WARNING! If you don't like yaoi (boy x boy) then please don't read this.
Kuroko no Basuke as well as the cover image used for this story both belong to their respective owners.
This is a roleplay story done by KurokoTetsuya101 and The Lucky Bell.
He began to slowly head towards home, trying to move a little faster even though his legs feel like giving out. He didn't want to encounter another one of those creatures.
He jumped from surprise when he heard a sudden noise of something falling to the ground came from his right. He looked over down the street and noticed someone standing there. It wasn't just anyone, it was Imayoshi! "Imayoshi-san?" He questioned with surprise.
"Ohhh~ Kuroko-kun! What a surprise to see you again!" The raven head waved, walking over to Kuroko with a smile. "Although I must say you look really tired. Are you okay?"
"I'm okay.. just ran was all." Kuroko assured with a pant. "So you're scavenging again?" He asked to change the subject.
"Yeah." Imayoshi raised his bag up to show Kuroko, "I found some more food and water. Enough for the day. What about you? Looking for anything specific?"
Kuroko couldn't possibly tell Imayoshi that his group found a car and was looking for gas. "Just supplies again." He said before getting an idea. "And maybe some gas. I found my home here but I know things won't return to normal and I won't be able to return home and be safe. So I'm going to probably burn my possessions." He's heard of people doing that to forget and move on about things, so he hoped Imayoshi believed him.
The other was surprised but smiled never the less, "I understand, some things are better left forgotten." He raised his left hand up to his chin, thinking, "Hmmm~ You know there's a petrol station just two blocks away from here. You should be able to get what you want there."
"Really?" How come Kuroko didn't think of that? He was thankful he had Imayoshi's help. "Thanks. Can we head there now?"
"Of course. Let's go." And so the two began their journey to the patrol station. However, during the walk Imayoshi couldn't help but start a conversation with the other, "My~ We sure have it tough don't we Kuroko-kun? We're just lucky we didn't encounter any bandits yet. Now that would be scary wouldn't it?"
"Yeah. Bandits are pretty scary." Luckily Kuroko managed to avoid fighting with them, but he did see how scary they could be. "Especially with big groups. I just wonder about how they manage to feed all of them then I suppose that they steal and everything…"
"Hmmm~ I think that's the case but I did see something strange. One day I was scavenging and happened to stumble upon a group. I hid because I didn't know who they might be but it turned out they were bandits. I watched them and saw something unexpected~" Imayoshi looked over at Kuroko, "They were feasting on one of their own."
"W-what?" Kuroko stopped at that statement. Feasting on one of their own? He couldn't mean... "You mean... a human was eating another.." He couldn't finish his sentence and covered his mouth. He couldn't imagine another human turning into a cannibal in such times! It's bad enough that the creatures were roaming around, but now humans were a problem too?
"It was a shocker but it's true. This is what humanity has become." They both stopped for a while, Kuroko unable to believe what he just heard. Could humans really eat other humans? Even though the world they live in has changed, how could they? Those kind of people... they aren't human anymore.
"I'm glad I haven't ran into those kind of bandits then.." Kuroko took a deep breath to relax himself. It was still such a shock but he had a job to do. "Let's keep going please."
Imayoshi nodded and they both resumed walking. Although he couldn't help but ask one more question, "Are you sure about doing this Kuroko-kun? Isn't your house also your hideout? Why would you want to burn it down?"
"...I'm only going to burn it once I leave. I won't burn it immediately. Only when I'm ready to leave." Kuroko answered.
"I see~ Then you're leaving Tokyo? I doubt anywhere else would be safer, seeing as the whole of Japan is in the same condition. Ahh~ But I remember that you said that you left Tokyo at one point. Haha sorry to pry Kuroko-kun~ I'm just curious as to how you survived the journey. Maybe you could tell me some tips as well?"
"Um.. I guess avoid anything that seems like trouble?" Kuroko said. "I don't know. I'm just super lucky I guess."
"Luck huh? Well I'm thankful you survived, otherwise I wouldn't have met you. I'm glad we became friends." Imayoshi smiled at the other as the petrol station appeared within their sight.
"Yeah. I am too." Kuroko smiled a little and quickened his pace when he saw the station. He wanted to get as many supplies as he could after all.
While Kuroko was working on collecting the fuel, Imayoshi helped. Since they worked in a team, they were going at a much faster pace than if one person did it. "Man~ Imagine if we had a working vehicle. Wouldn't that make our lives a lot easier~?"
"Only if you had somewhere to go I suppose." Kuroko murmured, focusing on seeing how much supplies he got. "If not then a vehicle can't do much I guess."
"That's where you're wrong Kuroko-kun. The vehicle could become your shelter if its big enough, not only that but it can travel as well. It would be very useful." Imayoshi stressed but it made Kuroko worry somewhat about his group's van. What if others find it as well? Would they steal it?
