless Kise himself had been. It seemed like neither of them had gotten much sleep, though for entirely different reasons. If he didn't do something soon, Kise was going to kill him, he was sure of it. With only slight regard for the blond's feelings, he stashes the t-shirt he'd borrowed into his own bag. Kise probably wouldn't miss the article of clothing; in fact, he probably already forgot about it. Kuroko changes back into his clothes from yesterday before heading downstairs.

The first thing Kuroko sees when he steps inside the breakfast lounge is his former and current light arguing at their own table, whereas Momoi and Kise (along with Kiko, whom was simply swimming around its plastic bag) are at another table. Midorima is the only one missing. Kuroko decides it would be best to sit with the blond and the pink haired girl. Kise is nursing a Styrofoam coffee cup in his hands, head resting against his arms. Momoi has a book in hand, reading silently while sipping at her own hot drink. It's still miserable-looking outside with overcast skies and a slight drizzle of rain. Not one of the four looks fully awake.

Kuroko sits between the two normally lively teens. "Good morning Kise-kun, Momoi-san," he greets. Momoi instantly brightens at his appearance and returns his greetings with a little too much enthusiasm. Kise, on the other hand, only manages a small wave without lifting his head.

"I brought your stuff, Tetsu-kun." The pink haired girl says, pushing the bag on the floor towards him. He thanks her as Kagami settles heavily into the seat between them.

"Remind me to never go on another outing with you guys again. Don't even think to invite me." The redhead complains. "Midorima is the worst roommate."

"Oh yeah, you two had to share a bed, huh?" Momoi says, and Aomine barks out a laugh as he pulls up a chair beside her and the listless blond. "But Midorin's not that bad, is he?"

"He moves too much in his sleep," the redhead grumbles. Kise huffs with apparent amusement, but it comes off as tired. Kagami peers over at him. "Hey, are you sure you're okay?"

"The coffee hasn't kicked in yet," the blond mumbles. He waves the empty coffee cup towards him. "Kagamicchi, go get me a refill." Kagami rolls his eyes, but obliges the other. Aomine frowns as he watches the other power forward leave.

"Is Midorima-kun still upstairs?" Kuroko asks, successfully drawing back the tanned ace's attention.

Momoi shakes her head. "Midorin caught a flight back to Tokyo. His father didn't want him missing school." Kise snorts as he burrows further into his folded arms. Momoi frowns at him. "Ki-chan, you really don't look alright."

"I'm fine, seriously," Kaijou's ace sits up, finally revealing his face. His complexion is pale and eyes still glossy from sleep, but otherwise he looks fine. He reaches for his own bag on the floor. "After Kagamicchi comes back, I'm gonna jet. My train leaves soon. Speaking of, Kurokocchi, do you mind taking care of Kiko for me? I won't be able to take him with me, and I can come pick him up tomorrow." Kuroko nods, gently pulling the fish's bag towards him.

"Our train doesn't leave for another hour." Aomine points out with a frown.

Kise waves him off. "I'm not taking the train to Tokyo. I've got stuff to do in Kyoto, and that train leaves earlier." This statement peaks Kuroko's interest. Having 'stuff to do in Kyoto' usually spelled bad news for someone, considering Akashi was more-often-than-not involved.

The tanned male's expression darkens. "Yeah, and what are you doing there?"

"I've got a job there," Kise shrugs, then sighs. "I told my manager I was taking the day off from school, and she immediately booked me a photoshoot. How unfair is that?"

"Sounds like it's your own fault," Aomine says, nudging the blond's arm. "Besides, how hard is it to stand in front of a camera? I'd be more worried about possible Akashi sightings."

Kise gives him a funny look, eyebrows creasing and lips pulling downward. "That's a little mean, Aominecchi. Akashicchi isn't bad to hang out with."

"Are you going to see him today?" Momoi asks, adding sugar to her coffee a little too casually. Kuroko glances at her from the corner of his eye, noticing her falsely-innocent smile.

He turns his head, fringe sweeping to the side and revealing his reddened face. "Well, we made plans," he says quietly, and the tumblers in Kuroko's head click into place. The way Kise acted when Akashi asked the blond to his family's gala, the way he tensed and changed the subject when Kuroko mentioned Akashi last week, the way he's behaving right now—what if Kise likes Akashi?

"It's good that you boys are getting together more often." Momoi continues. "We'll have to plan something with all eight of us!"

