AN: Phew, I finally managed to update, I know that you guys would probably kill me *dodges flying scissors* Oh Sei-chan how bad of you. This reason might be a little overused but I got caught up with college, I'm a graduating student after all, and it means thesis and yeah, the thesis for my course is a little bit extreme. OTL
So yah, I'm using my vacation to finally pick this story up! I have this draft in my files for like months now, and I've only manage to finish it today, I'm really really sorry to those who are still interested to read this, and to those who completely forgot about it, it's totally fine, I forgot about this several times too. OTL
Anyways, please enjoy this little Christmas gift I have for you guys. :D
Disclaimer: If I could direct your attention to the first quarter.
"talking"
'thinking'
'flashbacks'
10th Quarter: It will be alright.
Weeks after and it is already the eliminations for Inter-high, due to the added effort she's been giving, Kuroko didn't have the time to worry too much about her grandmother, whom got hold up and still hasn't come back home. She receives daily updates that her grandmother is doing well so it is fine in a sense, she can live on her own after all.
A little guilty part of her wish that she would be alone for a little while longer, seeing as a certain redhead is constantly asking her wellbeing and visits her whenever he has time. Try as she might, she can't bury the delight she feels whenever she see Akashi.
"Kuroko-chan!" Hearing her name called out, the tealhead looked up from her clipboard to see her coach waving at her.
"Hai?" Standing up to meet Aida, she contemplated before putting her clipboard down.
"Kuroko-chan, good work today! We've finished training for now so these guys would like to celebrate." Pointing her thumb to the clearly exhausted men behind her, Aida beamed as she cheerfully continued "So let's eat out after they shower! Sounds good right? Okay, it's settled." She clap her hands, deciding on her own and not even giving the Kuroko a chance to decline.
"Ano coac-" The trapped girl tried to protest but the way the other girl's smile widened even more made her swallow the words. "I'll just finish recording then I'm done."
The preliminary rounds for Inter-high is finally commencing and today it was a match between Seirin and Shuutoku.
A certain tealhead conspicuously looks around for any sign of red hair amongst the crowd as she walk with her team to the arena.
After receiving a message from Akashi that he could attend her team's first match. Kuroko was significantly, albeit not visibly, more determined to win the match, knowing that the redhead would be there to observe her improvements fueled her determination more.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice a pair of slender yet strong arms pulling her into an equally strong chest. She relaxed as soon as she breathe in the familiar scent though.
"Were you looking for me, Tetsumi?" Akashi bent down a little to whisper in her ear. The tealhead could only no, relishing in the warmth that the redhead is radiating.
To them and the rest of Seirin, this was a normal occurrence but the rest who were present was baffled, since from what the rumors say, the captain of the generation of the miracles was cruel, ruthless, and scary. It was certainly not this redhead who has his arms wrapped around an unknown girl, with a sincere smile gracing his features.
Kagami Taiga was not a slight bit happy about this, the redhead's words the time they went to the beach still ringing in his head.
'Why are you acting so chummy and in love with Kuroko if you aid it yourself that you don't like her?'
Unbeknownst to him, Aida Riko was thinking of the exact thing. Deciding that it was now or never, she made her move to separate the man from their cute and innocent manager.
"Kuroko-chan, sorry to disturb you reunion, but we need to go, the match will start in twenty minutes, we still need to prepare." This was not a full-blown lie for they really need to have their last meeting but it will only take about five minutes most.
It worked though for the tealhead made a move to remove Akashi's arm from around her waist.
"Sei-kun, my apologies but we need to go." Turning around to look at the redhead, she gave him a short bow before recomposing herself.
Akashi only managed to give her a half smile before dismissing them with his hand.
"It's fine Tetsumi, I plan on visiting Shintarou after all, I wish you luck on your first match." He said as he slightly patted the girls head. Kuroko, slightly annoyed with the gesture, grabbed his hand.
"I'll get shorter if you pat my head like that Sei-kun." She reprimanded.
"And it will only make you look more adorable." The redhead managed to state with a light laugh.
This fueled the girl's anger even more.