Now that he was collecting the fuel, Kuroko wondered if Kise and the rest are okay. They should be since they have their weapons with them but still... he couldn't forget the image of the monster biting him, which made him worry further. Hopefully the others are okay.
"I guess you're right." Kuroko just went along with it. He looked around one last time before looking at Imayoshi. "Well, I think we should split here. I'm going to look somewhere else for some supplies and maybe head home early to see what I have."
"Already?" The other pouted, "Well, I guess it can't be helped. I'll see you later then Kuroko-kun. Be safe." Imayoshi walked away, waving while Kuroko did the same. He's really lucky that he met Imayoshi. The other is nice and helps him a lot.
Now that they parted ways, Kuroko started looking for his group. He couldn't get in trouble again when it wasn't his fault that they split up. If he lost and his group and didn't know his way around Tokyo, where would he go? To the hide out of course.
He headed home first and was relieved to find them all there. At first Kuroko didn't see Murasakibara or Midorima but then he saw them inside the house. Kise was outside the house, sitting on the steps. "Are you guys alright?" Kuroko asked as soon as he got to the house. It was early so the other group wouldn't arrive for a bit.
When Kuroko opened the doors, both Midorima and Murasakibara were startled just how quickly he opened them. "We're fine. No need to worry." The doctor assured, he and Murasakibara sitting on the couches.
Kuroko sighed in relief and sat his bags down by the couches. "I was worried. I thought you guys might've been hurt." He admitted. "Sorry I couldn't keep up. I still need to improve my stamina."
"Weak~" Murasakibara uninterestingly said as he stared at Kuroko in boredom, somehow annoying the bluenette. Midorima sighed, "It's better for us to stay here and wait for Akashi's group rather than going out again. The sun will set soon."
"I guess you're right." Kuroko said, trying to ignore what Murasakibara said. "I got some gas though. Did you guys manage to find any?"
They both noticed the two jerrycans beside Kuroko in surprise. He managed to collect and bring 2 of them? "Unfortunately no. Once we killed the creature we didn't know where we were so it took us a while to find our way back home." They're not familiar with Tokyo so they didn't know where to go.
"Aka-chin's group will beat us again~"
"Look, it's not a competition okay? As long as we got some, it's good enough." Kuroko said, trying to make them feel better.
"Kuro-chin is lame~" Murasakibara yawned, tilting his head to the side and leaning into the couch.
"At least I'm not treating the apocalypse and surviving like a game." Kuroko retorted with a huff.
"Lame~" The other said but just as Kuroko was about to reply, the doors opened to reveal Akashi and his group. Akashi opened the doors while the two sidekicks... ehem... Takao... Aomine... carried the jerry cans inside the house.
"Yo! Why are you here so early?" Aomine set down the three jerry cans he was carrying before facing Kuroko and the others.
"We ran into one of those daylight creatures and we ended up splitting up. But we all met up back here." Kuroko explained. "We managed to get two cans of gasoline and some supplies though."
"You saw those monsters again?" Aomine and the rest of the second group were surprised since they didn't see any of the daylight creatures in a while. They didn't see them while on their way to Tokyo as well... why would they be here?
"Did you see just one or more?"
"Luckily just one."
"I see."
"At least we're all safe." Kuroko commented. It would have really sucked if one of them got injured again. Even he and Kise were still recovering from their injuries.
Everyone nodded, no words needed to be said. "Dinner is at 8 p.m. sharp. Those who are late won't have anything to eat." Akashi said as Aomine and Takao carried the jerry cans further into the house. When they did, everyone relaxed. They could finally rest for the day.
It was rare that they'd be able to relax like this instead of going out to find supplies or travelling. They could rest and do whatever they wanted. Kuroko decided to finally finish the book. He only had one chapter left which was easy to finish quickly. He still had some time before 8pm too. Maybe he could go talk to Kise. Or maybe he could check in with Akashi?
However, when Kuroko opened his book to read, he noticed Aomine who sat down right next to him on the sofa. The tanned male yawned before throwing himself on Kuroko, using his lap as his pillow. "Tired~"
"Well don't sleep on me. Get up so I can focus on my book." It was a real reason why Kuroko didn't want Aomine to do that, but also because if Kise spotted them, it wouldn't be good for him.
"Don't be such a drama queen. Oh! Come to think of it Tetsu has really nice thighs! So soft like a pillow." Aomine snuggled closer, his head lying completely on Kuroko's lap. Unfortunately for Kuroko, it didn't take Aomine long to fall asleep due to the 'comfortable thighs'.
'That's not something you can say to someone so easily like that!' Kuroko yelled in his mind. He sighed and closed his book, setting it down beside him. It would be rude to wake him up but he never really gave Aomine permission to sleep on him.
Just as he started to push him off, Kise walked into the living room. He didn't say anything but he did have a look of betrayal on his face. "Kise-kun, wait, please." He called out when the other walked away.