"Eight?" Aomine echoes.

"We can't forget about Kagamin!"

"Don't try to get rid of me," Kagami warns, returning from his trip to get coffee. He places a Styrofoam cup in front of the blond, who thanks him.

"I guess it's time for me to go," Kise says hurriedly. He stands a bit clumsily, almost knocking his chair over. "I'll see you guys soon, ne?"

"Yeah, soon," Aomine agrees.

"Be careful, Kise-kun." Kuroko says in goodbye.

Kise smiles, "I'll leave checkout to you, Momocchi. Try not to kill each other on the way home!" He offers them goodbye hugs (to which Momoi is the only one to accept the gesture), and leaves the hotel.

"That idiot's too dangerous," Aomine mutters, and Kuroko silently but wholeheartedly agrees. This only reaffirmed his thoughts earlier: Kise would be the death of them all.

Kagami sighs, settling into his seat. He runs a hand through his hair, suddenly seeming much more tired than he had moments before. "Hey, Momoi—,"

"Oh!" Momoi exclaims, "Ki-chan left his bag behind! You should catch him before he's gone, Dai-chan." She grabs the bag that had been left under the seat Kise had been residing in and hands it to her childhood friend.

"Kagami can do it," he argues, tossing the bag at the redhead. Kagami frowns, but takes it and leaves to follow the blond.

Aomine turns to face the pink haired girl. "Is there something you'd like to share?"

"Hm, what do you mean, Dai-chan?" She questions, tone saccharine sweet. "You're the one who sent off my prime suspect."

"'Prime suspect'?" he echoes. Then disbelief takes his expression. "Wait, are you trying to imply Kise has a crush on Kagami?"

"I'm pretty sure I did more than imply," Momoi says. "It makes sense, don't you think?"

"Obviously not," Aomine scoffs. "Why the hell would Kise be interested in Bakagami? They barely hang out."

Momoi purses her lips. "It's strange you'd say that, considering Ki-chan invited Kagamin to the festival last night before he even told you he was going. It seems weird to invite someone he 'barely hangs out with' as opposed to you or Tetsu-kun, ne?"

"And what about Akashi-kun?" Kuroko asks quietly.

The girl looks at him with silent approval. "Maybe Ki-chan has a thing for redheads."

Aomine makes a gagging noise. "That's gross, Satsuki."

"To each their own," she shrugs. "Can't exactly say he's got bad tastes."

"Anyone who likes Akashi has bad tastes."

"Akashi-kun has more going for him than you do." She reminds. "Where you've only got your basketball-brain, Akashi-kun is smart, handsome, polite, and wealthy. There's no competition on which one of you would make the better bachelor. I'm kind of jealous, to be honest—but my heart will always belong to Tetsu-kun~!" She leans over the empty seat to wrap her arms around Kuroko's waist. The shadow blinks down at her. He wonders why she'd continue to profess her love to him when she obviously knew he wasn't interested. He then wonders if he'd be doing the same to Kise if the blond ended up with someone else.

Aomine frowns, likely stuck contemplating the truths Momoi just laid on him. "He set this up so we wouldn't be able to interfere," he muses aloud. "That's twice he's done something like this."

Kuroko glances at him, watching his expression morph from frustration to defeat. "Are you going to give up?" He inquires quietly.

The ace blinks. "Huh? Do you think I'm that much of a pushover? No way—Kise's gonna have to tell me to my face that he isn't interested."

Momoi bites her lip. "Be careful, alright? I don't you to lose Ki-chan as a friend."

"Don't worry, Satsuki." Amine says dismissively. "Kise's got thick skin. Besides, this can't be the first time this has happened to him."

"That's what I'm worried about," Momoi murmurs.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Just… Don't do things blindly, okay? Keep Ki-chan's feelings in mind. Please. Even if he doesn't return your feelings, you both are important to him."

"I know that," Aomine snaps, growing defensive. "I know what I'm doing, alright?"

"If what happened last night was any indication, you really don't." With that, she gathers her stuff and leaves the breakfast lounge.

Aomine groans, slouching forward. "Why can't she just tell me outright what she's trying to say?"


It's been a while since Akashi has felt like someone's underclassman; he'd almost forgotten what it was like. Unfortunately, the other Rakuzan starters have no problems in reminding him.

