A/N: I'm on a roll, I've found my groove (yay!), and this chapter is 4k+ words. Anything in italics is a memory/flashback. Read on my loves

An Empress Waives a White Flag & an Emperor Becomes Determined

It had been over three weeks since your argument with Akashi after dinner. He was still your tutor, though you had tried on multiple occasions to change that, and things had definitely shifted. There was a new tension that could be felt by everyone in the gym when Akashi would stop practice to answer one of your questions. You both had made very conscious efforts to avoid the other during school, lest another blow up occur.

For you, the disintegration of you and Akashi's budding relationship hurt in ways you'd never imagined. Kai and Aiko (your best friend who has just returned from a family related absence) really helped keep you grounded. And as Akashi pushed you further away, Kai pulled you in closer. The crush you thought Akashi had silenced began to reawaken. It explains why you're currently waiting for Kai on the front steps of your house.

You check your phone for the umpteenth time in the last five minutes. To say you were nervous would be an understatement. This was officially your first date with Matsuoka Kai. He had asked you out a week after the Akashi incident. You had turned so red you were sure you would burst into flames. You had been hanging out since then "unofficially."

"(F/N)?" You look up from your thought and smile. Kai looked so handsome. His auburn hair is styled neatly on top of his head, begging you to tossel it. The jeans he is wearing fit snuggly against his hips and you feel your face heat up at the thought. His white t-shirt gently accentuates the muscles of his upper body.

"Hi!"

You take his extended hand and stand up.

"You ready?"

"Of course. Honestly though, I'm really nervous."

Kai turns towards you- an eyebrow raised in question. You rub the side of your neck at your slip up.

"I mean, it's an actual date. I've never been on one before."

"But what about that time with Akashi at Brain Freeze?"

You bristle at the mention of his name.

"Doesn't count." Your curt response tells Kai all he needs to know. He takes a mental note to never bring up Akashi. He can't help the smile that starts to tug at the corners of his mouth.

"What are you smiling for?"

"Nothing, I'm just really excited ya know?"

"Oh yeah?" Your voice lightens up and you gently brush up against Kai's shoulder.

"Yeah." He brushes up against you in return. You both chuckle and continue walking. You arrive at the train station. Unbeknownst to you- you're being followed.

"That's her right? She's smokin hot."

"Why are you asking me idiot? You're the one with the picture. Dumbass."

"Kagami-kun that's not a very nice thing to say."

"Can it Kuroko, they're on the move."

Kai leads you of the station, his hand gripping yours firmly. You try not to blush at the very public display of affection. The sun's rays beat gently against your shoulders and the back of your legs. You're happy you had decided to go with the light blue cami and your black mid thigh skirt. Its small flare made you want to twirl in the spring breeze.

"So, where are you taking me?"

"You'll see."

"Kai," you whine playfully, "tell me!"

He shakes his head and plows through a crowd. You stare at his back and zone out. He cranes his neck to check on you sharing a quick smile. For a split second though, he's not Matsuoka Kai. He's been replaced by a redhead with eyes that bore into your soul. You whisper his name,

Seijuro."

What was that (F/N)?"

Oh nothing, just mumbling to myself."

We're almost there."

Kai makes a quick turn and stops in front of a store. You break out into a toothy grin. The banner that hangs in front of the store reads: Come All Who Seek to Cook.

You didn't!"

Oh yes I did."

This time you grab Kai's hand and drag him into the store/restaurant. You'd only heard of these kinds of shops. You basically buy a time slot that comes with a small kitchen space and get to cook your own meal with ingredients provided by the store.

Alright! Let's get to this!"

Kai chuckles at your enthusiasm as you both tie aprons around your waists.

(one hour later)

It smells so good (F/N)."

Thanks, I tried to mimic one of my mom's recipes. Who would've thought they'd have hamburger meat today. Plus you helped a ton too Kai."

You turn towards Kai who's packing up the meal in to-go containers. He has a sheepish grin on his face. You take a closer look and let out a playfully exasperated sigh.

You've got some food on your face."

What do you mean? I would never get into the food without properly giving thanks." His coy tone only makes things funnier.

Ah huh, sure. That doesn't change the fact that you have food on your face. "

He proceeds to attempt to clear his face, but he keeps missing. A daring idea blossoms in mind.

Kai," he stops and looks at you, your tone of voice has changed, "come here."

He follows your request and when he is close enough, you reach for his chin and pull his face close. You lean in and press your lips against the piece of hamburger meat tucked against the left crease of his mouth. You part your lips slightly and lick it up. You feel the heat rising in Kai's face, so when you pull away you're not surprised by its redness.