Great. Just when he was trying to fix things, this had to happen again. Kuroko knew Aomine didn't mean harm but it did damage his relationship with Kise further. What could he do now to make Kise believe him?
Kuroko just sat back with an annoyed sigh. There was no use pushing Aomine off now. The damage was already done.
"What you sighing for? He too heavy for you?" Takao asked, leaning on the back of the couch while looking down at Kuroko.
"No. Just tired I guess." Kuroko lied. He couldn't complain to the others.
"I see... well, dinner will be in a few minutes. Have him up by then."
"Hmmm... Mai-chan~ So soft~" Aomine giggled while his hands touched Kuroko's knees.
"You're really a huge pervert." Kuroko grumbled while looking down at Aomine. He started pushing Aomine until the other was off his lap but still on the couch. He wasn't just going to sit there and let Aomine grope him! He left Aomine there and went to the kitchen to see the progress on dinner.
When Kuroko walked into the kitchen he was surprised to see Murasakibara there, sorting out the food. At least he was helping out in some way. Along with the giant there was Akashi who was also sorting out some of their supplies. When Kuroko came, Akashi looked away. "Did you finish reading the book?"
"No but I'm almost done. Aomine-kun stopped me before I got a chance to." Kuroko answered. "I'll finish it tonight if you'd like."
"You better. The match is tomorrow so I hope you've studied and memorized everything thoroughly." Akashi said as Murasakibara started munching on some chips, quietly listening.
"Okay.. but even if I read the whole book, it'll take a while to turn it into a fighting skill, right? I won't be able to read it and then just.. do it." Kuroko asked.
"You'll have to if you want to remain within our group." Kuroko froze. What is this? He never heard about this condition! "If you lose, I'll have you leave the group."
"That's unfair. You only just told me that just now! You never said it before." Kuroko found this just a little unfair. Akashi couldn't expect him to read a book and magically master a new fighting style he's never heard of before!
"The world is cruel and unfair. You didn't know? Tough luck, now you know." Akashi averted his gaze from Kuroko to the supplies. "But its not like I expect you to knock out the opponent. I want you to disable them from moving. You can do that if you've read the book and memorized the points." Akashi said while Murasakibara walked over to the sink that was behind Kuroko to clean some cups.
"That's still unfair though. I haven't had any time to practice, and you know how to fight. I don't! I thought we were all trying to survive, so why are you so against me?" Kuroko asked with a frown.
"First, I didn't say your opponent would be me. Second, you'll have to win if you want to stay with us, and lastly, I will even become a demon if that means accomplishing my goal of training you. I'm not here to be your friend but your teacher. I won't hold your hand and cuddle you if that's what you expect me to do."
"I didn't say you have to do that. No matter who I face, it would be unfair. I know fights aren't always fair but I didn't ask you to train me just to be forced to read a book and fight someone when I didn't even have a chance to practice. I wouldn't do this to you if our roles switched." Kuroko claimed.
"Then why are you wasting your time here? Shouldn't you be out and 'practicing' while the sun is still up?" Kuroko looked over at the window and noticed that the sun was still up. "Someone who didn't even master the first lesson doesn't have the right to complain." Akashi looked up at him but then suddenly Kuroko was surprised when a hand grabbed his shoulder. Before he knew it, Kuroko was laying down on the ground with Murasakibara hovering above him and Akashi smirking in amusement.
"Don't waste your time. Go." Akashi said as he and Murasakibara returned to the task of sorting out the supplies and preparing dinner.
Kuroko stared at the two with disbelief before looking away. Why did he have to join such an unfair group? He slowly got up, his back hurting from the fall but it didn't last long. He left the kitchen without another word and went to the couch. Uncaring about the consequences, he suddenly pushed Aomine off the couch, successfully waking him up. "Before you yell and complain about me waking you up from your perverted dreams, let me explain something to you outside."
Aomine blinked and blinked, still partially in his dream world. "Okay." He replied as he stood up. He didn't miss the serious expression on Kuroko's face, which made him not ask and follow the other outside.
Kuroko waited until Aomine was outside with him. He made sure no one was watching from the windows before speaking. "I'm sorry for waking you up so rudely but I just need to practice with someone. I only have until dark comes to train before tomorrow morning, which will be a lesson that will prove my worth as Akashi says. Can you please help me practice?"
"Prove your worth? Practice?" Aomine was confused, scratching the back of the head. However, Kuroko still had the serious and determined expression on which made Aomine sigh. "Alright, alright. Just practice right? I wanted to stretch my muscles anyway." The tanned teen smiled, getting ready.
"Thank you Aomine-kun." Kuroko sighed in relief. He was glad Aomine was friends with him and would help him like this.