"You're too young for this kind of commitment," Mibuchi reprimands. He looks more like a stern mother than a high school student admonishing his underclassman. Hayama stands beside him, nodding his agreement. Nebuya simply picks his nose as he watches. Akashi just stares flatly at the three, unimpressed by their idiotic display but patiently waits for them to move on.

"There's no 'commitment' involved." The red haired captain explains. "We're simply enjoying an evening out together. It's more business than anything—not a date."

"But you're treating it like a date," Hayama points out unhelpfully.

Mibuchi lets out a melodramatic, obviously-fake sob and throws his arms around Akashi's smaller frame. "Sei-chan! Stop growing up so fast! I won't let some dumb blond steal your innocence!"

"You will not address Ryouta as 'some dumb blond' ever again." Akashi warns, shrugging the older teen off of him. "Secondly, this does not concern you. My affairs are my own."

"So you are going out on a date!" Hayama yells, expression horrified. "Akashi, you can't do more than kiss on the first date!"

"You will not waste your first time on a Casanova model!" Mibuchi demands.

Nebuya blinks, tuning back into the conversation. "Wait, Captain's getting laid?"

"Stop talking." Akashi snaps, finally losing his patience. "We aren't doing anything like that. We aren't even in a romantic relationship." He pulls his bag out of his locker and settles a firm look on the three. "Go back to practice and stop trying to meddle in my personal life before I double your training menu."

"But Akashi," Hayama whines.

"Triple."

Reluctantly, the three trudge off towards the gym, Mibuchi offering a look full of dangerous promises. Akashi watches them go before he exits the club room and approaches his waiting limousine. His driver greets him politely and drives off towards the studio Akashi promised to meet Kise at.

He's in the studio for less than thirty seconds before he hears the familiar call of "Akashicchi!" and registers an excitable blur of yellow rushing towards him.

"Hello, Ryouta," he greets, amusement pulling at his expression. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

Kise shakes his head vehemently. "No, we were just finishing up! You've got perfect timing—as always." There's a teasing edge to his tone as he smiles. "Just let me grab my stuff, and we can go."

True to his word, Kise returns in less than a minute with his bag slung carelessly over his shoulder. His eyes are bright, movements energetic. It reminds the redhead of their time spent back in Teikou, and Akashi can't help but smile fondly. "It's good to see you again." He tells Kise.

The blond beams as Akashi leads him out the door. "I may have to take more jobs in Kyoto if that's what it takes for us to find time to hang out."

"I don't remember hearing you ask to see me," Akashi comments.

"Aha," Kise sheepishly raises a hand to scratch his cheek. "Yeah, I guess I haven't kept in contact as well as I should. But I'm going to change that! Because if I don't keep everyone in check, who will?" He flashes a determined thumbs up with a cheeky smirk. Akashi smiles as well.

"Good to hear." They approach the limousine waiting for them outside, and the driver gets out to open the door for them. Akashi steps aside to allow Kise to slide in before following with practiced grace. Kise slumps rather heavily into his seat, briefly closing his eyes as he releases a tired breath. He notices Akashi watching him and flashes a quick smile.

"So what's first on today's itinerary? Or are we making things up as we go?"

"I arranged for us to be fitted for tuxedos." Akashi tells him. "But I'm sure you guessed that already. It's something that needs to be done before the gala. The tuxedos are already made, as I sent the measurements necessary, but they do need to be altered."

"Right," Kise nods. "I know the drill." He shrugs his bag onto the seat beside him and leans back. "Anything after that?"

"We'll see," is all Akashi chooses to say. Kise pouts in response, but doesn't say anything. Akashi offers him a sideways glance. "So how are the others?"

"You've seen them recently. Midorimacchi's doing well, and Aominecchi and Kurokocchi seem to be reconnecting… kinda," he shrugs. "Momocchi misses hanging out, so expect some calls from her. And you've probably talked more to Murasakibaracchi than I have."

"What makes you say that?"

"Because he likes you more than he likes me," Kise shifts in his seat, dismissing the question. "It takes me a lot of effort to get him to do anything, you know? Besides, I haven't had the time recently."

"That seems like an awful lot of excuses."

"Not excuses—reasons. If I only had one reason, I wouldn't let it get in my way." He folds his hands, as if looking for something to do with them. "Uh, not that I really have any reason to see Murasakibaracchi anyway. We don't really have that much in common."