There. I got it."

He just nods dumbly at you stunned. You poke his shoulder effectively helping him out of his stupor.

Can I ask you something?"

Yeah sure."

Why'd you ask me out?"

What?"

I mean, you've been giving off this vibe and it's a little confusing."

Me? Confusing? (F/N) if anyone is confusing it's you."

Okay, now you're making zero sense."

Kai frowns and tugs at his bottom lip - it's his thinking face.

I asked you out because I think you're really awesome. You're playful, but serious. Stubborn, but reasonably flexible. You've got this infectious personality that I want to be around all the time."

Oh. . ." You tug at the hem of your skirt, a bit overwhelmed at his confession.

Since we've been hanging out so much and you never brought it up I thought you were angry about how I asked. I thought I'd make today a special day as an apology, ya know?"

You were completely lost. 'What is this "it" he's talking about?'

Kai, I don't want to seem rude, but what're you talking about?"

His entire demeanor shifts and he seems to physically welt.

Were the messages that bad that you blocked them from your memory?"

What messages?"

The ones where I asked you to Rakuzan's end of the year festival." You feel your heart stop. You'd never been asked to a school festival before, not even in junior high. You think back and clench your jaw. 'That two timing piece of shit. He erased Kai's messages before he tossed me back my phone.' You look up from your realization and find Kai waiting for your reply.

I never got them, but I would love to go with you! That would make me so happy."

Kai's smile in that moment melts your heart. His hand reaches out and grabs yours giving it a light squeeze. The moment is interrupted as the manager enters your kitchen area.

You're time is almost up."

Okay. We'll be done soon."

Thank you, have a wonderful day."

The manager turns to leave, but pauses,

Congratulations by the way. I've heard great things about Rakuzan's end of the year festival."

Both you and Kai turn bright pink as your eyes scan the rest of the shop. It looks as though you had had an audience.

I'm going to go use the bathroom."

Gotcha, I'll wait outside."

You turn your head to look out the shop's windows and catch three pairs of eyes staring in your direction. 'What the hell?' You head out to investigate.

"Oh shit. She definitely saw us!"

Akashi is such a dumbass. How could he let such a total babe slip past him. Her figure. . ." Aomine begins hum in pleasure.

Aomine-kun, that is inappropriate and rude."

Aw, come on Tetsu. Don't act like you wouldn't bang her if you could." Kuroko lights up at Aomine's words. Thankfully Kagami steps in.

Back off Aho-mine. You're making Kuroko uncomfortable."

Aomine brings his hands up in mock surrender.

Sorry Baka-gami. I forgot Tetsu only has eyes for one person."

The suggestive look Aomine gives the pair has the light/shadow duo sputtering in denial.

Geez you both are so obvious. No one cares, just make it official already. Save everyone the fucking trouble of pretending like we can't connect the fucking dots." He then proceeds to make an obscene gesture with his hands.

Kuroko is about to chastise Aomine on his vulgarity, but a feminine voice interrupts the trio. All three boys pale as one thought passes through their minds: 'Akashi is so going to kill us.'

"Have you guys been following me?" The basketball players trip over potential answers - Kuroko ultimately takes the lead.

Of course not. Why would you think such a thing (L/N)-chan."

Aomine and Kagami facepalm. For someone with zero presence Kuroko was the worst at espionage.

Um. . . How do you know my name?"

None of the boys answer. Instead they begin to slowly back away.

Hey! You can't just leave. Answer my question."

Sorry no can do." The tall tanned boy with navy hair responds. You narrow your eyes as you take in their appearance. Kai comes up behind you concerned by your current situation. Something clicks.

Oh you have got to be fucking kidding me!" Your fists clench at your sides.

"Aomine, Kagami, and Kuroko - where is he?"

How do you know who we are?"

Yeah, he said you didn't like basketball."

Fucking shit" Kuroko elbows Aomine who stifles a yelp.

"I lied. So fess up where is he?" Kai carefully butts in,

Um, who are we talking about"

You're even more than an idiot than Aomine."

Watch it Kagami." Both you and Aomine respond at the same time. Kagami rolls his eyes.

Kai, meet Aomine Daiki, Kagami Taiga, and Kuroko Tetsuya."

Kai begins to put two and two together.

Are you serious?"

Dead serious. Now excuse me. Knowing Seijuro he's around here somewhere. He's too much of a control freak not to be."

