Lovely Jewels

Memories, Lies

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Midorima looked behind the redhead to see Aomine enter as well. He pushed up his glasses and let out a tired sigh. "Let me make sure Kuroko is made comfortable, then we'll talk."

Akashi openly glared at the taller male, but let him pass. Kuroko was a priority. He looked at Murasakibara from the corner of his eye and reached into a pocket of his, pulling out a bag of sweets. "Atsushi, take this and calm down."

Murasakibara gently took the food from Akashi, looking satisfied. "Thank you, Akachin."

Midorima placed a tray of teacups on a table and took a seat on a cushion. He watched his friends pick up their cups before getting his. While holding the cup near his mouth, he eyed Aomine. "Why don't you begin by telling us what happened when we left?"

"Tch," Aomine muttered quietly, feeling all eyes go to him. He especially felt himself getting heated up (and not in the naughty way) from Akashi's gaze. He made a point to ignore the redhead before beginning to speak. "Tetsu was in the garden with…Haizaki."

The Kiseki no Sedai tensed up at the name. Akashi kept himself calm and met Aomine's gaze. After a few more moments of silence, Aomine continued.

"I didn't see what happened, but when I came, Tetsu was on the floor and Haizaki had that stupid smirk on his face," the tanned male stated, clenching and unclenching his fists. "He said that this was a gift to Akashi."

Akashi's eyes narrowed upon hearing this. "A gift?" he inquired with a mocking tone.

Midorima's head snapped up as a sudden realization dawned on him. "Akashi," he called out, waiting for the said person to turn to him. "I understand what has happened to Kuroko and it does involve you."

Akashi remained silent.

"It's an ability that Haizaki possesses," Midorima stated. "It's called Memory Stealer."

Murasakibara arched a brow at Midorima's words. Being the best person with mind powers in the room, he was very intrigued. The purple-head hadn't heard of that ability in a long time.

"What Haizaki did was that he managed to make contact with Kuroko, somewhere on the head, and with that stole some memories from him," Midorima explained. "Based on Kuroko's reaction," stated Midorima, "it looks like the memories he stole had to do with you."

"That doesn't explain why he's so afraid of me now," Akashi cut in. He crossed his arms, waiting for some sort of explanation from Midorima.

The greenhead let out a sigh. "Haizaki's ability not only allows him to steal a perosn's memories, but he replaces what he stole with twisted replicas." He averted his gaze from Akashi's before adding, "That's exactly what he did to Kuroko's memories of you."

Akashi's body visibly tensed and he refrained from making a nice hole in the wall. "Well, it looks like I'll just have to correct those memories," Akashi bit out. He started walking towards the hallway, but was stopped by Midorima.

"You can't, Akashi," Midorima declared, albeit a bit shakily. A small bead of sweat formed at his temple before slowly starting its descent down the curve of his face.

Akashi smiled, scaring the others in the room.

"A-Akashicchi!" Kise stuttered. He gulped when the redhead turned his stony gaze towards him. "Y-You can't because…well…"

"You saw how Kuroko reacted to you," Midorima added in. "His powers fluctuated to the point where he could have time-traveled." Midorima felt as if he was losing years of his life by having Akashi stare him down. "If he sees you, we could lose him."

Akashi closed his eyes, letting his thoughts calm so he could better assess the situation. There was a long silence filling the room, the other members too afraid to make a sudden move. They were all waiting for Akashi to say something.

"Fine," Akashi finally conceded in a bitter tone. He opened his eyes and stepped back from Midorima, hating how things were not going his way. "I'll stay out of his sight," Akashi finished, pained with his own words. He turned around and left the room.

As soon as Akashi was gone, Midorima turned to the other members. "The only way this situation can be fixed is if Kuroko himself realizes that those memories Haizaki gave him are fake," he explained. "We'll just have to support him for now."

The other three nodded, disturbed, but fully ready to do whatever they could to help Kuroko. Aomine's expression expressed his true determination, masking his guilt. If only he had been to Kuroko's side sooner, none of this would have happened. He got up quickly and left the room, muttering something under his breath. Kise watched for a few seconds with worried eyes before getting up to follow.

Midorima nodded at Murasakibara before leaving the giant in the room alone. Murasakibara leaned back on the chair that he was sitting in. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a candy bar, easily ripping the wrapper open.

"I wonder how Murochin is doing," Murasakibara said aloud. "I think he would know what to do."

Kuroko awoke abruptly, throwing his sheets off of himself as he sat up. Sweat poured down from his forehead and his damp hair stuck to his face, causing a slight feeling of discomfort. Kuroko's chest rose and fell with each labored breath he took; his eyes wide open with fear. Suddenly, he gripped his head in pain as unwanted memories flashed before him.