"That didn't stop you in middle school," Akashi points out.

"Yeah, but Aominecchi or Midorimacchi was usually there too. Why are you suddenly so interested in my relationship with him anyway?" Akashi can see the way his shoulders have formed a tense line, the way he tries to subtly cross his arms in defense. He's guarded, as if expecting an attack from the redhead. It's a surprisingly drastic change from moments before. Understanding, Akashi does his best to remain disarming.

"I was simply trying to initiate conversation. You seem tense."

Kise blinks, dropping his defenses. "Oh. Sorry, I'm just a bit tired. Longer photoshoots tend to wear me out." The apologetic smile he offers is practiced, but Akashi doesn't mind it. He understands he isn't given the full truth, but he appreciates Kise being at least somewhat honest with him. As much as everyone wants to think Kise wears his heart on his sleeve, the blond tends to keep his real feelings to himself. It's a barrier Akashi is keen on wearing down.

"We don't have to visit today, if you're too tired." Akashi offers.

Kise shakes his head vehemently. "No! I'm fine, really!" He says, "Anyway, you've already went to the trouble of setting up appointments and reservations. I'd hate to leave before we've had any fun."

Akashi nods, finding amusement in the fact Kise was the only one to predict his thoughts and actions. "I never said I made any plans. Who's to say I set up anything after the fitting?"

"Please, Akashicchi, you never keep things simple. You probably set up the fitting so we'd have an excuse to go somewhere expensive for dinner, maybe go to some exclusive art exhibit or whatever else you've got up your sleeve."

"Hm, that sounds like something one would reserve for a romantic outing."

Kise blinks, effectively jarred out of the sense of ease he'd regained. "Uh—it was just an example. I didn't mean you actually would do that today—with me—I mean, uh—,"

Akashi lays a hand on the blond's arm, cutting off his string of excuses. "I was teasing you, Ryouta." He states, and Kise relaxes.

"Right. Of course."

The limousine stops in front of the tailor's shop. The car door opens, and Akashi offers a small smile. "Ready?"

The blond ace nods. "Yeah. Let's go."

True to his word, it doesn't take long for the tuxedos to be altered. The measurements had been detailed enough to get an accurate fit, and there were only a few details that needed fixed.

"These are nice," Kise comments, smoothing out the jacket of his tuxedo as he watches himself in the mirror. "High-quality material. Must be expensive."

Akashi dismisses the observation. "It's fine. My father pays twice that for his own suits."

Kise smirks knowingly. "I was just saying. I know I can't change your mind about this kind of stuff." He adjusts the sleeves and hums absently under his breath. His smile softens. "I'm glad you invited me out here."

"Of course," Akashi replies. "Now come on, get changed and we'll get something to eat."

"Sounds good~," They separate into different dressing rooms to change back into their own clothes.

The restaurant isn't far from the tailor shop. Kise follows Akashi down the street and into the sleek double doors of a popular French restaurant. The hostess shows them to the table Akashi reserved, and Kise smiles smugly at him. "I knew you had plans."

"I never said I didn't." Akashi replies deliberately.

"That's true," Kise sits down carefully at the table. He seems to have bounced back to his usual cheery self. Even so, there's something subdued about his actions that Akashi can't help but notice. After the waiter takes their drink orders and leaves, Akashi decides to press Kise a bit.

"How are you doing?" Akashi asks him, watching his expression.

Kise doesn't shy from the question. "Good! I've been busier lately, with jobs of course, but like I said earlier, the other guys are keeping me on my toes. Or, maybe that's my own fault." He shrugs, absently flipping through one of the menus. "The seniors are getting ready for entrance exams, but Kasamatsu-senpai still stops by the club room a lot, which is cool. I think the transition is going to be hard on him. He's really attached to Kaijou."

"Mayuzumi certainly doesn't hold the same sentiments." The redhead counters. "I'm unsure of whether or not to take credit for that."

"I'm sure he had more fun in the club thanks to you," Kise reassures. "If you hadn't been captain, he likely would've never played first-string. Besides, we've all done things we regret." The blond traces indistinguishable patterns into the pages of the menu with his finger, eyes distant.

Akashi starts to reply, but he's cut off by the shrill call of, "Sei-chan!" He turns, and holds back a sigh as he spots three of his teammates quickly approaching. "What a surprise!" Mibuchi gushes as he gets close enough, beaming down at the redhead. "Who would have guessed we'd see you here?"