You stalk off towards an out of place vehicle with tinted windows that's caught your attention. You use your knuckles to tap against the back window.

I know you're in there asshole."

The window slowly rolls down and Akashi's face is revealed. Your breath catches. You had missed his appearance. Shaking away the thoughts you straighten your back and proceed.

Open up, we need to talk."

Akashi begrudgingly unlocks the back door and slides over. His driver pulls down the barrier between the front and back of the car.

I can't believe you right now!" If you had the space you would be pacing.

You had two of your former teammates and one rival follow me on a date! Not to mention you deleted messages that Kai sent to me about the end of the year festival! Do you have no concept of privacy? Or how about a little bit of decency? It's been hard enough getting over whatever there was, if there was anything in the first place, between us when you basically stomped on my feelings and walked away! So how dare you snoop and try to disrupt the first thing that's actually helped me forget the pain. Pain you causes jackass. So for once could you follow your own damn set of rules and let this insignificant peasant girl live her life without you butting in? 'Cause from what you've been telling me it's really unbecoming of someone such as yourself to keep getting involved. Make up your mind, my heart can't handle your games."

You take a moment to catch your breath. You'd no idea you had been holding all of that in. You turn towards Akashi expectantly. He's just staring at you, his face unreadable. You take a shaky breath in. His attitude says it all.

I don't even know why I bothered to tell you all of that." You let out a huff of air and turn to unlock your door. Your conversation over.

Wait."

Why? You've made it pretty clear you want nothing to do with me. I'm done being your toy. It's not fair." You keep your back turned.

Look at me." You swallow before turning your head.

What is i-."

Your words are muffled by his lips against yours. Your response is instantaneous. Your arms wrap around his neck, your fingers tangle themselves in his hair. The feel of his hands against your face lights a spark in your gut. You move closer to him and end up straddling his hips. Akashi's lips press eagerly against your own and you pull his face closer- wanting, needing more of him. His smell, mysterious and delicate, with top notes of black pepper, and herbal heart notes.1He engulfs your senses. You part your lips and he tentatively enters your mouth. The soft contact between your tongues causes you both to groan. Your hips begin to rock into his groin. When Akashi tilts your head back to deepen the kiss you feel yourself beginning to lose control. Your movements become frantic and greedy. You want more. Akashi too starts to rock his own hips into yours only exciting you more. You moan against his lips and aggressively explore his mouth. One hand reaches to unbutton his shirt. You want to feel him.

Seijuro. . ." You gasp his name in a husky voice. You feel one of his hands travel to your skirt and he hitches it up. His fingers trace patterns against your thigh and you tighten your grip in his hair, your breathing is jerky. You can feel his excitement. Your own excitement starts to spread into your abdomen as knot of nerves begins to form between your legs. Calloused fingers travel further up your skirt and you've finally gotten half of his chest exposed. You pull away from the kiss and lean your head towards his exposed chest. Light kisses and small nibbles against is skin send shivers up Akashi's spine. His hand has finally made it to your undergarment. He can feel the moistness collecting in your underwear. Your thoughts are all over the place. You couldn't keep anything straight. 'What had you been doing before this? This felt so good. Why weren't you doing this more often? Were you with someone before Akashi?' A memory surfaces,

I asked you out because I think you're really awesome. You're playful, but serious. Stubborn, but reasonably flexible. You've got this infectious personality that I want to be around all the time."

Kai. . .' You stop your trail of kisses and pull away. Akashi makes a sound of protest before opening his eyes. They're laced with desire. You untangle your hand from his hair and rest both of them against his chest. You need the space to catch your breath. 'Woah, that was intense.'

Why do you want to be with me?" Akashi looks at you quizzically.

Well, because you're a challenge of course."

The words cut through your euphoria like a fire through a dry forest. You push yourself off his lap doing your best to hold back your tears.

You're a real heartless bastard, you know that?" Your voice trembles and you clench your teeth at your weakness. 'I can't believe I thought anything had changed. He's never gonna change. Not now, not ever.'

What did I say?"

The wrong thing. Thanks though, you've helped me realize that I'm better off without you. So I'll be going to the festival with Kai and I'll forget all about you and the space that you could have taken up in heart: Akashi-san."

You open your door and exit the car. Akashi is left perplexed and very aroused. You always seem to leave him in that state.

"So they're on a first name basis? I'll be damned. Looks like Akashi might have some game after all."

Will you shut up. There's nothing between (F/N) and that person."

Cool it lover boy. No need to get so defensive."

Aomine-kun, you are not helping the situation."

