The next day was oddly calm for Kuroko. He woke up to a quiet house, as his siblings had already fixed themselves breakfast and left for school. The bluenette checked the clocks three times, still paranoid that he was running late, but he was fine so far. When he got to school, Akashi greeted him only with a smile before turning to a book in his hands. It felt strange, that smile being directed toward him.

When practice came around, it was clear that the rest of the team was eager to see how things had turned out for Kuroko and Akashi- mostly because of Aomine's previous words. They were all curious to see if Akashi would really change his practices based on his relationship status.

Normally, Akashi would be able to detect such thoughts as well, but today was not a usual day. It was his first day officially dating Kuroko, and he was seeing the world through rose coloured glasses. As he entered the gym, he made a beeline to Kuroko, planting a small kiss on his cheek before turning to the rest of the team.

"Ten laps around the school. Then we'll run some plays, followed by a short practice game."

The others nodded and went to change before doing as instructed. Before Akashi came into the room, Aomine grinned triumphantly, looking to Kagami. "Told you he'd go easier on us. You owe me a Mai magazine."

Kagami glared at him. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I'll bring it tomorrow."

Kise beamed excitedly as he danced over to Kuroko. "Kuroko-cchi~ Seems like you and Akashi-cchi are a thing now, yes~?"

Kuroko blushed slightly, avoiding the blonde's eyes. "Yeah… I'm not sure how long it'll last though…"

Kise's smile faded, and he cocked his head curiously. "What do you mean?"

Kuroko sighed. "There's a reason I don't have relationships often. It won't be long before Akashi is sucked into my family's drama, and even more of my 'bipolar' tendencies."

Kise frowned, pondering on what to say, but before he could come up with anything, Akashi entered the room, ending the conversation.

"Atsushi, put your all into running today. Your long strides should be coupled with speed. Taiga, I don't care if you compete with Daiki, but don't get so worked up. It's annoying."

Kagami opened his mouth to argue when Kuroko jumped to his aid, clamping a hand over his mouth as Akashi glared at the hotheaded boy before continuing.

"Shintaro, what is your lucky item today?"

The green haired boy held up a doll. "A 2002 limited edition Tango Barbie."

Snickers were heard across the room, until Akashi sent a warning look to each individual. He then turned his crimson eyes back to Midorima. "Make sure it doesn't get in the way of practice, or you will be severely punished."

Midorima nodded, putting the Barbie to the side momentarily.

"Ryouta, don't spend too much time talking to Tetsuya or Daiki. Or anyone. In fact, don't say a word until the run is over."

"Ahh, so mean~" Kise whined.

"Daiki, I expect you to be in either first or second place by the end. If you are not, you will be punished, as well."

Kuroko spoke up then. "You say that as if it's a race."

Akashi nodded. "Perhaps it is. It seems to be the only way to motivate Daiki, anyway."

Aomine grinned excitedly. "Yes! I will destroy you Kagami!"

"Like hell you will!"

Akashi cleared his throat, and the room went silent once more. "Tetsuya," he said, "give it all you've got."

Kuroko nodded, and Akashi sent one last look to everyone.

"Alright. Go."

XXXXX

Once practice was over, everyone was panting heavily and complaining about how tired they were, but that was because it was the first practice they'd all truly enjoyed together. Akashi was still sending out death threats occasionally, and of course he still meant every one, but there was a calmness to him. Not the cold, calculating calm they were all used to. A true calm, one that made everyone else feel at ease, but also step up their game.

"Kuroko-cchi?" Kuroko blinked as he turned back to Kise, the blonde smiling at him from across the room. "You did good today. Better than you usually do in practices."

"…Thanks."

"So is it because you and Akashi had fun last night?"

Kuroko flushed as Kise wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Wh-"

Akashi swooped in then, causing Kise to pale and shy away sheepishly. "Actually we didn't get to have any fun last night," he said coolly before turning to Kuroko. "So what about tonight?"

Kuroko's blush only deepened as everyone's eyes were on him, and his heart was racing in his chest at the attention. "U-uh.. S-sure…"

Akashi smiled softly, shaking his head. "You can say no if you want to, Tetsuya."

Kuroko slowly shook his head as his eyes trailed to the others, and Akashi realized what he was thinking. He turned back to them, "There's nothing to see. Go home."

In an instant, everyone had disappeared but Kise. Akashi opened his mouth to repeat himself when Kuroko cut him off.

"Thank you, Kise."

The blonde's eyes widened. "Eh? For what?"

The bluenette's eyes shifted to Akashi for just a moment before finding the floor. "For not letting me make an even bigger mistake…"

Kise smiled and waved his hand dismissively. "I didn't do anything of the sort, Kuroko-cchi. But if you ever need anything-"

"I know, thank you."

The blonde nodded and waved goodbye before leaving the two alone.

Akashi then turned his gaze to Kuroko, who still wouldn't look him in the eye. "What did you mean by that?"

Kuroko shrugged. "Kise and Aomine are the ones that talked me into talking to you yesterday…"

Akashi was quiet for a moment before he wrapped an arm around his new boyfriend. "Well then I'm glad they did. Let's go, Tetsuya. We can get something for dinner on the way home."

Kuroko let the home comment slip for now, but he had to say something about the dinner. "You know I can't afford that."

"My treat. Think of it as an apology for being so hateful toward you for so long."

XXXXX

When Kuroko arrived home with Akashi in tow, he was met with a screech from Nina, a small smile from Shiiro, and a confused expression from Kenchi. The redhead smiled down at the little girl clinging to his leg as he somehow managed to make it to the table, setting down the armful of food he'd been carrying. Kuroko followed suit, placing the five drinks they'd bought on the table also.

Shiiro stared down at the food as if it was the food of the gods. "Akashi. I think I love you."

Akashi laughed softly. "No, you just love the food."

The boy smiled, nodding. "Yeah, you're probably right."

"Well I love you!" Nina exclaimed, still wrapped around his leg.

Akashi smiled at her before picking her up, eliciting a squeal as he did so. "Is that so?"

She nodded vigorously. "Yep~ If Tetsuya doesn't date you, I am!"

Akashi looked over to find Kuroko's face tinted pink, and his smile grew warmer. "Well I hate to break it to you, Nina, but he's beat you to it."

"Wait, what?" Kenchi asked, finally making himself a part of the conversation.

Kuroko nodded, avoiding his gaze. "He asked me out yesterday. I didn't get to tell you because you were so busy last night, and you weren't here this morning…"

Kenchi stared at him, eyes wide and mouth agape. "I thought you hated him!"

The bluenette shrugged, chancing a quick glance to the redhead in question. "I guess there's a pretty thin line between hate and… Anyway, dinner's here. Let's eat! I'm sure we all have homework to get done before school tomorrow."

"Tetsuya."

"What is it, Shiiro?"

"We don't have school tomorrow."

"Ehh, s-shut up. Let's eat."