"You heard me making the reservations, didn't you?"

"Ne, are you trying to imply we're spying on you?" Mibuchi pouts. "How rude, Sei-chan. This is totally just coincidence!"

"Definitely!" Hayama pitches in. "I love Italian!"

"Isn't this a French restaurant?" Nebuya muses aloud.

"Is it? Whoops," He rubs the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, I like French too."

Mibuchi levels an exasperated look at the other two. "I told you to keep your mouths shut," he hisses. Akashi suppresses the urge to roll his eyes.

"Yes, well, I think it would be best if you left us alone." The Rakuzan captain says, a warning edge in his tone.

The dark haired teen ignores this, settling in the chair beside Akashi. "Nonsense, Sei-chan, we want to meet your date." Hayama nods vehemently in agreement, the blond sitting in the empty seat on Akashi's other side while Nebuya carelessly pulls up another chair between the two blondes. The shooting guard offers his hand to Kise, smile saccharine sweet. "Mibuchi Reo, Sei-chan's right-hand man."

"Ne, I thought I was his right-hand man." Hayama argues.

"I'm his left-hand man." Nebuya announces.

Kise smiles in amusement, accepting Mibuchi's handshake. "I'm Kise Ryouta, Kaijou's ace. It's good to finally meet Akashicchi's teammates."

Hayama seems to look at Kise for the first time. His eyes light up with recognition. "You're the model my sister likes! And Reo-nee, don't you have some of his magazines—?" Mibuchi tosses a menu at his teammate's face.

Nebuya scrutinizes the Kaijou student with squinted eyes. He lifts up one of the blond's arms and peers at his bicep. "Where's all your muscle?"

"Huh?" Kise blinks, attempting to pull away.

"You've held your own against Kiyoshi and his team, and you can copy Aomine Daiki and Murasakibara Atsushi. You've gotta be packing major muscles somewhere." The tanned teen reasons.

"Uh…" Kise glances at Akashi, as if unsure of what to say.

"You're the only one with that kind of thinking," Mibuchi sighs. "That kind of muscle isn't attractive, so of course Kise-kun is more lean than muscular. You do realize what a model's job is, right?"

Sticking his pinky finger in his ear, Nebuya replies, "I thought they just stood still and got their picture taken."

"That's the second time I've heard that today," Kise laments under his breath, pouting slightly.

Hayama bounces back, leaning over Nebuya to get right in the other blond's face. "So what's it like being famous? I bet you're popular with girls, ne? Got any tips for picking up chicks, by the way? No, wait, do you know anyone famous? Do you hang out with model babes?"

Kise presses a hand to the older boy's mouth. "First, I'm not that popular. Second, don't call them 'chicks or 'babes'. Third, you'll have to define 'famous'."

The older boy frowns, glancing cross-eyed down at Kise's hand. He attempts to say something, but his words are muffled. The model pulls away, and Hayama immediately begins talking again. Nebuya pushes him back in his seat.

"So, Kise-kun," Mibuchi says, sitting up straighter. "What are you intentions with our Sei-chan?" and now their intentions have become crystal clear.

Kaijou's ace blinks, choking out, "What?"

"As his senpai and teammates, we need to make sure you won't hurt our dear kouhai." The dark haired teen shrugs.

"What are you talking about?" Kise asks him. "We're not dating or anything."

"In that case, what kind of a man are you interested in?" Mibuchi leans closer, face inches from Kise's.

"Definitely not someone as pushy as you," Kise counters, gently yet firmly pushing the older teen back by his shoulder. The shooting guard pouts.

"You're not exactly my type either," he retorts, pride wounded. Nebuya and Hayama both scoff to themselves.

Kise shrugs. He turns to Akashi. "I'll be right back. If the waiter comes by, don't worry about ordering me anything." He offers a smile as he leaves the table.

Akashi turns to his teammates. "If you're just here to throw accusations and make empty threats, I suggest you leave."

"How cruel, Sei-chan." Mibuchi protests. "We're just looking out for you."

"I don't need looked after—especially not from Ryouta."

"We're only trying to do what's best for you—," Hayama argues.

Akashi quickly shuts him down, "You do not know what's best for me. You don't even know the circumstances. Don't harass Ryouta simply because you think it's necessary as my 'senpai'."