Tetsu- you're the reason there's a situation to begin with. If you hadn't let her last name slip we'd be home free."

Oi, Aomine! If it's anyone's fault it's yours. Your obnoxious aura is what probably tipped her off to us in the first place."

You wanna go Baka-gami?"

Try me stripper boy."

That was one time!" The pair descend into bickering. Kuroko quietly observes making sure they don't get too out of hand. He takes the time to take in this Kai guy. He has an athletic build, a handsome face, and by the concerned look on his face he cares for you deeply. He visibly brightens at your reappearance.

Sorry it took so long. I forgot he likes to rant."

What about your li-." Kuroko jabs his light in the ribs.

Ow Kuroko, what the hell!"

It's time for us to go. (L/N)-chan. We apologies for the disruption." Kuroko takes a bow and the other two follow his lead mumbling their apologies. They take their leave and you can hear their argument about where they'll be having dinner grown faint as they move further away.

So. . ." You hide your face completely embarrassed, Kai was definitely going to end your date right then.

The food is still kinda warm. If you want I know this nearby park we can sit and eat at."

A smile gradually takes its place on your face, your relief evident in your relaxed posture.

Sounds like fun."

Kai begins to walk in the opposite direction Aomine, Kagami, and Kuroko went. You turn your head and are surprised to see Akashi's car still parked. You graze a finger against your lips, they're bruised from your "kiss." You close your eyes and let one tear roll down your cheek. You count to ten, wipe the tear away, and run to catch up with Kai.

What took you so long? Everything okay?"

Yeah, I was just letting go of something."

You let Kai interlace your fingers as he lead the way to the park confident that you had made the right decision.

Akashi takes a few moments to collect his thoughts and tame his raging erection. You seemed to always get the better of him. It was nice in a way - having someone who could outwit him. You allowed him to be the teen he's seen his old teammates be. He taps on the barrier once he's sure he is ready. His driver looks at him through the rearview mirror.

Sir?"

Turn around we're picking a up a few people."

Nodding in confirmation Akashi's driver starts the car. The time it takes to reach them allows Akashi to think about what had just occurred. The swift look of pain that overcame your face at his words. It had made a part of Akashi ache that he had thought would never ache again: his heart. He didn't know what had overtaken him. He'd wanted that moment to be the moment. Not sexually, but emotionally. He wanted his actions to convey what his words couldn't. How much he needs you, you being a key to a part of himself his upbringing had caged away. But his damn words. They always ruined everything. Like the night after he had stayed and had dinner. The words had just flowed. No matter how hard he had tried to stop, to shut his mouth he couldn't. It had felt as though two different parts of him were fighting for control. Something strikes Akash: the thought he had after you ran away when he'd called you by your first name. That's what had ruined everything. The part of him he thought had been destroyed after losing the Winter Cup was still very much alive. It frightened the Emperor. Nonetheless he made a promise that he would do everything to cage that side of him, so that it no longer posed a threat to you or to him.

Sir, we're here."

I'll be right back." Akashi waves off his driver's attempt to get out to open his door. He steps out of the car and takes a quick stretch. The night air still felt warm against his face. It didn't take him long to find them.

What are you doing here?"

Good evening to you too Aomine."

The Tōō player shuffles his feet, glancing back every few seconds or so.

Ah, Akashi-kun you found us." Aomine turns his head and glares at Kuroko.

Kuroko! You told him where to find us?!" Kagami looks at his partner shocked.

Of course Kagami-kun. We owe Akashi-kun that much."

Both lights inwardly groan. Only Kuroko would have a conscious in the face of Akashi's wrath.

Come. We have much to discuss." Seconds pass and Akashi grows impatient. He lets his eyes flash.

Alright, alright. We're moving no need to get your briefs in a bunch." Aomine hurries past the Rakuzan player.

Boxers."

Aomine turns his head back towards Akashi confused.

I wear boxers not briefs Aho-mine."

The Emperor brushes past his stunned friend. He hides a shit eating grin at the sound of Kagami's laughter.

Bwah, ha ha! He called you Aho-mine!" Kagami folds over clutching his stomach.

You just got showed up by Akashi on your own joke! God, I wish I'd gotten it on camera."

The tan boy growls. "Fuck off Kagami. It wasn't even that funny."

Whatever you say." The redhead collects himself as his final laugh leaves his body. Kagami turns and looks at his Shadow. "Come on then Kuroko."

The duo almost hold hands, but a loud cough causes them both to freeze. They look up like two deer caught in headlights.