The two began training, sun slowly setting down with each passing minute. The same pattern would always repeat, that pattern being Kuroko trying to land a punch but fails, ending up in Aomine knocking him down. However, no matter how many times he got beat, Kuroko always stood back up. Aomine was surprised how somebody could have such weak body but such a strong spirit, but its not like he's complaining. On the contrary, Aomine found Kuroko more and more interesting, motivating him to try even harder.
Aomine considered going easy on him but that wouldn't do. He couldn't do that if Kuroko was trying this best. It felt wrong, and so the two trained until sunset finally came.
They decided to do the final round before going inside; however, it was that round that shook Aomine. The tanned teen watched Kuroko get into his position, about to attack. He watched and watched but then the unexpected happened. Kuroko suddenly disappeared from his sight! Aomine's eyes widened, panicking that he lost sight of his opponent.
However, it was then that he felt someone touch his neck, a finger about to hit him on the back of the neck. Aomine swiftly moved as fast as he could, reacting by both reflex and instinct. Aomine knocked Kuroko down; using full force than any other attack he did so far.
"S-Sorry Tetsu! You startled me. Are you okay!?" Aomine kneeled down next to Kuroko who was panting on the ground. Maybe he hit him to hard with the last attack but then again... How did Kuroko disappear for a split second?
"I'm okay.." Kuroko reassured with a groan. Now his back was hurting again... Man, why did everyone have to throw him on his back? He carefully sat up, rubbing the back of his head. "I still didn't get you... but I guess I can't change that. We have to get inside after all. It's almost completely dark."
"Yeah..." Is it really okay? Would Kuroko be able to manage tomorrow? Aomine couldn't help but worry but its not like they could do anything more. The sun is almost out of the view and the monsters are about to crawl out of their lair. The answers will come tomorrow.
The two went inside after Kuroko got up. It was now time for dinner, they were told as soon as they came in. They'd need to eat quick so they could get to bed before the monsters noticed they were there.
When they began to eat, everyone was at the table apart from Akashi and Murasakibara. Kuroko couldn't help but wonder where they are so he ended up asking Midorima who said that, "They already ate so they're resting." Maybe they were tired and decided to eat earlier so they can rest? But even so dinner is at 8 p.m. sharp. Akashi shouldn't be an exception right? It annoyed Kuroko further.
When dinner was done, Takao volunteered to do the dishes so everyone else could go and rest for the day. Kuroko decided to lay down on the couch a bit before going to bed but when he got there he saw something surprising.
He didn't expect to see the two resting peacefully on the couch. Kuroko assumed they were asleep by the lack if response so he wasn't afraid of being caught staring. Akashi was laying on Murasakibara who had one arm over Akashi, probably to prevent him from falling off him and onto the floor.
Kuroko knew the two seemed close but had they always been this close? Did this mean anything? He tried not to think about it as he turned away. He had to finish that last chapter before bed... he was so tired, but it had to be done.
The next morning Kuroko could barely wake up but did so when somebody pulled his blanket off of him. "Get up. It's time." Akashi's cold voice was the last thing Kuroko wanted to hear first thing in the morning. He groaned before sitting up, trying to wake himself up.
As he stood up and fixed his hair, Kuroko nervously wondered who he'd have to fight. Akashi? Aomine? He hoped it wasn't Murasakibara. It would be impossible to defeat that giant!
Kuroko tiredly headed downstairs. It wouldn't be easy to tell who he was facing because instead of just Akashi and the person he was going to fight being awake, everyone was awake instead. Were they all just going to watch him? "Why is everyone up..?"
"We're gonna watch. Don't worry Tetsu! I'll be cheering you on!" Aomine smiled, bumping his fist against Kuroko's shoulder lightly while everyone else gathered on the veranda and took their seats to watch the show. However, out of the corner of his eye, Kuroko saw Kise glare at him in anger. Now that he noticed, Kise was standing next to Akashi. Could it be…?
"W-Who am I fighting exactly?" Kuroko nervously asked Akashi, looking back and forth between the redhead and Kise.
"Isn't it obvious by now? You'll be fighting Kise." Akashi revealed as Kuroko locked gazes with the said blonde.
Of all people to fight... At least it wasn't Murasakibara. "A-Alright.. let the best man win then.." Kuroko was already preparing his goodbyes in his mind. He definitely wouldn't win this fight.
"Before you begin I'll state the rules. All you have to do is knock Kise down, make him fall. Do that and you win the match." Akashi said before walking over to Kuroko. "Best of luck." and then passed him and walked over to the veranda to join the others and watch.
"W-Wait, when do we begin figh-" Kuroko was cut off when he felt a shove from behind that was strong enough to make him fall down. He looked up at Kise with surprise. So the fight started once Akashi returned to the veranda? That's unfair, he wasn't ready!
Kise didn't waste time and went straight for another attack. However, before it was about to hit, Kuroko rolled to the side, dodging before standing up.