The expression the blond gives is one full of surprise and slight hurt. "Sorry, Akashi," Hayama apologizes quietly. "We just wanted to meet Kise."

"Ryou-chan is quite cute," Mibuchi agrees. "Maybe too cute. Are you sure there isn't someone else for you? After all, Ryou-chan doesn't quite seem like your type. Or maybe I should take him out for further investigation—,"

"Don't even consider doing inappropriate things to my former teammates." Akashi tells him.

"Didn't you just say he wasn't your type?" Hayama smirks.

"I wanna test his skills," Nebuya announces, unprompted. "I still haven't played any Generation of Miracles players—besides Captain, anyway."

"Hm, true." Mibuchi murmurs. "I wonder if he can copy my Void Shot."

"I'm sure you'll see the extent of Ryouta's abilities at some point in the future," Akashi says deliberately. "But we don't have the time for that today. But, as you're so determined to disobey me, I'll permit you to stay for dinner." Hayama perks up. "However, you won't make any more interrogation attempts or try to scare him off." Not that Akashi thinks they would succeed, the three were simply annoying when they attempted to do anything besides sport-related activities together. They made for a rather dysfunctional team off the basketball court.

The waiter finally returns with Akashi's and Kise's drinks, and the other three Rakuzan students order their own drinks. Kise slinks back soon after he leaves, slumping rather heavily into his seat. Akashi raises a brow when he sees the blond's red-rimmed, glassy eyes and tired demeanor.

"Are you alright?" he asks.

Kise blinks over at him. "Hm? Oh, yeah, I'm okay." Akashi isn't convinced. The blond looks more disheveled than he had before he left, and he seems paler. Something is obviously wrong.

Noticing this as well, Mibuchi voices his own concern. "You don't look okay, Ryou-chan."

"'Ryou-chan'?" Kise echoes, surprised. "Wait, I mean, uh, I don't really have much of an appetite; would it be alright if we left?"

"If that's what you want to do," Akashi agrees.

"Yeah, thanks," Kise closes his eyes briefly, only getting up after Akashi does. The redhead leaves some money on the table for the drinks and leads the blond and his teammates out of the restaurant.

"I'll call my driver to pick us up." He tells Kise. Kaijou's ace nods. Akashi steps away from the group to make the call. His driver promises to be there in a few minutes. He turns to relay the news to Kise in time to see the blond collapse.

Nebuya catches him, hooking his arm around the ace's chest. Kise is limp in his hold. Akashi hurries over, instructing Nebuya to stand him up. Kise blinks back into awareness as Nebuya pulls him upright. His brows pull together in slight confusion.

"What happened?" He asks blearily.

"You blacked out." Akashi tells him.

Mibuchi presses his hand to the younger teen's forehead, Kise following the movement with his eyes. He clicks his tongue in admonishment. "You've got a fever." He points out.

"Mhm…"

"The driver will be here soon." Akashi tells him. Kise watches his lips, concentrating on his words. The point guard frowns. He feels disappointed, not because this ruined their plans, but because Kise had found it necessary to sacrifice his own wellbeing for Akashi's sake.

While they wait for Akashi's driver, Mibuchi apparently has decided to adopt Kise as his younger brother and coos soothingly to the younger blond. "It's alright, Ryou-chan. Sei-chan will take care of you." Kise hums in acknowledgement, closing his eyes again. Mibuchi strokes the Kaijou student's hair, and Hayama rolls his eyes with a pout. Meanwhile, Nebuya couldn't care less about his current surroundings as he ignores Hayama and blocks out Mibuchi's voice. Akashi finds some amusement in the scene, even if he's still a bit annoyed.

The driver pulls up in the sleek black limousine. He steps out to open the door for the heir. Akashi directs Nebuya to maneuver Kise into the car before climbing in. He thanks his teammates (after repeatedly telling Mibuchi and Hayama that no, they were not permitted to ride along), and bids them goodbye. The shooting guard smiles saccharine sweet as they drive off.

Akashi settles Kise's head in his lap, resting his hands on blond hair. "If you weren't feeling well, you should have said something."

"I didn't want to be alone, and I felt bad about cancelling." Kise mumbles apologetically, guiltily. "Sorry. You have more important things to do than deal with me."