"Go, you need to see Midorima-kun don't you? Go now." Raising a hand to shoo the redhead away, she managed to finally convince he redhead to stop his antics.
The redhead only chuckled before ruffling her hair, and walking away without giving Kuroko a chance to react. He halted after a few steps though, looking at the tealhead before directing a piercing stare to the rest of her teammates. Specifically on the coach and the ace.
"Don't forget that the two of us will be having dinner tonight Tetsumi." Emphasizing on the 'two of us' part. It was the parting words the redhead said before he continued walking away.
The words may be directed to their manager but the team couldn't help but think that it was threat directed to them.
Aida felt a chill run down her spine, feeling that the stare Akashi gave her means he knows that she's up to something.
The bell rang signaling the end of the match. Both the players and audiences were astonished as they see the score.
Seirin – 82
Shuutoku – 81
After the shock diminished, with a loud cheer the winning team celebrated their victory. Kuroko couldn't keep the smile from her face. They've actually won! All of her efforts for this day was worth it.
As she finished her quiet celebration, she cast a glance at the opposing team, seeing the shocked face from the rest of them, her eyes remained at a certain greenhead a little longer, feeling slightly guilty that she helped in giving him his first taste of defeat. She has to do it though, it was for the sake of her dear friends who lost their way.
Midorima wandered off the arena, walking aimlessly as if he was in a trance. As he was about to ake his way to the exit, he spotted his former captain leaning with his arms crossed and head bowed against the wall next to it.
"Akashi." He greeted when the redhead raised his head to look at him.
"Shintarou, it's nice to see you again." Akashi uncrossed his arms and straighten up. Directing a sly smirk at his former shooting guard, he stated what Midorima expected from him when the greenhead finally lost.
"Have you been taught about defeat?" This was said with full mirth. The man was clear enjoying himself.
Midorima could feel his eyebrow twitch, this cunning redhead was obviously mocking what he said years ago.
"I do not know defeat" The redhead said as he gingerly placed the Shogi piece down to the board.
"What…?" Midorima didn't expect his captain to spout this spontaneously
"What? Are you trying to show off?" He rephrased his question. This seemed to be funny for Akashi for he gave a light laugh.
"Nah… Sorry. It just came to my mind. I'm certainly not hoping to lose. I'm just curious because I do not know it. Nothing more." The redhead stated with confidence as soon as he finished laughing.
"That's what you call a show off. If that's the case, I'll teach you eventually." He gripped the Shogi piece hard before putting it down.
The redhead stayed silent before taking away his piece.
"By the way, Shintarou…"
"I know, shut it." It seems that the greenhead lost again.
"… Shut up. I'm not in the mood for your witty remarks. "
"Funny, Tetsumi said something similar before." The redhead let out a subtle smirk at the mention of Kuroko.
"I can tell that you're enjoying it quiet well…" Midorima trailed off, unsure on how to properly respond.
"I am and what did I told you about underestimating Tetsumi? As I've said it a countless times before, I'm always-"
""I'm always right"? Don't joke around Akashi. Stop talking as if you know everything."
"Did you just cut me off Shintarou?"
"I did. You were talking about ridiculous things again."
The redhead gave a carefree chuckle, as if he was reminiscing the past.
"On a different note, have you seen Kuroko's new team? Specifically the Ace."
"Kagami Taiga? Oh, I talked to him a handful of times already. Is there something that I should worry about?" As usual for Akashi to figure it out.
"He's awfully close and quite protective over Kuroko. He might impose as a threat." He was not naïve, he is clearly aware about the feelings his former captain held for their often invisible manager and the tealhead returns the feelings wholeheartedly. How come they're not in a relationship yet had become one of their frequent topics back in the clubroom when the two people being talked about was currently absent. Doing exactly what, they didn't even dared to find out.
"I deemed him once as a potential candidate but thought against it, there will be a far better candidate after all and I see him more worthy than someone I only just met."
Midorima was at lost yet again.
"Hmph. As usual, you speak as if you know everything."
"You changed the topic though." The redhead smartly pointed out.