He tried to recall his training last night with Aomine. Kuroko hesitated before trying to hit Kise, but his swing was a bit too wide and was easily blocked. How was he going to beat someone in his first fight ever?
"Too slow." Kise swung Kuroko's wrist and body, throwing him back down on the ground again. He hovered above him, his eyes showing his anger and frustration. Kuroko knew just from looking... That this was probably the best way for Kise to vent out his frustrations. He wouldn't be surprised if the blonde even requested to be his opponent.
Even if this was just a stress reliever to Kise, it was basically life and death to Kuroko. He couldn't lose or else he'd be kicked out of the group. He couldn't survive out there by himself.
Kuroko tried kicking one of Kise's legs and winced when he realized it was Kise's bad one. However it was already done and Kuroko had just enough time to get away and stand up.
Aomine whistled, "So he went for Kise's injured leg? Not a bad idea." Aomine commented as he and the rest of the group watched.
"I can't say that I'm pleased." Midorima was annoyed that the injury on Kise's leg might open up again and sustain further damage; of course the same applies for Kuroko.
"It's a dirty trick isn't it?" Takao asked but he wasn't displeased with it. Many people used dirty tricks to survive, so Kuroko wasn't any different. He probably would have done the same if he was in a life or death battle too.
Back on the battlefield Kise went for another attack but surprisingly this time Kuroko decided to dodge it head on with his hand. "Hoo~ You know you can't win against me right? You should give up."
"I still have to try. If I give up now, I'll most likely die out there, even if I know this city like I know my own home." Kuroko explained, watching Kise closely as he backed away, making some space between them.
"I see but sorry Kurokocchi, I can't go easy on you!" Kise charged again as Kuroko prepared to defend. However, he was surprised when Kise quickly moved behind him with great speed and knocked him down for the nth time.
Kuroko groaned in pain and tried standing up. He felt something heavy on his back, which he assumed was Kise's foot. "I wouldn't want to win a fight that wasn't a fight from the beginning anyway." He muttered, looking back at Kise.
Kise narrowed his eyes before moving his foot off Kuroko. There was no way Kuroko could win but even so why does Akashi think he can? Maybe the other has a surprise in store?
Once Kuroko stood up, the fight continued. It wasn't much of a fight since Kuroko couldn't really fight back, but he didn't back down. Kise didn't either, getting more frustrated by the minute when Kuroko just wouldn't give up. If Kuroko didn't win this match, he'd have to leave and then Kise wouldn't have to worry about him taking Aomine away.
Although Kise wasn't the only one surprised by Kuroko's strong will not to give up. The others were as well, even if some didn't show it. The smaller male had already been receiving some wounds and even coughed up a little blood (and maybe what he had for dinner last night), but he just wouldn't back down. He really didn't want to die.
"So stubborn. Just give up already!" Kise yelled, fed up with the other always getting up. He swiftly moved and punched Kuroko in the stomach, making him crunch down in pain.
Kuroko held his stomach as if the pain would just go away by doing so. He had nothing else to throw up which was a plus side, but it still hurt. Maybe he should just give up... He's already embarrassed himself in front of the others by getting beat up no problem. But his will to live was much bigger than his pride.
How the heck was he supposed to beat Kise though? It was impossible... Not unless he had some kind of power or something like in the books he read. Wait.. books.. powers.. the misdirection! He still didn't know how to use it but he could at least try.
But while thinking, Kuroko received another punch on his stomach, making him fall down completely. Kise looked down on him in boredom, knowing fully well Kuroko has no chance of winning.
Even with no chances of it working, Kuroko could at least try. As he recalled what the book said, he was trying to get up. His body hurt and felt so sore... Kise really didn't hold back at all.
He looked back up at the other but was surprised when Kise held a look of shock mixed with confusion. It was mostly shock and he was starting to back up. Kuroko didn't know why but he decided to take this chance. It could be now or never again. He reached out and grasped Kise's ankle tightly. Kuroko watched with amazement as Kise tripped and fell back to the ground.
Everyone watched with wide eyes as Kise tripped. What just happened? Nobody knew, even Kise himself! How did he just trip?
Kuroko carefully stood up, groaning from the soreness. He met Akashi's goal and knocked Kise down. That means he wins, right? He looked over at the group with hopeful eyes.
The group was still shocked, watching the battlefield with shocked eyes. Well, apart from Aomine who was trying to suppress his giggles and Akashi who was smiling. When he noticed Kuroko lock eyes with him, Akashi's smile soon turned into a smirk. He closed his eyes and nodded, silently telling the bluenette that he won and that he'll stay in the group. Akashi is a man of his word after all.
Kuroko sighed in relief. If his body wasn't hurting enough already, he would have just fallen back to rest. But instead he went to Kise, offering to help him up. "Are you okay Kise-kun?" He asked softly, offering his hand to the other.
