Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroko no Basuke. It was written by Tadatoshi Fujimaki. ...Although, if I were the one who wrote Kuroko no Basuke, I would add more female characters. You know, at least five more girls or something.

Author's note: A bit of summary to refresh our memories, not really a summary, but these are the canon characters who are in the story: Akashi, Murasakibara, Midorima, Aomine, Kise, Kuroko, Momoi, Kagami, Himuro, Takao, Sakurai, Imayoshi, Kasamatsu, Moriyama, and Tetsuya Two.

There are a total of 6 OCs at this moment and one white snake. The other 2 OCs were already mentioned, but have yet to make a appearance. ...This means there are total of 8 OCs thus far and hopefully no more than that.

Another note. Many thanks to those who still have interests in this fanficiton!

Red and not so White

Year 1
Chapter 10

In the morning of Wednesday… Aohana met Sakurai face to face in the kitchen. Actually, he entered first and they had been quiet for a short while. Kagami and Himuro were next to each other and stared inaudibly from the only door of the room. Sakurai seemed so scared, but kept his mouth shot whilst Aohana stared at him coldly with one eye. But Sakurai swore her other eye under the eye patch must be growing with a dangerous anger.

It was earlier that morning when Akashi went into bedroom where the three guys shared…

"What, you're saying Aohana got mad because Sakurai apologized too much?" Kagami's mouth stayed open. He was baffled. "Tell us something we don't know already."

Akashi was at doorway, leaning against it and his arms were folded to his chest. His eyes glued to Kagami's choice of words and Kagami sweat dropped. With a brave front, Kagami refused to give in into Akashi's intense gaze.

"Ryou," Akashi called, still showing Kagami his deadly look.

"Y-Yes?" Sakurai jumped from where he was sitting, which was on his futon.

The redhead did not make eye contact. "Refrain yourself from apologizing for the entire day," Akashi advised for him. "Instead… strive to say 'thank you.'"

Himuro lifted up his head. He found the suggestion to be a very good idea. Why did anyone not think of it before? Perhaps they were too busying ignoring Sakurai. A guilty thought for most.

Nodding timidly, Sakurai mumbled, "I-I'll try…" Yes, he would. Or perhaps not. He had no confidence or whatsoever.

Not until Akashi uttered, "I cannot hear you."

"I… I'll do my best, sir!" Sakurai bowed down his head on the floor to Akashi.

Kagami peered to the whim and was reminded of Akahime who had bowed the same way on the very first day they arrived in Otaru. This is going to be interesting, Kagami thought tiredly. But… why does Sakurai have to say 'thank you' for?

Kagami glanced to Himuro, who smiled approvingly. Kagami expressed more confusion through his hand gestures and Himuro just winked right back. As if he was saying to leave this to Akashi.

Would this really work? Girls could be unreasonable sometimes. That was what Kagami believed.

And so… here they were… back in the kitchen to help prepare breakfast. Just waiting to see if Aohana would allow Sakurai to be around her or not.

"Sorry about last time," Aohana softened her glare at Sakurai. Kagami and Sakurai both snapped their eyes opened very widely. While Kagami stepped back from the unpredictable girl of blue hair, Himuro chuckled and nodded to the scene that unfolded before them. "Kurosawa gave me a scolding last night and I realized I was… being unfair. So, I'm sorry." Her eye evened with Sakurai's shy eyes.

In truth, she did not wish to apologize. Yet, Kurosawa was right. This made Aohana decide in this exact moment when Sakurai showed up in the kitchen, standing before her. It was hard to disregard him since he almost seemed desperate.

"I—uh," Sakurai bowed his head. "Me too, I'm so sorr—I mean, thank you!" He kept his head down and everyone was quiet. Sakurai was expecting her to say something or either moved on to start cooking… but no one in the kitchen made a single noise. Slowly lifting up his head, Sakurai gazed to Aohana timidly and then he stopped breathing for a moment.

The stunned expression on Aohana was filled with confounding emotion. And soon she snapped, narrowing her eyes at Sakurai, "Why are you saying 'thank you' for?!"

"E-Eh?" Sakurai took a couple steps back. What did I do now?! Her reaction entirely confused him.

"Okay, enough," Himuro walked in on them. Aohana seemed upset all right and Himuro smiled to her. "Aohana-san, we should begin cooking."