Kuroko looked up through half-lidded eyes to see Akashi walking towards him. "A-Akashi-san?" mumbled Kuroko. He closed his eyes again in pain from his pounding headache. Beside him, the bed sank from some weight.

"Tetsu~ya," Akashi cooed, causing the light-blue head to open his eyes. "I have some water for you."

Kuroko moved to sit up, pushing himself against the headboard of the bed, trying to make himself smaller. "N-No, Akashi-san," pleaded Kuroko as he tried to push Akashi's hand back.

Akashi shushed Kuroko by placing his finger to the other's lips. Ah, so soft. His eyes suddenly narrowed, flashing dangerously. His hand quickly fell from Kuroko's lips to the small boy's frail, pale neck. "Calm down, Tetsuya." He squeezed, smirking with the gasp that Kuroko emitted.

"Ah-Aka-a-shi-sa-san," Kuroko managed to get out. His hands pulled at the one the redhead had around his neck. Tears filled the corners of his eyes.

Suddenly Akashi let go of Kuroko's neck and dropped a water bottle on his head. "Goodnight, Tetsuya," Akashi said in a low whisper. He turned and immediately left the room.

Kuroko closed his eyes, wheezing from the moments before, and heard footsteps shuffling to the door, followed by the click of the lock.

Kuroko fell back to the pillow he had been laying on before. That memory seemed so twisted…so wrong…but so real! He let out a whimper, feeling alone in the dark room he was in as another memory invaded his mind.

Kuroko slowly scribbled numbers on his paper as he tried to find the value of this wretched x. His numbers were starting to look a bit off so he looked back at his work only to find that he had forgotten to carry a negative sign. Mentally face-palming himself, he set to work to erasing all his markings. His rough erasing was interrupted by a knock on his door. Kuroko turned around just in time to see Akashi slip in.

Akashi silently closed the door behind him before looking at Kuroko, flashing a smirk at him. He watched as Kuroko let his pencil drop to the desk, stalking towards the sitting male. "Tetsuya~."

Kuroko was too slow to react as he saw Akashi move forward and slam his head against the table. He immediately moved his hands to push Akashi away, but instead let out a painful gasp when Akashi pressed down harder. "Stop, please."

"Hmm," Akashi replied in a mocking tone. "I'm just trying to help with your homework, Tetsuya."

"A-ah," Kuroko quivered, feeling his body drained of energy. He rolled over, curling into the fetal position. Everything was so foreign.

Akashi reached out and placed his hand over Kuroko's, noticing the stiffness coming from the other male. "I scared you."

Kuroko finally looked over at Akashi only to be met with the intense gaze of the other's red and gold eyes. He could immediately tell that the look in Akashi's eyes meant trouble and he slapped the hand away. He flinched when the redhead suddenly grabbed his hand. "Why?"

Akashi tightened his hold on Kuroko's hand and brought it close to his face, smirking while he did so. He continued to stare into Kuroko's baby blue eyes as he placed a chaste kiss on the bluehead's hand. "Forgive me," Akashi muttered mockingly.

Kuroko's stomach flipped multiple times. Akashi's words, actions, stare…all of it was too frightening. He didn't know how to react. He tried to pull his hand away, but Akashi tightened his hold, making Kuroko fear for the bones in his hand. "A-Akashi-san."

Akashi shoved Kuroko to the floor, watching the light-blue head wince from pain. "Oops, Tetsuya."

Kuroko opens his eyes, tears pooling in his blue depths. He rubbed them away and pushed himself to a sitting position. Confused as he is, Kuroko still managed to get up from the futon he was lying in. He stumbled towards the door, aware that this wasn't his room. Kuroko shielded his eyes as he slid the door open.

"Tetsuya?"

Kuroko looked around bewilderedly before finally catching sight of…Akashi. The redhead was leaning against a wall of the hallway and he looked just as surprised to see him. Fear flooded through his system once again and he immediately started backing down the hallway, tripping in the process.

Akashi took a step forward, but recoiled when Kuroko let out a shout. "Tetsu-"

"Get away! I'm sorry," Kuroko blurted, covering his eyes, his powers beginning to fluctuate once more.

Akashi stayed, torn, but he didn't have to wait for long for the other members appeared quickly. Kise dropped to Kuroko's side and began comforting them while Akashi quickly made himself scarce. Midorima administered some medicine to Kuroko, before the group let him rest again.

Night fell quickly with Kuroko only waking a few times, but he seemed to be saner than in the morning. Midorima allowed the light-blue head to stay in his room, leaving to occupy a nearby guest room. The rest of the members left Kuroko alone as well, hoping that he would come around.