"Forget about that!" The megane exclaimed, clearly embarrassed at being caught.
Akashi just laughed again.
"Anyways, Tetsumi and I are going to have a celebration dinner. Would you like to accompany us?" He politely invited.
"And have my defeat smacked into my face? I would gladly refuse."
"I did not state it as such but we would enjoy it more if you could come." Akashi gave him a piece of paper with the said restaurant's name and address neatly written in an elegant handwriting that he recognized as Akashi's
"Oh. We would be there by 8:00, please don't be late." The redhead said as he walked towards the exit.
The greenhead, despite his strict composure let out a tired albeit happy sigh as he uttered "I appreciate the gesture."
Unbeknownst to him, Akashi heard him quite well.
To others, it may look like they were two reacquainted friends but they knew better.
They can never go back to the way they were before, not now, not when heis still around.
As expected, Midorima Shintarou arrived at the restaurant at exactly 8:00 pm. The way he tried to coerce his expression akin to a sour one. Restraining a laugh, Akashi settled on a sly smirk. He knew better than that of course.
"Shintarou, what a pleasant surprise it is to see you here." That doesn't restrain him from teasing the megane though.
"If I remember correctly, you were the one who invited me here, Akashi." Midorima stated as he pushes his glasses upward, seemingly not in the mood for the sly redhead's teasing.
"And if I remember correctly, you refused my invitation." Akashi knew that he should stop provoking the greenhead even more but why should he pass this opportune chance?
The megane let out an irritated sigh and wordlessly sat beside his former captain. Not wanting to be the target of the unexpectedly in a good mood redhead, he directed the attention to the tealhead sitting diagonally from him.
"Kuroko, good job today." As much as he can't accept their lost, it was impolite to not congratulate his former manager.
"Thank you Midorima-kun, but I don't appreciate the fact that you just noticed me because you want to change the subject." Scratch that, the woman is as bad as the man beside him. No wonder they get along so well.
"Now, now Tetsumi. Don't phrase it like that." The words, as reprimanding as they were, were said with amusement.
"My apologies Midorima-kun. I did not mean to spoil your plan." The tealhead even had the audacity to give him a mock bow. So much for being polite.
"Hmph. Can we just order?" 'So that I could finally be free from the two of you' was the unspoken words. It was bad enough with his former captain but to his equally ruthless former manager was over the top. He is sure that he will go crazy if he breathes in the same air as them for a long period time.
He thought that they would be more mature when they got older but it seemed that they got worse.
Midorima let out another exasperated sigh, he seems to be doing that more nowadays.
Despite the numerous teasing and held backs, the dinner went quite well, if you exclude the way that Midorima promptly excused himself after he witnessed Akashi feeding Kuroko. Only to be greeted by the sight of Kuroko feeding Akashi when he came back.
Seeing as it is already late, the redhead offered to take Kuroko home, knowing that there is currently no one but her living in her house.
"Thank you Sei-kun, for the dinner and taking me home. It might be late but please come in." It was rude to dismiss the redhead so suddenly after he even took the trouble of sending her home.
"I would gladly accept your offer then, Tetsumi." The redhead gingerly stepped inside her house, noticing that it was fully dark, he raised his hand to flick the light switch on.
"Why didn't you left the light on?" He asked, seeing as it could be dangerous as the tealhead was all alone.
"I forgot about it and it's good to save energy too." The girl flatly replied.
"It is dangerous too." Akashi insisted.
"Well, I'm still alive aren't I?"
"You might not be." The redhead stated back.
"Sei-ku-" She managed to start before the redhead cut her off.
"It is too late to start a fight Tetsumi, you should rest. It has been a long day for you, after all." With that, he took the girl's delicate hand into one of his own as he leads her to her bedroom.
"I thought you told me to rest. How could I rest like this?" Kuroko said as she looked down at the redhead who seems absolutely comfortable with using her stomach as a pillow.
The two of them somewhat managed to find themselves in Kuroko's bed, with the girl lying on her back, and Akashi on top of her, arms wrapped around her and face buried in her stomach.