She hissed a cursing word and turned away quickly without glancing to Himuro. She head for the refrigerator and frowned. "Whatever, make anything you guys like," she told them. "Don't talk to me while we're cooking from now on."

"Ah…" Kagami stared at her with dullness. He watched her stick her head in the refrigerator. And she did nothing else besides her head poking into the fridge. Seriously, what is her problem?

Himuro went to pat on Kagami's left shoulder. "Come on, time to wash our hands," he noted with a soft chuckle.

As Kagami frowned, Himuro was at the sink first. Quietly, Sakurai waited for the two men to wash their hands afterward. And then Sakurai glanced back to the bluehead girl. In his view, he saw a glimpse of a gentle smile on the side of her face while her head was still in the refrigerator.

…Eh? Sakurai blinked, feeling breathless.

If she smiled more, she would be much more approachable. That was Sakurai thought in that very instant. And being the only one who saw her smile, he wondered if he should somehow help her toward that goal. …But what could he do? He would just be in the way.

Peeking from the door outside of the dining room, Shirose was observing from the hall, which the three bathrooms were. Her eyes peered to the kitchen door way and she watched Aohana finally getting her head out of the refrigerator.

"How was it?"

With fright, the same way she would react to Tetsuya Two, Shirose jumped and turned around to see Akashi standing just a few feet from her. She cleared her throat and walked around him as she brushed her short hair to her shoulder, but her hair was too short for that since the length of it barely touched her skin. But she was too distracted to even notice that detail. She went to go to stand by the doorway to the lobby and spun on her foot to give Akashi a composed look.

"They may have made up now, but…" Shirose smirked. Akashi studied her and bothered to wait for her to finish her sentence. "Aohana's a Fallen Queen. She won't let a single 'thank you' change her. I won't let her."

In his mind, the redhead noted the made-up title given by Shirose to Aohana. "I reckon we will see the conclusion by the end of this vacation," Akashi predicted with a gentle wave with his hand. The whitehair girl stopped smirking and folded her arms to her chest.

Akashi had arranged this plan for Sakurai to say 'thank you' because he realized one thing. If Aohana rarely heard 'Sorry' before, then a 'thank you' must give her some sort of impact. And it worked, even if Aohana reacted harshly at first.

And now thinking about Shirose's words, Akashi found it odd that she said Aohana would not change.

"Your wish for your friends is rather ill," Akashi stated, which he should have a while ago. Shirose still had her arms crossed, focusing her eyes only on him. The redhead tilted his head, slanting his eyes at her, "Why do they tolerate such a feeble albino to be around them, I wonder?"

She sneered while tilting her head playfully, "Because being weak and vulnerable can attack when no one is paying attention."

Akashi's eyes slightly glared.

Yes. There was that vulnerability he sensed before. The vulnerability that could be a threat. However, what did Shirose have against Aohana, who she termed as the Fallen Queen? And why would Shirose even want to 'attack' the girls who seemed like friends to her?

"But thank you, Akashi," Shirose giggled, giving him a wink. Akashi remained silent and she tapped her lips seconds later. "I think Aohana deserves some peace. She's been like that for too long after all. Therefore, thank you."

Now she was thanking him? Did she not hint a hope for the worst for Aohana? What was going on in Shirose's little mind? What is the meaning behind those red eyes?

Akashi knew Shirose hated the strong. Aohana must have been a strong person previously. Fallen Queen. Something must have happened for Shirose to label Aohana that.

In a matter of time, Akashi would be more familiar with Shinju sooner or later. For now, he despised the look in Shirose's eyes. She was trying to daunt him. Again. How hopeless of her, to even entertain the idea she could pull it off. A girl like her could never beat him in anything. Absolutely nothing.

A bark was heard and Shirose kicked up her feet and looked around. She saw Tetsuya Two playing with Shiroro once again and the two were in the lobby. "Tsk," Shirose sprinted off, heading to the only bedroom on the first floor.

That is more like it. Akashi watched her go. Seeing her terrified pleased him.

Suddenly, Tetsuya Two was running in the same room as they were. Shirose heard his footsteps and failed to reach for the doorknob of the bedroom she wanted to enter. "Shiroro, keep him away, will you?" Shirose complained, rushing to get further away. Her back hit against the wall by one of the bathroom door.

The body of the white snake merely wrapped around the dog, relaxing as Tetsuya Two jogged around. Akashi frowned at the sight of Shirose being cornered. She was even shaking with fear.