The blonde was woken up from his thoughts by Kuroko's extended hand. He looked up at the other, still in shock. He groaned before looking away, standing up but not accepting Kuroko's hand. He tripped. How could he lose by accident!? No... It wasn't an accident. Kuroko did something... he suddenly disappeared and as soon as Kise knew it, he just tripped.
He was too curious not to ask, "How did you do it? How did you disappear?"
"Disappear?" Kuroko tilted his head. So his technique works? "It actually works?" He asked himself with surprise. "I didn't think it would work... To answer your question Kise-kun, it was just misdirection I guess."
"Misdirection? You mean the thing magicians use?"
"Precisely. That's what it is." Kuroko was startled when he felt a hand on his shoulder, and turned around to see that it was Akashi along with everyone else who was watching.
"Why would he use that? Did you teach him that Akashicchi?" Misdirection is used for magic tricks and entertainment, not for fighting.
"I only presented him with the opportunity. The rest was up to Kuroko on how he developed it." If Akashi taught Kuroko how to fight, the it wouldn't be his own original style. In order for Kuroko's fighting technique to have any merit and meaning, he has to develop it himself.
Not counting Akashi's hand that was on his shoulder, Kuroko soon felt another hand on his other shoulder as well. "Nice Tetsu! You kicked some ass!"
"I believe that I'm the one who got their ass kicked... I didn't do anything except get beat up until the end." Kuroko sighed, wishing he could just lay down. But they had a whole day of scavenging ahead of them... It almost made Kuroko's knees cripple in exhaustion from the thought.
"That's true but you still won!" Aomine smiled and pat Kuroko on the shoulder. Normally Kuroko wouldn't mind but this time his body was throbbing. Every little touch hurt, no matter how gentle it is.
Akashi looked over at Kuroko with a smirk, "You can rest for today. You've done enough Kuroko." Kuroko looked up after hearing Akashi's words. He could rest?
"Thank you.." Kuroko murmured, already taking the first few steps to the house. However he wobbled and would have fell if Aomine hadn't been next to him. "Sorry I can't help.. or even walk by myself." He said to the others. How would they navigate by themselves? Maybe they could find a map of Tokyo somewhere? The police department might have one.
"It can't be helped. We'll have to merge the two groups into one. By now we should have some idea about where things are." They've been here for a couple of days so it wouldn't be such a problem. Not if they search the areas they already went to. They already have more than enough supplies so they're not in a hurry to find more things.
Akashi walked over to Kuroko and Aomine. "I and Kuroko will stay home while everyone else scavenges." Kuroko was surprised yet again and startled soon after when Murasakibara suddenly picked him up bridal style. "Kuro-chin is light~"
"O-Okay.." Kuroko said to Akashi before looking up at Murasakibara. He felt bad even if he was light to the giant. "Y-You don't have to carry me Murasakibara-kun.."
"The injured should shut up~" Murasakibara lazily began his walk back to the house with everyone following behind. "I'll need to check you up before I leave." Midorima had to see the extend of Kuroko's injuries. Kuroko did cough up a bit of blood so he definitely needs to check him.
"Alright.." Kuroko sighed and let the giant carry him. He was glad that no one seemed too angry that he was staying. That was a good sign right?"
Murasakibara walked into the house and then up the stairs. The group remained downstairs apart from Akashi and Midorima who went along with them upstairs. Akashi opened the doors to Kuroko's room and then Murasakibara walked over to the bed to place Kuroko on it.
Midorima quickly walked over to the bed, taking out his tools and beginning to examine the patient. He touched Kuroko's stomach in several places, "Does it hurt here?"
Kuroko winced slightly at a few places. Kise did hit him pretty hard there. "Yeah.. kind of." It didn't hurt as much when Kise punched it for example. "Um.. is there anything to drink?" His mouth tasted like last night's dinner and metal from the blood.
Akashi looked over at Murasakibara who nodded and went out of the room to get a glass of water. Meanwhile, Midorima continued with his examination. He disinfected Kuroko's bruises and bandaged the places that received the most damage; mainly the back just because of how many times he was thrown down.
After examining the patient, Midorima closed his first aid kit back just when Murasakibara came back and handed Kuroko the glass of water. "You should rest for a day. Don't push yourself or do anything harsh nanodayo."
"Okay.. I won't. I promise." Kuroko said before taking a small sip of water. Ah. That made him feel better. "Thank you Midorima-kun. I appreciate the check up." He smiled. "And thanks for the water, Murasakibara-kun."
"Hmmm~"
"Rest up." Midorima ruffled Kuroko's hair before standing up and leaving the room, leaving Kuroko alone with Akashi and Murasakibara. "I'll see them off and then come back." Akashi said as he and the giant now took their leave as well.
Kuroko just nodded in response then sighed once they left. At least he'd be able to heal and rest. He hasn't been able to do that in a while.