Like I said, obvious. If you can barely handle holding hands in public I don't know what's gonna happen when you two finally start fucking. The world will probably explode is my guess." Aomine chuckles to himself as he continues to walk towards Akashi's car his hands tucked in his pockets.

Aomine!"

Aomine-kun!"

He waves them both off.

Hurry up, I'm not taking Akashi's shit 'cause you two decided to hold hands and go frolcik in some daisies."

When all three boys finally take their seats, Aomine calling shotgun, the car pulls away from the curb.

"Akashi-kun."

Earth to Akashi."

The Emperor starts awake.

What?"

We're here. And while normally I'd never wake up someone up who's napping, seeing as it's one of my biggest pet peeves, I've got to take a leak and you're the only one with a key."

Alashi shakes the sleep from his body and slides out of the car. He leads the way up his steps and into his home.

You know the way to my room correct?"

Yeah, why? You not coming?"

I've got to eat dinner."

Alright then, see ya."

They continue up the main stairs while Akashi makes a left into the kitchen. He flips on the light and instantly spots the note on the fridge door.

Son,

I'll be gone on business until the end of April. Apologies for I won't be there for the start of your second year.

Akashi Hiroto 02/15/2016

Rolling his eyes Akashi crumples the note and tosses it into the trash. His father had never once been home for one of his first days of school. His mother had always dropped him off. After her death house maids had made the effort until he had told them he was too old for being dropped off. It had never felt the same.

Opening the fridge Akashi takes a peek under the aluminum covering his dinner. His faces contracts in disgust. Stuffed portobello mushrooms. Scowling at the meal, he closes the door and heads into the pantry. Careful as to not disturb anything, Akashi reaches behind a tall stack of pasta and pulls out an instant ramen cup.

Were you waiting for a catered buffet or something?

"Please Aomine. Buffets are only for the holidays."
"That was a rhetorical question!"

Whatever, that doesn't matter. Why'd you bring us to your house other than to chew us out for royally messing up?"

Well truthfully I also messed things up with (F/N)."

Are you serious? She was in your car long enough to suggest things had gone over pretty well."

Ah. that's where I messed up."

What?"

Aomine-kun you're not asking the right questions."

Okay fine what would you ask smart ass?"

Can you tell us everything? Start from the beginning please Akashi-kun."

So, Akashi recounts all that had transpired between you and him. He skips the nitty gritty details. Though from the looks on their faces he could've been a bit more sparse in his detail.

And then she left the car."

Silence fills Akashi's bedroom.

Haha, shit Akashi. You're human too! You know I'd always had my doubts but now there's no denying it."

A hard hand connects with the backside of Aomine's head.

Ow! Kagami what was that for?"

Now is not the time to be cracking your piss poor jokes." Aomine sobers up quickly and glances towards Akashi.

Sorry dude."

What should I do?"

Well he goes to Rakuzan right?"

Yeah and?"

You still basically run the school correct?"

Of course." The boys roll their eyes at Akashi's chest puffing out proudly.

Then you should get him problem solved."

Nice thinking Aomine. Who'd have thought your brain actually functions."

Don't push it Kagami."

Well, what do you think Akashi?"

I think it sounds like a reasonable course of action."

NO! Akashi-kun it's an awful idea," Kurko shoots Aomine a death glare, "you should be ashamed. Giving such poor advice. And you Kagami for agreeing." The light grins sheepishly.

Testu, we can't all be saints."

You have another idea Kuroko?"

Yes. My idea will win (F/N)'s heart back without a doubt. And you don't have to pull dirty tricks either."

Stop giving me that look Tetsu! It was a decent idea!"

You both are so troublesome. Like quarreling siblings - let it go!"

Kuroko clears his throat and all attention returns to the important topic of discussion.

Okay , here's my plan. . ."

All four boys look around their circle eagerly, goofy grins plastered on all their faces. Their eyes communicate silently. 'This'll definitely work' they think in unison.

A/N: KnB babies made a cameo! I hope they weren't too OOC. They were so much fun to write though & I hope I was able to peg down their individual personalities. Well there you have it Chapter 10! I know things have become a rollercoaster, but I have a plan and it'll make it all worth it (believe me I'm swooning just thinking about it). Your comments, love, questions and critiques are always appreciated, even if it's as simple as "Good job." I really do want to hear what you all have to say & how you're enjoying the story/ if there is anything I can improve on in terms of character development, pacing, plot etc.

1. Description came straight from this article: interest/2013-12-03/smell-like-akashi-and-murasakibara-from-kuroko-basketball