Tetsuya Two barked happily as the snake hissed to join the fun of traveling in high speed. Those two animals really were getting along like pals.

Shirose grumbled, keeping her eyes on them while searching the way out. I hate dogs, I hate dogs, she repeated in her head bitterly.

The trauma when she was a kid; a huge dog chased after her the moment she ran when she made eye contact with it. She had tripped while escaping and kicked around when the dog barely approached. It was so scary, she would never forget. It was burned in the corner of her memories.

Unable to help it, Akashi continued to watch to see how a weak girl like her could get out of this little mess. She even forgot he was there.

The four-legged mammal ran toward Shirose now. She could not even scream and simply dashed blindly, just desiring to leave. Perhaps even storm out of the house. She was going crazy with fear; she got goosebumps.

However, her body slammed into Akashi. Pretty hard too. He was slightly surprised at her frightened posture as he fell backwards with his hands on her arms, hoping to keep her balanced. That did not work as planned as soon as they both fell with a loud thud.

Shirose's eyes widened as her cheeks flushed with red. Her lips were smashed onto Akashi's lips. Erasing the silent look in his eyes, she quickly got up, sitting on his stomach as she wiped her lips with disgust.

Small tears were in her eyes, either from fear of the dog or from kissing Akashi. She let out a sound of frustration and shame for losing herself in front of the redhead and struggling to get on her feet. The sound of the bark nearly made her trip and she ran into the lobby as quickly as possible.

Again, she forced her feet into her shoes and opened the front door without grabbing her white coat. Then she hurried out of there, closing the door behind her vociferously.

Left staring at the ceiling, Akashi woke from his daze and stood up while Tetsuya Two exited the room with Shiroro. And by the doorway to the dining room, Kagami appeared and glanced around to see what was wrong.

"Is everything okay in here?" Kagami directly asked the redhead. Akashi did not look at him, but gestured with his hand to at least answer Kagami somehow. As Kagami frowned at the reaction, he let it shrug off and returned to the kitchen.

Stepping into the lobby, Akashi slightly leaned against the front counter with his left hip. His eyes stared nowhere and he was quietly disturbed by it.

The accidental kiss between him and her. Though, it was not considered as a kiss at all. He was still bothered every time he thought the touch of her lips on his own. In his mind, he wholly denied anything good about it. The intensity in her eyes, her red face... and her fragile body against his.

\~o~/

Breakfast was served. Kagami sighed with relief, thanking the Heavens that Aohana and Sakurai got along this time.

In the dining room yet again, all of Kagami's friends were at the table. With Kuroko feeding Tetsuya Two, Aohana was feeding the white snake with a bowl of water mixed with an egg yolk. The two of the animals seemed to like staying next to each other, so Aohana had no choice but to stay in the same room as these strangers.

"Wow, snakes can drink?" Sakurai was observing, dumbfounded. He seated next to the bluehair girl with the eye patch, nudging her softly with his elbow.

"Shocking, isn't it?" she said, only gazing to Shiroro drinking slowly.

Tetsuya Two lifted up his head from eating waffles and barked to Kuroko, who gently smiled. "No syrup," Kuroko quietly told him. The dog whimpered, but then lowered his head to return to his tray.

Imayoshi and Takao were stealing glances around and to Murasakibara every now and then. Of course, the two young men were wondering if Akahime was going to come in and serve drinks or something. They wanted to see if Murasakibara was up to no good again, but Akahime still had not shown up.

As for Murasakibara, he was eating like he always did.

"Kise, pass the sausages," Aomine demanded, mouth slightly filled with food.

"Ehhhh, you already have a lot," Kise whined from across the table. He was also pouting while Aomine gave him an annoyed expression.

At the other end, Kasamatsu was glaring daggers to Moriyama for the reason that the pitiful guy was trying to get Aohana's attention with his charming, but random, smiles.

Moments later, Momoi was asking Himuro about how it went in the kitchen with Sakurai and Aohana, whispering about it. Himuro smiled and simply told her what did happen. Aohana pretended not to hear, but she disliked how they were talking about it with her in the room.

"Akashi," Midorima fixed his eyes on the guy next to him. The redhead seemed to be searching around unsurprisingly, yet Midorima realized it otherwise. When Akashi gazed to meet his eyes, Midorima inquired, "Who are you looking for?"