Akashi sighs soundlessly, fingers brushing through soft fringe. "I'd rather take care of you than leave you to look after yourself in this state. You're important to me." He massages the tension out of the ace's temples. The tense lines quickly dissipate, and the blond's body relaxes.

"Thank you, Akashi." He murmurs before drifting off.


Kise doesn't wake up until after Akashi has him settled in one of the guest rooms at his house. Akashi perches on the other side of the queen size bed, absently flipping through TV channels to find something of substance to watch. Kise stirs back into wakefulness when Akashi settles on a movie about a typical love triangle with a girl unable to choose between two guys. Kise blinks blearily, slowly taking in his surroundings.

"You've only been asleep for an hour." Akashi tells him. Kise nods, stretching out his arms to reach for Akashi. The redhead brushes their hands together. "How are you feeling?"

"Nauseous," Kise admits, and the Rakuzan student understands he must be feeling awful if he's willing to admit it so easily. Kise rolls onto his side, offering a tired smile. "Thanks for this. I mean, I know this was the least ideal situation, but I'm glad you didn't just leave me to find a way home or something."

"It offends me to know you think I'd even consider doing that to you." Akashi replies dryly.

"I don't expect anyone to do me any favors." Kise says, waving him off weakly. He angles his body so he can see the TV on the opposite wall. "What are you watching?"

Akashi shrugs. "Thousands of channels, and yet there's nothing worth watching on any of them. Television is a waste of time."

"I'd agree, but it's kind of an important part of my job." Kise jokes as his attention drifts to the drama unfolding onscreen. The movie had reached its apparent climax. The female protagonist was being confronted by her two love interests as they both demanded for her to choose who she wanted to be with. But the girl still claimed to be in love with both of them, and ran off when she couldn't take their harsh words any more. The girl, blindly running through the streets, ends up getting run over by a car in the most overdramatic sequence Akashi had ever seen, as well as one of the worst endings he'd witnessed.

"You should have turned on trash TV instead," Kise yawns. "At least that would have been entertaining." He shuffles closer to the other, draping his upper body over Akashi's lap and stealing the remote. He switches the channel to a network that mainly plays game shows and reality TV. "See, better."

"If anything, this just makes me lose faith in our generation." Akashi responds with distaste. Kise enjoys it, however, so he doesn't bother trying to get him to change it. Kise's body is almost uncomfortably warm against his own, and he preoccupies himself with finding ways to lower the other's body temperature. But Kise presses against him, and Akashi supposes he'll let Kise find a comfortable position on his own.

Kise's body curls around Akashi's, an arm wrapping around the redhead's waist. His face nestles into the shorter teen's side. Akashi tenses slightly, suddenly tentative. He wasn't used to being clung to like this. Kise wasn't shy about throwing himself at people, but the gesture was never as intimate as this felt. But he supposes Kise is a social creature who, thrives off physical attention and affection, so Akashi does his best to relax.

Glazed-over yellow eyes peer up at Akashi's face from where his own is pressed against the other. "Oh… am I making you uncomfortable?"

"No, not at all." Akashi denies. "I am simply unused to this sort of… attention." Kise starts to pull away, and something in Akashi's chest lurches in protest. He grabs the blond's shoulder with possibly a little too much force, and holds him in place. "It's fine. Honestly." Kise concedes without a word, sinking back into the embrace. Akashi carefully rests a hand against the ace's back. The other leans into the touch.

"I'll go home soon," Kise tells him, tone absent. "Once I feel better I'll leave, if that's okay. I could go now, though, if you want."

"You won't be going home until I deem you're alright." Akashi tells him. "I've already called your manager to cancel your appointments tomorrow, and I alerted your school about your absences."

"Oh," Kise seems surprised by the gesture. He winces. "Ah, I had a really important shoot tomorrow."

"They seemed more than willing to reschedule." The Kaijou student makes a displeased noise. "Why don't you get some sleep? Your body needs the rest."

Kise's arms wind tighter around the redhead. "Don't leave."

Akashi brushes lean fingers down the blond's back. "I wasn't planning on it." Kise doesn't reply, but the Rakuzan captain feels his grip relax. It doesn't take much longer for the other to drift off. Akashi sighs. "You're so high maintenance. It's a good thing you're worth it."


A/N: I wanted to say thank you guys for all the kudos and comments. Every time I get a new comment, my motivation to write is renewed. I try to reply to as many comments as I can, and I really really appreciate it.