"We are both resting. It's killing two birds with one stone." The words were slightly muffled but still understandable.
"It tickles." She stated as she tried to squirm her way out of his embrace.
The redhead didn't eve budge, and she gave up after a few tries.
"I want to be spoiled by you…" He breathily stated as his arms tighten around her.
"What do you want me to do then?" Kuroko asked, slightly confused at the needy and dependent attitude the redhead is currently showing.
"Spoil me, just this once. Submit to anything that I desire. Let me have this one last time." Akashi answered, further burying his face in her flat stomach.
"Sei-kun? Is something the matter? If there is, I would like you to tell me about it." The tealhead asked as she gently caressed his soft red tresses.
"Nothing, everything is fine." The statement was gently muttered in contrast to the current expression illustrated on his face.
His eyes who were normally piercing is narrowed into slits, frustration clearly reflected in those pools of ruby and gold. Eyebrows furrowed and lips upturned as he thinks about the impending situations that would definitely come, not one in his favor.
He let go of the girl, who was quiet except for her subconscious humming. The action made her stop her ministrations on his hair as she looked at him questioningly when he raised his face to meet hers.
"Can I spend the night?" The redhead frankly asked.
Kuroko could feel her heartbeat quicken, she desperately tried to keep herself calm so as to not let the redhead notice the abnormal beating of her heart.
"I don't mind." She manage to ground out, mentally congratulating herself for managing to keep her voice straight.
"I apologize for my selfishness but thank you." She doubt that she can still manage to be surprised after everything that happened today. Since her former captain apologizing and saying 'thank you' in one sentence is something that she thought would be utterly impossible to hear.
She didn't feel the redhead's arms encasing around her again, she did feel, however, herself being guided to lay in her bed, with his arms wrapped tightly around her waist.
"When you said 'spend the night' I didn't actually think that you would spend it in my bed." She stated, trying to be scolding and stern as possible.
"I prefer sleeping here better. It feels significantly warmer like this." He emphasized his point with a light squeeze.
"Sei-kun, can we freshen up first? I can lend you some of Otou-sama's clothes, I think they would fit you. I don't want to sleep feeling sweaty." She complained, not really used to sleeping in her day clothes.
"You are aware that you just completely ruined the moment?"
The tealhead couldn't prevent her laughter at that.
"Hai, hai. Now go shower, you stink." She twisted herself out of the redhead's grasp before picking up her night clothes and bolting inside her bathroom.
The redhead who instantly missed her warm blinked. "Did she actually told me that I smell bad?"
LN
The girl opened her parents' drawer to start looking for the smallest clothes her father owns, she stopped a few seconds later, a plain yellow long sleeved shirt and white shorts in her hands.
She sauntered to the second bathroom, hearing the sound of the shower on she knocked to alert the redhead of her presence.
"Sei-kun, I brought you some towels and clothes to change on. I'll leave them here."
She heard the shower being turned off before the redhead's voice resounded through the expanse of the bathroom.
"Can you come inside and put them in the sink?" He requested.
The girl bit her cheek, clearly knowing that the shower glass is clear therefore allowing her a great view of the redhead's body.
"I respectfully decline Sei-kun, it is improper to enter a bathroom when someone else is using it." She deposited the clothing at the left side of the bathroom door before going back to her room. Immediately laying down in her bed and hiding herself under the warmness provided by her blanket.
It was only a few minutes later before the door opened and the redhead entered. Cocking his head to the side at the cocoon Kuroko made out of herself and the blankets which he finds adorable.
"What exactly are you doing?" He asked as he neared the makeshift cocoon.
"I'm cold." She tried to reason as she uncovered the upper part of her face to properly look at her companion.
"Why are you not wearing the shirt?" The redhead was indeed shirtless and inside her room nonetheless, if she were any other normal girl, she would have an immense nosebleed and would've died from losing too much blood but fortunately she wasn't so she just stared.
"…The shirt's color is yellow, how can you expect me to wear such a ridiculous color" And it reminded him too much of Ryouta too, not like he need to tell her that.