The only respond was Akashi turning his eyes down to his plate. Midorima's eyes twitched for a second and then they ignored each other right after.

A few minutes later...

Making her way down the hall, where the three bathrooms were located, Akahime appeared to be determined. Everyone's eating right now, so I must attend to them! Akahime reminded herself, nodding back and forth. She even added with complete focus, and I am bent on finding out if Murasakibara really likes me or not, b-b-but I can't do it! He's too scary! Akahime sighed sadly to herself.

"Ah, what the hell, you think you can seduce girls, Murasakibara?!" the sound of Aomine's voice almost mocked.

Akahime paused, standing where she was. There was only a few more yards to reach the dining room and she should be getting there as soon as she could.

However, something was scaring her as the room seemed to have darkened around her. It was as if what she felt before was going to hurt her. The feeling of Murasakibara 'liking' her was all a joke.

"You're still going on about it, Mukkun?!"

"Wait, who told you guys that?" Murasakibara whined. Still, rather lazily as if he was not guilty.

Takao nervously pointed out, "Moriyama, can't you keep it quiet?"

"But the poor girl's heart!" Moriyama defended with no guilt. "I know everyone is saying to keep it a secret—"

Someone burst out water from their mouths. "S-Say what?" Kise gasped. "Everyone knew? I didn't! What's going on here?"

"Hey, I didn't hear about it either," Kasamatsu mindfully said, sounding unease about this random topic. It only occurred when Moriyama mumbled something about seduction.

"M-Me too!" Sakurai declared, hoping to clear up any misunderstandings.

Kagami loudly shouted, "Seriously, Murasakibara? This is also the first time I heard about this!"

"Atsushi..." Himuro sighed with disappointment.

"Murasakibara," Midorima scowled. "You were trying to seduce that girl, Akahime? Why on earth would you do that?"

"...Aka-chin told me to do it."

Everyone grew silent. "...What are you guys looking at?" Akashi asked in monotone.

Imayoshi chuckled, but with a hint of tenseness. "Um... everyone..." he was saying.

In the room, they all glanced to Imayoshi, who pointed at one direction. Aohana had already become aware of Akahime at the doorway and every single person gave the redhair girl unspoken faces. She appeared dreadful. Confused. And lost. Her red eyes centered on Murasakibara, who childishly turned his attention on his sweet breakfast.

"You… were just seducing me?" Akahime raised the question. Something she thought she would never be able to do with these mixed emotions piling up with each second. A couple of the guys sought to take their leave, but the pale look on Akahime's face froze them in their spots. "And you're even not interested in me?" Akahime persisted on his intentions.

The purplehair guy grumbled, his eyeballs rolling, "It's not like I wanted to..." It was true he got lazy to do it. It was true he did wanted to. Despite that, he kept those words to himself. Because she was about to sound very upset.

He did not mean for this to happen. For her to learn of it like this.

Aohana stood up, slamming her hand on the table as she did so. It caused Sakurai to look up at Aohana and wondering what she was about to do.

"Why would you do that to me?!" Akahime yelled at the top of her lungs. She glared with hatred to the big guy. He did not trouble himself to look back at her. Himuro whispered urgently, yet Murasakibara did not comply. Akahime snapped and Aohana walked around the table to get to her. "What the hell is wrong with you, Murasakibara?! What's wrong with this world?! I hate you!"

Before Aohana took a hold of Akahime, the redhair girl sharply averted her glare and dashed off. "Akahime!" Aohana called, going after her.

She did not listen. She did not stop. She entered the lobby and ran straight for the door. Opening it forcibly, Akahime stomped on the snow with her socks as her coming tears begun to freeze on her skin.

"Akahime!" Aohana shouted again, her voice echoing.

Running. Panting. The cold air was not strong enough to comfort Akahime. She hated this. The lies. The life. The hope to be loved. It brought back how much she hated Yukiyama for choosing Shirose in the end, even after all the flirting he done and making Akahime fall for him. She had even hated Shirose for it. Akahime was more than broken hearted and now there was Murasakibara, who also played with her mind. Her feelings.

Akahime could no longer stand it any further. Why did men take pleasure in making fun of her and messing around with her heart? Just why?

Why, Shirose?! Akahime solely blamed. She bit her tongue in rage. Tears already dried out. Words choked in her throat. Mind blurred by the figure of a certain albino girl.

The Red Princess was mad.