Kuroko was fast asleep, his chest rising with each small and even breath he took. Oblivious to everything around him, he failed to notice that the door to his room had slid open. Silent footsteps made their way towards Kuroko.

Akashi slowly bent down to sit next to Kuroko. There was no harm if Kuroko couldn't see him, right? He carefully reached out to caress Kuroko's cheek, feeling comforted when the light-blue head seemed to lean into his touch. Asleep, Kuroko's body seemed to remember who Akashi was.

"I'll kill Shōgo for doing this to you," Akashi murmured, his eyes narrowing with his words. He scooted closer to Kuroko and cautiously began lifting him up into his arms. "He's dead for trying to take away what is obviously mine."

Akashi placed himself on the futon with Kuroko between his legs, the small male's back resting on his chest. Closing his eyes, Akashi began to whisper into Kuroko's ear. "I've knelt before you before, Tetsuya," Akashi began. "I promised to protect you." He smiled bitterly. I have to work harder.

Kuroko stirred a bit, moving to get into a more comfortable position. He felt his body surrounded by inviting warmth. "Mmph," groaned Kuroko.

Akashi's eyes softened as he held Kuroko tighter in his arms. He nuzzled Kuroko's horrid bed hair, relishing in its softness. "Tetsuya," Akashi called out softly. "Are you listening?" He held on when Kuroko shifted his position once again. "I would never hurt you, regardless of what your memories are telling you now."

Kuroko began to slowly stir. His picked up on another's voice as his body realized that it was flushed against something warm. His eyelids fluttered open, revealing Midorima's moonlit room. His gaze fell to see a pair of knees on either side of him.

"Tetsuya."

A shiver traveled up Kuroko's spine as he noticeably stiffened. This voice…it isn't… Kuroko thought, starting to tremble. He didn't dare turn around, but instead began to push himself away from the body holding him. His body began to perspire, making him feel more uncomfortable. Kuroko's eyes widened in panic as the arms around him tightened their hold.

"Tetsuya, listen to me," Akashi ordered sternly. He buried his face in the crook of Kuroko's neck. "Please."

Kuroko could feel tears pool in his eyes, but he was now confused about whether or not they were from fear or sadness. Sadness? Why am I feeling sad? He inhaled deeply, still terrified, but willing to hear Akashi out. Memories still lingered in his thoughts.

"I would never hurt you," Akashi whispered. "No matter what your memories are telling you." He felt Kuroko trying to pull away again.

"S-Stop," Kuroko stuttered as he loosened the grip Akashi had on his waist. He continued to push forward, but Akashi flipped him around and pinned him to the futon. Kuroko shut his eyes closed, too scared to see the other pair of eyes that were surely staring down at them.

Akashi's brows furrowed. "Your memories are lies."

Kuroko opened his eyes in shock. "No!"

"All of them with me are lies," Akashi continued, correcting himself. He caught both of Kuroko's wrists when the smaller male tried to push him off. "You know they are lies."

Kuroko was still too weak to put up much of a struggle, so Akashi easily moved both of his thin wrists into one hand above Kuroko's head. Kuroko met the heterochromatic gaze above him for a split second before quickly looking away. He began breathing hard, flinching when he felt a hand cup his cheek.

"I will make you believe me, Tetsuya," Akashi growled, maddened at seeing the state that Haizaki had caused his precious Kuroko to be in. His thumb gently caressed Kuroko's cheek.

"Believe?" Kuroko closed his eyes tightly, feeling so confused. Something inside him was telling him to let go, that his memories were wrong. He opened his eyes slowly, still unsettled by the man on top of him, but fighting to feel calmer.

Akashi stared down, feeling intensely attracted to the half-lidded eyes that Kuroko was presenting to him. He'll believe me if I show him how I truly feel. He moved his hand from Kuroko's cheek and swiftly lifted up his chin.

Kuroko's eyes widened a bit, but he had no time to react when he found another pair of hot lips on his warm ones. The action shocked him and he let out a gasp of surprise that was quickly swallowed by Akashi. Akashi took the opportunity to deepen the kiss and tilted Kuroko's chin up a bit more. He sucked on the bottom of the smaller male's lips, keeping his eyes open even as Kuroko closed his.

Kuroko stopped struggling, feeling the warmth and caring coming from Akashi's kiss. He felt Akashi let go of his wrists and entwine his hand with one of his freed ones. Akashi gave Kuroko's now swollen lip a sensual lick before pulling away.

"Believe me now?" Akashi asked, already knowing the answer. He smirked and placed a light kiss on Kuroko's nose, delighting in the fact that it caused him to blush.