Kuroko waited but while he did he was staring to become tired. His eyes slowly began closing before they closed completely and he fell asleep. It was only when he felt a hand on his shoulder that he slowly started waking up. When he opened his eyes again he was greeted by crimson red orbs staring into his.
"I brought you some canned soup." Akashi sat down on the edge of the bed, holding a tray with the plate of cold soup. Apart from sandwiches, canned foods are another option to eat. Since they don't have any power or heat to cook the food with.
"Oh.. thanks." Kuroko tried sitting up, trying not to be so slow. He knew he was injured and Midorima told him not to stress himself, but he hated seeming weak. "By the way, thanks for staying here with me and letting me rest."
"Should you really be thanking me? It's because of me that you're in this condition in the first place."
"But it's also because of you that I'm getting to stay and slowly develop a fighting style." Kuroko said.
Kuroko was still thankful despite the fact that he's the one to blame? Amusing. "Idiots don't last long. We already have many in our group, we don't need a new addition."
Kuroko pouted slightly. "I was just being nice." He said before looking away. "I mean, I know you must be really stressed and worried about everything. I just wanted to.. somehow help you feel better but I'm not good at comforting.. I'm not sure if you'd even want comforting from me."
"Not really but I'll give you credit for trying." Akashi smiled as he took the spoon and raised it to Kuroko's lips. "Here."
"Y-You don't have to feed me." Kuroko said, looking at the spoon then Akashi with slight embarrassment.
"The injured should shut up and obey." The sentence rang a bell to Kuroko who remembered Murasakibara saying something similar. Maybe he learned it from Akashi?
Kuroko just stayed quiet, deciding to keep quiet about it. He just nodded and let Akashi feed him. "Sorry I didn't do too good in the fight... Even though I reached your goal, I don't feel like I won."
"It's alright. I didn't expect you to win but you really did surprise me. You exceeded my expectations."
"...I don't know if I should feel complimented or downgraded..." Kuroko sighed and shook his head. "At least I'm still here."
Akashi raised another spoon up to feed the other, "And since you are, we'll continue your training. We should be able to resume tomorrow since your wounds aren't that severe."
"Okay. I understand." Kuroko said with a nod. "I can't wait then." He would finally be able to continue training and learn to actually fight.
"We'll do physical combat just as you wanted. In order for you to win in a fight you'll have to get used to using misdirection much more. With that you'll be able to confuse your opponent and then land the finishing blow. In other words, the technique you used to make Kise fall down." Akashi raised up another spoon up to Kuroko's lips.
"I don't know how I do it though. I was just thinking about it and.. I don't know." Kuroko sighed. He looked at the spoon before at Akashi's face. "It just happens.."
"And that's why we're going to train." Akashi moved the spoon and Kuroko ate. When he was done, Akashi stood up and went to the door. However, before leaving he stopped at the doorway, "Thank you." and then he left, closing the doors behind.
For what felt like hours, Kuroko did nothing but just lay down to rest or take naps. It was really boring... Then Akashi came in. The other must've been bored too? Or maybe he just had nothing better to do. "Is everything alright?" He asked Akashi when the other sat on the edge of the bed again.
"I thought you'd want to read the book again or reread some chapters." Akashi brought the misdirection book and handed it to Kuroko. Since the other didn't master the technique yet, it would do him good to read some more. He doesn't have anything else to do anyway.
"Oh.. great.." Kuroko did love to read but did he really have to re-read something while he was trying to rest? That's just asking for a headache. "Thanks.."
The redhead nodded and handed Kuroko the book. He watched as Kuroko opened the book and began turning the pages. "Do you like to read?"
"Yeah. I enjoy reading. I used to be in a book club in school for a while. But then we weren't really doing anything and no one else was reading... So it was canceled." Kuroko said, glancing at Akashi. "Do you like reading?"
"I enjoy reading once in a while. It helps calm the mind." Akashi looked away.
"Well... no one stole my books, so you can read some if you'd like." Kuroko said, pointing to the shelf with the books on it.
"Don't mind if I do." Akashi stood up and walked towards the shelf. He searched through the books until he noticed one particular book, "'The Rising Sun' by Takashi Watanabe? How did you get this? There were only a certain number of copies made."
"Oh well... Since I never really spend the allowance money I get, I had a lot saved up and I asked my parents if they could find me one when they were sold. I paid for it but they found it for me." Kuroko explained. "Do you have one too?"
"No. I couldn't get one." Akashi looked at the cover and brushed his hand over it. He's wanted to read this book for ages but could never find it. "Do you mind if I borrow this?"
"I don't mind." Kuroko smiled a little. "It's a really good book. I hope you enjoy it."
"I know I will." Akashi held the book tightly in his hands, as if its treasure. He really couldn't wait to start reading.