"I won't let you sleep beside me if you refuse to put it on." She threatened, obviously not keen on sleeping beside a half-naked man, acquaintance or not.
"Why bother, I could easily trap you in my arms and you will not have the opportunity to escape."
"Aren't you being uncharacteristically stubborn?"
"Aren't you being too stubborn?" The redhead countered with a question of his own.
"Just wear the shirt please. I don't care what you do to it after but just wear it for tonight." He can throw it away or burn it, her father wouldn't notice anyway, since the garment probably doesn't fit him anymore.
"You don't care what I do to it?"
"Hai."
"I could do anything that I desire?"
"Hai."
"I could do anything that I want to you and you wouldn't complain?"
"I thought that I already agreed on that one."
The redhead let out an exasperated sigh.
"Tetsumi, you can't be this willing. I could easily take advantage of you right now. Are you or are you not aware of that?"
"I am but I know that Sei-kun would never hurt me."
The complete trust that she has towards him made his frozen heart swell.
She could vaguely hear the sound of clothes rustling before her bed creak and a warm presence laid beside her. Opening her eyes, she saw the redhead, who was currently wearing the shirt he refused to just earlier, looking at her expectantly.
"Are you expecting something?" She asked after the redhead continued to stare at her unblinkingly.
"Actually, I am." He replied flatly.
"And that would be?"
"For you to cuddle with me?" He yet again countered her question with another.
The girl merely looked at him as if he's grown another head.
"What?" He asked again, a barely visible pout formed on his thin lips.
"Nothing. I just had never imagined Sei-kun to say something like cuddle." For Tetsumi, her reason was downright valid. No one could have expected the said word to be actually used by the ever serious and proper redhead.
"Isn't obeying me without a word included in our earlier agreement?" He continued to stare.
"I'm quite sure it wasn't." Despite her disagreement, she moved closer to the still staring man.
"Then it is now."
"You really are not acting like yourself at all." She breathed, shifting to lay her forehead on his chin. Normally, she would reject any of this but after seeing the colossal wall around Akashi collapse a little, she would be absurd to let this moment pass.
"I told you that I plan to be spoilt right? Imagine me as a child whining to get your attention." He let out a fake whine which actually sounded akin to a soft moan.
The action brought the tealhead to shake her head, as if scolding a child for misbehaving. Nonetheless, she still moved closer to finally bring her arms up and wrap it around the sly fox's torso.
The immediate response was the redhead to pulling her closer, almost crushing her petite form against him. He experimentally placed a faint kiss on her shoulder that only lingered for a millisecond, she would have missed it had she not been focusing enough.
The redhead pulled back a little, almost hesitant, before placing another kiss on her shoulder, longer and more affectionate than the last.
She just let him do what he wants, placing her whole trust in him even with everything that happened between them and reveling in the guilty pleasure she felt from his sinful lips.
A few kisses more and Akashi finally halted his ministrations, face now buried in the girl's neck as he inhaled the sweet scent he would surely miss.
Only after feeling completely satisfied did he allow himself to fall asleep, deliberating how the complete trust this girl he currently has his arms locked to have in him could benefit him.
When the redhead's body slumped a fraction and his breathing shallow, Kuroko checked one last time to make sure that he's completely asleep, fully intent on joining him a minute later.
There was a foreboding feeling in her stomach too and the way Akashi acted right now isn't just a mean for him to be spoilt, she just decided to buy the excuse as to not ruin the moment for the second time.
She replayed every recent even in her mind, eyes instantly opening at the realization.
Pondering on it for a second she briefly wondered if the redhead's words were genuine.
This is like the longest chapter so far. See this as a compensation for you guys. And yeah, belated Happy Birthday to our little emperor, Akasshi Seijuurou :D this is my gift for you~
Let's just drown in AkaxFem!Kuro and Bro!AkaMido feels, drown with me? Anyone? No? Okay… :
Do wait for the next quarter! I'll just try to make this as light as possible, Calm before the storm as one would say.
AkaMido and MuraAka are my BROTP, srsly lovely :3
Ohmy, Pervy Sei-kun. I'm watching you honey, don't try anything funny.