Kuroko slowly nodded, flustered. He was coming to terms with the fact that his memories were nothing but twisted replicas. The memories that had invaded his mind before were gently correcting themselves. He moved the hand that Akashi wasn't holding to wipe away a loose tear. "Akashi-san," Kuroko breathed, relieved that he could finally see Akashi without the dark aura surrounding him.

Akashi lowered his head so that he was able to breath on Kuroko's ear. "I love you, Tetsuya," murmured Akashi as he wrapped his arms around Kuroko's torso, pulling him into a hug.

Kuroko let a blush blossom across his cheeks, but just as he was about to say something, the door slid open, blinding the two on the floor. Akashi lifted his head to glare at the light, noticing immediately what it was silhouetting. Kuroko too looked, showing a familiar blankness in his expression.

"K-K-KUROKOCCHI!"

"Damn it, Kise!" Aomine yelled as he pushed Kise out of the way. "Tetsu is sleeping!"

Aomine turned to look into the room to see Akashi and Kuroko in their compromising situation before turning around again quickly to hide his blush. Kise fell to the ground crying his many tears, bawling about how he was losing his Kuroko. Their commotion eventually attracted the attention of Midorima who angrily slid open his door to assess the matter at hand.

Kise turned to Midorima with tear-filled eyes. "Midorimacchi, Akashicchi is…is…"

Midorima brushed past the blubbering Kise to Kuroko's door just in time to see Akashi pull Kuroko into a sitting position…on his lap. Akashi smirked up at the greenhead before pulling Kuroko closer. Midorima closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Kuroko sighed softly, feeling extremely lightheaded. He was sure this wasn't from the kiss, but things were becoming hard to comprehend. Leaning against Akashi's strong and warm chest, he closed his eyes and succumbed to the world of dreams.

Akashi and Midorima immediately looked down at Kuroko's limp body. Akashi's eyes narrowed, but before he could do anything, Midorima stepped forward.

"I believe his tired state is a side affect of him regaining his memories," Midorima informed. "It's best to let him rest for the rest of the night."

Akashi nodded. "Fine, I'll be here with him. You may return to your room, Shintarou." He laid Kuroko gently back on the futon. "The rest of you do the same," Akashi commanded, not bothering to turn around.

Midorima left on his own accord, silently worrying about Kuroko's safety. Aomine picked up Kise and began dragging him to his own room. Kise let himself be led, still in shock over what he saw.

Akashi stood up and closed the door after making sure the others were gone. He turned around and watched Kuroko's even breathing, noting the tired expression in his face. He returned to the futon and brushed the bangs away from Kuroko's forehead before pressing a light kiss to it.

Kuroko continued to sleep, oblivious once again.

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support! Without you guys, I wouldn't have been able to make it to the 10th chappy!

Personal thanks to:

Tennu - No problem, haha! *Haizaki destroys pineapple with ash* Haizaki - WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT? Jin Juhua Lang - Calm down, Haizaki-san, she's only expressing her love, haha! But yes, thank you for reviewing!

BashyBunny- LOL, what? Haha, I'm glad you thought the chapter was nice! And yes, those omakes! I have too much fun writing them!

shirobara1 - Yay! I'm happy that you stumbled onto this story and liked it! Thank you for all your compliments and will do!

telletha - Thank you! I'm happy that you think the plot is getting interesting! That's what I was hoping for! Thank you for all your support as well!

Shadow of an Echo - Thank you! Yes, Haizaki is undoubtedly playing a role in developing Akashi's and Kuroko's relationship! Though I smell another obstacle coming... *whew* I'm so happy, I thought I made Aomine and Kise go out of character. Nononono! Anytime you review is good! And it's okay, don't worry! College is very draining yes! So thank you for your support even though you've been busy!

Aiko - Don't worry I understand! Thank you for taking the time to review anyway! I hope Akashi's reaction was satisfying!

MissSexyRain - And now Kuroko has his memories back...or does he? Haha, thank you for reviewing!

And oooo, a kiss scene! Haha, I'm sooo sorry, I suck at kiss scenes! Hopefully with practice I'll get better! I also hope that the page breaks this chapter weren't too annoying...

It hurt my heart to twist up those scenes! But I have a proposal! I have an AkaKuro one-shot written up! Give me the chapters and sections (Sections separated by page breakers) of each of the flashbacks via review/pm (whichever is easier) and the first person to get it right, I will dedicate the one-shot to you! So I'm going to post it regardless, I just thought it would be fun to make this a little competition...

I do have a question though, how long is too long for a fanfic, chapter wise? I believe my story will go over 20 chapters...will you still be interested then?

I will try my best to keep up with my writing this week and thank you again for your continued support!