Kuroko chuckled a little. Akashi looked like a kid in the candy store who was given permission to get any candy they want. "Do you want to sit by me as you read?"
Akashi gave Kuroko the 'look', "I would prefer to read quietly in my room." But then a thought came to him, "However, if you're lonely then I could stay."
Kuroko almost replied by saying he wasn't lonely but then he supposed this would work in his favor. "Maybe I am lonely. Mind staying in here with me?"
Akashi mischievously smirked before walking over to the bed. He pulled up the sheets, and much to Kuroko's surprise lay down on the bed next to the bluenette. "Don't mind me then."
Kuroko felt his cheeks burn, so he hid them behind his book. "O-Okay... I can't stop you.."
Akashi's smirk widened. Who knew it would be this entertaining to tease the other. Deciding to continue, Akashi opened his book and pretended to read. However, while he and Kuroko began quietly reading their books, Akashi moved his legs so that they tangled with Kuroko's, teasing him further.
Kuroko looked at him with surprise before looking away. He shifted, but he didn't move his legs. He didn't know why he didn't pull away. He didn't know why his whole face was burning now either... 'Why am I getting so embarrassed?' He thought to himself.
Kuroko moved the book up so that it covered his face but it surprised him when Akashi put his finger on top of the book and moved it down so that he could see Kuroko's face. "Ohh~ Why are you red Kuroko? Did something happen?"
"I-I'm not red!" Kuroko insisted, trying to pull the book back up but failed. "It's just hot is all.."
"Do you have a fever?" Akashi moved his hand and placed it on Kuroko's forehead, all the while moving closer to the bluenette, their faces inches apart. "You are warm but I doubt that its the cause. Don't you think so Kuroko?"
"I-I don't know.." Kuroko tried looking away but it's not like he had anywhere else to look. He stared up at Akashi, trying to get his blush to go down. But as he looked at Akashi, he thought he saw something gold in Akashi's eye. It only appeared for a second which confused him further. Was it his book? Kuroko glanced down at his book but didn't see any color of gold on his book. Strange...
Kuroko was so captivated by Akashi's eyes that he didn't notice that he was staring. When he realized, he noticed that Akashi's smirk widened and that he was really enjoying himself. Kuroko knew the other was teasing him but it was strange... Why doesn't he say anything against it?
Akashi closed his eyes as he lay down next to Kuroko, his arm placed across Kuroko's chest. "You know, I don't think I'm getting the respect I deserve. Maybe I should have you call me 'Sensei'."
Kuroko looked at the arm before to the side, watching Akashi. "U-Um... maybe only during lessons?" If Akashi wanted him to, it's not like he could deny it!
"I'm the one who decides that so you'll say it whenever I see fit." Akashi relaxed, feeling the stress weight on him. He opened one of his eyes to look up at Kuroko, "You're still red."
"I'm not red." Kuroko insisted again, turning his face away. "You really won't make me call you sensei, right?"
"You're red and as I said before, you'll call me that when I see fit." Akashi closed his eye and relaxed, slowly drifting off to sleep.
Kuroko looked at Akashi before sighing. He gently took Akashi's book and set both of their books to the side. He then tried to relax. He couldn't concentrate on a book while Akashi was sleeping like this next to him. He mind as well sleep too.
He didn't know when he fell asleep but he was woken up by the sound of his doors opening. His eyes slowly opened, blinking a couple of times to focus. When his eyes focused, Kuroko was surprised to see Murasakibara standing at the doors looking... shocked?
Then he noticed it. Kuroko looked up to see Akashi still sleeping but that wasn't the weird thing. The weird thing was that Akashi had both of his arms around Kuroko who was snuggling closer into the other's chest. Their bodies close as they were hugging each other.
He stared in disbelief at Akashi before looking over at Murasakibara. He didn't want to wake up Akashi so he didn't speak. He just shook his head, his eyes wide with surprise as well. He raised one of his hands, trying to somehow communicate with Murasakibara to tell him it isn't what it looks like.
The giant tightened his hold on the doorknob, looking more than furious. He didn't say anything but his look and aura said it all, he was angry. Kuroko could do nothing else but watch as Murasakibara quickly closed the door with a thud.
Author notes
The Lucky Bell: Yeah, sorry my Tetsuya is so OOC. When I rp, I focus on having fun, not how my character acts. So sorry if that disappoints people but we can't fix it because the story is already written.
KurokoTetsuya101: Hello :) Thank you everyone so much for your reviews and support :) And a huge thanks to Shiro-chan1827 for your long review :) It's good to hear that most of the characters aren't OOC but if they will be during the future chapters then... GOMEN! *bows* Actually, Bell and I already finished this story XD This story is finished and we began writing a new one BUT you guys still have a long wait until the end XD We would love to adopt some of your ideas but since the story is already finished, we can't :( Thank you so much for reading and we'll see you next week :)
This story is updated weekly.
